Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-09-07
Grin. Coma Clergyman of Nine
Years' Residence One of the

IehTb heshuenCc Ohc VI sno
Parties.
From the Cleveland Plaindealer Sept. 81
A case Of alleged illicit Intercourse be-
tween aclergymau of East Cleveland and
one of his parishioners-a young lady in
her teens-bas come to light during the
present week, the details Of which are
well calculated to provoke the inquiry,
"Whati is the world coming to 2" The
first rays of light in this case were re-
vealed on Monday. Since that time spark
after spark has been added to the revela-
ton of the secret, until that entire section
Of the city is in blaze of excitement.
On the street, in the shops and stores,
around the freside, and in every nook
and corner of the corporation of East
Cleveland, people are thinking and talk
ing of the affair continually. The name
of the young lady is omitted for her sake
and for the sake of her family. The pub
LEGATION of the name of the clergyman is
given with unfeigned regret, on account
of his devoted wife and accomplished
daughters. II is sad to think they must
suffer to certain extent for his indis-
cretion. The members Of the church to
which be belonged and his neighbors are
deeply affected with the situation of the
family, and some have not been able to
repress tear when the full force of the
offense has oyershadowed their mind.
Repressing ths sywpstpy OF stranger
for all who have been agGrieyed, we shall
proceed to give the facts as ascertained
by our reporter
Nine years ago, Rev. Mr.. - Rich
ardson, q graduate of Oberlin College,
came from Agstinburg, Ashtahuls ooun-
ty, Ohio, to assume the reotorship of the
Congregationslist Church in East Cleve-
land, At that time he was thirty-six
years of age, and full of promise to the
church. He is o man of medium size,
rather slender with few grey hairs---his
general appearance being that Of re6n-
ed and well preserved gentleman of forty
five. He was not remarkably brilliant in
the pulpit, but was entirely at home as a
onversationalist, being afable with all
who came in bis way. The church and
community reposed unlimited confidence
in his moral nature. Asyesrs passed by
this affection was cemented with ties of
great strength, until whisper against
his good name would not have been en-
tertsined without the most infallible evil
depce Of its truthfulness.
Near the residence of Mr.. Richardson,
which wes on Euclid avenue, in the rear
of his church, lived gentleman who was
a member of the Methodist Church. This
gentleman was the father of the young
lady Who has gained snch unpleasant no.
toriety in connection with the case. Over
three years ago the father of the young
lady, believing he had sufficient grounds
for SO doing. quietly admonished the
clergyman not TO bring reproach upon
the church, himself, and the families con-
cerned, by cultivatiRg an existing inti-
macy with the daughter. If the father
had good reason for his suspicion, 1t was
broken off at that time by the outward
actions Of the clergyman and daughter.
They seemed to be as remote from each
other in secret affection as the poles. !
As time progressed, the correspondence
aud intimate acquaintance was renewed.
The young lady visited the family of the
minister, and finally joined his church. |
At length the father moved away from |
East Cleveland, to Madison, Lake county,
Ohio, where be has resided until the
present time. The sequel will show that
the correspondence has been kept up
between the two since their separation at |
the date OF the fathers removal.
A few days ago Mr.. Richardson vent
East to visit some friends, and see q