The Conservative. (M'connelsville, Ohio) 1866-1871, 1869-05-07
Mysterious Affair ~ Strange Man
Found In the Moods.

From the Detroit Free Press, 22d.
The most startling and thrilling sensation
ID has. been the lot of We locals TO record for
many o year in this region came TO light
yesterday, the following particulars Of which
we have from Justice p. b Austin and
Deputy Sheriff James De Foe, the ofhceri in
the case.
Yest6rday afternodn parties came into
tho city nom u point in the eastern portion
Of the township Of Greenfield, near the line
of the Detroit a Milwaukee Railroad, about
four miles from the Junction, reporting
that n maj had been found concealed in d
hollow stump, Just east of the railroad, by
some person engaged in chopping wood,
and whose attention had been attracted 10
the place by the barking Of a dog which
they had with them.
II was further stated that the person, who
ever he was, would give no account Of him
self, only that he had been nearly a week
in tho stump; refused 10 leave his den, rs
II emphatically was, and altogether giving
grounds for serious apprehensions ~ 10 his
condition and designs. He was furnished
with food, and a messenger dispatched TO
the city for an officer.
The facts having been made known, Off
Ger James De Foe was dispatched to the
place in question, with orders TO inyesti-
gate and bring the mysterious person in.
Upon arriving at the spot he was directed
to a large stump which had been followed
out by fire, and at the bottom of which the
man was still lying rolled up upon a scanty
bed of leaves. and straw. Upon being
given 10 understand that he must come
out he did 30 with reluctance, pre-
senting a oomical appearance, his lace
blackened with smut from the walls of his
narrow domicile, his features pinch
ed with hunger and his limbs cramped and
distorted from the closeness Of his recent
quarters. Being asked what he was doing
there, he began in a whining and sniveling
manner to say that he might az well stay in
there and die as to be hung. On being
further questioned he said he started from
81. Joseph, Mo, a week ago Monday last,
ON his way TO Portland, Me-; his parents
and brothers and sisters living in that state;
that he was being pursued for something
lie had done there what il was
he refused 10 tell-that on reaching
this city on Wednesday, the Nth
inst, he had left the cars and gone
out TO the place where he was found. and
crayled into the stump with the intention
of remaining there till death. His trunk,
he said, had gone on, and he had but little
money with him. These statements were
partially corroborated by q seoroh Of Lis
person, upon which was found a railroad
ticket from 81. Joseph 10 Portland. A
baggage check, and between three and
four dollars in money. He had also a sill
yer watch. In the course of his conyersa-
ton he said he was not 10 blame for what
he had done, aud was now being hunted TO
the gallows, but would rather die where he
was alone than be caught.
The Sheriff brought him to the junction,
and thence ON the cara 10 the CITY, where.
after consultation with the prosecuting AT.
torney, he was committed by Justice Aus
TN on Q warrant for being a d~iiorderly per
son. His examination will take place To-
morrow friday.
This MYSTERIOUS person is about Ave feet
nme inches in height, dark brown hair,
nll beard, a Kossuth hat, wears liQht cali
boots, black coat and pants and light
vest presenting generally a respectable APP
Pearance Heis apparently about twenty
eight or thirty years Of age, and gives his
name as james N Parsons. b +uf
The conduct and explanation rendered
mus lar give no clue to the unrayeling Of
what 10 undoubtedly a mysterious affair.
IL can hardly be possible that the man il
insane since his whole appearance denies
snch a conclusion, besides all surrounding
circumstance, the ticket, check, etc, cor,
IoDorate bis story thus far. He was almost
Vanished for food, drank oil the water thaI
was allowed him on the cars, and mon ar
irving ct the Jail wanted to know for God
sake II there was any water there, uE
y" Cannibal Jack" tho raey sketoh q
whose career we copied from the New Yorl
Tribune a short time since, and who ha(