The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-11-21
CLERICAL scandal I'm vermont.

ny unutr uHte VI nutifuuy INoN. is,iOsT
gives q startling disclosure of an irrepres-
sible impostor in clerical clothes, who has
been deceiving the brethren and sisters In
Vermont, and has now fled to pastures
new. We give the substance OF the cor
'Some time in August last well dress
ed, fair appearing, clerical looking fellow,
claiming to be Methodist minister, called
on your correspondent, asked for an hours
conversation, and got, doubtless, what he
more desired, parsonage dinner" He
gave his name as Rev. L. L. Copeland. His
own account of acquaintance and personal
experiences was interesting and given with |
appart mt candor. The substance of his |
story was That he was native of West
ern New York converted young studied
for the Methodist ministry exercised his
gifts and graces as local preacher be-
came acquainted with young lady, the
fair daughter of wealthy Missouri planter
Col. ---, Qhe name forgotten) followed
her to her home and married her joined
the Georgia conference of the southern
Methodist church preached several years
always a northern man in his sympa-
thies and sentiments, though silent upon
political questions. but tolerated in neu-
trality because of the social position and
political influence of his father-in-
law. He said his wife died last
January; he located and left for his friends
in the north. lie came to Vermont, being
so advised, as he said, by Bishop Jesse T.
Peck. hoping to find some place where lie
could preach till spring, and then join the
conference. Your correspondent directed
him to Presiding Elder Gregg at Brandon.
To HIN said Copeland presented certificates
OF location from the venerable Bishop Kav
anaugh of the Southern Methodist church,
and also letters from Bishop Jesse T. Peck.
To other ministers he also showed these,
with letter of recommendation from
Bishop Peck. Elder Gregg sent him to
Panton, near Vergennes, TO supply the pull
| pit lust then made vacant by the transfer
| of Rev. c. Ii. Dunton to professorship in
| the Troy conference academy. In Panton
| Copeland at once made sensation as a
wonderfully smart preacher '-he was a
modern Paul in the pulpt-in fact he was
a "great gun He preached at Burling-
tor, Montpelier and Spring Grove camp
meeting and other places, and with the
masses was a "seven days wonder of
originality and orltory.
Now this same Copeland, that cut such
snobbish swell and made so many saints
go wild with his vulgarisns, pulpit pedan-
tics and voluble periods, turns out to be an
irrepressible inpos;oc and one of the vilest
villains that goes unhung. Bishop Foster
says of him. ale is one of the biggest
scoundrels that is on this continent" Of
this there is more than presumptive evil
dence-therc is proof positive. Certain
parties unexpectedly came in contact with
him at preachers meeting in Pittsford
the last of October, and recognized him as
an impostor who had previously created a
sensation as camp meeting preacher and
as a lecturer OH "Snobs and snobbcry," in
and about Olean n. Y. There he went as
the Rev. Mr.. Warren, until the detectives,
who greatly desire his person, discovered
his whereabouts, and he fled for other fields
more fair and pastures green. He was ad.
vertised in the Buffalo and other papers as
an impostor. About the time of the dis
covery of his character at Pittsford, pre-
siding elder Gregg had received a letter OF
Inquiry as TO this Copeland, and was cor
responding with parties in Western New
York and Pennsylvania. The presiding ell
der of the Danvillc district, Central Penn
sylvania, conference wrote particulars, ant
sent photograph of said Copeland, a!
true q likeness as light can make of him
and had it not been for the too premature
discovery at Pittsford, and his consequent
alarm, doubtless he would have been In tn,
keeping of officers of the law before thi
writing. With pathetic farewell sermon
he left the people of Panton in tears at thu
severance of strong ties, and in great in
dignation that any one had, Gas he charged
on your correspondent especially, injured
his good name and fine Christian feeling
by questioning his honesty and facing hin
with the charge of unchristian conduct
AS soon as convenient he again sough
safety in fight.
Here are few of the unlawful sins tina
are everywhere finding him out Bgamy
instead of being sad widower he ha
two wives living. Forgery, in variou
places and at sundry times and ways a
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he had for
time been preaching to the people will
great favor, he forged securities, drew tel
thousand dollars, and then fled with HI
money and another mans wife. DR.. b.
Ives of Auburn, who dedicated new
church at Cedar Rapids soon after tn
, above crime, and while it was the sensation
of the place, is personally the authority +
your correspondent for these facts. In In
dianapolis, where for time he preache
l for Unitarian society and was the sta
3 preacher of the city, he attempted murder
and holly pursued by detectives he fled TO
safety and avoided arrest. A few month
after he was discovered preaching to
Methodist congregation at Parkersburg
Penn, and was exceedingly popular as
pulpit orator. The detectives again sough
7 him, and said Bishop Foster to your col
G respondent, "As the officers entered on
, door he departed from another and agai
fled from justice.
He has preached for time at Fall River
D Mass, in Delaware, etc. His real name
f S. F. Copeland, but it has been Rev. L.. L
Copeland, alias Rev. Copeland, alias Rev
Warren, Rev. Ware and other aliases II
is about 32 or 35 years of age says he ha
preached nine years; has told some he ha
r been president of female college seve
a years, and says he has spent two years an
:, a half in Europe and Oriental countries
j In height he is about five feet and eigf
q inches, sandy complexion, hair and whit
t kers .nearlyred land quite curly, full bu
I not long beard, grey eyes, erect in carriag
: and energetic step, and, with his smoot