The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1881-01-06

It seems that Wellington must take her
place with towns of larger growth as the
home Of social scandal and crime against the
good morals Of society.
Something over a year ago, Rev. MIR. Bart
lett, Second Adventist, brought his family,
consisting of q wife and four children, to
Wellington, and has since made his home
among us.
Apparently modest and retiring, he made
few acquaintsnces, and Is scarcely known
outside the members of his own Church.
He has held services in this and surround
ing towns, and made some converts to his
doctrines.
Litchfield was one OF the points where he
has devoted much of his time. The impress
sion made upon the people was, on the
whole, favorable. His address was pleasing,
his talent fair, and he was regarded as q
faithful disciple, only an old detective was
once heard to remark that "things are not
always what they secm," and intimated to
one of the faithful that said Reverend was
wolf in sleeps clothing. By and by it began
10 be noticed that he was rather more atten-
tive to one Of the lambs of his flock than the
customs Of society regard as prudent and be-
coming, but nc thing Of a criminal character
could be fastened on them, and 1t was
thought 1t might. after all, be nothing but
platonic affection, growing out Of common
tastes and sympathies:
Three weeks ago last Tuesday morning
Mr.. Bartlett took the cars here to go to his
next appointment, and about the same time
Mrs. E. Herrick, of Litchfeld, started on q
visit to her mother, in the eastern part OF the
State. Her friends suspected nothing until,
after about two weeks absence, one of the
lady's friends received q letter from Mrs.
Herrick's mother, in which inquiry was
made after the health of her daughter. 1t
was known that her spiritual adviser had
been absent for come time, but that had not
raised suspicion Of any connection between
the two. Inquiry has finally settled 1t that
the couple had become infatuated with each
other, and had left worthy families and
pleasant homes for the uncertain enjoyments
Of a life of shame ard dishonor.
The morning Mr.. Bartlett took the train,
he put o letter in the Office for his wife, In
which, with many protestations Of love and
affection, he very blindly tried to prepare her
for some future trouble, which he darkly
shadowed by commencing her 10 the God
of the widow and fstherless, and referring
her to several passages giving encourage
ment to the tried and afflicted. But so little
cause had she to suspect his treschery, that
the truth did not dawn upon her until his
long absence set her to seeking an explains
ton for so unusual an event. She says that
he has been uniformly kind to his family,
nd their relations have always been plea
sal,t- Formerly he was somewhat addicted
to rink, but never to intoxication, on &C.
count of which she has had great anxiety,
but when about two years since he began
preaching, she thought her troubles were
ended. Though apparently sincere it is now
evident, that he was only playing the part
of hypocrite. He leaves an intelligent
and interesting wife and four children,
every way worthy the love and protection Of
a good father, without any money or other
means Of support. Mrs. Herrick is about
25 years of age and the Reverend sinner
with whom she eloped about4i. She Is said
to be o bright, somewhat attractive lady,
who has until now, borne q good character,
and her sudden lapse from virtue is a great
surprise to her neighbors and friends.