New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-11-18
FLEEING BEFORE THE STORM HE RAISED.
AN ATTACK UPON A CONNECTICUT PASTOR RE-
ACTING UPON THE AssAILANT.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNEI

Ibf lELtShAfh ~ lhE IhlBUNEl
HEBRON, Conn, Nov. 17.-AbOut two months
ago the Rev. j. b. Cutler pastor of the Congregational
Church OF this town, preached very strong sermon
against Mormonism J. B. Fillmore, an influential
Der OF the congregation, who has been divorced from
three wives and recently married fourth, took offence
at some Of the statements made by his pastor, and
claimed that they were pointed against him. He con-
suited with his friends and by them worked into
passion. He engaged counsel and brought suit against
the Rev. Mr. Cutler for defamation Of character and
SANDER, laying his damages at $4,000
The second move In the fight made by FillmoTes
friends. They circulated petition through the town
which called for church meeting for the avowed pur
pose Of removing Pastor Cutler and after many weeks
sufficient number OF signatures was secured. The
meeting was called for Thursday, November g.
Every member of the church present. ready and
anxious to declare their convictions to who right
and who wrong the Outspoken minister the indig
member The Rev. Mr.. Cutler named for chair
OF the meeting He refused act in that capacity
and the Rev. Mr. Sharpe was appointed in his stead.
Mr.. Fillmore denounced his pastor liar and bypO-
crte, and requested that his accusation should be
tered the church records Mr. Gilbert the secretary OF
the meeting said that he must refuse TO make the desired
entry because were he 10 do he would be recording
scandal against the minister. Chairman Sharpe ap-
proved the secreays and remarked that such
action Mr.. Fillmore had requested could be taken
until the charges against the Rev. Mr.. Cutler were
proven.
He had hardly ceased talking when Ephraim Wilcox,
promneat member OF the church. sprang his feet and
in loud voice moved to consider the matter OF turning
Mr.. Fillmore and his fourth wife out OF the
church. The next man speak Griswold BUTnham,
another leading member of the church. He warmly
onded the motion OF Mr.. Wilcox. The motion was de
bated long and earnestly, but 1t finally decided TO
take no action until after the trial.
Mr.. Fillmore, Immediately after the meeting, issued
posters advertising the fact that he would sell his place
at auction Thursday the 18th OF this MONTH On Sat
urdy he withdrew h suit for damages against the minis
ter and on Thursday last he sold his property. He says
that he will leave Hebron. with what pleasant recollec
tiOns may be imagined, on Monday next Everything
10 have cOnsprcd 10 effect the downfall OF Mr..
Fillmore. From his first two wives he had without diff
Guilty obtained divorces but when he attempted recently
to be divorced from Mrs. Fillmore No she made
counter petition and divorced from him. besides get
ting 500 The majority Of the residents OF Hebron
jOice at the victory of Mr. Cutler
The MethOdists OF Hebron have succeeded In working
Themselves into III OF indignation against their minister,
the Rev. Mr. Roberts. The preacher az recent
prayer-mectng became disgusted at their apathy aud
called them blOckheaGs, and told them there
expression I'm their faces than in many wooden heads
They apathetc no longer Since that time they
have become wonderfully attentive and uucOmfOrtably
critical OF Mr.. RObcrtss utteTances.