The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-03
THE 100000 DEFAICATIOs.
Lesiey's First Dishonest Step Caused by His
Infatuation for Woman.

Philadelphia Special to ST. Louis Republican.
Investigation shows that the first dishonest
step taken by the former treasurr, Lesley, was
prompted by his infatuation for woman named
Mary T.. Crawford, the wife of Charles
Fl. Crawford, now living at 1920 North
Eighteenth street. who has since become noto-
rious. Wilson soon became involved in the trans
actions-how is q matter of conjecture-and
from that time the overissue of bonds was car
ried to a gigantic extent Mrs. Crawford lived
with her husband, Charles II. Crawford, until
four years ago. and in 1878 they were members
of a congregation that endeavored to establish a
Presbyterian church at Broad and Master streets.
Henry v. Lesley was one of the elders, and he
and the Crawfords speedily became intimate.
In the language of Mr. Crawford, who
told the story to your correspondent to-
night, II invited him to my house, and
treated him like brother" Mr. Crawford was
on the road then for large patent medicine
house, and went away from home for four or
five months at q time. While away Mrs. Craw-
ford was taken sick, and Elder Lesley was called
in as spiritual adviser. She became better,
and then scandal occurred which resulted in
Mr. Crawford being summoned home by his in
innate friends to protect his honor. Mr.. Craw-
fords suspicious were confirmed, and in 1879 he
had Lesley arrested. charged with adultery. The
case the docket of the December term.
For the sake of his daughter and only child, Mr.
Crawford settled the suit, and his wife promised
that the indiscretion would not be repeated.
In 1881 divorce was granted Mrs. Crawford,
her husband making no objections. Mrs. Craw-
ford, who was about thirty-five years of age,
and woman of remarkable vivacity and charm,
fascinated Lesley. and he spent graat deal of
money in presents to her. She lived in a mag
ni6cent house which Lesley purchased and fur
nished for her, on Spring Garden street. Later
he purchased for her another house at 1903 Wal
nut street. and this he richly furnished. Mean
time, it is stated on good authority that Mrs
Crawford became possessed of the secret of Les
ley who had been for months Incorporating
the company's funds. He had salary of $40. 600
year, but that was insufficient to support Mrs.
Crawford in the style in which she lived. When
Lesey's overissue of bonds was discovered he
was $l5 900 behind His bondsmen became re-
sponsible, and Lesley was given chance to lead
an honest life.
His cousin, Wilson, was then taken from a
subordinate position in the company's employ
and made treasurer and secretary of the con-
iding directors. But Wilson was already in
voved with Lesley and continued in precisely
the same course his predecessor but
larger scale. Lesley went into other business,
and in time, repaid the $4,000 which he had
stolen. 1t is now regarded as certain that
he obtained the money from his confederate
Wilson. Lesley continued to give Mrs. Craw-
ford large sums of money. 1t is said that the
Walnutstreet house, which he presented to
her, alone cost $4,000 The husband says that
he knows that in one week Mrs. Crawford
got between 5000 and 500 from Lesley.
When her husband last heard of her Mrs.
Crawford was living at Merchantsville, N. j.
There are stories afoat regarding the moral
character of Wilson, but these have not been
explicitly verified. His picture will be sent over
the country tomorrow, and every effort is being
made by tie detectives to gain information of
his whereabouts. 1t is known that Mrs. Craw-
ford obtained money from Wilson as well as
Lesley, but her influence over the former was
obtained simply by threats of exposure. A
woman with whom Mrs. Crawford was intimate
said tonight that she told her, more than a year
age. that she knew two secrets about men in
high Places and that she could get 800, 900 from
them in week if she chose to ask for it.
President Dillingham;. of the Chesapeake e.
Delaware company. said to-day that it looked
very much though Lesley and Wilson had
worked together from the first.