The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-09-22
A FALLEN REV IvAL1sT.
The Rev. Mr.. Bell in Jail for Desert
ing His Wife.

ing his WIe.
DAHLoNEGA. GA, Sept. 19.-The Rev
Zachariah T. Bell, the revivalist, is in jai
here charged with adultery. and he admits
his guilt.
The Rev. Mr.. Bell arrived here three
months ago and established himself as q
Methodist preacher. He conducted himself
In most exemplary manner and preached
with enthusiasm. Miss Kate Washburn
was with him, and Bell introduced her as
his wife
They stopped week with the Rev. D. Nj.
Edwards ami he and Mr. Edwards con-
Quoted q successful revival at Davis chapel.
He was everywhere received by the best
families in town stopping a while with the
Hon. II. W. McAfee and ex-senator Boyd
When it was discovered that Bell had de-
serted his wife q warrant was placed in the
hands OF Sheriff Brooks here and he was
put in jail Miss Washburn also will be
arrested. Ex-senator Boyd will prosecute
the minister. Threats OF terring.s..and
feathering are made.
Bell has a brother. Joseph, living near
here. and he is shocked by the revelations.
The revivalist had not seen his brother for
twenty-four years and he palmed off Miss
Washburn on him as his wife. Mrs Lucy
Bell, the wife of the preacher. lives in Lex
ington, n. c., with her five children.
The Rev. Zachariah Bell was licensed by
the Methodist church six years ago. He
always made himself useful in revival work
During the last six years Bell has preached
in half Of the counties Of North Carolina
and has labored frequently in South Caro-
lima and Virginia. In the summer of 1887
Miss Kate Washburn, who was a great ad-
mirer Of Bells preaching, came to visit his
family. Her visits became long and fire.
quent.
On the morning Of Dec. Is last Bell told
his wife that he had received an invitation
to assist at O revival at Maxton, n. G. He
told Mrs Bell that he would start for Max
ton on the evening train, so his wife had
his clothing busted and carefully folded in
his valise at the proper time.
He suggested that he might need money.
Mrs Bell gave him purse containing 800.
Handing his wife So the revivalist slipped
the purse down deep into his pocket Miss
Washburn was there making preparations
TO leave, saying she intended to 60 home
on the following day.
Bell looked st his watch, remarking that
it was only thirty minutes till train time
kissed his children good-by and embracing
his wife, imprinted kiss upon her
lips. Then turning to the visitor, he said
"Good-by, Miss Washburn," and was off
for the station. He bought ticket for
Salisbury, and, arriving i'll that town, went
to the Mount Vern hotel, where he re;
manned until nextday. A few minutes be-
fore train time he walked down to the depot
and purchased two tickets Just as he
started to return a man slapped him on the
shoulder.
why, howdy. Brother Bell p said Hiram
Woods of Concord. Showing much sur
prise, the preacher turned aud said:
why, bless my soul. howdy, Brother
Woods!" Woods, observing two tickets in
his hand, asked If his wife was with him.
Bell said that she was coming on the next
train. When the train came in Woods
boarded it for Concord and passing through
the parlor car he observed Bell sitting by
young woman. The woman he supposed to
be Mrs Bell.
Hiss Washburn had packed her trunks,
and, kissing Mrs. Bell and the children fare
well, had boarded the south-bound train,
and in less than thirty minutes she was in
Salisbury with Preacher Bell. Mrs. Bell
was at home singing to the baby.
For months Mr.. Bells return was
anxiously awaited, but nothing was said by
Mrs. Bell Of his strange absence No word
coming from him, inquiry after his where
abouts WAS made at Maxton. It was
asoertained that he had not been there, and
that Miss Washburn was not at her home
Then came the investigation that led to the
arrest.