The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-04-02
AN UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR.
A Prominent Dunkard Minister Said to be
Financially Embarrassed and to Have
Eloped with the Wife of Neighbor

Elder David d. Bonsack, living near this
city, left here on Tuesday morning on an
early train, and was expected to return in the
evening. He did not do so, and ugly rumors
began to be circulated, connecting him with
an elopement with the wife of Wilson Sheets,
toll. gate keeper on the Meadow Branch
turnpike, and a neighbor OF Elder Bonsack,
who left home the same day, without the
knowledge and in the absence of her husband.
So high did Elder Bonsack stand in this
community as a christian, business man and
citizen, people were slow to credit the rumor.
On Thursday attachments we're laid against
him for about SIS, 200, and yesterday more
were laid. 1t is thought the total amount
will reach S25, 900.
When it was learned that Elder Bonsack
was financially embarrassed, there was a rush
of creditors to secure themselves, and this
led to a general belief in the rumors con-
corning the elopement.
We shall not report all the rumors and facts
in the case, but merely state that this affair is
the hardest blow this community ever re-
| ceived. Much sympathy is expressed for
the stricken families, and the going estray of
Elder Bonsack has made most people for the
time lose faith in mankind.
Elder Bonsack's family consists of wife,
who was the widow of Amos Roger and
daughter of the late David Roop, one of the
highest esteemed citizens of the county, and
several children, the eldest of whom, Charles,
is married man and preacher in the
Dunkard Church. Mrs. Sheets left a hus-
band and three sons, one Of whom, we learn,
is married man. She was a Miss Fleagle,
and was reared in the neighborhood of Frizell-
burg.
Mr.. Sheets said yesterday friday that his
wife had gone, and he believed she has gone
with Elder Bonsack He did not know of
her intention to leave, and she left while he
was absent. In a pocket of his Sunday coat
he found letter from his wife, which he de-
clined to show, because it spoke OF some
family matters, but said that in 1t his wife
said that when he would receive it she would
be many miles away; that he should not worry
about her because she would be well cared
for in the future; that as soon as she was set.
tied she would send for one of her sons, and
see 10 it that he be well provided for; that she
could have done this thing two years ago, and
was persuaded to make the sacrifice, but did
not yield until driven to the wall.
Since her fight Mr.. Sheets has learned that
his wife had told some of her friends that
she was going away. He said the relations
of his wife and himself had been happy.
The blow is a sad one to him. Until she left
he never suspected her of improper conduct,
although Mr.. Bonsack was frequent visitor
to his house, but he is convinced that her
relations with Elder Bonsack now are of a
criminal character.
At Elder Bonsack's his son Charles was
seen. He seemed crushed by the unfortunate
affair, and spoke of his father rs loving and
kind to ALL When he left he told his family
he was going to Woodberry TO look after some
Sunday School affairs, and expected to return
by the evening train. His failure to do so
was not so surprising, and they thought he
and while the facts look to the contrary they
can scarcely believe that he is gone never to
return.