Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-03-02
soME MORE FACTS
Showing Up the Past History of Biga-
mist Harry Temple Griffith.

mist Harry Temple Griffith.
The authorities are in possession Of
the following letter, Of interest and
value ia the Harry Temple Griffith big
any case:
SALISBURY, N. c., February, p, '94.
chief Of Police Wheeling:
"DEAR SIR have just learned that
YOU have arrested Harry c. Temple, a
scenic artist, on charge Of bigamy,
preferred by woman whom he mar
ried in this State, and with whom he
left this State, oStenSibly for New York,
10 January last. Business and personal
relations with this man Temple may
enable me TO furnish you with a few
side lights in regard to the man, and
his peculiar methods.
81 and my partner, Mr. VIM. Vincent,
met Temple in the village OF White
Plains, n Y, the latter part Of Sep
tent Der, 1898, where he was engaged in
painting the scenery for the new Opera
House at that place, erected by Mr. n.
III. Hand. He boarded with man by
the name OF Frank Morrell while there.
About the time he had completed
his contract, Mr.. Vincent and | entered
into an arrangement to produce a set OF
scenes representing the important
phases in the life OF Christ, which we
proposed TO exhibit throughout the
country. AT that time Temple had
no money, and we agreed to
put up the money necessary
TO produce the work, and
. /. 81 md ha -
of our agreement he commenced the
work, and completed a scene depicting
the crucifxion of Christ. 1t was mar
velOus piece OF work, but was only
part of the work he agreed to produce;
but relying on his promise to complete
the other scenes, we consented 10 come
on to this place from New York. We
arrived here the Goth OF December,
paid all of Temples expenses, also
those of his half-bro.her. William Chew
alier.
after our arrival here it was almost
impossible for US to get him to do any
thing be agreed TO do, and finally, after
two weeks delay, we exhibited the cru
cifxion, but only to small house.
From the hour Of his arrival here
he spent most Of his time In the comDa-
ny OF the woman, Celina Coffey, whom
he robbed and deserted in Wheeling.
HIS actions created a widespread scan
dal here. which ] have learned, since
his departure, had the effect Of
keeping the people away
after the exhibition he left mere for a
trip west on the Western North Carroll
ma railroad, Ostensibly, as he represent
ed to me, TO make dates for future exhi-
billions, but, as subsequent facts dis
close, 10 marry the woman Cotfey.
Knowing that he had vile and
child ia New York State-knowing
that he left them at Frank MOrrell's
home, in White Plains, when be came
south, when the reports of his marriage
came to me the same evening OF his ar
rival here from his trip on the Western
North Carolina railroad, | told him
what had heard, and be Strenuously
denied it, and /, thinking him too wise
TO put himself under the shadow Of the
law. believed him. We had incurred
bills here that were more than l could
meet, and under an agreement with Mr.
Vincent and myself, he was 10 go to
New York City and secure money to
meet them, as well as to pay bill due
to Morrell, at White Plains, for the
board of his wife and child. he left
her, Ostensibly, on Saturday night, for
the North, but that was a blind. He
did not wish us TO know that be intend
ed to take the woman he had married
here with him.
"Out OF consideration for his people
refralned from giving publicity to his
rascality, but now that il has become pub
lie Droperty,and will reach them with
out any act OF mine, l deem ii proper to
aid in unmasking smOOth-tongued
scoundrel IN order that he may receive
his just dues.
"Hs was married to the mother OF his
child THE Martins Ferry wife-ED.
and while she may, wOmanlike, attempt
TO shield the father of her child by &C
cepting dishonor. 1t should not prove a
shield fOs him. He don't deserve it. He
is not worth the dust which falls from
his feet. I pity her, but the best l could
wish for her would be that she was we'll
freed from him, as do not regard him
as calculated 10 make any good woman
happy.
"He married the woman Coffey to rob
her. and after that was accomplished,
be had no further use for her. He has
a half-brother In indianapolis, Ind, by
the name OF Cheyalier, in the marble
business. He is known ST Danvllle,
H.. Crawlordsville, Ind, and at Peru,
Ind, where be worked for Wallace, the
circus man, and from these sources Of
can be secured about him
and his first marriage.
yours respectfully,
a.Cr.n Er.rl-rrrrnr y