The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-30
Rev. c. q. Brown. Leading ConEreen-
tionaI Minister. Causes the Arrest
of Mrs. Mary A. Davidson.
$4,000 ASKED FOR SILENCE
PAID $500 DOWN AND THE REST TO
BE IN INsTALLMENTs.
Questionable Features Of the
WOman's story Thnt Reflect ON the
Rev. Browns Reputation.


A. Davidson has been arrested on the
charge OF extortion preferred by
Rev. c. o. Brown. pastor OK
the First Congregational Church.
DR.. Brown charges her with blackmail and
says he paid her $500 to secure her silence
in regard TO his alleged relations with Miss
Overman. a young woman from Tacoma.
who visited at his house.
The First Congregational Church is the
largest and most fashionable of that de-
nomination in the city. Mrs. Davidson. who
is woman about sixty years old. came
here during the midwinter fair as represents
ative of Boston corset firm and lately
conducted a corset store OF her own here.
She has attended DR.. Browns church for
about a year and has taken great interest
in church matters. Miss Overman came
here from Tacoma for her health and Wis
tied at the house OF DIR. Brown, whose
family she knew in Tacoma. After a stay
OF several months. during which time she
became acquainted with Mrs. Davidson.
Miss Overman returned to Tacoma, but
came back to San Francisco. when Mrs.
Davidson promised TO secure employment
for her
According TO DR.. Brown. Mrs. Davidson
came TO him last November at the time
when there was intense excitement I'm the
city over the exposure of several old men
who had been debauching young girls. and
told him she had been commissioned by
Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Baddin, lodging house
keeper. to demand 5000 down and 500 a
month for ten years II he did not want
his intimacy with Miss Overman exposed.
Mrs. Davidson said that Miss Overman had
confided in her and would testify against
1t.
had occupied room In lodging house with
an unknown woman. Mrs. Davidson
pointed out to him that owing to the state
Of public feeling almost anything that wit
nesses would swear TO would be believes,
and advised him to settle at once.
DR.. Brown was horrined at the nature of
the charges brought against him and saw
no means of escape. He succeeded how
ever. in reducing the figures to 500 down
and So a month for five years. He paid
Mrs. Davidson 500. for which she signed
a receipt. After paying the money DIR.
Brown attempted to find Mrs. Baddin, but
without success. Finally he met Miss
Overman, who was shopping with Mrs.
Davidson, and reproached her with her
perfidy. She Indignantly denied that she
had made any charges and when confronted
with Mrs. Davidson denounced the woman
as infamous. Miss Overmann Immediately
left Mrs. Davidsons house and went to the
home OF DIR. Brown, where she is now under
the protection of his wife. Then the minis
ter consulted with the deacons OF the
church and the result is the arrest of Mrs.
Davidson. Both the minister and Miss
Overman deny that there is the slightest
foundation for the charges.
Mrs. Davidson, when seen after her ar
rest, said DR.. Brown called on her several
months ago and voluntarily confessed his
love for Miss Overman. He asked her ad-
vice and she told him to sever HIS rela-
tons with the girl at once. Miss Overman.
she says, confessed her love for DR.. Brown
and that he had promised TO pay her Ss5 a
month. few days after this Mrs David
son says Dr. Brown handed her SIS to give
to Miss Overman, saying he had promised
to pay her that amount for ten months
Some time ago a strange woman who
called herself Mrs. Baddin. called on Mrs
Davidson and said she knew Of DIR. Browns
intimacy with Miss Overman. and demanded
$4,000 as the price OF her silence. About six
weeks ago she sent for DIR. Brown and told
him of Mrs. Badiin's demands. She says he
replied; II Is all true. ana more too"
see the women. and asked me 10 handle the
business for him. He said: You have our
hearts secrets and told me everything.
DR.. Brown said he could not pay her 500
but would pay $500 with $500 down and the
rest at the rate Of SS5 a month DIT. Brown
three months, as he had calls from churches
in Brooklyn and Philadelphia
Next day, she says, she paid the 500 10
Mrs. Baddin. who said she was going 10
leave town, but would return each month
for the SIS. Mrs. Davidson says Dr. Brown
has paid $35 for Miss Overman I'm August
and September, November and December.
She concluded her statement by saying: .T
have kept this secret for the sake OF the
church; for the sake OF Miss Overman aud
DR.. Brown, but the truth must be told and
/ am sorry / am obliged to divulge these
things"
The Chronicle says: Miss Overman is a
tall young woman with red hair and blue
eyes. She is said TO be divorced woman.
Matte Overman Is her maiden name. Some
months ago she came TO the Chronicle and
offered a story prominent for
81, ,00o She Is not particularly good looking,
but Is an interesting talker"
So far the police have failed to find any
trace OF Mrs. Baddin the lodging house
which she is said to have kept.
The First Congregational Cnurch was
crowded this morning the result OF the
exposure OF the alleged blaclzrnailing at
tempt on Dr. Brown. The minister ap-
peared as usual. and in his sermon referred
| Indirectly TO the attack on his reputation.
one OF the deacons also spoke and cor
roborated DIR. Browns statement that he
had consulted with the officers OF the
| church before causing the arrest Of Mrs.
| Davidson After the church services a
number OF the congregation shook hands
| with DR.. Brown and expressed conhdenco
I'm him.