The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-09-20
Very Smooth Swindlers.

| try are ANXIOUS TO near OIL Ullc itTIcsI oA
a trio of swindlers who have been opc
rating through Ohio and kentucky and
farther South. The trio consists of q
man well up in years. Il young man and
a girl, who does not appear to be out OF
herteens. This combination has work
ed a brand new swindlc, which for
clcverness shows brain and thought,
and gives the police an idea of the
kind of swindlers with whom they
have to deal. The Pinkerton Detective
Agency has found clues which prove
that the gang has been operating cx-
tensively from Cincinnati, and the
Christian books of a Methodist publish
ing house were used as Il means to fur~
ther the swindling end.
It's said that the swindlcrs arc NOV
ing South rapidly, and the people and
the authorities have been warned
against them. The chief graft seems
to be with the farmers, as it is neces-
sary to work from country home. An
official who has been posted, and who
is watching for the gang, explained the
scheme this way yesterday:
Like in every swindle the victim IS
located and his habits and manner OF
living are studied. His financial stand
ing and where he banks arc recorded,
and other details are all in possession
| of the swindlers, but there is one very
important detail that must be had and
that is the mans religion. No matter
what it is, itplays the leading part in
the swindle. If the intended victimlis
not member of any church he is pass
ed up for one that is. When a victim
is found that can be pluclled the swim
dlers are ready to operate.
Along about $50 o'clock ir the even
ing "a clerical-looking gentleman stops
in front of the victims house and asks
how far it is to so and so. The farmer
informs him, and the stranger remarks
that it is very long drive, and the
conversation always ends in all invita-
tion to stop for the night. The sup
posed preacher accepts. His horse is
put up and fed and the stranger is
shown into the house, where he has
supper and gets ready to stop for the
night. The preacher of course, is of
the same religion as the farmer.
He opens his valise and takes from it
several religious books to fit the occa-
sion. These he presents to the farmer
and his wife as they sit around after
supper talking about church matters.
Along about o'clock there is knock
at the door. The old farmer responds
and finds a young man wearing new
store suit and white tie. He has been
cleanly shaven and combed, but he is
excited. The farmer asks what is
wanted, and the young man informs
him that he is looking for Il preacher
rs he wants to get married. He shows
his license, and in a roundabout way
tells the farmer that he and his sweet
heart have eloped and want to get mar
ried before "the old folks can stop it" )"
His manner is such that the old man
takes an interest and wants to know
where the bride is.
"Shc's out in the buggy" is the re-
ply.
BY this time the farmer and his wife
are Ill interested, and the old farmer
calls the preacher. The latter says
that he is willing to marry them if
everything is all right and the young
man is told to bring in the bride. The
Young man leaves and returns with
"thc blusling bride" She is young
and pretty, and dressed like an we'll
to-do farmers daughter. She laughs
and giggles as the farmer and his wife
joke with her about the runaway.
The young man tells about the court
ship and his fathers objections on ac-
count OF the youth of the bride. and
everybody, including the preacher, has
a good laugh. The young man pro
duces his license, to which is signed
the name of the Judge, which the
farmer knows very we'll and the
preacher agrees to perform the ccrc-
mony. The parlor is lightcdand every
thing is put in shape for the wedding.
The preacher takes out his Bible, reads
chapter and finally declares them
man and wife as he slips a ring on the
brides finger, which was given him by
the young man. The preacher signs
the certificate and the farmer and wife
sign as witnesses.
The young man and his bride, after
thanking every one and offering the
preacher a five dollar gold piece, which
is refused, gets in the buggy and drive
away.
The preacher is finally shown to his
room. AT daybrcak he is given his
breakfast, there is IL handshake all
around and the visitor drives away.
A day or two later the kind old farmer
and his wife are informed by the town
bank that their note for $4,000 had been
paid. They hurry to town and call at
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