Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-11
MINISTER UNDER ARREST
REV. WELLESLEY REID DAVIS
CHARGED WITH FALSE PRETENsEs.
Accused Of Passing Worthless Check
Upon q Local Florist-Pre-
viOus Experiences.

The Rev. Wellesley Reid Davis. sixty
three years old, who has Allied the pulpits
of number of Methodist churches In New
York city, Brooklyn and Albany. and who
had an experience In police circles in this
city one year ago, is again under arrest.
He was taken into custody this morning by
Detective Parham. who conveyed him to
the first precinct station. to be held for
hearing in the Police Court tomorrow on
charge of false pretenses. The arrest was
made on a warrant sworn out by Wallace
w. Kimmel. florist. whose place Of bust
ness is at No 500 Vermont avenue north
west.
1t Is alleged that the defendant passed
worthless check on Mr.. Kimmel and Oh
tanned SIS in cash. This check was cashed
last year Immediately after the minister
had been released from another charge OF
passing a worthless check. After his re-
lease at that time he had driven about the
city in a cab. calling on number OF
friends, and just before dismissing the cab
man. it is charged. he called on Mr.. Kim
mel and succeeded in getting money on
check.
ward went out of the city. The detectives
learned that he was in Washington sew
eral days ago. and efforts have been made
to apprehend him. but 1t was not until to-
day that Detective Parham located him at
an uptown hotel and arrested him.
Expresses Surprise.
When taken into custody the prisoner ex-
pressed surprise at the action of the off,
Ger. and said he was under the impression
Mr.. Kimmel's check was settled when he
was under arrest year ago. He sent for
Attorney Campbell Darlington to defend
| him. He told his counsel what he told the
detective about the supposed settlement of
the check. and the attorney went on to IN
| terview Mr.. Kimmel
Mr. Davis is we'll known in New York.
where, as already stated, he was the pas
| tor of several prominent churches. He Is
also known in Baltimore. where. 1t is al
| legged he got off some worthless paper last
year. and afterward settled the claim
| against him. While in New York last year
| he spent some time at the Waldorf-Astorta,
| and his livery bills were settled by the
hotel people when they were presented.
During his stay there he attended dinners
| given in honor of Admiral Schley and Sen
ator Frye. He claims he is related to a
number of prominent people. including a
| United States senator. He was born IN
Carroll county, Md, in January, 1887, his
| ancestors who were from England, having
| settled there as far back as 1850. His par
| ents died when he was but five years old,
| and he lived in the family Of the Rev.
| Charles A. Reid. After he ordained a
| minister he proved to be possessed of such
eIoquence that the New York churches
| were glad to have him in their service.
During the second administration Of
President Cleveland Mr.. Davis gave up the
| ministry for a government office, and was
appointed stamp inspector.
Loses His Position.
Soon after the election Of President Nc
| Kinley he lost his position. and 1t was
after this that troubles commenced.
Last year he was arrested in this city on
a charge of passing a check for $50 on the
ticket agent at the Baltimore and Potomac
depot. Mr.. George w. A. Lebaugh of West
minister. Md. a friend Of the minister was
sent for and he made good the amount of
the check. and in addition. 1t Is stated. he
settled hotel and other bills in New York
and Baltimore. 1t is stated that Mrs. Da-
Wis. who is daughter of Judge Shacke-
ford of Virginia, has obtained limited d.
vorce from her husband and is now engaged
with her son. Henry S. Davis. In the prac-
tice of law in New York city
The case involving the passing of the
check on Mr.. kimmel will be called to the
| attention of Prosecuting Attorney Mullowny
| tomorrow