Colonel Wade's house in Ipswich, courtesy of the Ipswich Museum.
In the spring of 1823 the Port became the center of a notorious sex scandal. Some of the most prominent men came forward to defend the honor of their pious lady lambs against a philandering preacher knee deep in the dirt.
The case of
the Commonwealth vs. Michael Doak Dennis took place in late March and sent
shock waves through the community. As the trial unfolded it attracted attention
from all of New England. Even the Farmers
Almanac released briefings on the court drama.
Mrs. Lydia Randall, the victim in the case was
“a respectable married woman” known for her great charities. An unfortunate
turn of events caused her to seek relief from “Father” Dennis. Her poor husband was placed in the County House
of Ipswich because he went insane. During Christmas
season she became melancholy and Dennis offered her a ride in his warm chaise
to see her husband.
Mrs. R accepted
the invitation, but would end up in a most compromising position. Dennis got
frisky from too much whiskey and Mrs. R charged him with “lewd and lascivious language”
and “wanton and indecent conduct.”
According to
the reports Dennis was “bred as a mariner” and spent most of his career “on
board as a man of war,” but got an itch to try his hand at preaching the
gospel. He must have had the magic touch for his flock flooded with followers, most
of them married women.
Before Dennis was indicted many “good and wise
people” thought he was an “instrument of the Lord’s hand” and gave a heads up
to work his new godly unit. His marriage to Sally Woodwell gave him special
favor as well. His in-laws were well known in the Port.
Gideon
Woodwell, JR owned a ship yard in town with Enoch Hale. He served in the navy
during the Revolution and was noted for his brave role in the capture of
British ship Friends at Plum
Island. During the War of 1812 he served as a ship
carpenter upon board the Constitution which he also helped to build in 1797. Gideon’s
wife Sarah Bray was equally matched with her sturdy good stock.
The strong
connections however went limp and Dennis was put in the dog house. When the court approved for a committees to investigate
the incident it was upon the request of Dennis. However Woodwell knew his
son-in-law was guilty and made sure the fine daughters of the town stayed above
water.
The list of
men would have been on familiar terms with the family---were Davenport, Currier,
Nelson, Morse, Foster, and Col Wade, Keeper of the House of Corrections. Although
Mrs. R was the only one pressing firm legal recourse, the men knew of other women
who had been sniffed out by Dennis and according to Newburport Herald Dennis was
using his new position to woo.
During the hearings Wade affirmed he dined
with the pair on the night of the incident. He corroborated with Mrs. R. testifying
that when Dennis finished his meal he slipped out to get a quick trim of the whisker,
but returned several hours later “all liquored up.”
Mrs. R. stated
that the intoxicated Dennis approached her bent over and shouted: “You trollop
I have a good mind to knock you down.” When she asked him why he told her she
was a prude for not offering even a kiss. He slithered back to his seat and
drank a few more hours.
Dennis came
to her later and “with much familiarity” said he was ready for nap. He realized
his advances were going no where and made ready to bring her back home.
During the
ride back Mrs. R told the court that Dennis seemed to have stiffened with
silence perhaps due to the cold, but his lusty loins regrouped when they passed
through Rowley. He forced a kiss on her while touching her bosom and stroked
her muffs hoping to gain entry. When she pushed him away his paws sought out
her thighs, but she would not submit and proceeded to lecture him on his “unbecoming
conduct not proper for a man of his profession.”
Dennis knew
Mrs. R would blow the whistle and his glory days of preaching to the pretty
Port gals were numbered. He did not deny the charges, but “wished he could
remember them.” he told the committee that “if Mrs. R said it happened than it
must have as she was a pious lady.”
According to Salem Gazette Judge Williams
appeared soft on Dennis at the start of the hearings when he asked him if he
was only guilty of intoxication, but Dennis lowered his head and told him “I am
afraid not.” What sealed his fate and left no doubts in the minds of the jury
were the examinations brought in by the committee members. The rest of the
flock admitted that Dennis often favored the flesh over the spirit.
The jury
returned a quick verdict and Dennis was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
His attorney appealed arguing that “a moderate fine should be sufficient to
satisfy public justice,” but Judge Williams concurred with the counter appeal: “it
is upon absolutely necessity to exemplary punishment by imprisonment as it
would ensure the safety of the pious women.” No doubt the judge wanted to make Dennis
an example. Dennis surrendered and exclaimed “the Lord hath done this!” He would
have to lie in the bed he made and his “sheep” thrills were all for “mutton.”
Stories From Ipswich and the North Shore Thomas Franklin Waters wrote about the old court building: "Our survey cannot be completed without a glimpse at the small grass plot, in front of the Methodist Meeting House. Here the first Town-house was built... It was replaced by a new building, erected at the joint expense of Town and County, in 1793-94, a much more pretentious structure with a high belfry or steeple. It stood with its rear end close to the high ledge, which has been blasted to its present level, but which was originally as high as the eaves of the building itself. Thus, in close proximity to prison, stocks and whipping post, the Courts held their stately sessions from 1704 to 1854, when they ceased their sittings, and the house was sold and removed to the corner near the railroad station. It was utilized by Mr. James Damon for a hall and stores, and was totally destroyed by fire, April 14, 1894."
Sources from History of Newburyport J J Currier, Salem Gazette, Newburyport Herald, New England Farmer, Portsmouth Herald, Commonwealth vs. M D Dennis,
4 comments:
Wonderful! Very cool. As a fella who is not dead yet, I particularly enjoy a little spice in the morning or otherwise. The descriptions such as "lusty loins" and innuendos like "the strong connections however went limp" were certainly humorous and received a chuckle from me. Good to see things remain pretty much the same as it was back-in-the-day, that is, the ever wonderment of relationships between men and women. Ya gotta love it!
Cheers,
Mark
Very enjoyable! Nice job with research and writing!
good story. Really enjoyed it.
Nice work Melissa!
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