The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House 1878, From "Coupon Bonds"

In a dimly lit tavern on the Pennsylvania oil frontier, a traveling companion recounts a tale that eclipses the local horse‑thief’s exploits: the astonishing theft of an entire meeting‑house. He paints a vivid picture of Old Jedwort, a bent, duck‑legged man whose very posture seems to carry the weight of his misdeeds, and the curious circumstances that led him to “steal” the building he once called home. The narrator’s straightforward, homespun voice draws listeners in, setting the stage with humor, vivid descriptions, and a hint of moral reflection on marriage and deception.

As the story unfolds, the listener is invited to judge Jedwort’s character and the motives that drove him, while the surrounding villagers offer skeptical commentary. The narration balances rustic charm with a wry critique of human nature, promising a blend of slapstick misadventure and thoughtful observation. It’s an engaging glimpse into a bygone era where even the most ordinary people can become the center of extraordinary rumors.