The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-05-17

the scene, the bodies OF the Meeks
had grown stiff. They had been left
lying in the field in exactly the same
position in which the men fell.
Raymond Meek was a well known
farmer. He was % years old. He had
been a good student and graduated
from high school. He had been stu
dent at Earlham college, also. Neigh
bors say his disposition was pleasant
for the most part, but that his temper
overpowered his control OF
it. 1t was asserted by a neighbor that
the trouble over the fence had been
preying on the mind of the elder Meek
for several months. 1t was said he
has been nervous lately and appeared
worried at all times He was fifty
years old.
Prosecutor investigates.
Prosecutor Ladd was one Of the early
arrivals on the scene. He began TAX
ing notes and making an investigation
at once. He was not prepared to state
If he will call the grand jury. The
only witnesses of the shooting were
IuC1uUcIS VI Tie 1SolfSUdCh A0ully anu
they claim self defense was RESPONSE
BILE for the murder. as the Meeks act
ed as the aggressors. At the Jail to-
day, Joel said he shot to defend him
self and brothers as he fully expected
the Meeks would try to kill all of
them. Joel points to the fact he did
not shoot until after Raymond had fir
ed at his younger brother, as evidence
in his favor.
High School Graduate.
Joel Railsback is a graduate of the
Richmond high school. He also at
tended the local business college. At
high school he was regarded AZ q
peaceful, quiet farmer boy and seldom
gave his teachers any trouble. He
has first class reputation. This point
will prove favorable to him at the
time Of the trial. 1t is thought.
tragedy, the members
OF the Railsback family appeared very
cool and collected. At the hospital
Frank Jr appeared interested only in
his own condition. The knee cap has
been replaced and although the injury
may prove a permanent disablement,
1t is not believed the leg will have to
be amputated. Young Frank claims
trouble had been expected. but moth.
ing so serious had been looked for.
Frank Railsback. Sr. was quite dis
posed to talk of the case During the
inquest he persisted in diverging from
his main story to speak Of minor de.
tails. His health has not been good
recently and today he seemed to be
suffering from an affliction of the
lungs.
Mrs. Railsback Cool.
One of the coolest and most col
lected persons of the seven involved
was Mrs. Railsback With one son a
murderer, behind Jail bars, and anoth
er at the hospital suffering from Sc
we're injuries, she did not appear wor
ried in the least Sne went about hel
household duties with her customary
vigor. She believes her son shot in
self defense and in her eyes it appears
as a hero, who saved his brothers
father and herself from probable
death.
Hundreds Visit Scene.
The scene of the fight was visited
today by hundreds of visitors. News
Of the affair spread throughout the
city with wonderful speed. BY
o'clock there had been 100 persons tt
view the bodies. which at that time
had not been moved. Automobiles
and all kinds of vehicles were pressed
into service. The interurban cars
hauled dozens of persons to the scene
The cars stop directly in front of thu
door Of the Meek home. The Gamers
man was there and several pictures
were taken of the hillside on which
the two men met death. The mer
with cameras did not arrive until af
ter the bodies had been removed.
There were the souvenir fiends. al
SO. These plucked spIinters from the
fence post at which Larkin and Franl
Railsback were chopping when the
Meeks arrived. wildflowers that grew
about the place. as il in mockery. wers
plucked for bouquets Several womer
were among the number of visitors Il
the scene.
No steps have been taken as to thu
day of the funeral OF the father and
son. The details will be attended tt
by relatives. 1t Is probable 1t will bs
a double funeral.
Singular Coincidence.
A singular coincidence 10 the fac
James r. Meek. father Of Alexander
Meek. met death m = spectacular
manner. He died after an assault
committed on him by william Gates
Meek resided in Arlington township
Gates and . party Of friends wert
picking blackberries in the NeeI
patch. when he appeared and ordere<
them OUT An argument followed ant
Gates struck the old man. He fell 0v
er dead At the TRIAL II was claime(
death resulted from Apoplexy and no.
the blow The jury accepted the plea
Gates was found guilty OF assault and
battery and was fined $50 and costs
The occurrence vas In 1s0o The out
come Of the trial resulted in deIuys
OF criticism Soon afferward Gate.
lsft tbs section q the oouit1y.