Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-12-14
SneadSa nd WardlaWS
Are Natives of GEORGIA

MACON, Ga, Dec. 1O-The WardlaW anu
Snead families, now so prominently be-
fore the public eye because of the re-
cent alleged murder in New York of Mrs
Ocey Wardaw Martin Snead, are south
erners. born and reared in Georgia.
OF arlstocratic birth, with a long line
of illustrious ancestors, they chafed
against the quiet, commonplace life that
fell to their lot as the wife and daugh-
tiers of a plain Methodist minister
His appointments did not meet the re-
quirements and aspirations of at least the
eldest daughter. Caroline, now Mrs. Mar
tin. so at the age of 16 she left the pa
rental roof for the home of an uncle in
Brooklyn, where she prepared herself
TO teach in the public schools of that
city.
Failing to stand the required examina-
ton. and determined that she would not
return to the hum-drum existence of her
home, she sought n place as maid in a
wealthy family of Brooklyn.
SHE DISAPPEARS.
Her refined manners soon disclosed to
the family that she was no ordinary serv-
ant, and on being approached as to her
reason for this disguise. she mysteriously
disappeared.
Returning to her uncle's home, she con-
tinued her studies. and finally obtained
teachers position in fashionable school
In New York Here she spent several
years, but the slowness with which she
accumulated money was a constant irri-
tation to her restless nature.
For daily cakes, not daily bread, she
prayed" was once said of her, and this
has been verified in her many plans.
In some way she once obtained an invi-
tation to a large reception given be one of
u. s,.I rI,.
swept through the rooms. her charm of
manner and voice attracting attention,
until on every hand was heard the ques-
ton, who is she?'
Her attractions, however, did not bring
to her feet the sons of her hostess,
though she later met and married Robert
Martin, a man of some prominence in the
business world.
Mrs Martins influence over her family
has ever been strange, unaccountable.
They bend to her every. wish as though
they were under some hypnotic spell.
Her youngest sister, now married and
living in Virginia, was adopted when
mere baby by5a wealthy northern family.
To this, Mr.. and Mrs. Wardiaw gave
reluctant consent, but the stronger will
of Mrs. Martin, who knew that money
and luxury would follow in the wake of
the adoption. prevailed.
over her sisters, Mrs. Snead's, sons her
influence was also that of a hypnotist
That the insurance on the life of Fletch-
er, the eldest, should not pass out Of the
family, she arranged a marriage between
him and her daughter Ocey.
Two of the Snead brothers met untime-
~ deaths-one a suicide, and the other
burned to death, whether by accident is
not known.
Virginia Wardlaw, accused of the muir
dor of her niece, has taught in schools in
Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tenn
There emanates from her. as from the
other members of the family, an air of
secrecy, and one is kept wondering what
there is back of ii all.
Mystery shrouds the family-brilliant,
cultured, well-fitted to shine in the most
exclusive circles. they have drawn with
in themselves. almost apart from the
world, until this sad tragedy has awak-
ened horrors and speculations as to the
perpetrator of the crime.