Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1925-05-15
jurisdiction over the matter.
Inquest by Greene County
AufhorjfieS


to the Meadows home, to make sur,
THAT relatives and neighbors were
taking care of the children. Ceci
Meadows accompanied the officers uI
/ the trail.
Early in the afternoon, the Greene
County authorities arrived to hold
the inquest
Sveral hundred perso ms had
gathered at the Meadows home in
the afternoon and the feeling was
high against Meadows. Had he gone
to Stannardsville, only 15 miles
away, instead of coming to Harrison
burg, where he transacted most OF
his business, the officers said they
would have felt some concern for
his safety. The bodies were removed
to Elkton late yesterday to be pre-
pared for burial.
First Tragedy in Fern Hill
This is the first tragedy to mar
the peace in the Dean Mountain
Fern Hill section for years, old resi-
dents said yesterday. This section
of the Blue Ridge is unusually peace
full. and officers could not recall the
last time they were called to this
vicinity.
The three principals were men,
bers of the best families in the sec
ton and news of the tragedy came
as severe shock to everyone. Many
could not believe it was true.
Meadows, son of Mrs. Elijah
Meadows, who resides with another
son. Lester Meadows, Swift Run mer-
chant. was regarded as a well-to-do
lumberman, owner of farm of 500
or more acres and operator of saw
mills, staye plants and the like. He
was said to be a shrewd business
man and had made success in the
lumber business.
Meadows Called "Flighty"
While having a high regard for
his business ability, those in the sec
ton who knew Meadows we'll. said
his mind was somewhat ''fiighty" at
times. Many expressed the opinion
that he was half crazy" his action
and words at times iustifying this
conclusion. He was said to be deep
ly religious at times and often would
rise up during church service to
express his feelings. Mr.. and Mrs.
Meadows often tramped the five
miles to the Fern Hill U. B. Church
to attend services
Mrs. Meadows Highly Esteemed
Mrs. Meadows was held in high
esteem by everyone who knew her,
according to many expressions heard
in the section yesterday. She was
described as good Woodworking
woman. That Meadows jealousy was
unfounded. was the popular verdict
The same high regard was held
for Stanton Dean, son of Robert
Dean, residing on Dean Mountain,
some distance from the Meadows
home. He had been employed as a
teamster and general handy man by
Meadows for some time and lived in
the Meadows home. Only two
months ago, he was married to Miss
Carrie Dean, daughter of Will Dean,
of the Mt. Pleasant Church section
In his examination by the officers,
Meadows said that the argument in
bed started over some alleged
trouble between Deans younger
brother. a former employe, and
Meadows eldest daughter. T / s ;,
Meadows said, led to the accusation
that his wife had been untrue to
him, and he added she admitted it.
Meadows Carried Revolver
Justice l.. H. Bruce said that
Meadows was in the habit of carry
ing revolver and that only recent
ly he came into his place at Elkton,
laid his gun on the counter and de-
clared that IF things don't change,
something is going to happen" He
told the justice to keep this in his
mind
Mr.. Bruce also said that he be-
lieyed that Meadows contemplated
suicide for some time.
81 was talking to him about TAX
ing out life insurance policy some
time ago." said Mr.. Bruce. HE ask
ed me then how long the policy had
to be in effect before it was incon-l
testable. told him one year
Then he asked if the policy would
be paid if the insured committed sui
eide 1 told him it would under GER
tain conditions"
Another story of Meadows queer
behavior was told by the younger
Dean shortly after he left the mans
employment. The lad told, before a
crowd in the Fern Hill Postoffice
some time ago that ON several oc-
casions he had awakened at night
while sleeping in the Meadows home
and found Meadows standing over
him.