From: KyArchives Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2017 10:52 PM To: Ky-Footsteps Subject: Meador.J.W.1904.Breckinridge-Ohio-Hancock.OBIT J. W. MEADOR January 13, 1904 Breckinridge-Ohio-Hancock County KyArchives Obituaries Breckinridge News, Cloverport, Ky., Wednesday, January 20, 1904 OBITUARY Page 5, Column 2 WAS HONORED AND BELOVED Dr. J.W. MEADOW (should be spelled MEADOR), who for 45 years has been a physician at Shreve, Ky in Ohio County, (near where the Breckinridge, Hancock, and Ohio County lines meet, also known as the Pincheco area). Dr. MEADOR who was honored and beloved by hundreds of people in all three counties, died at his home in Shreve last Wednesday night, January 13, 1904, after all these years spent in constant toil. When in feeble health before his death, he said, "there is nothing the matter with me, I'm just worn out". Dr. MEADOR was born and reared in Ohio County. He graduated from the Louisville Medical College in Jefferson County Ky., and began his practice a mile from his boyhood home, and soon became a physician of fine reputation. His practice was large, he having, it is said, as many as 100 cases of typhoid fever, alone, in a season. At one time he was Representative of Ohio County. His second wife, formerly Miss Mattie HERNDON, daughter of Travis HERNDON of Shreve, survives him. The 70 years of this good man's life were filled with trust and sympathy and help for those about him. He was simple, trusting, able. He died a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in full fellowship. In the hearts of many, he had found a warm place. His funeral was held Sunday, January 17, 1904, and was largely attended. Breckinridge News, Cloverport, Ky., Wednesday, February 10, 1904 Page 6, Column 1 IN MEMORY OF DR. MEADOR -- Dr. J. W. MEADOR who was born November 6, 1838, died January 13, 1904, aged 65 years, 2 months, 7 days old. Dr. MEADOR was much beloved by his many friends, and was admired by all who knew him, for his intelligence and ability. For years he wrote for the county paper, and few there were who could write more interestingly. His prose was strong and forceful, and that he had the poetical faculty is shown by several of his poems published years ago. He was an eloquent public speaker, and was twice elected by the Republicans of Ohio County to the Kentucky Legislature at a time when the county was strongly Democratic. He had many Democrats among his personal friends, and they always supported him. Dr. MEADOR never acquired any wealth. His early manhood was a struggle with poverty; resolving to become a physician, he had many difficulties to overcome, but in 1869, he graduated in medicine from the University of Louisville, then began his life's work of ministering to the afflicted, and hundreds today will affirm that he nobly did his duty. Always ready to help the suffering for many years, he never refused a call if he could possibly make it, and spent his life in constant toil. I do not know how it has been in recent years, but he used to never ask for what was due him. If his patients could pay, they generally did so, the rest he trusted to pay what they were able. He understood the management of typhoid fever, and for years he never lost a case that was intrusted to him from the beginning. Anxious to improve in his chosen profession, he, at different times, took additional courses at Louisville University, and in 1892, he took a course in eye, ear, nose, and throat diseases, at a clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Just a few days before his death, although in very feeble health, he rode several miles to visit a patient. On his way home, he became so exhausted that he was compelled to stop at a home by the road, before proceeding onward. His reputation as a physician, in this locality was second to none, and as a friend, he was faithful and true. Dr. MEADOR was twice married; the first time to Miss America V. MATTHEWS, who died October 20, 1881. On November 29, 1892, he was married to Miss Mattie HERNDON of Trisler, Ky (Ohio County), who survives him. On January 17, 1904, in the presence of a large concourse of friends, and in a specially constructed tomb, built according to his directions, all that was mortal of Dr. MEADOR was laid to rest there to await the resurrection morn. Dr. MEADOR was a member of the Presbyterian Church and also of the Masonic Lodge. the funeral will be preached sometime in the future, and the Masons will have services at the same time, due notice of which will be given. Breckinridge News, Cloverport, Ky., Wednesday, June 8, 1904 Page 8, Column 4 SHREVE, KY (OHIO COUNTY) NEWS ITEM: Dr. J. W. MEADOR'S funeral will be preached at Pleasant Grove Church (at Shreve) the second Sunday in this month. The Masons will have charge, and a big dinner will be served on the grounds. Everybody is invited. Submitted by: Peggy Russell meemawpeg7@gmail.com Additional Comments: I saw Dr. MEADOR'S grave back in May 1982. It was built above ground with local rocks. My DeWitt cousin took me to the Pleasant Grove Church and Cemetery, and told me the same story about the good doctor who made his own plans to build his own tomb. It was amazing, knowing the story, and now reading about it in the 1904 newspaper microfilm, 88 years after Dr. MEADOR'S death. (I transcribed these obituaries off the newspaper microfilm in January 1992.) Kinda gives you a chill. I am proud to be able to share his story on the archives site. Peggy Russell This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/