Dispatch, March 13, 1889

Untitled

Farmers -- Innovation

Eastville.

A large meeting of the farmers of this county was held here yesterday, and resolutions were adopted urging the authorities to establish a branch experimental-farm station at some point on the Eastern Shore. It is hoped that their efforts may be successful, as this section offers great inducements for such a purpose and it would be of great interest to the farming community.

Untitled

Moral -- Murder

EASTVILLE, VA., March 12. -- Eastville and the country adjoining were much excited and greatly shocked this morning when it became known that during last night Jefferson Adair, a resident of Onancock, had shot and instantly killed Peter S. Smith, a highly respected and well-known farmer residing just outside the town limits. A more brutal murder has never been committed in this section, and indignities and threats ran high.

The facts are these: Sometime during the night Adair and deceased went to a well-known place in Eastville to join in a game of cards, which was in progress. Everything ran along smoothly until a late hour, when the effects of liquor were felt. Finally Adair picked up the cards and dealt the hands around. Mr. Smith received three jacks and Adair three queens. Betting became lively. A call was made, and the hands being shown, Mr. Smith took in the pile of money that was upon the table, remarking that Adair had cheated in the deal. Mr. Smith is entirely deaf, but was made to understand by signs given by Adair that he must give up the money. Smith refused, saying that he would not be cheated by anybody out of his money. Without another word, and while the rest of the party were sitting at the table, Adair jumped up, drawing his pistol simultaneously, and fired, the ball entering just below Smith's right eye, penetrating the brain, and causing instant death. Smith died as he sat in the chair. It was several hours after the occurrence before any one was permitted to enter the room, and then Smith's corpse, almost rigid, was erect in the chair with his head bent forward. The murderer was immediately placed under a strong guard until placed in jail. The deceased was a son of the late Dr. W. G. Smith and served in the Confederate army, being at one time a member of Otey's battalion. He leaves a wife and six children. Most of his children are grown. He was well known throughout the eastern part of Virginia and in Baltimore and Philadelphia, where he had many friends and acquaintances. His death was a terrible shock to his wife and children, who loved him devotedly, as he was a kind and indulgent father and husband.

The remains of the deceased will be interred to-morrow.

After the rendering of the verdict Adair was brought into court for a preliminary hearing, but he waived an examination and was committed to jail to await the action of the grand jury.

The prisoner expressed great sorrow for his crime, and attributes it to the effect of liquor.