Mrs. J. H. Inlow committed suicide at her home six miles south of Minneola about 11 o'clock Tuesday night. Particulars are not obtainable beyond the facts brought out at the inquest, which are furnished by our correspondent at Minneola.It seems that one Fred Short, living near there was spending the night at Inlow's and was sleeping on a lounge near the bed occupied by Inlow and his wife. A short time before the shooting occurred Short and Mrs. Inlow, supposing the husband asleep, held a brief conversation and the woman started to leave her bed and go to Short's. Inlow rose up, pushed the woman back in bed and swore he ought to kill both of them; at the same time drawing his revolver and firing two shots.
Short ran from the house in his night clothes and was followed a short distance by Inlow who seized his shot gun and fired a charge after the fleeing despoiler of his domestic felicity, who ran to "Doc" Inlow's a brother of Jim, and gave alarm. Jim says that after firing the gun at Short he went into the house, laid the gun on the table and went out doors again. When he returned, and just as he stepped into the door, the gun was discharged by Mrs. Inlow, the charge taking effect in her left side just below the last rib, death resulting in a short time. She used a broom handle to discharge the gun. Justice Shearer held the inquest.
It was reported that suspicion was directed to Inlow as the possible murderer of his wife but was cleared at the inquest. The Inlows at one time had charge of the Hotel Aldine of Ashland, and there were at the time ugly stories afloat about the woman. Those who claim to know express no surprise at the tragic occurrence above related. The dead woman leaves one child - a boy about twelve years old. - Ashland Journal
The Western Star, March 11, 1893. Inlow Case
Last week we published a somewhat sensational account of a suicide at Minneola, Clark county. Later developments show a graver case than the one we chronicled, as revealed in the following from the Ashland Clipper: "H. C. Mayse, county attorney; J. H. Brown, coroner; H. J. Shupe, deputy sheriff; Dr. W. F. Taylor and Dr. W. A. Potter went to Minneola Tuesday to make another investigation in the Inlow suicide case. The body was exhumed and it was found that the shot ranged downward, and that it would have been almost impossible for the victim to have shot herself. A new jury summoned and another inquest held. New testimony was received and one jury rendered a new verdict which is that Jennie Inlow came her death from a gun in the hands of James H. Inlow and Frederick W. Short. Inlow and Short were brought here Thursday night and placed in jail."
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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