In Walter McLeod’s book entitled Centennial Memorial History of Lawrence County he describes the “highest monument in Lawrence County”, this monument stands in the Minturn Cemetery just off Hwy 367. The name on the monument and how it got there are quite interesting.
A.W. Shirey, May 1835-March 1910 is the name on the monument. Shirey was described as the leading merchant in Minturn and an extensive land owner in the area. Shirey was ambushed in his store, shot through a window at night.
Shirey was a spiritualist and member of the IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), Shirey had a spouse and child but did not claim them and left the majority of his extensive fortune to the spiritualist and IOOF, the Odd Fellows had the monument erected and an inscription reads it was dedicated in honor of their brother by the Minturn IOOF Lodge No. 257.
A person of interest was developed by Lawrence County Sheriff William Surridge by the name of Langston, the suspect was tracked down and expedited by the Lawrence County to face trial. Langston was acquitted of all charges.
Shirey’s family petitioned the court and disputed the will, IOOF accepted a reduced portion of his fortune with the remaining going to family.
Langston, the original suspect was later found to be corresponding with Shirey’s widow (who he did not claim), Langston was said to be in love with the young woman who was married Shirey at 14 or 16 years of age, Shirey was reported to be 69 years old at the time of their marriage.
