In 1880 James 'Maidens', age 23, born VA was the head of a small family that lived in the Scotts District of Putnam County, West Virginia. His wife was S. J. 24 Ohio. Their only child at that time was Alonzo A. 2 months old. They were living with the Boroyle family. Four-year-old V. B. Tucker, a neice of Boroyle, also lived there. (Enumeration district 112, sheet 6, line 27, National Archives, Washington DC)

In 1900 a census taker recorded a 'Meadens' family. Head was shown as James R. Meadens born Feb 1856 VA to VA born parents. His wife was Josephine born Mar 1855 Ohio. They had six children living with them: Alonzo born April 1880; Della b June 1884; Lemuel born Jan 1888; Rosie Jan 1890, Norris Oct 1891 and Catie Oct 1894. All of these children were born in West Virginia. (Putnam Co, WV, enumeration district 26, sheet 5, line 4, National Archives, Washington DC).

In 1910 West Virginia Census, Putnam County, Scott's Precinct. James R. Meddings and his wife Louisa J. and six of their children living with them. One of them was 27 year old Mary, divorced, born in WV. Her married name, middle name or initial was not given. Age 27 in 1910 census equals 1882-1883 birth date. The other children included Alonzo A., Della F., Lemmul, Norris, and Katie.

In 1920, a Meddings family lived in Scott's District of Putnam County, West Virginia. Head of the family was James R. Meddings 64 born WV, father and mother in WV. He could read but not write. His wife was Josephine L. 64 born Ohio to Ohio born parents. She could read and write. Their son Alonzo A. 37 lived with them. (1920 Putnam Co, WV, Scott's District, Bill's Creek precinct, enumeration district 111, sheet 3, line 52, National Archives, Washington DC).

Birth date on tombstone does not agree with dates from census? He is buried in the Lawrence Cemetery, Scotts Depot, West Virginia

He may have also had the name Arthur and/or Ross as a given name.

LAWRENCE CEMETERY:
Located in Scott Depot behind Scott Depot Post Office.
Cataloged by Charles Ray Harper May 5, 1984.
Cemetery records show:
MEDDINGS Josiphine b 1856 d 1941 (name spelled per cem record)
MEDDINGS James b 1857 d 1936