Princeton, July 25—An attempt was made to burn the home of Zeb Johnson Thursday night, the 23rd. Old sacks and rags were piled up in one corner of the middle room, and a blanket was hung over the only window so that the light from the fire could not be seen from the street. The old rags burned so slowly that it was some time before the blaze actually burst on the outside. Three young women and one man were seen at the house about 10:30 and the alarm of fire was given about 1 o’clock. The fire was first seen by two young men who came into town from Wilmington at 1 o’clock at night.
In a few minutes, a number of citizens were at the house and the fire was extinguished. It was noticed that all the bed clothing was gone, the trunks and bureau drawers were all empty, and it happened that all things of value had been removed from the house and then the house set on fire to cover up the deed.
It has been reported that there was no insurance on the furniture or on the building.
Zeb Johnson and family were away from home on the night of the fire.
From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday, July 28, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073982/1925-07-28/ed-1/seq-1/
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