Later news concerning the death of Mr. Milton Smitha, which occurred at The Plains, Va., last Wednesday, states that young Smitha came to his death by poisoning. The first message stated that he was sick only about 30 minutes before he passed away.
A post mortem examination, however, showed strychnine to have caused his death. Investigation, according to members of the family, revealed the fact that he purchased some strychnine two days before his death, presumably for an acquaintance with whom he was riding on the day of his death. Whether he came to his death through foul play or by his own hands will probably never be known.
The body was brought here [Smithfield], and a funeral conducted Friday afternoon at the Baptist church after which interment was made in the city cemetery. Rev. S.L. Morgan, pastor of the Baptist church, assisted by Rev. Chester Alexander, pastor of the Presbyterian church, conducted the service. Mrs. W.T. Dart and Rev. S.L. Morgan sang as a duet “Some Day We’ll Understand.” The pallbearers were: Messrs. George Raghsdale, Jesse Coats, Burlon Jones, Leland Parrish, W.M. Gaskin and Carlton Stephenson.
The deceased was the only son of Mrs. Bertie Smitha, and a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Smitha, of this city. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Charles Beasley of Lumberton.
From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, April 20, 1926
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073982/1926-04-20/ed-1/seq-1/
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