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Hi
Well, I have to say that I have not checked Genforum for responses to my query - regarding the death of my great uncle's first wife; Maye Cockrum Smith.
What a surprise to see the exchanges that my post generated! I enjoyed reading each and every one of them. I have tried to respond privated to a few of you - but, your email addresses are not posted. So, if anyone would like to reach me, please feel free to email me at:
knowmoore11@cox.net
I live in two different states and in one, I do not have a laptop. So, if I do not get back with you promptly, please be patient - as I will.
My great uncle; William "Cherokee Bill" Smith was indeed first married to Maye Cockrum - one in the 1917 double murder case that you all have been discussing. After the First World War, Bill never returned to Arkansas - Smith family descendants of ours tell me. He was severely wounded in France; with a massive head wound and spent nearly two years following his service in the Ft. McHenry Military Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. I did find him there, listed as a patient in the 1920 census.
Bill did eventually remarry to a woman named Ann and had a daughter named Catherine and a son; Frances. The son also died tragically; while still a child.
So, the story of Bill Smith is still an ongoing mystery for me - I have yet to find his family, but I do keep trying. My older sister; Rhetta did meet him once, circa 1956 - when I was an infant - and she told of his quiet nature and still handsome looks, despite the scars that he still carried from his War wound.
I have been sent a photograph of Maye Cockrum, newly married and with her groom in uniform; my uncle Bill Smith. Theirs are smiles of new found love. Unbelievable that the two of them did not know or realize where life would take them; just a few, short months later.
William Smith and Maye Cockrum were married in Stone Co., Arkansas on October 18, 1916. By November 30, 1917, she and their unborn child were murdered and as you all have read in Ms. Boyette's wonderful manuscript - Ira Wilbur walked for the horrendous crimes that he committed.
I was contacted by Wilbur descendants and learned more about Ira and his subsequent second marriage and second family. It was an interesting exchange with very nice folks.
Again, glad to see that my post was successful and I hope to hear from any of you, at my email address.
Best wishes,
Bernie Moore-Knowles
Papa'aloa, Hawai'i
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