Murder of Albert Smith

Submitted by Donnie Pickard

Van Buren County Democrat, October 17, 1924

Albert Smith Killed at Community Dance

While acting as a peacemaker at a country dance was shot through the heart, dying instantly. Wife and three children survive.

Albert Smith, aged about 35, son of Mr. And Mrs. J. C. Smith of the Weaver Creek neighborhood, was killed at Miller, Cleburne county, Saturday night. John Chapman, aged 45, and his son, Dick, aged 18, were arrested and lodged in jail at Heber Springs charged with the offense. Until about four weeks ago Smith lived near Shirley, moving to the Shiloh neighborhood with his family to pick cotton. Last Saturday night he attended a dance at or near Miller, some two miles from his home.