ARIZARD-L Archives

Archiver > ARIZARD > 2002-08 > 1029774638


From: "Bernie Moore-Knowles" <>
Subject: Re: [ARIZARD-L] 1919 Cockrum and Smith murder, Ira Wilbur? - Vera, Bill or Peggy?
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 09:30:42 -0700
References: <004b01c24745$e9556b00$6401a8c0@D388LL11> <000501c24790$d36e9e60$0b00a8c0@vera> <001501c24790$07cfb230$6401a8c0@D388LL11> <001701c247a1$b6687140$0b00a8c0@vera>


Vera

I have been combing what records that I have looking for Cockrums and can't
come up with who Doc Cockrum might be. But the nickname of Doc, I have never
been able to figure out. It has applied to just about every given name
imaginable. It sounds to me like the women may have been killed for
something avenged for the acts of Doc Cockrum or Bill Smith.

So far in the Smith family I have uncovered a hooker, an bank robber and a
moonshiner. This could be a great story, you know it?

I was told that Bill Smith never came back to live in Arkansas BECAUSE of
the death of his wife. Now, that sound to me like he feared for his life,
too? And your right, he may have thrown cares to the bullets, when in
combat. If you would see the picture of him with the nurse, he literally
looks like a child and with such a horrible wound. Such boyish features
even though he was twenty years old?

But, judging from the article it appears that Ellen Cockrum accepted her
fate and daughter; Ellen Cockrum Smith ran for her life, doesn't it?

Bill Smith's father' Tom was a moonshiner...........but, with the article
saying that Doc Cockrum left the county years ago - the culprit sure looks
like it could be the past dealings of Doc Cockrum to me that was the cause
of the women's deaths.

The article didn't mention an assault and you know that they didn't have two
dimes to rub together so I doubt it was robbery.

I'm looking for information on this scoundrel; Ira Wilbur, too. Two trials?
Why two trials?

I have not found Bill Smith's military records. But, brother Lewis' sons
have EIGHT Bronze Stars between them. Eight. Count them. I read where
they are given for bravery in combat. As anti-War as I am, I still have to
be awe of such brave acts, truly.

I had an uncle; mother's sister' Hazel? Her last husband - Earl Roberts.
Full blood. He was stationed in Germany and he and another soldier were
captured and imprisoned in a German POW Camp. For how long I do not know
but he and this other soldier made a heroic escape by killing guards and
traveling by night for weeks to get out of enemy territory. I recall it
being quite a story. But, like all veterans............the story never came
from Earl himself.

Vera, thank you for everything. I think I'd like to book a flight? How far
is Little Rock from you?





Bernie Moore-Knowles
Phoenix, Arizona

"I have Indian blood in me. I have just enough White blood for you to
question my honesty." ........Will Rogers

----- Original Message -----
From: "Vera Reeves" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2002 9:58 AM
Subject: [ARIZARD-L] 1919 Smith murder


> Did every stop to think maybe the reason Bill had such a head wound was
> because of the murder of his wife. Maybe he took chances that he might not
> have other wise. How many Bronze Stars did you say he had? I don't know
what
> they were given for.
>
> > How in the world did you find this article?
>
> I have to tell you the truth.
>
> This was in the Burnt School House Cemetery notebook that Max put
together.
> Once I realized it was in that neck of the woods I just checked that
> notebook.
>
> Wonder what Ellen's maiden was. I've been trying to find out. She may be
kin
> to some of your others over in those woods. No marriage for Cockrum to an
> Ellen in Baxter, Marion, Izard, Searcy or Stone Counties.
>
> William Smith 22
> m. Oct 18, 1916 Stone County
> May Cochran 18
> both from Baxter County
>
>
> What happen to Doc Cockrum ? ?
>
> Vera
>
>
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