SMITH – WHITE SHOOTING

Crowley Signal September 7, 1901

At 5 o’clock Tuesday afternoon Wm. “Speedy” Smith met Andrew White, quarreled with him, then shot him in the neck.

Some previous time to this the two negroes had quarreled and “Speedy” claims that White threatened to whip him.  Andrew White went to Estherwood yesterday to do some work, and on returning was met on the railroad about ¼ mile this side of the Roller Canal by “Speedy” who claimed to White that he (White) had threatened to whip him. “Speedy” proceeded to push things along by hitting White on the head with a large chunk of gravel and when White attempted to protect himself “Speedy” drew and shot him in the neck.

The ball struck White in the neck just below the left jaw and ranged around to the right side and lodged just back of the wind pipe.  Dr. Ellis attended him and says that while the wound has not proved fatal it is serious and may cause his death at any time.  After the shooting “Speedy” went to Coontown, Officer Jimmy Lyons captured him in front of Spawn’s saloon.  When “Speedy” saw Officer Lyons he laid his coat and revolver down and gave himself up.

Andrew White is a brick mason and a hard-working man, and considered very peaceable.  “Speed” Smith has earned his name, and has figured quite often in the mayor’s court.