William Smith, a 42-year-old Caucasian male, had only been in his elected position as Sheriff of Greene County for a little over a month before his untimely death on Friday, October 9, 1908. On that fateful Thursday morning, while in the courthouse, Smith was in the process of opening a box of cuspidors. His unholstered revolver, which had been in his coat pocket, fell out and struck the floor.
The impact caused the firearm to discharge, and the single shot entered his left breast, passing through his body.
Despite the grave injury, Smith was able to walk into the Trustee's office and sit down. Physicians were quickly called to the scene, and a cot was brought for him. However, it was soon apparent to the medical professionals that the wound was mortal and beyond their aid. His family was notified of the accident, and his wife was able to be by his bedside.
Later that afternoon, Sheriff Smith was moved to the residence of Richard Hall on Summer Street in Greenville. It was there that he succumbed to his injury at 5 a.m. the following day. His body was then taken to his home in Ottway, and the funeral was held on Saturday morning. The services were conducted by Rev. W.A. Brown under the auspices of the Odd Fellows. The funeral was attended by approximately 1,500 people, a testament to the high esteem in which he was held by the community in his short time as sheriff. William Smith was survived by his wife, Molly Harrison Smith, and their eight children. His death was officially recorded as an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound, and as such, there were no arrests or suspects involved.
