SUDDEN DEATH OF AN ENTIRE FAMILY
The Wilmington (N. C.) Journal, of Saturday, says:
From a gentleman who arrived here yesterday we learn that an entire family in Faison's Township, Duplin county, died very recently, and under such peculiar circumstances that the neighbors have suspected foul play, and have therefore taken measure to have the matter thoroughly investigated. On the evening of the 6th instant, Mr. Exum Morris, the father of the family, was taken suddenly very ill with burning pains across his stomach. He rapidly grew worse and expired the next day.
On the 9th, Mrs. Macinne Morris, his wife, aged 40, also died, having suffered in a similar manner. On the 11th, a child named Ruth, daughter of the above, and aged only 8 months, was taken ill and died, and on the 13th, Charles, son to the above couple, aged 4 years also died.
There were natural grounds for suspicion, and the stomachs of the two children were taken out and were yesterday brought to this city and given in charge of Dr. D. M. Buie, for the purpose of making an analysis of their contents.
Mr. Exum was an old and highly respected citizen of Duplin county, and the sudden decease of himself and family has cast a deep gloom over the surrounding section. The neighbors, in general, believe that the entire family were poisoned, and there are strong suspicions, we understand, of those who committed the horrible deed.
Source: Georgia Weekly Telegraph & Messenger, September 26, 1871, page 4.