"The Beacon Newspaper, St. Andrews, 28 April 1892"

There was a question as to the death of a child living with Henry Daniel Vail named 'Otis Smith'. The child died mysteriously at their home and was buried within 3 hours. When questioned about the death, the Vails claimed the child died of Black fever, however, when the body was exhumed, the child was found to have an injury on the right side of the head. The case was reported to the authorities for investigation.


The Times Newspaper, Moncton, May 21, 1892

A blow on the head with an axe, it has transpired, has been the cause of death of a young boy named Otis Smith near the Washedamoak (Queens Co.) several days ago. The boy lived with his father and mother and some time ago died. Black diptheria was given out as the cause of death and as there had been several cases of that disease in the vicinity about that time the event did not occasionany comment. Fearful of the dread disease, people had kept from the house where the death occurred and the remains had gone to the grave unattended. Later, however, suspicion pointed in another way and the body was exhumed and a post mortem examination held. The revelations of the post mortem were startling and revealed the fact that a blow had been administered on the head which resulted fatally. No signs of black diptheria were apparent and the matter was placed in the hands of the law. Detective Ring was selected to follow up the case. His task was a difficult one as secrecy had been observed by the parents in the burial and they would give no information concerning the death of thier son. In some way the detective learned that a young member of the Smith family was in a demented state of mind. There was a clue in this fact the detective thought and following it up eventually he discovered that the demented boy had dealt the fatal blow. The parents finally admitted to this and said they had proclaimed death by black diptheria to shield their crazed son. Detective Ring has given all information concerning the matter to Solicitor General Pugsley and he will present it to the Attorney General. The young murderer has not been arrested, but it is not known what steps will be taken by the Crown.


The Daily Sun Newspaper, Saint John, May 23, 1892

Cambridge (Queens Co.) May 20 - The mystery that for some time past surrounded the death of the boy Otis Smith has been cleared up, and it now transpires that instead of dying from diphtheria, he was killed by an insane son of the VAIL family with whom he was living. Persons coming near the Vail house on 26th of February were warned by the occupants to keep at a distance, as black diphtheriain its worst form had carried off the boy Smith and two more of their own family were dangerously ill with the disease. The boy;s body was taken to one of the out buildings, while a coffin was put on and the body was buried one hour after death. The physician called in could see no symptoms of diphtheria or any other disease. This caused suspicion and J. DeVeber NEALES, barrister of Gagetown, who is clerk of the peace for Queens Co., was the recipient of many letters from residents of the parish asking for an investigation of the case. Mr. Neales caused an inquiry to be held before Coroner F.J. Purdy. Five of the Vail family testified, and although their eveidence did not agree in every point there was nothing of importance found out. The body was disinterred and Dr. M.C. Macdonald thoroughly examined it. It was found to be in perfect sound condition. There were certain marks about the face and head, but he could not swear that they were sufficient to cause death. But as the case looked suspicious it was laid before Attorney General Blair. This was quite well along in April. Nothing more was heard of it until Detective Ring appeared upon the scene and by promises, threats and the like got from the Vails the whole story of the death. On the 25th of February the boy received his death blow by the axe in the hands of one of their own children, who is foolish. He was struck back of the ear and died the next day. The family wishing to have the matter hushed up, reported diphtheria and thought that would be the end of it. No arrests have yet been made.