We read here of the terrible Christmas Eve accident in which four young people were killed when a train struck their car at a foggy rail crossing. Funeral directors were commonly appointed administrators of the estates of people who died without wills, and Camillus L. Darden handled dozens, including Zollie Brockington‘s.

Brockington’s mother, Mary Sketters Brockington, filed claims for her son’s wrongful death claim and the destruction of her vehicle. In his final account to the court, Darden noted that he “was advised by Attorneys to accept settlement of $500.00 as the evidence in the case was very weak and there was probability that recovery was not very good.” After Darden’s funeral home was paid $310 for their services, and court costs and legal fees were paid, Mary Brockington received $116.25.

Wilson, North Carolina, Property Settlement Records 1942-1960, http://www.familysearch.org.