November 7, 1908
CHINAMAN SMUGGLED IN
MEETS MYSTERIOUS DEATH.
Found Along Railroad Tracks Near
Birmingham, He May Have
Been Thrown From Train.
The body of a Chinaman, decomposed almost beyond recognition and clothed in American costume and the Oriental accouterments, was found along the railroad tracks at Birmingham early yesterday morning. From all the evidence obtainable it is believed that the Chinaman met with foul play en route to Chicago. The fact that no bones were broken lends evidence to the belief that he may have been murdered and thrown from a passing train, although there are no marks of violence on his body.
Workmen found the body early yesterday morning and immediately placed it on a train and sent it to Liberty, where it is in the possession of Sharp Bros., undertakers, pending an inquest this morning.
From all appearances the man had been dead two or three days when found in a secluded spot along the railroad tracks. When the body was searched at Liberty yesterday morning letters were found in his pocket which indicated his name, also his destination and the point from which he traveled.
Wong Chee Tock is his name. The address of the Quong On Lung Company, 317 South Clark street, Chicago, is given on a letter head which was found in his pocket, also the address of a firm or company in Juarez, Mexico.
An altogether probable theory is that Wong Chee Tock was en route to Chicago, having been smuggled into this country over the Mexican line, and that he fell under the displeasure of some of his countrymen.
Labels: Birmingham, death, immigrants, Liberty, Mexico, railroad
