Finds father dead in car: monoxide poisoning fatal to B. B. Smith

Byron B. Smith, one of the best known residents of the village was found dead at the wheel of his automobile early Tuesday morning several hours after he had driven the machine into the garage at the rear of his home at 1130 Ashland avenue. Death was thought to have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, but physicians also adanced [sic] the theory that Mr. Smith may have suffered a fatal attack of heart disease. A postponed coroner's inquest is to be held Tuesday of next week.

Mr. Smith was found by his son Byron, jr, at about 2:35 o'clock Tuesday morning as police, notified of his absence from the home after an evening spent at the Ouilmette Country club, were conducting a village-wide search.

He was last seen alive by L. C. Pelott, 1132 Ashland avenue, who had accompanied Mr. Smith home from the Country club shortly after 11 'clock Monday evening and after alighting observed the latter driving toward the garage. It was upon Mr. Pellott's suggestion that an investigation was made in the garage.

The theory that Mr. Smith had been a victim of monoxide poisoning was apparently substantiated by the fact that the engine of the car was still running after the garage doors had been closed. Mr. Smith, however, had not been in the best of health, it was stated, and it is feared he may have suffered a fatal heart attack. Funeral services were held Thursday. February 28, at the First Congregational church and burial was at Mount Greenwood.

Mr. Smith was a graduate of the University of Chicago, class of 1899, in which year he was captain of the track team which. won the western championship. His mark of 4:33 in the mile run stood for years as a western collegiate record. He was associated with the United States Fidelity and Guarantee company, 105 West Monroe street, Chicago, and is survived by his widow and two sons, Byron, Jr., and Paul.