W. Marvin Smith
W. Marvin Smith (August 16, 1895 - October 20, 1948) was a Department of Justice employee who died suspiciously in 1948 during the Alger Hiss investigation. Smith died by falling down a circular staircase within the Department during the workday.
Background
Smith was born in 1895 to Walter R. and Talitha E. Smith. Walter was the poundmaster of the District Health Department when he died in 1936.[1]
Smith worked in the Office of Solicitor General. He had worked for DOJ for 30 years.
Connection to the Hiss Case
Smith had notarized the transfer of Hiss' Ford Roadster from Whittaker Chambers to the Cherner Motor Company. The Cherner Motor Company then later that day sold the car to "William Rosen." Hiss and Smith had worked together at the Department of Justice from 1935-1936 when Hiss worked in the Office of the Solicitor General. Smith was a Notary Public.
Death
Smith died on October 20, 1948, landing at the bottom of the southwest stairwell in the building. Officials said it seemed as though he started falling from the fifth floor. DOJ officials told the media his death was due to personal issues and his death had nothing to do with the case. He was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Prince George's County Maryland.[2] He was survived by a wife Inez and daughter Jeanne.
References
- ↑ "Poundmaster Smith Dies in Hospital," Times Herald, May 15, 1936, p. 26| https://www.newspapers.com/image/1043607371/?match=1&article=8939f98f-a0d8-44ff-877c-72ee6617a4fe
- ↑ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72326105/w_marvin_smith
