Mildred Pearl Ferguson, age 23, of Narrows, West Virginia, died in Huntington, West Virginia on February 25, 1948 from abortion complications.

After a four-day trial and only 23 minutes of jury deliberation, Dr. William M. Lewis, age 61, was convicted of second degree murder. His assistant, 29-year-old Julia Darling, was charged with falsely swearing on an affidavit, illegally administering anesthetic, and murder by abortion.

Spouse: Father Charles
Mother: Ella Smith

Sources:

• “Abortion Death Convicts M. D.,” Binghamton (NY) Press & Sun-Bulletin, Jul. 10, 1948
• “Death of Patient Brings About Doctor’s Conviction,” Norwich (NY) Sun, Jul. 10, 1948
• West Virginia Deaths Index, 1853-1973