Death by Vaudeville

He only wanted the family he lost at the age of ten. His young bride wanted to be a star. So, when opportunity knocked, this young chauffeur took his wife out of Deadwood and headed for Los Angeles to make their dreams come true. Only after a few short months on the road Robert learned his wife Violet has turned her head toward a Vaudeville agent, who promised her fame, fortune, and expensive gifts, turning his dreams into a nightmare. This is not just a genealogist's tale, but the untold story of love, betrayal and murder of the vermin who would destroy everything. Now, a.k.a. Zane R. Southern has to fight not only for his wife, but also for his life. However, facing the gallows doesn't seem as hard as the thought of losing her. This story is based on the real life of Robert Lawrence Victor Smith, and the events that led to his journey back from the end of the world. 

-- Frances White