EARLY SETTLER OF BLAIR DIED WEDNESDAY

Edward Smith, Resident of Blair Since 1883 Dies At Age of 81

Edward Smith, 81 years of age, died at the Court View hospital Wednesday afternoon, March 8th, following a lingering illness due to old age.

Deceased was born in Enniskillen, Ireland January 4, 1858, and came with his parents to America in 1879, locating at Burlington, Iowa. In 1883 he came to Blair to join his brother, James R. who was established in the implement and blacksmith business here at that time.

For forty years they conducted the business, retiring on account of age. Deceased was never married and made his home with his brother until the death of both James R. and his wife, and then with his niece, Mrs. R. W. Laing.

The firm of Smith Brothers was in its time as well known over the county as any firm ever established in Blair, and the word of Smith Brothers with their clientele was never doubted. Always careful in their dealings, they were respected by all.

Deceased was a member of the I.O.O.F. and also of the Rebekah lodges and the funeral rites, which will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the Bendorf Funeral Home, will be under the auspices of the former order.

The survivors are one sister, Mrs. Burt Hood of Burlington, Iowa and three nephews and three nieces, two of whom, Mrs. R. W. Laing and Grover Smith, are known to Blair residents.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

FindaGrave # 117287470