Earl Smith, who lived over in Dexterville and was traveling over the county selling stock food, was thrown from his wagon early Tuesday morning and instantly killed out near the Frank Warrick place. It seems that Mr. Smith had stopped at the Warrick place, and in endeavoring to turn around with the team turned too short, tipping the wagon enough to throw him to the ground and lighting in such a manner that his neck was broken. Coroner Pierce was notified and the body was brought to Blair. As near as we can learn, the unfortunate fellow was a man of good habits and industrious and leaves a wife and four children. He was a member of the M.W.A. and carried $2,000 insurance. The funeral was held this morning at 10 o’clock.

#2-23 May, 1907 - Blair Democrat - Earl Z. Smith

Earl Z. Smith was born in DeDonough County, Illinois July 10, 1877, and died May 14, 1907. In 1895 he was married at Columbus, Neb. to Sylvia Wilsey, who with four children (three girls and one boy) are left to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father. The deceased came to Blair, Neb. about two years ago as agent for Rawleighs Remedies, and in that capacity had built up a good business and made a host of friends throughout the county. He bade good bye to his family Monday morning, May 13, taking the Spiker route northwest of Blair, expecting to return Thursday. On Tuesday morning about 9 o’clock as he was leaving the farm residence of Mr. Frank Warrick, 7 miles northwest o Blair, his wagon was overturned in turning around, throwing him out and crushing his skull at the base of the brain. He lived but a few moments, never regaining consciousness. Although he lived but a short time in this vicinity, his upright character, honest dealings and pleasant disposition made a friend of every man, woman and child who met him, and all mourn with his family the loss of such a good man. His home life was one of perfect happiness, an unexcelled example to devotion. Relatives who came to attend the funeral are: Mrs. and Mrs. Smith, his parents from Lindal, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Meahan, his sister and husband, also Mr. Clark a brother-in-law from Creston, Nebr.; also Mrs. Hargrafen of Ute, Iowa; Mrs. Ogan and Mr. Wilsey of Sioux City, Iowa; mother, sister and brother of Mrs. Smith, all of whom were grief-stricken because of the sudden death. He was a member of the M.W.A., under whose auspices the funeral was held Thursday at 10 o’clock; he was also a member of the drill team. The sorrowing family have the sympathy of the entire community. Find a Grave Memorial #117259860