SMITH, Andrew

PROMINENT FARMER

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Dragged to Death and Crushed
Under Field Roller.

A terrible and fatal accident occurred this morning between ten and eleven o’clock when Andrew Smith, one of the wealthiest men in Johnson county was killed.

This morning Mr. Smith was engaged in rolling a small field near his home that had been plowed for potatoes. Hitched to the roller upon which Mr. Smith was seated was a young team that on Monday had run away. They were restive, but Mr. Smith felt he could control them. From some cause the team frightened and dashed across the field, running into a fence and breaking the tongue. The collision with the fence threw Mr. Smith forward and he fell in front of the roller which crushed him to such an extent that when those who heard his cries to control the team arrived and removed the roller they found him dead.

Deceased was the largest taxpayer in White River township, paying $593 on a valuation of $35,700. He had in his name 525 acres of fine land.

He was about sixty-nine years of age and was a man highly esteemed. His wife died several years ago and he is survived by three sons, Edward, Alva, and George and two daughters, Emma and Anna, who lived with him. He leaves two brothers, Henry and William and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Burgess, Mrs. Tracy Stewart and Mrs. Kate Glenn. He was a member of the Masonic order.

His tragic death has caused a shock wherever he was known.

Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry

The Franklin Democrat, Friday, May 24, 1912

TRAGIC DEATH OF ANDREW SMITH
OF WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP

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Killed by Roller Running Over and Crushing Him.

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A shocking accident occurred Tuesday morning between ten and eleven o’clock, when Andrew Smith of White River township, had his life suddenly crushed out. He was driving a young and spirited team to a roller on a piece of ground plowed for potatoes. The team scared at something not known and started to run. The horses plunged into a fence and Mr. Smith was hurled in front of the roller which caught him under its weight and remained over him until persons came to remove the roller, when it was found that he was dead.

The team had run away the day before, but Mr. Smith, who all his life had been char­acterized by grit and determination; did not hesitate to think he could manage the team, and so went to work in charge himself the next day.

His sudden and tragic death came as a shock to the community, and caused profound sorrow among his wide circle of friends and ac­quaintances.

Mr. Smith was 69 years of age. He was the largest land owner in White River township, having nearly 600 acres of fine land, all of which had been accumulated through years of industry and frugality. He was a good citizen and in his death the township and county sustains a distinct loss. He is survived by three sons and two daughters, Edward, Alva and George, and Misses Emma and Anna Smith, who were at home with their father. He leaves besides, two brothers, Henry and William Smith, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Burgess, Mrs. Tressie Stewart and Mrs. Kate Glenn.

Funeral services were held yesterday morning at 9 o’clock from the residence. Burial at Salem cemetery.

Submitted by Lois Johnson

The Franklin Democrat, Friday, May 24, 1912,
page 6 column 1

NEWS OF THE COUNTY.

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GREENWOOD

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Many expressions of sorrow and regret are heard here about the untimely tragic death of Uncle Andy Smith last Tuesday.

The Franklin Democrat, Friday, May 31, 1912,
page 1 column 5

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IN MEMORY.

Again the death angel has entered our community and claimed a dear father.

Andrew Smith, son of Joseph and Dora Smith, was born in Germany, in February, 1845, and was called to his eternal rest, May 21, 1912, aged 67 years and four months.

He, at the age of six years, with his parents, a brother, Henry, and two sisters, Bettie and Tracy, came to America and settled in White River township, Johnson county, and with the exception of about three years spent in Green county, Indiana, he has always lived in this township.

He was married in November 1869, to Melissa Cagley, she having preceded him to the great beyond, about nine years ago.

To this union were born five children, two daughters, Emma and Anna and three sons, Edgar, Alvie and George, all of whom survive him.

He was christened in the Catholic church in Germany in infancy. He was never partial to any church den­omination, but has always upheld all Christian views.

He has lived an honest and upright life in all his dealings, which has won the confidence and love of his many friends.

He has been a faithful member of the Masonic lodge for many years, having his membership in the Providence lodge at the time of his death.

Link to Andrew Smith’s grave

Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry