Obituaries of Archie Bryon SMITH
The Prestonian newspaper June 16, 1921
Tragic Death of A.B. Smith
The tragic death of A.B. Smith took place at the farm of Travis Stewart near Brantford on Monday when he was accidentally shot by a bullet from a high powered rifle in the hands of his brother-in-law, Mr. O.B. Ellis.
The two men, who were experienced hunters, left Preston during the morning for a day's ground hog shooting and on their arrival, Smith, unknown to his companion, had gone to the north end of an open pasture and was sitting in a hollow. Ellis wearying of the ground hog chase, saw a rabbit and set out in pursuit. The rabbit sprang past the dale in which Smith was resting and Ellis mistook the brown cap of his companion for the rabbit. He fired from a distance and the bullet tore its way through Smith's brain, death being instantaneous.
Ellis is heartbroken over his act. He immediately notified near-by farmers. Mrs. Smith, at the time, was visiting relatives at Kincardine. Deceased was a former resident of Galt having lived there until his marriage a few years ago. For several years he was foreman of the moulding shop of Cowan & Co. On his marriage to the widow of the late Josh. Wayper of Hespeler, deceased for a time ran the Queen's Hotel in that place and on selling the property moved to Preston.
The funeral took place this (Thursday) afternoon at 2:30 from his late residence, Main Street, to the Galt cemetery.
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Galt Daily Reporter June 14, 1921 p.6PRESTONIAN IS INSTANTLY KILLED
A.B. Smith victim of fatal shooting on Brant County farm.
Archie B. Smith, a well known citizen, was accidentally killed by his brother-in-law, O.B. Ellis, while hunting on a small cattle ranch owned by Travers Stewart, near Apps Mills, late yesterday afternoon. Word of the accident reached town late in the evening but did not get around until this morning.
Travers Stewart, on whose farm the sad affair occurred, is a brother-in-law of Ellis. The two hunters left Preston about nine o'clock Monday morning for an afternoon's shoot, travelling by automobile, Mr. Smith driving his own car. On arriving at their destination and following the mid-day meal, they left for the swamp in search of ground hogs. Both hunters were exceptionally good marksmen and were experienced at the sport.
How the accident happened.
Smith, unknown to his companion, had proceeded to the north end of an open pasture field and was sitting in a hollow. Ellis, growing tired of the ground hog chase, discovered a rabbit and set out in pursuit. The rabbit sprang past the dale in which Smith was resting and Ellis mistook the brown cap of his companion for the rabbit. He fired from a distance and the bullet tore its way through Smith's brain, death being instantaneous. Ellis is heartbroken over the act. He immediately notified nearby farmers and the county police, who hurried to the scene. The remains were removed to Brantford. Mrs. Smith, who was on a holiday trip to relatives in Kincardine, was immediately notified of the accident and it was learned this morning that she had left for Brantford.
The late Mr. Smith had only been a resident of Preston a few months, having purchased the Erb property on Main street, situated north of the Grand River Railway power house. The deceased prior to his removal to Preston owned and managed the Queen's Hotel at Hespeler, which he lately sold to Hespeler capitalists.
Deceased was a great hunter and was an excellent shot and was the winner of many prizes for his marksmanship. He made trips to the north for deer for many years and always obtained his allotment. He was of a quiet disposition but had many friends who sympathize with his widow in this her sad hour. Up till noon today it could not be learned as to when the funeral will be held.