SMITH, William P.

Arizona Daily Journal Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory Sunday, June 10, 1906 Tragic Death of W. P. Smith Is Instantly Killed At His Fruit Ranch At Skull Valley By The Accidental Discharge of a Rifle Which He Was Pulling Towards Him The remains will be taken to the city today on the early morning train, and the announcement of the funeral will be made later. ----------------------- The Prescott Morning Courier, Prescott, Arizona Territory Monday, June 11, 1906, page 2, column 2 Saturday morning last the dead body of William P. Smith was found in his house near Skull valley station. The right side of his head was torn away by a bullet which had evidently been accidentally discharged from a gun which surroundings indicated that he had seized in a hurry, probably to shoot a hawk or a prowling coyote. His death was instantaneous. He was about 70 years of age. He had resided in this section for over a quarter of a century and was a native of Missouri. He had charge of the J. I. Gardner fruit ranch, in which he was interested. He was Mr. Gardner's uncle. A coroner's jury which went out from Prescott brought in a verdict in accordance with the facts. The deceased was, in all respects, a good citizen and a worthy man, and his untimely death is a matter of general regret. The remains were brought to Prescott and the funeral took place in this city yesterday. --------------------- Transcriber's note: Mr. Smith is buried at the Citizens Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona.