A Diamond in the Rough

 An individual frequently mentioned in the Philipsburg Mail and in regards to the American Gem Mining Syndicate was Dan Smith. Numerous documents sent from St. Louis to Dan Smith and Smith responding back are in the Montana Historical Society Archives.

The June 25, 1926, Mail reported that Dan Smith was electrocuted at Algonquin Mine. “Dan Smith, a resident of Philipsburg since 1887, was instantly killed Tuesday morning about 9:30 o’clock when his head accidentally came in contact with two electric wires carrying 2300 volts, while moving the transformers from the Algonquin mine. He was standing on top of the transformer, which had been cut loose, adjusting a chain over the arm of a pole to hang a chain block, as it was necessary to move the transformer about four feet to get it on the wagon to carry it away. George Bell, a teamster and only actual witness of the accident, had just got down from the transformer to get a board to run the transformer to the wagon. Glancing up he saw Mr. Smith crumple and jumped to save him from falling. In catching him Mr. Bell was also given a slight shock, but was not hurt. The victim was burned quite badly on the right ear and left side of the neck. He fell from the transformer to the ground, striking his head and cutting a deep gash, but the electric shock had already killed him. Coroner J.J. Carmichael and Dr W.I. Power were called, but nothing could be done. and the coroners jury returned a verdict that death was due to accidentally coming into contact with live wires carrying a current of 2300 volts through the sub-station of the Algonquin Mine to the Trout Mine. That the deceased, in attempting to adjust a block and tackle to move a transformer came in contact with two live wires and was instantly killed by such contact. ‘We further find that no person connected with the management of the Algonquin or the Trout Mine were in any manner to blame for the accident’ " 

The Smith family moved to Philipsburg around 1887, from Minnesota, when Dan was about thirteen years of age. He attended the schools in Philipsburg and was very active in the community. He was involved from the inception with the Philipsburg Fire Brigade and served in numerous positions of management for the group. Dan was a member of the Philipsburg City Council until the term prior to his death, when he moved outside the city limits to the Bi-Metallic. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Public School Board, foreman for the Philipsburg Mining Company, The American Gem Mining Syndicate and of other interests connected with the old Bi-Metallic company. Prior to this position he was employed in the capacity of foreman for the Hope Mining company. Dan was a member of the Woodsmen of the World and the Anaconda B.P.O.E No. 239. Robert McBride of Anaconda acted in the role of exalted ruler of the Elk’s, for the services conducted at Dan’s home. Pallbearers were: John J. Orr, Ralph L. McLeod, S.E. McClees, Allan McKenzie, Walter Kroger, and Dr. W.I. Power. “Philipsburg friends of the family will remember that his brother, Eugene Smith, met his death, in much the same manner as the deceased, about 12 years ago in Anaconda. Surviving him are his step-mother: Mrs. Kate Smith; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Thompson; a brother-in-law, Henry A. Kroger… and many nieces and nephews. The fire truck loaded with flowers followed by the Brigade, led the procession from the house. The Woodsmen of the World, of which he was a member, came next in the procession. An Eulogy in the July 2, 1926 Mail stated “He was a man, a diamond in the rough.”