J. L. Smith, a young brakeman 23 years of age, was instantly killed at Ray at 11 o'clock Friday night by being crushed between the beams of two cars. The engine had been switching and was backing to the train when the young man was caught. He was caught in the abdominal cavity and disemboweled. His left leg was also cut off near the hip. The unfortunate young man came from Sweet Springs, Mo., a few years ago, and leaves three brothers in this part of the state, two of whom, Hiram and Walter, are brakemen. Another brother formerly conducted a general merchandise business at Granville.

Ward County Independent, 7/12/1905