Surnames: NUTTING SMITH

----Source: LOYAL TRIBUNE (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.) 02/13/1919

Smith, George J. (1878 - 1919)

Mrs. Will Nutting received news the last of last week of the death of her only brother, George, who died Jan. 31 at his home at Plaza, N. Dak., after a brief illness of influenza at the age of 41 years. He was born in Wisconsin, living at Neillsville and York, where he with his father conducted a general store for a few years. About sixteen years ago he went West and since that time has taken a prominent part in the public and political life of North Dakota. At the time of his death he was Editor of the Plaza Pioneer.

We clip the following from the Bismarck [N. Dak.] Tribune of February 1st.

"Geo. J. Smith was for many years one of the best known men in public life of North Dakota. He was an ardent supporter of LaFollette and helped carry North Dakota for the Wisconsin man in 1912. He built up a system of country weeklies and did much to promote the progress of the former Berthold reservation. He was an enthusiastic in everything he undertook, a good writer and an eloquent talker. In 1916 he was one of three to run for Governor of North Dakota, but was defeated. He had warm friends in every section of the Northwest who deeply regret his death coming at a time when he was in his prime."