R.F. Smith
Richard F. Smith the was the head of the Fallon County Council of Defense, born in 1873 in Minnesota. Smith married Nellie Smith and had four kids. While living in Baker he was a successful cashier at the Bank of Baker. The County Council of Defense Committees were created under the Montana Council of Defense in 1916. Each county council was comprised of three men appointed by the Governor and the State Council. The council was responsible for appointing Smith as chairman of this committee from 1917-1918. The County of Defense was created to manage counties, money, and livestock. They had the same powers as the State Council of Defense. A farmer, named John E. Withee asked the State Council of Defense for assistance in purchasing seed. The state had no money to disburse to this farmer so they directed the letter to the attention to the local county of defense. Richard Smith responded by investigating the farmer and stating “he has no machinery, or, he isn’t living on his land, and we therefore consider him a hopeless case.”
Credits: Brennan Graham, Cristyl Green and Konner Flint
Citations:
“Patriots Gone Berserk: The Montana Council of Defense 1917-1918.” Montana Magazine, digital ed., Sept. 2001, p. 78-85.
Citations:
“Patriots Gone Berserk: The Montana Council of Defense 1917-1918.” Montana Magazine, digital ed., Sept. 2001, p. 78-85.