William Francis Smithson, a 31-year-old deputy sheriff in Daggett, California, met a tragic end on October 19, 1907. Smithson, who was also the town's constable and a railroad officer, was well-known and respected in the community. On the day of his death, he was called to assist with a dispute at the American Borax Company Plant. The plant's foreman, Newton Millett, had been assaulted by an employee named Ed Silver over a pay dispute. Millett sought Smithson's help to arrest Silver.
Smithson, accompanied by his assistant John Williams, located Silver near Millett's house. As Smithson approached Silver to question him, Silver suddenly drew a revolver and shot Smithson five times in the chest, stomach, and shoulder. Despite his injuries, Smithson managed to return fire before collapsing. Williams also engaged Silver in a gunfight, but Silver managed to escape into the desert after being shot in the leg. Smithson was taken to a local billiard hall where he succumbed to his wounds the following morning.
A large posse was organized to search for Silver, who was eventually apprehended. He was convicted of Smithson's murder and initially sentenced to death. However, the governor later commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. Silver died in San Quentin State Prison in 1912 from acute peritonitis. Smithson's death was a significant loss to the Daggett community, and he was survived by his wife and daughter. His service and sacrifice are remembered and honored by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
