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J.
W. Smail
by J.A.V. David
(Duke to his wife and close friends, as the W. stood for Wellington).
A history of Killarney would not be complete without a story of this
picturesque citizen.
Coming here in the very early 1880’s, he had studied law, and though
not a practising lawyer, he for many years did carry on as one.
First homesteaded the S.W. quarter of 28-3-17, and I have heard it said
he got his patent with the least effort ever put out by a homesteader.
He married Ruth Burns, a very pretty girl of good English parents, also
very early settlers, quite out of place on the Manitoba prairie.
They had three children, Mona, Irene and Goldwyn.
Even before finishing his homestead duties, J. W. opened a real estate
office in Killarney, and was seldom idle from then on.
Later he became mayor and held that position for many years. When
the Governor General of Canada visited Killarney, he found one mayor
who knew just how to receive him.
Mona married a Mr. Kennaston of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and what a
wedding that was. Lived in California.
Irene married Dr. J. C. Little, a splendid doctor.
Goldie married Nell Sherlock. Lived for many years in Vanguard,
Sask., later in Calgary.
J. W. died in Killarney; Mrs. Smail in Calgary at 90 years.
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