Smith looking after the physical ills of the people of Nonpareil and vicinity. Dr. Blood was a middle age man, wore a silk hat and full beard, drove a fasl stepping team and made quite a dignified appearance, and it was generally understood thai hi- knowledge of the horse far exceeded his knowledge of the human anatomy. Dr. Smith was a young practitioner just mil of schooli whose principal claim of distinction was a splendid nerve.
The first amputation performed in the county wa< by Dr. Smith, who amputated the arm
of one Albert Nelson who was the victim of a hunting accident. The doctor was not supplied with up-to-date surgical instruments and his kit was especially deficient in saws, so he called upon a local carpenter, Mr. D. J. Lahr, who consented to file one of his fine carpenter saws to such a state that the doctor used it in amputating Nelson's arm. Nelson being of strong physique survived the operation.
During the summer of 1887, Dr. H. B. Miller joined the profession and opened an office at Nonpareil. The next amputation was performed by Doctors Smith and Miller, who amputated the limb of William Morton, a victim of a gun shot wound, and as they consumed most of a forenoon Morton did not survive the shock and died that night.
Dr. F. M. Knight was a regularly accredited practitioner, but being engaged in the more remunerative business of banking, practiced but very little ; and, as he used homeopathic remedies, he never was accused of doing any harm, though he may not have done any good.