On October 21, 1934, H. B. Smith died after being struck by a vehicle while trying to cross the Dallas-Fort Worth Pike on foot.
Little is known about H. B. Smith. It is believed he was from Michigan, worked as a stable hand at Arlington Downs, and was about 60 years old. Further details are unknown.
Smith was struck by a vehicle when attempting to cross the highway near Arlington Downs after dark. The driver transported the man to a hospital in Fort Worth, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight. Although tragic, traffic accidents were fairly common on the highway, with many involving pedestrians.
Smith’s body was held at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington while officials attempted to locate his relatives. Authorities even sought assistance from the Bangor Police Department in Michigan; however, the efforts proved futile.
The Arlington Journal reported: “After spending the entire week in an effort to locate his relatives he was buried with no knowledge gained of where he lived, who were his relatives, or anything at all about him or his life.” He was buried at Parkdale Cemetery in Arlington, likely with few attending. It’s unknown if he has a headstone.
Who was H. B. Smith? Was that his real name? Did he have any family? How, why, and when did he come to Arlington? His death left many unanswered questions—more is known about his death than his life. There must be more to this man’s story, but it remains untold.
A life lived with obscurity is more enviable than one fevered with unwanted recognition. For H. B. Smith, we may never know which he desired.
These newspaper clippings help tell the story, but many gaps remain.
“H. B. Smith Run Over By Auto and Killed”
Arlington Journal – October 26, 1934 (transcribed)
Arlington Public Library
“Auto Accident Victim’s People Sought By Police”
The Bangor Daily News – October 23, 1934
Newspapers.com
Funeral Not Set For Downs Stable Hand
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – October 23, 1934
Newspapers.com
Note: The man is identified as C. H. Smith in this newspaper article, although that is believed to be incorrect. Another man in Fort Worth and by the same name was often mentioned in local newspapers at the time.
“Buried Here Without Relatives Being Located”
Arlington Journal – October 26, 1934 (transcribed)
Arlington Public Library
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 10-21-25
Jason S. Sullivan 