The 1885 Minnesota census showed Robert Smail (age 38, born in England) living with his sister Esther (age 40, born in England) in Jordan, Minnesota.
The 1895 Minnesota census showed Robert Smail (age 48, born in England, brick manufacturer) living with his sister Esther (age 50, born in England) in Jordan, Minnesota.
The 1900 United States census showed Robert Smail (age 50, born in December 1849 in England, brick manufacturer) living with his sister Esther (age 54, born in May 1846 in England) in Jordan, Minnesota.
The 1910 United States census showed Robert Smail (age 59, born in England, own income) living in Jordan, Minnesota.
Robert Smail Dead. After an illness of some two years, Robert Smail died at his home in Jordan, Monday night [January 31, 1916]. Deceased was born in England in 1847, coming to America with his parents when a boy. At first they resided at Detroit, Mich., coming to Jordan in 1855 or 1856. With the exception of a few years when he worked at the milling trade in Minneapolis, and another period in the Black Hills, Mr. Smail lived in Jordan. For a number of years he was in the brickmaking business here, retiring 15 years ago (1901). Mr. Smail was known for his sturdy, honesty and rectitude. He had a keen and original sense of humor and was a delightful companion. We have all missed his presence since he was taken ill and will miss him now that he is gone. He always took a keen interest in politics and public affairs and served for several years as a member of the city council. His immediate surviving relatives are two brothers, Andrew Smail of Webster, S. D. and Edw. Smail of Montana, also one sister, Miss Esther Smail, residing at Anoka. At the time of going to press funeral arrangements were awaiting the arrival of his brother from Webster, S. Dak. (The Jordan Independent, Thursday, February 3, 1916, Volume XXXII, Number 1, Page 1)