Daily Republican., 1880-05-11
DR. b. r. SMITH.
A Brief Sketch OF HIS life nna
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Character.
On Sunday afternoon, after protract--
ed illness and much suffering, Or. Bay
ard Thomas Smith took his departure
from time to eternity at his late resi-
dence, No. 6l7 Orange street, this city.
His health had been delicate for long
time, and no one remembers him as
robust, hearty man but indomitable
will and uncommon energy kept him
going where nature would have de-
manded absolute rest from the cares Of
business. In youth the doctor was
known as "sharp" boy in maturer
years he was looked upon as "smart's
man, and as usual the Judgment Of ths
world was Correct, for his was, indeed.
one OF the brightest intelleots among
the colored people of this section. AS
boy he was fond of medicine, and
always had an idea Of being doctor.
80 that when he entered B. & G, Shoe
makers drug store, first as light porter
and afterwards as compounding clerk,
he only regarded II as step in the
right direction toward a realization Of
the darling scheme Of his life. He en-
tered Lincoln University, in Chester
County, Pa, on January I'd, 1870. TO-
prosecute his studies in medicine.
While here he was associated in a
class with six other colored gentlemen
also studying medicine. He pursued
his studies here until June, 1874, when
he, in company with o class-mate, (af-
forwards his business partner, )left Lin
coin and went to Yale, at which insti-
tuition he matriculated in October Of
1874. Staying here two terms, he, in
June, 1875, presented himself for exami-
nation for the degree of Doctor Of Med.
icine. His examination was passed
creditably and satisfactorily, and re-
ceiving his diploma, he came to Whining.
ton, the home Of his adoption, to prae-
tice his profession. He had a personal
magnetism that attracted people to him,
and a professional ability that retained
them. As a general practitioner here in
Wilmington, DR.. Smith was nulli se-p
cundus: and his skill in treating Diff
cult cases, and in raising almost hope
less cases, and such as had been given
up and abandoned by other physicians,
caused him to be looked upon with awe
by the people Of his own race, and with.
wonder by the white people with whom
he came in contact. In 1877 he mar
ried lady of many estimable qualities
with whom his relations were pleasant
and loving; and who bore him two chill
dren, still living. The Doctor, had
very large practice, and being
constitutionally delicate, he paid
too little attention to his own personal
health while looking after the health
Of others; finally his health became no
poor that he was either obliged to give
up practice or have some one to assist
him. He naturally turned toward his
old class-mate, DR.. Henderson, them
praeticing in New York; and the latter
needing the call, came at once and en-.
tered upon professional work with DR..
Smith as business partner; which re-
lation was retained until the Dr's.
death. AS physician he was beloved
by all with whom he came in contact;
and as a gentleman he was respected
alike by rich and poor.
Becominga member of Ezion N. E
church, Ninth and French, shortly after
his graduation, he seemed an earnest,
consistent christian; and each Sabbath
would find him faithful to bis est az
organist 6: IA IA 6;asnreh. As his disease e
progressed, he became too weak to even
attend church, which was a bitter blow
to him, but he bore this as patiently
as he had other things. And so he
glided peacefully down the stream un-
til he found a safe anchorage in tho
haven of rest. Much might be said
and written of DR.. Bayard T. Smiths
in the comnunity, his abil-
ity as ply sician, and his inf
uence as an upright man,
much might be said Of how he
was always in the foremost rank Of.
those who loved justice and hated on
prsssions and Of how 'tnany q time
and oft" has his facils pen been used in
'he REPUBLICAN columns to censura
wrong, to praise right, and to correct
public fsults. Personal recolleetions of
)r. Smith orsEd thick and fast upon us
s we write, but we must lay down our
eluctant pen with the fond ASSURANCES
hat rs LIE was faithful over a few
nings, he will be made ruler over
ANY. His funeral takes place from
zionM. E. Church, cor. 9th and French