The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-09-15
STRICKEN In HIS PULPIT.
REV. F. MERTON SMITH
OF PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH DIES OF
APOPLEXY.

L
sciOusness--A Prophetic
SermOn-Premature End
of u Promising Career.
Rev. F. Merton Smith, pastor OF
the First Presbyterian church, was
stricken with apoplexy while sit
ting in his pulpit yesterday morn
ing at about 11:l5 o'clock. 1t was
communion day in the church,
and the services included the
reception of twenty-five new
members by letter and per-
son. Mr.. Smith had the prelimi-
nary services and was about to re-
ceive the new members, when the
congregation noticed that he pass
ed his hand over his right temple
in a strange manner, afterwards
clasping his hands and looking at
them in bewildered way. Then
he beckoned to Mr.. Dievendortf in
his congregation, and upon his ap-
proach asked for glass of water.
Before it could be procured, Mr..
Smith arose and with unsteady
steps went into his study, few
feet distant.
Mrs. Smith, M, C. Turner and
Mr.. Dievendorff Immediately fol-
lowed the pastor, and found him
reclining in chair. His face was
flushed and to their questions he
replied with some little difficulty
that his head panied him and that
his hands were benumbed. He
was gradually growing weaker,
and Drs. Rupp and Garvin were
hastily summond. An emetic was
given to the sick man, but it afford
ed but temporary relief, and at
about 12 o'clock he lapsed into un-
consciousness.
An examination by the physi-
clans convinced them that Mr..
Smith had suffered an attack OF
apoplexy, and everything possible
was done for his relief. The con-
gregation was not aware of the
nature of his illness or that it was
more than fainting spell, and the
services proceeded. AT the close,
however, an announcement was
made that the pastor was ill, but
even then his condition was not
realized, and the hope was ex-
pressed that he would soon be all
right again. His strudy physique
and usual strong health were con-
sidered sufficient to resist the
slight indisposition that was sup.
posed to have Overtaken him.
| Mr.. Smith continued In an un.
conscious condition, however, and
at 8 o'clock he was removed to his
apartments at the residence Of F.
N. Pauly, on Eleventh and D
streets, three blocks distant. Al
6 o'clock last evening consulta'
ton of physicians was held, when
it was decided necessary to per-
form the operation Of trepannina
in the hope Of finding a clot Of
blood that was believed to have
caused the attack. The operation
failed to confirm the belief, no clot
being found. No anesthetics were
necessary during the operation
Mr.. Smith remaining unconscious
At 1915 last night, without hav'
ing regained conciousness and
after the the most strenuous ef
forts of his physicians had been
exerted in vain, the stricken pastor
passed away. His wife was at his
bedside, stunned with the sudden
ness of the blow.
I The deceased was only % years
Of age, but had already shown
great ability as preacher, and
was apparently in the most perfect
health. He was assistant pastor
in Rev. DIR. Coyle's church in Oak
land before coming here. Hi
mother still lives in Ohio, and
the remains will be taken there
for burial. Funeral services will
be held a. the Presbyterian church
tomorrow afternoon at 2:80.
Rev. Mr.. Smith came Oakland
but few weeks ago to accept the
pastorste Of the First Presbyterian
church, and his popularity, az well
as that of Mrs. Smith, has been q
subject Of remark. He had been
very energetic since taking up his
new work, and this may have In
some degree caused the terrible
aaiiction which came upon him