The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-11-18
OBITUARY..
Death of Rev. S. F. Smith, Author of
America.

Boston, November 16-Rev. S. +. smith,
the venerable author of America, the
national anthem, died suddenly IN the
New England railroad station about 4. 40
p. m. today. The doctor and an elderly
friend boarded the 4. 40 p. IN. train for
the purpose of going to Readyllle TO
preach Sunday. He was suddenly taken
the waiting room where Gen. Martin
recognized him and suggested that the
Emergency hospital ambulance be sum
moned. The call was received at the
hospital about 4. 40 p. M, and the ambu-
lance was Immediately dispatched with
doctor in charge. The doctor arrived in
less than few minutes after the call was
received, but was too late to assist the
stricken man, who expired in few Sec
onds afterwards. Death was due to
heart disease. The remains were taken
to the hospital where they were kept to
await the arrival of relatives. DR.. Smiths
companion was Benjamin McKendry,
clerk of the American Baptist Mission
airy Society Of 20 Beacon street. who lives
in Readville. He had secured the servi-
ces of DR.. Smith to p1each at the Read
vile Baptist church tomorrow. and they
were on their way thither when the fatal
attack occurred. The funeral will pi 3D.
ably take place on Wednesday next in
the First Ba e,tist church at Newton Cen
tire.
DR.. Smith was born in Boston. October
81, 1905 Graduating from the pubic
schools he entered Harvard at the age
of II, graduating in the famou class of
'S9, which comprised such men as Oliver
Wendell Holmes, Judge B. r. Curtis,
late of the United States Supreme Court
the late Chief Justice Bigelow Of the
Massachusetts Supreme Court, and Rev.
James Freeman CLARK. From Cambridge
he went to the Andover Theological Sem
mary, and it was while there he wrote the
words of the hymn America" which
has made him so famous throughout the
world. In 1884 he became pastor of the
village church in Waterville, Me-, and
at the same time professor OF modern
Languages in the now Colby University.
Eight years later he moved to Newton
Centre, Mass, where he has since lived.
He was for seven years editor of the
Christian Review, and until July, 1854,
pastor of the Baptist church as Newton
Centre Then for Is years he was con-
nected with the foreign missionary work
of that church, serving in the secretary
department. He was most accomplished
scholar, having read and studied books
in Is different languages and had written
many books and other hymns, besides
america - Dr. Smith had travelled ex-
tensively abroad and in his native coun-
try. In September, 1894 he celebrated
the 61st anniversary of his, marriage,
and on April 8, 1895, was the recipient
of grand public testimonial in Music
Hall, in recognition of his authorship OF
sAmerica. :" His home was quiet and
full of happiness. The members of the
circle were Mr. and Mrs Smith, their
daughter, Mrs. John d. Candee, widow
of former editor of the Bridgeport,
Conn. Standard and Miss Harriet
Morse, cousin of Mrs Smith.
Samuel II. Nickerson, manager of the
Red ! Beach Plaster Company of Calais,
died Friday afternoon after short illness,
aged So. He was one Of the most promis-
ing young business men in that section.
He leaves a widOwsand two children.
jackson Flanders, 81 years of age, died
at his home in Newton, Friday. He was
q native of Maine, and had lived for 80
years in Newton Centre He was Bos-
ton truckman of considerable promi