Dr. Ellsworth F. Smith

  General Notes:

SMITH, DR. ELLSWORTH F.
The St. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal; Volume LXXI; July-December, 1896.
Death of Dr. Ellsworth F. Smith, Sr.
News reached St. Louis Aug. 17 that Dr. Ellsworth F. Smith, Sr. , was fatally burned the preceding night at Missoula, Mont. , where he was visiting his daughter, Mrs. Crosby, wife of Dr. Crosby, United States Post Surgeon at Fort Missoula.
Dr. Smith left several weeks ago, accompanied by his wife, his son De Mun, and his daughter Minnie.
Several days ago the doctor's little grand-daughter was attacked with typhoid fever, and her condition was the cause of so much anxiety that some member of the family watched over her day and night. On the night of the accident Mrs. Smith was in the
sick room with her daughter, Mrs. Crosby. Dr. Smith slept on a lower floor. During the night he arose to lower a window, and carelessly left a lighted candle on the window-sill while he was pulling down the sash. The flame of the candle caught the doctor's night clothing and spread to the lace window curtains.
The doctor, unconscious of the fact that his own garments were ignited, tried to extinguish the burning curtains, which he succeeded in doing, but not before he himself had been frightfully burned.
His wife and daughter, who were aroused by his fight with the flames, rushed downstairs and found the unfortunate old man unconscious on the floor, with his garments still burning. Mrs. Smith was herself badly burned in smothering the flaming clothing of her husband.
The garrison was promptly roused, and the acting post physician rendered every possible aid, but the patient was beyond the reach of medical skill, and died Wednesday, Aug. 17.
Immediately upon receipt of the news, Dr. Smith's sons, Ellsworth and James Shepard, left at once for Montana, to join the other members of the bereaved family.
Dr. Ellsworth F. Smith was born in St. Louis seventy-three years ago and graduated from college in St. Charles County. He then returned to this city and entered St. Louis Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1848. Some months after receiving his diploma he went to Europe and spent four years there pursuing his medical studies.
After his return he began the practice of medicine in this city and soon became an honored and successful member of his profession. ln 1852 he was appointed health officer and discharged the duties of this position with distinguished success for a period of about four years.
In 1856 his recognized abilities and exalted moral character led to his appointment to the chair of physiology in his alma mater, the St. Louis Medical College, a chair which he filled with eminent ability until 1870.
In November, 1860, Dr. Smith was married to Mrs. Isabella Chenie, who survives him, and by whom he had six children, five of them now living: Dr. Ellsworth F. Smith, aged 33; De Mun Smith, 29; Mrs. Crosby, 27; James Shepard Smith, 25; and Miss Minnie Smith, 18.
Dr. Smith enjoyed the affection and esteem not only of his professional brethren, but was the subject of the confidence and respect of a wide clientele and an extensive circle of friends.
Funeral services over the remains of Dr. Ellsworth S. Smith were held August 22, at Fort Missoula, in Montana, beginning at 10 o'clock. Requiem high mass was celebrated, accompanied by elaborate choral services. A full battalion composed of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, United States Army, was present and gave the military honors. The remains of the deceased were given burial temporarily at Fort Missoula, where they will remain until members of the family will be prepared to accompany them to St. Louis, where they will receive permanent interment in the family burial lot.

Ellsworth married Living