Death of a Physician
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Dr. Francis Fenwick Smith Passes Away
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City's Oldest Practitioner.
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Had Been Engaged in Active Practice in Frederick Since 1864 --- Was Seventy-Two Years of Age and Universally Respected.
Dr. Francis Fenwick Smith, the oldest practicing physician of this city died at his residence, East Second street, yesterday evening, at 6 o'clock, of a complication of diseases, aged 72 years. For the past few months Dr. Smith had been sick, but it was hoped that he would rally. Yesterday morning he was apparently better and the family entertained no serious thought of his early death, but late in the afternoon he began to sink rapidly and hardly had the family assembled at the bedside when quietly and peacefully he breathed his last.
Doctor Smith was a son of the late Leonard Smith and Eliza Jamison Smith, and was born in Allegany county on May 24, 1828. His early education was obtained in his native county, after which he studied medicine at the Jefferson Medical College, Pa. from which he graduated in 1854. He began the practice of medicine in Bladensburg, Prince George's county, Md., where he remained util 1863, when he removed to Frederick, and has practiced his profession in this city, where he enjoyed a very large practice.
In 1866 Dr. Smith married Miss Maria Lee Palmer, of Virginia, who, with four children, survive him. during his residence in this city Dr. Smith made a host of friends by his courteous and kindly manner and his truly christian charity. His skill as a physician is attested by hundreds of people who sought his aid during his long and successful practice. He was a member of the Catholic Benevolent Legion and of St. John's Catholic church. He is survived by Mrs. Smith and four sons -- Charles F., John Francis, William Meredith and Edward J. Smith, all of Frederick. Two sisters, Misses Mary E. and Kate F. Smith also survive. His five brothers, among whom was Dr. Charles Smith, are all dead. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. Mass will be sung at St. John's Catholic church. Interment will be made at St. John's cemetery.
Source: Death of a Physician (F. F. Smith Obituary) (Frederick, MD: Newspaper Unknown, 27 August 1900).
