OBIT:  SMITH, Frank; 1905; Cambria Twp., Cambria Cnty., PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich
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Cambria Freeman
Ebensburg, Pa.
Friday, 13 Jan 1905
Volume 39, Number 1


Death From Heavy Fall 
Frank Smith of Cambria Township Meets Sudden End in Metropolitan

Frank Smith, aged about [faded] years, a well known farmer of Cambria Township, died 
at the Metropolitan Hotel in this place at [faded] Sunday morning as the result of a fall 
when he received on the stairs leading from the office hallway Saturday evening at 7 
o'clock.

Mr. Smith had for some time previous to his death conducted J. E. Mitchell's farm in 
Cambria township, one mile north of Ebensburg and Saturday evening in company with 
a son, he came to Ebensburg to do some shopping. Shortly before the accident occurred 
the deceased and his son had been engaged in conversation with the former's brother, 
William Smith of Ebensburg, then later a son-in-law, Charles Grise, of Big Bend, Charles 
Berg, a member of the Commercial Coal Company and a couple of Ebensburg 
gentlemen.  Just a moment before the accident, Messrs. Berg and William Smith retired 
to the former's room to transact business and the balance of the company scattered, the 
deceased starting down the basement stairs.  The accident that happened to Mr. Smith 
on the stairs seemed at the time to be a very slight one, but proved terrible in its 
consequence.

When Mr. Smith had descended all but three of the stairs to the basement according to 
an eyewitness, a dog that had been in the latter's apartment, started to run up the stairs 
and caused Mr. Smith to trip.  A gentlemen who witnessed the accident says that in 
attempting to avoid the dog, Mr. Smith turned in such a manner that he fell to the floor 
of the basement on his back, striking the back of his head with terrific force.  As a result 
of the fall his skull was fractured at its base and the man was rendered unconscious and 
remained in that condition until his death.  Other people who were nearby are of the 
opinion that the deceased tripped on the stairs and fell on the dog at the bottom of the 
stairs.

After the fall the deceased had a succession of hemorrhages.  Landlord William Kimball 
quickly had him removed to a bedroom where he died.  Drs. F. C. Jones and Thomas J. 
Davison remained with the man all evening but were not able to give him relief.

The deceased was a fine specimen of manhood, being very powerful.  Of height he was 
about five feet eight inches and weighed 235 pounds. 

Mr. Smith came to Cambria county from Luzerne County with James L. Mitchell some 
twenty-five years ago.  Until quite recently he had followed the occupation of a mine 
foreman for Mr. Mitchell at Gallitzin, Hastings and Big Bend, this county, and was widely 
known as an expert miner.  He came to Cambria Township from Hastings only a short 
time ago and had since been conducting Mr. Mitchell's farm.

Besides his wife, the deceased is survived by the following sons and daughters: W. C. of 
Bakerton; James, at home; Harriet, wife of Edward Rodgers of Big Bend; and Martha, 
wife of Herbert Gates of Bakerton.  These brothers and sisters also survive:  William of 
Ebensburg; Charles of Avon, Luzerne County; Adam of Cambria township and Malvina, 
wife of Lawrence Rogers of Hastings.

The remains were taken to Hastings on Monday where the funeral took place on the 
arrival of the noon train.  Service was conducted by the Rev. Craig, pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church, this place, and music was furnished by a quartet from this place, 
composed of John P. Evans, Esq., E. H. Davis, Esq., Elmer E. Davis and District-Attorney 
J. W. Leech.