Item

The Empty Chair

Death Visits the Home of Adam Smith

Standard

Oct. 26, 1859

Scarlatina and Fever

This disease has been very prevalent among the children here for some time, and we regret to say has proved fatal in many cases, as may be seen by reference to our obituary list for the last few weeks; it is of a very bad type, accompanied by sore throat. There is scarcely a family of children in the town which has not been attacked, and the cold weather seems to have had no effect upon the epidemic.

Standard

Nov. 2, 1859

To Our Readers

The Standard today is published as half a sheet; and we feel confident our subscribers and patrons will make allowance, when we state, that seven of our children have been prostrated by the fearful epidemic now so prevalent - scarlet fever and putrid sore throat - and that one of them, a beloved son, principal assistant in the office, has been taken from our midst, by an All-Wise god, to whose will we humbly bow. We feel unable mentally and physically to issue the Standard in its usual form; and in our bereavement and affliction, rely upon the sympathy of our readers, to excuse any omissions in the contents or size of the paper, until we can make arrangements for publishing it in the usual form, which we trust to accomplish as soon as possible. To our friends in St. Andrews, we tender our warmest thanks, for their numerous kind offices and expressions of sympathy.

Standard

Nov. 30, 1859

The following beautiful lines were selected by children, as being appropriate to the recent death of their brother:

On the Death of a Brother

DEATH has been here, and borne away

A Brother from our side,

Just in the morning of his day;

As young as we - he died.

Not long ago, he fill'd his place,

And sat with us to learn;

But he has run his mortal race,

And never can return.

Perhaps our time may be as short,

Our days may fly as fast;

O Lord, impress the solemn thought

That this may be our last!

We cannot tell who next may fall

Beneath thy chastening rod;

One must be first; but let us all

Prepare to meet our God.

Standard

Dec. 25, 1872

(A. W. Smith's third daughter, Mary S. L., dies December 24 of consumption after an illness of three years.)

Standard

Jan. 1, 1873

To many, ourselves among the number, the year that has passed has its sad memories. In how many households is the "vacant chair" reminding of loved ones, once the light and life of the family, but now forever removed from their sight to a happier, purer and holier sphere; teaching us that we too must soon follow to that "undiscovered country" and admonishing us "be ye also ready."