Item

St. Andrews Beacon, Feb. 27, 1896
Death of A. W. Smith
The Veteran Editor Passes to his Eternal Rest at a Ripe Old Age

The community was greatly shocked on Tuesday morning when the sad news became known that Adam W. Smith, the veteran newspaper editor—the "father of the press"—as he liked to be termed—was dead. His soul took its flight from earth just as the hour of seven o'clock struck, that morning.

Few knew that he was sick, and even those who did know of his illness did not apprehend how serious it was. On Friday last he drove down town for the purpose of showing to some of his intimate friends a kindly letter he had received from Sir Charles Tupper, in reply to one of had written to that gentleman respecting the development of Saint Andrews. While in the Post Office talking with the Postmaster concerning the subject so near his heart he experienced a sudden chill and remarked that he must get home at once as he had never felt so queer in all his life. Mr. Stevenson, noticing the pallor that overspread his countenance, urged him to obtain a stimulant at one of the drug stores and hasten home. This he did. When he was driven home he took to his bed and remained there until he died, death being caused by pneumonia.

The deceased was a native of Limerick, Ireland, his mother being a Waterford lady. Early in life he removed to this country with his family. His father, George, N. Smith, was for a number of years connected with the Crown Land Department at Fredericton. The St. Andrews Standard newspaper was started by his father, and in that office the late A. W. Smith acquired his knowledge of the art preservative. On the death of his father, Mr. A. W. Smith took charge of the Standard, and for forty-seven years he was its editor.

About fifteen years ago, he felt the necessity for retiring from active editorial life, and he ceased the publication of his paper. But his pen was never idle. Through the columns of the Beacon and the other Provincial newspapers he was constantly urging the claims of St. Andrews. He loved the place as he loved his own flesh and blood, and he had the most unbounded confidence in its future. It may almost be said that he laid down his life for his beloved town. Even in his last moments this theme was one of the uppermost in his thoughts.