Elmer Schmid, 1900-1916

SCHMID

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/29/2011 at 19:37:43

FOSTORIA LAD DIES ON OPERATING TABLE
SUCCUMBS WHILE UNDER INFLUENCE OF ANAESTHETIC FOR REMOVAL OF TONSILS
OCCURRENCE IS UNUSUAL

Fate, that mysterious agent over which mortal man has no control, loomed to play a part in the death of fifteen-year-old Elmer Schmid of Fostoria, who died on the operating table in the office of Drs. Collester and Collester at Spencer Wednesday morning of last week while these physicians were preparing for the removal of the
boy's tonsils.

Fate directed that he become afflicted with tonsilar trouble; Fate stayed an operation for the removal of the glandular organs at a date fixed last fall ; Fate again prevented the operation on Tuesday of last week, and on the following day at 11:00 a.m. Fate decreed that death should intervene before the operation could be performed. While his father, Fred S. Schmid, residing one mile south of Fostoria, was holding the lad's hand and while final preparations were being made for the operation, which is a minor one, Elmer passed away, whether from the effects of ether, or from other debilitating causes will never be known. The circumstances were most unusual, and the cause of tho boy's death is a complete, mystery, one that has few precedents in medical jurisprudence. Before the anaesthetic was administered by Dr. J.C. Collester, an examination of the boy's physical condition was made. His pulse seemed to be regular, full and of good quality. For about four minutes after the ether had been applied no alarming effects were noted, and then, while Dr. C Collester was preparing his instruments, without the slightest warning death claimed its object being evidenced only by slight tremor of the body.

Death is Unfortunate

The death is extremely unfortunate in several ways. The Schmid family is deeply shocked and yet they in no way blame the physicians in charge. The latter greatly regret the unfortunate occurrence. Years of professional training seem to avail nothing in such cases as the Fostoria young man's death which might have occurred at the time under circumstances entirely different.

Funeral services were held at the Schmid home near Fostoria last Friday morning and also at one o'clock in the German Lutheran church in Spencer Friday afternoon.

Rev. E. Grummer, pastor of the German Lutheran church, was in charge of the services. Interment was made at Riverside cemetery.

The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred S. Schmid and besides the parents is survived by three brothers and four sisters. He was born on July 22, 1900 and at the time of his death was fifteen years, eight months and twenty-seven days of age. He became a member of the Lutheran church on December 9, 19__, by baptism. He was a loving and obedient son and had begun to prepare himself for the renewal of his covenant.

Source: Spencer News-Herald, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; April 5, 1916.

Interment in Riverside cemetery
 

Clay Obituaries maintained by Kris Meyer.
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