Donaldson - Ray
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Tuesday, 5 July 1892
Saturday’s Journal contained a rumored account of a tragedy said to have occurred at the home of Harry Krug in St. Joe, Michigan. Later developments prove the truth of the rumor although the details are not exactly as furnished to The Journal in the first place. It appears that Grace Robb has been making her home with Harry and his wife for some time past and being naturally a very attractive girl, has had numerous admirers. One young man, or rather a young boy, was particularly attentive and the whole town noticed the childish affection which seemed to exist between them. Ray Donaldson and Miss Gracie Robb were always together, at parties, picnics, and socials. They delighted to stroll along the docks and in the parks adjacent to the town. Young Donaldson was of good family, being the son of one of St. Joe’s most prominent merchants and he, himself, bore a splendid reputation being a constant attendant at Sunday school and a member of the Young People’s Society. Nothing was though of the intimacy existing between him and Grace and Mr. and Mrs. Krug tolerated it good humouredly supposing that in the course of a few months at furtherest that things would assume their normal condition. But when everything seemed loveliest a disturbing factor appeared in the person of a relative of Mr. Krug, who took rooms at his house. He was an attractive young man and paid some little attention to Miss Grace, although not more than to any other young lady of his acquaintance. But young Donaldson was inordinately jealous and would brook no sharer in Grace’s company.
On the morning of the shooting, they took a long walk on the docks and were noticed to have a lively little quarrel. They walked home without passing any words but in the afternoon Ray called again. He was in the parlor some time with Miss Grace and the quarrel was resumed. Finally the lad ran from the house and drawing a revolver shot himself. He then staggered back into the house and fell unconscious. He was picked up tenderly and medical aid quickly summoned. He was taken to his father’s house and yesterday evening he was still alive although expected to die at any hour. His parents are almost distracted over the affair as indeed are Mr. and Mrs. Krug and Miss Robb. Mr. and Mrs. Krug never opposed the young man’s keeping company with Miss Grace as at first reported and regarded him merely as a good little boy who was undergoing his first love experience. The desperate state of his feelings were never for a moment imagined even by his most intimate friends and the sad tragedy was a shock to the whole community where all parties stand so high. Miss Grace Robb, who left here two or three years ago, is but little more than a child and her many friends here deeply sympathize with her. She refuses to say anything whatever in regard to the matter and is wisely keeping her own council, although newspaper representatives have visited her by the score.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal Wednesday, 6 July 1892
Saturday’s Journal contained a rumored account of a tragedy said to have occurred at the home of Harry Krug in St. Joe, Michigan. Later developments prove the truth of the rumor although the details are not exactly as furnished to The Journal in the first place. It appears that Grace Robb has been making her home with Harry and his wife for some time past and being naturally a very attractive girl, has had numerous admirers. One young man, or rather a young boy, was particularly attentive and the whole town noticed the childish affection which seemed to exist between them. Ray Donaldson and Miss Gracie Robb were always together, at parties, picnics, and socials. They delighted to stroll along the docks and in the parks adjacent to the town. Young Donaldson was of good family, being the son of one of St. Joe’s most prominent merchants and he, himself, bore a splendid reputation being a constant attendant at Sunday school and a member of the Young People’s Society. Nothing was though of the intimacy existing between him and Grace and Mr. and Mrs. Krug tolerated it good humouredly supposing that in the course of a few months at furtherest that things would assume their normal condition. But when everything seemed loveliest a disturbing factor appeared in the person of a relative of Mr. Krug, who took rooms at his house. He was an attractive young man and paid some little attention to Miss Grace, although not more than to any other young lady of his acquaintance. But young Donaldson was inordinately jealous and would brook no sharer in Grace’s company.
On the morning of the shooting, they took a long walk on the docks and were noticed to have a lively little quarrel. They walked home without passing any words but in the afternoon Ray called again. He was in the parlor some time with Miss Grace and the quarrel was resumed. Finally the lad ran from the house and drawing a revolver shot himself. He then staggered back into the house and fell unconscious. He was picked up tenderly and medical aid quickly summoned. He was taken to his father’s house and yesterday evening he was still alive although expected to die at any hour. His parents are almost distracted over the affair as indeed are Mr. and Mrs. Krug and Miss Robb. Mr. and Mrs. Krug never opposed the young man’s keeping company with Miss Grace as at first reported and regarded him merely as a good little boy who was undergoing his first love experience. The desperate state of his feelings were never for a moment imagined even by his most intimate friends and the sad tragedy was a shock to the whole community where all parties stand so high. Miss Grace Robb, who left here two or three years ago, is but little more than a child and her many friends here deeply sympathize with her. She refuses to say anything whatever in regard to the matter and is wisely keeping her own council, although newspaper representatives have visited her by the score.