Ramsbrook - Harry
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 19 Jan 1900 p 6
There was great surprise in Crawfordsville Monday when word came here from Anderson to the effect that Harry Ramsbrook, of this city had taken poison there with suicidal in tent, and was in a precarious condition. He went to Anderson last week and before starting declared to his wife that when he came back he would come back in a box. He also left his will with a local attorney, to whom he stated that he wished his desires carried out to the letter. He did not tell this attorney, however, that he contemplated taking his life. Sunday Mrs. Ramsbrook received notice that her husband was quite ill at Anderson and went there at once. She did not suspect, however, that he had attempted suicide and did not learn how serious was his condition until she arrived in Anderson. The members of the Music Hall orchestra 'phoned Anderson Monday night and learned that while Ramsbrook's condition was serious, he would probably pull through. Tuesday afternoon word was received stating that he was getting better and would recover.
The Anderson Dally Herald of last Tuesday gives the following account of the affair: "Harry Ramsbrook, a violinist, whose home is at Crawfordsville, took a teaspoonful of 'Rough on Rats' and is now in a precarious condition at St. John's hospital. He took the poison last Friday, but on account of his friends' efforts to keep the matter a secret it did not leak out until yesterday.
Ramsbrook is about thirty-five years of age. He came here last Thursday from his home to see about the leadership of the Grand opera house orchestra, after considerable correspondence with Manager Mustard. The place had been filled that day, however, and Ramsbrook was out. "He stayed at the opera house all that day and early the next morning, took the poison. The poison did not take effect until afternoon. The man was in the opera house barber shop and was taken to a room in the rear, and Dr. Hunt was called. He was believed to be getting better that evening, but Saturday he became worse and was removed to the home of G. Doyle and yesterday was taken to St. John's hospital. The man was considered to be better yesterday but is yet in a critical condition. "Ramsbrook is married and it is said that trouble with his wife led to his awful deed. They separated the day he came to Anderson. The wife was notified and arrived yesterday. She seemed much affected and threw herself across her husband's breast and wept. A reconciliation followed and now the husband is anxious to get well. They say they will never quarrel again.
"Mr. and Mrs. Ramsbrook are well known at Crawfordsville and came from prominent families. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and owned considerable property at Crawfordsville.”
A special from Anderson about the Ramsbrook case says: "Ramsbrook came to Anderson to secure a position as leader of the opera house orchestra, but on his arrival found the position had been filled. The disappointment, together with domestic troubles, made him despondent. He was found almost lifeless in the Grand hotel, and was removed later to the hospital. His wife was notified and arrived here yesterday afternoon, when a reconciliation took place. The young musician is not yet out of danger, but the physicians are hopeful for his recovery."
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 20 April 1900
The death of Harry Ramsbrook occurred at half past ten last Tuesday at his home on North Water Street. Mr. Ramsbrook had been critically ill for some weeks and his ultimate recovery was not expected, although the end came rather unexpectedly. He had taken his breakfast and was talking with his wife when he suddenly fell back and died in less than a minute.
Mr. Ramsbrook was about forty six years of age and was born on board ship near New Orleans while his parents were coming to this country from Germany. He passed his boyhood in Louisville and became a musician, as, indeed, were most of his relatives. He traveled for some time with Rentfrow’s Pathfinders, Sells Circus and other organizations, finally locating
in Crawfordsville in 1884 to take a position in the coffin factory and to assume the leadership of the Music Hall orchestra. He held these positions until this winter. Nine years ago he was married to Miss Stella McCullough, who with one daughter survives him. Mr. Ramsbrook was quite a capable man and was well liked by those who knew him best. The funeral occurred on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. – thanks to S for this one