The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-01-19
EX-GOV. BRAMLETTE.

ticulars of the last illness and death of ex-
Gov. Thomas L. BramleLte, facts briefly
noticed in the Sentinel yesterday morning
The following is taken from its columns
The intelligence of ex-Gov. Thomas E
Bramlette, which event occurred at his resi-
dence in this city yesterday afternoon, Will
be received with very profound regret
throughout the state. For more than a year
Gov. Bramlette has been troubled with
slight attacks of rheumatism, disease with
which he was afflicted in the days of his early
manhood, and for several months he has
occasionally complained of en- uneasy SEN
sation about the heart. This led him to the
belief that he had heart disease of some
kind, and be became fearful that this vital
organ would become affected with rheu-
matism. So well did he realize the serious
nature of the malady that within the last
few days he has expressed the belief that lie
would never get well. The first really
serious symptoms occurred on the morning
of the 10Th of last month. A few min utes
before the breakfast hour, he appeared to be
in listlesS condition of mind, and when
summoned with his family to the table
seemed almost unconscious of what he
was doing. Soon after taking his seat
his arms dropped powerless beside him
his form became rigid, and his face
for a,few minutes was expressionless and
corpse-like, while his eyes were fixed with a
stolid stare that looked like death. Mrs.
Bramlette naturally became very much
alarmed, but had the presence of mind to re-
sort quickly TO the restoratives which the
governor had been accustomed to use, and
soon he revived. He had only suffered
spasm which resulted from extreme nervous
a QftarTUard oil cd m
his wife and drank a cup OF coffee while at
the table, but did not return to entire con-
seriousness for more than hour after leaving
the dining room. This was
TIE BEGINNING OF THE ILLNESS
which caused his death, though it was sup
posed up TO within 20 hours of the end that
he was on the road to entire recovery. Soon
after this attack he was sorely afflicted with
indigestion and its attendant distresses, the
greatest of which was the disturbance about
the heart, general rheumatism of a severe
form, and soon afterward he was tortured
with complication of acute and infismma-
tory rheumatism. The governor had the
best of medical attention, and in few days
was entirely relieved of the pains of the
disease, but he has ever since fingered in a
days, however, there have been signs OF a
marked improvement in his condition; so
much so that he was contemplating a
trip soon to New Orleans, where he ex-
pected to remain for some time for the bene-
fit of his health. on Monday evening last
he appeared in better condition than at any
time during his illness. His physician pro-
nounced him cured, and it seemed, really,
that all that was lacking was his wonted
strength. HE was out of bed, walking about
through the rooms, was in a fine flow of
spirits, and talked cheerfully with his
friends who came to see him. But after he
had retired for the night he became very
restless and nervous, so much so that he
could not sleep. He continued in this
condition till after daylight, when he
showed symptoms OF great nervous
distress. Mrs. Bramlette sent for the
physician, who came and administered
hyperdermic injections of opium, thus
quieting his nervous system and enabling
MIN to sleep. About ll:30 o'clock the doe
tor.came. again, and finding his patient rest
ing patiently, went away with the satisfac-
tory impression that he was doing well.
The family continued watching by the bed
side. Once only during his sleep Gov.
Bramlette was observed To open his eyes.
Mrs. Bramlette spoke to him, bat he only
replied, "Let me sleep on, l feel so comfort
able" Directly afterward Mrs. Bramlette
went down stairs to the dining-room to
bring him cup Of coffee, that she might
have it ready when he should awake. But
she waited in vain. Her husband had closed
his eyes never to look upon her face again.
When she returned to his bedside the no.
ticed
AN ALARMING CHANGE
in the expression and color of his face, and
observed that he was breathing with diff
Guilty. Mrs. Bramlette Immediately sum-
moned the family to the bedside, and en-.
deavored to arouse him, but he was already
beyond the reach of human aid; beyond the
sound of the familiar voices which called
his name in the vain hope of some response
In this condition ne fingered for nearly ar
hour, and at 2 O'Clock breathed his last
peacefully, unconsciously and without
struggle. None were present bu
the governors immediate household
| and among the mourners at the
bedside was his aged and feeble mother, who
is now in her eightieth year. DR.. Eugen,
Bramlette, son OF the governor, who is liv.
| ing in Honey Grove, Texas, was imme
diatelY advised by telegraph of his iatheri
death, and last night reply came stains
that he would be here on Friday next. Oh
this account no arrangements have beer
made for the funeral, which will probabl,
be deferred until the sons arrival. Gov
Bramlette was a native Kentuckian, an,
one of the most representative of Kentuck
ians. Born in Columbia county So year
ago, and educated at local college an,
law school. he began the practic
of the law on entering manhood
quitting it only at rare interval
during his entire career. He served in bot
branches of the legislature, was repeatedly
on the bench, and bore the character of
sound jurist and blameless judge. Whe
the great sectional issue brought aroun
the epoch of arms he sided with the Unio
and raised regiment for its service. Thi
he commanded with gallantry. In 1868
was elected governor of kentucky, post i
which, by his firmness, sagacity and libel
atty, he gained national distinction. II
retired from Office in 1867, and came {
, Louisville to reside. He has since that tim
: pursued the practice of his profession Wit
ardor and success.