The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-08-29
Sudden Death of O. Pronninant Manu-

Sudden Death of a Prominent Manu-
facturer.-Mr. Charles A. Gambrill, of the firm
OF Gambrill, Sons Co., proprietors of the Druid
cotton Mills, Woodbury., died very suddenly at
the Continental Hotel, Philadelphia, on Sunday
night last, in the 48th year of his age. He had
been spending some time at Long Branch and
reached Philadelphia Friday night, intending to
make business visit to New York on Saturday,
but was taken i'll with acute Brght's disease and
died as stated. Messrs. VIM. B. and B. Frank
Gambrill, brothers of the deceased and members
OF the firm, went to Philadelphia and brought the
body on, arriving in Baltimore Monday night,
when it was removed to Mr.. Gambrill's late resi-
dence, on st. Paul street. from whence the funeral
took place Wednesday.
Mr.. Gambrill was born near Woodberry, and
the eldest son of the late Horatio N. Gambrll,
pioneer in the cotton duck manufacturing in
dustry along Jones's falls. He was graduated at
Harvard University, and was a man of excellent
education. He began his business career in st.
Louis, but soon returned to Baltimore, and be-
came member of the firm of Gambrill, Sons &
Co. He married twice, his first wife being Miss
Hook, sister of Mr.. r. Edwin Hook, of Towson-
town, and his second Miss Coleman. The latter
and son, Charles LIE Doux, IA years old, survive
him. With his brothers, Messrs. W. B. Gambril,
B. F. Gambrill, and his bother law, Rev. J. w.
Brown, he was entrusted with the settlement of
his fathers estate upon the death of the latter
His business associates speak of him in the highest
terms as having been an excellent business man
of strong character and strict integrity.
An inquest and autopsy was held Monday
afternoon, before the body was removed from the
Continental. One of the hotel clerks gave evil
dence bearing upon Mr.. Gambrill's general con-
dition when he first entered the hotel. He stated
that Mr.. Gambrill came to Philadelphia late on
Friday night, registering at about half-past ten
O'Clock. He complained of feeling unwell, but
did not appear to be very sick. Mr.. Gambrill
Immediately retired, saying that he could eat no
supper. On Saturday morning he sent word from
his room that he was feeling worse, and that pos
sibly it would be wise to send a nurse to look
after him. One of the bellmen was assigned 10
remain with the sick man. The latter testified
that when he first entered the room Mr. Gambril
was in bed. He complained of weakness, was
very nervous and unable to eat. He, however,
ordered milk punch, which was given him.
This seemed to afford at least temporary relief
His condition appeared to vary, but al no time
did he appear to be seriously i'll. Although he
was most of the time in bed asleep, the nervous
ness continued, and he was unable to partake of
any solid food. Finally, growing weaker, the
sick man suggested that physician be sent for,
and one of the hotel practitioners was called in.
The latter stated that he was suffering from
Brights disease Of the kidneys, aggravated by
excitement, and he prescribed for the patient ac-
cordingly. This was early on Sunday morning.
At eleven o'clock the same morning he visited
Mr. Gambrl a second time, and his condition ap-
peared improved. A third call at nine o'clock
Sunday night found him dead. Mr.. Gambrill ex-
pired shortly after eight o'clock, during the mo-
mentary absence of the nurse. The nurse added
that, during his two days. stay at the hotel, Mr..
Gambrll had not eaten bite of food. His ap-
petite was completely gone. All that he could
take was two milk punches. Occasionally he
would eat little cracked Ice. The coroner's
physician made post-mortem examination, and
found acute Bright's disease of the kidneys. The
jury rendered verdict accordingly.