The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1894-02-21
Liquor was his Eufn.

the county morgue the remains of a
man whose history has probably few
parallels for proaigacy and pathos.
His name was Robert Rathgerber, for
merly'.of prominence in New .York,
but lately a homeless, penniless out
cast. Yesterday, to end miserable
existence, he took poison, and last
night died at the County Hospital.
The clerk at the Sherman House was
surprised to see standing before him a
ragged man whose lines of dissipation
could scarcely conceal his refined coun-
tenance.
ri want place to rest" said the
stranger. ''I have taken poison and l
AIN going to die
An ambulance was hastily called
and the man was taken to the County
Hospital, where he sank into insensi-
bility, from which condition the doc
tors could not rally him.
It was learned that Rathgerber's 8
mother resided at No. 3345 Groveland
avenue. She is a well-preserved wo-
man Of 81 years, known as one of the
wealthiest women on the South Side,
having large property interests said to
be valued at nearly $1,000, 900. A
brother-in-law, who lived on Cottage
Grove avenue, is rated at nearly the
same sum. Mr.. Rathberger, father
Of the dead man, who died only three
years ago, was reputed one of the
richest men in the city, having made
a fortune in the real estate business.
Robert Rathberger was once million
aire, with large business interests in
New York. he had handsome wife
and bright son.
An unquenchable thirst for liquor,
it is said, led him to neglect his wife
and business until the former secured
a divorce and the latter went to ruin.
From that time until his death Robert
appears to have lived for one thing
alone-liquor.
"Forty-fve years ago, the family
which it of Jewish origin, occupied a
high social position in Berlin" said
an acquaintance of the dead man last
night. cit was wealthy, and, it is
said, had political influence through
its association with the Roths-
childs in financial and social matters.
Then the father concluded to come to
America to increase his already large
fortune. He lived in New York a few
years, and then moved to Chicago. and
engaged in the real estate business
with great success. When his son
Robert became Of age he started a
wholesale tobacco house in New York.
His business brought him immense
returns.
CAT the age of % he went back TO
Berlin to marry woman of equal for
tune and great beauty. Two years
after the marriage son was born. He
associated with the upper class of
young fellows in New York, and in
two years was total wreck, mentally
and financially. His father in Chica-
go supported him until he became a
burden and then cast him off. His
wife, broken-hearted, took her young
child and returned to her parents in
Berlin.
"A bankrupt and a wreck, Bath
gerber returned to Chicago and was
supported by his father and brothers
and sisters until three years ago. His
fathers death failed to help him any,
as he had spent his patrimony in the
previous years. Then he hired out as
common house-janitor, which be
had followed at irregular intervals ever
since.
"About week ago he called on his
mother and begged for assistance. he
was given a considerable sum Of mon
ey and a gold watch and chain.
Night before last he visited her again.
His besotted appearance and the glare
in his eyes plainly told how he had
spent the money given him. His
clothes were ragged and TORN, and his
whole appearance denoted a prolonged
debauch. he again asked for money
but was refused. Then he turned and
said that the beginning Of his end had
come. He went out the door bidding
them farewell"
To-day Rathberger's brother-in-law
visited the Morgue and made arrange
ments for his burial according to the
Jewish rites. His wife and child who
are still in Berlin, were notified by
cable Of his death, and that will end
the wretehed life Of once proud and
happy man.
aA--A~>~Aae>-s-cn