The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-09-26
Former Consul Victim of
Complication of Diseases.
WAS A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE
Career of American Attache Covered
Active Service I'm Armies of Three
Countries and Saw Modern d'Ar-
tignan Decorated Many Ttmes-He
WhS "a Native OF Germany.

ty-tWO years q soldier or fortune WHOSE
career rivals that of Dumas "D'Artig-
man," died at els o'clock yesterday al
his home in L street northwest from
complication Of diseases due TO advanced
age He was seventy-three years old
Mr.. Plumacher had been in Ill health
for the past four months and returned 10
this country when he was relieved OF his
duties at Maracaibo. \ decided change
for the worse took place Tuesday. and he
failed rapidly.
Arrangements for the funeral viii be
announced later. the body being now at
Gawlers undertaking establishment
awaiting the arrival of a son. Bias Plu-
macher. Of Buffalo. n. Y, who is expect
ed to-day.
Was Native of Germany.
Born in Germany seventy-three years
ago, Mr.. Piumacher was forced into the
German army at the age OF thirteen. and
from then on began a career so varied
and unique in its experience that one is
reminded Of Dumas story OF The Three
Musketeers." Forced by circumstances
and his own love OF adventure, he served
in the army and navy under three flags
was decorated fourteen times, served in
the Crimean war. and finally settled in
this country. TO leave again TO enter the
consular service in South America.
Mr.. Plumacher was appointed consul
at Maracaibo thirty-two years ago, and
in that capacity served also in the in
terests of Turkey, Germany, and
Sweden.
Among other things. he first organized
and settled the leprosy colony there. and
for years has so mingled with and stud
led the disease that he was considered
one OF the few great experts on its ma
ture. As American consul, he was well
known In Washington. where he was a
frequent visitor, living here at various
times
His love for adventurous life led him
into the armies OF Germany, Switzerland,
and France. bringing him in contact
with many strange experiences. which
fixed themselves upon his character. He
was one OF the organizers of the IA
nous Swiss Dragon command. and was
detailed at Vienna as special riding in .
structor in the Austrian army. He
served as lieutenant commander for a
number Of years in the Dutch navy, en-
gaging in adventures with the Chinese.
served in Crimehn War.
The most eventful part Of his career
was spent in the Crimean campaign.
through which he served with marked
distinction. For services rendered, both
in war and peace. Mr.. Plumacher has
been decorated fourteen times by Italy.
Sweden, Spain. Turkey. Venezuela. Por-
tugal Germany. France, and Switzer-
land.
He was a thirty-third degree Mason,
being a member OF Columbia Lodge. No.
Is. Of this city, and was a member of
the organization Of knights of Malta.
Mr.. Plumacher came of one OF the best
families of Germany. his wife being a
now living in Germany, is a countess OF
one OF the oldest German houses.
Despite his wanderings and varied ca
reer. Mr.. Plumacher was known for his
love of home life. his simplicity OF ma
ture, and the Rindliness which marked
him always.
He is survived by three sons. Eugene
II. Plumacher. jr.. a government en-
ploye in the copyright department of
the Library of Congress; Bias Plumach-
err of Buffalo. and Michael Plumacher.
an officer in the Philippine constabulary,
and daughter who lives in Tennessee.