The Washington herald., 1912-06-30
F. D. HORSTMANN
FATALLY STRICKEN
Well-known Clubman Found Dead
in His Apartments by Valet, a
Victim of Heart Trouble.
HIS TWO SISTERS NOTIFIED

F. Oden Horstmann. prominent WASH
ington clubman, who played leading
/ ole IN the Excise Board investigation
last October. was found dead in his apart
ments at IT'S H Street Northwest by his
colored valet shortly before dark last
night. a victim Of heart disease.
Mr. Horstmann had been living alone at
the II Street residence. He had been
suffering for several months from heart
disease and had been under the care Of
a physician. His regular colored valet
was away on leave, and the temporary
servant called at the apartments about
$50 o'clock last night TO perform various
duties.
Upon entering Mr.. Horstmann's room
he discovered the ClubmEn lying in bed.
with the covers over his body. The col
ored man rushed 10 the bedside and felt
Mr. Horstmann's forehead and telephoned
TO Mr.. Horstmann's physician, DR.. II.
Watson Mcfitt. Of the Fairfax, 1910 East
Capitol Street.
HurrIes to Apartments.
DR.. MoHtt sped in his automobile TO
the H Street house. and found the club
man dead. John F. Wilkins. a close
friend of Mr.. Horstmann, was notified
Immediately Of the death Of the club
man. He hurBed TO the Horstmann
apartments, reaching there shortly after
: o'clock. George Howard, a prominent
CIubman and close friend nt Mr.. Horst
mann. was also notified. He likewise has
tened TO the apartments.
The body was taken to the undertAk
ing establishment Of Jos. Gawler's Sons,
lT3O-l7S2 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest,
where Il will remain until the arrival OF
relatives tomorrow morning. Mr.. Horst
mann's sisters-Mrs. Sidney Small, OF To-
ronto, Canada, and Mrs. John Bolt OF this
city, but who Is visiting in Toronto
were telegraphed at once Of the death
Of their brother. They will reach here
tomorrow morning.
Mr.. Horstmann was about thirty-four
years old. He was born in Philadelphia.
and lived there during his youth. His
father. who died several years ago, was
a wealthy Philadelphia business man. and
left a large fortune to his son and two
daughters His fathers business house.
which Is known as the William II. Horst
mann Company. Is now being operated by
the Clubmans uncle. Walter HOrstmann,
president OF the concern. The company
is engaged in the manufacture OF en-
broidery. braid, buttons, and millinery
furnishings.
Active Club Member.
Mr.. Horstmann came TO Washington
about fifteen years ago. He Joined the
Metropolitan Cub November ;, 1900 and
was an active member up to the time Of
his death. He was also a member Of the
Chevy Chase Golf Club. Mr. Horstmann
was well acquainted with President Taft
and often played golf with him.
About two years ago Mr.. Horstmann
was appointed inspector of saloons IN
the District. He long sought the position,
and with the aid OF President Taft.
finally was appointed. After four or
five months OF service under the excise
board. he was dismissed by the Com
miSsiOners. The dismissal was the re-
suit Of discord between the young club
man and members OF the excise board.
Following his removal. Mr.. Horstmann
took the matter before President TAFT.
The President heard the complaint. but
took no action in the matter. Last Oc-
tober Mr. Horstmann filed charges with
the Commissioners against Samuel T. .
Kalbfus. one Of the members OF the eN-
board. The charges were to the
effect that Kalbfus had financial trans
actions with brewers, who frequently /
before him in excise matters.
The matter was referred to William |
Henry White. Assistant Corporation !
Counsel. who recommended that an in !
vestigatlon be held. For two weeks /
were HtlN uaAlA at ANS DlSAL IL ]
At last the Commissioners |
brought the matter to a termination by
Kalbfus
Mr. HOrstmann's services as a saloon /
Inspector were defended by A. f. Shoe
maker. attorney for the Antl-Saloon |
League. Mr.. Shoemaker. at the investi-
CATION, said that Mr. Horstmann always
made full investigations in the cases
assigned him, and never feared to make
open reports Of conditions.