Dramatic Oil Company

[Rob Wick]

One of the last things Ida Tarbell tried to publish was a story about John Wilkes Booth and the Dramatic Oil Company which he formed along with John Ellsler and Thomas Mears. Tarbell collected information about it throughout the years and wrote to George S. Bryan among others, trying to find out information. I know that Ed Steers and Mike Kauffman mention it in their books, but not in great detail. I'm wondering if anyone is aware of any book-length treatments or anyone who is currently researching this question? Of course, I've got Tarbell's material which will form the nucleus of what will be a chapter of its own, but I would like to see what others might have turned up or what others might say.

By the way, Tarbell's article "A Neglected Episode in the History of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln" appears to have been rejected by the New York Times in 1941. By this point, Tarbell was well past her prime and in three years, would die at the age of 86. Her papers show that article, plus two others, both of which total 80 pages on Booth. She was also interested in whether or not it was Booth who scratched "Abe Lincoln Departed This Life August 13th, 1864 By The Effects of Poison" in a window at the McHenry House in Meadville, Penn., where Allegheny College is located, which was Tarbell's alma mater.

Best
Rob

[LincolnMan]

I've always wondered about the message left at the window of McHenry House. Was Booth ever in the area?

[Rob Wick]

He was, but not at the time the message was scratched.

Best
Rob

[RJNorton]

Bill, if you have Roy Chamlee's book on the assassination, go to p. 395. The author explains how a man admitted that he and a friend were in that room and were responsible for this.

[L Verge]

Ernest C. Miller wrote John Wilkes Booth in the Pennsylvania Oil Region a number of years ago, and I believe that Surratt House still carries it. Mr. Miller's papers were given to the Drake Well Museum, I believe.

[Dave Taylor]

Rob,

The short book, John Wilkes Booth - Oilman by Ernest Miller might be helpful to you.

[Rob Wick]

Laurie and Dave,

Thanks! Laurie, let me know if it does and I'll order it from you.

Best
Rob

[Gene C]

Laurie, please let me know too!

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(10-02-2012 09:23 AM)Rob Wick Wrote:  One of the last things Ida Tarbell tried to publish was a story about John Wilkes Booth and the Dramatic Oil Company which he formed along with John Ellsler and Thomas Mears.

By the way, Tarbell's article "A Neglected Episode in the History of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln" appears to have been rejected by the New York Times in 1941. By this point, Tarbell was well past her prime and in three years, would die at the age of 86. Her papers show that article, plus two others, both of which total 80 pages on Booth.

Is any of this on line?

[LincolnMan]

Roger, I don't have that book. Thanks for the referral!

[Rob Wick]

Quote:Is any of this on line?

Gene,

Not yet. The last time I talked with the librarian in charge of Tarbell's papers, she told me it wouldn't be until sometime next year before they would get her writings online. They haven't said a particular date...just next year.

Best
Rob

[Rob Wick]

In going through the web, I found a copy of Miller's book available on the Internet Archive. Here is the link.

Best
Rob

[Gene C]

Thanks...it was over $50 on Amazon. I owe you a Moon Pie.

[Rob Wick]

Cool! I love Moon Pies (chocolate though, not banana).

Best
Rob

[Laurie Verge]

I am not sure that this is the same book that you found online, but we have one copy of the hardback, John Wilkes Booth in the Pennsylvania Oil Region, still available at Surratt House. This is a 1987 revised and expanded volume of Miller's first monograph in 1945. Our price is $35 plus $3 postage.

Mr. Miller is deceased, and the book is no longer in print or available on anything but the secondary market. Contact me if interested in this one copy.

[Rob Wick]

Thanks for the info Laurie. I think for what I need it for, the book I found online will suffice.

Best
Rob