Major Rathbone's accomodation in Hannover

[Eva Elisabeth]

The post of a US consul to Hannover existed until 1914, Major Rathbone held this post.

This is the cemety administration's reply:
There was an air raid, but only a few gravesites were superficially damaged.
Before 1986, the claim to a rented gravesite had lasted for a period of 40 years, the gravesite was reused in 1952. The cemetery's practice is not to dispose of the remains but to dig the hole deeper, put in the first "occupants'" remains, cover them with soil and bury the new coffin above. So the couple should still be there. The number/place of the plot is documented in the Hannover City Archive, also the death reports and registring cards (for the couples' address).
Court transcripts and surgery reports are filed in the State Archive of Lower Saxony.

Laurie, your article is from the Washington Post:

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2009-...tal-asylum

Maybe you already have the following article:

http://www.americanheritage.com/content/...jor?page=2

I try to attach another article as pdf from the NYT, Sept 4, 1910 (sorry, can’t upload)

[L Verge]

Thank you, Eva. It makes sense that the article came from the Washington Post because we have worked with several of their reporters over the years. The American Heritage article I am familiar with because it was written by a friend, Gene Smith, who passed away this past year.

[Rsmyth]

Hi Eva,
I consider this a major find seeing that we were all under the assumption that the remains of Clara and Henry had been disposed of. If we can get a picture of the plot, then there they are! Just a little deeper than most. Thank you!

[L Verge]

I agree that it's nice to learn that the cemetery (and hopefully all others in Europe) does not just discard the bones, but allows them to rest in semi-peace. It was also nice to have my original belief that Rathbone was assigned to the consulate in Hannover confirmed. I must admit it was a shock to be corrected about a year ago.

[Eva Elisabeth]

Neither did I question the former assumption. Nevertheless, the gravesites will soon be levelled if extension was not paid for, and the gravestones will be taken away. This is still a sad and symbolic action.

[Eva Elisabeth]

Yesterday I had a day off and went to Hannover and Hildesheim ( ~ 20 miles south of Hannover). I’d like to share the most interesting outcome.

The cloister was completely destroyed in an air raid on March 22, 1945, there is just one wall left.The minister told that although the hospital was modern and reputable, spine-chilling tales and rumors about the insanes were spread in those days (eg. they bowled at night with the heads of the figures of the saints in the church). Students dedicated a sculpture to remember the unjust towards the insanes showing three figures turning their backs to an insane.

According to the 1883 and 1911 interment register books and Clara Harris’ death report the couple lived in Heinrichstr. 27a , 2nd floor, rear side. Unfortunatelly their side of the street was totally destroyed in the war, the opposite houses are still original Wilhelminian style.
Clara Harris died on December 24, 1883, about 6 AM. The death report is, with regard to content, on the whole well-known, but still interesting and fascinating to read:

~ The person specified in the attachment was found assassinated by her husband, HR, in her bedroom, 2nd floor, rear side of her house in Heinrichstr. 27a on 24th of this month a few minutes before 6 AM. The latter (HR) caused a shot and a stab wound into the chest so that death yet resulted from this at 6 AM on 24th of this month.
Rathbone afterwards caused himself several perilous stabs into the chest whereby at present he is seriously laid low, shall at time have had a fit of mental confusion. (I tired to translate close to the old German language.)

Clara Harris was buried on Dec.28.
Major Rathbone’s funeral is registered in the month of October (20th), although he had died in August! (I discussed it with the archivist, she explained it by the fact that one might have tried to get contact to US relatives, also for the charges, 48,75 DM.) He passed away at 2.15 AM on Aug.14, 1911 due to infirmity. To find the gravesite was the most difficult part, the cemetery is a labyrinth, and it was quite touching then.

It remains strange that in non of the documents Rathbone is referred to as a consul, but always as a retired Major. The archive had a register for consuls assigned but the documents of 1881+1882 were missing.The only confirmation he should have held this position was in an email from the State Archive of the State of Lower Saxony (“Niedersächsisches Landesarchiv”), but it’s like with the creation of secret service on April 14, by now no documents came up to prove.

[Gene C]

Great research and follow through, Eva Elisabeth. The photo's on the other thread are great. It looks like a very beautiful and peaceful resting place.

[RJNorton]

I second, Gene. This is outstanding research. Thank you, Eva!

[J. Beckert]

That's two bombshells this week. The autopsy photo and now we know where Henry and Clara are. Very nice, Eva. Thank you.

[L Verge]

Eva, I am so happy that you have joined our forum! Thank you so much.

[Hess1865]

Thank you Eva!!

[RJNorton]

Eva sent a file of Clara Harris' death report. I am posting it here with credit to Eva and Stadtarchiv Hannover.

Unfortunately Stadtarchiv Hildesheim doesn’t allow for the publication of Henry's death report without further permission and fees.

Click here and here.

Thank you, Eva!!

[Rsmyth]

I think if Herr Taylor showed up at the hospital wearing a chest full of his newly aquired pins, they would have to give him the Major's report! And, he could get the fees from Herr Garrett.

[Dave Taylor]

(06-06-2013 03:14 PM)Rsmyth Wrote:  I think if Herr Taylor showed up at the hospital wearing a chest full of his newly aquired pins, they would have to give him the Major's report!

Or they would direct me to the modern insane asylum...

[scldrgnfly]

Very nice research for us, Eva. Thank you. It is almost a comfort to see how beautiful a place Rathbone had to live out his days, since he had such a tormented existence. He was fortunate he had a name, position, means and a history, because I doubt he would have lived so well, otherwise.

Do you all suppose Rathbone was Schizophrenic and possibly, like many afflicted with that disease (?), it might not have shown up until he was in college? Somehow, as a mother, I would have had serious reservations about letting my daughter marry someone with a serious flaw like that.

I wonder if he had any "creative," "conspiratorial" experiences due to a psychotic break, while serving with the War Department?

Also, like Shelly, I don't think at that time, they allowed bodies to be shipped home for fear of disease, did they?