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NEWS EXCERPTS

Source:  Olympia Daily Recorder (Olympia, WA)  Vol.: VI  Issue: 63  Page: 1
Dated: July 30, 1907
RUMBAUGH FOLLOWS GIRL TO SUICIDE'S GRAVE
DESERTED FAMILY IN EAST
Principal Witness in Inquest Over Miss Matthews Death, Shoots Himself in Room --- Was Infautuated With the Girl and Latest Sensation Clears Up His Mysterious Disappearance.
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RUMBAUGH DIES OF WOUND
    
COLORADO SPRIGS, July 31. - Amos R. Rumbaugh, who shot himself rather than testify at the inquest over the death of Miss Laura Matthews, his friend, died today.
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Rumbaugh Had Fled Home.
     PITTSBURG, July 31. - The suicide of Amos Rumbaugh at Colorado Springs cleared up the mystery of his disappearance from his home at Mount Pleasant, near here, two weeks ago.  He was married and was one of the most prominent citizens of Mount Pleasant.
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     COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 31. - Coroner Richardson stated today that he believed Miss Matthews killed herself because of unrequited love on the part of C. A. Corey, the Chicago millionaire and that Dr. Rumbaugh committed suicide because of infatuation for the girl, combined with recent over-indulgence of liquor.
     The coroner's inquest, which adjourned at the news of the shooting yesterday, reconvened today.  Miss Green, the nurse, was the first witness.  She testified that Corey, the Chicago automobile dealer, telegraphed her several times since Miss Mathews killed herself.  One message read, "Will meet you at the train.  Forward letters and keep your own counsel."  Miss Green also testified that Rumbaugh was infatuated with the girl.  That Rumbaugh told her after the girl had disclosed her relations with Corey, she attempted to shoot herself and that Rumbaugh wrestled with her and took the revolver from her.  That Rumbaugh said he and Miss Matthews intended to be married at once and when he was told of the girl's suicide, he was very much agitated and threatened to take revenge on Coey.
     Miss Green
identified a large bundle of letters to the girl which, though not made public, are said to be very affectionate in tone and indicate that Coey and the girl were very intimate.
     The coroner, when asked, said the letters did not reflct seriously on Coey's character.  C. L. Kingsbury, a bell boy at the Arcadia hotel, to having overheard a conversation between Miss Mathews and an unknown man in which the expression, "kill you from ambush" was used by the man.
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     COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 31 - Amos Rumbaugh, of Washington, C. C., a close friend fo Miss Laura Matthews, the young actress who committed suicide Sunday night, added horror and mystery to the gruesome case by shooting himself through the head yesterday afternoon in the same manner adopted by Miss MatthewsRumbaugh committed the act in his room at the Alta Vista hotel.  The hour when the fatal shot was fired is not known as it was not heard by anyone in the hotel adn teh deed was discovered only when officers went to his room to ascertain why he had not responded in the subpoena to attend the coroner's inquest over Miss Matthews' body yesterday.
     When the officers appeared at the hotel the bellboy was sent to Rumbaugh's room to see what was the matter.  The boy found the door locked and could get no response.  The officers asked that the door be opened, but the key was on the inside and another could not be inserted in the lock.  An officer was boosted up to the transom and looked in and the spectacle he saw was horrifying.  Rumbaugh was reclining on the edge of the bed and his brains had oozed out on the floor.  He was naked.  A hasty examination showed that the man was still alive and he was taken to a hospital but all efforts to save him were fruitless.
Was to Tell of Girl's Death.
    
That the act of Rumbaugh was the direct result of the death of Miss Matthews is not doubted.  He was to have apeared yesterday afternoon as a witness at the coroner's inquest to tell what he knew of his friend's tragic ending.  Rumbaugh claimed to be but a chance acquaintance of the girl but it develops that he knew he in Chicago and also knew C. A. Coey, the wealthy Chicago man, and Dr. H. A. Thomas of the "101" ranch.  He was frequently a member of parties at which Miss Matthews and the other men referred to were members.  Rumbaugh was the one who accompanied Miss Green, the nurse, to the livery stable about 5 o'clock Monday morning to see if the actress' horse had returned.  It was he who sent the telegram to Coey demanding that he "do the right thing by the girl," and it was with him that Miss Matthews left the letter in which was enclosed another letter to Coey.  The officers have not yet had time to examine Rumbaugh's papers and effects the coroner has had his room locked up.  If Rumbaugh did not destroy the letter left him by Miss Matthews, together with the letter to Coey, it is believed they will show startling facts that may entangle many people of prominence.
Held Coey Responsible
    
The telegram sent ot Rumbaugh to Coey Monday morning, taken in the light of his suicide, has more meaning than before.  It was as follows:
     "Laura committed suicide on account of you.  Letters left behind.  Send $__ at once for expenses."
     The police officers say that the latter shows that Rumbaugh knew Coey well enough to spea to him of "Laura," and threaten him.  Rumbaugh was about 28 years old and the son of a wealthy Washington, D. C. family.  A service medal of honor shows that he served with distinction in the Tenth Pennsylvania infantry in the Philippines.  He is at the hospital and is still living but cannot recover.
     Miss Green, the nurse who has been Miss Matthews' companion while in Colorado Springs, was the principal witness at the inquest yesterday.  She admitted having written several letters to friends of Miss Matthews in Chicago and elsewhere stating that Laura had taken her life after making "a hard battle."  It developed that these letters were written before she had been informed of the finding of Miss Matthews' body.  She explained this by saying she had anticipated such an event.
Selected Her Own Casket.
     Miss Green
also testified that several days ago she and Miss Matthews visited a local mortuary and Miss Matthews selected a casket and remarked, "This is the kind of casket I wish to be buried in."
     Miss Green swore that D. H. E. Thomas, whose name has not been mentioned in the case, was only a friend of Miss Matthews, and was not involved in the matter in any way.  She declared that Miss Matthews was not in a delicate condition.
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  There were lots of typos in this article.

Source:  Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) Vol. 157 Issue: 82  Page: 2, 1
Dated: Thursday, Aug. 1, 1907
  
MYSTERY DEEPENS IN DUAL SUICIDE TRAGEDY
Coroner's Jury Finds Miss Matthews Killed Herself - Rumbaugh Also Dead.
Millionaire Coey's Love Letters to the Dead Girl Show Very Great Affection
     COLORADO SPRINGS, Col., July 31 - The coroner's jury this afternoon found a verdict to the effect that Miss Laura Matthews, whose body was found lying in  a lane near Broadmoor on Monday morning with a bullet hole in her head, committed suicide.
     Amos R. Rumbaugh who shot himself late yesterday rather than testify at the inquest over the body of his friend, Miss Matthews, died early this morning at St. Francis' Hospital.
The Mystery Deepens
     Neither the verdict of the jury nor the death of Rumbaugh in any way clears up the mystery of this most remarkable case.  The puzzle is deepened by an interview with C. A. Coey, the wealthy Chicago automobile manufacturer, which was published here today.  In it he says positively that he does not believe Miss Matthews killed herself.
     Miss Tillie Green, the nurse who was in attendance on Miss Matthews, also adds to the mystery.  She admits that she was in frequent correspondence with Coey and received money from him.  She further more declares that Coey and Rumbaugh were unacquainted with each other, but that Rumbaugh, who was infatuated with Miss Matthews, was convinced that her suicide was due to the neglect of the Chicago man, and he swore he, would kill Coey.
    
Two brief notes are all that explain the young man's act.  One note is addressed "To Whom It May Concern," which reads as follows:  "Ship my body to Mrs. J. H. Rumbaugh, Mount Pleasant, Pa., Westmoreland county.  Notify the Traveler's Insurance Company, of Hartford Conn., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Scottdale, Pa.  Amos R. Rumbaugh."
To His Mother.
    
The second note was addressed to his mother, Mrs. J. H. Rumbaugh at the above address.  Rumbaugh wrote:
     "Dear Mother - There is nothing for me to say why I did this awful deed, so lay my body away to rest.  I have about $350 on my person; you and Charlie settle things up.  Your Son, "Richard R. Rumbaugh.
    
The coroner's inquest on the body of Miss Matthews was resumed this morning.  Miss Tillie Green, the nurse, the first witness called to the stand today, testified that C. A. Coey, the wealthy Chicago automobile dealer, had sent her several telegrams since the tragedy, one of which reads as follow:
     "Will meet you at train.  Forward letters.  Keep your own counsel."
     The witness admitted receiving $345 from Coey yesterday.
Took Pistol From Her
     Miss Green
testified that Rumbaugh on Monday told her that he and Laura and been driving in a closed carriage on Friday and that after Laura had disclosed to him her relation with Coey, she suddenly drew a revolver and attempted to shoot herself.  Rumbaugh wrested the pistol from her.  Rumbaugh also told Miss Green he and Miss Matthews had determined to get married and go abroad.  Rumbaugh had engaged a section in a sleeping car for himself and Miss Matthews and they were to leave for New York on Monday.
     The nurse said Rumbaugh was very much agitated when told of Miss Matthews death and talked excitedly about going East and taking revenge on Coey.
     Miss Green
said she had no desire to withhold any information from the jury.  After identifying a large bundle of letters written by Coey to Miss Matthews witness was excused.  These letters have not been made public but are said to be moderate in tone and simply indicate that Coey and Miss Matthews were close friends.  They were addressed "Dear Girl,"  "Dear Little Laura" and "My Dear Laura."  Several telegrams also were offered in evidence.
Sent Her Money
     One letter begins "Find enclosed fifty dollars" another "your loving letter received."
     The Coroner when asked was to the nature of the letters said they were of character which does not reflect seriously upon Mr. Coey.
     C. L. Kingsbury
, a bell boy at the Acacia Hotel, testified that on Sunday afternoon he overheard a telephone conversation between a man and Miss Matthews.  He cut in on the wire just as the conversation ended but overheard the man say "kill you from ambush."
     Miss Matthews said "what?" and the man repeated what he had said.
     At the opening of the afternoon session letters written by Coey to Miss Matthews were read to the jury.
     The letters indicate that Coey was deeply in love with Miss Matthews.  They abound in protestations of love.  Such phrases as "I cannot get along without you."  "I will live for you, if you live for me" and "Life is short, so why not be with one we love the most"  are some of the phrases used.
     In nearly ever letter Coey encouraged Miss Matthews to be a "good little girl" and to come back to him with her health restored.  Numerous clippings from Chicago papers about races in which Coey had participated, a yacht he had purchased and other news items were inclosed in the letters.

Source:  Morning Olympian (Olympia, WA)  Vol: 17  Issue: 108  Page: Two
Dated: Thursday, Aug. 1, 1907
DEATH CLEARS UP MYSTERY
Suicide of Rumbaugh Discloses Why He Had Left His Home.
    
COLORADO SPRINGS, July 31 - Amos R. Rumbaugh, who shot himself rather than testify at the inquest over the death of Miss Laura Matthews, his friend, died today.
Rambaugh Had Fled Home.
    
PITTSBURG, July 31. - The suicide of Amos Rumbaugh at Colorado Springs cleared up the mystery of his disappearance from his home at Mount Pleasant, near here, two weeks ago.  He was married and was one of the most prominent citizens of Mount Pleasant.
     COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 31 - Coroner Richardson stated today that he believed Miss Matthews killed herself because of unrequited love on the part of C. A. Corey, the Chicago millionaire and that Dr. Rumbaugh committed suicide because of infatuation for the girl, combined with recent over-indulgence of liquor.
     The coroner's inquest, which adjourned at the news of the shooting yesterday, reconvened today.  Miss Green, the nurse, was the first witness.  She testified that Corey, the Chicago automobile dealer, telegraphed her several times since Miss Mathews killed herself.  One message read, "Will meet you at the train.  Forward letters and keep your own counsel."  Miss Green also testified that Rumbaugh was infatuated with the girl.  That Rumbaugh told her after the girl had disclosed her relations with Corey, she attempted to shoot herself and that Rumbaugh wrestled with her and took the revolver fro her.  That Rumbaugh said he and Miss Mathews intended to be married at once and when he was told of the girl's suicide, he was very much agitated and threatened to take revenge on Coey.
     Miss Green
identified a large bundle of letters to the girl which, though not made public, are said to be very affectionate in tone and indicate that Coey and the girl were very intimate.
     The coroner, when asked, said the letters did not reflict sriously on Coey's character.  C. L. Kingsbury, a bell boy at the Arcadia hotel, to having overheard a conversation between Miss Mathews and an unknown man in which the expression, "kill you from ambush" was used by the man.
     COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 31. - Amos Rumbaugh, of Washington, D. C., a close friend of Miss Laura Matthews, the young actress who committed suicide Sudnay night, added horror and mystery to the gruesome case by shooting himself through the head yesterday afternoon in the same manner adopted by Miss Matthews.  Rumbaugh committed the act in his room at the Alta Vista hotel.  The hour when the fatal shot was fired is not known as it was not heard by anyone in the hotel and the deed was discovered only when officers went to his room to ascertain why he had not responded to the subpoena to attend the coroner's inquest over Miss Matthew's body yesterday.
     When the officers appeared at the hotel a bellboy was sent to Rumbaugh's room to see what was the matter.  The boy found the door locked and could get no response.  The officers asked that the door be opened, but the key was on the inside and another could not be inserted in the lock.  An officer was boosted up to the transom and looked in and the spectacle he saw was horrifying.  Rumbaugh was reclining on the edge of the bed and his brains had oozed out on the floor  He was naked.  A hasty examination showed that the man was still alive and he was taken to a hospital but all efforts to save him were fruitless.
Was to Tell of Girl's Death.
    
That the act of Rumbaugh was the direct result of the death of Miss Matthews is not doubted.  He was to have apeared yesterday afternoon as a witness at the coroner's inquest to tell what he knew of his friend's tragic ending.  Rumbaugh claimed to be but a chance acquaintance of the girl but it develops that he knew her in Chicago and also knew C. A. Coey, the wealthy Chicago man, and Dr. H. A. Thomas of the "101" ranch.  He was frequently a member of parties at which Miss Matthews and the other men referred to were members.  Rumbaugh was the one who accompanied Miss Green, the nurse, to the livery stable about 5 o'clock Monday morning to see if the actress' horse had returned.  It was he who sent the telegram to Coey demanding that he "do the right thing by the girl," and it was with him that Miss Matthews left the letter n which was enclosed another letter to Coey.  The officers have not yet had time to examine Rumbaugh's papers and effects and Rumbaugh's papers and effects and the coroner has had his room locked up.  If Rumbaugh  did not destroy the letter left him by Miss Matthews, together with the letter to Coey, it is believed they will show startling facts that may entangle many people of prominence.
Held Coey Responsible
    
The telegram sent to Rumbaugh to Coey Monday morning, taken in the light of his sucide, has more meaning than before.  It was as follows: 
     "Laura comimtted suicide on account of you.  Letters left behind.  Sent $_00 at once for expenses."
     The police officers say that the latter shows that Rumbaugh knew Coey well enough to speak to him of "Laura," and threaten him.  Rumbaugh was about 28 years old and the son of a wealthy Washington, D. C., family.  A service medal of honor shows that he served with distinction in the Tenth Pennsylvania infantry in the Philippines.  He is at the hospital and is still living but cannot recover.
     Miss Green, the nurse who has been Miss Matthews' companion while in Colorado Springs, was the principal witness at the inquest yesterday.  She admitted having written several letters to friends of Miss Matthews in Chicago and elsewhere stating that Laura had taken her life after making "a hard battle."  It developed that these letters were written before she had been informed of the finding of Miss Matthews' body.  She explained this by saying she had anticipated such an event.
Selected Her Own Casket.
     Miss Green
also testified that several days ago she and Miss Matthews visited a local mortuary and Miss Matthews selected a casket and remarked, "This is the kind of casket I wish to be buried in."
     Miss Green swore that D. H. E. Thomas, whose name has been mentioned in the case, was only a friend of Miss Matthews, and was not involved in the matter in any way.  She declared that Miss Matthews was not in a delicate condition.
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  There were lots of typos in this article.
Source:  Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) Vol.: 157 Issue: 83  Page 1
Dated: Thursday, Aug. 2, 1907
SAYS RUMBAUGH AGREED TO DIE
Friend of Dead Man Declares That Suicide Pact Had Existed Since Christmas Between Meat Dealer and Laura Matthews.
From the Inquirer Bureau.
     MT. PLEASANT, PA., Aug. 1 - The startling announcement is made here this afternoon that Amos R. Rumbaugh, who killed himself in Colorado two days ago, a short time after Laura Matthews, of Chicago, had shot herself to death, had entered into an agreement with the Matthews woman in Chicago last Christmass to kill himself when she committed suicide.  That the double tragedy of Colorado was premeditated is vouched for by Emmett Boyd, a young business man of Mt. Pleasant, and for years a close friend of Rumbaugh.
     At last Christmas season Boyd accompanied Rumbaugh to Chicago when he called on Miss Matthews, who was then living with her mother in Ingleside, a suburb.  It was here that Miss Matthews, according to Boyd, told Rumbaugh that she could not give him up to his family and live; that she would take her own life, and Rumbaugh is alleged to have promised that he, too, would kill himself if she did.  Mr. Boyd said this evening:
     "The Matthews woman was dead in love with Rumbaugh, and I have seen her cling to him and cry that she could not and would not live without him.  On one occasion in her home she had her arms around his neck while I was in the room, and she said: 'I just can't live without you and if I can't have you I'll kill myself.'
     "This was after Rumbaugh had told her that he could not be with her always, that he had a wife at Mt. Pleasant, but when he heard her make this remark he looked solemn and said: 'All right, little one.  If you kill yourself I will too.'
     That Miss Matthews by letter recently recalled to Rumbaugh the suicide compact and that he went to her in Chicago, and together they went to Colorado to kill themselves, is believed by Boyd and his friends here.  Boyd was the last man having business dealings with Rumbaugh.  The meat dealer set his tottering business in order, armed himself, and after collecting all the money he could left for the West to meet Laura Matthews and, with her, commit suicide, according to his friends.  Boyd said this evening:
     "I had a long talk with Rumbaugh then night before he went away.  He acted strange, and said to me: 'Boyd, you are the best friend I ever had, and I'm going to tell you something.  Next week I'm going to hand you a big surprise, so be on the lookout for it.'"
Wife True
     The one person in Mt. Pleasant who will not believe Rumbaugh was untrue is the wife of the suicide, who is prostrated.   Today she said:
    "I never heard of the Matthews woman, nor do I believe my husband knew her until he met her in the hotel in Colorado.  I knew he was in Colorado Springs, as he wrote me.  I think he must have met the woman there, and was kind to her because she was in trouble.  My husband was a man of big heart, and I don't think the suicide of Miss Matthews and my husband had any connection.  My husband killed himself, I believe, because of his financial troubles."
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  There were lots of typos in this article.

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