The Leavenworth Echo - Aug 17, 1917
Communication from Mrs. Estabrook
Because I believe it is due the public to know the facts leading up to the death of my husband, R. R. Eastabrooks, in the Medical Lake Asylum July 17, I am asking space in The Echo.
About the 6th of July Mr. Eastabrook suffered four attacks of mental aberration, and became somewhat surely. This was the first indication of Mental trouble, and on the advice of friends I decided to have him in a hospital where he might have expert medical care. I took him to Wenatchee the 9th of July, where he was examined by two physicians. They told me in the presence of others he was suffering from a small blood clot on the brain, and that in their opinion it was best to take him to the hospital at Medical Lake. They thought there might be a chance for his recovery under the care of a brain specialist.
He left for Medical Lake on the 10th in the care of an attendant who said his name was Cook. I gave him an open letter telling him of some assistance Mr. Eastabrooks would require night and morning, and asked for kindly treatment to him, and also asked the Medical Lake authorities to wire me if he became in any way worse. July 11th I received a blank to be filled out, asking for his antecedents, etc., which I filled out and returned. I wrote asking how he stood the trip and how he was getting on, and for them to wire me at once if he became worse. I received no reply. July 15 I received a letter from the Medical Lake authorities saying on July 10 and 11 he was natural and pleasant, but that towards night on the 11th he attacked and struck him, and he was weak and not taking nourishment, and perhaps I had better come. I took the first train and arrived at Medical Lake Monday July 16, at 8 a.m. The Doctor met me and said "Mr. Eastabrooks is better this morning. We had to place him in restraint, and I gave an active calagog, his bowels were in a constipated condition.: I was surprised. When he left home on the 10th he was not suffering from constipation, and remarked I could not understand shy he should need such a remedy. An attendant took me to his cell, such as all have. As soon as I looked at him I said, "Why, he is dying." The attendant ask why I thought so, and I answered, "I have seen too many going not to know." He remarked, "I hardly think so. He drank two glasses of egg nog this morning." I asked him if he did not think that was too much for one in Mr. Eastabrooks condition, that I thought a half glass would have been enough. He said, "Oh, it's thin. Mostly milk." The cell was on the sunny side of the building and very hot. The ventilation consisted of a grated window and transom over the door. Mr. Eastabrooks lay on a iron cot about two feet wide on a tick filled with coarse straw or alfalfa stems and large buttons sticking up thru the sheet and into his back. He was in a profuse perspiration and too weak to raise his hands or turn the cover down. The cover consisted of a sheet and a heavy blanket and a white spread drawn up to his chin. I turned up the cover that I might examine his body. The right side of his chest was bruised black and blue. I saw some blood stains further down on the sheet and found his knees bruised black and blue and skinned. they showed the stains of iodine. I asked why the iodine, and the attendant answered, "To prevent infection." Further examination showed a bruise on one ankle and a scratch about four inches long on the other. The attendant said, "Perhaps I had better call the doctor. When the Doctor came he examined Mr. Eastabrooks, asked the attendant, "When was he taken worse?" He answered, "Just before Mrs. E. came in, I think."
The doctor sent in another attendant to give Mr. E. a hypodermic injection. When he pushed up his sleeve I asked him what he was going to do and he said the Doctor sent him to give the injection. I asked what it was and what for and objected to its being given until I knew what it was and what it was for. The doctor came in and said it was only a stimulant. I asked will it do him any good. He replied no, only stimulate him for a short time, I said he has suffered enough. You need not use it. He commended me for my good sense and left. Further examination showed his arms bruised black and blue. I did not see any bruises on the attendant or did he seem crippled. I asked for a paper to use in place of a fan and one was finally brought. I asked for a glass of water that I might moisten Mr. E.'s parched lips and mouth. When I tried to put water on his lips he acted as if he was afraid of being hurt. When I wet a handkerchief and moistened his lips and mouth he again acted as if he feared some one was going to hurt him. I helped him to turn on his right side and found the shin had peeled off and bed sores had started. His bed was so hard I asked the attendant to fold the blanket and put under him. I did what I could to make him comfortable. As night came on the Doctor had Mr. E. moved into another room where he had a better bed and was more comfortable. I nursed him thru the night. Altho he had only been there a short time he was much reduced in flesh tho when he was taken to the asylum he was in good flesh. I stayed with him Monday and Monday night trying to minister his dying needs. He breathed his last Tuesday morning July 17th, at six o'clock. All he said after I came was "Yes, I know you are here." He was too weak to tell of his treatment before I got to him. Everything he brought with him had been taken from him. He did not even have a handkerchief. My opinion is that his excitement and violence, if there was any grew out of having his belongings taken from him. I write this for the benefit of others who may be advised to send some dear one to an institution that is supported by the tax payers under the impression that they will receive humane treatment. The unfortunate can die at home under much more humane conditions.
Very repectfully, Mrs. R. Eastabrooks
Washington Death Certificate
Name Rollin Estabrook
Death Date 17 Jul 1917
Death Place Medical Lake, Spokane, Washington
Gender Male
Age at Death 67 years
Estimated Birth Year 1850
Mother's Name Aaron G.
Film Number 1992503
Digital GS Number 4220847
Image Number 2181
Volume/Page/Certificate Number cn 254
Communication from Mrs. Estabrook
Because I believe it is due the public to know the facts leading up to the death of my husband, R. R. Eastabrooks, in the Medical Lake Asylum July 17, I am asking space in The Echo.
About the 6th of July Mr. Eastabrook suffered four attacks of mental aberration, and became somewhat surely. This was the first indication of Mental trouble, and on the advice of friends I decided to have him in a hospital where he might have expert medical care. I took him to Wenatchee the 9th of July, where he was examined by two physicians. They told me in the presence of others he was suffering from a small blood clot on the brain, and that in their opinion it was best to take him to the hospital at Medical Lake. They thought there might be a chance for his recovery under the care of a brain specialist.
He left for Medical Lake on the 10th in the care of an attendant who said his name was Cook. I gave him an open letter telling him of some assistance Mr. Eastabrooks would require night and morning, and asked for kindly treatment to him, and also asked the Medical Lake authorities to wire me if he became in any way worse. July 11th I received a blank to be filled out, asking for his antecedents, etc., which I filled out and returned. I wrote asking how he stood the trip and how he was getting on, and for them to wire me at once if he became worse. I received no reply. July 15 I received a letter from the Medical Lake authorities saying on July 10 and 11 he was natural and pleasant, but that towards night on the 11th he attacked and struck him, and he was weak and not taking nourishment, and perhaps I had better come. I took the first train and arrived at Medical Lake Monday July 16, at 8 a.m. The Doctor met me and said "Mr. Eastabrooks is better this morning. We had to place him in restraint, and I gave an active calagog, his bowels were in a constipated condition.: I was surprised. When he left home on the 10th he was not suffering from constipation, and remarked I could not understand shy he should need such a remedy. An attendant took me to his cell, such as all have. As soon as I looked at him I said, "Why, he is dying." The attendant ask why I thought so, and I answered, "I have seen too many going not to know." He remarked, "I hardly think so. He drank two glasses of egg nog this morning." I asked him if he did not think that was too much for one in Mr. Eastabrooks condition, that I thought a half glass would have been enough. He said, "Oh, it's thin. Mostly milk." The cell was on the sunny side of the building and very hot. The ventilation consisted of a grated window and transom over the door. Mr. Eastabrooks lay on a iron cot about two feet wide on a tick filled with coarse straw or alfalfa stems and large buttons sticking up thru the sheet and into his back. He was in a profuse perspiration and too weak to raise his hands or turn the cover down. The cover consisted of a sheet and a heavy blanket and a white spread drawn up to his chin. I turned up the cover that I might examine his body. The right side of his chest was bruised black and blue. I saw some blood stains further down on the sheet and found his knees bruised black and blue and skinned. they showed the stains of iodine. I asked why the iodine, and the attendant answered, "To prevent infection." Further examination showed a bruise on one ankle and a scratch about four inches long on the other. The attendant said, "Perhaps I had better call the doctor. When the Doctor came he examined Mr. Eastabrooks, asked the attendant, "When was he taken worse?" He answered, "Just before Mrs. E. came in, I think."
The doctor sent in another attendant to give Mr. E. a hypodermic injection. When he pushed up his sleeve I asked him what he was going to do and he said the Doctor sent him to give the injection. I asked what it was and what for and objected to its being given until I knew what it was and what it was for. The doctor came in and said it was only a stimulant. I asked will it do him any good. He replied no, only stimulate him for a short time, I said he has suffered enough. You need not use it. He commended me for my good sense and left. Further examination showed his arms bruised black and blue. I did not see any bruises on the attendant or did he seem crippled. I asked for a paper to use in place of a fan and one was finally brought. I asked for a glass of water that I might moisten Mr. E.'s parched lips and mouth. When I tried to put water on his lips he acted as if he was afraid of being hurt. When I wet a handkerchief and moistened his lips and mouth he again acted as if he feared some one was going to hurt him. I helped him to turn on his right side and found the shin had peeled off and bed sores had started. His bed was so hard I asked the attendant to fold the blanket and put under him. I did what I could to make him comfortable. As night came on the Doctor had Mr. E. moved into another room where he had a better bed and was more comfortable. I nursed him thru the night. Altho he had only been there a short time he was much reduced in flesh tho when he was taken to the asylum he was in good flesh. I stayed with him Monday and Monday night trying to minister his dying needs. He breathed his last Tuesday morning July 17th, at six o'clock. All he said after I came was "Yes, I know you are here." He was too weak to tell of his treatment before I got to him. Everything he brought with him had been taken from him. He did not even have a handkerchief. My opinion is that his excitement and violence, if there was any grew out of having his belongings taken from him. I write this for the benefit of others who may be advised to send some dear one to an institution that is supported by the tax payers under the impression that they will receive humane treatment. The unfortunate can die at home under much more humane conditions.
Very repectfully, Mrs. R. Eastabrooks
Washington Death Certificate
Name Rollin Estabrook
Death Date 17 Jul 1917
Death Place Medical Lake, Spokane, Washington
Gender Male
Age at Death 67 years
Estimated Birth Year 1850
Mother's Name Aaron G.
Film Number 1992503
Digital GS Number 4220847
Image Number 2181
Volume/Page/Certificate Number cn 254
The Leavenworth Echo - Aug 17, 1917
Communication from Mrs. Estabrook
Because I believe it is due the public to know the facts leading up to the death of my husband, R. R. Eastabrooks, in the Medical Lake Asylum July 17, I am asking space in The Echo.
About the 6th of July Mr. Eastabrook suffered four attacks of mental aberration, and became somewhat surely. This was the first indication of Mental trouble, and on the advice of friends I decided to have him in a hospital where he might have expert medical care. I took him to Wenatchee the 9th of July, where he was examined by two physicians. They told me in the presence of others he was suffering from a small blood clot on the brain, and that in their opinion it was best to take him to the hospital at Medical Lake. They thought there might be a chance for his recovery under the care of a brain specialist.
He left for Medical Lake on the 10th in the care of an attendant who said his name was Cook. I gave him an open letter telling him of some assistance Mr. Eastabrooks would require night and morning, and asked for kindly treatment to him, and also asked the Medical Lake authorities to wire me if he became in any way worse. July 11th I received a blank to be filled out, asking for his antecedents, etc., which I filled out and returned. I wrote asking how he stood the trip and how he was getting on, and for them to wire me at once if he became worse. I received no reply. July 15 I received a letter from the Medical Lake authorities saying on July 10 and 11 he was natural and pleasant, but that towards night on the 11th he attacked and struck him, and he was weak and not taking nourishment, and perhaps I had better come. I took the first train and arrived at Medical Lake Monday July 16, at 8 a.m. The Doctor met me and said "Mr. Eastabrooks is better this morning. We had to place him in restraint, and I gave an active calagog, his bowels were in a constipated condition.: I was surprised. When he left home on the 10th he was not suffering from constipation, and remarked I could not understand shy he should need such a remedy. An attendant took me to his cell, such as all have. As soon as I looked at him I said, "Why, he is dying." The attendant ask why I thought so, and I answered, "I have seen too many going not to know." He remarked, "I hardly think so. He drank two glasses of egg nog this morning." I asked him if he did not think that was too much for one in Mr. Eastabrooks condition, that I thought a half glass would have been enough. He said, "Oh, it's thin. Mostly milk." The cell was on the sunny side of the building and very hot. The ventilation consisted of a grated window and transom over the door. Mr. Eastabrooks lay on a iron cot about two feet wide on a tick filled with coarse straw or alfalfa stems and large buttons sticking up thru the sheet and into his back. He was in a profuse perspiration and too weak to raise his hands or turn the cover down. The cover consisted of a sheet and a heavy blanket and a white spread drawn up to his chin. I turned up the cover that I might examine his body. The right side of his chest was bruised black and blue. I saw some blood stains further down on the sheet and found his knees bruised black and blue and skinned. they showed the stains of iodine. I asked why the iodine, and the attendant answered, "To prevent infection." Further examination showed a bruise on one ankle and a scratch about four inches long on the other. The attendant said, "Perhaps I had better call the doctor. When the Doctor came he examined Mr. Eastabrooks, asked the attendant, "When was he taken worse?" He answered, "Just before Mrs. E. came in, I think."
The doctor sent in another attendant to give Mr. E. a hypodermic injection. When he pushed up his sleeve I asked him what he was going to do and he said the Doctor sent him to give the injection. I asked what it was and what for and objected to its being given until I knew what it was and what it was for. The doctor came in and said it was only a stimulant. I asked will it do him any good. He replied no, only stimulate him for a short time, I said he has suffered enough. You need not use it. He commended me for my good sense and left. Further examination showed his arms bruised black and blue. I did not see any bruises on the attendant or did he seem crippled. I asked for a paper to use in place of a fan and one was finally brought. I asked for a glass of water that I might moisten Mr. E.'s parched lips and mouth. When I tried to put water on his lips he acted as if he was afraid of being hurt. When I wet a handkerchief and moistened his lips and mouth he again acted as if he feared some one was going to hurt him. I helped him to turn on his right side and found the shin had peeled off and bed sores had started. His bed was so hard I asked the attendant to fold the blanket and put under him. I did what I could to make him comfortable. As night came on the Doctor had Mr. E. moved into another room where he had a better bed and was more comfortable. I nursed him thru the night. Altho he had only been there a short time he was much reduced in flesh tho when he was taken to the asylum he was in good flesh. I stayed with him Monday and Monday night trying to minister his dying needs. He breathed his last Tuesday morning July 17th, at six o'clock. All he said after I came was "Yes, I know you are here." He was too weak to tell of his treatment before I got to him. Everything he brought with him had been taken from him. He did not even have a handkerchief. My opinion is that his excitement and violence, if there was any grew out of having his belongings taken from him. I write this for the benefit of others who may be advised to send some dear one to an institution that is supported by the tax payers under the impression that they will receive humane treatment. The unfortunate can die at home under much more humane conditions.
Very repectfully, Mrs. R. Eastabrooks
Washington Death Certificate
Name Rollin Estabrook
Death Date 17 Jul 1917
Death Place Medical Lake, Spokane, Washington
Gender Male
Age at Death 67 years
Estimated Birth Year 1850
Mother's Name Aaron G.
Film Number 1992503
Digital GS Number 4220847
Image Number 2181
Volume/Page/Certificate Number cn 254
Communication from Mrs. Estabrook
Because I believe it is due the public to know the facts leading up to the death of my husband, R. R. Eastabrooks, in the Medical Lake Asylum July 17, I am asking space in The Echo.
About the 6th of July Mr. Eastabrook suffered four attacks of mental aberration, and became somewhat surely. This was the first indication of Mental trouble, and on the advice of friends I decided to have him in a hospital where he might have expert medical care. I took him to Wenatchee the 9th of July, where he was examined by two physicians. They told me in the presence of others he was suffering from a small blood clot on the brain, and that in their opinion it was best to take him to the hospital at Medical Lake. They thought there might be a chance for his recovery under the care of a brain specialist.
He left for Medical Lake on the 10th in the care of an attendant who said his name was Cook. I gave him an open letter telling him of some assistance Mr. Eastabrooks would require night and morning, and asked for kindly treatment to him, and also asked the Medical Lake authorities to wire me if he became in any way worse. July 11th I received a blank to be filled out, asking for his antecedents, etc., which I filled out and returned. I wrote asking how he stood the trip and how he was getting on, and for them to wire me at once if he became worse. I received no reply. July 15 I received a letter from the Medical Lake authorities saying on July 10 and 11 he was natural and pleasant, but that towards night on the 11th he attacked and struck him, and he was weak and not taking nourishment, and perhaps I had better come. I took the first train and arrived at Medical Lake Monday July 16, at 8 a.m. The Doctor met me and said "Mr. Eastabrooks is better this morning. We had to place him in restraint, and I gave an active calagog, his bowels were in a constipated condition.: I was surprised. When he left home on the 10th he was not suffering from constipation, and remarked I could not understand shy he should need such a remedy. An attendant took me to his cell, such as all have. As soon as I looked at him I said, "Why, he is dying." The attendant ask why I thought so, and I answered, "I have seen too many going not to know." He remarked, "I hardly think so. He drank two glasses of egg nog this morning." I asked him if he did not think that was too much for one in Mr. Eastabrooks condition, that I thought a half glass would have been enough. He said, "Oh, it's thin. Mostly milk." The cell was on the sunny side of the building and very hot. The ventilation consisted of a grated window and transom over the door. Mr. Eastabrooks lay on a iron cot about two feet wide on a tick filled with coarse straw or alfalfa stems and large buttons sticking up thru the sheet and into his back. He was in a profuse perspiration and too weak to raise his hands or turn the cover down. The cover consisted of a sheet and a heavy blanket and a white spread drawn up to his chin. I turned up the cover that I might examine his body. The right side of his chest was bruised black and blue. I saw some blood stains further down on the sheet and found his knees bruised black and blue and skinned. they showed the stains of iodine. I asked why the iodine, and the attendant answered, "To prevent infection." Further examination showed a bruise on one ankle and a scratch about four inches long on the other. The attendant said, "Perhaps I had better call the doctor. When the Doctor came he examined Mr. Eastabrooks, asked the attendant, "When was he taken worse?" He answered, "Just before Mrs. E. came in, I think."
The doctor sent in another attendant to give Mr. E. a hypodermic injection. When he pushed up his sleeve I asked him what he was going to do and he said the Doctor sent him to give the injection. I asked what it was and what for and objected to its being given until I knew what it was and what it was for. The doctor came in and said it was only a stimulant. I asked will it do him any good. He replied no, only stimulate him for a short time, I said he has suffered enough. You need not use it. He commended me for my good sense and left. Further examination showed his arms bruised black and blue. I did not see any bruises on the attendant or did he seem crippled. I asked for a paper to use in place of a fan and one was finally brought. I asked for a glass of water that I might moisten Mr. E.'s parched lips and mouth. When I tried to put water on his lips he acted as if he was afraid of being hurt. When I wet a handkerchief and moistened his lips and mouth he again acted as if he feared some one was going to hurt him. I helped him to turn on his right side and found the shin had peeled off and bed sores had started. His bed was so hard I asked the attendant to fold the blanket and put under him. I did what I could to make him comfortable. As night came on the Doctor had Mr. E. moved into another room where he had a better bed and was more comfortable. I nursed him thru the night. Altho he had only been there a short time he was much reduced in flesh tho when he was taken to the asylum he was in good flesh. I stayed with him Monday and Monday night trying to minister his dying needs. He breathed his last Tuesday morning July 17th, at six o'clock. All he said after I came was "Yes, I know you are here." He was too weak to tell of his treatment before I got to him. Everything he brought with him had been taken from him. He did not even have a handkerchief. My opinion is that his excitement and violence, if there was any grew out of having his belongings taken from him. I write this for the benefit of others who may be advised to send some dear one to an institution that is supported by the tax payers under the impression that they will receive humane treatment. The unfortunate can die at home under much more humane conditions.
Very repectfully, Mrs. R. Eastabrooks
Washington Death Certificate
Name Rollin Estabrook
Death Date 17 Jul 1917
Death Place Medical Lake, Spokane, Washington
Gender Male
Age at Death 67 years
Estimated Birth Year 1850
Mother's Name Aaron G.
Film Number 1992503
Digital GS Number 4220847
Image Number 2181
Volume/Page/Certificate Number cn 254
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