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Obituaries of Presidents' Parents
Colonel John C. Coolidge
Hagerstown, Maryland, Thursday, March 18, 1926
Plymouth, Vermont, March 17 |
Col. John Coolidge
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Aged Father of President Gets Weaker Hourly
Slight Assurance Given in Bulletin By His Physician
Unable To Take Any Nourishment
Heart Action, Temperature and Lungs Remain Normal
The life of Colonel John C. Coolidge tonight hung by a slender thread. In his modest farm house home near here,
the President’s father, worn by months of illness, was sinking slowly. Today his physician, Dr. Albert M. Cram,
of Bridgewater, gave but slight assurance to anxious neighbors and friends. Unable to take any nourishment except
a few drops of coffee, Col. Coolidge grew gradually weaker, reports emanating from the sick room said. The most
favorable symptom in his case, it was said, was the fact that heart action, temperature and lungs remained normal.
There has been no recent recurrence of the rapid pulse which alarmed the physician last Thursday night. After spending
nearly three hours with his patient, Dr. Cram issued about midday the following bulletin:
“There is nothing to be said of Col. Coolidge’s condition this morning. Heart condition is fair and temperature
and respiration nearly normal. He remains very weak as he is unable to take any nourishment. He is very comfortable
when not disturbed and bears what pain and discomfort are necessary with great fortitude. No new developments are
anticipated during the next 24 hours.”
Dr. Cram let it be known that it was with the greatest difficulty his aged patient could take the necessary medicine.
The inability of Col. Coolidge to take nourishment was responsible for the growing weakness the physician said.
A further complication has been the partial paralysis of the intestinal organs. Dr. Cram added that the lungs so
far showed no indication of congestion, a condition which the physician said he would regard as very grave. The
condition of Colonel Coolidge change but little during the day, his physician Dr. Cram said tonight. “Colonel Coolidge
is very quiet tonight.” The bulletin at 7:50 o’clock said. “He spent a comfortable afternoon but has not taken
any nourishment. His condition is about the same as this morning and it appears likely that he will have a restful
night as he does not suffer from attacks of hiccoughing as much as before. There seems to be no immediate cause
for alarm.”
[Submitted by Nancy Piper]
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Col. Coolidge as he appeared one year ago
An early photograph of Col. Coolidge's wife made at the time of their marriage
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Plymouth, Vt., March 18.
Arrangements for the funeral of Col. John C. Coolidge,
who died at his home here Thursday night, will not be completed until the arrival of the President Friday. This
was announced by Dr. Albert M. Cram, physician in charge.
The date of the funeral services was not decided upon, the doctor said. Neighbors who professed to know something
of the plans, expressed belief that they would take place on Sunday.
While the front yard of the Coolidge home was being cleared of snow Thursday, the approach of the little Union
Meeting House across the road also was plowed bare of drifts. Those who have had opportunity to know the wishes
of Col. Coolidge said the services would be held in the old meeting house where he was a life-long worshipper.
When the colonel arranged his affairs early last winter he requested Selectman Azro Johnson, who is also sexton
of the church, to prepare his grave in the village cemetery, where many members of the family lie. There Calvin,
the President's son, was interred in 1924, and there is a place reserved for Calvin's grandfather.
Two years ago when Col. Coolidge ordered a monument for the family plot, he had his name cut in the stone.
[San Antonio Express, Friday, March 19, 1926 - Submitted by K. Torp] |
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