OBIT: William Wilson STAUB, 1932, native of Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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WILLIAM WILSON STAUB

Tragic Death of W. W. Staub

Alleged Suicide by Hanging of Former Meyersdale Man in Brussels

  A cabled press dispatch several weeks ago announced the death of William 
Wilson Staub, of Connellsville, by hanging in his room at a hotel in Brussels, 
Belgium, where he had been domiciled for several weeks.
  His brother, H. C. Staub, of Meyersdale, has since received notice to the same 
effect from the American Consul in Belgium and also from the State Department at 
Washington, as well as from a friend and business associate of the dead man in 
England.
  Letters from abroad received by H. C. Staub, however, make it problematical 
whether Will Staub died by his own hand or was the victim of foul play.
  The manager of the hotel reports that a bellboy went to Mr. Staub's room about 
6 a.m., August 23rd, to deliver a telegram, and found him suspended by a rope 
around his neck and dead.  No valuables were found in his room and no farewell 
note stating that he was taking his own life.  The hotel manager added that he 
owed the hotel about $100 for room and meals.
  A letter received by H. C. Staub from his brother, written only four days 
before his death, was full of cheer and optimism, and made no mention of being 
financially embarrassed or having trouble of any kind.  He was in Brussels as 
the representative of the International Metals and Power Company of Rock 
Springs, Wyoming, for the purpose of closing a deal with Belgian capitalists.  
The correspondence received by H. C. Staub states that the above mentioned 
company was keeping its representative well supplied with money and expenses all 
the while he was in England and Belgium during the past year, so that there was 
no apparent need of his being destitute.
  Brussels police made an investigation and seem to have come to the conclusion 
that it was a case of suicide.
  The American Consul reported that American residents of Brussels contributed 
enough money to give the unfortunate man a decent burial in a nice casket with 
bowers, etc.  The burial took place on Aug. 25th.
  William Wilson Staub was born in Meyersdale about 67 years ago. He grew up 
here and learned telegraphy when a young man and for a number of years was 
employed as a telegraph operator for the B. & O., being promoted to the position 
of assistant train dispatcher and later as yard master in Pittsburgh.
  Eventually resigning from the railway service, he turned his attention to the 
promotion of public utilities companies.  He organized the company that erected 
the first electric light plant in Meyersdale.
  Leaving Meyersdale, Mr. Staub succeeded in organizing the West Penn Electric 
Company of Pittsburgh which became a large and going concern.  Later Mr. Staub 
devoted his time and talents to the promotion of large international business 
enterprises, making many voyages to and spending much time in Europe.
  The World War and its aftermath hampered the consummation of his later 
enterprises.
  Mr. Staub was married to Miss Julia Cummings, of Confluence, who survives.  He 
is also survived by a married daughter and four sons who saw service in the 
World War.

Meyersdale Republican, September 15, 1932