In 1784, an elector named Maximilian Franz described Johann van Beethoven as having “a very stale voice, has been long in the service, very poor, of fair deportment and married,” per Classic FM. Over time, Johann descended deeper into the depths of alcoholism. As a result, he became the butt of the joke in his city. He occasionally dipped into crime: He once forged a signature in an attempt to claim a faux fortune; another time, he was almost taken into custody, and his prodigal teenage son, Ludwig van Beethoven, had to intervene.

On July 17, 1787, Johann’s wife and Ludwig’s mother died of tuberculosis, per the Foundation for Economic Education. “She was such a good loving mother, my best friend!” Ludwig wrote at the time. With his father preoccupied by alcohol, Ludwig became the head of the household. In 1789, the local elector agreed to have half of Johann’s salary paid to Ludwig for household expenses, but he also threatened to banish Johann from Bonn, per Classic FM.

Johann died on December 18, 1792.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).