National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-11-02
ACCIDENTAL pROKN1Ne.
A MANS BODY FOUND FLOATING IN A
POM


On Wednesday evening last inquiry was made
at police headquarters as to the whereabouts Of
Francis McGhan, a .well-knoWn plumber, resid-
ing at l46s street. 1t was stated that he was
missing and HIS family deeply concerned on ae-
count Of MS absence. Instructions were given to
the force TO keep lookout for the man. but
nothing was seen or heard Of him until Saturday
morning At 7:3O O'Clock, when Peter Thomas, a
eolored man, employed on sand boat, in passing
near the pond northwest Of the Washington
He Immediately informed Sergeant Vernon, Of
the police, and that officer, going over took the
body from the water and had It conveyed TO the
Central guard-house. Il was there identified IS
that Of the missing man McGhan.
The body was not swollen, but presented q nat
uIal appearance, with the exception Of ths face,
congestion, and q wound in the left eye. The
clothing had not been disturbed, and was the
II having been runored that the deceased had
been foully dealt with, Detective COomes made
an investigation. In the vicinity Of the pond he
found colored woman living, who described Nc
CHAINS appearance, and said such person had
for something to eat, and Immediately thereafter
went In the direction Of the Monument lot, where
some men were working, since when nothing
terday as above stated.
Coroner Patterson held an inquest at the Cen
tral guard house, and DR.. J. T. Hartigan made q
post mertem examination, showing that there
were no WOUNDS or marks Of violence on the body,
ana the Jury rendered q verdict OF accidental
drowning while labOring under q temporary .ab-
erration Of mindn
The deceased leaves wife and six children.
He was about forty-seven years of age, born In
the north Of Ireland, came 70 this country when
boy, and learned the plumbing trade in New York
city, where his brother Patrick and sister now
reside. He came to this city in ls49, and for a
time was superintendent Of the plumbing work in
the Treasury Department He Afterwards went
into the business with Nr. Frank Naylor, on
Pennsylvania avenue, near Third street, after
wards with Mr.. Cooper, on q street, next TO Bank
Of Washington. Subsequently he entered into
partnership with MIC. n. Myers, q practical gas
hitter, and their business was carried on In Ninth
street. and then on d, between Ninth and Tenth
streets, where he was quite successful. During
this time he built large four-stOry house on Z,
between Ninth and Tenth streets, where he re-
sided until recently. He was universally respected
by his large circle of friends, especially for his
generosity. 1t is stated that he has Of late been
somewhat depressed in spirits on account OF losses
in his business affairs which had somewhat re-
duced his means. He had recently obtained q
heavy contract to lay sewer-pipe in the ReighbOr-
hood Of the Capitol, and was perplexed In not
procuring the necessary bOndsmen, which, Il is
thought, was the cause Of his depression.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon
from his late residence on street, and tie re-
mains were taken to Mount OliTet cemetery for
interment, followed BY many relatives and friends
Of the family.