National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-02-05
DETECTIVE CLARVOE.
Death of nm Old omcor-sketch Of Ills +

Death of AN Old Oniccr-Sketch OF Ills Life.
John A. w. Clarvoc died at ten minutes past
nine o'clock last night, at his residence, No. 523
Seventh street southwest. His death was a
great and painful surprise to his friends, who
beloved that he had nearly recovered from his
recent illness. Mr.. Clarvoe was one of the
Oldest members the Metropolitan Police force,
and one of the best known detectives in the
country. He was born May 8, 1894 between
Washington and Alexandria, in Alexandria
County, Va, then part of the District. He
was named, from the locality of his birth, John
Alexandria Washington Clarvoe.
In the early part of his life he followed the
trade of plasterer, and also served several years
in the navy and the merchant marine, having
Travelled over many portions of the globe. lie
also went into the three months service at the
beginning of tho war. When the Metropolitan
Police force was organized Mr.. Clarvoe was one
of the first appointed. He was then twenty
eight years of age. The Metropolitan Police
first went on duty September IL, 1861, and
Patrolman Clarvoe was thon assigned to the
South Washington precinct then known as the
Tenth Precinct. 1t is fact worthy of note
here that only thirteen of the original mem
bcrs now remain ON the force. Captain Brock
was at that time roundsman, and Mr.. Clarvoe
and Lieutenants Gessford and Vernon were
patrolmen in his squad.
In 1862 Mr.. Clarvoe was promoted to be
rOundsman, and he was made q detective Octo-
Der 90, 1868. some years ago, in recognition
of his merit as detective officer, the Office Of
Chief of Detectives was created by the Police
Board and Mr. Clarvoe appointed to fill it,.
The late board, among other changes in the po-
lice system, abolished this office and returned
to the old system of having police lieutenant
in charge of the detective corps. During his
years of service on the Metropolitan Police
force Mr.. Clarvoe gained reputation as a most
discreet and courageous officer.
Many are the tales told of hair-bTeadth es.
capes, in which John Clarvoe figured with
honor to himself He made splendid record
as q detective officer. For many years he was
associated with Detective McDevitt, it being
the custom of detectives to hunt in couples"
These officers became conspicuous for their
success in the detection of great criminals, and
especially murderers. For over year Mr..
Clarvoe was detailed from the Metropolitan
Detective Corps for service in tho Treasury
Secret Service.
In 1864 he was chiefly Instrumental in the
conviction of one of the most successful gangs
of counterlcitcrs who ever worked in this
| country. This case is known among detectives
as tho Port Jervis Job" The headquarters OF
the counterieiters was at Port Jervis, n Y
Clarvoe, fearless Of danger, Joined the gang o.
counterfeiters and worked with them COM
municating secretly with his associates. Al
| the proper time Bakers detectives with Nc
| Dewitt descended upon the place and captured
the whole gang, including Clarvoe who was
| handuuiIed to one of the criminals. They cap
| turcd also 100000 in counterfeit money, all The
| plates and other appliances used by the coun
| terfcitcrs. So successfully was the case WORKED
up that Clarvoc's fcllow-prisoners had no sus-
! picion of his real identity until he was placed
on the stand and gave his evidence. The result
was the conviction of the whole gang.
Mr.. Clarvoe had an army of personal friends
who will most sincerely regret his death. III
was honest, brave, generous, and genial. TIT
fatal illness came upon him last Christmas
and lie was obliged to take to his bed. For sew
eral weeks his life was dispaired of, but abou
fortnight ago he began to improve and wa
| pronounced convalescent. He made his frs
appearance out of his house last Friday, an,
was warmly welcomed back to health by hi
friends. He again venturcd out yestcrda.
morning. To u representative of The REPUB
LIcAN, who met him on the street yesterday
and congratulated him upon his recover.
and appearance after such sever
illness, he said that he felt like
new man, and believed that he would in
short time be restored to perfect health. H
was very cheerful, and glad to be outdoors an,
meet his old friends. He returned to hi
house about four o'clock, and about an hou
after was taken seriously i'll. The relapse wa
fatal, as death resulted few minutes afte
nine. The disease was dropsy Of the heart
Mr. ClarvOe leaves wife and six children
He was a member of Dawson Lodge, No. JIG, i
A. A. NJ, Washington r. A. Chapter, and Go
lumbia Commandery, No. 2, X II. The ar
engagements for the funeral have not yet bee
made.