Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-10-07
R. JONES MONAGHAN DEAD.
Committed Suicide In a Philadelphia
Hotel by inhaiing Gas.


Had Registered at the RidGway House Last
1hnrsday as "Joha f. Warren. Winning
ton, Dei.," ana Was Found Appropriated
on Friday Was a Brilliant Lawyer.
Philadelphia Times Saturday.
II. Jones Monaghan 10 suicide.
Late Thursday night a welldressed
middle-aged man of quiet demeanor
registered at the Ridgway House, at
the foot Of Market street, using the
name John f. Warren, Wilmington,
Del. His only baggage was small
parcel done up in wrapping paper.
which was carried under his arm. A
room was assigned him in the sscond
story back, facing on Market street.
Leaving no word for a call, the mid
night guest retired without comment.
About 10 O'Clock yesterday morning the
maid ia her rounds noticed a strong
odor Of illuminating gas, and further
alarmed at her inability to arouse the
inmate of tho room occupied by the
supposed Wilmington guest, called the
day clerk The door wGs forged. The
lifeless form of tho inmate was found
lying across the foot OF tho bed
His only baggage proved to he his
passport 10 death. now rubber tube
leading from the gas jet which was
stuck in bis mouth. told the tale.
Reserve Policeman Little, on duty at
the foot of Market street, was sum
moned and tho coroner notified. The
victim Of his own hand was fully
cloihed, with the exception OF his hat
and coat. They we're found on chair.
His effects which were taken charge
of by the uoroner's officials, comprised
two lawyers note books, a small oxi-
died silver watch, poeketbook con-
tanning Sl0.87, several clippings Of
poetry, and business Carda and letters
bearing the name II. Jones Monaghan.
Inquirias were at once instituted to
indentify the suicide. Edgar N. Black,
lawyer in tho Drexel Building, who
wac known to have boon an intimate
friend of MIR. Monaghan. was found.
The details of the suicide satisfied him
that the man was Monaghan. He had
been absent from the Office for more
than a week and when last seen had
vowed he would soon end his own life
Ten years ago Monaghan waa the
senior member Of the law firm of Mona.
CHAN g. Hause of West Chester, ia.
lie was a brilliant lawyer and his
practice was extremely large. At that
time be broke down in health FROM CON
tiuued nervous strain in handling sue
cessfully three important and tedious
trials. Without any II nation to his
friends, he came 10 this city, boarded
Il sailing craft and went TO Australia
whore he was taken very i'll. His
friends had him brought back. A posi-
tinn waa secured for him with the law
Lrm of Page, Atkinson & Penrose of
this city. where his abilities are highly
commended.
During tho gubernatorial campaign
of Gov. Hastings and William M.
Singerly Mr.. Monaghan stumped the
Stats for the latter. The result OF the
election seemed 10 depresa him and his
friends noticed that he was falling
mentally. Following this be espoused
the cause Of William Jennings Bryan
and took the stump for free silver.
His health became so bad that through
the influence Of family and friends he
went under treatment for several
month"; at the Frankfort Insane
Asylun. Upon heing released he went
to Los Angeles, Cal.
February last be returned and since
then his course has been, ii is alleged,
very cratic. His mind seemed TO
wander. He would be missing for days
at time, no one knew where. His
threats to commit suicide grew more
and more frequent. Finally one week
ago he was missing again. Yesterday
be was found dead.
II. Jones Monaghan was brother of
James +. Monaghan. State League re-
porter under Gov. Pattison's admins.
tration. Twenty three years ago he
married the daughter OF prominent
resident of West Chester, Miss Cor
nelia L. Wilson, who survives him,
with two children, girl Of is and a
boy of II years. He was in his 50th
year and was a Chapter Mason.