Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-05-30
MR, CLOGhN DROWNED
His Body Found Floating in Ma
homes Lake.
whether HHe Drowned szimscif or
Was tho victim, of Accident Re-
mains n Mystery Verdict of
Drowning by Accident Kendcrcd.

Mr.. Thomas Oogan. who for quar-
ter Of Il century or more held the posi-
ton OF llgat hcrer for Holt street
bridge, ana was n familiar figure to ali
who had recourse to that thoroughfare
in passing 20 and from the city proper
is dead.
The body of the old man was found
between and o'clock Sunday MORN
ing in the water. Life was extinct. The
alarm WAS given and friends and ac-
quaintances, together with Chief of Po-
lice l<izer, Sheriff LAWYER. u friend OF
deceased. and Coroner Newton, soon
gathered ut the scene.
There was much speculation as to the
cause OF the old mans death He had
been seen by friends Saturday morning,
sitting ut the window of his house oil
the bridge, where he has continued to
reside since the bridge passed 10 the
control of the city by purchase and
became free. And there We're numerous
runors suggestive of suicide. Traced
down, however, nothing was learned to
cast doubt upon the original theory
THAT 1t was Il case of accidental drown
ing.
The first news OF the drowning was
itttiNtU at llc HlttlCt station DN ieic-
phone Sunday morning. Captain Vel
lines, who WAS en- route home, had the
body removed from the canal, where IL
was found floating. Later, it was taken
to divers undertaking rooms, on Free
mason street. where Coroner Newton
viewed it. and held an inquest. All the
testimony available was heard includ-
ing that of several persons who had
seen him Saturday morning en- route TO
witness the advent OF the Spanish
cruiser Reina Mercedes into the har-
Dor. No one could throw any light upon
the mystery Of his death. The jury rem
dered Il verdict in accordance with the
facts. namely, death by accidental
drowning.
The body was prepared for burial by
Funeral Director Oliver. and removed
to the house of Mr. y. Bin;on, No. 1877
Kelly avenue, Brambleton Ward, from
whence the funeral took place at 3
o'clock yesterday afternoon, Rev. Faith
or Doherty. OF ST. Marys Catholic
Church, conducting the services. The
remains We're laid TO rest in st. Mary's
Catholic cemetery
Eumor succeeded rumor In quick sue
cossion as to the cause of Mr.. Clogan's
death. One had it that he became dis
couraged in consequence of losing his
position of tollgatherer. and had
sought exemption from sorrow in n vol
untary death in the water over which
he had gathered tolls for more than
twenty-five years. Another was to the
effect that he had while en- route to tho
river front Saturday. told a boy that
he would never return. There were
others. of course. but thoroughly sifted
they We're found to be rumors, without
foundation. Still there arc friends and
acquaintances OF deceased who cling 10
the theory of suicide assigning as the
basis of their belief that he was Grip
pied. out of work. conscious of his in
ability TO earn a living in old age. ana
in a moment OF dependency he plung-
ed into the canal where his body was
found.
1t is worthy Of note that Mr.. Clogan's
home. the old toll house where he
continued to reside was found secured.
When he left he deposited ample food
for his pets. a cat and mocIing bird.
Ills trunk was locked. his revolver
loaded. and everything orderly and
neat. Nothing was found to indicate
self destruction, nor has any one save
the boy mentioned come forward to tes-
tiiy that he had expressed discoura &C
ment and n desire to end his life. The
most reasonable theory thus far ad-
Nnnced is that he fell into tho water ac-
cidcntally and was drowned lie was
in the habit OF going To the trestle for
shrimns. and many believe he lost his
life on this mission II will probablv
never be known whether he met death
Voluntarily or nccidnntally until The
great hook of secrets is opened and pro-
claimed by the recording angel
The hour of Mr.. Clogan's death is
also mystery. His watch, which is
said TO have been an accurate time
Keeper, stopped ut 4 O'Clock but wheth-
er il ceased TO run Saturday afternoon.
or Sunday morning ut that hour Will
probably never be known.
Twenry-seven cents in money was
found This small amount is believed
TO represent the amount of money at
the command of Mr. Clogan.