The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-14
JOHN W.KELEHER ASUICIDE
The Former Liveryman Ends His
Life With a Revolver.
The Act Committed While the Fam
lily Was Awaiting His Appearance
Mt Diuncr-IIi-Henith Thought to
Have Made Him Despondeut.

Mental strain caused by illness Of long
standing led to the suicide shortly before
clock last night by John w. Keeher,
ffty-thrce years of age. lifelong resi-
dent Of Washington and for many years
a liveryman at 1895 Eighth Street
northwest. Mr. Keleher shot himself
through the head with a revolver. in the
sewing room Of his residence. 9l1 Massa-
chusetts Avenue northwest. and died
within three minutes after firing the shot.
Mrs. keleher is Frustrated by the tragedy.
For many years Mr. Keleher had been
sufferer from kidney trouble, and three
operations had been performed upon him
at various times. Although not confined
to his home for any length of time, his
illness recently assumed an aggravated
form, causing him much worry and con-
tinued anxiety. 1t is said his mind grad
ually became affected because of his con-
dition, and to-this source the family at
tribute the tragedy.
Early in the afternoon Mr.. keleher left
his home, going downtown on business,
and it was about 5 o'clock when he re-
turned. AS he entered the house he was
met by his wife in the hallway and spent
several minutes talking with her on the
lower floor. Toward $3.50 o'clock and
shortly before the regular dinner hour
of the household he went upstairs to his
own room. supposedly to prepare for the
evening meal All the family were be
low, and nothing was thought OF the de-
lay in the appearance of Mr. Keleher
The house is a three story brick structure
and the room occupied by Mr.. Keleher is
at the rear, on the second floor AdJoin-
ing his room is the little sewing room, in
which is a single bed, a machine table.
and several chairs. In this sewing room
he frequently sat while reading, and as
has been his custom, he went there yes
terday afternoon.
Whether the tragedy was premeditated
or not will never be known. From the
appearance of the body it would seem
that Mr.. Keleher had laid on the bed
reading a newspaper and had drawn a
revolver from his pocket and sent a bullet
through his head. The ball entered the
right temple, tearing a ragged hole, ana
death was almost instantaneous.
At the report Of the weapon Miss heie-
her. a daughter. who was passing
through the hallway on the first floor,
became alarmed and notified other mem
bers of the family. All went in haste TO
Mr. Keleher's room, thence to the sewing
room. Mrs. Keleher entered first, fol-
lowed closely by her son, John keleher'
and the rest Of the family. Although the
husband and father was beyond aid, the
distracted family sent in haste for
nearby physician. who soon arrived, but
could do nothing. Meanwhile news OF
the tragedy had spread and quite crowd
gathered about the residence. POncernen
Lee and Van Horn, of the Second pre-.
cinct station, learned of the affair and
sent word to Coroner hewitt The Cor
oner called at the house about $50 o'clock
and after viewing the remains gave per
mission for them to be turned over to an
undertaken
Shortly after the tragedy Mrs. Keleher
sent for the Rev. DR.. Stafford, pastor oil
st Patricks Catholic Church, of which
Mr. Keleher was a member. Word was
also sent to a brother of Mr.. Keleher in
Philadelphia, other relatives outside the
city and TO a number of friends here.
During the evening many called at the
house. Mrs. Keleher was unable to see
anyone and was under the care of a phy-
stefan much OF the time Mr.. keleher
leaves a widow and four children son
and three daughters. Two daughters are
married and one resides in this city at
the home in Massachusetts Avenue with
her husband
JoFn W. Keleher was one of the oldest
liverymen in this city. He was the son
of James Keleher and succeeded, together
with his brother Charles, his father In
business at the death of the former about
four years ago. James Keleher started in
the livery business shortly after the civil
war and his son, John w. keleher, as
sisted him for many years. Their stables
were located along Eighth Street, be
tween y and Z Streets northwest. At
the death Of the father the business was
continued until three months ago, first
by John W. and Charles keleher, and
later by John w. Keieher alone, when
his brother went TO Philadelphia to enter
into business for himself About three
months ago Mr. Keleher sold out his en-
tire business and stock at public auction
with the intention. il was said, of going
TO Galveston. Tex.
Mr. Keleher was member of several
clubs and other organizations. He was
well known about town and had many
friends. For ten years he had resided at
the Massachusetts Avenue residence with
his family. Livervmen generally learned
last night Of the tragedy, and without
exception expressed sympathy for the
family of the unfortunate man.