The times., 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
nj Dfuncr-III-HenIth Thought to
Have Made Him DespOndent.
Mental strain caused by illness of long
standing Ted 10 the suicide shortly before
c clock last night 10y John W. Keleher,
ffty-thrce years of age. "A lifelong resi-
dent of Washington and for many years
q liveryman at 1926 Eighth Street
northwest Mr Kclcher shot himself
through the head with revolver. in the
sewing OF his residence, 9l1 Massa-
chusotts Avenue northwest. and died
within three minutes after firing the shot
Mrs. keleher is prostrated by the tragedy.
For many years Mr.. Keleher had been a
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 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 $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 three story brick structure,
and the room occupied by Mr.. Keleher is
at the rear. on the second floor. Adloin-
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 newspaper and had drawn a.
revolver from his pocket and sent builet
through his head The ball entered the
right temple, tearing 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 men,
bers Of the family. All went in haste TO
MIR. Kelehers room. thence to the sewing
room. Mrs Keleher entered first, fol-
lowed closely by her son. John heleher'
and the rest Of the family Although the
husband and father was beyond aid, the
distracted family sent in haste Tor
nearby physician. who soon arrived out
could do nothing. Meanwhile news oI
a n
gathered about the residence. Policemen
Lee and Van Horn, of the Second pre-,
cinct station, learned Of the affair ana
sent word to Coroner NeVitt. 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 of
St Patrick's Catholic Church, OF which
Nr Keleher was a member. Word was
also sent to a brother OF Mr.. keleher IN
Philadelphia other relatives outside the
city. and 20 a number OF friends mere.
During the evening many called at the
house Mrs. keleheT was unable to see
anyone and was under the care of a ply
sician much OF the time. Mr.. keleher
leaves a widow and four children. a son
and three daughters Two daughters are
married and one resides IN TINS CITY AT
the home in Massachusetts Avenue Win
her husband
John ". Keleher was one of the oldest
llFeFNmCu IN TINS CITY. he was lIif sbll
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 = and = Streets northwest. At
the death Of the father the business was
continued until three months ago, first
by John ". and Charles keleher, and
later by John W. Keleher alone, when
his brother went to Philadelphia 70 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
10 Galveston. Tex
Mr. KelehcT was a 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.