Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-01-22
BUSHES TO DEATH
Walter Downs Monnell Suicides
by Jumping in Front
of Train.
DIES AFTER REACHING HOSPITAL
Both Limbs Almost Severed From
BOdy-Had Made Former
Attempt.

Walter Downs Monnell, an eccen-
trio character, who has lived i'm this
city for the past seven or eight
months. this morning isun': what he
appeared to have been seeking most
of the time since coming here death.
His end was tragic.
About 1880 he was sitting in The
kitchen at Portcr's re5taurant at
1909 Second avenue, where he mad
made his home during lis Say IN the
city, when he heard the approach of
ears on the q tracks, which run close
to the rear of the building. The
sound appeared to rouse him from Il
reverie and he Ieaped to his feet ran
out of the door. and before any one
could interfere, threw himself across
the rails.
The train was composed of
couple of baggage ears that were be
ing switched into the lower yards
after having been taken out of the
ST. Louis train, and in charge of Fore
man Charles Darling. with Dan
Wright i'm the engine. Switchmen
Ross and Geer were clinging to the
forward car when they saw Monnell
rush out tn his death. and signaIIed
for stop. Before the train was
brought tn n standstill. however,
two trucks had passed over the body,
crushing the hips and almost cutting
Off both legs above the knees.
Only Lives short Time.
When Monnell was picked up he
was still living and the ambulance
was called and he was conveyed to
st. Anthony's hospital. \ few min
utes after his arrival there he passed
away. before DIR. Ludewig. who was
summoned. reached his side.
Monnen is the man who last Sep
TENDER disappeared from Porter's
restaurant. where he was employed
as cook. early one morning. taking
with him n butcher knife. and il was
supposed he had committed suicide.
Two days later ne was found i'm n
famished condition hiding among the
piles at the steamboat warehouse at
the foot of Eighteenth street. The
knife was found near him and every
thing indicated that he had intended
TO make away with himself but had
been deferred by the lack of nerve.
He was then taken to the county in
! Urinary where he remained till two
months ago. Then he appeared to
be somewhat improved mentally and
as he desired TO be allowed to come
back to the restaurant his request
was granted. His actions since his
return to the city have been general
! " rational till about two weeks ago.
when his mind showed signs of wan
dering and he ut times limited at self
destruction.
Little Known of Him.
The unfortunate man had talked
little of his past since coming here
and little is known of him. He claim
ed to be CO years of age. and i'm some
manner the impression was given out
that he was New Yorker. He said
he had n brother in the east, but
nothing in his possession ever point
ed to anything connected with his
former life.
Coroner's Inquest.
y jury was empanelled by Coroner
Eckhart at KnoX's undertaking
rooms. where the remains were re-
moved. After hearing the testimony
of the railroad men and others who
saw the tragedy the jury declared
the case to be one of suicide and eX
onerated the company and employees
from blame. The jury consisted of
Edward Dover, foreman; 5. S. Hull.
w III. Schillinger. Robert Bennett,
Jr., Thomas III. Dolly and +. c. Eber-
hart