Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-31
LOSES LIFE IN RIVER
Daniel Shannon's Body Found
Near Foot of 14th Street.
WAR DEPARTMENT CLERK
Death Believed to Have Resulted
From Accidental Drowning.
AN OLD AND RESPECTED CLERK
Union Soldier During Civil War
Transferred to Veteran Corps on
Account Of Wounds.
WAR DEPARTMENT CLERK
AN OLD AND RESPECTED CLERK

bury started this morning on Ash
| Ing trip and shortly after they left the
foot of 14th street southwest they dis
covered a body in the water, which proved
| to be that of Daniel Shannon War De-
partment clerk. How or when Shannon
got into the river will probably never be
known. as the first that was learned of
the drowning was when the remains were
found In the river.
The young men left the foot Of 14th
street about 6:15 o'clock and had gone but
a short distance before they were at
tracted by the top of the head of the
drowned man in the water. His white hair
WAS all that they could see. and they sum-
moned James Hollis. the owner of boat
house, to assist them in securing the body
The only articles of wearing apparel miss
Ing were the coat. vest and hat. Mr.. Shan
mons watch and chain, diamond pin, $6S
In cash and a check for $25 were in the
pockets Of his trousers and his watch had
scratch or scar about the body, nor was
| anything found which would indicate that
Shannon had committed suicide, SO far as
the police were able to ascertain. On the
contrary, he was a man who seemed to
enjoy life to a greater extent than most
men. Persons who knew him well seem
inclined to the belief that he accidentally
fell overheard and was drowned. Air
enough got under his shirt TO support him
In the water, and although his body was
found in about twenty-five feet of water 1t
was in standing position.
Body Brought Ashore.
The two fishermen and the boatman
towed the body ashore and secured it to
boat, taking care of 1t until 1t was re-
moved to the morgue by the crew of the
police boat. The check in the pocket OF
the drowned man referred to was taken
to indicate that his name was something
other than Shannon, but the Identification
was brought about before the War De-
partment officials could send man to the
morgue Some time after the body reach
ed the morgue Daniel Dougherty, who bears
striking resemblance to Shannon. passed
the harbor Office. He was told of the re-
covery of the drowned man. who closely
resembled him, and he went in to take IL
look at the remains.
That's Dan Shannon" he said, as soon
as he gazed upon the features Of the Gcad
man.
Charles Shannon, a son Of the deceased,
who Is employed as a clerk In n shoe
store. was summoned to the morgue, and
he completed the Identification. He was,
however. unable to throw any light upon
his fathers death. He arranged for the
removal of the remains from the norgue.
Il know he did not commit suicide" said
Mr. Walter Johnson of 916 H street mort h.
west, at whose house Mr.. Shannon had oc-
cupied room during the past three yea, e.
He was seated at the front door about
o'clock night before last and SAIL he was
going TO take day off for the purpose OF
paying his taxes. Last night was he first
he ever remained away from nome over
night"
Frequent Trips for Pleasure.
Mr.. Shannon, he stated, was fond of
taking short trips away from the city, GO
Ing to some resort almost every Sunday
and on holidays. 1t is thought he had
gone to Luna Park last night and that he
accidentally fell overheard while returning
home. Despite the fact that he was
heavy man, weighing about 240 pounds, he
was fond Of walking, and, it is stated.
had frequently got off the electric cars at
the south end of the new Highway bridge
and walked across the river, carrying his
coat and vest on his arm. Near where
the body was found the bridge is in a
dangerous condition, the guard rail being In
bad repair and part of 1t broken away.
This dangerous condition has been reported
upon several times by the police.
1t is stated that Mr.. Shannon and his
wife have been separated for number
of years. They have three children
daughter and two sons. The father had
been In the habit of going to his meals
with one of the sons, and when he was
Ill all the children would call to see him.
He was born In Massachusetts and had
lived In this city forty-one years. He was
prominently identified with local Irish So
other fraternal organizations. A brother,
James Shannon, is employed in the gov
eminent printing Office. 1t is likely that
Coroner hewitt will give a certificate Of
accidental death. Arrangements for the
funeral have not yet been made.
His Record as Clerk.
Daniel Shannon was an old and respected
clerk In the Office of the quartermaster gen.
eral of the army at the War Department.
He was born in Canada, but had legal
residence in Massachusetts. At the out
break of the civil war he enlisted In the
LIST Massachusetts, Cavalry and was wound
ed In action June IT. 1888 which necessi-
tated his transfer to the Veteran Reserve
Corps. He served in that corps and in the
general service until July !, 1874 when he
was appointed a laborer in the paymaster
generals office. Five years later he was
promoted to the grade of Waterman. BY
his efficiency and fidelity to duty he was
subsequently promoted from grade to grade
until in June. 1901. he reached the grade of
clerk of class two and remained in that
class up to the time of his death. He was
popular with his associates at the War De-
partment and had good record, both as
soldier and as a clerk.