The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-22
Police Unable TO Fathom
g Secrets of Old Mans
Career.
MADE LITTLE USE
OF BRIGHT MIND
Accomplished Linguistsand Former
Politician of MISUNDERSTANDING
-
Man Assures Burial.

The police have taken% charge of the
effects of Thomas O'Dowd, sixty-eight
years old the shoemaker who COM
nitted suicide by asphyxiaAion yester-
day in his shop at 500 1 street north
west. So far. the air of mystery con-
corning the former life ofsthis man who
was said to have been exceptionally
we'll read and intellectual. IN spite Of
his manner OF living, has not been
pierced By the police who are NOW max
ing every effort TO locate relatives OF
The dead man.
The cloud of uncertainty and4mystery
which surrounds the story Of O'Dowd
was deepened this morning when a man
about thirty years old called at the
house where O'Dowd has been board
ing, ole Eighth street northwest. and
made preliminary plans for the funeral
All that he said was that he was q
member Of the Catholic Church and would
see to It that ODOwd was given a
Christian burial
Friend Of Sherman.
In the days before he was compelled
to turn to the cObbler's bench for a
living. O'Dowd was a political worker
IN New York State and a friend OF
James S. Sherman. now the Republican
candidate for the Vice Presidency. Later
ne was a clerk and translator in the
Census Bureau in this city.
O'Dowd was a cripple from childhood.
and even with the assistance Of a cane
found walking difficult. He was per
sistent reader, and, although denied a
good school education, he mastered
French. German and Gaelic, in addi-
ton 10 being q scholar Of the English
language II was said OF him that he
Knew the distinguishing points OF every
poliucaI platform in American history,
and was familiar with the history OF
every statesman Of note
At Clinton, N Y, the home Of Sec
rotary Root. ODOwd was at one time
collector Of taxes. His political knOWl-
edge and skill attracted the attention
IF Representative Sherman, who OBJ
t2ineo for him a position IN the Census
Bureau. For reasons which have remain
ed mystery. he was removed from the
position twice. He was reinstated on
me occasion. but, failing TO find favor
able consideration after his second re-
nOVais ne returned TO the trade OF his
youth and opened a little shop TO mend
shceS at Eighth and 1 streets
Instructed NeighbOrs.
II was the custom OF those in the
neighborhoOd who understood him e
gather at the shop and listen TO o.
Dowd's discourse on various subjects
When all was quiet he laid aside his
hammer and awI and coached young
men for civil service examinations. and
for this assistance he was never known
10 charge, although his gas bill must
have depleted his scant servings.
Two years ago a change came over
the old man. and, because Of the re-
serve and silence which he assumed
the stream Of evening callers dwindled
About a year ago he tried to commit
suicide in exactly the same way thai
proved successful this timely turn
ing on the gas. From that time for
ward Old Toms nature was completely
changed. Instead of his, apt remarks
bn current events, he maintained ar
hnbroken silence at all times, and never
be could avoid IL When his Old-timt
friends tried 70 draw him out, they
were CURLY informed that he wished
to be left alone.
And thus he sat, day after day, and
week after week. probably planning
his death. HIS sleeping room was but
a Jew doors from his shop TeSterday
morning his landlady. discovering that
the old man was not in his room
called Bicycle Policeman Adams, &C
whom she cOnfded her fear that
O'Down had ended his life.
Adams went 10 the cobler's shop and
peered- in Sitting peacefully at his
bench. with his tools about him, his
hands about his knee, and his head
resting against the wall behind, the ole
man looked as though he were asleep
But when the door was forced oper
The fumes of gas told another story
O'Uowd was dead, and his pathetic
loneliness. sorrow. and encouragement
TOR which he asked no sympathy, woulC
trouble him no more.