Chief Desmond Creates Own Mystery

St. Louis Chief of Detectives William Desmond created a bit of a mystery in January 1903, when he attempted to sneak off and get married. It was to be the 45-year-old Desmond’s first marriage. Chief Desmond was to marry Hannah McLaughlin, the daughter of a local builder. The couple was to honeymoon in Southern California before returning to St. Louis at the end of January.

Robert Jenks, secretary to Fire Chief Swingley, served as best man, while the Chief’s sister Maria Desmond served as bridesmaid. The couple married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church before embarking on their honeymoon.

Interessant, the January 7, 1903 udgave af St. Louis Republik revealed some interesting information about Chief Desmond. Chief Desmond was appointed a police officer with the St. Louis Police Department under kaptajn Huebler i 1877, da han var 22 år. Chief Desmond blev forfremmet til Special Officer i 1879 og Detective i 1881.

Chief Desmond blev forfremmet til chef for Detectives med St. Louis Police Department i 1890. Han ville holde denne position i den næste 17 år, før han gik i 1907. Chief Desmond would lead the detectives, who were responsible for keeping St. Louis By sikker under 1904 Verdensudstillingen.

Men, Chief Desmond var faktisk 20 år, da han sluttede sig til St. Louis Police Department. Chief Desmond blev født til irske immigranter William Desmond og Elizabeth Desmond født Waltoug i Massachusetts maj 19, 1857. Chief Desmond var kun 33 år, da han blev chef for Detectives.

Tragisk, Hannah Desmond would pass away during 1904 after giving birth to their only child. During their brief marriage, the couple lived in Chief Desmond’s original home at 4290 Side Boulevard.

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