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.

Interestingly, the January 7, 1903 edition of the St. Louis Republic revealed some interesting information about Chief Desmond.  Chief Desmond was appointed a police officer with the St. Louis Police Department under Captain Huebler in 1877, when he was 22 years old.  Chief Desmond was promoted to Special Officer in 1879 and Detective in 1881.

Chief Desmond was promoted to Chief of Detectives with St. Louis Police Department in 1890.  He would hold this position for the next 17 years before retiring in 1907.  Chief Desmond would lead the detectives, who were responsible for keeping St. Louis City safe during the 1904 World’s Fair.

However, Chief Desmond was actually 20 years old, when he joined the St. Louis Police Department.  Chief Desmond was born to Irish immigrants William Desmond and Elizabeth Desmond nee Waltoug in Massachusetts on May 19, 1857.  Chief Desmond was only 33 years old, when he became Chief of Detectives.

Tragically, 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 Page Boulevard.

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