Chief Desmond Creates Own Mystery

Вулиця. Louis Chief of Detectives William Desmond created a bit of a mystery in January 1903, коли він намагався втекти та одружитися. 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.

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Chief Desmond Article from the Sunday, Жовтень 30, 1904 видання St. Луї Республіка

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 видання Вулиця. Луї Республіка 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, коли він був 22 років. 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 Всесвітня виставка.

Десмонд-питання-Стротер

Illustration of Desmond Questioning Strother from the January 26, 1902 видання St. Луї Республіка

Однак, Chief Desmond was actually 20 років, when he joined the St. Департамент Louis поліції. 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 років, when he became Chief of Detectives.

Трагічно, 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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Cover of The Sherlock Holmes of Saint Louis: Вулиця. Louis Chief of Detectives William Desmond

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