MURDER OF MPDC SERGEANT FRITZ PASSAU AND TWO MARYLAND CITIZENS IN 1899. (IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENTS CURRENT LIST OF OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY LISTS PASSAU’S DEATH IN 1889. BOTH WASHINGTON POST ARTICLES ARE DATED 1899.) THE SUSPECTS BUNGLED HANGING WHICH LASTED 35 MINUTES.
WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE DATED MAY 21, 1899, PAGE 2
FUNERAL OF SERGEANT PASSAU
Simple and Impressive Rites Over the Remains of Murdered Policeman
Sergt. Fritz Passau, of the Seventh Precinct police station, who was killed while in the performance of his duty in arresting Armistead Taylor, wanted for murder on last Wednesday, was buried yesterday afternoon at Arlington Cemetery. Simple funeral services were held at 1:30 o’clock at the Lutheran church, near the corner of Thirty-second and Q streets, the cortege moving in his late residence, 1711 Thirty-third street. Many friends of the late policeman followed to the church. Rev. Stanley Billhelmer conducted the services , and the little edifice was thronged.
Lieut. Swindells and a little squad of twenty-four brother officers acted as an escort to the church, and also marched to the south end of the Aqueduct Bridge. Members of Stansbury Lodge, No. 24, F.A.A.M., and covenant Chapter, I.O.O.F., attended in bodies. A short address was delivered by the pastor at the conclusion of the Lutheran funeral services. At the grave the Masons had charge of the exercises.
An order was published yesterday by the Superintendent of Police, containing a letter from Hon. John B. Wight, President of the Board of Commissioners, commending the members who assisted in the capture of Taylor, and expressing regret at the death of Sergt. Passau. It was as Follows:
Headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, Washington D.C., May 19, 1899.
Circular:
The following communication from the Hon. John B. Wight, Commissioner of the District of Columbia, is promulgated for the information of the members of the force.
Richard Sylvester, Major and Superintendent.
“Executive Office”
“Commissioners of the District Of Columbia.
“Washington, May 19, 1899.
“To the Major and Superintendent of Metropolitan Police:
“I desire to commend the members of the Police Department who participated in the capture of the man known as Humphrey Taylor for their efficiency, bravery, and discreet work under peculiar, trying, and dangerous circumstances, which enabled them to secure for the ends of justice a brutal murderer, and at the same time save the District from the disgrace of the lynching that was so seriously threatened. That they should steadfastly persisted in the performance of their duty at the risk of life, even after one of their number had perished, is deserving of praise and commendation.
“I deeply regret the loss of Sergt. Fritz Passau. He died while bravely performing his duty. He had made an enviable record, and only recently had received recognition in the shape of promotion. Had he lived he no doubt would have continued to be an honor to the department, and one of the most useful members.
“I would be glad to have the members of the department know how I feel toward them in this matter. Very sincerely,
John B. Wight, Commissioner.”
A subscription is being taken up among members of the police force for the purpose of erecting a monument to the memory of their dead comrade. The lists are headed by the Lieutenants at each of the precincts and with each of the 600 policemen, who contribute $1 apiece, and imposing memorial will be erected. Officer W. J. Trussell has been detailed as acting Sergeant of the Seventh Precinct station, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sergt. Passau. Trussell was at Taylor’s house when he was captured.
Fund for Widow and Children
Additional contributions to the fund for the widow and children of Sergt. Passau, who was killed by Buck Taylor, the suspect desperado, have been received by The Post, the donations to date being as follows:
John H. Magruder……………………..$10.00
J.T. Walker’s Sons…………………….$10.00
K……………………………………………..$10.00
Mrs. Frances McLeod Matheson….$10.00
Friend……………………………………….$1.00
C.S.F………………………………………..$1.00
Saks & Co……………………………….. $10.00
F.C. Halliday……………………………..$10.00
A.J. Barker………………………………..$5.00
Total…………………………………………$67.00