OBIT: James Mahlon DUGANNE, 1926, Altoona, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Michael S. Caldwell Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ SUICIDES J. MAHLON DUGANNE. [photo] PROF. J. M. DUGANNE TAKES OWN LIFE Well Known Musical Instructor and Composer Shoots Himself as He Enters Blair County Hospital. HIS HEALTH HAD BEEN FAILING SOME MONTHS He Was a Native of Altoona, 56 Years Old, and Resided in Trainmen's Building on Eighth Avenue. Professor James Mahlon Duganne, one of the best known musicians in Altoona and prominent as an instructor and composer, ended his own life at 11 o'clock this morning at the Blair County hospital, to which institution he had just been admitted. Professor Duganne shot himself in the head with a 22-calibre automatic revolver and died within a few minutes. He had been in failing health for some time and had been taken to the hospital by Mrs. Duganne, their son, Carl, and Dr. E. H. Morrow from the family residence in the Trainmen's building at Eighth avenue and Eleventh street. The revolver which he used was owned by the son, who had kept it out of reach of his father for some time and had it hidden in the car. They did not see him get it and had no idea it was in his possession when they entered the hospital. Health Much Impaired. Professor Duganne suffered a nervous breakdown many months ago and his condition had been steadily growing worse. Recently he revealed indications of religious and suicidal mania and it was decided to take him to the hospital. He was accordingly taken out this morning in his son's car. They went into the office and he was turned over to Dr. Bernard Adler, assistant to Dr. H. J. Sommer, superintendent. Dr. Adler then turned the patient over to Samuel F. Mitchell, supervisor of the hospital. As Mr. Mitchell walked with Professor Duganne towards the ward where it was proposed to leave him temporarily, he said to the patient, "Come in and I'll show you around." "I know what it all means," replied Professor Duganne. Dies Within Few Moments. In another moment a shot rang out and Professor Duganne fell over on the floor. The hospital physicians were summoned but he died within a few minutes. The bullet had entered his head an inch and a half above the right ear and then took a downward course to the nose. There were a number of other patients in the ward at the time and they were taken out until disposition could be made of the body of the unfortunate man. Mitchell had turned around to lock the door and thus his attention was diverted for the moment from the patient, when Professor Duganne drew the weapon from his pocket and sent a bullet crashing into his brain. There had been three bullets in the weapon, one of which was discharged by the victim. Patients are always searched at the hospital, either before they are admitted to the institution or after they are taken into the ward, for weapons with which they might end their lives. Mitchell intended to search Duganne just as soon as he reached the ward. Was Widely Known. Professor James Mahlon Duganne was extremely well known in Altoona because of his musical talents. He had maintained a studio for the teaching of music from the time of his return to Altoona in 1893. He was also known through his compositions, for the piano, and of shows, of which several were given on local stages. His reputation was extended beyond the country through his piano composition, "Girls of America March," which remained his principal piece. Among his operettas were "Prince Charming," "Hello Uncle Sam" and others which were presented under his personal direction. His ability as a concert pianist was also well known and his services in great demand. For a number of years he was pianist at both the Mishler and Orpheum theatres. For the past three months he had relinquished his teaching, the nervous breakdown, from which he suffered, gradually becoming more severe. His condition became serious within the past week and his trip to the institution this morning was for the purpose of an examination. Born In Altoona. He was born in Altoona, a son of Rev. James Moore Duganne, a minister of the Episcopal church in Philadelphia, and Sarah Otto Duganne of Altoona, on Oct. 29, 1870. He attended and graduated from the local schools and pursued his musical studies at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Following his completion of his studies at the conservatory he went to Flint, Mich., where he began teaching music, later removing to Saginaw, Mich. In 1893 he returned to Altoona and established his studio here, continuing teaching until three months ago, meanwhile taking a leading part in the musical life of the city. He was united in marriage on Dec. 30, 1895 with Miss Bertha L. Davis, a daughter of the late Amos C. Davis. Two children were born to the union, one son, Carl, being with his father at the time of his death. Another son, Sheldon, died in infancy. He is survived only by his wife and son, Carl. He was a member of the First United Brethren church. The time of the funeral has not yet been set but the services will be strictly private, according to the wishes of the family. Altoona Mirror, Tuesday, August 3, 1926 Owing to the fact that it will be an impossibility to reach personally all the friends who were so kind in our recent bereavement, we desire to take this method of sincerely thanking one and all. WIFE AND SON, BERTHA L. DUGANNE AND CARL DUGANNE. Altoona Mirror, Monday, August 9, 1926