USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97
John E. Carr received his early education in the parochial schools of Kenosha, Wis., and on coming to Indianapolis, Ind., in 1881, with his parents, served an apprenticeship in the boiler shops at Brightwood belonging to the Big Four Railroad company, and for twelve years followed boilermaking for a livelihood. He then turned his attention to life insurance, beginning as solicitor for the Prudential company; at the close of three months he was pro- moted to the position of inspector, and then to that of assistant manager, and has now filled the last-named situation for three years-or four years in all-with fine offices at Nos. 33 and 34 Ingalls building.
The marriage of Mr. Carr took place in Indianapolis February 25, 1892, the bride being Miss Maggie Monaghan and the officiating clergyman the Rev. Father O'Donaghue. Mrs. Carr was born in Greencastle, Ind., a daughter of Timothy and Ellen Monaghan, natives of Ireland, and received an excellent education in Indian- apolis. But after five short years of wedded bliss the fell destroyer entered the happy home of Mr. Carr and deprived him of his wife August 20, 1897. Her remains were borne from St. Patrick's church to their last resting place, followed by a large concourse of loving and sympathizing friends, and Mr. Carr is left disconsolate; but, being a member of St. Patrick's church, finds some relief from grief through its consoling influence. He is a gentleman of fine business ability, and yet in the early years of manhood, and though his present hours be darkened by sorrow, Time, the great restorer, will have for him a future that will be as prosperous as the past has been.
(254)
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.
M ARTIN CARR, foreman of Kingan's stables, in Indianapolis, Ind., was born in county Galway, Ireland, on St. Martin's day. November 9, 1851. He is a son of Michael and Catherine (Quinn) Carr, natives of the same county, in which the former still lives, and in which the latter lies buried, having died in 1865. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the children that are still living and the only living son. The others are Mary, wife of Mar- tin Quinn, an employee in Kingan's Packing house; Catherine, wife of Thomas McCarty, a motorman on the city street railway system, and Honora, who still remains in Ireland as housekeeper for her father, who has never remarried.
Martin Carr came to the United States and located in Indian- apolis in June, 1871, being then twenty years of age. His first employment here was in the capacity of "water boss" on the I., D. & S. railway for a short time. Then one year was spent as coachman for Col. Ricketts, then president of the Jeffersonville Railway company, and in 1873 he entered the employ of Kingan & Co. Since that time, with the exception of three years, he has been in the employ of this firm, those three years being spent in charge of the Bates house stables. When he began working for the Kingan company there were but two horses in the stables, but as the business increased the number of horses increased, until at the present time he has charge of sixty. He also has twelve men under his charge.
Mr. Carr was married at St. Bridget's church, by Rev. Father Curran, May 5, 1887, to Miss Kate McCarty, sister of Thomas McCarty, mentioned earlier in this sketch. She is a daughter of Lawrence McCarty, a native of Ireland, in which country she was herself born. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carr there have been born three children: Catherine, Mary and Martin, Jr., all of whom are living. The family are members of St. Bridget's church, of which Rev. Father Curran is pastor. Mr. Carr is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and in politics is a democrat, though he is not in any sense of the term an office-seeker, being content to perform his duties as a private citizen and as an employee trusted by the company for which he works. So thoroughly do his employers trust him that he has practically the buying and selling
(255)
THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,
of the horses for the stables over which he has charge, and his capacity to fill his responsible position has been abundantly dem- onstrated by his long years of service therein.
R EV. FERDINAND KOERDT, pastor of St. Peter's church at Fort Wayne, Ind., was born in Oestinghausen, Westphalia, Germany, August 23, 1853, a son of Henry and Catherine Koerdt. The father was a farmer, and was called from earth March 9, 1886.
During his boyhood days Ferdinand attended the schools of his native village until the age of twelve years, then took private lessons for eight months, and began his collegiate course at Beckum, in September, 1866, entering the fourth class. After three years in college he entered the Royal gymnasium of Paderborn, and two years later, October 31, 1871, the young man began his course of philosophy and theology at Muenster, and after three years' study he took charge of a private high school one year. The "May Laws," probably better known as the Cultur Kampf, became very obnoxious, and made life exceedingly unpleasant for many a student preparing for the sacred ministry. In consequence, young Mr. Koerdt departed for America in August, 1875. He entered Mount St. Mary's seminary, Cincinnati, as a student for the dio- cese of Fort Wayne, October 13, of the same year, and ten months afterward, July 8, 1876, was ordained to the priesthood by the late Right Rev. Bishop Dwenger, in the cathedral 'at Fort Wayne. Father Koerdt was first appointed pastor of the St. Aloysius church, Sheldon, July 31, 1876, having in charge St. Joseph's con- gregation at Bluffton, Ind., as a mission, for twenty years, and July 3, 1896, was appointed to his present pastorate at Fort Wayne. During his residence in Sheldon he was very energetic and erected the pastoral residence, a fine two-story brick, at a cost of $4,000, and a two-story brick school-house, costing $3, 500; also the Sisters' house, $1, 500, and, having been the first resident priest there, organized the various societies of the parish, built up everything, paid all indebtedness, and placed $1,000 of the church funds at interest.
(256)
I Kardt
ST. PETER'S CHURCH, FORT WAYNE, IND.
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.
Rev. Father Koerdt has been very zealous in advancing the interests of his church, and is greatly beloved by his congregation for his piety and unceasing efforts in their behalf. Father Koerdt was appointed, in 1883, school examiner of the diocese; then, in addition to this, he was appointed secretary of the board in 1892, both of which positions he still holds. . He was appointed, in 1885, defensor of the matrimonial court, and in 1892 was appointed diocesan director of the Holy Family; was secretary of the theo- logical conference from 1877 until 1895, and has been secretary of the diocesan synods since 1880.
T THOMAS P. CARROLL, of Indianapolis, is a native of county Kerry, Ireland, and was born near the famous lakes of Kil- larney July 12, 1871, a son of Patrick and Ellen (Cook) Carroll. Thomas received a sound education in the National school of his native county, acquiring, during his studies, a thorough knowledge of business affairs.
The Carroll family consists of the father, mother, five sons and two daughters, the children having been born in the following order: John, a member of the Indianapolis fire department; Hannah, wife of James Carroll, of Columbus, Ohio, the husband being a letter carrier; Thomas P. is the subject of this memoir; Patrick still remains in the land of his birth; Kate is housekeeper, at present, for her father and two brothers in Indianapolis, and James and Nicholas are at home with their mother in romantic county Kerry.
Thomas P. Carroll left his native land in 1892 and came direct to Indianapolis; was here employed at the Vandalia freight depot and by the Kingan Packing company up to 1898, and is now employed in the Big Four freight depot. He is a member of St. John's church, under the pastorate of Rev. Father Gavisk, and is also a member of the Young Men's institute, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, in which he has filled a responsible position, and is secretary of the Irish-American club, being especially active in the good work of the church and its sodalities. In fact, the Carroll
(261)
THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,
family has always been prominent in the affairs of the Catholic church, both in Ireland and America, and the father of the family, Patrick Carroll, who is simply here on a prolonged visit to his chil- dren, will soon return to his wife and children in county Kerry, to pass the remainder of his days with them and to continue his useful- ness to the church which holds its broad mantle over them all.
W ILLIAM THOMAS CARTON, the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared, is a trusted employee of the Belt shops, Indianapolis, and an active member of St. John's church.
His father, Andrew Carton, was born in Liverpool, England, of Irish parentage, and the mother, whose maiden name was Mary Jones, was a native of Ireland. These parents were married in New Jersey and died in Indianapolis in the years 1892 and 1891, respectively. Andrew Carton first came to Indianapolis as an employee of the United States government in the construction of the arsenal, and by occupation was a brickmaker. He reared a family of three sons and four daughters: Mary, Hugh (deceased), William, Annie, Katie, John and Julia; none of those living are married, and all live at the old home where the parents died. They are members of St. John's church and highly esteemed for their devotion to the religion in which they were trained by pious parents.
William Thomas Carton was born in Indianapolis December 17, 1861, and has passed his life thus far within the limits of his native city. After attending school for some years, he began learning his trade of boilermaking at the Atlas Engine works, and in due time became a very skillful workman. During the past fourteen years he has held a position in the Belt shops, which fact sufficiently attests his efficiency and the esteem in which he is held by his employers. As already stated, he is a devoted Catholic, and takes an active interest in the Young Men's institute, of which he is a member. Politically Mr. Carton is a democrat, but has never been known as an aggressive partisan.
(262)
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.
T HOMAS F. CASEY, the fashionable hatter at No. 8, east side of the square, LaFayette, Ind., is a native of this city and was born November 29, 1862, a son of Patrick and Mary (Farrell) Casey, the former of whom was born in Roscommon county and the latter in county Longford, Ireland.
Patrick Casey was a single young man when he came to the United States, accompanied by his sister, Margaret, who married Owen Kielty, and died in Minnesota in 1864; Patrick, father of subject, met and married Mary Farrell in LaFayette. For ten long years Mr. Casey was a railroad employee in the supply depart- ment, but was economical and judicious in the expenditure of his earnings, and for ten years, also, was able to live in retirement and ·ease before his death, which took place November 12, 1895, at the age of seventy-five years, nearly, and in the faith of the holy Cath- olic church. His widow still resides in LaFayette, and of their eight children, Mary lives in Chicago; Kate is the wife of Charles McManus, of LaFayette; John is an employee of the American Express company, of Indianapolis; Thomas F. is the subject of this sketch; James died at the age of seven years; Anna resides with her mother; Lizzie is the wife of Frank Schilling, of LaFay- ette, and Agnes is at home, and all were educated in the parochial schools of this city.
Thomas F. Casey began his business life as a call-boy in the office of the C., L. & C. Railroad company, and was promoted, from time to time, until he reached the position of yard clerk, remaining with the company five years. The next four years, dur- ing the first administration of President Cleveland, he had charge of letter-carriers under Postmaster John B. Ruger, and next became a traveling salesman for the Falley Hardware company, of LaFay- ette, with which he remained two years, and then for two years was employed by Wells & Nellegar, of Chicago. In the fall of 1 892 he established his present business, which he has prosperously conducted up to the present time.
Mr. Casey is a member of the Marquette club, and was one of the prime movers in effecting the organization of the C. B. L., of which he was the first secretary, and which now has four councils in LaFayette. He is a self-made man, from a business point of
(263)
THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,
view, is energetic in all things pertaining to his church and society connections, and is very liberal in his contributions to St. Ann's congregation, of which he is a faithful member.
H ON. TIMOTHY E. HOWARD, LL. D., chief justice of the supreme court of Indiana, was born on a farm near Ann Arbor, Mich., January 27, 1837, a son of Martin and Julia (Beahan) Howard, natives of Ireland.
Timothy E. Howard, in his seventeenth year, attended school at Ypsilanti for two terms. The following year he became a stu- dent in the university of Michigan, where he remained until he had attained to sophomore standing. Soon afterward, however, illness in the family rendered it necessary for him to return home and assume the management of the farm. Some months later he was offered the position of teacher in one of the local schools, accepted the offer, and officiated in that capacity for two years. On attaining his majority he was elected school inspector, but this office he resigned after having served a single term, mainly on account of his having perfected arrangements to enter the univer- sity of Notre Dame, to finish his collegiate studies. Two years after his matriculation at Notre Dame, the toscin of Civil war was sounded, and nowhere was the call heeded more promptly and enthusiastically than at Notre Dame. Many of the students, pro- fessors and members of the Community responded and hastened to the front. Among these was Timothy E. Howard. He enlisted in the Twelfth Michigan infantry, and left at once with his regiment to join the army then forming in Kentucky and Ten- nessee. He was with the van of the army in the advance on Pitts- burg Landing, or Shiloh. In camp at i hat place, and not apprehen- sive of immediate danger, the Union forces were taken at a disad- vantage when suddenly attacked by the Confederates under Johnston and Beauregard on Sunday morning, April 6, 1862. In the contest that raged all day through the timber and underbrush and in the clearings, the Union troops were compelled to fall back slowly toward the river, and only the death of Johnston and the approach
(264)
Imothy & Howard
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.
of night saved them from possible capture. During night rein- forcements arrived, and Monday a decisive Union victory was won. In that battle the Twelfth Michigan took conspicuous part, and young Howard was severely wounded. He was discharged in con- sequence, and as soon as practicable returned to Notre Dame.
He received at the succeeding commencement the degree of bachelor of arts and was chosen professor of rhetoric. Moreover, the chair of English literature becoming vacant about that time, he was elected to fill it. In 1864 the degree of master of arts was con- ferred on him in course. The same year, also, was that in which the professor made his permanent home near the university, but within the corporate limits of South Bend. As professor he pos- sessed remarkable versatility, and taught with exceptional facility whenever occasion required classes in history, mathematics and astronomy, as well as his own regular class in English literature. Moreover, he wrote and had published "A Grammar of the English Language." and two works of an educational character, entitled "Excelsior " and "Uncle Edward's Stories." He wrote likewise many poems of exceptional merit. It is safe to state that more exquisite lines have not been written in our day than "The Bells of Notre Dame."
In 1878 Professor Howard was elected a member of the com- mon council of South Bend. Later he was elected clerk of the circuit court. In 1886 he was placed in nomination for state sen- ator and led his ticket to victory at the election in November, and in 1890 was re-elected by an exceptionally large majority. In the senate his services were of exceptional importance. For example, he was the author of the Momence bill, which provides for the drainage of the Kankakee valley; he was chairman of the com- mittee in charge of the school text-book law; he drafted the reve- nue law; he introduced the bill for the establishment of the appel- late court, and to his care was committed the Indianapolis charter and the suburban street railway bill.
For several years he served with his usual efficiency, fidelity and conscientiousness as attorney for Saint Joseph county and city attorney for South Bend.
In 1892 he was placed in nomination for judge of the supreme
(267)
THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,
court of Indiana and was triumphantly elected. His work on the bench has been careful and analytical, impartial and courageous, conscientious and creditable. He has been actuated throughout by his sense of right, and from that he has at no time nor in any instance departed or swerved, no matter what the pressure, whether of corporation or individual, friend or foe. He has achieved in this regard a distinction of which any jurist or public official may be justly proud. In fact, he is regarded throughout Indiana as one of the most impartial and incorruptible judges that have been elected to the supreme court since the political organization of the state. He is now serving his third term of chief justice.
In view of his honorable record for fidelity to religion, service to country, ripe scholarship, educational work, trustworthiness in official life, efficiency in legislative circles, and high standing as a jurist, the university of Notre Dame has appreciatively and cor- dially conferred on him the lætare medal for the year of our Lord, 1898.
The marriage of Judge Howard was solemnized at Detroit, Mich., July 14, 1894, to Miss Julia A. Redmond, of that city, and a daughter of William and Mary (Halford) Redmond, and this union is blessed with ten children, who have been named in order of birth as follows: Joseph C., Mary J., Edward A., Agnes I., John F., Genevieve M., William M., Eleanora M., George A., and Anna L., all living but William M. and Anna L. The family are members of St. Joseph church, and are free contributors of their means to its support, and, it is needless to add, are among the most respected of the Catholic residents of South Bend and the county of St. Joseph.
R EV. JOSEPH CHARTRAND, assistant rector of Saints Peter and Paul's cathedral, Indianapolis, is a native of St. Louis, Mo., and was born on the eleventh day of May, 1870. After receiv- ing his elementary education in the Jesuit schools of his native city, he entered upon his professional studies at St. Meinard's Bene- dictine abbey, where he remained five years, completing the pre- scribed courses of that institution. Finding himself too young for (268)
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.
ordination after completing the preparation, therefore, Father Chartrand spent two years teaching in his alma mater, and in 1890 went to Europe and reviewed his studies in the Jesuit university of Insbruck, Austria. Returning to the United States, he was ordained priest in 1892, at the age of twenty-two years, by special papal dispensation, the ceremony being performed by Bishop Chatard in Saints Peter and Paul's cathedral. Immediately following his induction into the priesthood, Father Chartrand entered upon his duties as assistant rector at the cathedral, a position he has since filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his superior. Father Chartrand is a young man of fine natural ability, supplemented by thorough scholastic and professional training, and has already won an endearing place in the affections of the people for whom he exercises the functions of his holy offie. Earnest, diligent and self- sacrificing, he subordinates everything to the one grand purpose of leading souls to the higher life.
M RS. ANNA CHESELDINE, whose home is at No. 522 Stev- ens street, Indianapolis, is a representative of a well-known Catholic family of the city, being a member of a family of nine children born to Lawrence and Elizabeth Keen, natives of the German empire.
Lawrence Keen was a lad of fifteen years when he came to America and landed in Baltimore, Md., where he attained his majority and where he was married. For some years he continued to reside in the Monumental city, and then removed to Zanesville, Ohio, and still later came to Indianapolis, Ind., where he and wife passed the remainder of their lives, and where eight of their nine chil- dren still make their homes-one child having been called away by death. Their daughter, Anna, was united in marriage, in Novem- ber, 1889, to Andrew Cheseldine, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Father D. O'Donaghue, of St. Patrick's church, Indian- apolis.
Andrew Cheseldine was converted to Catholicity, prior to his marriage, through the instrumentality of Father O'Donaghue, for
(269)
THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,
whom, personally, he felt great love and held in the highest respect. Mr. Cheseldine was reared in Washington, D. C., and is a mechanic by calling. He had resided in Indianapolis several years prior to his n.arriage, and had achieved an enviable reputation for industry and honesty. But four short years after his marriage he met with a serious accident, in November, 1893, from which he still suffers, his physical and mental condition being such that hos- pital treatment is continuously necessary. He clings tenaciously to the faith of the Catholic church, and finds in it his sole solace in his suffering. His worthy and faithful wife has the sympathy of many sincere friends, who share with her the hope that Mr. Ches- eldine will speedily be restored permanently to health and strength.
R EV. HENRY KOEHNE, pastor of St. Joseph's church, Logans- port, one of the largest German Catholic societies in northern Indiana, is a native of Prussia, and was born in Westphalia on the 2d day of June, 1835. He attended the common schools of his native country until twelve years of age, at which time he entered upon a more advanced course of study, attending college nine years, with the object of the priesthood in view. He completed his edu- cation, both literary and theological, in Germany, and. at the age of twenty-five came to the United States, and in 1863 was ordained priest at Chicago, Ill., his first charge being the church in Henry, Ill., over which he exercised pastoral control from 1863 to 1870. In the latter year he was transferred to Danville, Ill., and after remaining in charge of a congregation in that city two years, came to Logansport and accepted the pastorate of St. Joseph's church, with which he has since been identified.
This congregation, at the time of Father Koehne's arrival, numbered but few families, scattered throughout the city and coun- try, but under his able administration and the power and force of his preaching, it has so largely increased that there are now 275 families belonging thereto. The large and imposing temple of worship, one of the finest church-edifices of northern Indiana, is a monument to the energy of Father Koehne, to whose efforts the (270)
REV. H. KOEHNE.
ia
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, LOGANSPORT, IND.
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.
movement toward the erection of the building are almost wholly due. He has the unbounded confidence of the members of his con- gregation, and by his generous impulses and eminent social quali- ties has made friends with all classes, irrespective of church or order. "His life has been fraught with good works, and the future awaits him with bounteous and abundant rewards."
W ILLIAM CARSON, foreman at Indianapolis for the Terre Haute Brewing company, is a native of county Wicklow, Ireland, and was born in the town of Dunlavan, February 10, 1853, a son of Timothy and Ellen (Cassidy) Carson, also natives of Dunlavan. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in his native county in 1854, the subject of this memoir being then an infant.
The children born to Timothy and Ellen Carson were seven in number, and all came to America. John, the eldest, died in Indianapolis in 1873, leaving a wife and two children; Ellen, now the widow Fox, is a resident of this city; Jane, wife of William Mur- phy, a farmer, resides in Johnson county, Ind .; Patrick resides in Brightwood, a suburb of Indianapolis, and is engaged in stockrais- ing; Peter, who was county recorder of Marion county, died while holding the office; Timothy died in Chilicothe, Ohio, when about thirty-five years of age, and William, our subject, is the youngest of the family. The family, however, did not all come to America at the same time, as Jane, now Mrs. Murphy, and William, our subject, came over in 1860, and the mother in 1863. Jane and William resided in Chillicothe, Ohio, until June, 1864, and then came to Indianapolis, where the mother died in 1878.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.