History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 25

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co.
Number of Pages: 1476

USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II > Part 25

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P ATRICK DOYLE, who resides with his family at No. 519 Dougherty street, is well known to the Catholic citizens of Indianapolis and to many others, and is highly respected wherever known, being an early settler of St. Patrick's parish.

Mr. Doyle was born in county Kerry, Ireland, near the town of Waterville, famous as the birthplace of the patriot, orator,

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

lawyer and statesman, Daniel O'Connell. The parents of Mr. Doyle were Thomas and Margaret (McCarty) Doyle, whose ances- tors, for generations back, were inhabitants of county Kerry. Thomas Doyle, father of Patrick, died when the son was about fourteen years of age, but his widow was spared many years to give her motherly care to her children, of whom there were ten, and of whom five are still living. Of these five, Daniel, Patrick and Michael reside in Indianapolis, and Mary and Cornelius are still in Ireland. The other children all died young.

Patrick Doyle was about nineteen years of age when he came to this country in 1863, from which year until 1865, he lived in Worcester, Mass. He then came to Indianapolis and was variously employed until 1871, when he was given his present position with the gas company. In 1869 he married Miss Alice McGraw, a native of county Waterford, Ireland. This marriage has been blessed with eight children-Thomas, John, James, Mary, Margaret and Alice, all of whom have been reared in the Catholic faith, and two died young. Mr. Doyle has always been' an industrious citizen, has taken a most commendable interest in the promotion of the welfare of his parish, has been liberal in his contributions to the support of his church, and is to-day one of the most respected residents of the city.

REV. JOSEPH HEGGER, pastor of St. James church, at St. James, Gibson county, Ind., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 1, 1859, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Uphof) Hegger, who came from Germany to the United States in 1835, landing in Baltimore, Md., whence they went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the father was engaged in the woolen business until his death, which occurred August 15, 1866.

Rev. Joseph Hegger, next to the youngest of the seven chil- dren born to his parents, was educated in the parochial schools of his native city in his early youth, later received an academical edu- cation, and in September, 1875, entered the seminary at St. Mein- rad, Spencer county, Ind., where he pursued his classical, philo- sophical and theological studies until 1889-five years of this (410)

REV. JOSEPH E. HEGGER.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

period, from 1879 to 1884, however, being passed away from the seminary on account of sickness. But he persevered, and, June 13, 1889, was ordained priest by Bishop Chatard. On the 23d of the same month Father Hegger read his first mass at St. Andrew's church, Richmond, Ind. His first appointment was at Shoals, where he remained but a short time, when he was transferred to Richmond, to fill the place of the Very Rev. D. J. McMullen, of St. Mary's, who was on a vacation to Europe. On the latter's return he was transferred to Holy Trinity church, Evansville, as assistant. In August of the year 1891 his health declined in con- sequence of a sun-stroke suffered while at Richmond, and leave of absence was granted to regain his health until June 1, 1893, when he was appointed to the pastorate at Schnellville, where he min- istered to the congregation of the Sacred Heart until August, 1896, when he was placed in charge of his present parish of St. James, where he has since labored most assiduously in the promotion of the spiritual welfare of a congregation comprising 1 10 families and of a school comprising about ninety pupils, being assisted in the latter by three Benedictine nuns. His labors have been rewarded with great success, but the heartfelt love of his parishioners and the approbation of his superiors in the church constitute the chief part of his meet reward.

E DWARD F. DUBAIL, the popular young insurance agent and real estate broker, of South Bend, Ind., was born in the city named November 17, 1867, a son of Peter and Julia (Metzger) Dubail, the former a native of Paris, France, born in 1825, and the latter a native of the Buckeye state, born in 1828. By occu- pation Peter Dubail was a tonsorial artist of more than ordinary taste and ability, and practiced his profession from the date of his settlement in South Bend, in 1854, until 1890, when he retired on a competency.

Edward F. Dubail, whose name opens this mnemoir, was educated in St. Patrick's parochial school of his native city of South Bend, and at the age of sixteen years engaged in the grocery

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

business, first as clerk and then on his own account, and this trade occupied his attention and time from 1883 until 1890, when he entered the insurance, real estate, and loan business, in which he still continues, having met with phenomenal succcess. In 1895, he was appointed treasurer of the South Bend Electric Power company, and with the multifarious duties pertaining to this and his personal office work, he probably finds himself to be one of the busiest young men of the city.

The marriage of Mr. Dubail was solemnized, November 6, 1889, by Rev. Father Johannes, in St. Mary's church, South Bend, with Miss Grace A. Bowman, and this union has been blessed with one child, Donald Edward. The social position of Mr. Dubail and wife is a very enviable one, as they are recognized in the circles of the élite of South Bend with pleasure at all fetes and entertain- ments. Their moral worth is a subject of universal commendation, and life, with them, is altogether happy.

REV. JOHN W. DOYLE, the present pastor of St. Simon's church, Washington, Ind., was born in Madison, Jefferson county, Ind., August 1, 1851. At the early age of fifteen he began his preparation for the ministry by attendance at St. Meinard's college, Spencer county, Ind. He later attended the colleges of St. Thomas and St. Joseph at Bardstown, Ky., and the Grand seminary at Montreal, Canada. He took the finishing course in his thelogical studies at Indianapolis, and was placed in orders in 1875. being ordained as a priest by Bishop Maurice de St. Palais, May 25, of that year. For a short time he had charge of St. Vincent Orphan asylum, near Vincennes, and was then stationed at St. Mary's, Daviess county, over which parish he presided until 1879, when he was given the spiritual direction of St. Simon's parish, Washington. Under his excellent administration the affairs of this parish have prospered exceedingly, and the beginning and successful and joyful completion of the present noble church- building is very largely due to his admirable foresight, wisdom and energy. He enjoys in a very large degree the respect and (416)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

the admiration of his parishioners, and the relations of pastor and people are of the most agreeable and most harmonious character possible.

JOHN MICHAEL DUESTERBERG, the well-known druggist and pharmaceutist, at No. 625 North Second street, Vincennes, was born in this city September 20, 1844, a son of Garrett Henry Ind., and Caroline (Beckman) Duesterberg, natives of Hanover, Germany, the father born November 18, 1811, and the mother December 19, 1815. Although these parents were born within a few miles of each other, they never were acquainted until they met in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were married in Vincennes, Ind., December 27, 1837, and were the first German couple to be united in matrimony in this city. They had born to them ten children, viz: Catherine, now Mrs. Ostendorf; Mary, widow of Henry Terhar; Henry Bernard, undertaker and cabinetmaker; John M., the subject; Garrett H., grocer; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Julia, unmarried; Peter Leonard, who died in ISSI, at the age of twenty-six years; Elizabeth, unmarried, and Lawrence H., who died June 26, 1894, aged thirty-six years.

The father was originally a manufacturer of spinningwheels and later became an undertaker and cabinetmaker. He was a member of the first city council after the city was incorporated; he served several years in this body, also served sixteen years as school trustee and four years as city treasurer. He died July 13, 1894, and was buried from St. John's German Catholic church, of which he was one of the organizers and a faithful member until his death. He was one of the best-known pioneers of Vincennes and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His venerable widow, after a residence of sixty years in this city, expired on Sun- day morning, March 28, 1897, also in the same faith.

John M. Duesterburg was educated in St. John's German Catholic school and the public schools of Vincennes, and in Decem- ber, 1861, entered the employ of H. E. Peck, druggist, with whom he remained three years; was with Luck & Patton one year, and then with J. D. Landers two years. He next embarked in business

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

as a druggist on his own account on North Second street, but two years later formed a partnership with J. D. Landers, which was con- tinued for four years and a half. Since then he has been in business, on his sole account with the exception of two years, during which he was practically retired. In 1883 he re-engaged in the drug busi- ness on North Second street, and ten years later erected his pres- ent business block, the salesroom of which is a model of beauty, convenience and taste. He began his career with but little capital, but through his urbanity and attention to the needs of his patrons is now possessed of a very handsome property.

The first marriage of Mr. Duesterburg took place January 2, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Tracey, a Protestent young lady, who died nine months later, leaving a daughter-Lottie -- who died in infancy. November 24, 1874, Mr. Duesterberg was united in marriage with Miss Mary Rikhoff, a daughter of Albert Rikhoff, a native of Hol- land, but for many years a resident of Cincinnati, where Mrs. Duesterberg was born; later Mr. Rikhoff came to Vincennes and here passed the remainder of his life. Mr. Duesterberg is a prominent member of the democratic party, served two years in the Vincennes city council, following which he was elected town- ship trustee, a position he held six years. He and his wife are members of St. John's Catholic church, and are identified with its various soldalities. Mrs. Duesterberg is a member of branch No. 533, Catholic Knights of America, and of St. John's Benevolent society; his standing in business circles is very desirable, and socially he and his wife stand very high in the esteem of their neighbors.

P ATRICK JOSEPH DUFFEY, superintendent of the Indian- apolis vapor lights for the Sun Vapor Street & Light company of Canton, Ohio, was born in Indianapolis February 23, 1875. He is a son of James and Katherine (Fox) Duffey, the former of whom is a native of Indiana and the latter of Ireland. They were mar- ried in Indianapolis in 1873, at St. John's church, by Mgr. Bes- sonies and are both of Irish parentage.

James Duffey has spent his life mostly in well-driving, gas and (418)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

steam fitting, but is now engaged in other business at Nos. 307 and 309 West McCarty street, Indianapolis, where he and his wife and children all reside. Mr. Duffey is a democrat, but has neither held nor desired to hold public office. He has voted in Indiana for the past thirty-three years, and uniformly the democratic ticket. He and his wife are the parents of the following children: Patrick Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Mary, James Oliver, John Will- iam and Katie, the latter of whom is deceased. The family are all members of St. John's Catholic church of Indianapolis, of which Rev. Father Gavisk is pastor, and the children are all single, liv- ing under the parental roof, at the place above mentioned.

Patrick Joseph Duffey was educated first in the public school, and afterward at St. John's academy. He received his first com- munion at the age of fifteen at St. John's church. Since engag- ing in business on his own account he has been a grocery clerk, a collector for a driving well company, and for several months he worked on the Belt railroad, and also one year in a rolling-mill. On May 1, 1897, he was chosen to his present responsible position by the Sun Vapor Street & Light company of Canton, Ohio, and is giving satisfaction not only to the company by which he is employed but also to the patrons of that company. He receives and disburses the funds for the payment of the expenses of the business; furnishes three teams, employs three men, and is em- ployed about four hours daily in attending to the business. He is a young man of good business attainments, is industrious, temper- ate and frugal, and thus has a bright future in store. In his political views he is a democrat, is devoted to his party and has many friends, through whose influence he secured his present promi- nent and permanent position. He is certainly to be congratulated upon his success in life and upon his habits and character, upon which so much depends. especially in the case of young men.

J JOHN DUGAN, at the southeast corner of Merrill and Missouri streets, Indianapolis, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, September 26, 1869. He is a son of John and Bridget (O'Gara) Dugan, both natives of county Donegal, in which county they

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

spent their lives, dying there in middle life, the former in 1874 at the age of thirty-five, and the latter dying the next year. They left a family of six children, viz: Patrick, a farmer in Ireland; Maggie, who died when about thirteen years of age; Mary, who married Paul Bonner and resides on South West street, Indian- apolis, her husband doing business at the corner of Maryland and West streets; John, the subject of this sketch; Neal, a traveling salesman of Jonesboro, Kans., and Daniel, a farmer, still living in his native country. Patrick is the only male member of the family that is married.

John Dugan, the subject of this sketch, came alone to the United States, landed in New York in December, 1888, and came directly to Indianapolis, having left home without the knowledge of his family. He had been preceded by his sister Mary, the others that have come across the sea, coming later than he. Mr. Dugan began life in this country as a railroad emyloyee, and then entered the "Big Four " Railway company's boiler shops, in which he remained five years. Leaving this line of labor he was then engaged for some time in whatever he could find to do, and at length became a bar-tender, which he continued to follow until he opened his present place, located as stated above.

Mr. Dugan is still unmarried, and lives in the family of a cousin named Frank Gallagher. He is a member of St. John's church, to the support of which he contributes liberally, and he is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In politics he is a democrat, but has never been a seeker after office, preferring to take care of his private business, which he confidently expects will in its turn take care of himn. He has been quite a traveler, having visited many points of interest in countries on the continent of Europe.

C HARLES FRANCIS DUNN, a native of Richmond, Ind., was born November 7, 1869, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Landy) Dunn, and is now the popular letter-carrier so anxiously looked for daily along his prescribed route, let the nature of the correspondence be what it may to the expectant recipients.

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

Thomas Dunn, father of Charles Francis, was born in Queens county, Ireland, in Mountruelick parish, March 19, 1819, attended parochial school, and farmed until leaving for America. He arrived in New York in 1852, lived in that city and Jersey City, N. J .. until 1855, in which year he was married, in Jersey City, to Cath- erine Landy. He moved, in the same year, to Lancaster, Pa., at which place two of his children, Michael and John, were born; in 1859 he moved to Valparaiso, Ind., then the western terminus of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad, for which company he was working; he lived there one year, and then moved to Rich- mond in 1860, entering the employment of the P., C. & St. L. R. R., being transferred by the company. He was employed in the blacksmithing department, but afterward resigned and entered the services of the C., H. & D. R. R. in the same capacity, where he remained until his death, March 3, 1882, having been struck by an engine.

Mrs. Catherine Landy) Dunn was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, parish Clonwell, in 1831. Her father was a farmer, attended parochial school, arrived in New York in 1854, and set- tled in Jersey City, where she was married.

The children born to Thomas Dunn and wife were ten in number, of whom seven still survive, viz: Michael, who is master mechanic of the Pennsylvania railroad shops at Dennison. Ohio: John T., foreman of the Pendleton shops of the Louisville & Nash- ville road at Cincinnati, Ohio: Philip, assistant superintendent at the C., P. & C. shops, Cincinnati ;. William H , a telegraph opera- tor for the Pennsylvania line at Richmond, Ind. : Sarah E. : Charles Francis, our subject, and Anna S. Mrs. Catherine Landy ) Dunn, the mother of this family, died September 2, 1890, a devout Catholic, and and was buried in St. Mary's cemetery, where the remains of three of her children-Thomas. Catherine L. and Edward T .- were also interred, she having been a member of the Altar and Rosary society, and her husband having been appointed by Father McMullen a member of the committee formed to raise the means to establish the cemetery in which the deceased mem- bers of the family have found their last resting place.

Michael Dunn, elder brother of Charles Francis, received a

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

common-school education, entered the Panhandle shop, in Rich- mond, when but fifteen years old, and was later made foreman of the Pendleton shops, at Cincinnati, Ohio. After serving in that position about one and one-half years, he was made master mechanic of same shops. He served in that capacity until 1896, when he was promoted to master mechanic of the Panhandle shops at Dennison, Ohio, one of the best positions on the Panhandle system. He was city councilman there one term and was presi- dent of the A. O. H. several terms; was also president of the Emerald Benevolent society, and was trustee of St. Mary's church.

Charles Francis Dunn was educated in St. Mary's parochial school primarily, and later, in June, 1889, graduated from the Richmond high school. Having passed a due examination, he was accepted, in the fall of 1890, as a letter-carrier, and this position he has most acceptably filled until the present time. In January, 1896, he was elected a trustee of St. Mary's church; he is also a member of the A. O. of H., in which order he is serving his second term as president, and was at one time vice-president of the Julian club, of which he is still a member. He is a popular young man in the society circles of Richmond, and enjoys the respect of all who have the happiness of being acquainted with him.

R EV. JOSEPH H. HILLEBRAND, the venerated pastor of St. Mary's of the Assumption church at Floyd Knobs, Floyd county, Ind., is a native of Covington, Ky., and was born Septem- ber 28, 1858, the fourth in order of birth of the family of Joseph and Mary (Heitmeyer) Hillebrand.

Rev. J. H. Hillebrand's primary education was commenced in the parochial schools of the church of the Mother of God, in his native city. In the fall of 1878 he entered the celebrated St. Meinrad college, Spencer county, Ind., there finished the classical, philosophical and theological courses of study, and was ordained priest by Bishop Chatard, June 19, 1886. His first charge was the parish of St. Francis Xavier, at Henryville, Clark county, Ind. He began the work July 12, 1886, and remained there until 1891.

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Respectfully Jouer J. H. Hillebrand

ST. MARY'S OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, FLOYD KNOBS, IND.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

He was the first resident priest the parish ever had, and his career in this parish was marked by great improvement and progress. He erected the priest's home at a cost of $750; in 1888 erected a twenty-foot addition to the church, and had the entire interior of the structure overhauled and garnished. He built a sacristy, and two new altars, and gallery for the choir. He introduced singing in the congregation, and purchased an organ, which had been an unknown quantity in the worship. The church and other buildings were newly painted, and the entire outlay amounted to $2,000.

Besides his work at St. Xavier's, Father Hillebrand had two missions, St. Michael's, in Clark county, eight miles distant, with twelve families, which he increased to sixteen, and Mother of God, at Lexington, Scott county, which had ten families, and was six- teen miles distant from his home parish, which shows what a task he had to perform. The home parish had forty-two families, or 175 souls.

His next work was in St. Bernard's parish, at Rockport, Spen- cer county. He. assumed charge in August, 1891, and remained there until 1897. The membership was fifty-five families, with 225 souls, to whom he added twenty-one converts. There was no priest's home of any consequence, so he built a new residence of six rooms, costing $850, in 1891; next, in 1892, he built a Sisters' house, costing $750. There were two Benedictine Sisters in charge of the school. The next improvement was the overhauling of the church, the erection of three altars, costing $350, and seven stat- ues, costing $210, and the painting and frescoing of the church, costing $500.

When Father Hillebrand reached the parish, the debt was $6,200; nevertheless, he made the improvements mentioned and reduced the debt $800. He also placed in a furnace costing $250, and a 1,500-pound bell, costing $200. The entire expenditure during his pastorate amounted to $3,200. Father Hillebrand, beside his home work, had charge of two parishes-St. Martin's, in Spencer county, of twenty-six families, and St. Rupert's, at Yankee- town, Warrick county. The latter was seventeen miles distant, and St. Martin's eight miles distant.

The next charge of Father Hillebrand was St. Mary's church

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

of the Assumption at Floyd's Knobs, Ind., which is seven miles northwest of New Albany, and of this he became pastor Septem- ber 23, 1897. The parish numbers 130 families, or 700 souls. This parish is an historic one, and it is to be regretted that its early records have not been preserved. The parish is in a very healthy state, financially, not a dollar of indebtedness standing against it. There are three Benedictine Sisters-two as teachers and one as housekeeper-in charge of the school, which has an enrollment of ninety-five pupils. Since Father Hillebrand's advent he has fin- ished a beautiful one-story school-house, 30x60 feet, costing $1,000, which will accommodate 130 pupils. At present the buildings are being beautified with paint, and a general air of thrift marks the administration of Father Hillebrand.

Father Hillebrand is cordial and genial in manner, is well- known as an indefatigable worker, and is endeared to his flock and many others more deeply than any preceding pastor.

JAMES DUNN, commission salesman for the Singer Sewing

Machine company, at No. 521 North Pine street, Indianapolis, and a patriot of the late Civil war, was born in the city of Mullin- gar, county Westmeath, Ireland, April 17, 1839, and at the age of fourteen years came alone to America, first securing the paternal consent through a friend whom he was visiting at the time in England.

On arriving in this country he visited an uncle in Troy, N. Y., and next visited another uncle in Allegany county, in the same state, and, being there at the outbreak of the Rebellion, enlisted in company I, Twenty-seventh New York volunteer infantry, being among the first to volunteer for the two-year service. This regi- ment was under the command of Col. H. W. Slocum, afterward a famous brigadier-general. Mr. Dunn served out the full term of his enlistment, his active work beginning with the first battle of Bull Run and ending with the engagement at Chancellorsville. He was a gallant and brave young soldier, and endured with forti- tude all the hardships of military life, and took part in all the marches, skirmishes and engagements in which his regiment par-

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

ticipated, and was honorably mustered out at Elmira, N. Y., May 31, 1863, having served from May 21, 1861. He then entered the government service in the commissary and construction department, where he served until nearly the close of the war.

Prior to his enlistment, Mr. Dunn had formed the acquaint- ance, in Allegany county, N. Y., of Miss Delia McGraw, and this acquaintance was maintained by correspondence while Mr. Dunn was in the army and afterward. The McGraw family, just before the opening of hostilities, removed to Colfax, Clinton county, Ind., to which place, after leaving the government service, Mr. Dunn betook himself, and on St. Patrick's day, 1865, led this young lady to the altar at LaFayette, where they were united in matrimony by Rev. Father Hamilton. Mrs. Dunn is a daughter of Daniel and Hannah McGraw, and is a native of county Clare, Ireland. She has borne her husband six children, three living, viz: Mary Cecilia, who has been a clerk in the mercantile house of Dedtert & Sudbrock, Indianapolis, the past seven years; Fannie, wife of Jacob C. Oliger, a barber at the corner of Michigan and Noble streets, this city, and Joseph Francis, at home, but who has served in the special delivery of the Indianapolis post-office since 1890, and is also a member of the Young Men's institute.

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History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 25

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co. Number of Pages: 1476

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co.
Number of Pages: 1476