History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 68

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

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

Sarah, in Ireland, and John, Kate, Bridget and James, in America. Of these, Kate is the wife of James Finn, a dairyman, and Bridget is married to Thomas Wickens, a farmer of North Vernon, Ind.

James Mullin passed his earlier years as a farm hand in Ireland and England, and in 1881 he came to America. His first employ- ment here was with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at Indian- apolis, for whom he worked one summer, and then for six years was employed by the Sisters of St. Mary of the Woods, near Terre Haute. He was then variously employed, chiefly as a laborer, until he erected his present building for a dwelling and business purposes, and opened up November 16, 1897, since when he has done an excellent trade.

Mr. Mullin was united in marriage, November 25, 1896, at St. John's church, by Rev. Father O'Brien, to Miss Celia Sullivan, a native of county Mayo, Ireland, and daughter of Peter and Mary (McDonald) Sullivan. Peter Sullivan is now deceased, having died in Indianapolis, a true Catholic; his widow has her home on Missouri street, and is a pious and highly respected lady. Mr. and Mrs. Mullin are members of St. John's congregation, under the ministration of Rev. Father Gavisk, and are good and faithful Catholics. In politics Mr. Mullin is a democrat, but has never been an office seeker. His place of business is tidy and clean, and is conducted strictly under the rules of propriety and good order, and no man in the business enjoys a higher degree of respect and popularity than he.

JOHN FRANCIS MULLEN, cashier of the department of sec- J ond-class mail matter in the Indianapolis post-office, is a native of this city, was born in June, 1854, and is of Irish parentage.

Roger Mullen, father of John Francis, was born in county Galway, but in early manhood came to America, and at Madison, Ind., married Miss Hanora Quinn, who was born in the same county with himself; but in Madison was consummated the mar- riage to which they had plighted their faith in the old country. In 1850 he came to Indianapolis, where he followed his vocation of contractor and brickmaker, and rendered much valuable service

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toward developing the struggling young city, but was not destined to become a witness to its phenomenal growth, as he was called away by death in 1861, while still a comparatively young man. His widow survived him thirty-four years, dying December 8, 1895. Roger and Hanora Mullen were blessed with four children, viz: Thomas, Rosana ( who died in childhood , John Francis and Sarah E. ; the survivors still reside at the old home, No. 514 Dougherty street, being still unmarried.

John Francis Mullen was educated under competent tutors in the parochial schools of the Catholic church, and this training was supplemented by a course in the public schools. At an early age he was apprenticed to the printing business in the office of the Indianapolis Journal, and most of his time has been passed in the offices of the Indianapolis Journal and Sentinel and the St. Louis Republican, but he has always claimed Indianapolis as his home. During the legislative session of 1893-94, he filled the position of assistant doorkeeper in the house of representatives, and in April, 1894, was appointed to his present responsible position in the city post-office, which came to him unsolicited on his part.

Mr. Mullen and his sister, Miss Sarah E., are especially devout members of St. Patrick's church, under the pastorate of the Very Rev. D. O'Donaghue. Though not physically strong, Mr. Mullen is closely attentive to his official duties. His deportment is marked by a genial and cordial manner, which, coupled with an upright and honorable course of life, renders him companionable in the highest sense.

M ATTHIAS MUELLER, of Richmond, Ind., was born in Hanover, Germany, September 11, 1859, son of Henry and Lizzie Mueller. Henry Mueller, also a native of Hanover, was born in the year 1825. He was married in St. Jacob's church, Hanover, Germany, by Father Rupker, in the year 1852, to Lizzie Wolteman, who bore him four children: Henry, deceased; Mary, wife of Martin Adekamp; Katie, wife of Ben. Needham, and Matthias, whose name introduces this sketch. Henry Mueller by occupation was a carpenter, which calling he followed successfully

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

until his arrival in Baltimore, Md., in 1883, whence he came direct to Richmond, Ind., where he remained until his death, which occurred in the year 1889.

Matthias Mueller attended what was known as the St. Jacob's school in his native country until his thirteenth year, then entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he completed, afterward working at his chosen calling until his arrival in the United States. He came at once to Indiana, locating in the city of Richmond, where, for a period of four years, he was in the employ of Gaar, Scott & Co., manufacturers of boilers. Later he severed his connection with the aforesaid firm and opened a sample room in Richmond, which he conducts at this time. On the 22nd day of April, 1890, Mr. Mueller entered into the marriage relation with Miss Anna Beckshultee, the ceremony being solemnized according to the prescribed form of the Holy Catholic church, Father Seiberts officiating. One child has come to gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mueller: Lena, who is a student of St. Andrew's school. Mr. Mueller and, family are members of St. Andrew's parish, Richmond, and, he is an active worker in the St. Joseph society.

T' THOMAS MULVINE, doing business at No. 165 West Mich- igan street, Indianapolis, Ind., is a native of county Galway, Ireland, born November 4, 1869. He is a son of William and Sarah (Wall) Mulvine, both natives of the same county, in which the mother still lives and in which the father lies buried, having died in October, 1884, his age at the time being about seventy. The mother is now about seventy-five, is in good health and in comfortable circumstances, living with her son, Patrick. She and her husband were the parents of six sons and two daughters, only one of whom has died. The names of the children are as follows: Mary, now wife of John Greeley, in Ireland; Patrick, named above as taking care of his mother: Michael, John, William; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; Maggie and James, all in the United States except Mary and Patrick. Michael is in the west, and is an employee of the Western Union Telegraph company, the last thir- (1080)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

teen years having been spent in this way; John is employed at Kingan's packing house; William died April 12, 1895, in young manhood, and the subject succeeded to his business; Maggie is now Mrs. Patrick Joyce, and resides at Haughville; James is a resident of Kansas City, Mo.

Thomas J. Mulvine, the subject of this sketch, came alone to the United States in 1888, landing in this country on the 18th of June, and coming directly to Indianapolis, where for three years he was employed by the National Malleable Castings company in Haughville. The next four years were spent in Armour's packing house in Chicago, and he has been two years in business where he is now located. Mr. Mulvine is unmarried and is a member of St. Anthony's church, which is under the pastoral charge of Rev. Father Dowd. He is also a member of the Young Men's institute and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and of the Celtic club. Politically he is a democrat, but not a seeker after office. He is a young man of fine business attainments and qualifications and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

JOSEPH F. MUNDI, retired farmer and a resident of Hunt- ingburg, Dubois county, Ind., is a son of Serfine and Martha (Realy) Mundi, natives of Germany, but who early came to America. Both parents are dead, the father being ninety-one years of age at his decease.

Joseph F. Mundi was born November 23, 1843, was reared on a farm in Dubois county, attended common schools, and at the age of twenty-one years enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty- third regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry, under Capt. P. Cookes, and served one year. He then returned to Jasper, Dubois county, and remained one year; then came to Huntingburg, and here he has remained ever since. He was married, by Rev. Fidelis Maute, June 16, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Kiefer, a native of Dubois county, born November 11, 1848, and this marriage has been blessed with ten children, viz: Edward M., Leonard G., August J., Florentine J., Sophia B., Mena K., Frona M., Walberger G.,

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

Elizabeth M. and Matilda M., all of whom were confirmed by the Right Bishop Chatard. The family are members of St. Mary's church and are highly-respected throughout the county of Dubois and elsewhere. In poltitics, Mr. Mundi is a republican.

M ARTIN JAMES MURPHY, a representative member of St. Joseph's parish, Indianapolis, was born in Madison, Ind., October 25, 1853. His parents were Martin and Catherine Murphy, natives of Galway, Ireland. They were reared in their native county and came to America in their early life, locating in Madison, Ind., in which city they were married and were residents a number of years. Subsequently they removed to Kentucky, where the father was for some years engaged as foreman in rail- road construction. In about 1872, Mr. Murphy came to Indian- apolis and was here employed by the I., B. W. railroad com- pany until his death, which was caused by accident in the yards of the company, in 1875; his wife is also deceased.

Martin and Catherine Murphy left four children, three sons and a daughter, the subject of this sketch being the eldest of the family. John, the next of the brothers, is running an engine on the L. & N. railway: Daniel is a railroad conductor and resides in the city of Mexico; the sister is Mrs. Mary Draper, of Indianapolis.

Martin James Murphy came to Indianapolis from Madison in 1870, and was engaged with the Indianapolis Sarven Wheel com- pany for about three years. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was employed in a foundry for some time, but, returning to Indianapolis, engaged in railroading for five years. He was variously employed until 1887, at which time he entered the county auditor's office as deputy, where he remained six years. He next engaged in the undertaking business, under the firm name of Collier & Murphy, of which firm he is still a member. For a time Mr. Murphy gave his whole attention to the last-mentioned occupation, and then, leaving it largely in the hands of his partner, he accepted a position in the county treasurer's office and later became deputy city comptroller, an office he occupied until Novem-

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ber 1, 1897, when he once more resumed his undertaking business, to which he now devotes his entire attention. Mr. Murphy has been twice married. His first wife was Mary Sullivan, and his present wife was Miss Bridget Sharkey. He has two children by his first marriage, Mary and Nora, and a son, Leon, by his present wife.

Mr. Murphy is recognized as a worthy Catholic citizen. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and also belongs to the Y. M. I. and C. K. of A.

PATRICK MURPHY, at No. 461 West Washington street, Indianapolis, was born in county Galway, Ireland, March 8, 1864. He is a son of John and Mary (Carnelly) Murphy, natives of the same county, in which they still reside. They are the parents of nine children, all of whom are still living it is believed, the eldest being the only one in doubt, and he is supposed to be a sailor, but has not been heard from for seven years. Patrick, the subject, is the second in order of birth; Michael is still living in. Ireland; John is engaged in business in Indianapolis, and is mar- ried; Thomas is still in Ireland, as is also James; Mary, a widow,. is living in Indianapolis, and Maggie lives with her parents.

Patrick Murphy, the subject of this sketch, came alone to the United States in 1882, locating in Indianapolis in 1883. From that time on until 1891 he was in the employ of the Kingan Pack- ing company in Indianapolis, and in that year he became engaged in his present business. He is still unmarried. He is a member of the Improved Order of the Knights of Pythias, and is a mem- ber of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as is also his brother John. Politically Mr. Murphy is independent, working and voting for men, instead of for measures or political parties. He is a popu- lar young man, has many friends and is a successful manager. Patrick and John are the only male members of this family who have come to the United States. Both are industrious and honor- able members of society, are good citizens and are highly thought of by all that know them.

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P ROF. MICHAEL W. MURPHY, the principal and owner of the Logansport, Ind., Commercial High school, and a member of St. Vincent de Paul church, is a son of Patrick A. and Anna L. (Gaynor) Murphy, natives of Ireland, who came to America when young and were married in Huntington, Ind., where Prof. Michael W. Murphy was born October 2, 1867. In 1874 the parents removed to Rockfield, Carroll county, Ind., where the father became and still is foreman of a section on the Wabash railroad. The father has two brothers also in America, one of whom, Thomas, is a railroad man in Chicago, and the other, Michael, is foreman over a force of men who are employed in lay- ing pipes in the streets of Huntington. Patrick A. Murphy and wife have had born to them, besides the professor, four other chil- dren, viz: Mary C., Anna L., Bessie M. and Genevieve, all still under the parental roof. .

Prof. Michael W. Murphy graduated from the high school of Rockfield in 1886; but in the meanwhile had attended Hall's Busi- ness callege at Logansport, Ind., making daily trips by railroad for that purpose, and had taken instruction by mail from the Phono- graphic institute of Cincinnati, Ohio-receiving a diploma from the former and a certificate from the latter, and giving his first lessons in shorthand to a private class in Rockfield. After graduat- ing from the high school, with the second-best grade in the county, he began teaching in the country schools, and in 1888 became a teacher in the graded schools of Rockfield, where he gave instruc- tion for four years in different departments.

In October, 1891, Prof. Murphy was united in marriage with Miss Maudella G. Wilson, daughter of Charles Y. Wilson, a farmer of Carroll county, and this union has been blessed with two chil- dren, viz: Marie Breining, born October 19, 1892, and Bernard Russell, born November 6, 1893. After marriage, the professor resided on a farm in Carroll county until February, 1897, when he came to Logansport and became an instructor of shorthand in Hall's Business college, but resigned his position in the fall of the same year to found, in partnership with J. W. Hooke, the Logansport Com- mercial High school, in which is given a much broader and deeper course of study than that of the ordinary business college. In the

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fall of 1898, Mr. Murphy purchased the interest of Mr. Hooke in the Commercial High school, and now owns the entire institution. He also bought, in the fall of 1898, the Michael's Business college and consolidated the two. His school is located in the Magee block, on Fourth street.

The professor and family are devout Catholics, Mrs. Murphy being a convert to the faith, and own a very pleasant home at No. 628 Bringhurst street, Logansport, where they enjoy the unre- served respect of all their neighbors.

OHN MURPHY, a retired merchant and capitalist of Wash- J ington, Daviess county, Ind., is a native of this city, was born October 13, 1823, and is a son of John and Ellen (Campbell) Murphy, natives of the city of Cork, Ireland.

John Murphy, father of subject, was a son of Michael Murphy, a miller of Cork. John was educated and married in his native city, and about 1816 came alone to America and engaged in the currying business, in Troy, N. Y., until 1821, when his wife and three children came and joined him. The family then went to Louisville, Ky., and after a short stay in that city came to Wash- ington, Ind., and here followed tanning a number of years and then opened a general store. He was appointed postmaster during the administration of President Jackson, and held the office until his death, which occurred in 1836, in Vincennes, whither he had gone on a visit to St. Patrick's college. His widow survived him until October, 1868. They were the parents of eight children, viz: Michael, Hannah, Ann and Mary, all deceased; John, our subject; Ellen, widow of Dr. Barton, Edward and William, also deceased.

John Murphy, the subject proper of this biographical notice, attended school in Washington until about fourteen years of age, when his father died, leaving his business in charge of his son Michael, for whom John at once became an assistant, and so remained until sixteen years of age, when he became a clerk in a general store, continuing as such until twenty-two years old, when he embarked in the same class of trade on his own account, and

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this he followed with unvarying success until 1882, when he retired, possessed of an ample competency, and has since devoted his atten- tion to the care of his realty interests in Washington and elsewhere.

The marriage of Mr. Murphy took place in Cumberland, Md., June 15, 1869, to Miss Harriet Taylor, a native of that city, born December 11, 1838, a daughter of William and Lavinia (Hill). Taylor, natives also of Maryland. The father of this lady was of old colonial English descent, was a saddler by trade, and was the head of a highly respected family in his native state. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are devout members of St. Simon's congregation, of which, since 1885, Mr. Murphy has been treasurer and had charge of the funds when the new church-edifice was erected, and of which Mrs. Murphy is a member of the Altar society. Mr. Murphy has been wonderfully successful as a business man, and stands very high in the esteem of his fellow-citizens.

P ATRICK L. MURPHY, engineer of company No. 8, Indianap- olis city fire department, was born in Dundas, Canada, March 17, 1855, a son of Maurice and Bridget (Griffin) Murphy, natives of county Kerry, Ireland, where they were married and at once crossed the ocean to Canada, in 1854, where they resided until 1866, when they came to Indianapolis, where the mother died in 1885 and the father in 1896, both true and faithful Catholics, and the parents of nine children, of whom Patrick L. was the second born and the eldest son.

Patrick L. Murphy, after coming to Indianapolis, attended St. Patrick's school for a time, then aided his father in the gravel roof- ing business, and next, for nine years, was employed in railroading. Being an athlete and fond of manly sports, he early united with base-ball companies and made a special mark on the diamond with the clubs with which he was attached. His first play was with the club at Birmingham, Ala., one season; his next season was with the Minneapolis club, and while with that team signed with the St. Paul club at a material advance in salary. He played one full season in Washington, D. C., as a member of the club of that city. During. (1086)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

his various engagements he traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting nearly every city east of Denver, Colo. On the consolidation of the National league with the American associa - tion he retired from the field and returned to Indianapolis.

In August, 1894, Mr. Murphy was appointed to a position in the city fire department and served with several companies until, during his " day off," on one occasion he volunteered to go to a fire, and while performing effective work at the same sustained a severe injury-breaking his shoulder and forearm and receiving a serious scalp wound. For several weeks following he was confined for treatment in St. Vincent's hospital, and on recovery, perhaps in recognition of his daring, he was appointed to his present position.

Mr. Murphy was united in marriage, at St. Patrick's parochial home, to Miss Mary McBride, a native of Covington, Ky. This lady was a Protestant in religion, but was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at her death, which took place in this city, her remains being interred in Crown Hill cemetery, and the funeral rites being performed by Rev. Father Quigley (now deceased), at St. Patrick's church. One daughter, Bessie, now twelve years of age, was the result of this union, and is now attending school in this city. Mr. Murphy is a member of St. Joseph's church, and is dutiful in his religious observances. In politics he is a democrat, but is not offensively partisan, and, being of a jovial, whole-souled nature, has hosts of warm-hearted friends.

JOHN A. NEES, an old pioneer of Dearborn county, and hotel- keeper at Aurora, is a son of Thomas and Eva (Parr) Nees, natives of Germany. The father was a farmer until his death, which took place in Germany, March 15, 1842, and in that coun- try the mother also passed away, in 1846.

John A. Nees is one of six children, was born November 2, 1829, was reared on his parents' farm, was educated in the com- mon schools, and at the age of seventeen years came to America with the Wolbert family of Germany, passing as their son, in

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THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

order that he might cross the ocean. Mr. Nees engaged, on his arrival in America, in the cooper trade near Cincinnati for two years, but left on account of the cholera epidemic and went to New Richmond, Ohio, and worked for fifteen years. He then taught a Catholic school, and was the organist in St. Peter's church for five years. He then located in Aurora, Ind., on the 27th of August, 1867, and engaged in the grocery, hotel and saloon business, and has thus continued ever since. He built his present place-hotel, grocery and saloon, all connected -in 1876, at a cost of $10,000, the hotel containing twenty-seven rooms.

May 31, 1852, Mr. Nces was married to Miss Amelia Koch, a daughter of William J. Koch, and to this union have been born fifteen children, of whom four are deceased. The survivors are named Amelia, Thomas, Helen, Frank, William, John (who is manager for his father), Josephina, Emma, Henry, Anna and Helen. All of these, with their parents, are members of the Cath- olic church. Mr. Nees was one of the first to organize the St. Joseph Benevolent society, and the family is one of the most highly respected in the city of Aurora and county of Dearborn. Mr. Nees for thirteen years was leader of the choir and organist at St. Mary's church.

P ATRICK NAUGHTON, engaged in business at No. 701 West New York street, Indianapolis, was born in county Galway, Ireland, January 29, 1863. His parents were James and Nora (Kenney) Naughton, also natives of county Galway, where they still reside, the father being a government contractor. Of the chil- dren born to them, Mary is a nun in Ireland; Michael is success- fully mining gold in Australia; Thomas and Mathew are farmers in Ireland; Bridget is in the church work in Ireland, and James, a lad of fourteen years, is at home: Andrew and Edward died in infancy.

Patrick Naughton came to America June 21, 1884, landing at New York, and came to Indianapolis in October of the same year and has been employed at Kingan's packing house most of the time since.

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

Mr. Naughton was married in Hendricks county, Ind., June 20, 1894, by Rev. Father Powers, to Miss Mary Quinn, a native of that county, born of Irish parents (Michael and Bridget Quinn), the father being a farmer. Mr. Naughton is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Celtic club, and is in politics a democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Naughton are members of St. John's church, and Mrs. Naughton is a member of St. John's Altar society.

Mr. Naughton's family in Ireland are very active and devoted members of the church, two of his mother's sisters being nuns in a convent in Galway; his own sister is also a nun. Being the only known representative of his family in America he takes a just pride in recounting these facts of family history. Mr. Naughton is a young man of prepossessing appearance, is a splendid speciman of physical manhood, and is a man of temperate habits and good morals. He engaged in his present business March 21, 1894, conducts his place in a most orderly manner, and is popular with all classes of society.

JOHN MURRAY, of No. 901 Virginia avenue, Indianapolis, was J born in county Donegal, Ireland, May 15, 1854, and is a son of Charles and Grace (Sweeney) Murray, natives of the same county, and who came to America shortly before the outbreak of the Civil war. The father, enamored of freedom and opposed to everything that found favor with England, who longed for the success of the rebels, at once enlisted in company A, Thirty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and was fatally wounded at the battle of Stone River, January 2, 1863, having been promoted just prior to receiving his death wound. A comrade who stood beside him at the time vouches for his gallantry in action, and the fact that he had been promoted is further evidence that he was a brave and faithful soldier. His wife died in Indianapolis while he was in the service, leaving two children, of whom John, the subject of this article, is the elder. Mary Agnes, the daughter, found a protection in the person of an uncle, James Renihan, an undertaker of Indi-

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History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 68

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