USA > New York > Niagara County > History of the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels : Niagara University, Niagara County, N.Y., 1856-1906 > Part 19
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The Treasurer of this year was the Rev. Michael Cavanaugh, C. M., who had held that office since May, 1870, and continued to hold it until the close of studies in 1881. He came here as a boy in 1858, from La Salle, Ill., where he was born in 1842. During his eleven years of service on Niagara's Faculty he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact, priests, students, domestics, casual visitors, alumni, through some species of magnetism which he never dreamed of exercising, but which made him one of the best beloved men of his day. His lines were often cast in difficult ways, for debts had ac- cumulated, and were not always under control, yet his proverbially genial disposition never deserted him. It was said of the Spiritual Father whose worthy son he was: "M. Vincent is always M. Vin- cent." Without irreverence the same could be said of this bright- souled priest : "Father Mike is always Father Mike." This was, indeed, the title by which he was most frequently addressed, not only because the similarity of his name and that of the President rendered some such distinction desirable, but also because it betokened a re- spectful familiarity under which admiration revealed itself as a dom- inant quality.
Jonathan and David were not more united than Father "P. V." and Father " Mike " during all of the latter's stay at Niagara. Unity, indeed, was the principal asset of the Faculty when the new President asked his procurator for an inventory, as a preamble to some sort of methodical work "in building up our shattered for- tunes." That same unity continued throughout the Presidency of Father Kavanagh, and was no small item in helping to clear away the mountain of debt which confronted him when he took charge of Our Lady of Angels in 1878. All hands worked with one will, sub- mitted to inconveniences, labored in hope and kept up their hearts
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although the list in the study hall diminished for a few years, and some troublesome mortgages threatened to leave us crippled for life. "Father Mike" left Niagara before the new era of prosperity dawned upon us, beginning with 1888. He was called to Brooklyn in the fall of 1881 as Procurator of Saint John's College, and when the time came for him to leave us " he folded his tent and quietly stole away," unwilling to face the ordeal of separation from Father " P.V." and the rest of his Niagara brethren. After some years spent in college and missionary work he was forced through failing health to seek comparative retirement, going South, where he died, April 4, 1897, mourned by all who knew him. Requiescat.
Rev. Patrick V. Dunphy, C. M., was only a deacon when he joined Niagara's Faculty in 1868-1869, teaching for part of that scholastic year, and then disappearing from our catalogue until 1878-1879, when he is numbered among the twelve in Father Kavanagh's first year as President. In the summer of 1881, he was missioned else- where, much to the regret of the students in both departments, who cherished him as a teacher, confessor, and friend. He was mildness itself, amiable almost to a fault, well versed in the branches which he taught, and a preacher of uncommon ability. He possessed a fund of delicate humor, which he was not loth to display for the entertain- ment of his confreres, who in those days were more dependent on each other for relaxation than they are now. The advent of a trolley car within a short block of our property now opens the way to fresh air excursions and other diversions not so common when we had to rely on our walking powers, or on the uncertain obtaining of "John 'Thomas," "Yankee Dan," "Ben," or "Dexter," our college road- sters. Father Dunphy died in Baltimore in 1900. Requiescat.
Rev. P. Carroll, C. M., will be recalled with great affection by all Niagara students of his time for his grand qualities of head and heart. He appears in our catalogue for the scholastic year of 1870- 1871 as Professor of the Classics, and again in 1875-1876, remaining until the opening of studies in 1881, when he was transferred to Saint John's College, Brooklyn. After an unassuming, retiring, but very fruitful life as a teacher and priest, he died August 12, 1901, lamented especially by the poor of Saint John's parish, for whose service he seemed to have had some of the qualities of a Vincent de Paul. Requiescat.
Another member of the Faculty in the opening year of Father Kavanagh's Presidency who will be vividly remembered for his keen intellect, agreeable manners, and success as a Professor of the higher
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studies is the Rev. Edward M. Hopkins, C. M. He came here at the opening of the scholastic year, beginning with 1875, as assistant Director of Seminarians besides teaching mathematics, English, and Latin. He remained here until the autumn of 1882, when he was transferred West, filling the office of Superior at Cape Girardeau, Mo., and finally taking charge as procurator of its extensive interests.
Rev. James McInerney was Professor of Rhetoric and kindred studies during this scholastic year. He was transferred to Baltimore, and after lengthy service at the " Immaculate," Brooklyn, and other houses in the eastern province he located in the far Northwest about twenty years ago.
Rev. John J. Murray, C. M., was a student here from 1868-1871, leaving, as so many Niagara boys did about this period, to join our Vincentian Community in Germantown, Pa. He appears in our cata- logue for the scholastic year of 1878-1879 as Professor of Latin, Eng- lish and mathematics, remaining with us until the close of studies in 1881. After service in Brooklyn and on the missions, he moved West, like others of his Niagara confreres, and when the division was made, in 1888, he found his destinies cast with the Western province. Niagara remembers him as a diligent student, an exemplary and eloquent priest.
Father Brian J. Burke, C. M., who also had been a student at Niagara, was among the eleven to bid Godspeed to Father Kavanagh on his formally taking up the reins of government let fall by Father Rice. The lovers of college sports in the days of which we are writ- ing found Father Burke, whether as prefect or simple professor, an enthusiastic aid to them in all their efforts to promote athletics in college and seminary. His stalwart frame, no mean rival to Father Kavanagh's grand physique, lent itself to feats of skill, some of which the timid of nerve regarded as little less than hazardous. That broken limbs and dislocated necks did not accumulate on Dr. Talbot's list of service was not owing to any fear on the part of Father Burke or his daring athletes, but possibly because our cordon of guardian angels was doubled on every field-day.
Father Burke and his boys were after records, and they made them, to the delight, after all, of the amazed spectators, some of whom (perhaps we are thinking of ourselves) would shut their eyes as a vaulter poised in mid-air, open them after he had landed on the other side and join with college folk, Bridge folk, Lewiston folk, in vocifer-
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ous applause as the judge announced another clear gain in inches. Father Burke's many admirers will be pleased to know that he is at present actively engaged in parochial work at St. John the Baptist's, Brooklyn, N. Y., not much the worse for wear in spite of his twenty- eight years of hard service in the priesthood.
One of the most efficient business men that ever occupied the office of Treasurer at Niagara was Rev. Nicholas M. Redmond. He suc- ceeded Father Cavanaugh in September 1881, and after three years of service was in turn succeeded by Rev. Matthew Traynor in 1878. Both of these former procurators are now engaged in parochial work in the diocese of Sioux Falls.
The following scholastic year Fathers James V. Devine, C. M., 1878, and Luke A. Grace, C. M., both fresh from the hands of Arch- bishop Wood of Philadelphia, who had ordained them, June 18th, were sent from Germantown by Rev. Thomas J. Smith, V. C. M., to join Niagara's Faculty. The former was made assistant Prefect to Father Burke, and upon the latter's departure in midwinter for New Orleans, owing to serious hemorrhages, was promoted to the important post of first Prefect. In those days the Prefect looked after the boys' stationery, their conduct, their averages, their ink, the monthly visit of Denby Waud, the barber, and some other sundries too mean for mention.
Though energetic, Father Devine was young, and therefore needed an assistant; although he knew the ropes, having been a boy here under Father " P. V.," he could not pull them all at once, making everything taut and snug against the perils of a midnight storm in the dormitories. And so it was that the domestic council sat down to deliberate most prayerfully on the selection of a worthy coadjutor to the chief executive officer of the boys' department.
After sitting with more or less persistence for nearly three months the council decided to come to the aid of the first Prefect by giving him " Grace." The combination seemed unusually felicitous : Devine- Grace, and in the minds of Fathers Hopkins and Carroll augured a splendid future for the study hall. Yet the announcement of the council's decision evoked from the Devine part of the combination only an act of resignation pathetic in its completeness. However, the newly yoked couple jogged along patiently enough for fourteen months, after which Father Devine was placed on the missions and Father Grace was left at the post,-where he has remained " hitched up " ever since. Father Devine is now stationed at Saint Vincent's Church, Chicago.
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Students from 1879-1884 will recall Father Charles Wotruba, C. M., as a professor remarkable for his knowledge of the physical sciences, his masterly command of music, his indifferent command of the English language,-and his rifle gallery on the top corridor. He went back to his own province, the German, or as near to it as he could get, Belgium, where at present he is Procurator General in Theux.
Rev. Edward A. Antill, C.M., 1873, joined Niagara's Faculty at the opening of studies in 1881, coming from Saint Vincent's College, Cape Girardeau, Mo. He remained without interruption until 1891, when he was sent to teach theology in the newly-opened diocesan seminary of Brooklyn. In 1887 he was made assistant to Father Kavanagh, and held that office until his departure above mentioned. He was Prefect of the boys for a short while and Prefect of studies from 1884-1891. He was justly regarded as one of the best-equipped men that ever brought honor to Niagara by their presence on her Faculty. Practically, there was no class in the whole curriculum which he could not handle, and none which he refused to handle when for any cause a substitute became necessary. Unassuming in spite of his great mental qualities, he was deservedly popular with young and old during his connection with our institution. At present Father Antill is stationed at the Mother House in Germantown, where his capacity for work finds scope enough in his professional and clerical duties.
Rev. William McCormick, C. M., 1878, came here the same year as Father Antill, remaining here for two years as a Professor in the academic department. He returned later, but his stay was short, owing to some strange inability to keep his health in this proverbially healthy climate. At present Father McCormick is doing splendid work in our parish of Saint John the Baptist, Brooklyn.
Rev. John M. Barry, 1875, was Prefect of the boys from 1881- 1884, after which he was sent to our house in Brooklyn, departing thence for parochial work in the diocese of Baltimore. While here he took the deepest interest in the welfare of those over whom he had charge, acting towards them with his characteristic suavity of man- ner. He was assisted for two terms of his prefectship by Mr. James McDermott, who afterwards taught as a priest with great distinction in Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis. He won the degree of Doctor of Divinity in Rome after his ordination.
In the September preceding our change of title Father Francis B. Hannigan, C. M., 1870, joined the Faculty. It was not his first
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appearance here as a member of Niagara's staff, for he is numbered among our Professors in 1874-1875, shortly after his ordination, serving here for about two years, when he was transferred to Saint John's College, Brooklyn. From his return to Niagara until his death, which occurred October 16, 1887, he was employed as teacher of languages and mathematics. He was a man of most winning per- sonality, gaining hosts of friends without difficulty wherever he went ; a sweet singer, a musician, a capable teacher, so that it was no wonder when he died, all too soon it would seem, the inmates of Niagara together with the people of Saint John's in Brooklyn, to whom he had endeared himself, mourned his demise as that of a close personal friend. Requiescat.
The same year brought Rev. Richard H. Albert, C. M., 1876, to his Alma Mater, as a teacher of languages and mathematics. He re- mained for four years. In 1891 he returned as first Prefect, remain- ing for four years more in that office, after which he was placed on the missions, continuing to labor in that sphere most indefatigably until about two years before his death, which occurred on July 27, 1902, in the 44th year of his age, at his home in Baltimore. He was remarkable for his energy, his very studious habits, his regularity of life, and the control which he exercised over the boys in his de- partment. It would seem that he took Father Kavanagh as his ideal in the management of the study hall, and as a consequence his four years of government in that difficult position were crowned with more than the usual success. Requiescat.
Rev. Ferdinand F. McCauley, C. M., joined Niagara's Faculty in the autumn of 1883 as a professor in the academic department. The following year and until the close of studies in 1888 he taught some of the higher mathematics. Constant ill health finally obliged him to seek rest from his confining labors here, and he repaired to the Mother House in Germantown where he is at present located. His quiet, devotional habits won the esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
It will be a long time before the pleasant memories created by Rev. Herman B. Menniges, C. M., during his eight years at Niagara, 1884- 1892, shall have disappeared from these surroundings. Some will re- member him as a most proficient teacher of composition and declama- tion, some as a cultured scholar in the classics, some as Prefect of studies, but everybody living at Niagara in his time will recall him most pleasantly as a promoter of college singing. From her earliest
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days Niagara has been a shrine of song, and one of the dearest ob- jects of Father Kavanagh was to promote the practice among the students'by every means in his power. He wished for singing, not only in the chapel whenever we had service, but for singing on the campus, in the play hall, wherever and whenever the students con- gregated for recreation. Father Menniges lent his splendid efforts without reserve to further this laudable design of his Superior, and as a consequence floods of melody used to pour through the house, and out upon the river's bank to the delight of Father Kavanagh and the rest of Niagara's inmates. There was something touching in the love which Father Kavanagh always manifested for vocal as well as instrumental music. It made one suspect at times that heavy shadows hung upon this good man's mind, that settled melancholy was striving for the mastery, so hungry was he for the comforting in- fluence of
" Music that gentler on the spirit lies Than tired eyelids upon tired eyes."
At the present writing Father Menniges is recuperating at Saint Agnes Sanitarium, Baltimore, from a long and serious attack of sickness occasioned by exposure almost inseparable from our work upon the missions. Sooner or later our brethren who enter that field, which Saint Vincent calls the chief work of our Community, find them- selves with exhausted vitality and obliged to desist at least for a season from all active work.
It might be interesting to compare the relative longevity of Vin- centians in their different employments in this country. We have only three kinds of workers after all, the college man, the parish man, and the roving missionary, who goes with his brethren from place to place, seeking whom he may convert.
Niagara's mortality list is very meager for half a century, but it is not the occupation so much as the hygienic surroundings of our professors which prevent an increase of clerical headstones in our little cemetery. Another item not to be overlooked in preparing our comparative tables is the fact that, in general, most of our Professors depart from these ozonic regions long before their usefulness is over. Occasionally one of them becomes benighted, and from over continu- ance on our calcareous bank (limestone abounds in this locality) gets fossilized, and remains so until he is deposited with other antiquities " close where our murmuring river chants a requiem."
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In September, 1884, Niagara was enriched by the presence of the genial, scholarly, and saintly Father Joseph Alizeri, C. M. Coming here from Germantown, where for about fifteen years he had taught theology to the students of our Community, he found himself sur- rounded by members of the Faculty whom he had instructed in that branch, and who rejoiced to have him again as a father in their midst. He was born in the city of the great Columbus, Genoa, Italy, on the 22d of April, 1822, and shortly after completing his course in the- ology, joined the Vincentians, with a view to being sent on foreign missions. He used to tell how he left his native country for the United States in a Boston sailing vessel, and how after a voyage of sixty-six days he landed in New Orleans on his way to the Mother House of the Mission at " The Barrens," Mo. He was proficient in languages, teaching French, Italian, Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese at Cape Girardeau College, besides occupying for many years the chairs of dogmatic and moral theology at that institution. He was ordained sub-deacon and deacon by venerated Bishop Timon, and priest by Archbishop. Kenrick of St. Louis, December 8, 1849, in the cathedral of that city. From the Cape Father Alizeri was sent to the Archbishop's seminary, then at Carondolet, succeeding Father Feehan, afterwards Archbishop of Chicago, as Professor of dogmatic and moral theology. He was President of Saint Vincent's College for about five years, during which term he witnessed many striking episodes connected with our Civil War. Upon invitation of his Supe- rior, afterwards Bishop Ryan of Buffalo, he removed to the then new Mother House of the Vincentians in Germantown to instruct the scholastics of our Congregation. In 1884, as above stated, he was sent to Niagara to teach the same theological branches that he had taught for nearly half a century. The depth and brilliancy of his mind were enhanced by his paternal simplicity of manner towards the youngest boy in the house. He was as fond of college plays as any amateur thespian. One of the most encouraging signs to the nervous actors behind the curtain was when they peeped out and saw Father Alizeri with his big bandanna, his expansive smile, present ahead of time to be amused by their antics. His hopeful, cheerful manner was a source of great comfort to Father Kavanagh in the interior and external trials which the latter experienced, either because it was con- stitutional with him to be melancholic, or because the burdens of the presidency were too heavy even for his generous shoulders. It is known, in this connection, by priests yet on Niagara's Faculty that
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as early as 1883, Father Kavanagh had presented his resignation as President to the Visitor in Germantown, and had been told year after year to continue in his position. The company of such men as Father Alizeri did very much to lighten the weight of office for Father Kavanagh, and make him wear an air of cheerfulness which might very well have been mistaken for his habitual disposition. Father Alizeri died August 7, 1893, at the Sister's Hospital, in Buf- falo, in the 72d year of his age. His body was conveyed to Niagara and, though it was mid-vacation, when our household is scattered, many of the Faculty returned to pay their last tribute of respect to the venerable dead. Bishop Ryan, with about forty priests from the diocese of Buffalo, was present at the Mass, which was celebrated by Father Kavanagh, with Rev. Aloysius Krabler, C. M., deacon, Rev. John Moore, C. M., sub-deacon, and Bishop Ryan as preacher. Good Father Alizeri's body lies over in our little God's acre among those of his Community brethren ; his soul, always so noble, is, we trust, with Saint Vincent's family above. Requiescat.
Rev. Francis H. O'Donoughue, C. M., 1869, became Prefect of Discipline this year after having seen extensive service in various houses of our Community from the time of his ordination in 1875. He remained two years in this office, discharging its difficult duties with great satisfaction, when he was superseded by Rev. John W. Moore, C. M. In 1895 Father O'Donoughue became Treasurer here, man- aging our finances during the scholastic year of 1895-1896. He was a member of the band of missionaries operating from this house in 1886- 1888, consisting of Rev. P. M. O'Regan, C. M., and himself, with Rev. Dennis Downing, C. M., succeeding the former in 1888. Father O'Donoughue was pastor of our church of the Immaculate Concep- tion in Baltimore, and pastor afterwards of St. Joseph's Church in Emmitsburg, Md. His long service on the missions undermined his health to such an extent that even the placid valley of Emmitsburg failed to restore it, and he was obliged in consequence to resign the pastorate of that place. A man of most agreeable, hospitable man- ners, possessing a great fund of humor, his stay among us is remem- bered most pleasantly, and our fervent prayer is recorded that the restoration of his health may soon occur, enabling him to revisit familiar scenes at " Old Niagara."
Father O'Donoughue's assistant Prefect in 1885-1886 was Rev. John W. Moore, C. M., a former student of the famous "Cape." The following year, when Father O'Donoughue was
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promoted to the missionary band just then organized at Niag- ara, Father Moore succeeded him as first Prefect, occupying that position till the close of studies in 1889. The year following he severed his connection with Niagara, but not his interest, becoming after service in Baltimore, Procurator General of our province with headquarters at Germantown, Pa. His rule as Prefect was of that mild but effective sort which leads a study hall boy to wonder at times whether he obeys through force of rule or through condescension. This characteristic trait in Father Moore has not deserted him in the larger duties occupying his attention since his transfer to the Mother House. Possessed of keen financial abilities, business shrewdness, and, above all, a frankness of manner, cordial and winning, he is sure to make friends, not for sordid personal interest, but for those higher purposes only which become a priest.
The sudden death on Passion Sunday, March 27, 1898, of Rev. John V. Talley, C. M., at Niagara, removed from our midst one who had been here as a student and as a professor at various times since his ordination in 1869. "He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. After completing his classical studies he entered the Seminary at Niagara in 1862. Here he completed his studies in philosophy and theology. He was called to sub-deaconship in 1867, and it was while on his retreat for this order that he received his voca- tion to the community life of the Vincentians. He first entered the novitiate of the Congregation at St. Louis, Mo., and afterwards was removed to the new Mother House in Germantown. He was ordained in April, 1869, by Bishop Loughlin. Since that time he has been a hard and faithful laborer on the missions and as professor in the various houses of his Community. His first assignment to Niagara was in 1878, when he was assistant director of the Seminary and pro- fessor in the Collegiate Department. At various times since then he has labored amongst us as prefect, professor, and procurator, coming last in January, 1897, to recuperate from serious heart trouble, since which time he has remained with us.
" As a priest Father Talley was a zealous and successful worker. His nature was ardent, and he entered into whatever labor was assigned him by his superiors with his whole soul. While here as professor he was usually placed over classes in the Preparatory Department, as he loved best to be amongst the little ones. His loss will be mourned by all, not merely as a priest of sterling worth and integrity of heart, but as a valued and beloved friend. By his death Niagara is bereft of a most loyal son; the students of the
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