USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Catholicity in northern Ohio and in the diocese of Cleveland from 1749 to December 31, 1900, Volume II, pt2 > Part 1
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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
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
E ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02022 091 6
A HISTORY
OF
CATHOLICITY IN
NORTHERN OHIO
AND IN THE
DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND
BIOGRAPHICAL
BY
MICHAEL W. CARR
PRESIDENT OF THE CATHOLIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY
V.2, pt.2
VOLUME II
CLEVELAND PRESS OF J. B. SAVAGE 1903
i
1648434 IN NORTHERN OHIO. 277
ability to carry more trade than any of her competitors in northern Ohio. From a small beginning the house has advanced, both in the volume of its trade and in excellence of reputation, until now it stands at the head of all enterprises of its kind in Cleveland.
The conclusion to be drawn from this is, that the founder and practical head of The McCart-Christy Company is a captain in business -- a man capable as a director and manager and who, as master, knows the value of having his ship well manned. It has always been his conviction that, good goods at fair prices. handled by capable and faithful assistants along lines of correct business methods, will bring success to any judiciously managed house. His practical testing of these principles in the conduct of his own house has demonstrated their correctness.
Mr. Edward McCart is a young man of directive and execu- tive ability. He possesses great compassing powers, is conserva- tively enterprising, and is not afraid to legitimately reach out for what is beyond. He is constant and assiduous in the performance of his duties, is the hardest worker in his house, and wisely labors not only for direct results but also that his example, influencing his assistants, may bring better returns later. It may seem paradoxical to say of him in an age like this that his labors are performed not so much from the standpoint of money-getting as to win success. It is his nature, however, to be active, just as it is in keeping with his makeup to do well whatever he under- takes. It is truth to say that there are things nobler in his estima- tion than either success in trade or the attainment of a captaincy in business. The cultivation of religion, the doing of charity. and the attaining of high character are some of these. Although scarcely advanced to the ridge of life his views are broad, and his discernment of good qualities is far beyond the average. Having hewed out his own path in this rough world, he is considerate of those who are yet in the early stages of their work, just as he is of the large numbers who have labored not always to their own profit. Mr. McCart is not one of those who exhibit indifference to the trials of life. His sympathy is broad, his charity is active, and his wish is that all young men might start well.
Mr. Edward McCart was married, February 20, 1895, to Miss Genevieve O'Brien, the accomplished daughter of Mr. Patrick O'Brien, of Cleveland, one of the old Catholic settlers of that city.
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278
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
THE REV. JAMES P. MCCLOSKEY.
In these last days of the nineteenth century the reverend pastor of St. Ann's Church, Fremont, Ohio, finds himself little past life's morning, or at most but close to its meridian. He is in the thirty-third year of his age and the ninth of his priesthood. In the natural order of events many years yet remain to him for labor in the Vineyard.
He was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1868. Having completed his classical studies in the East, where he has a brother a priest, he was received into St. Mary's Theolo- gical Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio, in which institution he finished his divinity course, and was ordained priest by Bishop Horstmann,. April 8, 1892.
Father McCloskey's first appointment immediately after ordi- nation was as pastor of St. John the Baptist's Church, at Payne, in Paulding county, Ohio, with charge also of the Church of St. Francis de Sales, at Latty, in the same county. He acceptably ministered to the people at these places from April, 1892, until March, 1894. He was then transferred to become curate at St. Patrick's Church, Cleveland, where he labored until June, 1897. He was next appointed assistant to the pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Toledo. He there performed heroic work during three and one-half years. In consequence of the fatal illness of the pastor, the late Rev. T. P. McCarty, he was charged most of the time with the entire labor and responsibility of managing that large congregation. So faithfully and acceptably did he perform his duties that, in November, 1900, when he was made pastor of St. Ann's Church, Fremont, his former parishioners in Toledo gave him a substantial token of their appreciation of his. services and of their high regard for him personally.
It is one of the suggestive and creditable features of the Rev. Father McCloskey's priestly career that, wherever he labored, he always had not only the good will but also the respect and love of his people. He could not have had these unless he deserved them. The people are good judges of the zeal and ability of a pastor, and when they pronounce in his favor it is safe to trust to their opinion either privately or publicly expressed. Looking
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279
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
through their eyes, therefore, while at the same time using his own, the writer is enabled to outline for the future biographer at least an approach to a mental picture of this young priest.
Some one has happily said somewhere that, "A great deal of brow in a face is like a great deal of horizon in a view." The sky-scene is the light of the picture, just as the brow is the light of the countenance. The art critic will attentively scan the one, and, when well done, will nod his approbation ; the physiognomist will intently gaze on the other as it crowns and unifies the expres- sion of all the other features. He will indicate that in that coun- tenance may be seen large intellectuality and much soulfulness, and also their corollaries; and he will so exactly tell of the native ability, the sterling qualities, and the characteristics of the sub- ject of this sketch as to seemingly "take the words out of the mouths" of all who intimately know or are acquainted with the Rev. Father McCloskey.
Possessing a fortunate organization, both mentally and phy- sically-which implies a pleasing personal appearance, a happy temperament, and the ability to acquire and rightly use knowl- edge-he is always found modestly but effectively doing his work. To him knowledge is more than the satisfaction it affords its con- scious possessor. It is more than power. It is a sacramental. It is a high and holy thing to be used for good ends. Hence. this priest's sermons and discourses are instructive and solid, well! delivered, and generally very happy, thereby compelling the as- sent of the intellects of his hearers to the doctrines and pure. morality which he inculcates in the name of the Church which is. Catholic, and in the name of the Blessed Master who established' it. The true ecclesiastical spirit has stamped itself on Father McCloskey's character. It breathes in his words. It directs and moderates his actions. It imparts an unusual earnestness to his efforts.
With his excellent equipment for the discharge of the duties of his calling presided over by this spirit, and with his shadow yet thrown westward on the hill of life, the ripening harvest shall not lack the skilled hand of at least one robust and faithful hus- bandman.
280
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
ATTORNEYS M. J. AND JAS. F. McGARRY.
If credit should be given to those to whom credit is due, then it is meet and proper to make favorable and consequently truthful mention in this work of the brothers, Michael John and James Francis McGarry, who, under the professional title, McGarry & McGarry, are practicing attorneys and counselors at law, at East Liverpool, Ohio. Both were born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, the one November 12, 1868, and the other March 16, 1874.
Their father was Mr. Patrick McGarry, a native of King's county, Ireland, who left his native land early in life to seek liberty and prosperity in our great American Republic. With like as- pirations their mother, whose maiden name was Miss Bridget Ready, left her home in Queen's county, in the Emerald Isle, for free America. To their matrimonial union in the Land of the Free five children were born. When the third oldest, Michael John, was but four years old (1872) his father passed away, leav- ing to his widow the responsibility of rearing and providing for the family. With a mother's love and, doubtless, with the deter- mination of a true daughter of Erin, she faithfully provided for her little ones, and not infrequently by toiling long hours at the wash- tub. She yet lives to enjoy, through the right living and success of her children, that keenest of all worldly satisfactions most grate- ful to a mother's heart -- the knowledge of the honorable career and prosperity of those whom she brought into the world.
In 1873, Mrs. McGarry, with her family, removed to East Liverpool, Ohio. In that town, then quite promising, her son, Michael John, found employment in one of the numerous pottery establishments. He shortly acquainted himself with the work in several of the departments, and continued with his employers until 1885, when he began to aspire to better things and consequently to appreciate his lack of education. In obedience to his resolve he quit the factory for the study hall, and used the money which he had saved to keep him when he went off to school. Having ex- hausted his means he returned to the shop and continued at work during the day, and at night he took private instructions. So intent was he on acquiring an education that, with his small earn-
MESSRS. MICHAEL J. AND JAMES T. MCGARRY.
281
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
ings to sustain him, he entered the Classical Institute, at Fostoria, Ohio, where he made great progress.
The turning point in his life now came in his choosing a pro- fession. That of the law attracted him, and he divided his time between work in the pottery plant, and the study of law in one of the local offices. He thus continued for one year, after which he devoted all his time to study. Finally in the winter of 1894-95 he entered the law department of the Cincinnati College, where he graduated as Bachelor of Law, in May, 1895. . Returning to his adopted city he began the practice of his profession. He was suc- cessful from the start. The people knew him, recognized his abil- ity, and brought him their business. It was this faith in him by all who knew him that enabled him early in his career to organize the local Land Improvement Company, whose bonds he floated, and the success of which undertaking stood him in good credit. He was elected city solicitor in March, 1898, and was again called by the people to fill the same office.
City Solicitor McGarry is justly recognized as a self-made man. He is honest, capable, and reliable, and is an honor to his family and his army of friends. He is the first Catholic lawyer to hold the solicitorship in East Liverpool, and it is not unlikely that he will be called to occupy other and more important stations. He was married to Clara B. Humrickhaus in 1898.
Mr. James Francis McGarry, the junior member of the firm, is a well equipped and talented young lawyer. He received his elementary training in the East Liverpool schools, after which he graduated as Bachelor of Science from the Northwestern College, at Canfield, Ohio. His brother, having discovered that he pos- sessed an aptitude for the legal profession, took him into his office as a student for one year. Then he sent him to the law depart- ment of the Ohio State University at Columbus, where he re- mained two years and was admitted to practice in December, 1901. This he followed by taking him into partnership, all of which goes to show that Mr. Michael John McGarry has proved himself a father to his younger brother, James Francis. The fraternal feel- ing between these two brothers is the evidence of a good mother's training and also of the result of being faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The life and record of the McGarrys con- stitute an example worthy of emulation.
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282
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
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THE REV. PATRICK J. McGUIRE.
The Rev. P. J. McGuire has been a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland for nearly thirty-eight years, and for almost twenty-two, of these, 1879-1900, he has continued to fill his present responsible. position as pastor of St. John's Church, Canton, Ohio.
St. John's is an important congregation, not only on account. of numbers and wealth, but more particularly because of its age. It is not only the oldest parish in Canton, but is also among the oldest Catholic centers in northern Ohio. This can be inferred from the facts that it has records long ante-dating the establish- ment of the diocese, and that the late Archbishop Henni, of Mil- waukee, was one of the priests who labored there.
Immediately after his ordination by Bishop Rappe, October- 21, 1863, Father McGuire was given his first commission as a priest. He was appointed to Holy Angels' Church, Sandusky,. Ohio, as assistant, with pastoral charge of Huron and Kelley's Island also. He continued in these fields until September, 1864, when he was transferred to St. John's, Summitville, and missions, in Columbiana county. He labored there for ten years. In September, 1874, he was called to Cleveland to become pastor of St. Bridget's. In February, 1876, he was appointed to St. Aloy- sius' Church, in East Liverpool, Columbiana county, with Wells- ville attached as a mission. This was his last removal previous to. his appointment to his present charge, July, 1879. For nearly sixteen years, therefore, he may be said to have been performing what might be called field duty.
During his long pastorate in Canton the evidences are not wanting that his many years spent in the rural missions did not dampen his ardor or impair his native taste and usefulness. These evidences are found in the work which he performed in enlarging St. John's Church and completing its tower and spire; in beautify- ing its interior and arranging its rich appointments; in the purchase of the new St. John's Cemetery ; the payment of $30,000 of old indebtedness, and the erection, in 1898, of the splendid and imposing parish school at a cost of $35,000.
If, by likening him to a soldier, it may be permitted to speak of his previous sixteen years as having been spent in doing field duty,.
3
enty
THE REV. PATRICK J. McGUIRE
283:
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
then his nearly twenty-two years in Canton may be characterized as having been devoted to garrison work. But, whether covering large territory or confined to a more densely populated locality, he has always manifested those qualities and capacities which are essential to the accomplishment of desired good results. He has- never failed in completely compassing business situations, nor have his calculations been other than exact and to the point. The probable means in sight he uses to measure the end, and, there- fore, overreaching, or not counting the cost, has never been in the way of his parochial success. He is methodical and precise in his- business transactions, lucid in his explanations, and is as pleasing as he is instructive in the pulpit.
Father McGuire is in his sixtieth year; but to judge from his physique, carriage, and countenance one would estimate his age- at considerably less than fifty. Of the nearly sixty years of his life he has spent about fifty-eight in Ohio, for his parents settled in Cleveland in 1843. He was born in Ireland, near the city of Innis- killen, March 12, 1841. He was an infant of about twelve months when his parents emigrated to Quebec, Canada, where they- remained one year previous to their removal to the city of Cleve- land. All of Father McGuire's instincts and patriotic sentiments are American, except, indeed, those he inherits as a son of Erin, and, to use a phrase, "Aren't these American, too?" His popu- larity among all classes in Canton and elsewhere attests these things. He received his preparatory and collegiate training in the old St. John's College in Cleveland, after which he entered the Diocesan Seminary in that city, where he completed his philosoph- ical and theological education, and where, also, he was ordained to. the priesthood by Bishop Rappe.
Besides the advantages of brilliant talents, fine literary tastes, and a fortunate physical organization, Father McGuire possesses a mental balance and a happy temperament which have conserved his energies, and sweetened his life, not alone in itself and for him- self, but also and especially in the personal influence which he exerts over others. Inheriting the instincts of the Christian gentle- man, and cultivating from childhood the intellectual, moral, and finer qualities, even the reflex of these has kept him in an atmos- phere favorable to happiness, youth, and health. Hence his active useful life is yet in summer days, while his years tell of approach. to winter.
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284
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. JAMES McHENRY.
The man who is faithful in the performance of his Christian duties, who loves and provides for his family, and who at the same time is attentive to his business calling, cannot be other than a good citizen and a good neighbor, and as such it is impossible to withhold from him the respect and confidence of his friends and of a discriminating public. Such a man thus highly esteemed is Mr. James McHenry, a representative Catholic of the Cathedral parish, Cleveland, whose elegant and ideal home is at No. 275 Oliver street, and whose dry goods and millinery business is conducted at Nos. 45 and 47 Euclid avenue. In his home he finds peace and sweet content, and at his place of business, surrounded by eighty-five assistants, he reaps the rewards of fair dealing and correct business methods.
Directed by both public opinion and the high estimate of him expressed by men prominent in ecclesiastical station, he has been selected for this mention so as to stand with others to the credit of the Catholic community-a recognition not merely for the day but for the future. Mr. McHenry has not earned the good repute in which he is held by any parading of himself or his virtues. Beyond the semi-public duties which devolve on him as one of the council- men of the Cathedral, he is never to the front, not even at society meetings or at the club. He is simply a plain business man who attends to his affairs, and when not engaged in his calling is with his family at home or in social converse with his more intimate friends.
Along the lines of his home life and his social and business career are seen to good advantage the excellent qualities of the man. He is of a retiring disposition, conservative, and constant. His counsels are always wise. He loves peace and harmony, and from his chosen position in the back-ground he has often been a factor for the promotion of both. He is a ready doer and a cheer- ful and generous giver. Neither of his hands knows what the other does in this respect. He asks no thanks and seeks no credit. Such a man thus equipped and happily balanced is often a model after which others, even unwittingly, bring themselves to shape their lives. Society is often taught more effectively by example
MR. JAMES McHENRY
285
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
than by precept. Good deeds like kind words never die. Even after the man has passed to his reward the good he has done often remains. The life of a man is the sum of his deeds. Were it not for the bad example of some nominal Catholics the Church would today be much farther advanced in the United States. When, therefore, opportunity offers, as in this history, to recognize men who are a credit to religion, their country and their friends, it is but simple justice and bounden duty to make cheerful and gener- ous mention of their merits, and good qualities.
Mr. James McHenry was born in the State of New York, August 24, 1843. When one year old his parents removed to Philadelphia. There he was reared, educated, and trained in business, and there also he was married to Miss Celia Cavanaugh, a native of that city. Her character and attainments in youth gave promise of what has since been realized in her beautiful wife- hood and motherhood. At no time has she been lacking in the exercise of those qualities which render the home the pleasant and safe retreat for members of the family. By her tact and good taste, her constant. cheerful, sprightly disposition, and her practical knowledge of good housekeeping. she has established her ingleside so firmly in the affection of her husband and children that their hearts, unlike their feet, never leave it. No matter what pleasures are afforded them in the outside world, they gladly look forward to their return to the Catholic hearthstone which a good mother has made the dearest spot on earth to them.
In 1877 Mr. and Mrs. James McHenry removed with their family to Cleveland, where they have since continued to reside. To Mr. and Mrs. McHenry have been born ten children, eight of whom are living. Of these, three sons, James F., Walter L., and Joseph M,, are engaged with their father in his line of trade. They form a business quartette that excels in executiveness and attention to details, while their agreeableness is not their least attractive and forceful feature in the estimation of their customers, who are among the most appreciative in Cleveland. The large measure of business success attained by the McHenrys is not in excess of their deserts, nor is their high social standing beyond that to which their character and worth entitle them.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
CAPT. GEORGE P. McKAY.
A sea-faring man who attains to and holds for a term of years a mastership is not unfrequently both well informed and well preserved. The gentleman selected for this mention is no excep- tion. His aim in life was, however, beyond the mere command of a ship, and his success is attested by the fact that there is not in all the cities of the great lakes district today any one better or more favorably known than Geo. P. McKay, of Cleveland. His knowledge is general, but touching lake commerce and navigation it is special and reliable.
For nearly half a century (he is sixty-two years old) Capt. Geo. P. McKay has been constantly in touch with every- thing pertaining to a commerce on the great lakes that is one of the wonders of the world. From the Indian Missions and fur trading posts of Lake Superior, in his boyhood, he has witnessed the upbuilding of great cities ; and from a few small sailing vessels he has seen the lake fleet grow to big steel ships of 6,000 to 7,000 tons capacity, moving to and from Lake Superior alone full twenty-five million tons annually. This lake commerce is referred to for the reason that Mr. Mckay has been an important figure in its development. Through his connection for about twenty-five years past with the firm of M. A. Hanna & Co., as manager and part owner of the vessels which they control, his duties have included, in addition to the operation of the Hanna vessels, constant dealings with departments of the government that have spent millions of dollars in the improvement of rivers and harbors throughout the lakes system. He has been treasurer of the Lake Carriers' Association since its inception, and as a member of the principal committees in that organization his influence has ex- tended to the general advancement of lake commerce, for which the association is formed. His one great aim among his business associates has been the development of a grand system of light- houses and other aids to navigation. For this he has labored incessantly with the Government. He has lived to see this work, after an expenditure of many millions of dollars, advanced to a degree of perfection unequaled anywhere else in the world,
Capt. Mckay was born in Toledo, Ohio, January 13, 1838, on
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CAPTAIN AND MRS. GEORGE P. MCKAY.
287
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
board the steamer "Commodore Perry," while that vessel was undergoing repairs in the Maumee River at the point where Swan Creek empties into it. His father was Capt. John McKay, a salt-sea sailor, who, in 1835, came to try for his fortune on the great lakes. The family removed, in 1845, to the Lake Superior country, where the elder Mckay owned and sailed some of the first vessels on the upper lakes. With their home at Sault Ste. Marie, young McKay, developing into a sturdy boy, was given some schooling during the winter months of each year, but on the opening of navigation he was obliged to quit school and ship either with his father or some other master. In 1854, shortly after one of the numerous accidents that occurred to small vessels in early days on the lakes. the Mckays grew tired of sailing. Farming, to their minds, offered a more promising and less hazardous future, and they accordingly purchased a farm near Norwalk, Ohio, but after three years the farm was abandoned for their former calling. This was all in advance of the development of the famous iron and copper mining districts. Capt. Geo. P. Mckay secured his first command in 1861. The vessel was called "General Taylor." He sailed some of the best of the passenger and freight carriers before he entered the employ of the Messrs. Hanna (then the Cleveland Transporta- tion Co.) in 1873. The position ashore as manager of the Hanna vessel interests was provided for him in 1882.
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