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, pt1 > Part 20
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a sad story, and thinks it of sufficient interest to make public in this connection. Accordingly, he says :
"The ship was ten weeks on the voyage-Queenstown to Gross Isle, an island below Quebec, used as quarantine-and there landed thirty-five of her passengers out of a total of two hundred and twenty-five she took on board at Queenstown. The rest of those poor people found a grave in the ocean, my two brothers among them. It is said that twelve thousand emigrants died on this island during this famine period, and the A. O. H. talk of erecting a memorial to these famine victims. The destruction of life by famine, and emigration because of the famine, is estimated at one million and a quarter of the Irish people. Imagine a so- called Christian government forcing a condition on the people, bringing about such a result. In no other European country would or could such a condition of things take place because of the failure of the potato crop alone ; but the lives of the Irish subjects of England were not worth considering. Indeed it would secin as if their destruction was sought for by that government. An editor- ial in the London Times, which I read in the spring of 1848, in Toronto, would confirm that idea, for in speaking of the loss of life by the famine the article wound up by saying with apparent satis- faction : 'the Celt is gone with a vengeance.'
At any rate the British government might be expected to make some provision for the protection and safety of the thousands of emigrants fleeing from their famine-stricken country ; but noth- ing was done. Those ships carrying emigrants had neither doctors, nor medicines, nor anything else that would add to the comfort or safety of the emigrants. We were stowed away in the bunks in the hold of that ship. depending for fresh air and ventila- tion upon favorable weather when the hatches could be opened. The few people surviving this terrible ordeal were landed on that quarantine island, and after a while, if their condition improved, were taken up to Montreal, where many got sick, and many died. The city of Montreal provided temporary buildings to shelter the poor people, and the good Sisters of Charity watched over and cared for them. Even at this late period I wish to express my gratefulness to those ministering angels and to the good city of Montreal for their attention and care for myself and the other poor emigrants. Were it not for their care and assistance during my sickness in those sheds, used as hospitals. I might not be here today to tell this sad tale."
The reader may gather from this the intensity of Mr. Holland's love for his kind and country, and his justified hatred of their oppressors. He may also infer the calm, dignified determination
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of this quiet American citizen to be just toward men and nations and to hold both individuals and governments responsible for their acts as well as for their omissions. In his quiet way he scans human affairs and looks for the accounting time sure to come.
Mr. Holland was married, in January, 1861, at Ashland, Ohio, to Miss Helen Luther. Their only child, Mary, is Mrs. Otto H. Bacher, of New York city.
THE REV. NICHOLAS W. HORST.
The reverend gentleman selected as the subject of this . mention is the pastor of St. Mary's Church, Vermillion, Erie county, Ohio, having charge also of the mission church of St. Peter at Huron, and of the station at Berlin Heights, both in the same county.
Father Horst first saw the light of day October 17, 1864, in the village of Weimerskirch (Church of Weimer), Luxemburg, which is the oldest parish in that diocese. He is the oldest of three children born to Henry and Elizabeth (Kreke) Horst, and by his calling and talents has upheld the dignity of his ancient family name. In the local schools of his native village he made his preparatory studies, and his classical course he finished in the Luxemburg Athanæum, from which seat of learning he graduated in 1883. The following year he devoted to the special study of philosophy.
In company with the late Rev. Nicholas Moes, and bearing recommendations from the Rt. Rev. John Joseph Koppes. Bishop of the Diocese of Luxemburg, he emigrated to the United States, July 31, 1SS5, going direct to Cleveland, Ohio, where he arrived August 14th, and was received as a divinity student in St. Mary's Theological Seminary. He pursued his studies in that institution until December 21, 1889, when he was elevated to the priesthood by Bishop Gilmour.
He began his priestly ministrations the following year, 1890, as pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Wellington, Lorain county, Ohio, with charge also of several tributary missions. He continued his labors there until November 12, 1893, when he was appointed to his present charge. Besides attending to his spiritual
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duties, he found time to improve the church at Wellington and also the mission church at Wadsworth. A like spirit of enterprise has characterized his work at Vermillion and Huron. At the former place he preaches in English, at the latter both English and German are required, while at Berlin Heights, a station he visits once a month, his noted linguistic talents are taxed to the utmost in consequence of the varied nationalities represented there.
Although but thirty-six years old, Father Horst can be said to be a man of varied attainments. Naturally talented, he im- proves his native abilities by a study of the masters in oratory and theology. He is a speaker of force, elegance, and eloquence, and those essential doctrines of the Catholic Church that are not always the most palatable to non-Catholics he has the happy faculty of being able to present in such a way as to command for them both respect and assent. Gifted in various ways, his popularity among all classes could not be other than assured, especially since to these talents he adds the virtues of prudence and charity. He is noted as being a broad-minded man, and the possessor of a public- spiritedness which goes for much with men of all shades of opinion. All this and much more can be inferred from the fol- lowing pregnant saying of a prominent non-Catholic of Vermillion : "It would not add much to a man's popularity in our town to exhibit even a moderate opposition to the good work which Father Horst is engaged in." Evidently the personal example and character of the pastor of St. Mary's are happily in harmony with "the good work" referred to.
. MR. WILLIAM JOSEPH HORTON.
Mr. William Joseph Horton, of the Immaculate Conception parish, Youngstown, Ohio, was born in the city of Cheltenham, England, June 24, 1844. . He was reared in the village of Cough- ton and, when a sturdy lad of about fourteen, was apprenticed to learn the business of a grocer in the city of Birmingham.
May, 1864, he emigrated to the United States and took up his abode at Ashland. Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the dry goods business. Three years later, 1867, he removed to Youngs- town, Ohio, where, during the past thirty-three years, he has con-
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MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM JOSEPH HORTON.
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tinued to reside and do a profitable business in the dry goods and grocery lines.
In 1871, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Horton was married by the late Father Begel to Miss Margaret Jane Shehy, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio. Her family has been dis- tinguished both in Ireland and in this country for devotion to religion and patriotism. The well-known Father Eugene Shehy, of the city of Limerick, who recently paid Mr. and Mrs. Horton a visit while touring through this country, is a member of the Irish branch of the family; and a member of the American branch was a soldier under General George Washington in the Revolutionary Army.
There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Horton seven child- ren. The three oldest boys, Francis Joseph. William Louis and John Edward, are engaged in business with their father at No. 631 Himrod avenue. The remaining children are: Mary Elizabeth, George Henry, James Albert, and Clarence Alfred. All of them have been carefully educated and constitute a family that deserves the marked respect which they receive in their community.
Mr. Horton served during two years as a member of the educational board of the city of Youngstown. From 1892, until his resignation in 1900, he was a member of the councilmanic board of the Immaculate Conception parish. Both as a practical Catholic and as a citizen he has always deported himself most creditably, thereby setting good example to his family and his neighbors. In parish work, Mr. Horton has been ably seconded by his excellent wife, who always found time to devote to the needs of the congregation and to works of charity.
William Joseph Horton's education has been of the practical kind. He is a business man whose daily experience has been his chief teacher. He is therefore at home in the domain of facts and common sense. A homely philosophy, begotten of observation and contact with affairs, directs him in temporalities, while in things moral and spiritual an enlightened conscience always aids him in hearkening to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Thus circumstanced, he is, as here represented, a man of correct life and good character, whose example will be a light to the feet of his descendants, from generation to generation.
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THE REV. GEORGE F. HOUCK.
The author of the first volume of this history is the subject of this biographical sketch. He is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Cleveland and the Secretary to its Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Ignatius F. Horstmann.
From not a few prominent citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, the place of Father Houck's birth, from the records of the diocese, and from several priests have been obtained most of the facts and dates as here presented. What little of coloring is given to them is but an approach to the high personal estimate of him by many who have known him both before and since his advancement to the important positions he occupies.
His natal day was July 9, 1847. His parents were John and Odile (Fischer) Houck. They were natives of Germany. The former was taken by his parents to this country when he was only four years old, the latter by hers when she was ten. They were married February 16, 1846, and were Americans in everything except the accident of birth. Their reverend son is thoroughly American both by birth and inheritance. For forty years John Houck was a prominent shoe merchant in Tiffin. In his store his son, George F., when a youth of eighteen, gave evidence of his practicability ; for, during two years when his father was ill, he took complete charge of the business.
Father "Houck received his preparatory training in St. Joseph's parochial school in Tiffin. He subsequently spent two years in Heidelberg College in that city, an educational institution of some note. When he finally resolved to seriously hearken to the continuous promptings of his heart to prepare himself for the priesthood, he entered Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, in 1867. He pursued his studies in that institution until 1874. While there he had charge of the seminary account books, and was also assistant librarian for five years. He was then called by Bishop Gilmour to St. Mary's Seminary, Cleveland, where, after one year, he was ordained priest, July 4, 1875. by Bishop Fitzgerald, of Little Rock, Arkansas, then performing the duties of Bishop Gilmour, who was absent through illness.
Soon after his ordination Father Houck was commissioned as
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pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Crestline, in Crawford county. He zealously labored there until July, 1877, when he was appointed Secretary to Bishop Gilmour, with the duties of the Chancellor- ship superadded. So acceptably did he acquit himself in his new station that, at the diocesan synod held, May, 1882, he was named for the Chancery office also. The duties of these responsible posi- tions are his to discharge today, for the present Rt. Rev. Bishop reappointed him on his accession to the See, March, 1892. Hence, for upwards of twenty-three years, 1877-1900, the Rev. Geo. F. Houck has faithfully and satisfactorily performed the arduous tasks which these offices impose .* His native ability, coupled with his experience, is ground for the high compliment that has been paid him-that he is the most painstaking, faithful, and efficient Chancellor and Secretary that any other diocese in the country can boast of.
When Bishop Gilmour called Father Houck to his present official stations he but gave an additional proof of his accuracy in estimating human character and his ability to discern specific talents. He saw with peculiar distinctness-what even the average observer might recognize, in part, in the Chancellor of the Cleve- land Diocese-a remarkable development of the faculties of order, system, attention to detail, and continuity, and also the fullness of the intellectual and moral powers which direct and consecrate these to the loyal and conscientious performance of duty. That duty is primarily spiritual with Father Houck. He is a priest first and a Chancellor and Secretary next. For seventeen years, 1877- 1894, he was chaplain of the Cleveland workhouse, a field of labor requiring not only great versatility and a high degree of sympathy, but also charity, the chiefest of the virtues, whereby we love our neighbors as brethren for God's sake, no matter what their con- dition. Many a one left the Cleveland workhouse during the years of Father Houck's chaplaincy conscious that what at first seemed a misfortune was really a blessing, for they were taught the great value of their souls and the wonderful mercy of Him who said: "Though his sins be as scarlet, yet shall they be made
*Since this work was sent to press Father Houck celebrated, July 24, 1902. his twenty-fifth anniversary as Chancellor.
Over one hundred and sixty priests, with the Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstmann, were present to jubilate with him.
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whiter than snow." He has also been chaplain of St. Vincent's Charity Hospital, Cleveland, since July, 1877.
Some of the Catholic cemeteries of Cleveland being much in need of reform and method in their operations, the Rev. George F. Houck was appointed manager of St. Joseph's and St. John's in 1878, and of Calvary Cemetery in 1893. He yet continues in charge. The former lack of system in the conduct of these burial places has since given way to order and strict regulation, much to the satisfaction of the Catholic public. It is needless to say that great labor and a high order of ability have been required to cause to obtain, instead of the chaos of the past, the splendid system of the present. He has neither asked for nor received any compensa- tion on account of services as chaplain of the hospital or work- house, or as manager of the cemeteries.
In 1888, notwithstanding his multiplied duties, the Rev. Father Houck found time to write the life of Bishop Rappe, which was printed in pamphlet form. This he followed by a volume of about three hundred pages, in 1889-1890, entitled "The Church in Northern Ohio," which reached a fourth edition. The amplification of that work, copiously illustrated and carefully revised, with additional facts bringing the historical record down to December 31, 1900, the last day of the nineteenth century, will be found in the first volume of this work-a volume which is a monument to religion in the Diocese of Cleveland, a model to be copied after by other dioceses, and a credit to the subject of this sketch, who is its author.
A study of the strong, expressive countenance of Father Houck, so aptly portrayed in the accompanying engraving, will bear out what has just been said. That countenance evidences also the happy blending of strength and vigor of mind with a mild but rigidly exacting manner. Moreover, it indicates that he will not yield his convictions, except to authority and as an act of obedi- once, but that he will go more than half-way that generous justice be done. His many pronounced qualities, however, and the seem- ing intensity of his firmness and decision of character are so modified by the Christian graces as to apparently unite without distinction all his faculties in a harmonious and lovable personality.
MR. JOHN HOUCK
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MR. JOHN HOUCK.
The late Mr. John Houck, of Tiffin, Ohio, was born near Ettlingen, Grand Duchy of Baden, October 12, 1823, and died at Tiffin, August 18, 1889, when he was in the sixty-seventh year of his age.
He was twice married and reared a large family. Four of his children are devoting their lives to religion. They are the Rev. Geo. F. Houck, Chancellor of the Diocese of Cleveland and author of the first volume of this work, the Rev. Frederick A. Houck, curate at St. John's Church, Delphos, and two members of the Ursuline Community at Tiffin, who are known in religion as Sister Ursula and Sister Odile.
In 1828, when he was less than five years old, his parents emigrated to the United States. They abode for about a year in the city of Philadelphia, after which they removed to Hanoverton, Columbiana county, Ohio. Thence again, in 1832, they journeyed farther west, locating in Seneca township, Seneca county, in the same State, where, as a youth, John Houck aided his father in clearing the lands which he purchased from the government, and which are now among the most productive portions of the soil. Aspiring to commercial pursuits, he was apprenticed. in Tiffin, in 1843, to learn the shoe business. Three years later, 1846, he embarked in that line of trade for himself, and from that time, until his death, he was ranked among the prominent and successful business men of his adopted city.
Mr. John Houck was of such character as to merit and hold the esteem of his fellow citizens. Repeatedly he was honored by them with positions of trust and responsibility. He held, in 1862- 63, the office of treasurer of the city of Tiffin, and later that of member of the city council for three terms. Neither the duties of these positions nor the demands of business prevented him from closely connecting himself with the temporal interests of St. Joseph's, his parish church. He aided in the building of the first church, and he was to the fore in a substantial way in the work of erecting the present splendid edifice. During forty-six years in the city of Tiffin, and over sixty in Ohio, he acted well
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his part, and when called to his reward he was sincerely mourned by all classes of his fellow citizens.
The subject of this mention, while thoroughly American, was a typical Teuton, being industrious, intelligent, reliable, conscien- tious, thrifty, and bluntly honest in word and act. It has been said of him by one who knew him well, that "He was of a most hospitable nature, to which fact his numerous friends among the clergy and laity will testify." He was true to those friends, and while kindly considerate, was firm. As might be expected, he was loyal to his faith, and at all times evinced a zeal in religion, which was the augury of those domestic and social qualities which adorned his life and set a beautiful example to others.
His constant aim was to train his children to be good Chris- tians and good citizens. In this as in other things his life was a success. For over twenty years an infirmity, asthma, tested both his endurance and his patience. He was equal to the ordeal, however, and his cheerful resignation to the will of God was the best evidence of his faith and his truly Christian life.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour bore testimony to the merits of the deceased by assisting at his funeral and by delivering an appropriate discourse on the occasion. Upwards of thirty priests also were in attendance joining with the large congregation in paying due respect to the memory of a good citizen, a good father, and a thoroughly sincere and practical Catholic.
Although more than eleven years have passed since his demise, his life and manner, as witnessed in Tiffin for forty-six years, are vividly recalled and almost daily spoken of by the thousands who knew him well, and who now more than ever are impressed by his sturdy character and his faithfulness as a Catholic head of a family and as a citizen.
In life he fully realized that "Death is the justification of all the ways of the Christian, the end of all his sacrifices-the touch of the great Master which completes the picture." Fortified with the last Sacraments, he was ushered into real life, confidently hopeful of a favorable judgment and of hearing the welcoming words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
THE REV. FRANCIS J. HOPP
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THE REV. FRANCIS J. HOPP.
Among the younger priests of note in the diocese of Cleve- land the pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shelby Settlement (Vernon Junction), Ohio, is recognized as of more than average prominence. This holds as well touching his qual- ities as a man as in his calling and equipment as an ecclesiastic.
He is a native of Akron, Ohio, and was born to Jacob and Catharine (Klein) Hopp, February 23, 1873. His parents, natives of Germany, always exhibited such devotion to religion as would appear to entitle them to the distinction of having their talented son advanced to his present high station as a priest of the Catholic Church.
Father Hopp's preparatory education was received under the watchful eye of his pastor in St. Bernard's parish school in his native city. During his earlier years he gave promise of such talent and virtue as to indicate his vocation. Accordingly he was early sent to Canisius College, Buffalo, New York, where, under the care of the Jesuits, his progress was most marked. Meriting and receiving high honors, he graduated in the classics in 1892, and in the autumn of that year was admitted to St. Mary's Theo- logical Seminary, Cleveland.
While pursuing in that institution his philosophical and divinity studies he gave a very good account of himself; was ever studious, tractable, and obedient, and, completing the long course of five years, was ready for ordination in 1897. That distinction was conferred on him by Bishop Horstmann in St. John's Cathe- dral, June 12th, of that year.
Father Hopp went to his native city to celebrate his first Mass. The entire congregation was present to assist, and to receive his blessing. An incident of note on the occasion was the fact that Father Broun, the veteran pastor of the parish church, St. Bernard's, who baptized the youthful celebrant as a babe twenty-four years and four months before, was in the sanctu- ary as master of ceremonies at the solemn high Mass. Another feature of consequence connected with the day was a public recep- tion tendered to the young priest by the people of the parish, who accompanied their congratulations by a well filled purse. And
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thus the long years of his successful student life were fittingly recalled and requited.
The Rev. Francis J. Hopp's first field of labor as a priest was in the capacity of curate at St. Patrick's Church, Cleveland. He ministered there from June. 1897, till January, 1898, when he was appointed to his present charge as pastor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus' Church, at Shelby Settlement, otherwise known as Vernon Junction, Ohio. The parish is among the most important rural congregations in the diocese. Its church is the finest in that section of the State, and while Father Hopp found it heavily in debt he has each year been enabled by a generous and united congregation to not only pay the interest but also to lessen the principal very considerably. The ultimate wiping out of the debt is now an assured fact.
Being well equipped in the way of knowledge, zeal, and health, he has accomplished great good in the Sacred Heart par- ish. Barring the demands made upon him in the way of meeting monetary obligations, his work is largely spiritual and educational. This is well in keeping with his tastes and trend of mind, for the Spirit-given qualities of the true ecclesiastic are certainly his. These qualities shine through his musical talents, his acceptable and more than average ability as a preacher, and the many excellent traits which are elements in his character. His modesty contrasts with his brilliancy, his youth with his ability, and his prudence with the multiplied trying occasions which, in the life of every priest, invite to rashness.
If in measured but simple phrase these things may be truth- fully set down as hints touching the character and ability of a priest not yet thirty years old, it will not be out of reason to look for greater things in the time which may yet be his to labor in his chosen calling. These will be in the line of good quietly accom- plished, but never heralded to the world. They may be unseen of men, and in their estimation, if seen, may appear little : but just as contact with a spark may kindle a great fire, so the spiritual flame that illuminates and purifies souls may be caught from the zeal which burns in the heart of an humble rural pastor.
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