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 22
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Father Hultgen and his flock dwell together in unity and peace, and are of one mind touching parochial affairs, both spiritual and temporal.
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THE HON. FRANK H. HURD, LL. D.
The late Hon. Frank H. Hurd, of Toledo, Ohio, was a Christian gentleman, a great lawyer, an orator, a statesman, and a theologian. Although theology was not particularly in the line of his calling, he was almost as well versed in that science as some who make it their profession. He was not only the most promi- nent Catholic layman (a convert) in the Central States of the Union, but he also took high rank among the foremost men of the Nation. It is fitting, therefore, since he was of the Diocese of Cleveland during twenty-six years of the last and best half of his life, to give in this work an outline of his career and characteristics. Moreover, it is a labor of love on the part of the author of this volume, he having enjoyed a delightful acquaintance with him for more than twenty-two years.
The parents of this distinguished jurist were Judge and Mrs. R. C. Hurd, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The former died there in 1874, and the latter in 1894. She became a Catholic, in 1889, much to the delight of her distinguished son. He was born to them at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, December 25 (Christmas Day), 1840, and was the fourth oldest of a family of seven. He was educated at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in 1858. From 1860 to 1862 he studied law in his father's office, and shortly after attaining his majority was admitted to practice. Even then he gave promise of the greatness to which he afterwards attained. He was elected prose- cuting attorney of his native county (Knox), in 1863; was chosen to represent his district in the State Senate, in 1866; and, in 1869. was appointed to codify the criminal laws of the State. With some amendments, his work in that field is now a part of the Revised Statutes of Ohio. In 1869, December 26, he was baptized a member of the Catholic Church. Through grace and study he prepared himself for the reception of that Sacrament, which was administered to him in his native city by the Rev. Father Brent.
In that year (1869) he removed to the city of Toledo, Ohio. with a view to gratify his political ambition and to enjoy a wider field for the exercise of his legal ability. He became the law partner of the late Judge Charles H. Scribner, and served as city
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HON. FRANK H. HURD.
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solicitor from 1869 to 1873. He was three times elected a mem- ber of Congress from the Toledo district. While in Congress he was prominent both as an orator, a free trade Democrat, and a constitutional lawyer. He was chairman of the Judiciary Com- mittee under Speaker Randall, and was a member of the Ways and Means Committee under Speaker Carlisle. His forensic efforts were always of great interest at the Capitol, especially during the Hayes-Tilden contest for the presidency, when he literally over- whelmed his opponents, notably the late James A. Garfield, who afterward became president. His first great speech in Congress, and the one which attracted to him the attention of the legal minds of the country, was on a matter akin to the law of habeas corpus. His father, Judge Hurd, had written a work on that subject, which he, by revising later, had familiarized himself with. This knowledge, coupled with his ability to apply it, enabled him to make, on the topic then under discussion, one of the ablest speeches ever delivered in the Lower House.
In 1877 the University of Notre Dame conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws. He was a member of the Cobden Club, the famous free trade organization of the world: He was the senior member of the law firm of Hurd, Brumback & Thatcher at the time of his death, which occurred in Toledo, July 10, 1896. The sad event called forth from the press of the country columns of laudation for both his character and ability. Among the hundreds who sent tributes of condolence were ex-President Grover Cleveland, President Wm. McKinley, Senator John Sherman, Congressman R. P. Bland, ex-Secretary of the Treasury Charles Foster, and Senator J. B. Foraker.
Frank H. Hurd possessed a great mind and much legal and political learning. He was a noble advocate and a commanding orator. But it was not alone in these respects that he was great. His true greatness was in his character. His heart was greater than his great intellect. His principles were grander than his masterly advocacy of them. He loved truth and justice with all the ardor of his being. He loved and ably defended the Catholic Church as the very embodiment of these in the world. He did not obtrude his Catholicity, but he felt greatly honored by being publicly recognized as a member of the great Mother Church. Next to his love for the Church and for truth and justice, was his
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love for the plain people who suffer most through the clouding or misrepresentation of truth and the maladministration of justice. He loved his army of personal friends, and he defended and helped many of them long after not a few became unworthy of even his notice. He was blamed because "publicans and sinners" were among his associates, and because he did not seek the companion- ship of those only who too often feasted sumptuously on illgotten gain and wore soft garments. His Christian democracy directed him in these respects, and his towering spirit contemned hyp- ocrisy and the I-am-holier-than-thou assumptions of many. His manliness and character shone the brighter because of some minor failings, which we all inherit from Adam, and which were his to correct and overcome.
His was a real, live faith that, since the day of his baptism, seldom suffered even the slightest indisposition through lack of works. His was a discrimination that saw and respected the priest in the man when the man himself might not be of any too high a standing. In unsettled points of law, not covered by the Con- stitution, he never hesitated to declare his willingness to turn for light to the Catholic Church which gave to humanity the principles of our Declaration of Independence and of our Constitution. The "Facit per alium facit per se" of his profession was to his mind but the corollary to the declaration of Christ: "He that heareth you heareth Me," and to the inspired exclamation of the Jews welcom- ing Jesus on that first Palm Sunday: "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord."
Among his characteristics were devotion to principle, open- ness and simplicity, gentleness, sympathy, and faithfulness to his friends. He keenly appreciated situations, and while emotional to a degree, was able to bear defeat with as much good grace as, when victorious, he generously gave the credit to his friends and to the thinking public. His character was beautifully rounded out, the little as well as the great things in his life affording the evidence. He was markedly respectful and deferential to women, especially to those in religion. He seemed always to remember that he had a mother and sisters, and also that he had a sweetheart in the long ago, who was torn from him by death, and to whose memory he paid the tribute of living a single life. The truth is there have been few nobler, manlier men than Frank H. Hurd.
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THE REV. GILBERT P. JENNINGS
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
THE REV. GILBERT P. JENNINGS.
There are few priests in the Diocese of Cleveland who meet more fully the various requirements of a Catholic pastor of souls than does the gentleman here mentioned, and they are equally few, indeed, who excel him in those amenities that sweeten life and render tolerable for others the cares and annoyances that, at times, crowd into the everyday experience of most people. He goes about his affairs, whether spiritual or temporal, with stead- fastness, order, and system ; his sereneness is seldom disturbed; and even when encouraging his people in the strict performance of duty, his method is invitational rather than dictatorial. It has been said of him by one in position to know and judge impartially that. "He is a priestly priest, and a manly man."
The Rev. Gilbert. P. Jennings was born at Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, October 23, 1856. He made his humanities as a suc- cessful student in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. and his philosophy and theology in the Cleveland Diocesan Sem- inary, where he showed himself to be a scholar of. no little ability. July 6, 1884, in the chapel of the seminary, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Gilmour.
His first appointment placed him in charge as pastor of St. Joseph Calasanctius' Church, at Jefferson, Ashtabula county, with St. Mary's Church, at Conneaut, as a mission. He continued there from July 21, 1884, till October 15, 1889, when a reversal of the then existing order took place and Conneaut became the pastorate and Jefferson the mission. At Conneaut he built the . present beautiful Church of St. Mary and also the pastoral resi- dence. He remained in charge until August, 1893. Meanwhile he was entrusted with the preparatory work of organizing St. Agnes' parish, in Cleveland. He devoted his week-days, from April till August of that year, to the work, and in the latter men- tioned month and year he took possession of the parish, where he has since remained as pastor.
St. Agnes' parish, in its present prosperous condition, is the rich fruit of Father Jennings' labors. He built the church and pastoral residence, and, at this writing, is engaged in the work of erecting a commodious and imposing parish school. Under VOL. II
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his direction the congregation has steadily advanced both spirit- ually and temporally. Harmony prevails, the people are imbued with an excellent spirit, and its future promises much in those things essential in a congregation working in happy accord with its pastor for the good of religion and the uplifting of society.
Father Jennings possesses many natural and acquired talents. He is a pleasing speaker of much force and eloquence, and a writer who combines strength with elegance. During the period in which he was an editorial associate on the Catholic Universe his writings were much admired for depth of thought and beauty of diction. The matter in his sermons is original and timely, exceed- ingly appropriate, and happily in keeping with his constant endeavors to instruct and elevate. His plainness of speech and clearness of enunciation, combined with his cogent reasoning. fervor, and finish, entitle him to be classed among orators.
What renders these qualities in this priest of greatest conse- quence is, that he devotes them most earnestly to the cause of Him in whose service he is enlisted. As has been said, he fills all the requirements of a Catholic pastor of souls. The intellectually inclined find in him all they look for in mental scope and acumen : the simple and believing ones are not beneath his level. The young as well as the old, the rich and the poor, the sinner and the saint, will not leave his presence, or depart from attendance at services conducted by him without each hearing something they are glad to bear away with them in their hearts.
The greatest ambition of Father Jennings is to be what his vocation demands-a faithful priest winning souls for God and love for the ecclesiastical character. By faithfulness in the dis- charge of his duties, by exerting his powers and talents to the end for which he has been sent, and by becomingly conducting and acquitting himself in the various offices in which he is called to act, he presents a picture which instructs and edifies, and which helps all, even those who are weak, to not only reverence religion but also to have an abiding respect for those who speak in its name. . and in the name of its Divine Founder.
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THE REV. JOHN JOHNSTON
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THE REV. JOHN JOHNSTON.
The diocesan records tell of the ordination of the Rev. John Johnston by Bishop Horstmann in Cleveland, Ohio, December 17. 1892. They tell, moreover, that his first appointment, immediately after his ordination, was as pastor of St. Patrick's Church, South Thompson, in Geauga county, Ohio, with the mission at Madison and the station at Geneva also in his charge. He continued to minister to the Catholics at those places until January 15, 1895, when Jefferson, in Ashtabula county, was added to his territory. The following May, the 15th day, he was appointed resident pastor of St. Joseph Calasanctius' Church in the latter place, retaining charge of the church at South Thompson as a mission. By the terms of this latter appointment he was relieved from further charge of Madison and Geneva. At this writing, the last days of the nineteenth century, he continues as above, the resident pastor of St. Joseph's, at Jefferson .*
He was born at Nenagh, county Tipperary, Ireland, August 30, 1868. He is the second oldest of a family, with which Provi- dence blessed his parents. The local history tells of some of his early ancestors having connected themselves in Ireland with the Established Church of England. Through grace and enlighten- ment the old faith claimed some of them later, and now a member of the family. a priest of the Catholic Church, who is the subject of this mention, is the evidence of the mysterious ways in which Providence shapes the ends of all of us.
The Johnstons removed from their native place to Tuam, in the county of Galway, the See city of him who, in his day, was happily styled the "Lion of the Fold of Judah," the late Most Rev. Archbishop McHale. There the boy Johnston received his primary training, after which, October 16, 1880. he entered Tuam College as a day scholar. During his boyhood he served Mass for the great Archbishop and was the last to assist him in that capacity, September, 1881. That prelate in his will made provision for a burse or scholarship in Tuam College for the young man, which benefit he began to use as a regular student August 28, 1882. He
*Since this sketch was in type. the Rev. Father Johnston was appointed, July 28. 1901. pastor of St. Mary's Church, Lorain.
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continued his studies in that institution until his graduation, which took place in 1987.
The next move was his transfer to St. Patrick's College, at Thurles, January 13, 188S, where he began his theological studies, which he continued until May 23, 1890. He then emigrated to the United States, spent two years in St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland, at the expiration of which he was elevated to the priesthood. Father Johnston, during the eight years of his life thus far as a priest, has shown himself to be a hard-working and prudent spiritual teacher and guide. He is watchful of the needs of his flock and is zealous for their eternal and temporal welfare. He has made several necessary changes and improve- ments in the places under his charge, and has kept the church property in good repair. Considering the limited resources at his command, and the difficulties he has had to meet, the results of his labors are much to his credit and to that of his people also.
As a young man who made good studies, who is the possessor of talents of no mean order, and who is remarkable for devotion to duty, he is entitled to a degree of recognition, against which, however, his retiring disposition makes strong protest. He prefers the quiet ways, shunning all publicity except as it becomes neces- sary in the line of his calling. His inclination is to work and study, a fact which promises much for his riper years.
Belonging to the light-haired tribe of the Celts, he evidences in his temperament and mental qualities the characteristics which have distinguished it for generations. Among these are an exceed- ingly active mentality ; the quality of generosity, which is specially Irish ; and also appreciation, which in him partakes of the moral sentiment of gratitude and of a desire to requite a benefactor, or even one actuated by good will toward him. Father Johnston has never been unmindful of favors, no matter by whom extended. To his ecclesiastical superiors he shows his gratefulness by faith- fulness and loyalty, and to the members of his congregation, who sustain him in his arduous parish work, he always returns his thanks and exhibits on all occasions his good will. These facts mean much touching his own character, and they also have their effect on those among whom and for whom he labors.
Donall A. Ruth E. MR. AND MRS. HARRY A. KEFFER. Dorothy C.
Mary B.
Hugh D.
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MR. HARRY A. KEFFER.
To say of a person that he is a prominent character is to impute to, or recognize in, him some striking combination of qualities which set him apart from most men and picture him as intently pursuing a course somewhat outside the common pathway trodden by the multitude.
Mr. Harry A. Keffer, of East Liverpool, Ohio, is a gentleman who might be regarded as just such a person. He differs from most men in many respects, and is both philosophical and specially individualistic. He is a man of prominence and influence in his community, but his sway is not accounted for by any parade or self-assertion. On the contrary his manner is quiet and his words are few. He is a stranger to a contentious spirit, and contents him- self with calmly contemplating life's eddying current as he steers his bark clear of the rocks and shoals. While in the world, and of it, he appears to stand somewhat aloof from it. He readily com- passes situations, correctly estimates men and things, and logically forms his conclusions regarding them. In truth he kicks the world before him, at least respecting those trifles which annoy the minds of most men.
He was born at East Liverpool, Ohio, April 8, 1861. In early life he had few advantages other than those of a common school education, and a good Catholic training. When fifteen years old he began to learn the many-sided trade of a potter. He mastered it, at least in its important departments. From the bottom round of the ladder in The Potters' Co-operative Com- pany's plant, at East Liverpool. he climbed until he became its secretary and treasurer. He was with that company from 1876 till 1900, during which time he filled various positions, both mechanical and executive. The last sixteen years of his connec- tion with the company he discharged the duties of the high offices of secretary and treasurer.
In 1900 he took stock in, and became the president of, The Sévres China Company, one of the great pottery establishments of East Liverpool. He continues in that important position, which implies not only his executive ability but also his large interest in the business.
The public spirit of Mr. Keffer, and also the esteem in which
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he is held by his fellow citizens, are attested by his having been elected a member of the board of health of the city of East Liver- pool, president of the board of waterworks trustees, director of the City Hospital Association and also director of the Union Building and Loan Association. These distinctions were followed by his fellow craftsmen electing him to the secretaryship of the United States Potters' Association. It would appear most reasonable. therefore, to conclude from these facts that Mr. Harry A. Keffer is, indeed, a prominent character and a man whose record and ability entitle him to recognition and honor.
May 15, 1889, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Cora N. Moore, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. Six children are the fruit of their union. Their names are: Donald A., Mary B., Dorothy C., Hugh D., Ruth E., and Grace. Three of them are attending school at the Ursuline Academy, Nottingham, Ohio.
Perhaps in his pride in his children, in which he is the rival of his excellent wife, and in the provision he makes for them and for his home, Mr. Keffer also exhibits himself to good advantage. He sets his children good example, encourages them to do right. to persevere in study, and to revere religion. In the matter of example they can see him to be a man of good habits, attentive to business, and possessed of a temperament that is mild and philosophical. The evenness of his life, the gentleness of his disposition, and the numerous manly and domestic traits which adorn his character, will later form themselves into a picture which his children will delight to scan and study with a view to renewing in their minds the beauty of the Christian character of their father.
MR. MICHAEL J. KELLEY.
The phrase "self-made" may be of questionable significance. according to its use at times, but in its modern acceptation it is quite applicable to the gentleman selected for this mention. In a comparative sense, Mr. Michael J. Kelley, of St. Agnes' parish. Cleveland, is indeed a self-made man.
He was born in the county of Mayo. Ireland. September 5. 1850. His mother's maiden name was Margaret Clarke. She died when he was ten years old. His father, whose name was William.
MR. MICHAEL J. KELLEY
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married a second time. He died in Ireland in 1887. The loss sustained by the boy through the death of his mother was to some degree compensated for by the interest taken in him by his uncle, who was a teacher in the Irish National schools. He studied under him until his seventeenth year. Being then a young man of no little ambition, he emigrated to the United States, arriving in Cleveland, Ohio, in the summer of 1868.
Mr. Kelley learned the trade of a mason in brick and stone, and during ten years did journeyman's work. He was married, in 1875, in St. John's Cathedral, Cleveland, to Miss Margaret Corley. a young lady reared and educated in Ireland. Their only child. Elicia C., is Mrs. Peter Feiden. She was educated at Notre Dame Convent in her native city, Cleveland. Having saved considerable of his earnings, and nerved by his native energy and ambition, he began his career as a contractor, in 1880. Being a practical mechanic, and honest in his work and dealings, he made such progress that he was in demand by those who desired their work done honestly and well at a fair price. Among the buildings which he erected in Cleveland, the following might be mentioned: St. Wenceslas' Church, the Immaculate Conception rectory, the East Cleveland Presbyterian Church, the Congregational Church at Euclid and Logan avenues, No. 7 engine house, five of the public schools, and St. Alexis' Hospital.
During Mr. Kelley's twenty years as a contractor and builder he demonstrated his honesty and ability by the faithfulness with which he fulfilled all his contracts. His reputation in his calling is the best, and as a man and citizen he stands high among his neighbors and fellow citizens. It is not alone among Catholics. with whom he is joined in the leading Catholic organizations, that he stands well, but also among non-Catholics who have the highest regard for his excellent qualities and sterling character. That character is seen to advantage in his unassuming manner, his genial disposition, and his generous, charitable spirit. From poverty and obscurity he has, by his own efforts, risen to his present position of comparative affluence and prominence, and in this sketch opportunity is taken to credit both himself and his honorable career to his Catholic fellow citizens in northern Ohio and in the Diocese of Cleveland.
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MR. ROBERT J. KEGG.
As one skilled in the art of raising flowers and also in land- scape gardening. Mr. Robert J. Kegg is of note in his adopted city, Cleveland, Ohio. He is also of consequence as a man who holds public office and for years has been faithful in serving the Government and the people.
He was born of Irish parents at Hexham, Northumberland county, England, May 1, 1848. His father, John Kegg, followed the sea, and was drowned when the subject of this mention was only three years old. He was a native of the county of Down, Ireland, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Mont- gomery. She took her husband's place in providing for her family. Having emigrated to the United States, she died in Cleveland, in 1889.
When a boy of eleven, young Kegg was forced to quit the parochial school in his native town to be indentured to learn the . calling of a florist. When he had attained his eighteenth year he was master of the art, and to improve his prospects he came to this country in 1866. For six years, in New Jersey, he followed his calling, and at one time was gardener for Mr. J. V. Hecker, brother of the renowned priest, the Rev. I. T. Hecker. In 1870 he brought his mother to this country, and, in 1874, both became residents of Cleveland. In 1SSS he was married to Miss Mary McGrath, a native of Kingston, Canada. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom are living. Their names are : Thomas J .. Sarah Colette, Robert D., John, Mary T., Francis, and Celestia.
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