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 23
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Mr. Kegg soon became prominent in Cleveland, not only in business but also in politics. From the first he prospered in flori- culture, and owing to his popularity and influence he found him- self a leading Democrat. For fraternal purposes and to be in line with his Catholic co-religionists he joined various organizations. principally the Knights of St. John. the Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, and the Knights of Columbus. He was captain of Lafayette Commandery. Knights of St. John, and was its organizer and first president. He was colonel of all the Knights of St. John in Cleveland for five years, was adjutant general of the First Brigade, and now holds the office
MR. ROBERT J. KEGG
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of inspector general. He was second vice-commander of the national organization for two years.
His political preferments have been his election to the board of aldermen of Cleveland, an office which he filled from 1887 to 1889. In 1890 he was elected fire commissioner, from 1893 to 1901 he held the office of government inspector of customs in Cleveland, and quitting that, Mayor Johnson appointed him superintendent of parks, an office which he yet holds, and the duties of which he (lischarges to the satisfaction of his superiors and the public.
Having been a florist for thirty-nine years, and possessing rare talent in his profession, he is accounted the leading man in his line of trade in Cleveland. Recently he enlarged his floral business, and besides his plant and flower store, at 452 Gordon avenue, he has erected a range of green houses, in West Park near Rocky River, which are his pride, and a culture-showing of no small consequence in his city. He is an adept in the making of funeral designs, and in the artistic wreathing and blending of flowers looking to expressive and delightful effects.
His having been amongst flowers all his life and close to nature in the exhibition of its rarest beauties, the effects of his surroundings and environments have had a mellowing and heightening effect on his character. Personally he is a man of gentle manners and quiet bearing. He speaks seldom, but con- verses intelligently on topics in his line. He is a practical Catholic, is devoted to his family, and to his hosts of friends he has proved himself grateful, true, and loyal.
Mr. Kegg is an exceedingly plain and humble citizen, who neither courts notoriety nor cultivates inordinate ambitions. He · is an every-day sort of man who finds it easy to be agreeable, but most difficult to be angry or offensive. He is glad to be able to do a kindness, to favor a friend, or to help one in need. Notwith- standing his official and business engagements he is glad to go out of his way to evidence friendship, or show how beautiful is charity when, like the gentle rain of heaven, it descends to heal wounds, to supply needs, and bring cheer to some hearts saddened by losses, and broken by crosses-burdens seemingly too heavy for mortals to bear. Mr. Kegg is not a loud proclaimer of his deeds in these respects, but to a judge of character he will be said to be in his element when doing good.
,
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THE HON. THOMAS M. KENNEDY.
The judge of one of the city courts of Cleveland, Ohio, has been selected as the subject of this mention. The purpose is to pay a tribute to his personality and character as well as to recog- nize his standing and position both as a citizen and as an official. In these respects he enjoys an enviable reputation, and is credit- able alike to his Catholic co-religionists and to his large circle of friends.
Judge Kennedy is a native of the county of Tipperary. Ire- land. His birthday was May 26, 1859, and he is the youngest of a family of four sons born to bless the matrimonial union of John and Sarah (Costelloe) Kennedy. His primary education was obtained in the national school of his native place. In 1869 the family emigrated to Canada and for about ten years resided in the Province of Ontario. In 1878 they came to the United States, selecting Cleveland, Ohio, as their permanent home.
Thomas M. Kennedy, although then grown to young man- hood, persisted in his efforts to acquire an education looking to his becoming a member of one of the learned professions. He entered the Western Reserve University, where he took the classi- cal course. Subsequently he read law during eighteen months. after which he entered the Cincinnati Law School. He graduated from that institution, in 1888, winning the degree of LL. B.
Returning to his adopted city he at once began the practice of his profession. In 1891 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney of one of the city courts, an office which he filled during three successive terms. He was then elected to the prosecutor- ship, was re-elected, and for the third time in succession he was chosen by the people to discharge the duties of that office. In April, 1890, and before the expiration of his third term as prose- cutor, he was elected judge of the court; and since this work has been ready for the press he was elected to the office of judge of the Common Pleas Court of Cuyahoga county, an honor and distinction which he well deserves.
Judge Kennedy's training, mentality, and temperament would appear to eminently qualify him for the judicial office. He has given general satisfaction as judge of one of the city courts of
٢٢٢ ٢٦٧٦
منكسـ
شراب - ٥ شخلاله
12
الطاعة طيع
حد بـ
الاست ايدى ٧ ٤٤٠٠٠ ٢ ساطين ويد للخلاص . عددالساعات التي من الك مد مايطلق
امرئك وبيابد ينه
Thomas Emmett.
Josephine Clare.
Helen Mary.
Margaret Edna.
Donald Francis.
THE HON. AND MRS. THOMAS M. KENNEDY AND FAMILY.
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IN NORTIIERN OHIO.
Cleveland, a position in which both discernment of character. firmness, and broad charity are prime essentials. These courts, like city courts everywhere, are regarded as veritable pit-falls for judges who are weak men. This is not so much because of the intricacy of the cases tried in them as because of the multiplied demands made by interested persons and special interests for favors, and the popular clamor often raised for or against accused persons regardless of the facts, the evidence, or the law. It is therefore creditable to Judge Kennedy to have it said of him that he has been triumphantly successful in the administration of justice notwithstanding such hindrances, and that he has well earned the respect and confidence of the people.
He was among the first to show the great necessity for a Juvenile Court in Cleveland, and before the present court for try- ing juvenile offenders was authorized by statute his practice was to save little truants, wayward tots, and juvenile pilferers from having to plead "guilty or not guilty" to the mummery of formal charges which their tender years did not enable them to under- stand. Judge Kennedy took these tots on probation, separated them from hardened criminals, and removed their fears by show- ing himself to them as a kind father and friend. He reached their hearts, and for very good cause and with good effect he reversed the old, senseless order of proceeding's, substituting therefor the new, which in its reasonableness, righteousness, and mercy, should endure
"Till the sun grows cold. And the stars grow old. And the leaves of the judgment book unfold."
Miss Ella F. Noonan, the amiable and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Noonan, of Hudson, Ohio, became the wife of Judge Kennedy, June 28. 1890. She is a lady noted for domestic traits, and while not opposed to friendly calls and reasonable so- ciability, she finds her greatest pleasure at home, where love, and motherly devotion enchain her a willing prisoner. To their union have been born five children, whose names are: Margaret Edna. Josephine Clare, Thomas Emmett. Donald Francis, and Helen Mary. From their excellent mother they inherit the seeds of a strong Catholic faith, while to their father might in part be credited the almost premature thirst for knowledge which appears to be
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native to them. The combination in them of these and other traits and budding qualities ought to enable them, under favor- able home influences, to grow up good practical Catholics, cred- itable members of society, and sources of great consolation to their parents. Even now in their tender years they bid fair to develop in all these respects, and Judge and Mrs. Thomas M. Kennedy are to be congratulated accordingly.
MR. PATRICK M. KENNEDY.
Mr. Patrick M. Kennedy, of Youngstown, Ohio, was a babe of only three months when his parents emigrated from Ireland to the United States. He was born to them near Templemore, county of Tipperary, May 2, 1854. The elder Kennedy, whose Christian name he bears, was a prominent and successful contractor in Youngstown. He died in 1879. Mrs. Kennedy, his wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Maher, yet lives and enjoys, in her declining years, the devotion and loving attentions of her children .*
Leaving Ireland in 1854, the family located on a farm in the State of New York. After about two years they removed to Youngstown, Ohio, where they have been permanent residents since 1857. The members of the famliy have not only preserved, but have added to, the estate left by their father, and the one most active in this respect is the gentleman whose name captions this article.
Mr. P. M. Kennedy is president of the Home Savings and Loan Company, and is a charter member of the Savings and Trust Company, of Youngstown. He has farming interests in Mahoning county, and is a large stockholder in the Excelsior Block Associa- tion, of which association he is secretary and treasurer, having his headquarters in the association's block, "The Excelsior." He served two terms in the city council, 1880-1884, is a prominent man of affairs, and is a leading member of St. Columba's parish.
Among the several claims which Mr. Kennedy has to recog- nition in this work might be mentioned his unquestioned integrity
$Since this sketch was in type Mrs. Catherine Kennedy passed to her reward, January 12. 1902, having attained to the ripe old age of seventy-seven years.
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MR. PATRICK M. KENNEDY
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and reliability. With these must also be reckoned his devotion to the Church, his rare intelligence, and urbanity. Moreover, he is of such generous make-up that it has always been his delight to contribute both money and effort to the advancement of both charitable and religious enterprises. He would feel guilty were he to let pass an opportunity to lend his aid to any good work in his city.
Besides the aid which it has always been his delight to give to such noble causes, he has not failed to lend a helping hand to worthy individuals. A local enterprise connected with religion and education, and which has been ably conducted by one of his fellow citizens, received very substantial encouragement from Mr. Kennedy. In fact the worthy and capable individual in charge of the work is himself the source of the information.
It can, therefore, be said of Mr. P. M. Kennedy that among his many virtues and good qualities are his charity, liberality, gen- erosity, and public-spiritedness. He is happier in giving and helping than are those who receive his generous and substantial aid.
While the American motto, adopted from Shakespeare, "get money," has its hold on him in the order of a pleasurable fascina- tion, it does not warp his judgment or deaden his finer qualities. Instead of being hardened by the money-getting spirit of the day, he on the contrary retains his native generosity and takes more real satisfaction in his efforts to advance religion and help a friend than in tearing off coupons or making a profitable deal.
These things imply high character and a degree of benevo- lence far beyond the ordinary. Even as natural virtues they are quite desirable, but when elevated to the state of the supernatural through Catholic teaching and practice, they both ennoble the individual and commend his life and record as examples worthy of emulation by his neighbors.
It is gratifying, therefore, to find many persons such as Mr. P. M. Kennedy in the diocese, who are worthy of being presented as every-day examples of excellent character and of the practical effects of the teachings of Catholicity.
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THE REV. MICHAEL P. KINKEAD.
The priest whose career and character are here outlined was born near Kilmallock, county Limerick, Ireland, September 28, 1851. From his earliest years he gave evidences of a preference for the ecclesiastical state, and his education was regulated accord- ingly. Having made his preparatory studies, and after some advancement in the classics, he entered the College of Mt. Melleray, from which institution he graduated in the summer of 1871, when not yet twenty years of age. In August of that year he embarked for the United States. Arriving in Cleveland, Septem- ber, 1871, he at once entered St. Mary's Theological Seminary. from which institution he emerged a priest October 8, 1875, having been ordained by Bishop Mullen of Erie, in the absence from the diocese of Bishop Gilmour on account of illness.
His first appointment was as assistant priest at St. Malachy's Church, Cleveland, where he labored for fourteen months. In June, 1899, after a lapse of nearly a quarter of a century, he was selected as the eulogist on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the ordination of the veteran pastor of that parish. So eloquent. appropriate, and finished was his discourse that it at the same time shadowed forth his own great ability, and marked characteristics, two of which appear to be his constancy in friendship, and his great desire to be generously just in recognizing the merits of others. From January 4, 1877, to August 20, 1899, a period of nearly twenty-three years, he was pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, at Defiance, Ohio. On the latter date the demands of the diocese and the Rt. Rev. Bishop's recognition of Father Kinkead's zeal and ability required him to take charge of the more important parish of the Immaculate Conception, at Youngstown. Having been faithful in few things, Father Kinkead was placed in charge of many.
Every priest's vow of obedience and the needs of religion con- template the probability, some time or other, of his removal or change of field of labor. They are few, indeed, among the clergy who escape the operation of this missionary regulation, while possibly there are some who desire to be transferred. The general impression prevails, however, that removal, even when it means
اللدنى
THE REV. MICHAEL P. KINKEAD
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
promotion, is a sacrifice ; and to no one, or in no case, could it have been greater than to Father Kinkead, he having, after so long a pastorate, to say good-bye to his dear people at Defiance. His big heart and generous Irish nature are not only warm toward his spiritual children, but actually beget in them the sincerest recipro- ration of his own kindly feelings and sentiments, thereby making their parting doubly trying. It is easy to estimate the closeness of consanguineous and matrimonial relations, but they are few. indeed, who are able to measure the binding force of those spirit- ual ties that tie the pastor to his flock. The obligations of duty and the highest charity are the welding materials that unite them.
The priest being a public man, and at the same time a private citizen, is of all others a person whose qualities and capacity are most easily recognized by the public. He is seen in every light and under every circumstance, not only by his parishioners and neighbors, but even by the passer-by. It will, therefore. be but a recognition of the expressed and published judgment regarding Father Kinkead to say that he is the typical priest as well in his faithfulness to his priestly obligations as in his ability to discharge them. He is a well-read, broad-minded, manly man ; is deeply religious and zealous ; has the habit of being hospitable, approach- able and generous; is constant in active charity, and seemingly without limit in the exercise of that virtue in its higher sense of love. To appropriate in part the thoughts and some of the words of Wordsworth, the charities that soothe, and heal, and bless, he scatters like flowers at the feet of his fellow men and piles them high wherever love secs need. This good priest's memory is tenacious of kindly deeds, believing it to be base not to be mindful of favors; but for the unkindly in word or act he has no memory at all, for religion teaches not only the forgiving but also, as far as possible, the forgetting of injuries.
The Rev. Michael P. Kinkead is descended of an ancestry whose constancy in well doing and whose loyalty to faith and country are among the traditional glories of Ireland. Not in mere fulsomeness, then, but rather in the spirit of rejoicing, let it be said of him that he is a noble son of worthy sires-a Soggarth whose notable qualities bring back the memory of other days.
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THE REV. DANIEL BARRY KIRBY.
The pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier, at Chicago, Huron county, Ohio, is the Rev. Father Kirby, who has been ministering in the Diocese of Cleveland only since 1897. His comparative recentness in that field is nothing to his detriment, however, for his record tells of his activity elsewhere both as a student and as a priest, and later as a college professor.
He is descended of one of the oldest families of the county of Tipperary, Ireland, whose honorable record for loyalty to religion and country is well exemplified in his own life thus far. The late Archbishop Kirby, rector of the Irish College, at Rome, was of his kin, and both sides of the family have been and are well repre- sented in the priesthood and in the cloister. The zeal of his parents touching his religious training, and his own aptitude as a boy, are attested by the facts that he made his first Holy Communion when he was ten years old, and that he was confirmed the same day by the late Archbishop of the Diocese of Cashel and Emly ..
The subject of this mention was born to. John and Mary (Barry) Kirby, in the town of Emly, July 1, 1869. He received his elementary training in the national schools of his native place, after which he commenced his classical studies in St. Ailhe's Academy before he had completed his twelfth year. When fifteen he was sent to Blackrock College, in the Irish capital, where he studied three years. He was then advanced to the university department of the same institution, and matriculated with high honors in 1890. Thence he went to France to pursue his studies for the priesthood. At Morbihan, Brittany, he made one year's philosophy and one year's theology with the Fathers of the Holy Ghost. Later he went to Paris, where he finished his course in the seminary of the same Order, and was elevated to the priest- hood, October 29, 1893, when he was in his twenty-fifth year.
After a post-ordination course of one year, in which he reviewed his studies and grounded himself in those attainments essential to one who teaches the higher branches of learning, he was appointed to a professorship in Holy Ghost College, Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania. His commission bore the date, October, 1894, and he at once entered upon the performance of his duties.
THE REV. DANIEL B. KIRBY
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
He held the professorship for more than three years, or until December, 1897, when he resigned, and was received into the Diocese of Cleveland by Bishop Horstmann, who forthwith appointed him curate at St. Bridget's Church. Cleveland. Father Kirby labored there with much zeal and success until September. 1998, when he was advanced to his present charge as pastor.
Although somewhat foreign to the scope of this sketch, never- theless it might be remarked, in passing, that the Catholics of the town of Chicago, and also the general public there, are not only not wanting in due appreciation of the worth of Father Kirby both as a scholar and as a Christian gentleman whose mission is to instruct, elevate, and ennoble, but they are, morcover, keenly sen- sible of the success of his labors since he has been in their midst.
The qualities in the pastor of St. Francis Xavier's, which evoke this endorsement, are his cultivated talents, his constancy in well doing, and the generous, unselfish impulses which are native to him. His equipment embraces, in part, his ability as a preacher, no little excellence as a chanter of the public offices of the Church, and a readiness to labor, not so much in obedience to stern duty, as through an innate willingness to make himself useful. His devotedness is most marked, while the higher charity, love. is the brightest star in his spiritual firmament. The nobility of his calling is a charge which appeals to his spiritual nature and to his manhood to be maintained in humility, constancy, and faithfulness. Independent of the higher obligations his nature makes him loyal to his bishop by exhibiting always the well deserved heart-service of truc friendship.
In the social order, and in those relations where hospitality. courtesy, and friendship exhibit his character. Father Kirby attracts no little attention. He is kind to all, considerate of the demands of his people, and is approachable and always within easy reach to respond to calls, even by children. He appears to have hearkencd to the good advice: "Be ever ready to listen to the smallest of little mysteries, knowing that nothing to childhood is too trivial for the notice, too foolish for the sympathy, of those on whom the Father of all has bestowed the dignity of spiritual fatherhood." Even if he were to lack much in other respects, his gentleness and mildness, and charity would go far in the way of filling the void.
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Having had little experience in handling temporalities, it is not expected that his record would embrace anything of conse- quence in that field; but, possessing and exercising the faculty of unifying his people and disposing them well toward any project in the interests of religion, it can be presumed that in due time, when opportunity offers, he will be equal to making a good show- ing under this unpleasant but necessary missionary regulation.
MIR. CHARLES J. KIRSCHNER.
As a Catholic, a husband, a parent, and a citizen, Mr. Charles J. Kirschner, of St. Mary's parish, Toledo, Ohio, has few equals and no superior among the laity of the Diocese of Cleveland. From his attaining the age of reason until the present he has been constant in the practice of his religion, a fact which has heightened the many good qualities which he has inherited from his excellent parents. In consequence he is beloved and respected by the clergy, admired by his fellow citizens, and practically idolized by the members of his very happy family.
He was married, in Toledo, in 1865, to Miss Catherine Heinrich, a native of Germany, and who for fifty years has been a resident of that city. Six children have been born to their union, two of whom passed away in infancy. Of the four remaining. Mary M. has become Mrs. George J. Wideman; Gertrude T., Mrs. Philip . E. Uhl; Barbara Clara, who is unmarried and lives with her parents, and an only son, Charles Edward. Mr. Kirsch- ner's sons-in-law are engaged as partners with him in the business of handling real estate, rents, fire, accident and indemnity insurance and surety bonds. . As might be expected the firm of Kirschner, Wideman & Co. is reliable, prompt and painstaking, and receives that large share of business to which its high reputation entitles it.
Mr. Charles J. Kirschner was born in Baden (Germany). January 1, 1844. When he was only two years old his parents emigrated to the United States, locating at Sandusky, Ohio. In 1857 they removed to Toledo, where the subject of this mention has continued to reside. To help his parents, who were poor, but thrifty, young Kirschner started out in life as a newsboy and with only a limited education. He subsequently succeeded in learning the trade of a printer and educating himself. He next became city
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MR. AND MRS. CHARLES J. KIRSCHNER.
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circulator for one of the leading daily publications of Toledo. He was recorder of Lucas county, in which county the city of Toledo is situated, from 1884 to 1887. He held the office of councilman of St. Mary's parish nine years and then resigned. This does not include a previous term which he served, 1875-1877. He was chosen, in 1887, to the responsible position, which he yet holds, of superintendent and secretary of Calvary cemetery, which is the union burial-place for all the Catholics of Toledo. He handles this very intricate work in such way as to give general satisfaction.
From what has been said it might be inferred that the high standing and reputation of Mr. Kirschner are confined to his home city. Even if it were so it would be more than enough to entitle him to mention in this work to the credit of religion and his fellow citizens. But, in 1891, a defalcation occurred in the treasury department of the organization known as the Catholic Knights of America, of which Mr. Kirschner is a member, just as he is of the Knights of Columbus and other organizations. Whatever may have been the cause, the affair shocked every Catholic community in the whole country and, at the same time, compelled the members of the society to bestir themselves with a view to putting the right man in the important position of handling and caring for the large benevolent fund of the Knights. The choice fell on Charles J. Kirschner, of Toledo, who for six years held the office of treasurer. When he completed his long term of office and accounted for every dollar and all his acts, his was a triumph for every Catholic Knight in America. To him it was no personal triumph, only the discharge of his duties along the lines of the strict honesty incul- cated by the Catholic Church and by his parents.
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