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 5
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The final struggle came on Monday evening, April 13, 1891. The agony lasted less than 15 minutes. The Bishop's dying words were: "My God, Thy will be done !" At 7.50 p. m. his soul went to God; an honest minded man, a great bishop passed from time to cternity !
Bishop Gilmour died of a broken heart! His death-bed con- munication to the writer clearly explained the sudden collapse of the Bishop, who had greatly changed for the worse in less than two weeks before he died. The facts then communicated were given to the Bishop but two days before he left home for Florida. and so shocked him in his weakened condition that he never
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
rallied from the blow, which was aimed at his personal character --- and that he could not bear.
For publishing this statement, shortly after Bishop Gilmour's death, the writer was attacked and maligned by persons who knew nothing of the inner history of this mortal assault on a defenseless man. He was also attacked in the newspapers by one who had assailed Bishop Rappe's character in like manner, but he made no reply, preferring out of charity to be misjudged, rather than publish the details of the perfidy, and expose the assailants of Bishop Gilmour. After a lapse of nearly ten years the writer sees 10 reason to retract the statement then made, and once again he fearlessly reiterates it. Let those who are to blame answer to a Just Judge for their criminal act.
The Bishop's remains were brought to Cleveland, and after a most imposing Requiem service, attended by a large number of the hierarchy and clergy and a vast concourse of people, they were placed to rest in a stone sarcophagus beneath the altar of his Cathe- dral church. Archbishop Elder was celebrant of the Mass and Bishop McQuaid delivered the panegyric ; both these distinguished prelates were the deceased Bishop's bosom friends.
On May 14, 1891, a Memorial mass meeting, composed of Cleveland's citizens of every creed, and of no creed, was held in Music Hall, which was packed to suffocation. All the speakers were non-Catholics and held prominent positions in the various professions. Among the ministers was a Jewish rabbi, and all spoke in admiration and praise of him in whose honor the immense and remarkable meeting was held.
Bishop Gilmour was a man of strong individuality, firm, bold and courageous. As a preacher and public speaker he was eloquent, logical and full of earnestness. As a writer he was pointed and wielded a strong pen, even trenchant at times. His style was as simple and clear as his speech. He was an inde- fatigable reader, as also a judicious collector of books. Only the best in literature found shelf room in his fine library of about 3,000 volumes, which he bequeathed to the Diocesan Seminary.
Tall, commanding in appearance, with a markedly intellectual countenance, he would easily be singled out in any assembly as a man of force and strength of character. Not quick to express his
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
views, he seldom receded from them when expressed, and only then when he was convinced that they were untenable. Strictly honest, just and fairminded in his dealings, he resented keenly any injustice or deception. Kind and forbearing toward weakness, he was just as ready to measure swords with insult or assault, within the limits of his official position. Always dignified in his bearing, at first sight he impressed one as stern and reserved, but those who knew him as he was, knew also his kindness of heart and generous impulses. As a conversationalist he had few super- iors. With a fund of anecdote and quiet humor, and a retentive memory of his reading and travels, he was most entertaining in any circle. He was frugal in his habits, methodical and painstaking in his work. A man of system, he had "a time for everything ; a place for everything, and everything in its place." Few men in like position spent more hours at desk work than Bishop Gilmour. He governed his diocese as much with his pen as with his crosier. Thoroughly American in sentiment, he had, nevertheless, an im- partial respect and a kindly feeling for all nationalities composing his flock.
His fatherly care and watchful solicitude for the orphans under his charge as also his tender love towards children in general, formed a distinctive trait in his character. He was happy with them and they too were happy when he was among them. He in- troduced the Orphans' New Year call, when hundreds of orphans from the various asylums in Cleveland paid him their annual visit at his residence, and were in turn loaded with candies, etc. It was always a mutual feast for host and guests.
. He took special interest in the Diocesan Seminary, and when in health he never failed to attend and take part in the examination of the students and of the junior clergy. He also regularly attended the annual commencement exercises in the various academies, and addressed words of kindly encouragement to teachers and pupils, and of fatherly advice to the graduates.
Bishop Gilmour was a man whose slender purse was always open to calls of charity. Of this feature in his character, Bishop McQuaid, in his feeling and eloquent funeral sermon, at the obse- quies of his bosom friend, Bishop Gilmour, spoke as follows :
"I felt a little curious to know what ample provision he had
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
made for somebody ; to know how he had invested his money, and what disposition he had made of it in his last will and testament. If the diocese does not pay the simple expenses of his burial, there will not be found enough in his treasury to pay them. * He died after thirty-nine years of hard work in prominent positions, I might say, penniless. He distributed a few trinkets to bosom friends, always true and loyal, as touching reminders of affectionate gratitude. No one need trouble himself about his will; there is no wealth to be disposed of. What a beautiful record is this to leave behind him! The Diocese of Cleveland, liberal with its Bishop, not stinting to his absolute wants; yet what became of the money and his opportunities? They went for religion and sweet charity; the cause of education, of suitable reading for the people, and the maintenance of a Catholic press worthy of the name, and so scarce. They were not used to further his personal ends. This is a record of which any bishop may be proud. Resembling St. Paul in native energy and steadfast purpose, he was not unlike him in disinterest -. edness, self-reliance and personal independence. St. Paul pre- ferred to earn his bread by the work of his hands, that he might be able to preach the Gospel without fear of the judgments of men, dreading only those of God. Blessed has this diocese been for having had over it for so many years a truly apostolic Bishop like Bishop Gilmour, and blessed have his priests been in having had before their eyes the example of a chief who looked to God in all things, having remained faithful to the end."
The following anecdote, taken from the Catholic Universe, is in line with the above:
"One day as Bishop Gilmour sat in the Universe office a poor woman entered and asked him for an alms. He searched his trousers pockets-in vain. With a smile, he put his hand in his vest pocket, pulled out a folded two-dollar bill from it-all he had --- and handed it to her. He died without possessing a cent ---- except the arrears of his current year's salary; without owning a foot of land-except his mother's grave!"
He was a man of deep. unostentatious piety, with a tender devotion for the "Queen of the clergy." His faith was simple and generous. To the personal knowledge of the writer, who was in close relations with him for fourteen years, the Bishop was in the
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
habit of spending hours in his private chapel, before the Blessed Sacrament ; and his beads were his constant vade mecum. He was a man of prayer in the privacy of his chapel or chamber, as he was a man of speech and action in public. He was always earnest, never frivolous ; true to his friends and forgiving to his enemies.
THE RIGHT REV. IGNATIUS F. HORSTMANN, D. D. THIRD AND PRESENT BISHOP OF CLEVELAND.
Ignatius F. Horstmann, the third of ten children born to Frederick and Catharine (Weber) Horstmann, is a native of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania. At the time of his birth, December 16, 1840, his parents resided in that part of Philadelphia then known as the District of Southwark. His parents were natives of Clop- penburg, a thoroughly Catholic town in the Grand-Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, and came to this country in early life. They were married at Philadelphia in 1836. Mr. Frederick Horstmann was a prominent, prosperous and wealthy business man in the city of his adoption. He was also no less prominent as a Catholic layman. For many years he was a member of the Holy Trinity parish. During the long period of the "Trustee troubles" in that parish, which caused Bishops Kenrick and Neumann great anxiety, Mr. Horstmann stood loyally by them, and was most helpful in removing the scandal. At all times during his long and useful career he contributed generously towards the support of churches and charities in the Diocese of Philadelphia. He died on June 29, 1872, at the age of sixty-two years.
The subject of this sketch began his education in the parish school of Holy Trinity, when less than six years old. After a short time his parents sent him to the private academy conducted by Madame Charrier, and her daughter, Mlle. Clementine. The academy was situated on German street, east of Third street, Philadelphia. From that institution he passed through the Secondary school, and then was promoted to the Mt. Vernon Grammar school. After he finished the regular course there with distinction, he was admitted to the Central High school, from which he was graduated in 1857, with an exceptionally high aver-
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THE RT. REV. IGNATIUS F. HORSTMANN, D. D.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
age. He then entered St. Joseph's College, Philadelphia, which was conducted by the Jesuit Fathers. Having a strong desire to study for the priesthood, to which he felt himself called, he entered the Preparatory Seminary, at Glen Riddle, in 1859, being among its first students. So pleased was Bishop Wood with him that he chose him, in 1860, as one of the first band of students he sent to the American College in Rome. There he soon took fore- most rank in the classes of the Propaganda, and won a number of medals in Theological contests. After completing the prescribed course of studies at the Propaganda, he was ordained by Cardinal Patrizzi, on June 10, 1865. After his ordination he continued his studies at Rome for the Doctorate in Theology, which degree he won in 1866. Returning to Philadelphia in the latter part of the same year he was given the Chair of Mental Philosophy in the Diocesan Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, which at that time, and until 1871, was located at Eighteenth and Race streets. He continued to fill a like position in the new and present Seminary, at Overbrook, now a part of Philadelphia. Whilst in the Seminary he edited an introduction to the Holy Bible, and also an English edition of Catholic Doctrine, as defined by the Council of Trent. He remained at the Seminary until the close of 1877, when he was appointed to the pastorate of St. Mary's Church, Philadelphia, as successor to the Rev. Michael F. Martin. With tact and ability he managed the parish, and drew to the church large audiences by his learned and interesting discourses. So well and carefully did he conduct the financial affairs of the parish, which he found deeply in debt, that when he left it in 1885, there was the handsome sum of nearly $20,000 to the credit of the church. The chancellorship of the archdiocese having become vacant in September, 1885, Archbishop Ryan filled the vacancy by the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Horstmann. His extensive learning now became of special use to the intelligent Catholic reading-public in his valuable labors on the American Catholic Quarterly Review, which he conducted as assistant editor until December, 1891, in addition to attending to the Chancery office work. He was also during this time the spiritual director of the Catholic Club, of the convent of the Notre Dame Sisters, and of the convent of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart. The spiritual directorship also included the direction of
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three organizations which met at the academy of the Notre Dame Sisters, and were composed largely of former pupils of that academy, viz., the Children of Mary, the Tabernacle Society, and the Christian Mothers. The last mentioned society was the first established in the United States, and Dr. Horstmann was their first spiritual director.
The twenty-fifth anniversary of Dr. Horstmann's ordination to the priesthood was celebrated with becoming solemnity in the Cathedral of Philadelphia, Archbishop Ryan preaching the Jubilee sermon. Many of his friends among the laity gave him a reception at the Catholic Club, and presented him with a purse of $4,200, which sum he at once turned over to the St. Vincent's Home.
Many rumors were current regarding the succession to the See of Cleveland, which was left vacant since April, 1891, by the death of Bishop Gilmour. These were put to rest on December 11, 1891, by a telegram sent on that day to Dr. Horstmann from Cincinnati by Archbishop Elder. Following is a copy of the telegram :
"To the Right Rev. Ignatius F. Horstmann, St. Peter's Cathe- dral, Logan Square, Philadelphia :
"I joyfully salute you Bishop-elect of Cleveland. Cardinal Simeoni's letter to you, mailed here this afternoon.
WILLIAM HENRY ELDER."
The news of Dr. Horstmann's appointment, made by Lco XIII, on November 29, 1801, soon spread from the Cathedral. Letters of congratulation began to pour in from his friends among the clergy and laity, near and far, and many telegrams were also received. In answer to the many telegrams he received from priests and laymen in the Diocese of Cleveland, the Bishop-elect sent the following expressive message to the Editor of the Catholic Universe :
"Philadelphia, Pa., December 14 .- Having just received official notice of my appointment to the Diocese of Cleveland, allow me, in answer to the many telegrams of congratulation from clergy and laity of Cleveland, through your columns to thank all sincerely, and to ask humbly their prayers in my behalf, that this choice of the Vicar of Jesus Christ may be for the greater glory of
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
God, the salvation of souls and the true welfare and prosperity of the great Diocese of Cleveland.
IGNATIUS F. HORSTMANN, Bishop-elect of Cleveland."
Archbishop Ryan was informed of his Chancellor's promotion on his arrival home from St. Louis, the following day, and cordially saluted him as Bishop-elect. Although sincerely congratulating him on his elevation to the hierarchy, he expressed his deep regret at losing the invaluable assistance of his able and loyal Chancellor. Dr. Horstmann received Cardinal Simeoni's letter, above men- tioned, on December 14, 1891. His consecration, however, was deferred until February 25, 1892. The imposing and solemn cere- mony took place in the Philadelphia Cathedral. Archbishop Elder, of Cincinnati, was the consecrator, assisted by the Rt. Rev. Bishops O'Hara, of Scranton, and Chatard, of Vincennes. Archbishop Ryan, of Philadelphia, preached the consecration sermon, which was a masterly effort, worthy of the noted orator. The magnifi- cent and spacious Cathedral was filled to overflowing with an atten- tive audience. Fifteen bishops and over two hundred priests assisted at the impressive ceremony. About sixty priests of the Cleveland diocese were also present to witness the consecration of their new chief pastor. Among the most interesting spectators in that vast audience was the venerable mother of the Bishop-elect, who immediately after the consecration services were finished went down to her pew and gave her his first Episcopal blessing. It was a touching scene.
Bishop Horstmann arrived in Cleveland on Tuesday evening, March 8, accompanied by about twenty-five priests from Phila- delphia, and a large delegation of his own priests, who had gone to Alliance during the afternoon of that day to meet him. The splen- did ovation that was given to the new bishop was a revelation to Catholics and Protestants. Although the weather was unpropitious for parading, or for any outdoor demonstration, yet the streets, from the Euclid Avenue station to the Cathedral, were crowded with a vast concourse of people, welcoming to the echo the succes- sor of the sainted Rappe and the valiant Gilmour.
In the presence of nearly one hundred and fifty priests, and an immense audience, the installation ceremony of the Rt. Rev. Dr.
.
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Horstmann, as the third Bishop of Cleveland, took place in the Cathedral on the following morning. He pontificated and Bishop Foley, of Detroit, preached the installation sermon. At the con- clusion of the ceremony Bishop Horstmann addressed the clergy and laity present in very feeling words. The full text of his eloquent and paternal address will be found in the first volume of this work, on pages 165 to 16S. It won the hearts of all his hearers.
Immediately after his installation Bishop Horstmann took in hand the work that awaited him. He found a well-regulated diocese, a willing clergy, and a well-disposed, generous laity. By degrees he familiarized himself with the condition of the diocese and in a very short time realized that his two predecessors built on deep, broad lines a diocese that was an honor to religion and to the Church. For many months during that and the following two years he was kept busy administering confirmation throughout the diocese, thus at the same time coming in actual touch with all parts of his widespread jurisdiction. Within less than three years he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to over 30,000 of his flock. During all of the years since his consecration-well- nigh ten-he has been incessantly and busily engaged in the dis- charge of his various duties, which tax to the utmost his strength and energy. As this is not the place to particularize in this respect, the reader is referred to chapters VI and VII, as also to the historical sketches of parishes and institutions, in the first volume of this work.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop is a lover and an indefatigable collector of books. His library, comprising over 5,000 volumes, contains a very choice collection of the best in literature. It includes the Greek, Latin, English, German, French and Italian classics. His special aim is to gather the Latinists of the Restoration, of which he has already a large collection. Besides these he has also a costly and very select array of paintings, statuary and engravings, repre- senting the best in art. His object in gathering these art treasures is, to give pastors a choice of subjects for the artistic decoration of churches, and many have already availed themselves of this privilege. A few years ago he assigned his entire library to the Diocese of Cleveland, to be known as "The Bishop's Library."
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
Bishop Horstmann has also given large sums from his patri- mony for the benefit of the charitable institutions of his diocese. To these donations his venerable mother also added generous sums. She likewise aided him in founding a free bed in each of the following hospitals in Cleveland: Charity Hospital, St. Alexis' Hospital and St. John's Hospital. In her annual visits to her dis- tinguished son, between whom and herself there was a most tender affection, she always remembered generously the orphanages and other charitable institutions of the diocese. She also joined her son in founding a scholarship for the education of a student in the American College at Rome; it cost $6000. Mourned by all who knew her, she died most edifyingly at Philadelphia, on March 2, 1896, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Her impressive obsequies were attended by her Rt. Rev. son, by many priests of the dioceses of Philadelphia and Cleveland, as also by a very large number of the laity. Archbishop Ryan preached a touching culogy on the sad occasion.
Bishop Horstmann is a fluent speaker. His sermons and addresses are devoid of oratorical flights, or display; they are earnest, practical and instructive, and show a wide range of read- ing. He has also a facile pen, as is evidenced in his Pastoral letters. They are not of an aggressive tone, but rather didactic, and full of apt and telling Scriptural quotations. He has an excellent com- mand of language, especially of the English, and is able to converse also in German, French and Italian. Nowhere is he so much at ease as in the company of his priests, who are made to feel by his kindly, affable manner that he is rather their "elder brother" than their bishop and superior. He does not impress so much by his dignity of office as by his frankness and simplicity of manner. In a word, he is democratic in dress, speech and action, and this has made his presence and company sought. He is lithe, tall of staturc-over six feet-and of commanding appearance. He has a sharp eye and a frank, open countenance that brooks no deception. He governs his diocese with a gentle hand. May he long be spared to those over whom Providence has placed him.
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MR. NICHOLAS C. ALTEN.
Mr. Nicholas C. Alten is a leading and successful hardware merchant, of Lorain, Ohio, and a prominent member of St. Mary's congregation of that city. His excellent traits, combined with his business ability and public spiritedness, render him a successful, well respected, and influential citizen. This high estimate of him is entertained not alone by his Catholic neighbors but also by the entire community in his adopted city.
He was born on a farm in Avon township, Lorain county, Ohio, March S, 1858. He received a very good high school educa- tion, and continued on the farm until his twenty-third year. His father, Clement Alten, died there December, 1897, and his mother, whose maiden name was Miss Margaret Puetz, sister of the Rev. Father Puetz, of Tiffin, Ohio, passed away January, 1900. Both sides of the family are represented in the clerical and community life of the diocese.
In 1881 he removed to Lorain and engaged in the very diffi- cult work of settling the accounts of a hardware house there. In less than six months he became the owner of the business, and he has since continued to systematically and profitably conduct it. During the past twenty years he has given the evidence of his business ability and enterprise, and the success that has attended his efforts is an indication of his methods, and of the appreciation of them by the public.
Outside of conducting his general hardware, plumbing, and ship chandlery business, he has other interests to which he gives attention. He was one of the promoters of, and is yet a director in, the Lorain Savings and Banking Company. He was also one of the founders of the First National Bank, of Lorain. He helped in the organization of, and yet retains his interest in, the Automatic Shovel Company, which is one of the local industries, giving employment to more than two hundred men. The American Ship Building Company's plant is another, the location of which at Lorain he, as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, helped to secure. This important enterprise gives employment to eight hundred men, and its weekly pay-roll is $15,000. These important facts are part of the enviable record of the subject of this sketch.
Walter. Florence.
Lucile and Corinne.
Alice.
Gerelda.
Thelma.
MR. AND MRS. NICHOLAS C. ALTEN AND FAMILY.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
Mr. Nicholas C. Alten was married February 12, 1884, to Miss Mary E., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Libs, of Adrian, Michigan. She was reared and educated in that city and enjoyed, both at home and in school, the sort of training which fitted her to become a model Catholic wife and mother. Her home life is, therefore, her pleasure and her pride, and the doves that nestle around the family hearth are the seven sprightly children who are her joy. Their names are : Alice, Florence, Walter, Lucile and Corrine born the same day, Thelma, and Geralda. They are all bright and promising, and with the exception of the last born, the baby, are attending St. Mary's Parochial School.
For over twelve years Mr. Alten served as one of the council- men of St. Mary's Church, and during the erection, in 1895, of the present splendid edifice, he was a member of the building com- mittee. He has been foremost among the generous and regular contributors in support of religion and education, and his liberality yet continues with him as a habit. His good example is becom- ing quite contagious under the administration of the present pastor, much to the satisfaction of all the good members of the congregation.
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