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 7
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purpose. As is generally acknowledged, very much of the credit is due to him that the fund is so prosperous. In 1877, he became a member of the Board of Examiners of the Seminarians, to which he still belongs. In 1886, he was appointed a member of the then organized Diocesan School Board. In 1887, he was appointed president of the said Board by Bishop Gilmour. In 1887, he wrote "The Consitution and By-laws for the Government of the Parochial Schools of the Diocese of Cleveland." In 1888, he wrote "The Rules and Regulations for Examinations and Reports by District Boards." August 15, 1889, he published "The Conspectus of the Subject-Matter of Examination for Diplomas of Competence to Teach in Parochial Schools."
Time and again the Rev. Father was a member of the "Board of Census Revision," the rules of which he mainly originated, as also the form for the work. In 1886, he became a member of the Bishop's Council and is still a member. In 1889, he was selected by Bishop Gilmour as one of his theologians for the 5th Provincial Council of Cincinnati. In the Synod of January 3, 1889, the Rev. Father was proclaimed by Bishop Gilmour an Irremovable Rector. After having been named, January 2, 1885, Examiner of the Junior Clergy-the first examination was held January 15th and 16th, 1885-the Rev. Father was raised to the dignity of Synodal Exam- iner in the above mentioned Synod. He had been a member of the "Commission of Investigation" since 1878, but in the said Synod of 1889, the "Commission" was replaced by the "Curia for Criminal and Disciplinary Causes of Clerics," and he was sworn in as Pro- curator Fiscalis of this Court, which office he yet holds. The office of Procurator Fiscalis, as is well known, is far more laborious in its secret than in its open work, and for eleven years the Rev. Father has had what some call "enough to occupy him" in that field. As lawyer for Bishop Gilmour, he won, in 1890, against Dr. S. B. Smith, the late celebrated canonist, the Primeau case, in the Archiepiscopal Court of Cincinnati. Nearly a half century of labors and honors is his record in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Now in the sere of life, and in the evenfall of days, the Doctor prays that the few years wanting for his golden jubilce may be granted to him, to which petition there is a grand chorus of amens in the Diocese of Cleveland.
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THE REV. PETER BECKER
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
THE REV. PETER BECKER.
The close of the nineteenth century marks the completion of the sixty-sixth year of the life, and the thirty-third of the labors of the subject of this sketch as a priest of the Diocese of Cleveland. To John and Catherine (Kraus) Becker, of the village of Herbis- heim, Province of Alsace, France, were born nine children, the sixth oldest of whom is the Rev. Peter Becker, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Cleveland, Ohio. His natal day was November 25, 1834. The family emigrated to the United States in 1843, four years before the establishment of the diocese, and located in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. With limited advantages the boy, Peter Becker, made an heroic struggle to acquire an education. After what might be termed a desultory and long continued preparatory training, he entered St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland, where he pursued both his classical and divinity studies until his- ordination by Bishop Rappe November 16, 1867.
Immediately after ordination he began his priestly labors as pastor of St. Mary's Church at Edgerton, Ohio, with several missions and stations in the northwestern section of the diocese attached. With the unflagging zeal of the newly ordained priest he faithfully ministered to his scattered flocks during sixteen months. Not having a knowledge of the French language, which was generally spoken by a large number of his people, he was at his own request relieved of the charge and was transferred to Youngstown to organize the (German) congregation of St. Joseph. He accomplished his task, built a church, remained sixteen months and, under the administratorship succeeding Bishop Rappe's retirement, was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Maumee City in Lucas county. He labored there during eight years and nine months. He was next placed in charge of Holy Family parish, now known as St. Edward's, in the city of Cleve- land. After one year and four months, the parish being composed of people of several nationalities, he was commissioned, in 1879, to organize for the Germans in that territory, Holy Trinity con- gregation, of which he has since continued as pastor. He built the church and school and later the commodious pastoral resi- dence, which are fair samples of his taste and work elsewhere.
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Temporalities, however, have not always appealed to him with so much force as have spiritualities. Hence the record of his labors is not so much in monuments of stone and brick as in the good lives of those who hearkened to his teachings and followed his bright example. He has unceasingly striven to lead his people in the way of a truly Christian life, in which good work he has been most successful. The true ecclesiastical spirit may be said to have marked from the beginning the career of plain Father Becker. At no time has he yearned for human distinctions or parochial prefer- ments. His consuming ambition has always been to perform well his part as a Christian teacher and guide. His love for the people both in and out of the fold has never stood in need of the teachings of pastoral theology to fan its flame. He possessed that love from his childhood. It influenced him when a youth of nineteen to lead in building the first church at Millersville, and this, too, before he even knew that such a system was in existence to inspire and direct his zeal.
It has always been Father Becker's custom to give attention to details, to look after little things. He has never decmed it wise to attempt to push over a distant hill while an impeding boulder remained unremoved in the way. Sufficient for the day to him has always been the work of performing his immediate duties. The reflex effect of quietly laboring in corners of the Vineyard unseen of men has stamped itself on his character. Hence he is humble, unfailingly courteous, considerate and kind, having great charity for the weaknesses of humanity.
MR. JOSEPH BIECHELE.
It is fitting that Mr. Joseph Biechele, of St. Peter's parish, Canton, Ohio, should be mentioned in this work; the reasons justifying it will be found in his record. He was born in Baden in 1833. When he was eighteen months old his father, Leopold Biechele, died; and when he was ten years old he was doubly orphaned by the death of his mother, whose maiden name was Caroline Egely. He lived with an uncle thereafter until he was eighteen, and received a common school education. He emigrated to the United States, in 1851, and landed in New York City July
MR. JOSEPH BIECHELE.
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2nd of that year. He went direct to Canton, where his three brothers resided. He made his home with his oldest brother, Charles, and for nearly three years devoted himself to learning the business of soap and candle making. In 1854 he went to Cin- cinnati, where he spent eighteen months perfecting himself in his trade. after which he returned to Canton and continued in charge of the business for his brother Charles.
The next important event in his life was his marriage to his present wife, Apolonia M., the daughter of J. B. Bernard, of Canton. To their union were born six children, one of whom, Emma, has passed away. She was the wife of Charles F. Bachel of Canton. The surviving members are: Emma T., the wife of E. Reinkendorf, director of the G. A. R. Band, Canton; Minnie E., the wife of Earl Clark, foreman of the Aultman Works, Canton; Ida P., wife of Edmund A. Balm, manager of the Illinois Roofing and Supply Company, Chicago; Anna M., who is the wife of Attor- ney N. P. Whelan, of Cleveland, and Joseph Victor Biechele, assistant manager of his father's soap works.
After his marriage he associated himself, in 1850, with his brother Charles as partner in the soap business. Ten years later he purchased his brother's interest, and continued the business in his own name. His energy and capacity brought a yearly increase of trade until today (1900) the annual output exceeds $125,000. October 1, 1897, his large interest in the Berger Manufacturing Company, of Canton, which does an annual business of nearly $1,250,000, caused him to assume the presidency and treasurer- ship of that concern. His time being wholly occupied by the duties of these offices, he turned over the management of his large soap business to his son-in-law, E. Reinkendorf, and his son, Jos. V. Biechele. In their hands it continues to be pushed as before, with a number of traveling salesmen who keep it before the people of nearly every State in the Union.
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It is not alone because of the large business interests owned and controlled by Joseph Biechele that he is well known and popu- lar ; it is rather because of his character. He has always been indus- trious, courteous, and devoted to his religion. As such he has the confidence of all and is respected by all. Even the veterans of the Civil War take to him kindly. They elected him president of the
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grand soldiers' and sailors' reunion, held in Canton in 1880, which position entitled him as the personal escort of the late Presi- dent Hayes, who was present. Later he was chosen officer of the day on the occasion of the State encampment, and at this writing (1900) he is treasurer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Fund. Ali this is most remarkable in view of the fact that he himself has not served in the army.
Assisting, if not leading, in all undertakings for the advance- ment of Canton and its institutions, his worth has called him to fill numerous positions of honor and trust. He is first vice- president of the Central Savings Bank of Canton, vice-president of the board of trustees of the Aultman Hospital, a director of the Canton Board of Trade, and for eight years he has been a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind, at Columbus. He is at the head of all movements and demonstrations by the Catholics of Canton, whether as societies or congregations. The interests of education and religion are as close to him as is his business, and for the advancement of both he is a zealous worker and a generous contributor. During the years of greatest effort in making improvements in St. Peter's parish, he was treasurer of the building committee and a leading adviser touching all its undertakings. Non-Catholics, as well as his co-religionists, respect and trust him, conscious that his years of faithfulness and his character entitle him to both honor and confidence.
To enumerate his many society affiliations and tell of his devotion to the public service of the Church in his capacity as a musician might perhaps exceed not only the limits of this mention but also the proprieties. Enough, however, has been recounted, as has been promised above, to entitle Mr. Joseph Biechele of St. Peter's parish, Canton, to honorable mention in this work. This recounting has been done, as much to credit his honorable career and high character to his co-religionists and fellow citizens, as to pay a tribute of respect to himself personally; for his career has been the exemplary living out of the advice of Jean Ingelow : "Set your pride in its proper place, and never be ashamed of any honest calling."
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MR. JAMES M. BLOOMER.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. JAMES M. BLOOMER.
In the city of Toledo there are few more distinguished citizens than James M. Bloomer, editor and founder of the "Daily News," an independent journal of that city. He is an unassuming but faithful member of St. Francis de Sales' parish, and as such a short sketch of him will be appropriate in this volume.
December 10, 1842, he was born to the late Thomas and Jane (Dunn) Bloomer at Zanesville, Ohio. He was educated in the public schools of his native city until his eighteenth year, to which he subsequently added a commercial training in a business college at Cincinnati. He learned the trade of a machinist and followed that calling for some time. He then devoted himself for several years to landscape painting, in which he met with noted success, In 1873 he removed to Toledo, where, during two years, he was principal of St. Mary's high school. Studying law during his leisure hours, he devoted all his time to it from 1875 until 1876, when he was admitted to practice. Continuing in that profession, he was elected city prosecutor on an independent ticket, in 1879. At the close of his term of office, in 1881, he declined a second term and engaged in journalism, which he has followed ever since. He then founded the News, of which, until recently, he has con- tinued as editor.
The Daily News marked a new era in Toledo journalism inasmuch "as it has ever been independent, an advocate of high ideals, a champion of the rights and interests of the plain people, and an opponent of those vices that by many are regarded as popular in public and social life. The editor of the News has for years been a close student of economic questions, and is surpassed by few as a writer on social science and industrial problems. He wrote several articles on these and kindred topics that have had a wide reading and which have been quoted extensively. Besides these, he wrote, in 1886, a work on "Industrial Co-operation and Profit-Sharing" that had an unparalleled sale, and which is yet in demand. As might be expected from his companionship of the interests of the working people, he took a deep interest in the success of the Knights of Labor, and was the first State Master Workman for the Order in Ohio. He was an honor to the cause.
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James M. Bloomer, mechanic, artist, teacher, lawyer, journal- ist and champion of the plain people, cuts a unique figure in public life. He has enemies, but like other great men, he is loved the more by the appreciative masses because of the character and methods of these enemies. He is no respecter of persons; and whether in the press or on the platform he has fearlessly meted out chastisement to all who deserved it. He loves the democracy of the Catholic Church, where white, black, brown or yellow, rich or poor, all stand on a common level. As such, he is against classes, and to a degree against political parties, especially when they degenerate into classes. He is for the weak as against the strong, the people as against their would-be masters.
Editor Bloomer has been prosperous in business and can retire at any time with a competence. In 1898 it was known that he invested largely in gold mining stock. He is now one of the principal stockholders in the Dahlonega Consolidated and the Standard Gold Mining and Milling Companies of Georgia, repre- senting $10,000,000 capital.
But Mr. Bloomer is today the same that he was when his dollars were few and his influence .small. Independence of thought and action and correct principles have now, as heretofore, the same claim on his conscience and judgment. Money cannot change him, nor has poverty been able to unman him. He has had experience in both conditions and yet, like the foundations of thé earth, he remains the same. To his mind money, and government, and law were made for man, not to buy him, tyrannize over him, or cheat him out of his inherent or acquired rights. The man comes before money and property. He is above all price, and it is the delight of James M. Bloomer to defend humanity under all cir- cumstances, to be a champion of the rights and liberties of men. With George Banks, the poet, he can truthfully say :
"I live for those that love me, For those who know me true, For the Heaven that smiles above me, And awaits my spirit, too; For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do."
THE REV. CHARLES BOEHM
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
THE REV. CHARLES BOEHM.
This prominent and very zealous priest is the organizer and pastor of St. Elizabeth's Hungarian (Magyar) congregation, of Cleveland, Ohio. It is the first parish organized exclusively for Catholics of that nationality, not alone in Cleveland, but also in the United States.
Father Boehm was born in the city of Selmeczbánya, Hun- gary, June 13, 1853. His father's Christian name was Felix, and the maiden name of his good mother was Julia Urbanszky. Both have passed away. After his preparatory training he entered the gymnasium in his native city, where he spent six years as a student of the humanities. He then devoted two years to the study of philosophy in St. Stephen's Seminary in Esztergom (Gran). Following this he resided as an ecclesiastical student in the Pázmány Institute, in Vienna, Austria, from which he attended the great university there during four years. Completing his theo- logy he was ordained priest by His Eminence, the Cardinal- Archbishop and Primate of Hungary, Mgr. John Simor, July 16. 1876.
Entering on his labors at once, July, 1876, he was appointed curate of the Church of the Blessed Virgin, at Maria Nostra, where he ministered until 1882. From that date until 1888 he was pastor of St. Michael's Church at Nagy Modro. During his pastorate there he accompanied the Hungarian pilgrims. November, 1887. to Rome to appropriately celebrate the Pope's jubilee. The follow- ing four years, 1888-1892, he served as pastor of the Church of the Blessed Virgin, the first charge to which he was appointed imme- diately after ordination. While there he also attended the Penal Institution for Women for all Hungary. In 1892 he came direct to Cleveland, Ohio, having been called and received by Bishop Horstmann. His mission was to look after the spiritual needs of the Catholic Hungarians in the diocese. He at once organized his present parish. the first for Catholics of his nationality in the country, in which good work he has been signally successful. He built St. Elizabeth's Church in 1893, and now (1900) he is com- pleting, at a cost of $30,000, a fine brick school building in which to educate the more than three hundred children of school age in
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his parish. For some time after his arrival in this country this priest had spiritual charge of all the Catholic Hungarians from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to San Francisco, California.
The Rev. Charles Boehm both ably edits and publishes the Magyarországi Szent Erzsébet Amerikai Hirnöke, "The American Messenger of St. Elizabeth of Hungary." It is a weekly publica- tion in magazine form, intended for the religious instruction of Hungarians all over the United States. It has a wide circulation, is productive of much good, and is now in the sixth year of its existence. It tells of the zeal and ability of its reverend editor, and of the willing co-operation of the people of his nationality in this country. Having been sent and received as a sort of apostle to his countrymen who have emigrated to the United States, it would surely be supposed that a man of parts and great earnestness would have been selected for the work. The supposition is not only reasonable but is also founded on fact, for Father Bochm is all that might be looked for in view of the situation. He is learned,< zealous, obedient and humble. He is constant in his efforts and tireless in his labors for the spiritual and temporal advancement of his people. As such he is esteemed and welcomed as a worthy accession to the valiant army of soldiers of the cross who fight the good fight and keep the faith in this quarter of the world.
Father Boehm is a gentleman of culture, refinement and generous impulses. His every-day life is an exemplification of his strong faith, his remarkable zeal, and his great love for humanity as God's children. The little ones of his flock appear to be his special care. Not only his commodious school building, but also its excellent management, attests bis deep concern for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the children of his parish. They are taught the English language in connection with the Hungarian tongue, and are proficient in its use. They are instructed in the Christian doctrine also in that language, a wise provision for the day and for the future.
In all respects the pastor of St. Elizabeth's exhibits such zeal, wisdom, and fatherly solicitude as to have recognized in his character and career the Christian glories of his native land.
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THE REV. HENRY E. BOESKEN
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THE REV. HENRY E. BOESKEN.
If beauty of soul and brilliancy of intellect manifest themselves in mildness, illumination of countenance, and comeliness of person, then the attractive physical appearance of the Rev. Henry E. Boesken, pastor of St. Peter's Church, Loudonville, Ohio, is the evidence of the many fine qualities with which Providence has endowed him. A glance at the expressive portrait of him on the adjoining page will indicate this.
Who cannot read in the sum of his features and in his cranial development, as there represented, the evidences of a high order of intellect, pronounced spirituality, love for justice and humanity, fine feeling, gentleness of manner, and manliness? Not much scrutiny will be required to recognize in him not only these qualities, but also the evidence that the proverbial enthusiasm natural to the young priest is beginning to be superceded in him by a calm fixedness of purpose, and that back of his youthfulness of appearance can be seen much strength of character ennobled by religion and the obligations of duty.
Continuity, determination, and forcefulness of character are not always accompaniments of a lowering brow, coarseness of features, or severity of facial expression. These harsher outcrop- pings are but too often the evidence of a weak, struggling spirit condemned to earthy things through an unfortunate organization. The happy balance, therefore, of the spiritual, mental, and physical forces in the young ecclesiastic in question would be his redemp- tion even if he were not musically gifted; but having a soul for melody and harmony, and a practical acquaintance with both, his spirit finds delight in higher flights, thus preserving the charm of those interior qualities which are reflected in his countenance.
Father Boesken was born in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, March 11, 1869. His early studies were made in St. Peter's parish school, and in the Cleveland Spencerian College, where he ac- quainted himself with the commercial branches. Thus prepared, he entered the Canisius (Jesuit) College, at Buffalo, New York. In 1889 he graduated from that institution in the classical course. In that year also he was admitted to St. Mary's Theological Sem- inary, Cleveland, Ohio, where, during the succeeding five years.
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he cleverly pursued his divinity studies. Through his recognized musical ability he was appointed organist of the Seminary, which position he held during his stay in that institution. October 18, 1894, he was ordained priest by Bishop Horstmann.
Immediately after ordination he was commissioned as one of the assistants at St. John's Cathedral, Cleveland, which position he held for less than a week; for, on the death of Rev. L. Goebbels. he was appointed his successor as pastor of St. Barbara's Church, at West Brookfield, Ohio. He labored in that field with more than average success for nearly six years. Through his business talent and industry he kept the church property in good repair, paid off all debts, and left a considerable surplus in the parish treasury when he was called to take his departure to become pastor of the church, at Delaware Bend, and missions, in Defiance county, Ohio. He ministered there only one month, when the judgment of the Rt. Rev. Ordinary decided to appoint him to his present charge as pastor of St. Peter's Church at Loudonville.
In the management of St. Peter's parish he continues to exercise those capacities that have characterized him elsewhere. Considering the resources of the congregation his conduct of temporalities smacks of business prudence, and of a husbanding of the means at hand. Since his advent there the people have been stirred in the line of their duty in support of religion, and they have profited by it.
In the domain of the spiritual his accustomed earnestness and zeal are always to the fore. As moral teacher and guide he feels more at home than when handling business matters. His mission is in that field rather than in the sphere of the tangible. and it rejoices him to find his labors bringing forth good fruits.
Father Boesken preaches eloquently in English and German ; chants the public service most acceptably, and is, in all respects, a worthy and useful priest. His many excellent qualities of head and heart commend him to all who have been favored with his acquaintance or blessed by his ministrations. He will doubtless have lost none of his excellent traits and charm of manner when riper years and wider experience shall have prepared the grape for the wine-press.
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