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, pt2 > Part 12
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In the simple hospitality of his home, and in his coming in and going out may be seen not a little of the character of this plain man. To his parishioners, as to strangers or visitors. he is always affable and pleasant. He will take his part in the conversation, but he prefers to listen with attention, and to be deferential to all, to the simplest as well as to the greatest. Nothing appeals to him more strongly, or is a greater help in maintaining his own spirit of humility and regard for the rights and feelings of others, than is the example of those whose greatness is truly great because they are simple and humble, and of those whose mediocrity appears exalted into superlativeness because they are content in their station. The image of this humble priest is reflected in these thoughts and is a picture one delights to contemplate.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
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MR. ALEXANDER SHENK.
St. John's parish, Delphos, Ohio, takes rank among the best in the Diocese of Cleveland, and if the personality of the congrega- tion is considered. its standing is equally high. Among the first- class men of the parish-in fact among the best citizens of Delphos --- Mr. Alexander Shenk is easily recognized.
For over forty-seven years he has been a citizen of the place and a member of St. John's congregation. During the building of the present splendid church, which is valued at $100.000, he was both a councilman, and the treasurer of the parish building com- mittee, giving his time and labor without price to the furtherance of the great work. The congregation presented him with a fine gold watch on its completion in recognition of his services. Religion and Catholic education have always commanded his time and money, while his public spirit also included the advancement of his city's interests.
When a boy of twelve, he began to learn the calling of a pharmacist. He later engaged in the drug business in his own name, and at one time owned the only two drug houses in Delphos. He subsequently embarked in the milling and grain business on a large scale, shipping as many as 200,000 bushels of wheat annually. Other enterprises also claimed his attention, such as merchandising, manufacturing, and banking.
He is president of the Delphos National Bank, president of the Delphos Building and Loan Association Company, president of the Delphos Electric Light and Power Company, a stockholder in the Ohio Wheel Company, and also in other enterprises. When twenty-one years old he was elected clerk of Marion township, Allen county, an office which he held for nearly twelve years. Later he was elected trustee of the same township for two years, after which he was chosen township treasurer. holding the office ·for about ten years. Among the other prominent positions held by him were the county commissionership, and membership on the board of trustees of the Allen County Children's Home, in which latter position he is serving a second term.
The parents of the subject of this mention were Martin and Christina (Kern) Shenk, natives of Prussia. He was born.to them
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MR. AND MRS. ALEXANDER SHENK.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
in the town of Rangendingen, July 19, 1842. When he was eleven years old, 1853, his parents with their family emigrated to the United States. Ever since his twelfth year he has been active in earning his own living, and also in business for himself. His great success is the measure of his thrift, business ability, and enterprise.
If energy, industry, perseverance, and punctuality are pointers indicating character, and if success has its story to tell along these lines, not much difficulty will be experienced in forming a reason- ably just estimate of the gentleman here mentioned. That estimate will not credit his triumphs to "good fortune," or to favorable surroundings altogether. It will not say that all his days have been sunshiny, or that his path has ever been free from obstacles. On the contrary, those who know him personally, and those who are equal to recognizing his qualities as here indicated, will credit him with the intelligent use of means to the ends in view, and also with a daily use of persistence and force in pushing on to the goal of his ambition. It may not be timely to discuss here the worth of worldly possessions, but Mr. Shenk, like others who have gone before, has realized that "a slice out of this world is generally well combined with calamity." It is well, then, that he has not lost sight of the fleetingness of earthly things, and that "here is not the place of rest."
In 1863, Mr. Alexander Shenk was married to Miss Elizabeth Wrocklage, a young lady born in Germany. When four years old she was taken to this country by her parents, and was educated at Delphos. She is yet the partner of his joys, having shared with him some of the trials incident to his active business career. Her domestic virtues are of note, as also her benevolence and active charity. Having in recent years almost entirely withdrawn him- self from engrossing business cares, Mr. Shenk and his wife are now more free to devote themselves to religion and to those things which make for the advancement and uplifting of humanity. They deserve well for the good they are doing in a quiet way.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
PETER S. SMIGEL, M. D.
Dr. Smigel was born in Cleveland, Ohio, August 2, 1872. His parents came from Poland, and he has the distinction of being the first graduated physician of his race in that city. He was educated in the classics at St. Joseph's Seminary, Teutopolis, Illinois, and finished, after a four years' course, in 1885. He then entered St. Ignatius' College, Cleveland, where he took a three - years' commercial course, which he completed in 18SS.
Naturally inclined to study, and possessing an inquiring mind, the realm of human knowledge early spread itself out before him, inviting and even alluring him to enjoy the delights of traversing its broad stretches. His consuming desire to see and know things accounts for his taking up the classical course first, to be followed later by a study of the commercial branches which are more in touch with the practical. In either case it was knowledge he was seeking, and having acquired some he desired more. He thus kept on delving until, for his years, he is in the front rank of well · read young men, either in or out of the professions. He is yet a delver and his thirst for knowledge is far from sated. It could not be, for it is the province of the mind to ever seek for more, and thus enjoy the prolonged pleasure of human enquiry.
Having made choice of the medical profession as his calling, and being well educated as a preparation for his studies in that direction, he entered the medical department of the Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, in 1891, and graduated with honors in 1894. He then became house surgeon and house physician to St. Vincent's Hospital, in Cleveland. He held these positions for two years, after which he opened an office for the general practice of medicine at the corner of Broadway and Ledyard street. His home and office are now at 2155 Broadway. He has built up a large and profitable business. He is a member of St. Stanislas' parish and is the only Catholic physician practicing .extensively among the Polish peoplc.
January 28, 1896, Dr. Smigel was married to Lillian. the daughter of Frank Buettner, who is one of the prominent Catholics of Cleveland. Their marriage took place in St. Joseph's parish church-the parish in which Miss Buettner was born. Two children, Lillian and Frank, have been born to them.
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PETER S. SMIGEL, M. D.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
As well from common report as from results, Dr. Smigel is credited with being a well read, painstaking, and able practitioner. He is studious and observing, qualities which in this day of improved methods and enlightenment are worth more to the young physician than the experiences of many years to the medical men of long ago. The literature of the profession is concentrated experience. It enables the young doctor to be old in knowledge. Besides being a close student, Dr. Smigel is also enamored of his profession. Not only does he delight in his work but he has the ambition to excel in it. With the foundation he has laid, both educationally and professionally, and with the opportunities which he now enjoys of a varied general practice, it is not mere prophecy but logical deduction to say that he bids fair to be prominent among the best local men in his calling. This is said as much to the credit of the Catholic community and his clientele as to that of himself, his family and his friends.
It might be said to the credit of Dr. Smigel that he is an agreeable man, given much to sociability among his neighbors and friends. Persons of his nationality who, with others, feel grateful for his very successful professional services, seek oppor- tunity to meet him and his family socially. Notwithstanding the multiplied demands that are made on him professionally, he yet finds time to enjoy these visits, he having the faculty of utilizing them as periods of rest and recreation. `With these exceptions his life is devoted to his profession and to the care of his patients. He reads much, keeps up with the most advanced thought and practice of the day, and is abreast of the most enlightened as a student and practical utilizer of all that is new and reliable in his calling. Love for his profession and sympathy for the afflicted have inspired him, as few in his profession have been, to attain to the high standard which is his, and to gratify his ambition to keep on studying and observing that humanity may have that for which they seek-the cure or alleviation of their ills.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
THE REV. JOSEPH F. SMITH.
The parents of the Rev. Joseph F. Smith, pastor of the Church of the Mother of Sorrows, Ashtabula, Ohio,* are Thomas and Johanna (Aspell) Smith, natives of Ireland. The former was born in 1829, and the latter in 1831. Since 1896 they have been residents of the city of New York, whither they removed with their family. For many years previous they lived in Cleveland, and it was in the Cathedral parish of that city that the subject of this article was born, February 7, 1865.
Father Smith's preparatory training was received in the Cathedral school, after which he attended Assumption College, Sandwich, Canada. Besides the requirements of the classical course he studied German and French, the latter being the language of the institution and specially taught by the Basilian Fathers. Having completed his collegiate term, he entered St. Mary's Theological Seminary in his native city, in 1884, and was elevated to the priesthood by Bishop Gilmour, June 15, 1889. As an evidence of his standing and great promise as a scholar, the Bishop offered him a post-graduate course in the Catholic University, Washington, D. C. This favor he declined through his consuming desire to begin his labors as a priest.
Accordingly he forthwith received his appointment as pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary, at Shelby, Richland county; Ohio. To this were added four mission churches, which constituted an ample field for his zeal and physical endurance. He erected a new brick church at Shelby, and advanced the temporal and spiritual interests of the missions to such an extent that shortly after his removal three priests were required to do the work which had been under his charge. He labored there with success for nearly six years, when he was appointed, November 1. 1894, as pastor of Mother of Sorrows' Church, Ashtabula, which up to that time had been a mission church. He saw at once that the parish had hopes for a bright future, and he proposed to himself the task of realizing these hopes. He purchased additional ground, built the Sisters' house, the rectory, and the splendid stone church just
*Since this sketch was in print the Rev. Father Smith was appointed, June 30, 1901. pastor of St. Aloysius' Church, Cleveland.
THE REV. JOSEPH F. SMITH
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completed (1900), at a cost of $45,000. The measure of his energy and ability is indicated by the prosperous and promising condition of his parish.
As can be inferred from the facts stated, Father Smith is a very successful priest. Not only is he a leader of his people, but he is also one of the most influential men in Ashtabula. This was proved beyond question when, on the occasion of the Longshore- men's "strike," or rising against what they deemed an injustice, and which involved and disturbed all the lake cities, the Mayor of Ashtabula, the Chief of Police, and other officials and representa- tive citizens appealed to Father Smith to interpose, and, by settling the trouble, avoid great loss of life and property. He did so inter- pose, and succeeded in arranging and harmonizing matters to the satisfaction of all parties, for which he was accorded the thanks not only of those directly concerned but also those of the entire community. He obtained the first recognition of the Longshore- men's union, brought the men and their employers to a better understanding, and during the six months following the settle- ment, acted as official arbitrator in the settling of details. He also acted as arbitrator in the settlement of labor troubles on the docks of Cleveland while pastor of Ashtabula.
Few men have a more accurate acquaintance with human nature than has he, and they are fewer still who, by force of char- acter and intellect, are able to put it to such good uses. Besides having a knowledge of men, he is also skilled in measures, and in that order of diplomacy befitting a man of peace who seeks justice for all. He is equal to the work of ably presenting his case, whether in the light of an appeal to conscience, or in the inatter- of-fact way of legally demanding the recognition of the natural and guaranteed rights of those he represents. If logic and sound arguments are essentials, he can advance both ; if eloquence, he has it at his command; and if manhood of the sterling kind be demanded, there is no need to look for another.
This is the estimate of Rev. Joseph F. Smith, of Ashtabula, by citizens of that place, the majority of whom are not of his faith. It is, therefore, to the credit of religion that such men as he are of the priesthood of the Catholic Church, and that the people know from experience where to look for a leader and pacifier when dis- order and lawlessness, no matter how occasioned, threaten the peace of communities.
VOL. II
402
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. PATRICK SMITH.
Among the Catholics of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, there are perhaps few whose characteristics are more marked than are those of Mr. Patrick Smith of St. Malachy's parish. He belongs to no particular type, but is peculiarly individualistic .*
Born in the county of Cavan, Ireland, in 1827, he came with his parents to America when a boy of nine years and settled in Cleveland, where he has ever since lived. As there were then no Catholic schools in Cleveland his education was acquired chiefly in the public schools of the city, and also in the private school of Professor Fisher on Bank street. During his school days he manifested that. determination and inherent honesty that dis- tinguished his career in after years and which contributed so largely to his material success. Even as a boy the word "fail" was not in his vocabulary. What he undertook seemed to have the force of necessity with him and it had to be accomplished.
On reaching his majority he bravely embarked in business for himself by leasing a dredge and entering on the work of im- proving the harbor and deepening the channel. of the Cuyahoga river. In this line of development of Cleveland's resources he achieved signal financial success and added materially to the com- mercial and maritime interests of the city. In 1880 he retired from the management of his affairs, turning over his business to his two sons, Louis P. and James A. Smith, who have since con- ducted it along the lines laid down by their father during the thirty-two years of his active career.
Politically, he is a Democrat of the Jacksonian school, and has several times been called upon to serve the community in a public capacity. In 1869 he was elected to the city council and was re-elected in 1871. From 1875 to 1878 he was a member of the Cleveland board of water works trustees, and was again chosen to represent his ward in the council, 1881-1883. In these positions his familiarity with all matters pertaining to the river and lake front proved of great value to the people of the city, who recognized his worth as a public servant by electing him county
*Since this sketch was put in type Mr. Patrick Smith passed to his reward, May 11, 1902, his death having been hastened by an accident to a carriage in which he was riding.
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MR. PATRICK SMITH
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
commissioner in 1883. He served only one term, preferring the quietude of private life but not a life of indolence, as he still takes an interest in the business of his sons, as well as in questions touch- ing the public weal.
All the large enterprises with which he has been connected, whether dredging, pile-driving, making brick or grading, have been crowned with success. This is not so much due to what is usually termed "good luck" as it is to his well directed energy and perseverance.
In 1851 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Margaret Olwill, of Cleveland. To their union eight children were born, four of whom still survive. Mrs. Smith died June 26, 1887. August 20, 1888, he was married to Miss Mary Frances Burns, of Cleveland, a lady of unusual capacity and charming domestic traits. She died December 8, 1900.
The characteristics of Mr. Patrick Smith are numerous and distinct. It were needless to say that he possesses a bright mind, one that is inquiring and analytic, which, while seeking tangible results, is not incapable of high conceptions of ideal things. Even amid the cares of business he found time to read, and his admira- tion for the songs of Thomas Moore and of other singers whom he regards as inspired shows the poetic nature of the man. In his desire to make men better he has avoided every appearance of fanaticism and has sought by quiet precept and personal example to advance the reforms in which he has been interested. All shams and empty pomp have an enemy in him.
His opposition to frauds of every description, to false issue in politics, to unfair legislation, and to corruption in high as in low places, has impressed many with the notion of what they call his singularity. But he is singular or peculiar only in that he has the intellect to detect error and the courage to denounce it because he goes against the current rather than idly with it. He appears singular to some because he will not move in a groove at all times and acquiesce in everything good, bad, or indifferent.
However great his success, his triumphs have not only not made him vain but have rather added to his simplicity, deepened his sympathy for the unfortunate, broadened his love for his fellow man, ennobled his charity and accentuated his high sense of obli- gation to the Giver of all good things.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. PATRICK M. SMITH.
The late Mr. Patrick M. Smith, of Cleveland, Ohio, who died July 10, 1900, when he was in his seventy-ninth year, was promi- nent among the pioneer Catholics who, during his half a century of residence there, helped to lay the foundations for the present temporal prosperity of the See city of the diocese.
He was one of the first members of St. Bridget's parish, remaining a member for twenty-seven years. His home on Giddings avenue was then within the territory of St. Edward's parish, from whose church he was buried July 13, 1900. Rev. Father Michaelis preached the obituary sermon and referred touchingly to the generous nature, jovial disposition, and edifying death of the deceased. He portrayed the happy death-bed scene when the kindly old man went to his God, his last look on earth cast lovingly on his grown children gathered around his bedside.
During all his long life he was generous to the Church and in support of charity. He aimed also to set an example that would be an encouragement to others to do likewise. He truly felt that what he gave was but lent to the Lord, for his motives were evi- dently the purest. There was sunshine in his soul, and his big heart was typical of his race in ready giving and sympathy. He was born at Kells, in the county of Meath, Ireland. September 9, 1822. When he was in his twenty-seventh year, 1849, he left his native land for the United States, and for about one year he resided in the State of New York. There he was joined in happy wedlock to Miss Jane Cassidy, a young lady who was born and educated at Navin in Ireland.
In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Smith removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where in succeeding years a family of eight, six boys and two girls, was born to them. Mrs. Smith departed this life April 22, 1875. She was forty-five years of age, and was a faithful, devoted, Chris- tian woman, a true helpmate. and a good mother. Of the children, Joseph J., the fourth oldest, passed away January 8. 1885, and Hugh, the second youngest, died in infancy. The others are : Mary A., who is the widow of Mr. R. C. Barrett ; Thomas W. : Dora R., who is Mrs. Fish B. Arnold; Robert E .; Patrick C .. and George C., all residents of the city of their birth. They are typical of their
MR. AND MRS. PATRICK M. SMITH. John A. (Three Generations. )
Patrick C.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
parents, inheriting and cultivating, in one respect or another, those qualities and virtues which adorned their lives, rounded out their characters, and endeared them to their large circle of friends and to the entire community.
In his native land Mr. Patrick M. Smith learned the trade of a mason. He followed that calling during his early years in Cleve- land, and soon became quite prominent and successful as a build- ing contractor. He was connected with Mr. John D. Rockefeller in the early days of the Standard Oil Company, having had charge of the work of erecting the first oil still building in Cleveland, and having jointly purchased with the now multi-millionaire the first kiln of brick to be used in the work. Many of the best business blocks erected in that city in his day, and several of the palace homes of the wealthy families were among Mr. Smith's contracts. He faithfully discharged all his obligations, and merited in his business career the high esteem in which he was always held.
The death of his beloved wife was so severe a blow to the sympathetic nature of Mr. Smith that even the companionship of his second wife did not reinstate him in his former buoyancy of spirit and native cheerfulness. He subsequently retired from active pursuits, conscious of a long and honorable career which was attended by remarkably good success.
He was noted for devotion to the land of his birth, and was among the readiest and largest contributors to the movements which at that time and since have aimed at the amelioration of the unfortunate condition of the people of Ireland. He was never known to deny to a friend, or to one in need, the assistance which it was in his power to lend. His nature was such as to evidence his belief in the oft-neglected truth that, "It is better to give than to receive." Although unacquainted with the aphorism, Qui cito dat bis dat, he yet felt that to give promptly was to give twice. He was, indeed, a twice-giver, not only for religion and in charity, but also for friendship's sake, and because he did not know how to say no. His every-day motto and belief were :
"Give thy heart's best treasure, And the more thou spendest From thy little store, With double bounty, God will give thee more."
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
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MR. FRANK H. STALLKAMP.
From July 26, 1847, the date of his arrival, until this writing, the beginning of the twentieth century, a period of nearly fifty-four years, Mr. Frank H. Stallkamp has been a resident of Delphos, Ohio. His considerably more than half a century of experience in the new world has been along lines commercial, educational and religious, and he has nobly kept pace with the march of events.
He was born in the town of Bramscha, near Osnabrück, Ger- many, September 25, 1824. From his thirteenth year he has earned his own living. When twenty-three years old he emigrated to the United States. At that time he knew nothing of the language of the country, and except some cousins in Buffalo, New York, he had not a relative in the new country into which he ventured.
After calling on his cousins in Buffalo, and visiting Canada in search of employment, he decided to see the site of the proposed German settlement which has since become the flourishing city of Delphos, Ohio. He found the place a wilderness with only a few log cabins to indicate its future. Having found something to do, for he was willing to work at anything, he resolved to make it his future home. He drove oxen, took care of horses, and worked in a grist mill and also in a saw mill which were later additions to the importance of the place. He saved his earnings and, in April, 1853, he began to conduct a small grocery store and meat market in his own name. In 1855, in the month of April, he sold a half interest in the business and the firm name was changed to T. Wrocklage & Company, which continued until 1889, a period of thirty-four years. Even then it was the death of Mr. Wrocklage that brought the partnership to an end. From that date until the present the business, vastly increased, has been conducted by Mr. Stallkamp and his five sons under the firm name of Frank H. Stallkamp & Company.
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