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 14
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husband was with her in the doing of those works which make for good in the world. Habit of body and habit of mind evidence both early training and subsequent practice. All the moral virtues must be taught to be practiced, and even the natural virtues gain strength by example and use. When, therefore, Mrs. Toole, in her old age, regardless of the weather, sets the excellent example of punctual attendance at early Mass; when she is known to speak only in kindness of her neighbors: and when it is her delight to recall by her own practice, her husband's faithfulness, a picture of their married life may easily be drawn by the reader. That picture, as above said, is one of Christian constancy, mutual love, and parental affection.
As applying to Mrs. Charles Toole's early resolve to act well her part it can be said that, "A woman cannot too soon learn womanhood's best mission-usefulness, tenderness and charity.
VOL. II
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
THE REV. JOHN TRACY.
The Rev. John Tracy, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Ashtabula, Ohio,* was born in Ireland, November 20, 1838. The accident of birth has not interfered with his Americanism, for the reason that he has been a resident of the United States since his tenth year. His parents were Patrick and Ann (McCabe) Tracy. His father having died in Ireland, his mother, who died in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1861, emigrated with her family, in 1849, and located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. There as a boy Father Tracy received his primary education. When a youth he was sent to St. Vincent's College, conducted by the Benedictine Fathers, at Latrobe, in that State. After completing his classical studies there he was received as a divinity student in St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1859, and in June, 1863, the 28th day, he was ordained priest for the Diocese of Cleveland by Bishop Rappe. He is one of the five survivors of a class of ten ordained at the same time, four of whom are now in the diocese.
Father Tracy's first mission was St. Joseph's, Ashtabula, his commission bearing date July, 1863. During his pastorate of seven years he built the church, school and rectory. In 1870 he was transferred to Painesville where, up until his departure in 1887, he paid off a debt of $4,000, and expended $5.500 for a house and lot for the Sisters and also for a cemetery of seven acres, costing $2,800, and a vault, which was $1,000 additional. In the eastern end of the diocese he was a pioneer pastor and was among the first to renew the spirit of the scattered Catholics in Ashtabula and Lake counties. In 1865 he built the first church at Conneaut, and also the first school at Ashtabula. In 1869 he built the mission church at Madison. In August, 1887, after having been seventeen years in Painesville, he was appointed to Holy Angels' Church, Sandusky. His energy again showed itself in the improvements he made, consisting of new windows in the church, new pews, and a fine organ. December, 1893, the demands of the diocese required that he go back to his first parish at Ashtabula. After an absence of twenty-seven years he was welcomed by his
*Father Tracy. through ill-health, retired from active labors since this work has been in press, June, 1902.
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former parishioners. He is now (1900), although in his sixty- second year, preparing to erect a large and imposing new church for his people.
What is most striking in the career of Rev. John Tracy is the fact that he left no debts wherever he ministered, but was always confronted by debts contracted by others. Another great fact is that wherever he was commissioned to exercise his calling as a priest he made education absolutely free to all. And still another remarkable fact is that he was never absent from his people one Sunday during the nearly thirty-seven years of his priesthood. This means that he has never had a vacation. It means further- more that he is a determined man, constant, zealous, and loyal. Having put his hand to the plough in either spiritual or temporal things, there is no such thing as even a temporary looking back for him. The glory, therefore, of the Diocese of Cleveland, as a part of the great Vineyard of Christ, requires truthful mention to be made of such devoted men as Rev. John Tracy and others of his years and labors. Generations yet to come will bless the memory of these sowers of the good seed in northern Ohio.
To say that future generations will bless the memory of such zealous priests is an assertion that will scarcely be questioned by anyone. The averment is predicated on Scriptural teaching and also upon the natural appreciation, gratitude, and admiration of mankind. The hero in the Army of the Lord will certainly be no less remembered and extolled than will be the hero in the army of the Nation.". He will be recalled with even more heartiness and approbation, for his pure unselfish life, zeal for the higher cause of religion, and love for mankind will constrain both the intellects and the hearts of men to do his memory both justice and honor. The faithful priest of God shall, therefore, be in everlasting remem- brance and benediction among the people, and the story of his labors and privations, of his trials and achievements will be recounted and attentively listened to by both young and old. His example will draw, and the path of his life will appear straight and clearly outlined, thereby inviting others to walk in it and show their appreciation for spiritual wisdom and the Christian virtues.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. HENRY TRENKAMP.
To be prominent among the most influential men of Cleve- land, and at the same time to be as retiring and modest-mannered as a seven-year-old child, is about the way in which those who know Mr. Henry Trenkamp best express the seeming paradox of his career and marked characteristics. In keeping with this is also the other fact that while sixty-one years old he does not appear to be fifty, his youthfulness of appearance and action and his remark- able good health having been conserved by his regular habits, his exceedingly active life, and his benevolence and evenness of temperament.
He was born at Oldenburg, Germany, December 14, 1839. In his twentieth year he emigrated to the United States and for two years, in Baltimore, Maryland, he worked at his trade as a machinist. He then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he has continued to reside and do business for the past thirty-nine years. He is a member of The Schneider & Trenkamp Company, manu- facturers of gas and gasoline stoves, steel ranges, etc., a concern that does the largest business in its line of any in the country. His son, Mr. Herman J. Trenkamp, is also a member of the company, and is its secretary.
While residing in Baltimore Mr. Henry Trenkamp was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Sutkamp, a young lady who was reared in his native place in Germany. In her girlhood and youth she gave evidence of those qualities which have since ripened into the domestic virtues that have blessed her home and brightened the life of her family ; and that family prizes these virtues highly, each member appreciating the fact that a palatial home and rich sur- rounding with every want supplied would still be as nothing without those prime essentials which make the mother the queen of the home. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trenkamp, only five of whom are living. The names of those living are: Herman J .; Bernadine J. ; Elizabeth C., who is Mrs. B. Thoman, of Covington, Kentucky; John A., and Henry, Jr. The Trenkamp family resides in a beautiful home at No. 159 Bolton avenue, in the city of Cleveland, and are members of St. Peter's parish. They are loyal to the Catholic faith and generous in support of the Church.
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MR. AND MRS. HENRY TRENKAMP.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
They are highly esteemed, not only by their co-religionists, but also by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who are not Catholics.
The young men of the family exhibit an unusual business capacity, and following in the footsteps of their father a large share of prosperity and prominence is their portion. The daugh- ters "take after" their mother in their domestic traits, and the good practical sense with which they are credited commends them to all. As children of their parents the Trenkamp family do honor to their progenitors at the same time that they endear.themselves in their community by plain. unostentatious living in the midst of affluence. In their estimation everything that glitters is not gold, and the empty forms and "red-tape" of so-called society are not always the evidences of virtue and good qualities.
Mr. Trenkamp's career is an index to his character. He began life as a mechanic. He has always been industrious, energetic and faithful. Coupled with these his practical ideas and business instincts brought him prosperity. His large means have no effect whatever upon his simple manner and quiet bearing. He is always the same generous, genial and agreeable. gentleman that he is found to be on first acquaintance. These things go for much with observing and sensible people. They stand strongly in contrast with what is usually met with in everyday life. The character of one's calling, in the estimation of some, has much to do with the standing of an individual, but, in the estimation of those who think clearly and judge wisely, it has little to do with his character. It was Madam Swetchine who said that, "People are judged in this world according to the stand which they take. and the responsibilities which they assume. The world often regulates its demand by the praise it bestows and the purer and loftier ones aim is, the greater the tax which it involves." While this is true in great part, character is not dependent upon reputation or the praise or blame of men, and few instances of this are more striking than that pointed out in the subject of this sketch. Verily. "A man's a man for a' that, and a' that."
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THE REV. CLEMENT H. TREIBER.
Diversity of talent seems now more than ever to be an essen- tial to the priest in this day and country. He is expected to fill all the requirements of what is called an all-around man. He must be philosopher, theologian, orator, linguist, musician ; while at no time shall he fail to be a man of affairs-a business man. Weighed in these empirical balances, the pastor and founder of the . Immaculate Conception Church, Canton, Ohio,* will not be found wholly wanting, as his record and the facts will show.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 1856. His father was Maximilian Treiber, who died in April, 1870, and the maiden name of his mother, who yet lives, was Amelia Helmer. She is sixty-six years old. Mr. and Mrs. Treiber were married in the first Catholic Church in Cleveland, old St. Mary's on the "Flats," and for many years worshipped there. He was baptized by the late Very Rev. John H. Luhr, V. G., of St. Peter's Church, in his native city. When old enough he attended that church and the parish school until 1862. Then St. Joseph's parish of that city, by change of boundary, claimed him as a member and he attended its church and school until 1869, when he began his classical studies under the Franciscan Fathers, at Teutopolis, Illinois. He graduated there June, 1875, and the following September he entered St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland. Complet- ing a five years' course in philosophy and theology, he was ordained priest in St. John's Cathedral by Bishop Gilmour, July 4, 1880.
After a vacation of just two weeks he was appointed to the charge of Mineral Ridge, East Palestine, Salem, Canfield, and Austintown, Ohio. During the first year he organized the East Palestine congregation and built its present church. In 1881 he built St. Paul's Church at Salem. He ministered to the people in these places for seven years, or until he was transferred to St. Joseph's parish, Crestline, June, 1887. He built the church there, in 1888, at a cost of $23,000, and paid off all the expense except $2,500. He remained at Crestline over twelve years, when, in
*Since this work was sent to press Father Treiber, at his own request, was appointed, June 14, 1902, to organize another congregation in Canton. It is under the patronage of St. Joseph.
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THE REV. CLEMENT H. TREIBER.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
September, 1899, he was commissioned by Bishop Horstmann to organize the new parish of the Immaculate Conception in Canton.
The Canton congregation began its career with Father Treiber as its organizer and head, October 8, 1899. During the first six months of its existence a large plat of ground centrally located was purchased and on it has been erected a combination building known as the Chapel-School of the Immaculate Concep- tion, the cost of which was $21,700. The building is of vitrified brick, commodious and happily arranged so as to meet the require- ments of the congregation for several years to come. It will then be used for school purposes only. This is according to Father Treiber's notions of business and economy.
Of the forty-three years of his life he has been for almost twenty of them a priest-a man of energy and business ability, as can be gathered from his record. At this writing (1900) he is as fresh and as zealous in his work as when he began his missionary Jabors in 1880. Today as then the task before him is to organize, and build, and collect money to meet expenses and the cost of improvements. These extra but necessary labors, coupled with · his spiritual obligations, are before him in the line of duty, and he cheerfully proceeds with his work conscious that all is for religion and the uplifting of his people.
It is needless to assert in this connection that Father Treiber is a man whose varied talents fit him for great usefulness in his sacred calling. If he were not blest as the possessor of numerous resources his record would not be as remarkable as it is. But since all men are as they have been made, none may take credit except in so far as they become profitable servants through the right use of the talents intrusted to them. It is not improper, therefore, to speak of the pastor of the Immaculate Conception parish, Canton, Ohio, as a priest possessing and exercising varied and great abilities.
In his proper sphere, the spiritual, he is zealous and devout, serious and exact. Nothing of the material has he ever permitted to incroach upon, or in any way interfere with, that to which all else is secondary and tributary-religion pure and undefiled. In the public service of the Church he is collected, graceful, and precise, using his musical ability to happily impress the people with the solemnity and beauty of its office and ceremonial. In
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these functions he is most careful that what is real in doctrine and essence shall be faithfully and fittingly shadowed forth.
As a preacher Father Treiber is instructive, pleasing and eloquent. Personally he is regarded even by non-Catholics as an agreeable, approachable and obliging gentleman. The unity of humanity he would emphasize by fraternity, benevolence, and active charity. All men are his brethren, and to the extent of his ability he would aid all without distinction --- a thing that is becom- , ing to him as a man, but doubly so as a priest.
THE REV. JOSEPH UPHAUS, C. PP. S.
A man of imposing personal appearance, standing six feet two inches and proportionately developed, his intellectual attainments and happy disposition being well in keeping, presides in the capacity of pastor over St. Michael's parish, Thompson, Seneca county, Ohio. He is a priest of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, and during the past twenty-eight years has done valiant service in the cause of religion in various parts of the United States.
Father Uphaus' first mission was as pastor of the Assumption Church, Nashville, Tennessee, where he labored from February, 1873, until July, 1875. Besides caring for the church property he also built a pastoral residence there. He was transferred, in 1875, . to become president of St. Joseph's College, Rohnerville, Cali- fornia, and to be pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Concep- tion at that place. He also had charge of St. Patrick's Church, Table Bluff, which, with Ferndale, constituted his missions. He remained there until 1878, when he was commissioned as pastor of St. John's Church, at Maria Stein, Ohio. His pastorate continued for only one year. At the end of that time he was sent to minister to the people of New Corydon, Indiana, where he built Holy Trinity Church, an imposing edifice, and also the Chapel of the Presentation, attached to his parish as a mission. The chapel was destroyed by fire, but he rebuilt it. He labored very successfully in that field from June, 1879, until October, 1887.
Back to Nashville to become pastor for a second time of the Church of the Assumption was the next order he received from his superior. He remained at Nashville nearly ten years, when, in
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THE REV. JOS. UPHAUS, C. PP. S.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
1897, he was appointed pastor of St. Peter's Church, Winamac, Indiana. He ministered to the Catholics of that place during eighteen months, or until his transfer to become the rector of the Seminary of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood at Carthagena, Mercer county, Ohio. He discharged the duties of that high position until August, 1899, when he became pastor of St. Michael's Church, Thompson, where, at the close of the nine- teenth century, he is laboring with his usual zeal and success.
Rev. Joseph Uphaus was born at Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, October 1, 1844. His father was the late John G. Uphaus, who followed carpentry and farming as his callings. The maiden name of his mother was Catherine Poeppelmann. He was early given educational advantages, which he improved so as to qualify himself for the calling of a teacher. He taught during four years in the schools in the neighborhood. September, 1866, in obedience to the voice of his conscience and the advice of his confessor, he entered the Seminary of the Order of the Most Precious Blood, at Carthagena, Mercer county, Ohio, where he applied himself to the study of the classics and subsequently to that of theology. He finished in 1873, and was elevated to the priesthood January 17 of that year by Bishop Dwenger. The rite was performed in the seminary chapel.
When a youth of eighteen Father Uphaus as a school teacher was able to have good order observed by his pupils, and since he became a priest his natural ability to lead and direct men has suffered no diminution. In the various places where he has had charge of congregations or institutions his government has been most successful, because he knew how to be considerate and tolerant of those under his care. He knows how to be emphatic without being harsh. Mildness and gentleness, qualities insep- arable from the true spiritual father, have always been factors in his successes. Whether natural or supernatural in character these qualities are looked for in large men who are great men. They are as native with Father Uphaus as is his logical mind.
He preaches eloquently and forcefully in both English and German. His voice has great volume and is pleasing. His manner is unaffected, and, while not stern, implies great strength and earnestness. He looks and acts what he is, a true priest of the Catholic Church.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
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THE REV. GEORGE J. VAHEY.
To James and Julia (Cannon) Vahey, at Chelsea, Massachu- setts, were born twelve children, eleven boys, and one girl, the youngest. The seventh oldest is the Rev. George J. Vahey, pastor of St. Columbkille's Church, Cleveland, Ohio. He first saw the light June 24, 1862. The elder Vahey died at his home in Chelsea October, 1883. Mrs. Vahey yet lives, as also her daughter, Mary J., both of whom, with the subject of this mention, are all that survive of the family.
Father Vahey's preparatory training was received in the public schools of his native place, including the High School. He next entered the Boston Latin School, and later St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada, where he graduated in the classics in 1878. In the autumn of that year he was received into St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland, and after a six years' course was ordained priest by Bishop Gilmour, December 17, 1887.
For one month immediately after ordination he was curate at St. Columba's Church, Youngstown, Ohio. He was next placed in charge of St. Patrick's Church, Wellington, and missions, where he remained as pastor for nearly nine months. From there he was transferred to St. John's Cathedral, Cleveland, where he labored during twelve years, most of the time being in complete charge as pastor of that important parish. November, 1900, he was appointed to his present charge as pastor of St. Columbkille's Church, also in Cleveland, where he contem- plates building in the near future an imposing church and school.
The parents of this priest were both born in the county of Mayo, Ireland. They prized education highly and paid special attention to the training of all their children. Every advantage was afforded each of them, not merely in the common, but also in the higher branches, and in music. Various kinds of musical instruments were in their home and were played upon by nearly every member of the family, some of them being equal to perform- ing on several instruments. In this way they became known locally as the "Vahey Family Band." One son became Demon -. strator of Anatomy in Harvard University, and later held a chair in the Leland-Stanford University, where he accidentally met his death. The daughter, Miss Mary J. Vahey, graduated from the
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THE REV. GEORGE J. VAHEY
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
Notre Dame Convent in her native place, Chelsea, where she added to her general culture an acquaintance with art. Her paint- ings adorn the walls of St. Columbkille's pastoral residence in Cleveland, and the fine painting of the Sacred Heart in the Polish Church in South Cleveland she executed in compliment to its pastor. For a season she was cartoonist for one of the leading Boston journals. The children were all talented, and a fair sample of their natural mental ability might be said to be Father Vahey himself. The elder Vahey, as also his wife, both spoke and wrote the Irish language in its purity, a fact that may account for the proficiency of their reverend son in its use.
The reverend pastor of St. Columbkille's is a man of remark- able mental and physical vigor, fine personal presence, and great force of character. He unites in himself both the brilliancy and fervor of his race, the zeal of the true priest, and the scholarly finish of a man of talent who has enjoyed rare educational advantages. He is a very acceptable preacher, if not a finished pulpit orator, while as a chanter of sacred music he has few superiors. He can read the most difficult music at sight and can execute it either vocally or instrumentally.
One does not usually look for lamb-like gentleness and docility in connection with leonine robustness in men, but
"Humility, that low, sweet root From which all heavenly virtues shoot,"
so transmutes the individual that his native vigor and force are yoked to the work of subserving the highest aims of religion and the best interests of humanity. And thus it is with Father Vahey. By his virtues he renders himself acceptable and pleasing both to his ecclesiastical superiors and to the people among whom and for whom he labors.
These hints suggest the outline of a picture that is beautiful to contemplate. In the foreground is the ripe harvest-field, the chief husbandman, and the laborers. In the background is a suc- cession of varying scenes carrying the mind back through the Christian centuries to Him of Nazareth who said: "The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few." To recognize Father Vahey as one among the faithful laborers in this field, a servant who with single- ness of purpose valiantly "bears the burden of the day and the heats," is the object of this passing mention.
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THE REV. JOHN G. VOGT.
The Rev. Father Vogt, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, French Creek, Avon, Lorain county, Ohio, is among the plainest of the priests of the Diocese of Cleveland. If it were his purpose to seclude and suppress himself he has certainly succeeded, for he had to be sought out in his rural parish home at Avon, that confirmation might be had from him, personally, of his diocesan record as here outlined.
He was born to Joseph and Mary Vogt (Vogt having been his mother's maiden name also), at Oberkirsch, Baden, June 22. 1847. His parents died when he was five years old. Following his primary training he made his classical studies at Einsiedeln. Switzerland. Completing his course he emigrated to the United States, in 1869, and was accepted as an ecclesiastical student for the Diocese of Cleveland. He thereupon entered St. Mary's Theological Seminary, from which institution he emerged as a priest, having been ordained by Bishop Rappe, June 8, 1873. He celebrated his first Mass in St. Joseph's Church, Maumee, where his friend, the Rev. Peter Becker, of Holy Trinity Church. Cleveland, was then pastor. Devoting a few weeks to rest and recuperation after his long years of study, he was prepared to enter upon his missionary labors.
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