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 15
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His first appointment. July, 1873, created him pastor of St. Peter's Church, at Edgerton, in Williams county, with five missions also in his charge. During his pastorate there of two years and three months, he repaired the church at Stryker, put new pews in the church at Archbald, and at Wauseon he provided a place of worship for the Catholics by purchasing for that purpose a Methodist meeting house.
His second field of labor was at Six-Mile Woods (Raab's Station), in Lucas county, with St. Mary's Corners as a mission. During his stay there of nearly two years he built the brick church there (Immaculate Conception), and almost completed the pastoral residence at the mission.
Ilis next appointment made him pastor of St. Philip Neri's Church, at Dungannon, in Columbiana county. He made repairs on the church which necessitated the expenditure of $3,000. He
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also began the erection of the mission church at Lisbon. He labored successfully in that field for nearly eleven years.
From Dungannon he was transferred to become the pastor of St. Bernard's Church, at New Washington, in Crawford county. His stay there was eleven and one-half years, during which he paid off a debt of $1,000, repaired the pastoral residence and kept the property in good condition. In addition he repaired the Sisters' dwelling and built the school at a cost of about $8,000.
September 22, 1899, he was appointed to his present charge as pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, French Creek, Avon, Lorain county. Since his taking charge he built the pres- ent well appointed and commodious pastoral residence at an outlay of $8,000, on which there is a debt of only $600. At this writing, the close of 1902, Father Vogt is in the thirtieth year of his priest- hood and the fifty-sixth of his life. He has been faithful and successful in his priestly labors, and what is an earnest of his good will he has at no time been troublesome to his ecclesiastical superiors.
Father Vogt has been content to labor unseen of men, to have few personal wants, and to have no ambition other than to act well his part according to his ability. His fort lies in the line of a catechist and instructor, and in this field he can speak both German and English. In the interests of the youth he catchises in the latter language, but on alternate Sundays he preaches in German. He has also a good knowledge of French, at least enough to enable him to hear confessions in that language. Having attained an age and experience which incline men to look upon the serious side of life he now more than ever is anxious to impress upon his people both the value of time and the need of embracing the opportunities for salvation which were not so multi- plied for preceding generations. The . sere in his life is synonymous with the serious, and, therefore, those truths which they suggest he inculcates with unusual vigor, a fact which imparts a degree of impressiveness to his ministry, and begets in his flock at least an approach to a realization of the things essential to salvation.
"What though unmarked the happy workman toil,
And break unthanked of inen the stubborn clod? It is enough, for sacred is the soil;
Dear are the hills of God."
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. JOHN H. WAHMHOFF.
Of the middle-aged men of Delphos, Ohio, who are prominent in business and active in the advancement of religion and education, there is no one more worthy of recognition and honorable mention in this work than the gentleman whose name forms the head-line of this sketch. He was born in Buffalo, New York, March 11, 1851, and he has been a resident of Ohio since 1861.
His parents were born in Germany. His father, Stephen Wahmhoff, who died in Buffalo, New York, December 9, 1858, was a Hanovarian, and his mother, whose maiden name was Frederica Reuter, is a Prussian, and is yet well preserved and hale in her seventy-third year. Both were taken to this country early in life, and Providence brought them together in Erie county, New York, where they were united in marriage in 1850. Three sons and two daughters were born to their union. One daughter became a nun. She died many years ago at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. All the other members of the family are residents of Delphos.
The death of the elder Wahmhoff was caused by an accident on the Erie Central Railway with which he was connected in the capacity of foreman of the boiler yards. Besides being a practical boilermaker he was a draughtsman and also a machinist. He was remarkably skilled in mechanics, was well educated, and was a zealous and devout Catholic. His pastor, speaking from the pulpit on the occasion of his funeral, among other things said: "If the walls of this church could speak they might say that Stephen Wahmhoff did more good than any other member of this congre- gation;" a high tribute to his Catholicity and his well directed zeal.
In 1861 the widow Wahmhoff, with her children, removed to Van Wert county, Ohio, where, a few miles from Delphos, the family owned some farming lands. They remained on the farm four years, during which time John H., being the oldest of the children, attended the township school. After the removal of the family to Delphos, in 1865, the boy attended night school. When fifteen years old he began an apprenticeship in one of the prominent drug houses of the city. His term having expired, and having given satisfaction, he was invited to remain with his employers.
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He thus continued until 1878, when he bought the stock and business of the house, giving in payment his notes in the sum of eight thousand dollars. He met his obligations promptly, and is now in the twenty-second year of his prosperous ownership and management of the business. With his ability as a pharmacist he unites both tact and energy. By study he has acquired not only a degree of discursive knowledge, but also the art of speaking and writing with force and elegance.
In obedience to the early local custom he joined the Delphos volunteer fire department, in 1872, and continued with the brigade eighteen years, holding every position from private to chief, which latter office was his during four years. In 1885 he was elected a member of the city council, was again elected in 1888, and for a third term was chosen to fill that position in 1894. Following this he served two terms as a member of the educational board. In 1880 he became a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association and was one of the five chosen to draft the first "Ohio Pharmaceutical Laws." He was for several years a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and is now a member of the Allen County Association.
In Catholic and fraternal societies his affiliations are both numerous and prominent. He is a member of the St. John's branch, at Delphos, of the Catholic Knights of America, and also of the local uniform rank of the same order. From 1896 to 1898 he was the State president of the order, and of the local branch he has been both president and recording secretary. From 1898 until this writing he has been the supreme delegate to the national conventions.
Mr. John H. Wahmhoff was married in 1851 to Miss Christina C. Eich, of Huntington, Indiana, whose girlhood gave promise of those domestic virtues which have since adorned her character and sweetened the home-life of her family. She has become the joyful mother of five children whose names are: Elizabeth, Henrietta. Agnes, John J., Anna, and Celestina.
Enjoying the advantages which a measure of affluence affords, abiding in the faith of the Catholic Christian, and with the home safeguarded and happy, the Wahmhoffs may be proudly pointed to as among the fruits cultivated by zealous laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
PROF. JOHN T. WAMELINK.
The head and founder of The Wamelink and Sons Piano Com- pany, of Cleveland, was the late Prof. John T. Wamelink, who was one of the pioneer Catholics of northern Ohio. He was one of the oldest dealers in pianos in Cleveland and was noted for his having, for over fifty years, been connected with the public service of the Church in the capacities of organist, leader, singer or choir master. He died December 31, 1900. When a mere youth of fourteen he presided over the first organ in the old Church of St. Mary on the "Flats," the first in Cleveland, and subsequently in the Cathedral churches of Milwaukee and Pittsburg. During the twenty-seven years preceding his death he was the organist and director of St. John's Cathedral choir, Cleveland.
Prof. Wamelink was a musician both by nature and education. His every fibre was attuned to the harmony of sweet sounds. He was skilled, both vocally and instrumentally, in evoking the soul of music. That noble instrument, the great organ, appeared to rejoice at his touch, and its wondrous powers seemed at their highest when rendering prompt response to his masterly and almost inspired manipulation. His splendid voice was remarkable not only for its volume and compass, but especially for that soulful- ness and expression which were peculiarly his own. The members of the Cathedral congregation, for two generations, accustomed themselves to count on his voice and his dextrous use of the great organ as aids in their devotions while assisting at the public service of the Church.
The record of noted musical events in Cleveland and Pittsburg is in part a history of Prof. Wamelink. His masterly rendition of such oratorios as Creation, Messiah, Elijah, Hymn of Praise, St. Paul, and others, were enough to establish his reputation for all time, while his presentation of such operas as Pinafore, Bohemian Girl, Martha, Chimes of Normandy, and Elisire d'Amour were little less than marvelous since no other man in either city had been willing to even attempt them, particularly the heavier ones. His greatest triumph was as late as 1897 when Sonnambula, which in Europe is considered a test for lyric soprano, was presented by him so excellently as to gain the approval of all critics. His fame on
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that account, as well as because of his recognized ability as a director, became widespread and thoroughly established.
Prof. Wamelink was surely entitled to the palm in point of length of service as a musician, and up until his death he was to the fore in point of the highest merit. The hearts of all warmed toward him, not only as a distinguished artist, but especially as a gentle- man of the old school whose greatest pleasure was to accommodate and entertain, and who felt that his art in the real sense of scimus ut producamus is to gladden the higher sensibilities and uplift the soul. There is scarcely an organ of note in any of the Catholic churches of Cleveland and vicinity that has not responded to his magic touch, and few, indeed, were the instances where those of his profession did not gladly resign their instruments to him when occasions and desires purely local or personal demanded that he perform in their stead.
Prof. John T. Wamelink was a native of Amsterdam, Holland. From his youth he had been a resident and citizen of this country, having spent nearly all his life in Cleveland and Pittsburg. He was married in the latter city to Miss Catherine J. Sweetland in 1853. Of seven living children two sons, John T. and Harry J., were associated with him in the piano business, which business they yet continue, and in which the firm has acquired quite a competence, their piano trade being the largest in Cleveland.
The splendid personal appearance of Prof. Wamelink, together with his culture and character, had marked him for prominence both in business as well as professionally and socially. Possessing a dignity of bearing and a countenance indicative of nobility of soul, his distinguished personality and talents had always been great aids in the furtherance of Catholic interests. Whether conscious of this or not he never posed as a paragon of perfection, except in the one respect of being strictly honest. which he really was. He had at no time deported himself as if to say : "I am holier than thou." On the contrary, his course had been a modest one, pursuing the even tenor of his way in the performance of his duty as he saw it. Hence, up until his last hours he could not but have experienced at least the reflex effect of his loyalty and devotion to the Catholic Church and of his having at all times been wrapped up in the splendor of its ceremonial, in which his great musical talent had fitted him to play so important a part.
VOL. II
434
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. TIMOTHY C. WARD.
A gentleman prominent among the younger generation of Catholics and energetic business men of Cleveland, Ohio, is selected, in the person of Mr. Timothy C. Ward, as the subject of this biographical mention. His character is suited to the scope of this work, in that he is a practical Catholic, and, moreover, because his record for honesty, reliability, generosity, and industry entitles him to the recognition.
He is the senior member of the printing house of Ward & Shaw, of Cleveland, and a son of the late John Ward, and his surviving wife, Ellen (Shea) Ward, pioneer Catholics of that city, and natives of the county of Cork, Ireland. The elder Ward located in Cleveland, in 1848, the year following the establishment of the diocese. He died, in 1896, after a residence there of forty- cight years. He was of simple but abiding faith, and he possessed that peace and spiritual content begotten of the faithful practice of his religion. His good wife, enjoying like peace of soul, is now in her seventy-fourth year.
Mr. Timothy C. Ward was born December 1, 1864. He was educated in the Cathedral school until his fourteenth year, when both his desire and the needs of the family impelled him to seek for employment. Emerging from that period of life called "urchinhood" into vigorous boyhood he had the make-up and the qualities to commend him, even if bare feet and a cheap coat were against him. He worked as a messenger and general utility boy, sold Cleveland's first Sunday paper, and for three years extended its circulation, not only in the city, but also in the suburbs and on the islands in Lake Erie. In the meantime he secured a place in the J. B. Savage printing house. He continued to advance during the twenty-four years of his career with that house until he became its superintendent. He resigned, in 1899, to embark in his present business.
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He was well treated by Mr. J. B. Savage, and was given every opportunity to advance. Nothing pleases him better than to recount the marked consideration and kindness always extended to him by Mr. Savage. In truth he but evidences his own excellent qualities when he testifies to the great business ability, unques-
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tioned integrity, and remarkable kindness of heart of his old employer. "Whatever," he says, "of merit I have as a business man, and whatever of credit I am entitled to for methods and practices which commend me to the public, I owe, in great part, to the example, advice, and encouragement which I received, during the twenty-four years I was in the employ of Mr. J. B. Savage."
In June, 1890, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Mary Gallagher, the accomplished daughter of the late Edward and Honora (Graham) Gallagher, who were pioneer Catholics of Cleveland. Miss Gallagher received a convent education which, besides equipping her intellectually, laid the foundation for her numerous domestic virtues. She excels in the care of her house and her children and, in Scripture phrase, she fattens the bones of her husband as becomes a good Christian wife. Since this work was ready for the press, the elder Gallagher passed away, Septem- ber, 1901, leaving a record of fifty-five years of honorable citizen- ship in his adopted city. He prospered in business and was highly respected by his co-religionists and fellow citizens. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy C. Ward have been born three bright children, whose names are : Helen, Nora, and Mary.
In the person of Mr. Ward are found a physical development and facial expression which are indicative of his character. He is big in body, big in heart, big in brain, and is attractively pre- sentable as a descendant of the good old Celtic stock. He is generous and fair to his more than sixty employees, is reliable and just in his dealings with his patrons, and as an all-around man among men he maintains himself in honor and the strictest integrity. In enterprise he is abreast of the best. Conscious of his ability to serve the public, he is not slow in presenting the mutuality of interest which is maintained between his house and its patrons. In religion he is not pretentious, but contents him- self with humbly fulfilling his duties as he sees them. He is a member of the councilmanic board of St. John's Cathedral, and is generous in his donations in support of religion and education. He is prominent, too, in the various fraternal and patriotic associations.
As a man who has staked out his path, and marked the direction in which to push on toward the goal of success, he is
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certainly to be congratulated, not alone for these, but also because of the progress he has made and the honorable means he has employed in his efforts to act well his part. These mean high character, and character is more than mere money. It is riches par excellence.
MR. PETER W. WARD.
The parents of Mr. P. W. Ward, of the Immaculate Concep- tion parish, Cleveland, Ohio, were James and Mary (Martin) Ward, of Olmsted Falls, Ohio. They were natives of the county of West Meath, Ireland, who in early life sought in the United States the liberty and opportunity denied to them in the land of their fathers. The former died at Grafton, Ohio, in 1885, and the latter at Berea, Ohio, ten years later. The remains of both rest in the Catholic cemetery at Grafton.
June 29, 1852, the subject of this biographical mention, the fifth of a family of six sons and six daughters, was born at Olmsted Falls, Ohio. He received only the limited education afforded in the village school, but later he graduated from a business college in Cleveland. The legal profession attracted him, and in obedience to his ambition he studied law in Cleveland, and was admitted to practice, in 1878, when he was twenty-six years old. For two years Mr. Ward followed that profession exclusively, until an insurance company secured his services as its attorney and adjuster of claims. He continued with that company until 1894, when the Travelers' Insurance Company made him an offer, which he accepted. He remained with the Travelers until April 1, 1900, when the Ocean Accident & Guarantee Corporation, Ltd., of London, England, made him its State Agent for Ohio, an acknowledgment of his reliability, worth, and efficiency in the insurance world.
Mr. Ward was married, September 16, 1874, to Miss Josephine Bragelman, a daughter of John T. and Teresa Bragel- man, who were among the pioneer Catholics of Cleveland. She is a niece of the late Prof. J. T. Wamelink, the noted music dealer and musical director, who succeeded her father as organist in the old St. Mary's Church on the "Flats" in Cleveland. In fact, both families have been identified with Catholic interests in the See city of the diocese from the beginning, and as such their excellent
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record is a part of the history of the growth and development of the temporal affairs of the Church in northern Ohio.
Mr. P. W. Ward takes rank as one of the best informed and most energetic insurance workers in Ohio. Possessing a legal mind, together with an exhaustive knowledge of the various plans of underwriting, his ability and reputation command marked recog- nition. His character is well in keeping, the chief traits of which are faithfulness in the performance of duty, reliability, strict honesty, and an executive and compassing power which forms a firm back- ground to his distinguishing characteristics. He began life as a poor boy, often having to rely on menial occupations to sustain and educate himself. By the exercise of the qualities which are his by nature, he has persevered and triumphed until now he is esteemed worthy of being mentioned to the credit of his Catholic neighbors and fellow citizens in northern Ohio.
The social and personal characteristics of Mr. P. W. Ward are so prominent and marked as to identify him almost as decidedly as do his business qualities. He is Chesterfieldian to a degree in manner and deportment, and is a leader on occasions when the social amenities and the graces which adorn and please are specially in demand. He is a clever conversationalist, is informed on modern topics, and can illustrate or brighten his subject by the happy telling of an appropriate story. He presides with ease and dignity, and performs the duties of toast-master in such a way as to always give satisfaction. While these social arts imply talent and tact they also hint strongly at a knowledge of human nature and at the cultivation of a degree of Christian politeness which can not show itself to advantage independent of education. It was Emerson who said that, defect in manners is usually the defect of fine perceptions. The real gentleman in good manners must be educated. He must know what to say and how and when to say it. He must judge the caliber of his company so as not to strike a key-note that is above their compass. This means judg- ment and ability to discern character, and also the faculty of handling persons according to their parts, training, and ability to be composed. Mr. Ward excels in these several respects. As an observer and student he has equipped himself for these tasks, and fortunately for him they answer almost as well in his business field as in the drawing room.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
GEORGE S. WEGER, M. D.
A physician and surgeon of Delphos, Ohio, youthful but of note, is made the subject of this mention. So many are his claims to recognition, both as a man and a Catholic, that it has been concluded to go on and write of him first, before getting ready to apologize, should so unfortunate a thing occur as to offend against medical ethics.
Dr. Weger is a native of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. He is one of a family of ten born to F. A. and Elizabeth M. Weger. His natal day was September 2, 1874. The elder Weger was engaged in the hoop and stave business, and the exigencies of his calling obliged him to "follow the timber" westward. Accordingly when the subject of this sketch was three years old the family removed to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1879, at which time they resolved to make Delphos, Ohio, their home.
In his seventh year young Weger entered St. John's .parochial school where he continued as a bright lad until he was fourteen. Then the spirit of the day took possession of him and he resolved to make his own living. Accordingly he sought and obtained the position of cash-boy in one of the prominent local dry goods and clothing houses, and during more than two years he promptly and satisfactorily responded to the call "cash !"
Being of studious habits he spent most of his evenings among his books, especially those treating on chemistry and drugs. His tastes thus cultivated led him to accept the position of clerk in one of the prominent Delphos drug houses, where he remained for a period of five years or until he attained his majority. His next ambition was to write prescriptions rather than compound them. The healing art and surgery loomed up before him as honorable and useful professions, and conscious that he was not without talent in these directions, he entered the Baltimore Medical College, Baltimore, Maryland, in the autumn of 1895, fully assured of his vocation.
He attended three regular courses at the college and two stinimer courses as interne in the Maryland General Hospital, and graduated in the month of April, 1898. He intended to practice
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in his native city of Baltimore, and looking to this he stood the required intellectual and professional tests before the Maryland board of medical examiners. However, a visit to Delphos, his long-time home, occasioned the changing of his plans. His friends prevailed on him to stay amongst them and open up an office at once. He did so in July of that year, 1898, and a large measure of success, both professionally and financially, has since attended his persistent efforts.
October 1, 1900, Dr. George S. Weger was united in marriage to Katie C. Trame, of Delphos, Ohio. Mrs. Weger is a lady of domestic traits and rare intelligence. She is a true helpmate.
The reader may readily receive from the accompanying portrait correct impressions as to the intellectual, moral, and social qualities possessed by Dr. Weger. He will be judged a close observer and reasoner, with rare gifts as a diagnostician. His large conscientiousness and benevolence give the assurance of his best endeavors in the faithful discharge of his professional duties, his zeal being the concomitant of his skill and ability. The physician, who is a practical Catholic, never leaves his conscience behind him. Not only is this true in the case of Dr. Weger, but it is equally true that his kind and generous nature is ever to the fore. He is charged with being a poor collector of his own accounts. Perhaps he will not attempt to deny this in view of the facts. Both the accusation and the tacit admission would indicate that the doctor is more enamored of his art and of results than he is of any prospective multiplication of his fees. The poor we have always with us, and the poor also need the services of a physician.
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