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 3
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In his new parish of St. Thomas Aquinas, Cleveland, Father Mahon continues to labor with his usual zeal and success. Parish property, on which over twelve thousand dollars were paid in the years 1898-1900, was secured at a cost of thirty-four thousand dollars. The improvements already made are a pastoral residence, and also a new four-story building, imposing and tasteful in design, which at present answers the purpose of both chapel and school. Here this young priest is in the midst of his people. They hear and know his voice and gather about him. As was done in the case of Moses when in prayer on the mountain, they hold up his hands and sustain him in all his undertakings in the interests of religion.
The Rev. Thomas F. Mahon is thirty-seven years old. When yet a babe in his good mother's arms he was brought by his parents from Ireland to the United States. The story of his life is his career as outlined above. Those of his years not spent in the
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MR. EDWARD MALONE
IN NORTHERN OHIO. 299
performance of his priestly duties were devoted to preparation for the discharge of those duties. Even nature has been kind to him, for besides a well stored and brilliant mind, he possesses a fortu- nate organization and a majestic manhood in which kindness, dignity, and gracefulness of manner are happily blended. Ever conscious of his priestly character and responsibility, he is never. outside the line of his work; for, whether expounding the truth, engaged in conversation, transacting business, or in any capacity whatsoever, "all for the glory of God" seems to be the goal at which he aims. This is especially noticeable in the pulpit, where, to the minds of many, his zeal and great ability as a convincing and eloquent speaker are most effective. The man in Father Mahon is made the servant of the priest.
MR. EDWARD MALONE.
The late Mr. Edward Malone, prominent in Toledo, Ohio, as an architect, contractor and builder, was a resident of that city from 1852 until his death, which occurred June 7, 1887. He was a member of St. Patrick's parish from its organization in 1862.
He was born in King's county, Ireland. February 1, 1825. Until he attained his majority he continued to aid his father in cultivating the land. In the meantime he learned the trade of a carpenter and took instructions in architecture. In 1850 he emigrated to the United States. He worked at carpentry for about a year in Philadelphia, and then removed to Toledo, where he made his permanent home. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Eliza Madden who, like himself, was a native of Kings county, Ireland. To their union were born fifteen children, seven of whom are living, and six of them residents of Toledo. Their names are : James J., who is a prominent undertaker ; Michael J., a contractor ; Wm. F., the secretary and treasurer of the Buckeye Paint and Varnish Company; Jos. A., clerk of the police court; Nellie, who is Mrs. Louis Cole; Annie, who is unmarried, and Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Peter Mulcahy of Cleveland. Prominent among the children who passed away, Mary J. might be mentioned. She was Mrs. John Connolly, of Toledo. John also well deserves men- tion. He was known as the best of the family. He died in Toledo.
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During Mr. Malone's career in Toledo he built, and in many instances planned, most of the best business and residence struc- tures in that city. Among the public buildings which he erected are the Boody House, the first high school, the Produce Ex- change, St. Patrick's first church, and the Church of St. Francis de Sales. Not a few churches outside of Toledo are also of his design and construction. His talent as an architect, and his skill and reliability as a builder commended him to the enterprising people of Toledo, prominent among whom in early days was the late Hon. J. C. Hall, who showed his wisdom by implicitly trusting him with the management of all his building enterprises.
Mr. Malone soon gained such an excellent reputation as a man and trustworthy citizen that the public esteemed it a privilege to vote him into positions of importance to the people. He was elected police commissioner, in 1867, for a term of two years. At the end of his term he was elected a member of the board of edu- cation and was made chairman of the board and of its building committee. Following this he was chosen member of the water works board for two years and was re-elected for a three years' term. He represented Toledo and Lucas county in the State Legislature and was generous with his time and ability in serving the public in positions of honor and responsibility.
Called to his reward, his fellow citizens began to have an additional appreciation of his worth and character. He was sincerely mourned by all, and the highest tributes were paid to his sterling qualities and especially to his Catholic honesty. As a Catholic he was a faithful member of the Church and his example was a light to the feet of many who, not knowing any better, applied to Catholics in the sense of condemnation the old Jewish query, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"
Edward Malone's nature was too honest to be other than specially direct and outspoken, even to the point of bluntness. Because of this not a few misjudged him, having but a slight acquaintance with him, and consequently but a surface knowledge of his qualities; but back of his honest bluntness, and back of his plain speaking, was a good and generous heart, capable of kindly sympathy and the warmest friendship and gratitude. He never denied his friends, and he never forgot a kindness. His memory will remain green for generations in Toledo.
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MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM A. MANNING.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. WILLIAM A. MANNING.
The Diocese of Cleveland is blessed with many laymen whose devotion to the Church is both notable and praiseworthy, and whose efforts in behalf of Catholic education and the virtue of sobriety are likewise commendable and noble. In the front rank of these yeomen of Catholic faith and morals stands Mr. William A. Manning, of Cleveland, the well-known organizer and worker for the cause of Catholic total abstinence.
For twenty years he was councilman of St. Patrick's parish, and during the greater part of that time he also performed the laborious duties of secretary of that large congregation. Those most familiar with his every-day life from youth up have declared that he always seemed to manifest a special delight in efforts to subserve both the local and general interests of religion. He was, from its inception, a prominent and active figure in the work of the Catholic Central Association of Cleveland; participated in all the great enterprises of that large, representative body ; was its secre- tary during seven years of its most eventful carcer, and also served a successful term as its president.
But it is in the cause of sobriety, as fostered by the Church, that he appears to have put forth his most strenuous and persistent efforts. Beginning as a member of the total abstinence society of St. Patrick's parish, he was chosen, in 1872, to act as its secretary. The following year, the societies of Ohio having been formed into a State union, he was elected the secretary of that body. In 1875 he was re-elected, and during both terms he gave the highest proofs of his zeal and capacity. So satisfactory was his work that, at the State convention of the Total Abstinence Union, held in Cincinnati, in 1882, he was unanimously chosen president, and was again elected at the convention held in Cleveland the following year. He also served out the unexpired terms of two presidents of the union, the first having been occasioned by death, and the second by absence from the State. He was three times elected vice-president of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America, and was appointed its organizer in Ohio. He attended nearly all the national conventions, as well as those of his own State, and was a useful and capable member of the most prominent committees.
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Mr. William A. Manning was born of Irish parents in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, February 22, 1847. He came with them to this country, in 1848, and lived for a short period in New York City and in Boston. In 1851 the family removed to Cleveland, where, with short intermissions, he has since made his home. He was educated in the Cathedral and in St. Patrick's parochial schools, and, in 1863, began his business career as an operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company. For thirty years he con- tinued in its employ, the last fifteen of which he was night manager of the Cleveland office. He was an expert operator, reliable and capable. He always had the confidence and approval of the officials of the company and the respect of his fellow tele- graphers. In 1893 he embarked in the fire, accident and life insurance business, which is his regular calling today.
He was married, June 15, 1870, to Miss Mary Agnes Devine in St. Patrick's Church, by the late Rev. J. V. Conlan. Mrs. Manning is a native of Cleveland, has been a noted church and society worker, and, like her husband, was educated in.St. Patrick's schools. She was president of the first ladies' total abstinence society organized in Cleveland in 1890, and held the office for three successive terms. She was among the first group of lady dele- gates to attend the State Total Abstinence Convention, at Youngs- town, in 1891, where she was elected vice-president, she being the first lady ever honored with an office by that union. She has since been her husband's companion at all the conventions, and is entirely in harmony and sympathy with his temperance principles.
Mr. and Mrs. Manning were blessed with three bright little children, but that fell destroyer, diphtheria, robbed them of all of them in the space of fifteen days, when they were aged three, five and seven years respectively. The blow was indeed a severe one, but religion and the sympathy of the entire community have enabled the bereaved parents to bear up under their great mis- fortune, and to say with resignation, "Thy will be done."
This short biographical outline implies more than words can express in any attempt at delineating the character of Mr. Manning. He is universally respected by all who know him, and by those most who know him longest. His most notable traits are seen in his constancy, his devotedness and zeal, his retiring disposition, and his great respect for the moral virtues.
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THE REV. ANTHONY THEODORE MARTIN
IN NORTHERN OHIO. 303
THE REV. ANTHONY THEODORE MARTIN.
There is such a thing as a man becoming prominent in com- parative seclusion and through a retiring disposition --- becoming acceptably notable through going about unostentatiously but per- sistently and effectively in the performance of his duty. An instance in point is found in the long and honorable career of the late Rev. Anthony Theodore Martin, pastor of St. Paul's Church, Euclid, and of St. Joseph's Church, Collinwood, Ohio.
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Father Martin was one of the older priests of the diocese. For two generations he ministered to the people in and about Euclid, Nottingham, Collinwood. Willoughby, and Mentor. His name stood for much among them, and is yet inseparable from their idea of zeal, kindness, and the broadest charity. Even among those priests whose seminary course came within the years 1857-1865 he is gratefully remembered as professor of classical learning and history in St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland. His ability shining through his modesty claimed the respect of the thoughtful.
He was a native of France, and was born at Brest, November 28, 1834. His father's name was Yvo Martin and his mother's maiden name was Mary Louisa Camus. He studied at Quimper and at Pont-Croix, where he received the first of the minor orders. In 1856 he emigrated to the United States, and was adopted for the Diocese of Cleveland by Bishop Rappe, who ordained him to the priesthood July 26 of the following year, 1857; then followed his eight years of service as professor in the diocesan seminary. In June, 1864, he was appointed visiting priest to Euclid. his late parish, and in 1865 he became resident pastor. The same year Willoughby was added to his charge, and the following year he was given Mentor also. In 1872 he built the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Willoughby, and the Church of the Nativity, at Mentor. In 1876 he resigned charge of Mentor, and the following year took Collinwood in its stead. where, in 1878, he built St. Joseph's Church. He enlarged the church, in 1879, and, in 1891, built new and completed the present church of that name.
Forty-three years a priest-thirty-five on the mission, and eight as professor in the seminary --- is a record not every priest is enabled to show. If it be supposed that at his ordination Father
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Martin possessed only the requisite knowledge to embark in his calling, surely the years that followed, even if not spent altogether in study, would by the process of absorption alone entitle him at least in part to the credit of having been not merely a well-informed man but even a ripe scholar. Had he not been a scholar at the time of his ordination he would not have been chosen to the chair of classics and history in the seminary, and, were he other than such in his day, his name would not have been mentioned in con- nection with high honors in the Church and he would not be esteemed as he now is by all who knew him.
But knowledge or station, no matter how profound or high, is not to be preferred to the virtues which religion inculcates, and which shone forth in the character of this humble priest. And it is in this respect that the every-day life of Father Martin had always been exemplary among his spiritual children. During all his years he had been an approachable, modest, and agreeable man to whom his people might come, at any time and under all circumstances, with their cares and their difficulties, feeling sure that they would receive both good advice and sympathy. Their troubles were his troubles, and in their temporal success and spiritual well-being he participated with deepest interest and feeling. He was a father to his parishioners, not only spiritually, but also in things temporal. He always directed them for the best, and they were few, indeed, who did not appreciate his wise counsel and his earnest good will.
He was in his sixty-fifth year, November 24, 1899, when he died, and up until his last illness he was vigorous and youthful for his time of life. He was most active in the discharge of his priestly obligations. His flock was large and his labors were pro- portionate. He seemed to grow young in the service of religion, and appeared to welcome and to even go out to meet the duties which were his to perform. Connecting; to a degree, the earlier years of the diocese with the recent past, if not the present, and having witnessed the beginning and the fulfillment of many move- ments for the advancement of diocesan affairs, we might not have waited until after his death to recall his connection with some of them. He was a faithful priest who possessed a lovable character, a good friend who was ever ready to do a favor, and an able man whose intellectual light shone the brighter for his native simplicity and modesty.
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MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH MILLER.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO. 1648434
MR. JOSEPHI MILLER.
The late Mr. Joseph Miller belonged to the pioneer Catholics of Cleveland, Ohio. He was born in the village of Listig, Germany, in 1835. In 1844 he was taken by his parents with the other members of the family to America. After a short stay of six months in Buffalo they removed to Cleveland, which was then little more than a straggling village.
At that time the whole State of Ohio, including, of course, the Connecticut Western Reserve, belonged to the See of Cincinnati, over which Bishop Purcell presided. Instead of the thirty-nine large and influential congregations at present (1900) in Cleveland there was but one small Catholic church known as "St. Mary's on the Flats." There Mr. Joseph Miller attended Mass in his boy- hood days. There he heard the truths of religion expounded by such zealous missionaries as Fathers Mclaughlin, Salesius Brun- ner, Jacob Ringele, Anton Meier and Maurice Howard.
In 1847 he witnessed the erection of the Diocese of Cleveland, being among the pioneer Catholics who welcomed Bishop Rappe to the field of his Episcopal labors. In subsequent years he saw the beginning of the first Catholic orphan asylum, the first Catho- lic hospital, the first Catholic parochial school; in a word, he was permitted to see the tiny mustard seed of Catholicity, planted by zealous missionaries, sprout, grow, and develop until it became the mighty tree of today, sheltering beneath its branches schools, churches, orphanages, and the various diocesan institutions.
In 1853, under the direction of the late Rev. J. H. Luhr, St. Peter's congregation was organized, and Mr. Joseph Miller at once affiliated with it and soon became one of its mosts prominent members. For years he belonged to the council of the church, was the first president of St. Joseph's Aid Society, and to his last day he generously contributed toward the support of the parish.
When a young man of twenty-one years (1856) he contracted marriage with Miss Catherine Nungesser, who like himself belonged to the pioneer Catholics of Cleveland, having arrived from Germany in 1846. She was of the same age as her husband and for years prior to her marriage had been prominently identified with the first Catholic Church choir. They were the first couple
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married in St. Peter's Church. The marriage register preserved in the parish archives says that, "On the 27th day of May, 1856, Joseph Miller contracted matrimony with Catherine Nungesser, in presence of Rev. J. H. Luhr, the then pastor, and H. Miller and Elisabeth Raab who acted as witnesses."
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was blessed with an exemplary family of eight, all of whom are among the living. To their credit, as parents, let it be recorded that they reared and educated their offspring, enlightening their minds by science, and mellowing of their hearts by religion.
For the long period of fifty-five years Mr. Joseph Miller was a resident of Cleveland, sustaining throughout an enviable reputa- tion for civic integrity and general probity. Of those he spent forty in the employ of the Big Four Railway Company, where he was ever esteemed for his sterling character.
Having contracted a severe cold in the winter of 1899, he was compelled to summon medical aid. But the malady had already progressed too far. He died February 15, 1899, fortified by the consolations of religion and surrounded by his family, who had left no means untried to save his life. Amid a vast outpouring of friends and acquaintances he was buried from St. Peter's Church, which he had helped to build and where he worshipped for fully half a century.
Unlike so many others who came to this country from foreign lands, he did not lose or barter away for a mess of worldly pottage the priceless jewel of Catholic faith, but preserved it pure and undefiled to the end. Amid the manifold difficulties and temptations of an unbelieving and wicked world, he remained stanch and unbending in his adherence to the faith of his fathers, and was ever ready to defend it.
Mr. Miller is survived by his faithful wife, with whom he lived most happily for well nigh forty-three years. Mrs. Miller at present resides with her family. Two of her daughters are married, one being the wife of Mr. Herman J. Trenkamp of the Schneider & Trenkamp Company, and the other that of Mr. H. E. Hackenberg . of the National Carbon Company.
The Millers, and the families with whom they are connected by marriage, are among the most substantial and sturdiest stock of the Catholic population of Cleveland.
MR. ROBERT E. MIX
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. ROBERT E. MIX.
The late Mr. Robert E. Mix, of Cleveland, Ohio, was a self- made, sternly constructed and capable man. He was a lawyer of note and a gentleman who held high place among his fellow citizens. He was the legal adviser and close friend of Bishop Rappe, who had implicit confidence in his ability and integrity, and he held the same relations to Bishop Gilmour.
His father was Mr. Ebenezer Mix, of New Haven, Connecti- cut, a descendant of a very old English family. He was surrogate of Genesee county, New York, and was agent and general engineer for the Holland Land Company, a mathematician of note, and the author of several mathematical works of consequence. The maiden name of his mother was Miss Jemima DeBow. She was of French extraction and was noted for gentleness and refinement. He was born to them at Batavia, New York, April 17, 1819. Exhibiting no liking for his father's calling, he was permitted to choose the law as his profession. After attaining his majority he was admitted to the bar, February 2, 1841, and for two years he practiced with some success in his native town. He then toured the United States during eight years, and while in the South he was editor of the Jackson, Tennessee, Republican for a year. Later he declined the managing editorship of the Memphis Appeal.
Returning to his native place he resumed the practice of law until 1850, when, on a business venture and partly in the line of his profession, he visited Cleveland, Ohio, to look after the interests of a client who was his intimate friend. The name of that friend was Mr. David A. Eddy, who was engaged extensively in the warehouse business and in shipping. Young Mix energized the business, straightened out its tangled condition, and in 1861, when he closed it up, he had $20,000 to divide with his client.
Impressed with the city's business opportunities and the character of Cleveland's citizens, Mr. Mix concluded to make the "Forest City" his home. Accordingly he became a member of the law firm of Willy & Carey. In 1865, he formed a partner- ship with Judge C. W. Noble. In 1870, Mr. John G. White became associated with them, under the firm name of Mix, Noble & White. This partnership continued until the election of Judge Noble to the bench in 1886, after which it was continued as Mix &
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White, until 1890, when Mr. Mix retired. After a half century of active business and professional life, forty-two years of which were spent in Cleveland, Mr. Robert E. Mix passed to his eternal reward, February 17, 1892, when he was seventy-three years and two months old. He was president of the Board of Workhouse directors, and was also a director in two of the city banks.
The bar of Cuyahoga county passed the following preamble and resolutions on the death of Mr. Mix:
"Whereas, we, the members of the bar of Cuyahoga county, Ohio, have learned with sincere regret of the death of Robert E. Mix, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that in his death our profession has lost an efficient and honored member who for many years has been actively identi- fied, not only with the practice and progress of the law, but also with all matters affecting our community in its private and public relations; ever just and considerate toward all. All who knew him have sustained a personal loss, society an upright, influential and progressive citizen, his family a wise, devoted and loving father, a safe counselor and true guide.
Resolved, that a copy hereof be furnished to the State and Federal courts with the request that they be spread upon their records; that a copy hereof be presented to the family of the deceased ; and that the bar attend the funeral in a body."
The bar did attend St. John's Cathedral in a body and its chief members were the pall-bearers. The Rt. Rev. Mgr. Thorpe preached the discourse and said of the deceased that he was a man of blunt, honest character, who cared not for men's praise or blame. He was always true to his Church and calling, and was never afraid to carry anywhere the banner of Catholicity.
September 29, 1853, Mr. Robert E. Mix was united in marriage to Miss Marie Josephine Morand, by Bishop LaFevre, in her native city, Detroit, Michigan. The family of Mrs. Mix, the Morands, trace their record to an ancient French family with an admixture of Portuguese blood. Some of them were known in Quebec, Canada, as early as 1684, and in Detroit as far back as 1751. Four children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mix, whose names are as follows: Robert Durand, Harriet Julia, who is Mrs. John H. Kirkwood, of Cleveland; Charles M .; and M. Marie Josephine. Mrs. Mix survives her husband and with her unmarried daughter resides at Nottingham, a suburb of Cleveland.
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THE REV. JOHN G. MIZER
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
THE REV. JOHN G. MIZER.
The Church of Our Lady of Consolation, at Carey, Wyandot county, Ohio, is of note in the Diocese of Cleveland as well as outside of it, in consequence of the several special privileges con- ferred upon it by the present Pontiff, Leo XIII. The pastor of the church, the Rev. John G. Mizer, has for years been known, not alone to the people of his parish, but also to the large number of pilgrims that annually visit the Shrine of Our Lady, and their estimate of him, as well as the writer's, may properly appear here.
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