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 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
MR. PATRICK J. MULLIGAN.
Mr. Patrick J. Mulligan, is one of the many prominent con- tractors for masonry, brick and cut-stone work in Cleveland, Ohio. During the past quarter of a century he has done, in that city, the principal work for the several Catholic congregations that have undertaken extensive improvements. Among these might be mentioned St. Stanislas' Church; St. Edward's Church; the Cathedral School; the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes; St. Joseph's Home; the Convent of the Sisters of Charity, Lake Avenue; the Convent of the Good Shepherd, Sterling Avenue; St. Casimir's Church; St. Vincent's surgical building for Charity Hospital; the two towers on the Immaculate Conception Church : the spire on St. Joseph's Church; cemetery vaults, etc., and several structures outside the city .*
In the county of Dublin, Ireland, where he was reared, his father was a contractor for stone work, and owned an extensive quarry near the Irish capital. It was there, under his direction,
"Since this work was sent to press Mr. Mulligan's ability as a practical builder has been recognized by his appointment to the office of assistant superintendent of school buildings in Cleveland.
--....
MR. PATRICK J. MULLIGAN
.
IN NORTHERN OHIO. 319
that his son, here referred to, learned his trade and received his training as a builder and contractor. That he was well grounded in his calling his successful career fully attests. He was born near Dublin, Ireland, January 27, 1842. His father was James Mulli- gan, who died in his native place, in 1882, and the maiden name of his mother was Julia McNaney. She also died there in 1890. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Bridget E. O'Reilly, a young lady reared in his neighborhood. In 1871 they emigrated to the United States and went direct to the city of Cleveland, where they have since resided. They have reared a family of six, three boys and three girls. The oldest son, John J., is engaged with his father in the contracting business. The names of the others are Elizabeth, Julia, Thomas P., Patrick J., and Genevieve.
Mr. Mulligan's intellect, which, with his skill as a mechanic, is his chief reliance in his business, embraces a wide acquaintance with general facts and, indeed, more than a cursory knowledge of some departments of literature. He is quite conversant with the principal rudiments of Catholic theology and history, which facts entitle him to the credit of being ranked among the best informed laymen in the Diocese of Cleveland. As a catechist he has few superiors among the laity, while in point of sterling character he certainly excels. "Honest as the day is long" is a phrase that has often been applied as fitting his case; faithful and reliable, prompt and obliging, he is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and business acquaintances.
Although in his fifty-ninth year, he does not appear to be more than forty-five-an excellent constitution, an even tempera- ment, and good habits contributing to his physical well-being. What these have done for him in that direction, his energy and industry have accomplished for him financially. He has acquired quite a competency and is a citizen esteemed for high character in the community in which he lives. Since the spiritual is above the temporal, he is a practical Catholic first, and next a citizen who performs his duties as such in the clear lights reflected by real religion and true patriotism. The proof of this is his record. He has ever been true to his trust. He takes a deeper interest in the faithful execution of work entrusted to him than can those for whom he does the work. His reputation is more than money to him, and he merits public endorsement.
320
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. JOHN MULROONEY.
Not because of social, financial, or political importance, but solely because of his simplicity, sincerity, and child-like modesty is Mr. John Mulrooney selected as the subject of this mention. For nearly half a century he has been a citizen of Cleveland, and for almost seventy-nine years has he serenely watched the eddying current of life glide past. He ranks among the early and deserving pioneer Catholics of the See city of the diocese, having been a member of the first congregation worshipping in Old St. Mary's on the "Flats."
He was born at Castlebar, county of Mayo, Ireland, June 24, 1822, and emigrated to the United States, arriving in Cleveland in November, 1852. In Ireland he learned the trade of a horse- shoer, and for nearly forty years in Cleveland he industriously followed that calling. He was married in that city July 30, 1855, to Miss Ellen Hartroy, a native of the city of Waterford, Ireland. Seven children were born to their union, five of whom survive and are residents of the "Forest City." His only son, Mr. John M. Mulrooney, is the president of the Marine Review Publishing Co., of Cleveland. Miss Julia A. Mulrooney is principal of Outh- waite school, one of the largest of the Cleveland public schools, and, with her father and two sisters, Misses Mary F. and Jennie A., resides on Sibley street in St. Bridget's parish. The other sister, Ellen, is Mrs. Patrick Cummings, also of the same parish.
Mrs. John Mulrooney died June 9, 1889. She was noted during her married life of thirty-four years for devotion to her husband and for the care and direction which were hers to exercise regarding her children. She taught them religion by both example and precept, and encouraged them in the practice of industry, economy, and self-reliance, her efforts having borne good fruit from the beginning.
Now in the evening of his long life, Mr. John Mulrooney evidences not only a robust constitution but also good habits in his youth. Until his retirement some years since, he had always been active and industrious. The labors of the day over, he spent his unemployed hours with his family, for he lived for them, for God. and to labor. Punctual in attendance at divine service and strik-
-
MR. JOHN MULROONEY
:
IN NORTHERN OHIO. 321
ingly prompt in his going and coming he has been a sort of clock or regulator for those living in his neighborhood. He has never been known to have been late at Mass or tardy in fulfilling his appointments. From choice he has led the life of a total abstainer from both intoxicants and narcotics. Except to visit some friend or neighbor in affliction he has seldom been out of his home after nine o'clock at night. His life has been uneventful, plain and regular. No inordinate ambitions have marred the peace of his mind, nor has the serenity of his soul been disturbed by misgivings or regrets. He has chosen the humble path, the quiet way, and by the regularity and simplicity of his life and manner he justifies the saying that "The flower of sweetest smell is shy and lowly." This is seen in nothing more strikingly than in his simple life among his children, and especially his grand- children who appear to divine his gentle care for them and his readiness to join in their pastimes. These children run to him with perfect freedom and confidence. They entrust him with their little secrets, and he himself is child enough to be flattered by their demands and attentions. Only those of simple. beautiful life take special pleasure in the companionship of prattling childhood. It is an index to their character.
Because of his industrious and frugal habits he has been able not only to rear and properly educate his family, but also to make provision for his declining years. That provision would be doubly assured to him by his children, but he enjoys most the indepen- dence of having provided it for himself. He is a typical son of Erin, devout, patriotic, loyal, constant, and attractively peculiar. He loves his country and his kind, and is considerate of the demands of childhood. He specially delights to humor the whims of his grandchildren, seeing in them the face of one he "loved long since and lost awhile." Living down the natural sorrow for the loss of the dear companion of his life he exemplifies the thoughts that,
"Over all our tears God's rainbow bends, To all our cries a pitying ear He lends; Yea, to the feeble sounds of man's lament, How often have His messengers been sent!"
VOL. 11
t
322
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
THE REV. WILLIAM F. MURPHY.
The Catholics of Conneaut, Ashtabula county, Ohio, com- prising but one parish, St. Mary's, are happy in the possession of the Rev. William F. Murphy as their pastor. He was sent to them August 6, 1893, and since then both spiritual and temporal pros- perity has been their portion. They have a tasty and commodious church, a fine school, a comfortable rectory, a beautiful cemetery, and but few debts.
Father Murphy's first labors as a priest were performed in Youngstown, Ohio, where, for one year, he was assistant at St. Columba's Church. He was then transferred to Wellsville, Columbiana county, as pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church. He continued there during three years, or until 1888, when on account of impaired health he was given an indefinite leave of absence. The leave was advisedly made indefinite, for Bishop Gilmour and others of his friends were of the opinion that the severe bronchial affection, which he had contracted through exposure and hard work, would cause his death. But Providence decreed otherwise.
In 1888 he went to Sante Fe, New Mexico, where he derived great benefit during the two years he remained there. Then he, went to Idaho Springs, Colorado, where he stayed five years, com- pletely regaining his former health and vigor. While there he was active in the ministry, and was of great assistance to the late Bishop Machebeuf, and .to his successor, Bishop Matz, both of whom treated him with great cordiality, and appreciated his useful- ness so much that Bishop Gilmour was requested, by Bishop Matz, to give Father Murphy his exeat that he might be adopted into the Diocese of Denver. This, of course, was diplomatically refused by Bishop Gilmour, not only for diocesan reasons but also because of his personal attachment for Father Murphy. During these years frequent were the letters of affection that passed between himself and the good bishop. Father Murphy later returned to his beloved home diocese and was at once commis- sioned by Bishop Horstmann as pastor of St. Mary's Church, Conneaut, Ohio. In 198 he made an extended visit abroad, including most of the countries bordering on the Mediterranean
·
---- -----
21
€)
THE REV. WILLIAM F. MURPHY
IN NORTHERN OHIO. 323
sea, and extending as far east as the Holy Land, where some time was spent among the sacred shrines of Palestine. While in Rome he enjoyed the great privilege of a private audience with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII.
Those qualities of head and heart, which characterized Father Murphy's labors and endeared him to the authorities and peoples in the west, are not unappreciated in his native diocese and State. He exercises them with becoming zeal and fixedness of purpose to the end that parochial interests, especially the spiritual, may be advanced and safeguarded. Even-tempered, sympathetic, constant and cautious, he utilizes his talents to the end for which he has been called. Among these talents are his ability to think and speak well-his voice being full and his manner pleasing. He bas the capacity to handle temporalities to the advantage of his flock, and also the happy faculty of keeping his people united and of one mind touching faith and duty. Remarkable has been his success in establishing the first parochial school for the children of Conneaut. There stands as his monument a beautiful school and hall, and owing to his energy and ability as a schoolman, it can be said that every Catholic child of the parish attends this parochial school.
Rev. William F. Murphy is a native of Ohio, having been born in Cleveland, November 5, 1857. His father was William Murphy, who died in 1872. His mother, whose maiden name was Bridget Donahue, is now in her seventieth year. After a prepara- tory training in the parish school of St. Bridget, in his native city, he entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati. where he finished his classical course. His divinity studies were made in St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland, and he was ordained priest by Bishop Gilmour, July 6, 1884.
From having been apparently doomed to an early taking-off, it is most gratifying to the diocesan authorities and to his numer- ous friends that he has been spared by Providence for further usefulness in his beloved Diocese of Cleveland.
·
1
324
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
THE REV. EDWARD J. MURPHY.
When the Diocese of Cleveland was yet young and the labors of the majority of its one hundred or more priests were largely of a missionary character, Edward J. Murphy, then a young man of twenty-five years, but now the esteemed pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Leetonia, Ohio, was raised to the priesthood by Bishop Rappe. The date of his ordination is given in the records as September 30, 1861. Accordingly, at this writing (1900), nearly forty years of priestly labors stand to his credit in northern Ohio.
Father Murphy's first mission was as pastor of the Church of St. Rose of Lima, at Lima, Ohio. He established and maintained the first Catholic school in that place. His labors during the nine years of his pastorate there were characterized by zeal and self- sacrifice. St. Ann's Church, Youngstown, received his services during the succeeding twelve months, after which he was pastor of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, at Warren, for three years. Following his ministry at Warren, he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church, at Olmsted Falls. Completing three years of service there. he was transferred to St. John's Church, at Sum- mitville, where he continued for nine years. His career there ended in 1884, at which time he was commissioned as pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Leetonia, Ohio. At the close of the nineteenth century he is in the seventeenth year of his continuous ministry there and the sixty-fifth of his life.
He was born in the county of Carlow, Ireland, August 15, 1836. His parents were Michael and Elizabeth (McDonald) Murphy. The elder Murphy died when the subject of these lines was only two years of age. When he was fourteen years old, 1850, his mother, with her large family, emigrated to this country and took up her residence in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, where she died in 1882. What educational advantages old St. John's College of Cleveland afforded at that time were all young Murphy had during his years of preparation for his theological course. He successfully passed the required examination in 1858, and in that year also was admitted to the Diocesan Seminary, St. Mary's. Cleveland, where he made his philosophical and divinity studies within the space of three years, a feat which was very creditable
TAS
-
-
THE REV. EDWARD J. MURPHY
325
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
to himself and most gratifying to the Superior of the seminary. It also gave unbounded satisfaction to Bishop Rappe, for in that day the diocese of Cleveland was much in need of the young ecclesiastic's services on the mission. So pressing was this need that the Rt. Rev. Ordinary appealed to the heads of seminaries in Ireland, France, and Germany for suitable young men for the priesthood in northern Ohio.
From this it can be inferred that the subject of this sketch was appreciated as an apt and studious young man, who, notwith- standing many difficulties, made steady progress, and at all times gave evidence of no little talent and much zeal. His talent then, as in later years, exhibited itself along practical lines, and his zeal for religion and education was always to the fore. His labors at Lima, his first mission, attest the truth of this, for his work and achievements there are yet referred to with gratitude by the older members of St. Rose's congregation. The same can be said touching his ministry in the various places where he has been stationed, which, of course, includes his present long pastorate at St. Patrick's, Leetonia.
In the midst of his parishioners and their non-Catholic neigh- bors, at Leetonia, Father Murphy is spoken of as "the big-hearted Irish priest," "the typical Soggarth." Perhaps this fact is sugges- tive of his character. Besides being a large, shapely man physically, of dignified bearing and venerable appearance, his personality attracts not a whit more of attention than does his reputation for active charity, generosity, and straightforwardness. Like the priests of Ireland, the Soggarths, who are renowned the world over for their loyalty to their calling and to their flocks, Father Edward J. Murphy, while strict in requiring dutiful obedience to whatever the Church teaches, is yet mild in reprov- ing, anxious to heal the wounds left by sin in the transgressor, and quick to soothe the suffering of the afflicted whenever possible, thereby showing himself in every way every day to be the true spiritual father and friend of his people and, in fact, of all, irre- spective of creed or condition, within the limits of his jurisdiction.
"Remember, others shall
Take patience, labor, to their heart and hand, From thy hand, and thy heart, and thy brave cheer, And God's grace fructify through thee to all."
326
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. DANIEL J. MURPHY.
As a funeral director and practical embalmer Mr. Daniel J. Murphy, of St. Patrick's parish, Toledo, has few superiors in his profession. He is a native of Toledo, having been born in that city January 19, 1862. His parents, now dead, were Thomas S. · and Honora (Carroll) Murphy, who were among the early settlers of northwestern Ohio. They early habituated him to study, and sent him to St. Francis de Sales' parish school, where he received his preparatory training. He later entered Assumption College, Sandwich, Canada, and graduated there in the classics in 1879.
The elder Murphy having held for many years the position of tallyman, at Toledo, for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Company, it was natural that his son also should take kindly to railroad work. Accordingly, during eleven years, he held positions in the local railway offices, and for three additional years was traveling freight agent for the New York Central and Lake Shore Lines.
In 1893 he formed a partnership in the undertaking business in Toledo. After nearly six years he dissolved it and began to conduct the business in his own name. His remarkable success and popularity are but the measure of his merit and his skill in his calling. Having completed a course in anatomy and physiology, steps essential in the art of embalming, and having acquainted himself with the laws of sanitation and with the chemistry of all the preservatives, he is scientifically equipped to hold the first rank in his profession, a fact which commends him to the public. The following extract from one of his published articles is germane to this mention:
"No occupation in life, except it be the grave digger's, has been the object of so much contempt, so much banter, so much revulsion, as the undertaking business. However, the high place to which it has been raised by the requirements a higher civili- zation demands of him engaging in it, has changed the undertaker from the mechanic to the professional man. To him no longer belongs the work of using saw, nails and hammer to make a coffin. Higher, nobler duties now await his coming in the house of mourning. To him is left the application of those sanitary laws that protect the household and forbid the prevalence of disease.
.
:
-*
-
MR. DANIEL J. MURPHY.
IN NORTHERN OHIO. 327
It is his consideration, his kindness that relieves from duty and care those weighed down with grief. His knowledge of embalm- ing calls forth the ability of the physician, for he must know how particular diseases affect certain organs. His use of the scalpel calls for the skill of the surgeon, for he must distinguish between vein and artery, and know the exact location of every organ. And withal his work must be performed with that gentleness and tenderness that all people of refinement demand in the disposition of the bodies of their loved dead. His responsibility is a grave one, when it is remembered that the physician is seldom or never at the deathbed, and that it is the undertaker who determines whether life is extinct."
Mr. Daniel J. Murphy is master of the ritual of the Catholic Church touching burials, and has arranged a neat booklet of the psalms, chants, and hymns in the vernacular for the use of Catholics on funeral occasions. The need for this has long been apparent, and the supplying of it has been keenly appreciated by the Catholic public. It has also been a source of satisfaction and profit to himself ; for, irrespective of its reflex effect, it has inclined the public to regard Mr. Murphy as far in advance of others in his profession.
He was united in marriage, in 1888, to Helen, the daughter of James and Mary (Hallaran) Tobin, of Toledo, both of whom have passed away like many others of Toledo's early settlers. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have been born four children : Rita, Helen, Urban and Donald, a quartette of blessings and brightness which insures domestic bliss.
Mr. Murphy's profession of itself brings him in close contact with practical religious work, but even outside of it he has seen fit to unite himself with the various organizations aiming for the advancement of religion and the betterment of mankind. Among these societies are: the Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Catholic Men's Benevolent Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Club of Toledo.
Being a man of wide cultivation, who makes practical use of his scholarly attainments, he occupies a prominent place as a representative Catholic in Toledo and the Diocese of Cleveland.
328
A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MR. WILLIAM NERACHER.
Mr. William Neracher of St. Peter's parish, Cleveland, was born in Switzerland, November 2, 1842. He drank in the faith with his mother's milk, and inherited from his parents a sturdi- ness and resoluteness of character which have stood him in good part during his succession of struggles to attain success.
In 1851, when a mere boy, he emigrated to this country and went direct to Cleveland where, in order to earn a crust, he carried and sold papers. At ten years of age he became a lighter of street lamps, and was otherwise actively engaged whenever he could find anything to do. He continued to be thus employed for five years, devoting in the meantime the spare hours at his command to acquire the rudiments of an education. When he was fifteen years old he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, and later worked in one of the ship yards. He mastered his calling so well that he became a building contractor, and under the firm name of Neracher & Brothers operated a planing mill and sash and door factory. In 1859 he helped build the first street railroad in Cleveland.
After the war of the rebellion broke out he joined, in 1862, the 20th Independent Ohio Battery as a private, and served until 1865, when he was mustered out, holding the rank of lieutenant. He was the youngest artillery officer from Ohio in the service. His battery was with the Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Rose- crans, with Gen. Thomas, and later it saw service under Gen. Sherman. There was no braver man in the battery than Lieu- tenant Neracher and the records will bear out the statement.
Whether at the front, or conducting the business of a con- tractor-or, indeed, while working as a common tradesinan, the inquiring mind of Mr. Neracher was always active. That mind was not only of an inquiring and investigating turn, but it was also both logical, mathematical, and inventive. The fifty-six patents, which are his by original right, are the evidence. Those now in use and owned by the great Fire Extinguisher Co., of which he was the organizer and is now the general western manager, are the product of his genius. The company is one of the largest and most important concerns in the country. It is rated at over a
i
-
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM NERACHER.
329
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
million dollars, employs 2,000 hands. Its pay roll is $90,000 a month, and its annual business exceeds $3,000,000. It does business in nearly every civilized country in the world. A son of the subject of this mention, William A. Neracher, is manager of one of the company's factories, at Warren, Ohio, and a son-in-law, Alfred Fritzsche, is assistant manager, at Cleveland.
William Neracher, in 1867, was married in St. Peter's Church, Cleveland, to Miss Margaret Kaiser, daughter of the late Melchior Kaiser, who was one of the original Catholic settlers in that city. His marriage, to use a phrase, was the making of him. The event was providential. His wife was a gift from the Lord, as are all good wives gifts from God according to the Scripture. This brave, noble-hearted young girl became in very fact his helpmate and his solace in difficulties. She was his sheet anchor during his severest trials, and by both her courage and her hopefulness he became inspired with an unusual perseverance. He offered a half interest in his patents, now most valuable, to the late ex-Mayor Rose, of Cleveland, for the paltry sum of $2,500. His offer being refused, he would have given up all hope but for the way in which that courageous and devoted wife inspired and upheld him. Through her influence he persevered, organized the Extinguisher Company, and sent it forward conquering and to conquer everywhere.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.