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 6
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The trials and privations of the Nerachers have been many and great. They sowed in tears, indeed, but now for many years they have been reaping in joy. Well-earned prosperity is now their share, and what is additionally consoling to them is the fact that none of their hosts of friends and neighbors who have known them in their trying years begrudge them the coming in of their ships. And they could not envy them without the greatest injus- tice, for they are now, as they have always been, plain, neighborly and kindly disposed to all.
In Shakesperean phrase, it may have been the tide in Mr. Neracher's affairs that bore him on to fortune. Whatever it was he generously and truthfully insists that it was the good influence and encouragement he received from his noble wife that enabled him to continue the battle in which he triumphed.
Note .-- While this volume was in press Mr. William Neracher passed to his reward, September 30, 1902.
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MR. MARTIN NEUHAUSEL.
This gentleman is a member of the well known dry goods firm of Neuhausel Brothers, Toledo, Ohio. He has been a resident of that city since 1858, and also a member of St. Mary's (German) parish since the fourth year of its organization. He was born at Ober Roden, Germany, October 19, 1841, and is the third oldest of a family of five sons and two daughters born to Nicholas and Anna Maria (Becker) Neuhausel. The family emigrated to the United States, in 1852, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1857 Martin Neuhausel, when a youth of nearly seventeen, removed to Toledo, where he secured employment in a bakery, and later in a dry goods store.
In 1862, inspired with the patriotic ardor of the day, and desir- ous of aiding in the preservation of the Union, he enlisted as a private in Co. D, 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served his country three years during the War of the Rebellion, and became a non-commissioned officer. At its close he was honorably dis- charged. He was granted a pension by the government, but, in 1892, he refused longer to accept it, he not needing it. With his brothers. Nicholas, John F., and George C., he embarked in the dry goods business, in 1866, establishing what is now the oldest and most reliable house in that line of trade in Toledo. During the thirty-five years the Messrs. Neuhausel have been prospering in business, fifty-seven other ventures in the same line of trade have either failed or passed out of existence in that city. From their success, therefore, can be inferred the business ability of the Neuhausels, both collectively and individually.
In 1866, in Toledo, Martin Neuhausel was married to Barbara Siegfried. Two children born to them passed away, only to be followed by their mother, the date of her death being October 13, 1894. October 22, 1895, Mr. Neuhausel was married to Helen, the daughter of the late Benedict Dannemiller, who was one of the wealthy pioneer Catholics of the city of Canton and Stark county, Ohio. Mrs. Neuhausel is a most exemplary lady of domestic tastes and refinement. She devotes much of her time and money to charitable and Christian work, her special delight being to help bring gladness to sorrowing hearts and plenty to homes that have
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MR. AND MRS. MARTIN NEUHAUSEL.
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felt the pinching of poverty. On her second tour of Europe and the Holy Land she was created Lady of Honor of the Holy House of Loretto by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Gallucci, Bishop of Loretto, July 31, 1891. On the occasion of her first tour she received her pilgrim's diploma April 7, 1889. During these trips she collected numerous relics and souvenirs which, with the medals she received, constitute a semi-religious museum of curios that is both enter- taining and instructive.
For over thirty years Martin Neuhausel has been a member of the German Central Verein of the United States, the local branch of which in Toledo he has represented for ten consecutive years as delegate to the annual conventions. He was among the projectors of the Catholic Congress for the United States, sessions of which were held in Baltimore and Chicago. Notwithstanding his business cares, he has always found time to devote to the furtherance of Catholic interests, notably those things specially required by both the diocesan and local authorities.
To gratify a desire to visit the land of his birth, and to see foreign places of interest, he journeyed thither, in 1876, accom- panied by his wife. He traveled extensively through Europe, visited Rome, and returned with the conviction more firmly estab- lished than ever that there are only two great institutions in the world, the Catholic Church and the great American Republic, to both of which he belongs-to the one by faith and baptism, and to the other by adoption and the ties of a glorious patriotism, in testimony of the sincerity of which his soldier record may be cited.
Mr. Neuhausel is a man of large business experience and much information. In manner he is quiet, thoughtful, and philosophical, speaking little, but in that little saying much and saying it well. He advises rather than leads. His judgment when followed always brings success. Hence in association work, as well as in business, his opinion and advice, freely and cheerfully given, are often asked for and always respected.
As a representative Catholic of Toledo his record for patriot- ism, correct principles, honesty and generosity, entitle him to the high esteem in which he is held by the Catholic people and the public. It also entitles him to this recognition, which is intended as a tribute to him personally and as an encouragement to others to deserve well by right living.
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MR. JOHN I. NUNN.
The gentleman whose name introduces this biographical mention is the Democratic treasurer of Cuyahoga county, in which county is situated the metropolis of Ohio, the See city of the Diocese of Cleveland.
If, according to Thomas Jefferson, the office seeks the man, and the people, by electing him, attest their high estimate of his worth and fitness, then this mention of Mr. John I. Nunn as treasurer of his native county, Cuyahoga, is more than a hint to the reader, as to Mr. Nunn's qualifications, popularity, and prominence, while it at the same time indicates the fact that good qualities in an individual will not ever remain unnoticed and unrewarded by his fellow citizens.
He was born in Cleveland, August 23, 1860, and was there educated in the common schools and in a business college. His father, Isidore Nunn, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States when he was eighteen years old, and took up his abode in Cleveland in 1850. He was a cabinet maker by trade, but, in 1866, he engaged in the business of undertaking, and, under his tutelage, his son John I. was early habituated to the calling. The young man further qualified himself by a course in embalming, and his remarkable success has since been the measure of his skill and business ability. He is a member of the Funeral Directors' Association, of Ohio, has acted as its secretary for a number of years, and was also its president. He has always lent his ability to the advancement of the calling, and his influence has been potent in lifting it above its former status.
Mr. John I. Nunn began his political career, in 1890, by accepting the nomination for the office of city councilman from the ward in which he lived, the Fifth. Although the ward was overwhelmingly of the opposite political faith, Mr. Nunn triumphed in the election, being the first Democrat ever elected in the district. He was re-elected in 1891, a fact which proved his popularity and paved the way for his being chosen, in 1901, to fill the important position of county treasurer. He is the first
قلبه.
MR. JOHN I. NUNN
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IN NORTHERN OHIO. 333
Democrat, for several generations, to hold the office, and he is the first Catholic to enjoy so important a preferment.
These facts mean no political landslide, but rather excellent qualities duly appreciated by the public. That Mr. Nunn, from early youth, has exhibited both an excellent character and marked ability appears to be generally recognized. Ever industrious, con- siderate of others, and faithful to his word, his record has not only invited attention to the increasing creditableness of his career, but he personally earned, by his correct and open life, the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. The puzzle to some is as to how sectarian prejudice and political bias could be made to hide themselves in the case of Mr. Nunn. This may be accounted for in two ways. In the first place, education and experience arc fast dissipating the false notion that Catholics are not to be trusted ; and, secondly, the good record of the Catholic body, and especially of many notable individual Catholics, are the best argu- ments controverting the false witness heretofore borne against them both unitedly and as individuals. Catholics are the cquals of their fellow citizens in all the avenues leading up to the goal of good citizenship. They even excel in honesty, morals, intellect, and loyalty. In these respects, with consistency superadded, the gentleman here mentioned has always been a shining example, much to his own credit and to that also of his Catholic co-religionists.
June 2, 1885, Mr. John I. Nunn was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Lenze, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She has resided in Cleveland since she was six months old, and has been educated in the public and parochial schools. Mrs. Nunn is a lady of no little culture, domestic tastes, Christian practice, and refinement. The social in her life she does not allow to interfere with the duties becoming to her station, such as the care of her home and the proper training of her children. These children are named : Isidore, Alardus, Olga and Wanda. With the advantages which are theirs, a future of brightness and promise looms up before them, a prospect which is one of the chief joys of their parents.
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THE REV. PATRICK O'BRIEN.
The Church of the Good Shepherd, Toledo, Ohio, has for its pastor the reverend gentleman whose name captions this sketch. That name is suggestive of religion and patriotism and is befitting him who bears it, in that his character and life are in happy accord with its meaning. One of the mistakes of the Catholic Bard Shakespeare is the following :
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet."
This claim of the Bard of Avon is but a half-truth. The other and opposing half-truth is recognized in the fact that, to call a rose a rose detracts neither from its sweetness of odor nor its charm of beauty. It does even more than this, for it corresponds with the fitness of things and chimes with the higher harmonies. The Scriptures abound in apt and felicitous appellations designating both men and things, and Catholic Christianity has adhered to the good old custom. The Patricks of old Rome were the nobles, the patricians, just as the O'Briens of Ireland were and are among the most chivalrous and patriotic of the Irish people.
The subject of this mention, a Patrick by nature and by name, is descended of the Wexford branch of the original O'Brien family. His father now in his ninety-seventh year, and who lives with him in Toledo, was born in the county of Wexford, Ireland, as were also his paternal ancestors for generations. Father O'Brien him- self is a Wexford man, for he was born at Piltown, in that county, February 20, 1844. When less than fourteen years old (1857) his parents with their family crossed the Atlantic to America and took up their abode at Elyria, Lorain county, Ohio. Patrick O'Brien was a young man in his twenty-second year when he hearkened to the advice of his friend and spiritual director, the late Father Griss, to study for the priesthood. Accordingly he was adopted as a student for his diocese by Bishop Rappe and began his studies in St. Mary's College in 1865. The following year he entered the diocesan college established at Louisville in Stark county, Ohio. Three years later he passed his examination for the Seminary
THE REV. PATRICK O'BRIEN
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which he entered and was ordained priest by Bishop Gilmour July 21, 1872.
St. Columba's Church, Youngstown, Ohio, was his first mission, in the capacity of curate .. He remained there until September, 1873, when he was appointed to the pastorate of St. Mary's Church, Rockport, with St. Patrick's of that place and Holy Family Church, at Parma. as missions. August, 1875, he was transferred to the Church of the Good Shepherd, Toledo. From that charge he was appointed, May, 1878, as pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the same city. He labored there during eleven years, and was about to begin the erection of a new church when the needs of the diocese required that he assume the pastorate of St. Francis de Sales' Church, also in Toledo. His next commission made him pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Cleve- land. There, as elsewhere, he labored very successfully, especially in the building of the parish school at a cost of $60,000, on which he succeeded in paying half that sum. As a fund to apply on the parish obligations and current expenses he collected, during his pastorate, the large sum of about $80,000.
While in charge of St. Patrick's he was given leave of absence to go on a pilgrimage to Rome and Palestine. He made the pilgrimage, but the fatigue and exposure incident to the journey so shattered his health that on his return he felt himself unequal to hard work. Requesting an appointment to a smaller parish, he was given St. Ann's, Fremont, from which, after four years, he was again commissioned as pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Toledo. He is now (1900) crecting there a new church of splendid proportions at a cost of about $80,000, including fur- nishings, which he hopes to have completed September, 1901.
As above said, Father O'Brien is what his name implies. He unites patriotism with religion. He loves the land of his birth, and equally dear to him is the land of his adoption, Free America, because it is the Irland it Mickla, the "Greater Ireland" of his hopes and the hopes of his race. He gave proof of this in June, 1862, by enlisting as a private in Company H, 103rd O. V. I., at Elyria. He weighed only 110 lbs. at the time (which weight he has since more than doubled), and passed the physician's examina- tion ; but in camp on the "Heights" in Cleveland the regimental
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surgeon, Dr. Griswold, rejected him on the ground of physical dis- ability. He was therefore never "mustered in," although he wore the "blue." His comrades in Toledo, knowing the cause of his rejection, complimented his patriotism by unanimously electing him an honorary member of Ford Post, G. A. R., in that city. Although his calling is that of peace he is for righteous war in defense of the rights of the peoples of all lands, especially his native land. His paternal grandfather fought for Ireland and the right in the Wexford Rebellion of 1798, and his earlier ancestors with equal ardor opposed the foe for centuries. Hence, being a warrior poet, he sings as follows :
"Methinks I see the dawn of freedom's day, My blood grows warm for the coming fray; Methinks I hear the tramp of armed men Go marching home to fight the foe again. Hark! the sound of war falls on my ear,
I see the bay'net bright and glist'ning spear; There waves the Green and Gold, and there the Red, There lie the groaning wounded and the dead. The smoking cannons roar and sabers flash, As on the Irish soldiers madly dash. Hark! now I hear the Celtic battle-cry- Erin-Go-Bragh rings out from earth to sky. I look again! behold the British run --- The Green has conquered and the field is won."
In the pulpit, on the rostrum, and in the field of letters, the "Poet Priest of the Maumee" is a man of force, eloquence, and charm of diction. Besides his lectures on temperance and other subjects, delivered in many of the principal cities of the country, he is also a writer of verse. He has written about one hundred poems, all of which have appeared in print, while many of them justify greater pretentions than are his. His muse at times soars high; then again it is tender, as witness the following stanza from his "Emerald Isle," which will happily terminate this sketch :
"Sweet Erin, loveliest Isle of all the seas, Whose hills are fanned by many an od'rous breeze, Whose shores are kissed around by ocean wave, A blooming garden, but fair freedom's grave. Land of my birth, I sing a song of thee, Though far away, thou art still dear to me -- Dear as when I trod thy carpet green, And loved to dwell upon each lovely scene."
MR. PATRICK C. O'BRIEN
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MR. PATRICK C. O'BRIEN.
This biographical outline tells of a man who, at this writing (1901), might be mayor of Cleveland had he given his consent and accepted the voluntary assurances and loyal support of his per- sonal and political admirers. The demands of his large business, however, and the advice of near friends, helped in, dissuading him from allowing his name to be presented as a candidate; but the chiefest reason was his retiring disposition and native modesty.
Mr. P. C. O'Brien. is one of Cleveland's leading wholesale and retail dealers in fancy groceries, fruits, etc. He is president of the Retail Grocers' Association, is a member of the Board of Trade, and occupies a position of great prominence among the business men. He is a native of the city of Cleveland, was edu- cated in St. John's Cathedral school, and is now about middle life. When a youth he began his career as a clerk in his uncle's grocery house. In 1880 he embarked in business for himself. Since then prosperity has attended his efforts in the commercial line.
Besides his strong, practical instincts, native enterprise, and thorough acquaintance with the requirements of his calling, he possesses an agreeableness and ease of manner which make him friends. Geniality is an element of his Celtic nature, and honesty is a virtue of his religion. Combined and active in him, they have been factors in his success, and clearly account for how widely and favorably he is known both politically, socially, and in business.
He served two terms in the city council, making a record for honesty, ability, and fixedness of purpose. He is a member of the councilmanic board of St. John's Cathedral, and is united with his co-religionists in the various patriotic and fraternal organizations. His devotedness and strict adherence to the Catholic faith of his ancestors show his loyalty to principle and to truth. His faithfulness to his religion is not the mere weakness of following in a beaten path, nor yet is it a blind persistence begotten of pre- conceived notions. On the contrary, it is an intellectual convic- tion, aided by grace, his enlightened judgment holding that the Catholic faith ever makes for real religion and pure morals, both
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of which are essentials to a happy home, to well-ordered society, and to stable government among men.
While material things, among which are classed money, temporal success, and business prominence, may count for much in their sphere, they yet do not make the real man, nor are they the chief good. They do, however, afford opportunities for development, and serve to unlock gates that preclude many, but they do not outweigh other considerations in the estimation of Mr. O'Brien. And this is why he is mentioned here as a reputable citizen of conviction and principle, and as a man whose judgment, conscience, and proper estimate of things place the spiritual and moral above the temporal. He wisely estimates men more on account of character than for their worldly possessions.
As a plain, every-day business man who presumes not, and assumes nothing beyond his ability and just deserts, Mr. P. C. O'Brien is regarded as the kind of man to merit attention and to set an example worthy of emulation not alone in business and in society, but especially in the home life where a man's real qualities can be neither hidden nor misunderstood. The home, besides being the cornerstone of the State, is the dearest, most sacred spot on earth to human kind. It is not only the maker but also the tester of character. The home, while it ennobles the man, is also the measurer of his qualities. The best place to judge a man is in his home amidst those whom he is expected to love and cherish. Thus measured and weighed, the subject of this mention will not be found wanting, but will tip high the scale-pan in which an unusual weight has been placed to test him.
"Formed on the good old plan,
A true and brave and downright honest man!
He blows no trumpet in the market place, Nor in the church, with hypocritic face Supplies with cant the lack of Christian grace; Loathing pretence, he does with cheerful will
What others talk of, while their hands are still."
MR. JOHN O'CONNOR
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. JOHN O'CONNOR.
The late Mr. John O'Connor, of Lima, Ohio, was among the most prominent and reputable citizens of that city and section of the State. He died July 21, 1898, after a residence in Lima of nearly forty-five years, and was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances-much larger, in fact, than usually bear testimony to the good qualities of many public men. For upward of thirty years he was a member of the councilmanic board of the Church of St. Rose. He was also a member of the city council for sixteen years, and filled out an unexpired term of the mayoralty.
He was born, November 27, 1835, in Abbeyfcale, a city built on the line which divides the counties of Kerry and Limerick, Ireland. The Christian name of his father was Patrick. He died in Ireland about 1848. The maiden name of his mother was Margaret McCoy. After the death of her husband she emigrated to this country, where she resided many years before passing away. She was the old style of mother. . Her life was truly Christian. She met difficulties with resolution and equanimity, and on her lips was constantly the prayer, "Thanks be to God." This prayer she ejaculated, as well when troubles and crosses pressed hard upon her as when the things she desired were brought about. She lived in the continued presence of a Providence which she regarded as regulating all things for the best. Her faith was strong and her life was the practical exemplification of it.
When John O'Connor was a youth of seventeen, sturdy, bright, and promising, he emigrated to this country, 1852, and landed in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Not liking the southern climate, he worked his way north. and the following winter he found himself in Lima, Ohio. Shortly thereafter he got work in the new railroad shops, which were then of great conse- quence to that budding little city. He continued in the shops until he became foreman, which position he held until 1869, when he retired to embark in a new enterprise.
Some nine years previous he conceived the notion of estab- lishing a general insurance and steamship agency. After his daily work in the shops, he devoted his evenings to seeking trade for his
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pet project. He continued in this way until he found, in 1869, that the business which he had worked up, and which was con- stantly increasing, required that his whole time be devoted to it. He did give it his whole time after that, and it was not long until the time of others also, as assistants, was required to transact the volume of business which came to him. He thus, through honest effort, perseverance, and tact, established and developed an agency second to none in northern Ohio.
In 1858, May 29, Mr. John O'Connor was married, in Lima, to Miss Sarah O'Connell, a native of Putnam county, Ohio. She was baptized in the old church at Glandorf, in that county. Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor, seven of whom are living, four sons and three daughters. Of the sons, John S., and Daniel F., both married, are conducting the business established by their father; Rev. Joseph is completing his theolo- gical course at Innsbruck, Austria, where he was ordained priest, July 26, 1902, and Bernard is in his second year of philosophy in St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland, where he also is pre- paring himself for the priesthood. Of the daughters, Margaret has become Mrs. T. A. Collins, of Lima, and Mary and Rose are living with their mother in the old homestead.
The accompanying portrait of Mr. O'Connor gives a good idea of his character. He had a high sense of obligation and of honor. Hence he was a Catholic noted for faith and works. His friendships also were sincere and loyal. His genuine American spirit but served to heighten his desire for the freedom of his native land. He favored the organization of his countrymen looking to unity and patriotism. While docile in church matters and obedient to ecclesiastical authority, he was nevertheless so decided in character, having a mind of his own, that he never could be a mere follower. He was immovable when convinced that he was right, and the whole force of his nature backed his judgment. Those who knew him knew his principles. His flag was always at the mast-head and beneath its folds he was ever ready to do or die.
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