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 7
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The respect and applause of his fellow citizens were always his in consequence of his openness and honesty of character, and because of his faithfulness to his convictions and to what he considered to be his duty and the right. His name will long be held in honored remembrance in Lima.
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MR. JOHN J. O'DONNELL
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. JOHN JOSEPH O'DONNELL.
The gentleman whose career and prominent qualities are attempted to be outlined here, and who, with his excellent wife, appears pictorially on the adjoining page, is a leading member of Holy Name parish, Cleveland, Ohio, and is the general superin- tendent of the far-famed Newburg Rod Mills in that city. He is the second of five children born to Cornelius and Anastasia (McCarthy) O'Donnell, in Cleveland, his natal day having been June 17, 1861.
Both his parents were born in the county of Limerick, Ireland. When little past childhood, his mother was brought to the United States. His father emigrated when he was a young man. The destiny that shapes all human ends caused their matrimonial union in Cleveland, where all their children were born, and from which city, during the war of the rebellion, the elder O'Donnell enlisted in the 10th Ohio Infantry. He was mortally wounded in battle and died in a field hospital in 1864. Left a widow, Mrs. O'Donnell redoubled her efforts in behalf of her children. How well she succeeded is best told by the excellent record of each. At present she is living in quiet and comfort with her son, who is the subject of this article.
Mr. John Joseph O'Donnell was educated in the local Catholic schools. His was not a finished education, for the needs of the family required that at an early age he quit school and go to work. Experiencing some of the vicissitudes which are the lot of most young men who, unaided, start out in life to work at anything they can get to do, young O'Donnell finally became a rod mill hand in one of the Newburg iron mills. This was in 1884. So apt, prompt. and faithful was he in his calling that in less than three years he had partial charge of the mill. Two years later he had full charge of what was then known as the new rod mill, the first and best of its kind, both in machinery and appliances, in this or any other country. The second of the new mills was also placed in his charge in 1894. He is now (1900) the general superintendent of the vast iron manufacturing interests represented by the Newburg Rod Mills, and is equal to the great responsibilty of his position.
The years intervening between 1884 and 1900, sixteen in all,
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tell the story of his remarkable progress, and evidence the splendid natural qualities of the man. Those qualities include not only inherited and acquired skill in mechanics, the tactful and consider- ate handling of large numbers of men, and great executiveness, but also an acquaintance with a department of chemistry, a degree of expert knowledge, and a practical efficiency in a line of business requiring talents of a high order.
During his career he has amassed quite a competency ; but, since money is not always the measure of a man, the subject need not be further considered. In his dealings with his fellows and in the social order his character is easily determined. In these respects, Mr. J. J. O'Donnell has the credit of possessing an agreeable disposition, a generous nature, and a large-heartedness which are necessary traits in the true Christian gentleman. Religion receives practical reverence from him; Christian educa- tion commands his generous support ; and as a Catholic he respects authority, promotes good order, and defends liberty of conscience for every man.
Mr. John Joseph O'Donnell was married, in 1885, to Miss Catherine A. McDonough, who, like himself, is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She is a lady of refinement, possesses not a few accomplishments, and evidences rare good sense. Their happy domestic life breathes the spirit of the true Catholic home.
The confirmation of what has just been said is the high esteem in which Mr. O'Donnell is held by his neighbors and friends, and by the public. His worth as a successful man-a man who by industry and faithfulness has advanced himself from the position of a mill hand to his present prominence and affluence -- is generally recognized. The talents and ability which are his, and the good practical uses to which he has always devoted them, tell of his judgment and constancy, and present him as a man of business tact and energy. With the wreath of success entwining his brow, and with large means at his command, he yet remains the agreeable, approachable sort of man that he was when his struggles to make a living were hardest, and when he had little in the way of backing or influence to sustain him. These are the best tests of character. Mr. O'Donnell has been measured by these tests and has been found worthy, four-square, and reliable.
MR. PATRICK O'MARA AND SONS.
Rev. Patrick H.
John F. William T.
Daniel.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. PATRICK O'MARA.
No account of the pioneer Catholics of the Diocese of Cleve- land would be complete without some mention of the late Mr. Patrick O'Mara, who was a member of the Cathedral parish from 1849 until his death, which occurred January 3, 1896. He was a native of the county Tipperary, Ireland, having been born in the Diocese of Cashel and Emly in the year 1819. In the early forties he was married to Miss Honora Moroney, of the county of Limer- ick, and, in 1846, they bade farewell to the Emerald Isle to seek ·their fortunes in America.
Arriving in this country, Patrick O'Mara located in Chicago, but three years later removed to Cleveland. There he readily found employment at his trade, that of cooper, and, after a few years' service as a journeyman, he embarked in the cooperage business for himself. Being both a skillful and honest workman his wares found a ready sale, and he soon built up a prosperous business, which he had occasion to enlarge from time to time. About 1886, feeling the weight of years, he retired from the active management of his affairs, and spent the remainder of his life in quiet and the strictest practice of his religion.
To Patrick and Honora O'Mara eleven children were born. Of these two sons and one daughter are still living in Cleveland. One son was the Rev. Patrick H. O'Mara, who was curate at the church of St. John the Evangelist, Delphos, Ohio, and who died in St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, October 22, 18SS. His remains are buried in St. John's Cemetery, Cleve- land. Father O'Mara was born in Chicago, Illinois, February 22, 1852. He was educated at Louisville College, Stark county, Ohio, and in St. Mary's Theological Seminary, Cleveland. Bishop Gil- mour ordained him priest July 5, 1877. He was pastor of St. Mary's Church, Hudson, having also charge of the missions at Cuyahoga Falls and Peninsula. He labored there from shortly after his ordination till July 5, 1881, when he was transferred to become assistant at St. Mary's Church, Tiffin. Six months there- after he was made assistant at St. Columba's Church, Youngstown, when, after one year, he was appointed assistant at St. John's Church, Delphos. In September, 1888, he was seized with his last
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illness. Another son, Mr. William T. O'Mara, is a resident of Cleveland, and is engaged in the oil business. The surviving daughter is Miss Jennie H., who lives with her brother, William T.
All his life the elder O'Mara was a faithful and consistent Catholic. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and of the Father Mathew Temperance Society, having taken the pledge from Father Mathew himself. This pledge he never forgot, though in the observance of it he displayed neither boastfulness nor fanaticism. Having pledged his honor he regarded it as simple duty to keep the promise, and in this matter, as in the dispensation of his charity, he had no desire to herald to the world his honesty of purpose or his good deeds.
To the young men of the present, as well as of future genera- tions, the lives of such men as Patrick O'Mara are to be com -. mended as worthy of emulation. His plain, unassuming manner, his industrious and frugal habits, his strict integrity and inherent love of justice made him a man to be esteemed, admired and trusted. In all his dealings he was never accused of dishonesty. In his social relations he was never charged with assuming any undue importance. While strict and determined he was never harsh or severe. His genial Irish nature yielded readily and gracefully to the refining and mellowing influences of religion. He was most charitable in view of human weakness, and while decided in condemning wrong he was ever inclined to hope for better things on the part of wrong-doers. In his activity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, he was brought face to face with lessons which taught him to be merciful and charitable and to judge no man harshly, not even when the man was his own greatest enemy. He learned to know the extent of human weak- ness, and with that knowledge his charity increased.
His wife died in 1893, but in his grief he found solace in the knowledge that their separation was to be of short duration. The vacant chair in the family circle appealed strongly to his human instincts, but, possessing an abiding faith in God's promises, he never doubted that they would be reunited in the life to come, where, with a purer and holier love than this earth can know, their union will be for all eternity.
MR. THOMAS O'NEIL
345
IN NORTHERN OHIO.
MR. THOMAS O'NEIL.
There are few old-time dwellers in the city of Toledo, Ohio, who are more prominent or better respected than the gentleman here mentioned. His prominence is not because of marked ability or great wealth, nor is the high esteem in which he is held to be accounted for on any "holier than thou" assumption, or any high plea in the line of special perfections. He is, and he has never laid claim to being more than, an average man. Those who know him best and for years have felt the public pulse regarding him are of the opinion that his honesty of speech and record and his genial light-heartedness and generosity are among the things that, during the past half a century, have made him the subject of kind remark and the object of pleasant and hearty greeting by all his fellow citizens.
From the beginning of his career in Toledo, 1850, he has been a member of St. Francis de Sales' Church, the first Catholic church in that city, and he has helped to the extent of his financial ability in the founding and developing of all the other parishes which, to the number of eleven, evidence the growth of Catholicity in "The Future Great City." He has always done his part cheerfully and promptly, and few will be found to question his representative character or his record as a plain, unassuming Catholic gentleman.
Mr. Thomas O'Neil was born at Asketon on the Shannon river, in the county of Limerick, Ireland, May 12, 1830. He was in his twentieth year, 1850, when he embarked for the United States. He arrived in Toledo on his birthday. In obedience to his active temperament and industrious habits he was scarcely settled in his adopted city when he engaged in business, the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes, which he continued for twenty-six consecutive years. His next venture was in the bakery line, in which he remained during fourteen years, making forty years of active business life.
Mr. O'Neil was married January 10, 1853, by the late Father Foley, the third resident pastor in Toledo, to Miss Mary Geelan, who, like himself, was born in Ireland. She yet remains the faithful companion of her husband and the guardian of the family home .*
*Since this work has been in press. Mrs. O'Neil departed this life December 15, 1901.
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To their union were born three children: John, Derunda, who passed away August 14, 1873, and Thomas J.
Among the things of note in Mr. O'Neil's career it might be mentioned that he was first lieutenant in the Shields Guards, a noted Irish-American military company that flourished in Toledo, in 1856, and for several years after. Not a few of the members did valiant deeds for the Union in the war of 1861-65. In 1858 Mr. O'Neil was elected treasurer of the city of Toledo. In 1863 Governor Tod appointed him captain of the recruiting station in Toledo, where he made an excellent record in his efforts for the successful prosecution of the war. Under the administration of President Johnson he was appointed city mail agent, which respon- sible position he filled with credit to himself and the government. In 1882 he was elected infirmary director, and was twice re- elected to the same office, his last term ending in 1890. Since then he has declined to be active in either business or political affairs, contenting himself in caring for his property in the interests of his children.
Now in his seventieth year, he is well preserved, active, and just as cheerful, jovial and companionable as when his tide of life was at its flood, and when sociability, music and merry-making were the chief sources of his good times. He loves much and is beloved by many.
MR. FRANK ORLIKOWSKI.
The prime mover and most liberal contributor for the advance- ment of the educational and material interests of St. Stanislas' (Polish) parish, Cleveland, Ohio, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He has been the friend, adviser and helper of the priests who have been in charge of the congregation since its organization, and he continues to maintain the same helpful relation to the Rev. Benedict Rosinski, who is now the pastor. Donations to the church of bells, statues, and contributions amounting to several thousand dollars stand to his credit, while his zcal and generosity appear to suffer no diminution. Both a love for the Catholic religion and concern for the proper training of his children, as well as of those of others, are the explanation of
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MR. FRANK ORLIKOWSKI
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
the deep interest he takes in supporting his parish church and schools. He knows what religion means to a man in the world, and he has a proper estimate of what Catholic training accom- plishes for the youth of this day and generation. Hence he is a model Christian father and citizen, and is a credit to his co-religionists.
Mr. Frank Orlikowski was born December 15, 1851, in Kosmin, county of Berent, Bezirk of Danzig (Gdansk), province of West Prussia, Poland. He came to the United States, in 1873, and located in Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1875 he removed to Cleveland, where, with the exception of a few years, he has since resided. His calling is that of a contractor, which for years he has followed with great success. He was married, in 1882, in St. Peter's Church, Cleveland, to Miss Mary Wagner, who was a member of that parish. She is a native of Zempelburg, Germany, and inherits the sterling domestic and practical qualities of her people. Mr. and Mrs. Orlikowski have been blessed with a family of ten children, but have suffered the loss of four of them : Frank, Mary, Cedonia, and Jennie having passed away. The remaining six are : Apolonia, Julia, Leo, August, Hedwig, and Eloise. Although ranking among the wealthier families, the Orlikowskis are plain and practical, and prize education and domestic traits higher than the mere forms of modern social life.
In the business world Mr. Orlikowski is the peer of his fellows. Although he was full grown when he came to America, and having to learn the language and customs of the country under great difficulties, he yet made progress year by year until he became a representative man, not alone among his people, but also among all classes of his fellow citizens. Possessing ability, industry, and honesty, and manifesting under all circumstances an energy that never flags, he has forged to the front and has always kept his record clear and his name unspotted. His kindly nature and generous impulses have occasioned him losses sufficient to make others comfortable, but he never repines. He maintains his spirit in sweet content on all occasions, even when unjustly criticised, and he exhibits a cheerfulness and considerateness which make him friends. Fortunately organized, and possessing rare qualities, he has been selected as a proper person to have his name, and that of his family, inscribed in this History of the Diocese of Cleveland.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
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PROF. EDMUND H. OSTHAUS.
Among those of distinction in the city of Toledo, Ohio, and who reflect no little credit on the Catholic body, the gentleman here mentioned might be cited as occupying no second place. This is not that he carries his religion on his coat-front, or lays claim to being any better Christian than the humblest Catholic, but it is because his culture and training enable him to emphasize in his life the attractiveness of simplicity and the Christian courtesy which the Mother Church inspires.
Not merely in Toledo, but in the wider field of the Central States, and, indeed, also in the art centers of the East, Professor Osthaus is well and favorably known as a successful painter of animals. In landscape work, too, where animal life appears prom- inent, and in drawing from nature, he has acquired such a pro- ficiency as to be adjudged a master.
Having on several occasions exhibited his pictures in New York City, specimens of his work are to be found among the noted art collections there .. A fine sample of his skill-a large painting of a group of ten dogs-is an attractive feature at the Aldine, in Philadelphia, where it has been much admired by art critics. Another fine one, very large, is in the richly appointed home of . Mr. Frank J. Cheney, of Toledo, Ohio. In the rooms of the. Society of Western Artists, also in that city, of which Mr. Osthaus is vice-president, may be seen an excellent sample of his landscape work. And in the halls of his alma mater. at Düsseldorf, Germany, is a splendid drawing from life, which was purchased from him by the Academy when he graduated. This was in recognition of his talent and as a practical diploma for his efficiency in his art.
Edmund H. Osthaus was born at Hildesheim, near Hanover. Germany, August 5, 1858. His mother's maiden name was Miss Henrietta Hunneman. She was born in London, England, and resides with him in Toledo. His father's Christian name was Henry. He joined the fortunes of Maximillian in Mexico, and when the cause failed he came with his family to the United States. He died in Toledo in 1900. To join his father's family the subject of this sketch emigrated from Germany in 1882.
Professor Osthaus received his elementary training at the
PROF. EDMUND H. OSTHAUS
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IN NORTHERN OHIO.
gymnasium in his native place. Afterwards he spent seven years in the Royal Academy at Düsseldorf, where he studied painting and drawing exclusively. Later he devoted one year to special work under the noted animal painter, Prof. Christian Kroener. Gifted by nature, and with his talents developed by study and practical work, it can be said of him that he has few superiors in his special department of art.
Since 1886 he has made his home in Toledo, where he soon became noted in art circles. He is president of the Tile Club, the local art society there, and was principal of the Art School which Petroleum V. Nasby (D. R. Locke) established in 1886. He remained in charge of that institution till 1893, when the demands for his brush became so great that he was obliged to resign. These demands yet continue, and appear to be on the increase.
While in charge of the Art School in Toledo, Professor Osthaus gave a very fine account of himself, not alone in that he was faithful but also because he was capable. He knew what was demanded in the line of teaching, and he was capable both as a teacher himself and as principal of the school. He gave the institution his best efforts and won for it high standing and more than local fame. From being one of the institutions of which the citizens of Toledo were proud, its reputation spread until it was tri-state in extent. With its fame and high repute was deservedly linked the name of Mr. Osthaus, a fact which brought him to the notice of many art-lovers and persons who desired special work from his brush. As has been said above, these demands for his special line of art work continue to multiply.
Prosperity and fame have very deservedly been the portion of Prof. Osthaus, but sorrow, too, has entered his life. In 1894 death snatched from him his beloved wife, who was Miss Charlotte Becker, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Having no children he is alone with the past, and now looks to religion and to his art for that surcease so grateful and so necessary to a cultured and refined nature.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
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MR. CHRISTIAN PARSCH.
Mr. Christian Parsch, of St. Mary's parish, Elyria, Lorain county, Ohio, a gentleman well and favorably known in the northern part of the state, is the son of Mathias Peter and Eliza- beth (Hammacher) Parsch, natives of Germany. He was born at Lammersdorf, near Cologne, on the Rhine, January 17, 1833. When nine years old, he was taken by his parents, with the other members of the family, to this country. They located in Buffalo, New York, where they remained three years, after which they removed to Cleveland, Ohio.
In the former city, as well as in Cleveland, the subject of this sketch was given some schooling, after which he began to learn the trade of a ship carpenter. He continued at his trade until his twenty-fourth year, 1857, when he removed to Elyria in the hope of bettering his condition. At first he worked at anything he could get to do, such as caring for and driving horses, laboring, and doing carpenter work on the railroad. So averse to him at the time was Dame Fortune that on April 25, 1859, when he was married to Miss Catharine Herbert, a young lady born and reared in Ireland, he was, as he himself said, "by no means very rich in this world's goods." Fortunately he had good credit, because, he was industrious and possessed Catholic honesty.
In his own simple, trustful way he thought with Mulock that "Even poverty may become a jest, met cheerfully like an honest, hard-featured, hard-handed friend whose rough face is often kindly, and whose harsh grasp makes one feel the strength of one's own."
That a good wife is a gift from the Lord has been verified in the case of Mr. Christian Parsch. From the day of his marriage, his good wife aiding, he began to prosper. He engaged in con- tracting, in a small way, and later embarked in the lumber busi- ness. He is now, and for thirty years has been, the most extensive . lumber dealer and manufacturer of building material in Elyria, his annual business averaging more than one hundred thousand dollars.
To Christian and Catherine Parsch were born nine children ; three sons and three daughters are living. The sons are married and are named William Thomas, John Christian, and Peter
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MR. AND MRS. CHRISTIAN PARSCH.
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IN NORTHERN OHIO. 351
Alexander Parsch. All are engaged in business with their father. In 1899 Mr. Christian Parsch divided his business among his three sons and organized the Parsch Lumber Company. Mr. William Thomas Parsch was made treasurer and manager; Mr. John Christian Parsch, secretary; and Mr. Peter Alexander Parsch, sup- crintendent. The daughters are: Annie Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joseph Tyler, of Elyria; Mary Jane, who is Mrs. Cornelius Esker, also of Elyria ; and Lucy Magdalena, now Mrs. James McCarvel, of Elyria. Mr. and Mrs. McCarvel live with the parents of the latter in their beautiful home on Broad street.
"The Parsch boys," as the sons of Mr. Christian Parsch are familiarly called in Elyria, have practical control of the business of the Parsch Lumber Company. under the wise direction of their father. They are loyal to him, respect his judgment and wishes, and are anxious to relieve him of much of the burden which falls to his lot as head of the company. They act in harmony with one another and exhibit a beautiful picture of family unity and com- munity of interests. Their example is most forceful for good among their fellow citizens.
Mr. Christian Parsch has always been a liberal contributor to the Church, to charity, and for the furtherance of Catholic education. For twenty-two consecutive years he was a member of the councilmanic board of St. Mary's Church. He but recently resigned. On laying down his burden the congregation presented him with a gold-headed cane in recognition of his long years of faithful service, and elected his son, William Thomas Parsch, to take his father's place.
The entire family has been doing church work in one depart- ment or another for many years, principally in the choir where the musical talents of some of the members are a great aid in the public service. They are respected not alone by Catholics, but also by the entire community. Through them the Catholic faith has been brought to the considerate attention of many, who, with- out the example of the Parsches, might have continued to disre- gard or asperse it through ignorance. Thus again is the truth attested that each, even the humblest, hath his measure of influence for good.
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