The Rev. Daniel H. O’Dwyer, an esteemed member of the American Irish Historical Society and pastor of St. John’s Church at Kingsbridge Road and 232d Street, New York City, died on Sunday, November 14, 1909, of apoplexy, at the home of his mother, 122 Fordham Road West, New York City. His death occurred in the very room in which his father died on the previous Thursday night, at the age of 81 years.
Father O’Dwyer was a brother of Chief Justice Edward F. O’Dwyer, of the City Court of the City of New York; also a member of our Society, and a son of John O’Dwyer and Catherine Ryan, who came from Ireland to America in the early part of the last century.
Father O’Dwyer was born in New York City, in 1862, and was forty-seven years of age at the time of his death. He was educated at St. Francis Xavier’s College, West 16th Street, and entered Fordham University in 1882, graduating from the latter institution two years later. After graduation he entered St. Joseph’s Seminary, Troy, and was ordained on December 22, 1888.
From 1890 to 1893 Father O’Dwyer labored as assistant priest in St. Raphael’s Church, West 40th Street, and later went to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, where he remained until 1903, when he became pastor of St. John’s.
He found St. John’s Church a frame building, unimposing and unattractive. His first effort as pastor was the establishment of a church fund to improve the place of worship of the fast growing congregation. St. John’s had been established in 1870 as a mission to the parish of St. Elizabeth at Fort Washington and was made a separate parish in 1886, sixteen years after. He immediately set about improving the parish generally. He changed and renovated the old church and began the erection of a new one. The new church, built on the site of the old one, was begun about four years ago. At the time of his death it had been finished but not yet dedicated. He devoted himself without reserve to the work of raising this splendid monument and labored tirelessly for the accomplishment of his great purpose. The result was a structure magnificent for the surrounding territory, and worthy of this great Metropolis. A spacious chapel occupied the basement, and in the rear was a Lyceum or club for boys, with athletic apparatus and other attractions for entertaining the youth of the neighborhood.
This soon became a social center. The young men found themselves in possession of a club with pleasant adjuncts and friendly companionship. He organized numerous societies for both men and women and threw his great energy into the effort to make the hall a center of interest, with such force and vigor that it soon became the meeting place for the youth of the vicinage and elevated the moral and social conditions of the parish, which grew and strengthened with his success, kindling ambition and toning up the character and bearing of the neighborhood. That parish ceased thereafter to be listless or easy-going. It blossomed with animation and interest. He called the hall St. John’s Lyceum. The new church, with its various attachments, cost in the neighborhood of $200,000; but there was entertainment and amusement for all the young men and women of his parish; and as they saw it grow in beauty and utility, witnessing the excellence of his ideas and the splendid manner of their execution, they knew their pastor worked unselfishly for them, and the amelioration of all conditions in his parish, uniting entertainment and instruction in his devoted purpose.
To aid the speedy completion of the church, he sought the help of a host of lifelong friends. Willing responses to a cheery appeal brought assistance from every side; and the work, ordinarily of years, grew to fruition within a few short seasons. His tireless efforts probably undermined his robust constitution. But loving his work and his people with all his golden heart, he cast himself with streaming courage into the battle, to win, in one brief spell, a victory that was fitting crown for a lifetime’s labor.
Everywhere Father O’Dwyer went he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. In appearance a striking figure, handsome, tall, well-proportioned and instinct with nervous force, he was a charming companion and a delightful speaker, versatile, amusing, instructive or learned as suited his varying purposes or the needs of the hour. Jovial and sympathetic in ordinary intercourse, he never forgot the necessity of inculcating at the proper times the sterner duties. Yet he was always the same wholesome force for the cheerful as well as the simple life.
An enthusiastic admirer of athletics he ever sought to perpetuate and assist in the games of his college as well as of his parochial school and the Lyceum.
He was elected President of the Fordham University Alumni Association for two terms, 1899–1901, and materially aided the work of the Association with his usual irrepressible zeal.
The funeral took place from St. John’s Church on Wednesday, November 17, 1909. His Grace, the Most Rev. Archbishop Farley, celebrated a Solemn Mass of Requiem. The church was packed to its utmost capacity and a multitude unable to gain admittance lined the outer roadway. A large attendance of clergymen and well-known laymen included many members of our Society, among them being Hon. John D. Crimmins, Justices Edward E. McCall, and John W. Goff. Monsignor Mooney preached a touching sermon wherein he spoke eloquently of Father O’Dwyer’s zeal and attainments. Many were visibly affected to tears. He said that although a comparatively young man his work was of the highest and most praiseworthy order.
“Today,” said the Monsignor, “a mourning people and weeping children, all must send up not the exultant song of fondest hopes fulfilled, but the low, sad plaint of sorrow for the soul of him who was their pastor kind and true. Twenty-one years ago he came forth with anointed hands from St. Joseph’s Seminary at Troy to begin the work that was appointed for him. His first labors were served in St. Raphael’s, where he spread the seeds of Christianity—seeds which quickly took root. None of the vigor and zeal of that manhood were lost which characterized his early work when he was transferred to the Blessed Sacrament church. A thread of gold seemed to run through his life. It was in the city of his birth that the whole years of his labors as a priest were spent. Six years of unabated toil marked his pastorate at St. John’s—six years spent in constant labors of love till God called him forth. He gave the best that was in him, he did the best for you, while he was permitted to remain with you. All the splendid manhood he brought with him when he came—his excellent equipment of mind and heart—he used to foster in his congregation the love of God. He knew no bounds in his devotion to you and your little ones. The anguish of that awful morning was so deep, so sudden, that as yet we are not able to take in its full realization.
“It was not deigned by heaven for him that he should ascend this altar and offer sacrifice—alas!—the first ceremony enacted within these walls was over his own remains. His life labors are done; well did he perform them. The God of Justice called him away, but you shall never forget him, his memory will be to you a proper inheritance till time shall call you on into eternity, where united with him there shall be no suffering in the everlasting Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.”
General St. Clair A. Mulholland, one of the best known and most highly esteemed men in public life in Pennsylvania, and a life member of the American-Irish Historical Society, died on Thursday, February 17, 1910, after an illness of less than a week’s duration. Stricken on the 11th inst. in his office in the Federal Building, General Mulholland battled bravely to regain his health, but his advanced age—he was almost seventy-one years old—proved too great a handicap. Physicians ascribe his death to a general breakdown.
Brevet Major General St. Clair A. Mulholland, who at the close of the Civil War was one of the youngest of the major generals created during that struggle, was a native of the County Antrim, Ireland, where he was born in 1839. He came to this country with his parents when but eight years old. While still a very young man he became connected with the Pennsylvania militia, and when the Civil War broke out he entered the service. For a brief period he was a recruiting officer, but in 1862 he went to the front with the One Hundred and Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which he helped to organize, as lieutenant colonel. This was in June, 1862, when he was only 23 years of age.
Subsequently he was promoted to the colonelcy. He took part in the fights at Charlestown and Ashby’s Gap, Va., in October and November, 1862. He commanded his regiment at Fredericksburg, in the famous charge of the Irish Brigade, of which the regiment formed a part, and was severely wounded in the gallant attempt to storm Marye’s Heights. On February 27, 1863, he was appointed major of battalion. In the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 3 and 4, 1863, he led his regiment, and distinguished himself in saving the guns of the Fifth Maine Battery, which had been abandoned to the enemy. For this he was complimented in general orders. In this campaign he was selected by General Hancock to command the picket line of the Second Corps, and while performing this duty covered the retreat of the Army of the Potomac from Chancellorsville across the Rappahannock, for which service he was awarded a Congressional medal of honor.
He participated in the fight at Thoroughfare Gap, Va., June 25, 1863. In the battle of Gettysburg he again led his regiment, which was practically annihilated. He then took command and led into action the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was engaged in the fight at Jones’ Cross Roads, July 10, 1863; at Falling Waters, July 14, and in the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, where he was again wounded. For his gallant conduct on this occasion he was made brevet brigadier general. He was in the fight at Tod’s Tavern, May 10, 1864, and in the battle of Po River, where he was a third time wounded.
Having been sent to the hospital at Washington, he remained only ten days, and then resumed his command. He was engaged in the fight at North Anna and on the Pamunkey River, May 28, 30 and 31, 1864. At the battle of Topotomy Creek he was dangerously wounded by a musket ball through the groin.
He commanded his brigade in all the actions around Petersburg until the end of the war. He particularly distinguished himself during this time by storming a rebel fort in front of his brigade, and for this he was brevetted major general October 27, 1864.
When, in 1868, Daniel M. Fox was elected Mayor he called to his aid as chief of police General Mulholland, and it was due to the discipline which the latter inculcated that the force, before that time in some disorder, was brought to a fine condition.
After the election of President Cleveland General Mulholland was appointed pension agent at Philadelphia, a position he held continuously since 1894.
The activities of General Mulholland covered a large field, and he was known all over the State. As a speaker at Grand Army celebrations and in educational institutions he was always welcomed, and his vivid descriptions of events in war times were listened to with interest.
For many years he was a member of the Board of Prison Inspectors, and it is said of him that he personally helped more unfortunates to start life anew than any other man in the State. He made the subject of prison discipline and its reform a study, and it was he who formed the committee that drafted the new parole law, as presented in the Legislature by Senator Ernst L. Tustin.
He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Loyal Legion, life member of the American-Irish Historical Society, Medal of Honor Legion and Friendly Sons of St. Patrick (of which he was president from 1892 to 1894). He was chairman of the committee of the Friendly Sons which had charge of the erection of the Barry monument in Independence Square, and at the time of his death chairman of the commission appointed by Governor Stuart to provide for the erection of the monument to the Pennsylvania soldiers participating in the battle of Gettysburg. He was a former president of the Catholic Alumni Sodality, and at the time of his death, as chairman of a committee of the sodality, was working to raise funds for the erection of a monument to Rev. William Corby, chaplain of the Irish Brigade, showing Father Corby in the act of administering absolution to the soldiers about to enter into battle at Gettysburg.
Himself an artist in water colors, General Mulholland during his trips abroad gathered many valuable paintings, which form a collection of worth at his home.
General Mulholland was twice married. His first wife was Mary Dooner, sister of the late Peter S. Dooner. His second wife was Mary Heenan, daughter of Colonel Heenan and sister of Dr. Thomas E. Heenan, now United States Consul at Warsaw, Russia. The daughters of the deceased are: Mrs. Ludwig E. Faber, Mrs. Joseph I. Comber, Miss Mary Mulholland, Miss Genevieve Mulholland, Miss Claire Mulholland.
General Mulholland was a brother of the late Rev. James E. Mulholland, rector of St. Patrick’s Church, who died suddenly in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1886.
The following Sunday the general’s old comrades in arms and members of the Loyal Legion, Grand Army of the Republic and delegations from other organizations visited the residence and held memorial exercises. About one hundred members of the parish Holy Name Society, of which the deceased was a member, accompanied by the rector, Rev. M. J. Crane, and the spiritual director, Rev. Thomas J. Hanney, recited the Office for the Dead at the house, as did also the Alumni Sodality, which had forty members present.
The funeral took place Monday morning, from the late residence of the deceased, 4202 Chester Avenue. Solemn Requiem Mass was sung in St. Francis de Sales’ Church by the rector, Rev. M. J. Crane. Rev. Joseph A. Whittaker was deacon; Rev. Thomas J. Hanney, sub-deacon, and Rev. Alfred C. Welsh, of Kennett Square, master of ceremonies.
The absolution of the body was performed by Right Rev. Monsignor William Kieran, D. D., rector of St. Patrick’s. In compliance with the wishes of the deceased, there was no sermon, but Monsignor Kieran, who read the funeral service in English as well as in Latin, made a brief address, alluding to the virtues and patriotism of this great man. The interment was in Old Cathedral Cemetery.
One of the leading journals of Philadelphia states editorially:
“After seventy-three years of life’s battling, General St. Clair A. Mulholland lies in a soldier’s grave. ‘After life’s fitful fever, he sleeps well.’ Those who live well and die well surely sleep well. And truly may it be said of the great and gallant Irishman who has laid down his sword and gone to rest in his soldier’s cloak that he did all a soldier could to live well and die well for the country of his adoption, since he could not offer it for that of his nativity. It was not his lot to fall on the field of his fame, but to rise from the blood-soaked soil more than once to take up the task of the soldier-saint, Louis of France, and reveal the tender heart of the woman beating beneath the cuirass of the soldier. To visit the prisons and to bear the message of solace to the despairing victims of a cruel fate was the task which he marked out for himself, and carried out to the very last healthful day of his official career. Many a stout and steadfast heart has ‘the black North,’ as his native Ulster is erroneously called, brought to the defense and glorification of the American Union, but none surpassing in beautiful qualities that of the quiet and unassuming soldier who now lies in a friendly grave in the land he served, but far from the hills of his native Ulster, the land of the O’Neills and the O’Donnells, and all the representatives of the modern chivalry of ‘the Red Branch’—saints like Columbkille and martyrs like Archbishop Plunkett.
“It is a unique glory that the flag of the American Union owns. She has lured the bravest and the most unselfish from all lands to defend her cause, and she lays the proud tribute of her gratitude and her sorrow on their biers with a hand that knows no discrimination as to nationality. The soldier from Antrim who gave his strong right arm, as well as his unselfish heart, to her service was worthy of her, and she of him. And so may it ever be as between America and Ireland. ‘Quis separabit?’”
Mgr. B. C. Lenehan, who died September 21 last at Fort Dodge, Ia., was born February 3, 1843, in New York City, and was baptized in the old New York cathedral. He settled in Dubuque with his parents when ten years of age, and received his education in the Dubuque schools and took his classical course at Vinentra college, Cape Girardeau, Mo., completing his work at Milwaukee, Wis. He was ordained December 8, 1867, by Archbishop Hennessey. He was stationed at Mount McGregor, Iowa, for some time before going to Sioux City.
Nowhere was the deceased clergyman better known or more loved than in Sioux City, where he spent fourteen of the most active years of his ministry.
In March, 1872, while a young priest, the monsignor was appointed pastor of Sioux City and during his fourteen years there he saw many changes in the city and the surrounding territory. The completion of new railroads had opened northwestern Iowa to settlement, and new settlers were coming in by thousands, many being Catholics. Sioux City was the nearest place where there was a church or a priest, and Father Lenehan was called on to attend to the spiritual wants of those settlers, scattered over an immense territory, including all that portion of Iowa west of the Little Sioux River and north to the Minnesota line, and consisting of about ten counties.
After several months of strenuous missionary work Father Lenehan was given an assistant in Sioux City in the person of Rev. John J. Cadden, who remained nearly two years, doing good work in city and country, wherever his services were needed. After leaving there he was sent to southern Iowa, and died several years later in the Davenport diocese.
In 1874 it became apparent that the congregation had outgrown the old frame church on West Seventh and Perry streets and that a larger and better building was needed. Father Lenehan erected a handsome brick church, which was dedicated under the patronage of St. Mary, Help of Christians, on the Sunday within the octave of the Assumption, on August, 1875, by Very Rev. John F. Brazil, of Des Moines, vicar general of the diocese. Rev. T. M. Lenihan, of Fort Dodge, was celebrant of the mass.
In February, 1886, after fourteen years of continuous and satisfactory service, Father Lenehan resigned his charge in Sioux City to the great regret of all, both Catholic and Protestant. He intended to become a Jesuit and took preliminary steps, but, the confinement not agreeing with his health, he returned to Iowa. A delegation was sent from Sioux City to Dubuque to make an effort to secure his return to Sioux City, but other arrangements had already been made for Sioux City, and Father Lenehan had been assigned to Denison. Later he was transferred to Boone, where he remained about sixteen years.
With the organization of the diocese of Sioux City and the appointment of Rt. Rev. P. J. Garrigan as its first bishop, there were several changes. At the close of the first diocesan retreat for the priests on August 22, 1902, the first diocesan synod was held, and diocesan officers were announced. Among the appointments was that of Father Lenehan as vicar general. In November, 1903, he was transferred from Boone to Corpus Christi Church, Fort Dodge, the oldest and one of the best parishes in the diocese.
During Father Lenehan’s long residence in Sioux City he endeared himself not only to his own flock, but to the people of every denomination and those of none at all. All admired him for his eloquence and his affability.
Honors only added to his natural and innate dignity of character. As Rt. Rev. Mgr. Lenehan, domestic prelate to the pope and vicar general of the diocese of Sioux City, he remained the same modest, unassuming priest, the same “teacher of the silver tongue,” the same genial, companionable, Christian gentleman, as when he was pastor of old St. Mary’s, and missionary teacher of half a diocese thirty years ago.
Mgr. Lenehan was a great friend of the younger priests, and his death will be sincerely mourned by many a clergyman who got much inspiration through acquaintance with this exceptional man.
James McGovern, a life member of this Society, was born of Irish parents in Brooklyn, N. Y., on the 31st day of August, 1854. When but fourteen years of age he began his business life in the employ of Coleman Benedict, a stock broker. His progress was remarkable. In twelve years he became a partner in the firm. He was elected a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1880 and during his long business career he was universally regarded as one of the ablest and most honorable men on ’Change. He was honored time and again by election to its Board of Governors, serving on its most important committees. Because of his high character and broad knowledge of values his judgment on investments was widely sought. For example, he was for years a prominent member of the Finance Committee of the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank and a director in the Kings Co. Trust Company, the Corn Exchange National Bank and the Home Life Insurance Company. He was also a member of the Chicago Stock Exchange, the New York Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Catholic and a number of other clubs in which he took an active and prominent interest.
Mr. McGovern’s charities were most liberal and carried on quietly, without ostentation. He was a benefactor of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (a member of its Finance Committee) the Ozanam Club for Working Boys and many similar Societies. He was the President and best friend of the Dominican Sisters of the sick poor, a charity that appealed directly to his generous heart.
Mr. McGovern was especially proud of his Irish ancestry and never failed to respond to any call for help from the land of his forefathers.
He died on November 6, 1909, and in his death the community at large suffered a great loss.
Rev. Michael A. McManus, D. D., rector of St. Aloysius Church, Newark, N. J., died November 16, 1909. Deceased was the son of Lawrence A. McManus of Paterson, N. J. It was in that city that he was born September 29, 1849. When a boy he evinced his religious tendency and determined to become a priest. After obtaining permission from his parents, he went to Newark to consult with the late Archbishop Bayley, then Bishop of Newark. Bishop Bayley noticing the slight figure before him, at first did not appear inclined to give his consent but the determined manner and speech of the young man soon won the Bishop over.
When he was quite young his father sent him to St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Md., to begin his ecclesiastical training. He had previously received a classical education at a private school in Paterson. After four years at St Charles he entered Seton Hall College, where he was graduated, and then entered the seminary of the Immaculate Conception. He was ordained April 26, 1874, by the late Archbishop Michael Austin Corrigan, who was then Bishop of the diocese of Newark, which then comprised all of New Jersey. He was first sent to St. Michael’s Church, Jersey City. While attached to that Parish he became seriously ill and had to be sent to St. Francis Hospital. After recovering he went to the Southern States and did missionary work for a couple of years. On returning north he was sent as an assistant to the Church of the Assumption, Morristown, N. J. Within a couple of years he was made pastor of St. Patrick’s Church of Woodbury. He remained there until 1881, when the single dioceses comprised in the entire state, was divided by the establishment of the Trenton diocese.
In 1881 he was sent to St. Joseph’s, Newton, N. J., remaining there until 1890, when Bishop Wiggar transferred him to Newark, and assigned to him the task of establishing the parish of the Sacred Heart. Finally he was transferred to St. Aloysius’ Church of the same city in June, 1906. Seton Hall College conferred on Father McManus the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His unostentatious charity was something the extent of which was ever widening and often surprised those closest to him. In public affairs he was always interested. He served on the grand jury several years ago, being the first priest in the county who ever officiated as a member of that body.
St. Aloysius School is his monument. He had been secretary of the Board of Trustees of St. Michael’s Hospital for many years and was one of the prime movers in the movement for a public park in the twelfth ward, Newark, a movement which culminated in the establishment of Riverbank Park, now in process of completion. He was known for his sturdy loyalty to the cause of Ireland, and he never lost an opportunity to lend it his aid. He was strong also in his liking for the German people, whose language he spoke fluently.
The keynote of Father McManus’ character was a rugged honesty buttressed by a courage that brooked no opposition. His convictions were clear cut and what he thought, that he said, and that he fought for, even though his words occasionally gave some offense and his intensity provoked his opponents.
But it happened with him as it always happens with an honest man—it became apparent that he meant not to offend but to convince. With Father McManus the smile always beamed after a remark, before the frown had scarcely time to gather. He was never bitter though always earnest and sincere. With such a man there is always satisfaction in dealing, one knows where he stands and what to expect; the entanglements of deceit are absent. Father McManus was well-read and his scholarship won for him the degree of Doctor of Laws, from his Alma Mater. His administrative ability was great, as the numerous works and foundation of his parish attest.
He was a pious priest, but his piety was of the manly kind that rejects show or sentimentality. His faith was deep and earnest. He had a wholesome contempt for the modern juggling with fundamental tenets of Christianity.
He was an ardent American, and believed in accepting all the duties and burdens, as well as the privileges of citizenship.
Philip C. Walsh, a member of the American Irish Historical Society since 1897, died at his residence, 22 Grant Street, Newark, N. J., May 19, 1909, in the seventy-fifth year of his life. He was born in the City of Kilkenny, in 1834, was educated at St. Keren’s in that city, and emigrated to America in 1854, being associated with his uncle, Mathew Nolan, a retired seaman of the United States navy, at New Brunswick, N. J., where he married Annie Walsh of Gowran, Ireland, in 1858, removing to Newark, N. J., in 1865; while there he was engaged in the cattle business until 1880, when he began the iron and steel business of Walsh & Sons, of which he was the head, until his death.
From his youthful associations in Ireland, he imbibed a characteristic Irish antipathy to the government which had wrought such a malign influence upon his native land, and in America he promptly became a member of the Irish organizations that were laboring for Ireland’s cause, offering his time and his services as occasion demanded, to the Hibernian, Clan-na-Gael, Irish Volunteers and the American Irish Historical Society, the success of which he was very proud, as well of the Society as an organization tending to the uplift of the Irish, as he was of the distinguished eminence so many of its individual members had achieved.
During his long life, Mr. Walsh steadily acquired every conceivable kind of book relating to Ireland, the Irish people, and their just cause, for which they had struggled so valiantly, gradually obtaining a very large library of Irish works, some of them exceedingly rare and venerable, and by constant reading, study, and discussion with those well qualified, became a veritable encyclopedia upon Ireland and Irish history, being known as one of New Jersey’s great Irishmen, a position which he proudly enjoyed as one of the best distinctions he had.
Although not in good health, for the last two years, Mr. Walsh was about during the pleasant weather, meeting old friends, discussing with them Irish affairs, showing as devoted an interest as ever, and at the mention of any proposition that would benefit Ireland his eye would brighten and he would eagerly discuss every phase, from a position of genuine interest actuated by a sincere, pure, high-minded desire, for the progress and advancement of his native land which he always claimed would equal any nation in the world if but given a fair opportunity, and whose people, upon their native soil, would exhibit the same intelligence, ability and capacity, that they have exhibited in every walk of life elsewhere throughout the world.
Mr. Walsh’s personal traits were the admirable ones characteristic of the true Irishman, gentleness, kindliness and affection, mingled courage and tenacity. His family, to which he was most endeared, will ever regret his demise, and the sweet, gentle ties of father and children will ever remain with them, as long as life remains.
In a letter transmitting to the Secretary-General the above sketch “for the record of the Society,” Philip C. Walsh, Jr., a member of the municipal corporations committee of the New Jersey Senate, says:
Father had a very high regard for the Society, and was especially proud of the older members, who like himself, had been transplanted here, and never losing for a moment the great affection they bore their native land. The progress and advancement of the Society and its members always brightened his eye, and brought forth approving sentiments.
He was a typical Irishman—gentle, kind, affectionate and indulgent as a woman on one side and as fierce and courageous as a lion upon the other, the fighting spirit of his race, dominant when necessary; a curious combination of admirable characteristics, opposite in their nature, characteristics that seem more peculiar to Irishmen than any other people.
During his long life, he collected a great number of books dealing with Ireland and Irish affairs, all of which the writer is happy to state were given to me, and I earnestly hope that I may ever be as Irish as my dear father.
Major John W. Bourlet, secretary of the Rumford Printing Company of Concord, N. H., and for several years an esteemed member of the American-Irish Historical Society, died at Concord, January 19, 1910, after a protracted illness. Mr. Bourlet was born in New York City, March 7, 1850, but in 1859 removed with his parents to Concord and resided in or near that city until his death, more than half a century later.
At the age of seventeen, he entered the office of the Concord Monitor, as an apprentice to learn the printer’s trade and quickly became a proficient workman. He was advanced to the position of foreman of the job room and acquired prominence in his profession in the State of New Hampshire and beyond as the organizer of the first printers’ association in the capital of New Hampshire. In 1893, Mr. Bourlet was nominated by Governor John B. Smith as commissioner of the New Hampshire Bureau of Labor. This position he occupied until 1896 when upon the reorganization of the book and job printing department of the Monitor Company into a separate corporation, Mr. Bourlet was made superintendent of the plant and a director in and clerk of the corporation. These positions he held until ill-health compelled him to retire from active work in the autumn of 1909.
He was widely known as one of the most prominent Odd Fellows in the State and long published a magazine devoted to this order. There were indeed few members of the fraternity who were not acquainted with this devoted member and worker. The highest honors of the subordinate and grand orders were conferred upon him. He was Grand Master in 1891–2, and Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge in 1892–3. He was also secretary of the Merrimack County Odd Fellows Relief Association. Mr. Bourlet was a member of the New Hampshire Press Association also for many years and a member of the Universalist Church of Concord. In 1871 Mr. Bourlet married Abbie A. Webster, who survives him. One son, John W. Bourlet, Jr., and two grandchildren survive.
In the course of his long and highly respected residence in Concord, Mr. Bourlet was honored by his fellow citizens with various positions of responsibility. In 1887 he was elected a member of the Legislature from the city of Concord and served as chairman of the Committee on Printers’ Accounts and as clerk of the Committee on Labor. He was clerk of the Merrimack County Convention and for two years was auditor of Merrimack County. His exemplary life, his agreeable personality, his extensive knowledge of his calling and widespread acquaintance made Mr. Bourlet one of the representative citizens of his city and state. The expressions of sorrow from a large number of persons in his own city and elsewhere in the state and beyond its borders brought forth by the announcement of his death were tributes of those who have known and appreciated his strong qualities as a citizen and a friend.
Every volume of the Journal of the Society was printed and published under Major Bourlet’s supervision, and most of its pamphlets and other publications passed through his hands.
Mr. Maurice O’Meara, who died of heart failure Friday, January 14, 1910, in his seventy-sixth year, at his home, No. 83 Eighth Avenue, Brooklyn, was born in New Street, New York City, and early became an expert in the various kinds and grades of paper and paper stock. He built up an immense trade, and in 1890 organized the O’Meara Paper Company of which he became president, with his three sons, Maurice, Jr., William and David, respectively, vice-president, treasurer and secretary. A year ago Mr. O’Meara celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his business career, and a little later, on March 6, his golden wedding was an event that brought him congratulations from friends far and near. He left three sons and seven daughters. He was an earnest member of the American-Irish Historical Society; vice president of the New York Paper Dealers’ Association; a trustee of the Brooklyn Catholic Orphan Asylum, also a trustee of St. Francis Xavier’s Church, a member of the Montauk Club and many benevolent organizations.
George J. S. Murphy, secretary to the Elizabeth (N. J.) Board of Fire Commissioners and a valued member of this Society, died suddenly of heart disease September 2, 1909, in his thirty-ninth year, in a New York restaurant, as he was ordering dinner.
Mr. Murphy was a son of the late Walter and Margaret M. Murphy, who were well-known residents of the old Eighth ward, Elizabeth, where he was born, his parents then residing at 726 Eugenia Place. His father was a carpenter and builder and for twenty years or more was an election officer in the Eighth ward.
As a boy, Mr. Murphy attended St. Mary’s parochial school and later on the Morrel street school, from which he was graduated high in his class. He next attended St. Peter’s College, in Jersey City, from which he also was graduated with honors.
Mr. Murphy entered upon his duties as secretary to the Board of Fire Commissioners when it was organized in 1901, and during all the years he served he never missed a single meeting, a record of which he felt justly proud. Mr. Murphy was a young man who believed in method, and the affairs of his office were conducted in a thorough, businesslike manner. He kept a record of everything of importance connected with his office and was able at an instant’s notice to place his hands on whatever record might be desired. He was of a genial, pleasant disposition and as one of the commissioners said: “He was the right man in the right place.” There were few men better known in Elizabeth than was Mr. Murphy.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the Holy Name Society connected with that parish. He was also a member of the Young Men’s Catholic Literary Association of St. Mary’s parish, and at one time a member of the board of directors connected with that association. He was also a member of and, at the time of his death, secretary of Elizabeth Council, No. 253, Knights of Columbus, and also a member and secretary of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, an organization in which he took a very deep interest. He was interested in the Elizabethport Building and Loan Association and served as one of its auditors.
He was unmarried and is survived by two brothers, John J. and William B. Murphy, the former manager of the Barrett Manufacturing Company. Mr. Murphy’s mother died nine years ago of heart trouble.
Patrick O’Brien, one of Lawrence’s leading citizens and business men, and a member of this Society, died shortly after noon Monday, June 21, 1909, at his home, 399 South Broadway. The deceased suffered a shock some time ago and had since steadily failed until death relieved his sufferings.
Mr. O’Brien was born in South Reading, now Wakefield, about fifty-seven years ago.
He was a member of Lawrence Council, No. 67, K. of C., Division 8, A. O. H., and Phil Sheridan Colony, U. O. P. F. He was alderman for one year from ward six.
His wife, Anna; two daughters, Mrs. John Dempsey of Wakefield, and Mrs. Frank Cotter, and four sons, Michael, Mark, Patrick, Jr., and Robert; one sister, Mary, and one brother, Dennis, survive him.
The funeral took place at St. Patrick’s Church, when a solemn high mass was celebrated. Rev. Fr. James T. Landrigan was the officiant, and was assisted by Rev. Fr. Farrell as deacon and Rev. Fr. John J. Gilday as sub-deacon. At the offertory Miss Mary Dolan rendered the “De Profundis.” The church was crowded with mourning relatives and friends of the deceased. Delegations attended from Division 8, A. O. H., and Lawrence Council, No. 67, K. of C.
The deceased was one of the older residents of the city and was held in high esteem and respect by all who knew him. He was prominent in the business world for many years and constructed many of the large buildings in the city.
The body reposed in a solid oak drop side, full couch casket, with oxidized silver extension bar handles, and the plate bore the following inscription: “Patrick A. O’Brien, 1850–1909.”
The following acted as pallbearers: John A. Driscoll, Michael Roache, William J. Carroll, James O’Neil, Thomas Gilmartin and Cornelius F. Lynch. Burial was in the family tomb in the Immaculate cemetery.