Murphy, the former manager of the Barrett Manufacturing Company. Mr.
Murphy’s mother died nine years ago of heart trouble.
PATRICK O’BRIEN.
BY MARK O’BRIEN OF LAWRENCE, MASS.
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.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF NEW MEMBERS.
_The members named below furnished biographical sketches at the request
of the Secretary-General, and it is earnestly requested that those who
have not furnished such sketches do so at their earliest convenience, as
the Society desires to have its files complete as may be._
BRADY, JOSEPH P., was born May 26, 1869, at Portsmouth, Virginia. He is
a son of Margaret E. and the late Colonel James D. Brady, both natives
of Portsmouth, Virginia. His paternal grandparents were born in Ireland.
His maternal grandmother was also born there. Mr. Brady was educated at
McCabe’s University School, the University of Virginia and Georgetown
University, from which last named institution he graduated in 1896 with
degree LL. B. He was admitted to practice law June 29, 1896, and was so
engaged when appointed Clerk of the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of Virginia on October 3, 1898. Mr. Brady was appointed
United States Commissioner for the Eastern district of Virginia on April
6, 1897, and was on January 2, 1905, appointed Clerk of the United
States Circuit Court for the Eastern district of Virginia, all of which
positions he now holds with headquarters at Richmond, Virginia.
* * * * *
BURKE, JOHN E., was born in historic Richmond on the James, in the year
1858, where he received a public school education, graduating in the
High school in 1874. His father and mother were both natives of Ireland,
but came to Virginia in early life, the former being but eleven years of
age and the latter nine; therefore the son can justly claim to be a
thorough Irish-American. He was compelled, through force of
circumstances, to go to work on the completion of his common school
education. He selected as his avocation the printing business, and
served a long and faithful apprenticeship in one of the largest
establishments in the Capital city. He was ambitious, however, and after
working for a short period in the capacity of journeyman printer in his
native city, determined to make Norfolk his home, get down to hard and
incessant toil, and eventually establish a business of his own. He was
tendered the position of foreman of the Virginian job printing office by
the late lamented Michael Glennan, the owner thereof, which he accepted,
and at once entered upon his duties with that earnestness and vim which
is characteristic of the man. His energy and executive ability proved
valuable factors in making his administration a successful one, and he
was highly commended therefor by his employer. A few months thereafter
the business over which he had presided was purchased, a co-partnership
was formed, and Mr. Burke became the senior proprietor. Today there
stands in his adopted city, as a monument to his skill and good
management, the largest and best equipped printing plant in this section
of the Southland—owned and controlled by Burke & Gregory, sole
proprietors. Mr. Burke was a member of Norfolk Typographical Union and
worked hard with his fellow members for the uplift of the craft. He has
also been an officer and influential member of the United Typothetæ, an
organization of the employing printers, and his wise council was always
invoked when questions of great moment presented themselves. He is
generally considered an indefatigable worker for Norfolk’s interest. He
is a member of the Business Men’s Association, 200,000 League, and
kindred organizations. As an evidence of the people’s appreciation of
him, Mr. Burke was elected sheriff in 1894, which position of trust he
filled with signal ability. In 1902 he was elected a member of the City
Council, and he championed the people’s interest on every question
before that body. For his faithful performance of duty he was returned
to the Council at two subsequent elections and remained a member thereof
until he resigned, on account of change of residence into another ward
of the city.
* * * * *
CAVANAGH, HOWARD W., was born in Alpena, Michigan, June 12, 1867, and is
the son of James and Mary Cavanagh, each of whom are of Irish
extraction, James Cavanagh, who was born in Jefferson County, New York,
being the son of Michael Cavanagh, who came to New York State from
Ireland in 1826, and of Mary Wilkinson, his wife, born in Canada and the
daughter of James Williamson, who came to Ontario from Ireland about the
same time. Michael Cavanagh was a Catholic and James Williamson a
Protestant. When the subject of this sketch was only four years old, his
father and mother removed from Alpena, Michigan, to Oakville, Canada,
where he remained and attended school, being an undergraduate of the
University of Toronto, until the fall of 1885 when he started to attend
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, taking the law course and being
admitted to the bar in April, 1887, and graduating with the degree of
LL. B. in June, 1887, being then only 19 years of age and the youngest
member of his class. Mr. Cavanagh spent one winter in Detroit in the law
office of Hon. John W. McGrath, afterwards Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of the State of Michigan, and when he was twenty-one he went to
Alpena, Michigan, his birthplace, and practiced law for five years and
subsequently, in 1896, he removed to Battle Creek, Michigan, and opened
an office, from which place he removed to Homer, Michigan, where he has
remained since. He is prosecuting attorney for Calhoun County with
offices at Homer and Battle Creek, Michigan. His family consists of his
wife and one daughter, having married Miss Ula M. Cunningham in 1899.
His daughter, Helen M., was born in July, 1904. Mr. Cavanagh has held
several offices in the town in which he has been living, having been
village attorney, trustee, justice of the peace, member of the school
board and has been identified with many fraternal orders, being a
Shriner and Knight Templar.
* * * * *
COLTON, RIGHT REVEREND CHARLES HENRY, D. D., Catholic bishop of Buffalo;
born in New York City, October 15, 1848; son of Patrick S. and Theresa
(Mullin) Colton. He was graduated from St. Francis Xavier College, New
York City, 1872; and in theology from St. Joseph Seminary, Troy, N. Y.,
1876. He was ordained priest, June 10, 1876, and became assistant,
1876–1886, and rector, 1886–1903, of St. Stephen’s Church, New York
City. He was chancellor of the archdiocese of New York, 1896–1903, and
was consecrated bishop of the diocese of Buffalo, N. Y., August 24,
1903. Bishop Colton is author of: “Seedlings,” “My Trip to Rome,” “The
Holy Land.” The Father of Bishop Colton was born in Ireland near Omagh,
County Tyrone, and came to this country about 1818, settling first in
York, Pa., afterwards in Baltimore, Md., till when he settled in New
York City and remained till his death, August 11, 1876. He had one
brother and three sisters, who remained in Baltimore and died there,
leaving small issue. The mother of Bishop Colton was born in Ireland
about 1824, of Thomas Mullin of Fintona, County Tyrone, and Mary Boyle
of Donegal, County Donegal. She came to this country with her parents
about 1827 and settled in New York City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral parish,
Mott and Price streets. In 1846 she was married to Patrick Smith Colton
by Bishop Loughlin of Brooklyn, N. Y., who then was Vicar General of the
diocese of New York. She bore her husband nine children, viz.: John
Smith, Charles Henry, Thomas Joseph, Francis, Mary Teresa, Catharine
Alici, Margaret Anne, Josephine Baptista, and Mary Agnes. Francis and
Catharine Alici died as infants. The rest are all living (April 25,
1909). Son John Smith Colton, who was ordained priest December 21, 1873,
and died assistant pastor of St. Peter’s church, New Brighton, Staten
Island, April 6, 1878, much beloved by everyone. Mrs. Teresa Augusta
Colton lived in New York City from her coming about 1827 till her death,
April 6, 1891. She had a brother and a sister, both born in New York
City. The brother was John J. Mullin, who died September 17, 1861,
unmarried. A young man of the highest character. He lived with his
sister and her husband till death, aged thirty-one years. The sister,
Mary Elizabeth Mullin, also made her home, as did her brother John, with
Patrick S. Colton. Teresa A. Colton—She was born about 1836. When
twenty-one years old, about 1859, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph
in the diocese of Brooklyn, and after filling several minor charges she
was elected Superior of the Community in the year 1868 and continued
Reverend Mother till August 15, 1892 (twenty-four years). She died aged
fifty-six years, on January 1, 1893.
* * * * *
CONLON, REDMOND P., was born on the family homestead near Amargh,
Ireland, June 23, 1851. His father, William Conlon, was the only son of
Redmond Conlon, who was a descendant of an old Irish family of that
name, and who resided on the homestead farm where William and young
Conlon first saw the light of day. His grandmother’s name was Phœbe
Passmore, and his mother’s Catherine Sheridan, a descendant of the
Sheridan family of Ballinarea. The subject of this sketch came to
Newark, New Jersey, at the age of thirteen years and attended private
schools and Bryant-Stratton and Newark business colleges. He spent one
year at the carpenter’s trade, and was salesman for a local manufacturer
for five years. In 1873, he entered the fire insurance business and is
the senior member of the firm of R. P. Conlon & Son, Newark, New Jersey.
He was commissioned by Governor Ludlow, lieutenant of Company A (Irish)
First Regiment, N. G. N. J., in 1882, and was offered a higher command
which he declined. He was appointed by Governor Abbett in 1891, Judge of
the Second Criminal Court of the City of Newark, in which position he
served until 1894, when the Courts were changed by the legislature. He
has been an active member of the Newark Board of Trade for many years
and is chairman of one of its most important committees. He has been a
member of the society of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Newark, New
Jersey, since its incorporation in 1871. The two years he served as
president were among the most successful in its career. It was during
his term as president of the society that a _real Irish_ musical
entertainment was organized to celebrate the 124th anniversary of the
birth of Thomas Moore, of which “The Newark Evening News” spoke in part
as follows:—
“Irish folk songs, sung in the Gaelic tongue; old Celtic airs played
by a band of harpists; the skirl of bagpipes in quicksteps to which
the ancient clans of Erin marched to battle, and melodious settings of
some of the lyrics which have immortalized Thomas Moore, helped to
make the concert, commemorating the 124th anniversary of the birthday
of that poet and patriot, given under the auspices of the Friendly
Sons of St. Patrick in the New Auditorium last night, the most unique
and one of the most interesting and enjoyable musical entertainment to
which attention has been invited here. The majority of persons in the
large auditorium boasted Irish ancestors, but even to the most knowing
music lovers among them much of what was heard was a revelation of
Ireland’s riches in folk songs and other music of racial character and
coloring, and of the beauty and charm of the Gaelic as a means of
melodious utterance. It is generally conceded that the Italian
language is more mellifluous than any other, when used in song. This
assumption might well be disputed after listening to Mrs. O’Donnell’s
singing in the Gaelic. Coming from her lips, the words which look so
strange in print, and so opposed to beauty in utterance, melted into
one another with a liquid smoothness comparable only to the purest
effect obtained in Italian.”
It was on his advice that Grover Cleveland was invited to Newark on
October 27, 1894, and acted as the Adjutant General in organizing the
great demonstration which was the turning point of the campaign. In
1893, he was elected the first president of the New Jersey Association
of Fire Underwriters and was four times re-elected. He was also
president of the Underwriters’ Protective Association (Salvage Corps)
Newark. At the formation of the Newark Fire Insurance Exchange in 1902,
he was chosen president and declined re-election. On October 12, 1876,
Mr. Conlon married Margaret Agnes Heery, daughter of Philip and
Elizabeth Heery, of Newark, New Jersey. They have three daughters and
four sons living. The eldest son, William R., is affiliated with his
father in business. Francis is a surveyor and engineer. Philip is due to
graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in June, 1910, and Joseph
is a law student at the New York University.
* * * * *
CONNOR, HENRY GROVES, LL. D. Judge Connor was born in Wilmington, N. C.,
July 3, 1852; the son of David and Mary C. (Groves) Connor. He was
educated in the town schools of Wilson; married in Wilson, Kate
Whitfield, daughter of George Whitfield, afterwards his law partner; he
practised at Wilson; was State Senator; Superior Court Judge, 1885–1893;
Speaker of the House of Representatives, 1889; again member of the House
of Representatives in 1901; was elected Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court January 1, 1903, and still continues to perform the duties of that
office. Judge Connor has always been a consistent Democrat, and his
party has shown appreciation of his value, in the high offices to which
he has been chosen. For many years he was President of the Branch
Banking Company, Wilson, N. C. He was President of the State Literary
and Historical Association, 1901–1902. He delivered an address before
the Law Class of the University of North Carolina in 1899; and at the
Civic Celebration at Trinity College, February 22, 1899; before the
Colonial Dames of North Carolina on their annual pilgrimage to Old
Brunswick, 1902. He contributed to “Great American Lawyers” a sketch of
Judge William Gaston; to the Biographical History of North Carolina
sketches of Judges George Howard and Charles M. Cooke; to the North
Carolina Booklet, Vol. IV., an article entitled “The Convention of
1788,” and in the present number one on “The Convention of 1835.” In
1908 the State University conferred on Judge Connor the honorary degree
of LL. D.
* * * * *
DELEHANTY, JOHN S., was born on April 6, 1851, in Albany, N. Y., was
educated in the Christian Brothers Academy and finished schooling under
the Rev. William Arthur, the father of the late President Chester A.
Arthur, at Newtonville, N. Y. His early business training was with
Edward Wilson & Co., successor to Erastus Corning & Co., in the hardware
line from 1865 to 1870 inclusive. He left this concern to join his
father in 1870, became a partner in 1880 and succeeded to the business
on his father’s retirement in 1892. The concern is now in its seventieth
year, being established in 1840. He has never held any political
position but is a director of the Albany First National Bank, and a
member of the Knights of Columbus, C. M. B. A. and Elks. He lost his
wife in 1892 and has one daughter, Ethel M., and three brothers, Captain
Daniel Delehanty, U. S. Navy (retired), Judge Francis B. Delehanty and
William E. Delehanty, all of New York City. An elder sister is the wife
of Ex-United States Senator Edward Murphy, Jr., of New York. There are
two other sisters, Mary F. and Helen J.
* * * * *
DEVINE, THOMAS J., life member of the Society, was born at Rochester, N.
Y. He is senior member of the firm of Burke, FitzSimons, Hone & Co.,
engaged in the general dry goods business; is first vice-president of
the Merchants’ Bank of Rochester; director and member of the executive
committee of the Rochester Trust and Safe Deposit Company, and trustee
of the Monroe County Savings Bank. Address, 122 Main Street, E.,
Rochester, N. Y.
* * * * *
DOYLE, JAMES G., son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Doyle, born in La Salle,
Ill., Feb. 20, 1880. Editor of The Daily Post of La Salle and Bureau
counties, Ill.; member of the Democratic state central committee from
the Twelfth Congressional district.
* * * * *
DWYER, W. M., was born in 1879 in Utica, N. Y. Primary schooling
received at Christian Brothers Academy of that city. Classical course
made at Manhattan College, taking his A. B. in 1899. Theological studies
made at St. Bernard’s Seminary, Rochester, N. Y., from which institution
he received the degree of S. I. B. in 1903. In 1907 Manhattan gave him
an M. A. Since ordination he has been curate at the Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception, without intermission, having refused a
professorship in St. Bernard’s, tendered by the Rt. Rev. B. J. McQuaid.
He has lectured more or less during the past five years, chiefly on
Irish topics. Last summer he delivered a brief course of lectures at the
Champlain summer school on “The Irish Monks and Their Services to
Literature,” and also contributed a few articles on historical topics to
different Catholic magazines.
* * * * *
FLEMING, MARTIN W., No. 3821 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, Cal.;
born in Spencer, Mass., in 1859; educated in the public schools of
Spencer and took a commercial course in Boston; entered the employ of
the leading boot manufacturers of Spencer, and two years later removed
to San Francisco; seven years ago was appointed Superintendent of the
Municipal Hospital, and then Superintendent of the Hospital for
Children, a private institution. He was married nearly twenty years ago,
but his wife has deceased, leaving three children; is a member of the
Knights of St. Patrick and The Young Men’s (Catholic) Institute, having
been one of the founders of the latter organization.
* * * * *
FLEMING, JOHN J., of Burlington, Iowa, was born in Donaldsonville, La.,
March 19, 1851, and moved with his parents, in 1858, to Burlington,
Iowa, where his father, Judge Michael Fleming, was for a number of years
Judge of the Municipal Court. He was educated in the Parochial Schools
and public High School of Burlington, and Notre Dame University. After
leaving university he became assistant paymaster C., B. & Q. R. R.;
later employed by National State Bank, Burlington, of which institution
he became cashier, holding the position for fifteen years. He is at
present vice-president of the Burlington Savings Bank; president of the
Burlington Construction Co., and manager of the Rand estates; was State
Deputy for Iowa of the Knights of Columbus from 1906 to 1909, and is a
member of the board of governors of the Catholic Church Extension
Society of America; one of the auditors of the same society; a member of
the Catholic Club of New York; vice-president of the Burlington Free
Public Library.
* * * * *
FOLEY, DANIEL, was born August 3, 1846, in Kilgarven, Kerry, Ireland. He
came to America at the age of seventeen and took employment with the
Indiana Central R. R. Co., as laborer. At nineteen he was a foreman, at
twenty-three a justice of the peace at Cumberland, now a suburb of
Indianapolis, being elected. After two years he resigned to accept a
position as a telegraph operator with the B. & O. and the Chicago and
Lake Huron R. R. Two years later, he took charge of the Indianapolis end
of the Panhandle R. R., as roadmaster, being twenty-seven years old
then. He continued in that position until he was thirty-five when he
entered into the grocery business. At thirty-eight he was a state
representative and at forty and forty-two was elected to the state
senate. At forty-four he was a contractor and at fifty-four he organized
the American Construction Co. and became its president and is now in the
same business doing general contracting. He is also a director of the
Fidelity Trust and a stockholder, besides being interested in real
estate and other business. He is considered successful financially and
in good standing as a citizen of Indianapolis.
* * * * *
FRENCH, CHARLES F., born in Dublin, Ireland, June 26, 1861, of the
Frenches of Castle French, Galway, Normans who settled in Ireland with
Strongbow and later became prominent as one of the tribes of Galway.
Educated in England, he was for a time subaltern in English service and
militia. Took up newspaper work in London. Came to the United States in
1892 and interested himself in some unsuccessful electric railway
investments. Returned to newspaper work. Was foreign editor on “Kansas
City Journal” for a year, then took up residence in Chicago and was
engaged editorially on leading dailies of that city and also in magazine
work. In 1899 purchased “Iron and Steel,” a prominent trade organ, and
two years later, with his wife, Florence French, the well-known critic
and writer on musical topics, established “The Musical Leader,” now a
weekly paper of world reputation published in Chicago with offices in
New York, Berlin, Paris and London, and representatives in all the
leading musical centers of this country and abroad. “The Concert Goer”
of New York was purchased and combined with “The Musical Leader” in 1905
and this contributed materially to the paper’s success. Mr. French
edited and published “The American-Irish in Chicago,” an expensive work,
but the best-known history of Irishmen and those of Irish descent in the
West. Also “History of Music in Chicago,” etc., and is an occasional
contributor as his time permits to the magazines.
With his wife, formerly Florence Burt of London, and a family of six,
two boys and four girls, he has his own home at 5850 Rosalie Court. He
has a fine library and some notable paintings, old masters in the
possession of his family for over a century. Mr. French is a life member
of the Press Club of Chicago, the Chicago Athletic Association and the
South Shore Country Club. Also of the Lotos Club, New York. With his
closest friend, the late Colonel John F. Finerty, he was intimately
associated in all the Irish movements of recent years in the West.
* * * * *