Part 49

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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