St. Joseph County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1880

Biographical sketches

Rev. p. Dillon, the second President of the Universit}- of Notre Dame, was born in the county of Galway, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1S32. Immediately after his birth he was dedicated in a special manner, by his mother, to the service of God, and entered upon his studies for the sacred ministry, while yet a mere boy. After the removal of his family to America he continued his studies at St. Mary's College, Chicago, Illinois. He entered Notre Dame in 1856, completed his studies and was ordained priest in 1S58. Even before his ordination he was appointed steward of the university, and gained the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He was subsequently appointed president of St. Mary's College, Chicago, and gave still further proof of his adminstrative talent. From St. Mary's he was recalled to Notre Dame, where he dischai-ged the important duties of vice-president of the university and principal of the Commercial Department for nearly three years. In May, 1865, he was duly appointed President of the university and local superior at Notre Dame. During his presidency the college buildings were entirely remodeled and enlarged, and improvements made to the value of nearly $100,000. In August. 1866, he was summoned to France to attend a General Chapter of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and, as his fame had preceded him, he was appointed secretary and assistant to the Superior General, the best evidence that could have been given of the esteem in which he was held by his religious associates. In August, 1868, he returned with Very Rev. Father Sorin, who had just been appointed Superior General of the Congregation. Filial duty, which at first appeared to require but a temporary absence, eventually rendered it necessary for him to seek a dispensation from his obligations as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, in order to attend more freely - to the sacred duties which nature herself imposed upon him. The dispensation was given, though with much reluctance, by the Very Rev. Superior General, and Father Dillon immediately assumed the responsibilities of pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Chicago. But a disease which had several times previously' threatened his lifC; returned with renewed violence, and on Sunday evening, Nov. 15, 1868, he breathed his last, regretted by all who knew him, and sincerely mourned by a wide circle of personal friends.

Eev. W'dliam Corhy, the third President, was born at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 2, 1833. Up to 1849 he received all the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of that time. From 1849 to 1853 he was occupied with his father in business, and auring that time, under his father's experienced training, laid the foundation of that self-control and forbearance which have enabled him to fill the important positions he has since held. In 1853 he was sent by his father to Notre Dame, with two younger brothers, to continue their education. In 1854 he entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross and prosecuted his studies with vigor, under the direction of experienced teachers, till 1858, when he made his religious profession as a member of the congregation, and was appointed prefect of discipline in the university. In addition to the duties thus imposed upon him, he continued to study theology with perservering energy till 1860, when he was raised to the dignity of priesthood. He was then employed as a professor in the university till July of the following year, when he was appointed director of the Manu il Labor School at Notre Dame, with the additional duty of attending the mission of South Bend, at that time too small to have a resident pastor. Was Chaplain of a New York regiment during the war, and returned to his little mission at South Bend; and finding the congregation in debt, contracted while building St. Patrick's church, he went vigorously to work, arid in a few months collected money enough, not only to free the congregation from liabilities, but also to erect a neat pastoral residence close to the church. This done, he was about to take some i-est, and enjoy, with his little congregation, some of the fruits of his zealous labors, when he was elected vice president and director of studies in the university. This new office he iindertook with the same cheerfulness and determination that he had manifested on all previous occasions, and continued to discharge its duties until August, 1866, when he was raised to the position of president.

Very Eev. Alexis Granger, the first who occupied the position of vice president of the University of Notre Dame, was born at Daon, France, June 19, 1817. He received his primary education at home, and even had made some progress in the study of Latin before his 15th j'ear, the age at which he entered the College of Chateau Goutier. Here he remained five years, during which time, by diligence and the aid of superior talent, he completed his collegiate course. He then entered the theological seminary at Maus, France, in his 20th year. After four years of earnest application to the study of theology, he was admitted to the Holy Orders Dec. 19, 1840. The next two years he was pastor of a congregation in the diocese of Mans, and, if judged by the zeal which lie has always manifested for the spiritual welfare of others since he has been at Notre Dame, his congregation lost a treasure, when in October, 184:3, he entered the Cong'i'egation of the Holy Cross, at Mans, where the Mother House of the congregation was then located. After a short ex])erience in the religious life, during which time he had proved himself worthy of the confidence of liis Superiors, Father Granger, in 1844, was sent to Notre Dame, while this institution was yet in its infancy, where he was appointed assistant guperior and vice president of the college. The latter office he occupied until 1851. The former he retained until Father Sorin became provincial, when he was also promoted to the office of vice provincial. From 1851 to 1861 Fatlier Granger was, with one or two brief interruptions, director of the novitiate for the ecclesiastical portion of the congregation, and pastor of the Church at Notre Dame. In 1867 he was removed from the novitiate and appointed prefect of religion iu the college, still retaining the pastorship of the Church. In August, 1868, after the election of Father Sorin to the office of superior general. Father Granger was elected provincial of the congregation in America.

Rev. Francis Cointef, tlie second who tilled the office of vice president of the university, was born at La Roc, France, Feb. 26, 1816. At the age of about ten years he was sent by his parents to the College of Chateau Goutier, then the best educational institution in the diocese to which he belonged. Having completed his collegiate studies, he entered the theological seminary at Mans, in September, 1834. After five years of studious application to the great questions of theology, he was ordained priest in 1839, by Hight Rev. Dr. Bouvier, Bishop of Maus, and was appointed assistant pastor in Chatillon, one of the most important parishes in the diocese. While at this place he accidentally saw the first letter written by his former intimate friend, and associate. Father Sorin, from Notre Dame, and the desire arose in his heart to emigrate to America and here labor for the spiritual welfare of his fellow-beings. Accordingly in 1843 he oflfered himself to Very Rev. Father Moreau, at that time superior general of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, as a candidate for the American mission, and in July of that same year arrived at Notre Dame. After one year spent at the novitiate, he made his religious profession as a member of the congregation, and from that moment gave himself up without reserve to the great work which he had undertaken. After- five years of earnest labor as a missionary. Father Cointet in 1849, was sent to New Orleans as local superior of a branch establishment of the order in that city. During the two years which he spent in that capacity, the establishment flourished. In 1851 he was recalled by his superior to Notre Dame, and appointed vice president of the college. He occupied that position, however, but for a short time; his heart yearned for the missions, and hie Superior, yielding to his wishes, gave him charge uf five different missions, at that time under the care of the congregation, - Goshen and La Porte, Ind., and Milan, Berrien and Eertraiid, Mich. For three years more he gave himself up to this charitable labor, but at last his constitution gave way. In September, ISoi, he returned one day from one of his missions, weary and sick; every care that love and affection could suggest was bestowed upon him, but to no purpose; and on tiie lOth he passed from the scenes of his selfsacrificing labors to the mansions of eternal happiness.

Rev. Richard Shortis, the third who filled the post of vice president, was born at St. Nicholas, Ireland, March 21, 1815. Of his early history little is known. In 1819, after passing a creditable examination, though not a student proper in the college, he received the degree of B. A. at Notre Dame in company with Eev. N. H. Gillespie. It may be interesting to note, that these were the first degrees conferred by the university, five years after having been granted its charter. Soon after graduation Mr. Shortis entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and while pursuing his theological studies, discharged tiie duties of professor of the English language and literature in the university. In 1850 he made his religious profession as a member of the Congregation, and was ordained priest. Immediately after his ordination, Father Shortis entered upon the laborious life of a missionary, and continued until 1852, when he was recalled and appointed vice president of the college. From 1853 to 1856, he discharged the duties of general secretary of the university and professor. In 1856 he was sent to take ciiarge of the mission at La Porte, Ind., and continued until 1858. He was then recalled to Notre Dame, and subsequently, in i860, was sent to New Orleans.

Rev. N. H. Gillespie, was the fourth vice president of the university. A sketch of him will be found under the heading of "Some of the Illustrious Dead ol St. Joseph County," page 483.

Rev. James Dillon, the fifth vice president at Notre Dame, was born in the county of Galway, Ireland, Nov. 18, 1833. He began his studies for the sacred ministry in the land of his nativity, while yet very young, continued them in the city of Chicago, after the removal of his family to this country', and finally completed them at Notre 'Dame. He entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in October, 1853, and after a full course of theology was ordained priest in 1858, on the same day with his brother, Rev. Patrick Dillon. In 1859, Father James, as he was familiarly called, was appointed to the office of vice president, in which position he gave evidence of that energy which was to the end one of his most striking characteristics. In 1860 he was appointed president of St. Mary's College, Chicago. In 1861 he was recalled to NutreDame, and appointed one of a band of missionaries which the superior contemplated organizing that year, but the war at the South commenced, and he went as Chaplain ; but contracting consumption, he obtained a furlough, and was sent hy his Superior to travel in Europe for his health. The trip seemed to have accomplished the end sought, and he returned to take his post amid tlie armed battalions but the di>ease only slept, and soon compelled him to retire. He was then sent to California by his Superior, with a view to revive his health. While there his zeal for the spiritual good of otliers made him forget his own weak condition, and instead of regaining healtii, he gradually sank under the influence of his disease. Finding that a longer stay from home would be useless, he returned to Notre Dame to await the final call of his Creator. When his brother. Father Patrick, retii-ed from the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Father James would not remain inactive, but, with the requisite dispensation, accompanied him. to bear his part in the work to which duty called him. But the effort was too great, and the death of his brother, to whom he was almost passionately attached, gave the final blow to his already enfeebled constitution, and he calmly departed this life, Dec. 17, 1S68, just one month and two days after his brother.

Hev. Aitgiistus Lemonnier, the eighth vice president, was born in France, in 1839. (See sketch under heading of "Some of the Illustrious Dead of St. Joseph County, page 482..")

Rev. Michael B. Brown was born near Plattsburg, New York, Sept. 20, 181:0, and up to the age of 12 lived in the happy freedom of childhood on his father's farm and not far from the shores of the celebrated Lake Champlain. At the age of 12 he removed with his parents to Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained for five years, attending school during the winter, and working with his father during the summer. In 1857 he entered St. Mary's Preparatory Seminary at Cleveland, Ohio, with a view to preparing himself for the sacred ministry, for which he had manifested a decided inclination, even while yet a child. He remained in Cleveland two years, applying himself earnestly to the study of Latin, English and mathematics. In 1859 he entered the University of Notre Dame; early in I860 he was received into the novitiate of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, in March of the same year; continued to prosecute his studies with vigor, and also began his career as a teacher. In June, 1862, he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in the following September began his theological studies, which he continued till June 10, 1867. when he was ordained priest. Before his ordination Father Brown taught different branches in the university, especially Greek, Latin and logic, continuing in this work until September, 1868, when he was appointed to the professorship of moral and mental philosophy.

Prof. Joseph Aloysins Lyons is the youngest of 13 children. He was born Nov. 7, 1838, in Utica, N. Y. In 181:7 his parents moved West, and settled in the vicinity of Niles, Mich. Young Lyons now determined to enter the University of Notre Dame as a student, but his father dying about this time changed his prospects in this respect. Finding he could not then enter college, he entered an office in Niles to learn the art of printing. Not liking the persons he had to deal with, he became dissatisfied with his position and applied to Father Sorin for admission into the Manual Labor School at Notre Dame. Father Sorin, seeing in the bright boj the future- man of energ}' and usefulness, dispensed with the ordinary conditions of admission, and admitted him as an apprentice shoemaker. But the taste of the youth did not incline him to the last, yet he worked well and intelligent! and after a short time succeeded in making a fair pair of boots, which won the premium at the county fair, though many older workmen competed for it. Notwithstanding this devotedness to trade, the 3'oung niau improved every opportunity of cultivating his mind and even began the Budy af Latin; went to St. Aloysius' Seminary, where he was soon appointed to take charge of tlie studies at the Manual Labor School and teach some of the classes tliere.

In 1858, having completed his classical studies and attended the class of philosopliy for some time, he was appointed director of the junior and minim department of tlie univei-sity. For two years he had charge of the discipline of these two departments, taught various classes and established two societies - tlie Philomatliean and Holy Angels' Societies. In 1860 he was sent with Fatlier James Dillon to St. Mary's of the Lake, in Chicago, where he filled the office of jirefect of discipline, and at the same time taught Latin with brilliant success, for one year. On liis return to Notre Dame, in 1861, he was then engaged as a regular professor of the universit}'. Beginning with the lower classes, he advanced by degrees to the head of the Latin department. In 1862, having studied some branches of the collegiate course to which he had not previously given special attention, Prof. Lyons received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and two years later tliat of Master of Arts.

Rev. D. J. Spillard

Daniel J. Spillard, the eldest of 13 children, was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, Kov. 8, 1839. In 1843 his parents removed to the United States and resided for the subsequent ten years in liiichester, N. Y., where young Spillard attended first the public ecliools, and afterward the Catholic select school, opened at St. Mary's church. He also attended the Academy of the Sacred l^eart. In 1853 he removed with his parents to Erie, Pa., where lie remained about one year. In 1864 the family removed to Elgin, 111., where the son attended both the public and private schools successively, and passed two years in the Elgin Academy. He entered the University of Notre Dame iu February, 1862; two years completed the studies prescribed in the collegiate course, and in June, 1864, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On that occasion he was chosen to deliver the valedictor}^ oration, which he did in an effective manner. He likewise bore away with him the premium of honor for that year. Some months after his graduation

Srofession as a member of the Congregation in September, ISfiO. [e continued his theological studies until August, ISGS, wlien lie was ordained priest. Previous to his ordination. Father Spillard had been engaged in teaching Greek and Latin in the college, but after his ordination he was appointed prefect of discipline.

Prof. Michael A. J. Baasen was born in Luxembourg, Germany, June 2, 1S44. When he reached the age of si.x years his father was appointed Consul to the United States, and accordingly removed to this country with his family. After being relieved from the duties of his office, he settled in Milwaukee, Wis. lie entered college when quite young, and with occasional brief intermissions, continued to prosecute his studies in different institutions, and finally came to the University of Notre Dame, in 1862, where he completed his collegiate studies, in lS6i, receiving, at the annual commencement of the year the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After graduating he commenced teaching ancient and modern languages at Notre Dame.

Prof. Michael T. Corby was born at Detroit, Mich., Feb. 20, 1844, and received his primary education in the schools of that place. However he entered the University of Notre Dame when quite j'oung, but his studies were interrupted for a period of time. Subsequently he studied at two diflerent colleges in Kentucky, whence returning in 1860, he entered Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Detroit, where he graduated in the commercial course July, 1862. In 1863 he returned to Notre Dame to complete his classical studies and pursue the study of music, lie continued this course vigorously for two years, and at the commencement in June, 1865, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Returning the following year. Prof. Corby began his career as a teacher, and continued to apply himself assiduously to the theoretical and practical stud}' of music. His progress was truly wonderful, and in 1868 he was requested to take charge of the vocal musical department in the university, wiiich he did, his services being highly appreciated by both faculty and students.

Prof. William Ivers was born in New Haven, Conn., Nov. 13, 1839. While yet an infant he was taken by his parents to New Orleans, where his father soon after died. Three years subsequently his mother formed a second matrimonial alliance, and the family then removed to Iowa, and young Ivers received his first education at the school attached to the Cathedral at Dubuque. Afterward he attended the district school near where his mother resided. In 1851 his mother died and he was taken by an uncle to New Orleans, where he attended school till 1853. In 1853 he was placed by his uncle in Notre Dame. For three years he applied himself eagerly to study; then entei'ed the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He soon began to doubt his vocation and left Notre Dame for New Orleans, but returned in 1859 and engaged in teaching.

After teaching at Notre Dame, Chicago and Philadelphia, in 1865 he made another trip to New Orleans, and in December returned to Notre Dame and engaged in teaching mathematics. lie then read up on some studies in June, 1S66, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Rev. Joseph CeUst'uie Carrier was born July 14, 1833, at St. Joire, a small town in France, near the confines of Switzerland, and the beautiful cit}' of Geneva. He was the youngest often children. His education was commenced at home, and conducted from his tourth to his ninth year under the care of a private tutor, who taught him the elements of Latin. He afterward spent six years in the College of Belley (Ain) and stood high in all his classes. The French Revolution in 1848 found him in rhetoric. Eighteen months later, at the age of 17, he accepted the professorship of physics (natural philosophy) in a small college near Geneva, at Ferney, a village well known in histor}' as the residence of Voltaire. During the autumn vacation of 1850 he traveled through Italy and Switzerland. In 1855 he crossed the Atlantic to America; studied divinity; in 1860 he came to Notre Dame, and in the following 3'ear made his profession in the Order of the Holy Cross, and was ordained priest. Since then he has tilled several functions, - prefect of religion, professor of Latin and Greek, pastor of South Bend, Chaplain of the Sixth Missouri Regiment, master of Josephite novices, and professor of natural sciences.

Lucius G. Tong, LL. B., the eldest of a family of 5 children, was born in Carroll, Fairfield Co., Ohio, Aug. 1,1842; was sent early to college, and to the age of 21 spent his time between school and assisting his father in business; he became a convert to the Catholic religion, and is now a zealous and devoted member of that Church. In 1803, after having engaged in business in Columbus, Ohio, for a short time, he began teaching at Notre Dame, which

In 1873 he M'as married in Lafayette, Ind., to Miss B. C. Ball, eldest daughter of James Ball, of that citj-. About this time he located permanently in South Bend, commencing the business of law and insurance.

In 1878 Prof. Tong received the Republican nomination for Mayor of the city of South Bend, and he was elected by a good majority. During his term he gave satisl'action to all parties, and so popular was his administration that the Democratic i)aper of that city proposed his renomination in very hearty terms. But party lines were drawn and Mayor Tong was defeated. Prof. Tong is a thorough Republican and a temperance advocate. He holds several important positions in the various associations with which he is connected. He is a smooth and ready writer, and has in manuscript, and is putting to a practical test in the school-room to perfect every detail, a new system of bookkeeping, which has met with the

Rev. J. A. Zahm was born near'New Lexington, Perrv county, Ohio, June 14, 1851. Lived there until the fall of 1863,' when lie removed with his parents to Huntington, Ind. During his youth he spent most of his time at school, always having had a special taste for study. Entered Notre Dame University as a student, Dec. 2, 1867. Took up the studies of the classical and scientific courses, graduating in the former June, 1871, and in September entered the novitiate, and made his religious profession as a member of the Congregation of the Iloh' Cross, Nov. 1 of the following year. In the autumn of 1872 he was appointed assistant professor of physical science and curator of the museum, an appointment which he did not relish at first as his tastes were rather for language and philology than science. In the fall of 1874 he was appointed superior of the scholasticate and at the same time curator of the museum, and professor of physics and chemistry. June 4, 1875, he was raised to the priest iiood, having been ordained deacon two days previously, and snbdeacon the fall before. September, 1876, he was appointed vice-president and director of studies, still retaining his old position as curator of the museum and professor of physical science. His Superiors seeing he had more than he was able to attend to. relieved him at tiie end of the year of the vice-presidency, in order that lie might devote his entire time to the development of the scientific department. In the summer of 1877 he visited the principal colleges of Canada and of the Eastern States with a view of studying the methods of teaching science adopted in those institutions, and in tlie following year went to Europe Avith the same end in view, visiting the chief universities. Here on his return home he was expecting to carry out a large programme, but his plans were soon frustrated by the burning of the college, and with it, of the large and valuable museum in which he was beginning to take some pride. He was among those who ]iut their shoulder to tlie wheel in the rebuilding of the college, and still occupies his old position as curator of the museum and professor of the physical sciences. All his energies are now directed toward replacing the old museum and making it, as well as the laboratory and physical cabinet, of which also he has charge, more extensive and valuable than ever. With the assistance of kind friends he lives in hope of one day seeing a large and spacious building for the exclusive use of the scion tificdepartment, the development of which will in future engage his attention more than ever before.

Mrs. Flora L. Stanjield, writer and poetess, was born in Cleveland, 0.,in October, 1848, the daughter of T. G. and Laura O. Turner; exhibited the talents of an authoress at a very early age; when 13 years of age she indited aver}' fine poem; has contributed to the N. r. Independent; many of her articles have appeared over the nomde phnne of " iMnlcolm Duncan;" and bIic was chiefly

Prof. T. E. Howard, author, was born near Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 27, 1837, reared as a farmer; taught school; completed his education at Notre Dame University; served in the war, receiving a bullet wound in the neck, at the battle of Shiloh; was appointed professor of rhetoric and English literatui-e in Notre Dame University; is author of "A Grammar of the English Language," for beginners; of "Excelsior, or Essays on Politeness and Education," and "Uncle Edward's Stories," a small volume of moral tales for the young. He has also written many excellent poems. Politically, Prof. Howard is a Democrat.

Darnel Kotz, painter, was born March 21, 18-18, in Clay township, this county, and is the son of J. C. and Christina Kotz, natives of Wirtemberg, Germany, from which place they emigrated to America in 1840, settling in Mishawaka in 1846, and the next year in Clay township. At 16 years of age Mr. Kotz made his first attempt at painting; he was at work in the studio of PI. F. Spread in Crosby's Opera House, Chicago, when the great fire of 1871 bro'ke out; he then attended college two and a half years at Naperville, 111.; in 1874 he opened a studio in South Bend; eight months subsequently he returned to Chicago, entering the studio of H. A. Elkins; at the end of 11 months he opened a studio for himself again at 108 Dearborn street; while there he painted the "Trapper's Last Camping Ground" and "October Woods," two excellent pictures. In 1878 he opened an art school in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he painted the " Wayside Spring," from a sketch he made near MackiTiaw; but his best and largest painting, is the " Monarch of the Meadows," now in possession of P. E. Studebaker. In the summer of 1879 Schuyler Colfax gave him a commission to paint a special scene, - the St. Joseph River and the Road to Mishawaka, which he had executed by the middle of November following. At present Mr. Kotz is a resident of Chicago.

Prof. Zut'ul Gregori, from Rome, Italy, spent about five years at Notre Dauie, where he executed some of the finest paintings in the country, among which are portraits of Father Sorin and Judge Stanfield.

Alfred Bryant Miller, poet, was born in South Bend iu February, 1845; educated principally in the old county seminary; served in the war, where he was promoted Lieutenant; afterward was editor-in-chief of the South Bend Register, and managing editor of the South Bend Tribune. Mr. Miller is a graceful writer, and he has been a regular correspondent of, or contributor to, several of the most prominent newspapers of tlie United States.

E. Burke /'VsAer, journalist, was born in Philadelphia; contributed to several periodicals before he was 15 years of age; clerked in the office of the Saturday Evening Post; associated with Horace Greeley on The New Yorker; edited and published the Saturday Evening Visitor at Pittsburg, and The Literary

Examiner and Monthly Revieiu; practiced law in Cleveland, O.; in 1853 he located in Soutk Bend, continuing the practice of law, and died in that city April 12, 1863.

Among other authors worthy of special mention is Prof. J. A. Lyon, author of the "Silver Jubilee," and "Lyon's Elocution;" T. G. Turner, author of " Gazeteer of the St. Joseph Valley" and other works; Hev. A. Y. Moore, author of the "Life of Schuyler Colfax," John D. Defrees, Rev. N. H. Gillespie, Rev. M. B. Brown, Rev. J. C. Carrier, Prof. A. J. Stace and Mrs. E. Kingsley.