New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-02-07
OBITUARY..
YICAR-GENERAL STAIRS.

The Rev. William STAIRS, Vicar-General of
the Archdiocese OF NewYork died yesterday morning
at the rectory of ST. Patrcks Cathedral iu Muberry-s
Prince. He had for time past complained of
illness without having any decided symptoms. Within
four five days however, symptoms of kidney disease
exhibited themselves. On Thursday Of last week he
celebrated at the Cathedral for the last time. On
Friday he was Frustrated by severe attack which
fined him to his bed. He rallied somewhat on Monday,
but began 10 decline rapidly during the following day.
From this relapse he recovered but he continued
to sink until his DEATH which occurred at yester
day. He visited by many Of the clergy on Wednes-
day among others by Archbishop McCioskoy (who
manned with him all day and part OF the ngho Bishop
Loughn ofiBrooklyn, Bishop Goesbriand OF Burlington,
VT; Father Quinn OF ST. Peters Church, and Father
Preston Of st. AIMS. At his bedside, ALSO were the
priests of the reetory Of St. Patrcks and Sisters of
Charity. The last sacrament administered by
Father Kearney From the latter aud other personal
friends of the deceased the following account Of his
life and character obtained:
william STAIRS born in 1907 at Drumqun, County
Tyrone, Ireland. His parents in easy crcumstan
ces and he was enabled to good classical edu-
cation. While very young he entered the Catholic Semi
nary at MayDoOth, where he began his theological
studies. He came TO America when he was about %
years old, and received INTO the Diocese of New
York by Bishop Du BOis who ut that time ruled the
Diocese. DR.. Stars afterward entered the Supcian
ordained priest in September 1884, at St. Patriok's
Cathedral He renamed this parish until 1874, when
be made pastor OF ST. Marys Church in Grand-st.
he retained this position until 1853, when ne was ap
pointed by Archbishop Hughes rector Of st. Patricks
Cathedral and VicarGeneral of the Diocese of New
York. Although his several times mentioned
in connection with various BishOprcs, he retained this
office till his death When Archbishop Hughes died in
1864 administrator OF the Diocese until
the appointment OF the present Archbishop To the lat
he acted theoOgan in the Plenary Council at Bal
timore in 1866. He also filed the office at two
councils of the province. In addition he the spiritual
Superior Of the of Charity for twenty years, and
president of the Board of Trustees Of St. Vncens Hos
ptal.
In character he was mild but not weak kind but not
placabe disposition but strict In the discharge
of his duties learning broad rather than deep.
yet there few things appertalnng 10 his depart
ment which had not mastered. His faith was sinceTei
hs devotion honest and his purpose pure Conservative
in and opinions he opposed innovations only
when he believed these pernicous In themselves or dis
astrous effect His loss will be mourned by all who
knew him, as that OF true friend trusty and wise
counselor.
The body OF the deceased viii be laid in state at
on Sunday next ST. Patricks Cathedral and the office
OF the dead viii be chanted at m The funeral Will
take place Monday, At 10 from the cathedral
The Archbishop will ofiicIate and celebrate solemn
pOntifcial mass The body will be buried under the
cathedral