The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1874-01-15
A DRUNKEN PRIEST.
Overcome by the Passion for
LiquOr. He Dies in the Midst
Of u Debauch.

Liquor. He Dies in the Mids
Ofa Debauch. ..s .....
The San Francisco Chronicle O
I December 25th says: .T .-.f'--.a
The Rev. Father Patrick ]. Noon
an, a native of Ireland, aged about
81 years, died early yesterday morn.
ing, in his room in the Russ House,
/ from the excessive use of Intoxicating
liquors. About two months ago the
deceased arrived in this city from the
diocese of Harrisburg, Pa, for the
purpose of acting as missionary for
the Catholic Church throughout the
interior of the State. He introduced
himself to the Rev. Father Hugh
Gallagher, of st. Joseph's Church, of
this city, who recommended him
fovorably to Bishop Amat, of Monterey
county. He was appointed by the
latter to a mission in Lose Anges,
and subsequently to one in Salinas
City, of which he was the pastorwhen
he died. Very fattering reports Of
the success of his mission were re-
eeived by Father Gallagher in this
city.
One day last week Father Noonan
received draft for 800 on the bank
of Sather & Church, of this city, from
Mr.. Drexel, their agentin Harrisburg.
1t was for the purpose of cashing the
draft that he came to this city on
Thursday from Salinas, and engaged
rooms at the Lick House. On that
day lie had consultation with Faith.
er Gallagher, during which the latter
gentleman detected evidences of the
fact that Noonan had been inbibing
freely. Father Gallagher remon-
strated with him, but he strenuously
denied the imputation. Upon learn
ing where Father Noonan was stop
ping-at the Lick House-Father
Gallagher reminded him that such a.
manner of living was inconsistent
with the character of his calling, and
advised him earnestly to return; and
in consideration of the apparently
intemperate tendency of his habits
cautioned him not to cash the draft,
but to deposit it in some bank for safe
keeping. The unfortunate priest
promised faithfully to follow his ad
vice strictly, and that day left the
Lick House, but instead of returning
to Salinas City engaged room at
the Russ House, deceiving his friend
into the belief that he had returned
to his mission. While in the Russ
House he returned to his old intem-
perate habits, and continued in the
debauch until found dead. A bottle
of liquor was found by his side when
the body was discovered.
The proprietors of the Russ House
presented to the Coroner
a bill for $50 for two nights lodging,
which was afterward reduced to $50.
The S700 check was the only proper
ty found on his person. When he
was found dead, the Russ House pro
prietors, contrary to the code, which
attaches a severe penalty to an ofense
of that character, procured the re-
moval of the body to the undertaking
of Massey & Young, on
Sacramento street. The Coroner
made demand for the body yesterday,
but was refused. He made second
demand subsequently, to avoid
trouble, but was again refused. He
then conferred with the Prosecuting
Attorney, with the intention of pro-
curing the arrest of Messrs. Massey
& Young, butpresently received notice
that they would yield to his request.
The body was removed to the Morgue
where a post-morten examination will
be held to-day by DR.. Bently. The
inquest will be held on Friday morn
ing it 10 o'clock. o..
1.-The fact of the unfortunate priests
intemperance be proven, Archbishop
Alemany will not permit the body to
be buried in a Catholic burying
ground. .. ....