The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1883-05-24
BISHOP MeMULLEN.

Bishop McMullen, OF the Davenport
diocese, is in very precarious state of
health, and it is thought that his end is
near. He is good man, and is loved
and respected by all who know him.
Wednesdays Chicago Times has an inter
esting record of his life. which we copy
for the benefit of the many people who
are acquainted with him IN this section
John McMullen was born in BAHAMA
hinch, CouhtybDown, in the north of
Ireland, on March 8, 1888, and was the
son of James McMullen. farmer. In
1887 the family came to what is now the
province of Ontario, and settled on farm,
but in year moved to Ogdensburg. n.
Y, soon after to Lockport H., and
finally, in 1S43, TO Chicago, where the
father became the proprietor of a hotel
on Lake street.. Here John was entered
st st. AIarys college, from which he grad
uated in 1858, when just entering upon
his 21st year. After graduating he went
to Rome. where he pursued his studies at
the Urban college, commonly called the
Propaganda. In 1858 he was ordained a
priest, with the degree of doctor of dIvin-
ity. and, returning Immediately to Chica-
go, was installed as pastor of the st.
AOuAS I1c SOOu UEcdIDe very
active in the work of building up churches
in the suburban towns, and many strong
congregations in the towns around Chi
cago were organized by his efforts. In
1868 the corner stone of the university
was laid. and when the building was
completed, mainly through his efforts, he
became president of the institution. Here
he taught Hebrew and philosophy until
1869, when he took charge of the church
at Wilmington, I'll. One year later, how
ever, he again returned to his favoriTe
field of labor in Chicago, where he becap2e
rector of the Church of the Holy Meme
Many of his benevolent and religious
were seriously interfered with
by the great fire, and he was compelled to
witness the destruction of several edifices
which had been erected chiefly through
his labors. He continued in the Church
of the Holy Name until August, 1877,
when he was appointed vicar general of
the diocese.
When Bishop Fuley died he was
chosen administrator of the diocese. In
the election of a successor to the va
cancy DIR. McMuIlen was supported by |
nearly all the clergymen of the diocese,
and there was considerable surprise when |
Feehan was selected by the |
pope. However. in 1881, when the di-
ocese of Davenport was erected, the pope |
showed his appreciation of the esteem |
and regard in which DIR. McMuIlen was |
held by his fellow ministers and appoint |
I'd him TO be the first bishop of Daven- |
port.
DR. McMullen left Chicago for his new |
field on the Both, 1881, accompanied BY |
several distinguished dignitaries in the |
Roman Catholic church He was re.
;eived in Davenport by a large -concourse
If citizens, irrespective of religions faith,
Ind given the warmest welcome to his
lew home. His instalIment took place
IN the 1st of August with imposing cere-
Monies. He immediately entered upon
lis new work, and his first undertaking
vas the building of a handsome and T
ostlY church edifice for one of the con
,regations of the city. His quiet dignity
md warm hearted benevolence made him
beloved by all classes of per
ons- Before he went to Davenport his
ealth was not good, and under the hard
work entailed by his new position it
allied rapidly. In December last his
physicians ordered him To California,
where he remained for three months
Without receiving appreciable benefit. He
eturned TO Davenport in March and con-
nued to yield TO the complications of
iseases that afflicted him. His mind
Dntinues clear and firm and he executed
oine portion of his official duties. He
AS three brothers. one member of the
run of McMullen s. Officer, Chicago one !.
! Missouri, and one in Tennessee. :