Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1899-07-15
First Division Instituted i'm This
City just Twenty-Five
Years Ago.
Has q Record Unsurpassed by
Any Other Fraternal
Society.
SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEMBERS

Division /, of the Ancient Order OF
Hibernians, was organized in this city
twenty-five years ago, and is one OF the
very few fraternal societies that have ell
loved continuous existance during all
these wears. From its ranks have come
MANY of the brightest minds i'll the or
der, its representatives always taking
prominent position in the county, State
and national councils.
Since its birth the order has grown UNI
til now there are five strong divisions
here, besides the Ladies Auxiliary and
the Hibernian Knights. That the motto
of the organization, Friendship, Unity
and True Christian Charity" has been
faithfully observed is best evidenced by
the reports of the Finance Committee,
which show that something over $4,000
has been expended in funeral benefits
and in relieving the wants OF those in dis
tress. Notwithstanding this great outlay
of money there still remains in the treas
ury over 81 900 for that purpose. This is
a record that any society might well feel
proud of, and Hibernians are unanimous
in pronouncing this division credit to
the order.
This being the twenty-fifth year of its
existence. its silver jubilee, the members
some time ago decided to properly cele-
brate the important event, and with this
end in view early in the season secured
Riverview Park, the most beautiful place
around Louisville, for next Monday. For
some time past Messrs. Tom Cody, John
Mulloy and Mike lyman, assisted by the
officers and members, have been hard at
work, until now every arrangement has
been made whereby those who attend can
spend thoroughly pleasant day and
evening.
During the afternoon there will be a
grand concert in the park and dancing
in the pavilion. There will also be pro-
gressive euchre, open to all, and a num-
Der of handsome prizes will be presented
TO the winners. There will be an illumi-
nation at night, and as the admission is
only ten cents, there should be a large
crowd present to congratulate the men,
bers en- this anniversary. There will be
many kinds of innocent amusement for
ladies, gentlemen and children and an
abundance of refreshments.
Division | was instituted i'll 1874, its
first President being Matt Curran, for
many years one of the most popular Irish
Americans in Kentucky. Mr.. Curran
took a deep interest in all Irish society
affairs, and was counted one of the most
dignified presiding officers who ever sat
in a chair. He served several terms as
President, also as State Delegate, and al
the time of his death was member OF
the National Board of Directors. Asso-
ciated with him were such well-known
men as Vice President Patrick Dougherty
Recording Secretary Michael Doyle
Financial Secretary Thomas Stanton,
father of Edward Stanton, the Louisville
boy who distinguished himself with AID.
miral Dewey, James Rodgers and Tim
Lyons.
The first St. Patrick's day celebration
under the auspices of this division is well
remembered by many of our citizens. A
committee, consisting of Matt Curran,
lanes Rodgers, John ]. Barrett, John
Donahue, John Fitzgerald and Thoma:
Stanton, arranged for a banquet al
Rulers Hotel, at which the State officer:
and about 200 Hibernians were enter
tanned. This was preceded by one of the
finest parades ever witnessed in this city
over 5000 men being in line, and from
that date the Ancient Order of Hiber
mans has been an important factor il
Irish-American affairs in Louisville.
Mr.. lanes Rodgers succeeded President
Curran, and was elected to the higf
Office half dozen times, his ability anc
fitness being manifest from the first, and
under his administration the division
more than doubled its membership
He also served as county and State
officer. Among the officers with Presi
dent Rodgers were Matt Kerins, Johr
Greaney, Pat Gallagher, Gus Mulloy, Pa
McGrail George McNamee ana I'M
Lyons.
The successor of President 2odger
was John Donahue, and his associate
were those who had served with hi
predecessor, who had been elected
County President and afterward Stat
President. Mr.. Donahue served ont
year, and was followed by Thomas Nor
gan, now with the Louisville and Nash
vile Railroad Company.
The late Thomas p. Clines, than whom
there was no better known or popula
Irishman in Louisville at this time, wa
the next one indicted into the Presi
dency. During his term the nationa
convention was held in this city, and t.
his efforts was due much of the success
Of the entertainment and hospitality pro