Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-02-16

MAJ hlN.
| turned home and took TO his bed after
a consultation held by DR.. J. B. Muir
ply. the Chicago specialist, who pro-
lnounced his disease incurable, although
Father Mackin was not apprised of his
actual condition until Friday of last
week Father Joseph Kelly, of St.
Mary's church, Moline was selected TO
convey 10 him the message that he
must die, as all had been done for him
within the power OF science and medi-
cine. Father Mackin accepted the sit
uation with calm resignation, and
! forthwith called about him those of his
: household and gave instructions, even
to the minutest detail. for the arrange
ments for his funeral. Since Thursday
of last week the patient had had only
/ lucid intervals, and had been losing
ground gradually.
Popular nS Priest and Citizen.
| Few men in the city enjoyed a wider
or more popular acquaintance than did
the dead priest. Aside from his spir-
itual duties, to which he was earnest
ly attached. he took an active interest
in the welfare of his city and in public
matters generally both local. state and
national He was a man whose range
| of worldly knowledge was wide to an
extraordinary degree. He was a pa
triotic citizen in the highest sense of
of the word. and was ever ready with
his word and effort to contribute his
portion in fostering any measure for
| the advancement of his locality and
| his people. He had a state reputation
as an orator, and on many occasions
has stirred large audiences in Rock
| Island with his eloquence and logic
He took a keen interest in the welfare
of his parish and those who comprised
| it, and even in his later years, when
his own health forbade him leaving his
home. he would not oeny his presence
at the side of those in sickness or dis
tress.
stands Close to His People.
| He was man of a big heart and
| large sympathies. He was essentially
optimistic in his view of life. and al
ways had word of announcement for
those who were in despair or in need
of counsel or guidance. He remained
close to his parishiOners. and did much
| in the way of quiet charity. and to-
wards the upbuilding of the people #
his own religious belief. He was a man
whom it was good for one to know.
Young and old knew Father Mackin.
/ On his daily walks through the bust
ness sections of the city he never was
| so occupied butt what he could stop
for a hearty handshake and a cheering
word for his friends. All admired him
| for his intellectual qualities. respected
him for his religious zeal. and loved
him for his kindly and sympathetic
nature.
Native of Ireland.
| Thomas Mackin was the son of Dan
! lei and Ann Mackia. He was horn in
| County Armagh. Ireland. Jan. (. 1891.
His rudimentary education was re-
| ceiyed in the government schools of
his native country. ~ 10 he became
teacher in the schools. He followed
that vocation for one year. when he
set out for America. settling in Le-
| land. Ill. where he and his brother
James engaged in the general mer-
rhandising and land and commission
/ business. The father of the boys &C
companied them TO Leland. where he
| died. their mother having passed away
in Ireland. James and Thomas thrived
in their enterprise at Leland. but the
latter was not content to devote his
life 10 commercial pursuits. He GRAY
ID knowledge. and his naturally stud
ious bent developed a desire for the
priesthood With view to fitting
himself for holy orders he entered
Notre Dame university. but remained
there only part of one term when he