Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-03-19

street, and Mrs. Mary Mccormack, of
East Martin street. mother OF DIR. NJ. A.
Mccormack, the well-known physician
and surgeon, and all venerable and re-
spected residents of that city at the
present time. Each has a distinct re-
membranee Of Father john when he was
rector of St, Joseph's church in Martins
burg, and they relate many interesting
"reminiscences OF his work and person
ality during the years he wa stationed
there.
The records of St. Joseph's church,
Martinsburg, show that Father John
became the head OF the parish in I84I,
succeeding Bishop Richard Vincent
Whelan, when the latter was elevated to
the purple in the old cathedral in Balti-
more and sent to the Richmond see. 1t
is known, however, that Father John
had labored for several years previously
in that diocese as a missionary, travelling
on horse back over a vast extent of
territory, suffering all the hardships of
those rude times and subjected to the
perils OF long and lonely journeys
through the mountains OF that state,
Father John remained in charge of
the M%artinsburg parish until IS4S, when
he was again summoned by the bishop
OF Richmond to resume the work of a
missionary, his great zeal, elOquenCe and
courage especially fitting him iOr that
character OF work He remained in that
diocese until 1855, when he went TO
Lowell and became rector OF St. Pat
rick's church, remaining there until his
death, some years later,
IT,stA- H. A4-a,-NAI as a., III
tening OF Mrs. Schaarmann when She
was a child OF 6 years and also prepared
Mrs. Mccormack Tor confirmation when
the latter was about 10 years cid. Mr..
Schaarmann became well acquainted
with him when he visited Harper, Ferry,
one OF the charges in the Martinsbufg
parish, wher1 Mr.. Schaarnann then re-
sided. OF Father John, Mr.. Schaarmann
says:
"Father John O'Bcien was greatly be-
loved by cYeryboGy-both Catholics and
Protestants. He vas 81 splendid pres
ence, six feet tall and finely proportion
ed, and possessed OF great personal
strength and courage. He had a fine
head, and his face was both handsome
and strong, expressing kindness, dignity
and b-enevole9ce in a marked degree,
He was an ideal pastor, and exercised
an almost patriarchial Influence over his
scattered flock. While his most marked
characteristic were charity and zeal, he
could be austere and stern upon occa-
sions, which we're rare. He was very
greatly beloved because OF his urbounded
charity, and no one in need was ever
turned empty-handed from his door.
MANY times, while on his wav TO say
early mass on cold winter mornings, he
would take with his own hands a supply
Of food and fuel to some poor woman
or orphan children. and often cut the
wood and kindled the fire to cook the
provisions his bounty had furnished.
He lived a very simple and abstemious
life, and used practically all the offerings
of his Pensioners in deeds OF charity
among the poor.
Gas a priest, he would go to the
uttcrmost lengths of his resources and
strength TO attend to the spiritual need
of his people, and many times he rode
from 20 to 90 miles through the forests
and owe the mountains at night to
carry the sacrament 10 some sick or
dying member OF his flock. In emer-
gencies. if his horse was sick or traveI
worn, he would walk the entire distance
and so great was his strength and en-
durance that he never hesitated to make
these lonely and dangerous journeys or
foot.