Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-03-12

street, and Mrs. Mary Mccormack, OF
East Martin street, mother of DIR. M. 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-
membrance 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
atty during the years he was 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 ia 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 10 the
perils of long and lonely journeys
through the mountains OF that state.
Father John remained in charge of
the Martrnsburg parish until I84S. 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 for that
character OF work. He remained in that
diocese until 1883. when he went to
Lowell and became rector OF St, Pat
rick's church, remaining there until his
death. some years later.
Father John oficiated at the chris
tening OF Mrs. SChaarmann when she
was a child OF 8 years and also prepared
Mrs. Mccormack for confirmation when
The latter was about 10 years old. Mr..
Schaarulann became well acquainted
with him when he visited Harpers Ferry,
one OF the charges ~ the Iartinsburg
parish, where 4ir. Schaarinann then re-
sided. OF Father John, Mr.. Schaarmann
says;
Father Jehn O'Brien was greatly be-
loved BIZ eyerehody-both Catholics and
Professionals. lie was Of splendid pres
e1ce, SIX feet tail and finely proportion
cd, and possessed OF greet personal
strength and courage. He had a fine
head, and his face was beth handsome
AID strong, expressing kindness, dignity
and b~encyolence in Il marked degree.
a. was AA fANC4 It.HNHNs hII NAttNifNh
an almost p1triarchial inGccrce over his
scattered fcck. While his rlcst marked
Characteristic were charity and zeal, he
could be austere and stern upon occa-
sions. which were rare. He was very
greatly beloved because Of his unbounded
charity. and no one in need was ever
turned emptv-ha1del from his door.
Many times, while on his way 70 say
early mass on cold winter mornings. he
would take with his own hands d supply
ii food and fuel 10 some poor oma
ur orphan children. and often cut the
wood and kindled the fire TO cook the
provisions his bounty had furnished
lie lived a very simple and abstemious
life, and used practically all the offerings
Of his parishioners in deeds Of charity
among the poor.
AS a priest, he would 90 to the
uttcrmos. lengths OF his resources and
strength 70 attend TO the spiritual need
Of lis people. and many times he rode
from 20 20 30 miles through the forests
an over the mountains At night 10
carry the sacrament to some sick or
dying member OF his flock. In emer-
4cucice, if his horse was sick or travel
worn, he would walk the entire distance,
and so great was his strength and en-
d~uyance that he never hesitated TO make
these lonely and dangerous journeys on
cot.