1894 Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Co., IA History
pgs. 468-471 (no pgs. 469 &
470)
REV. THOMAS ROWE, Rector of St.
Mary's Catholic Church at Strawberry Point, was born at Castle Comer, County Kilkenny, Ireland, June 21, 1854, being the son of Nicholas Rowe, a wealthy farmer
and stockman. On the family estate, in the parish of Clough, are located the
most extensive coal fields in all Ireland. There were eight sons in the family, all of whom
had the advantages of a liberal education, and three are Catholic priests.
Patrick, the eldest, is at Kimberly, South Africa, in the diamond fields. The second brother, Michael,
a Catholic Curate, has charge of a Catholic Church near Kilkenny, Ireland. William, also a priest, emigrated to America about the year 1874, and is now connected with St.
James' parochial school in New York City. John is Justice of the Peace in Clough, Queen's County, Ireland, and owns a large estate. Edward is living on the old
homestead at Castle Comer, where the father died in 1874. James is extensively
engaged in the commission business at Dublin. Richard is a commercial traveler in England. Julia lives on the old homestead with her mother
and brother. Lizzie is married and resides in Abbeyleix,
Queen's County, Ireland.
In the parochial schools of
Castle Comer our subject gained the rudiments of his education. In 1865 he
entered St. Keiran's College, of which the late Very
Rev. Edward McDonald, D. D., was President. He and his brother Michael were
ordained November 11, 1877, by Cardinal Moran, now Archbishop of Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia. Our subject being ordained for the diocese of Dubuque, he at once came to this country, and was made
Rector of St. Aidens Church, in West Dubuque, where he remained until 1883. His pastorate
was an eminently successful one, and by his efforts the large debt hanging over
the church was paid off.
Coming to Strawberry Point
in 1883, Father Rowe was made Rector of St. Mary's Church, which was
established by Father John Hackett, of honored memory. Aside from this
pastorate, he has charge of the church at Cox Creek, in Clayton County, and that at Greeley, Delaware County. During the years of his pastorate at this
place, his superior ability has resulted in great benefit to the church. The
congregation has increased in numbers, and the interest has steadily grown from
the first. A genial and agreeable gentleman, he is popular, not only with his parishioners,
but also with all the citizens of Strawberry Point and the surrounding country.
He is indefatigable in his efforts to advance the cause of his church, and is a
tireless laborer for its welfare. His religious duties require the closest attention
on his part, but he nevertheless finds time to keep himself posted upon current
events pertaining to the local or national welfare, and is a law-abiding,
patriotic citizen, cherishing an affection for, and allegiance
to, the country of his adoption.
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