Rev. Patrick A. Maher

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Back to the staunch old Irish stock does the Rev. Patrick Ambrose MAHER, of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the Irish nation is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history. This has been marked by persevering industry and unwavering honor, and a devotion to duty far above the average. These traits have most naturally secured him a position which is unassailable in the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.

Patrick MAHER, his father, was born in county Limerick, Ireland, and he was in his early manhood when he emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival here he went to Mount Hope, New Jersey, where he found employment as a miner, and in this dangerous work he was engaged until he met with his death, March 12, 1876, in the faithful performance of his duties. He married, in America, Eliza MITCHELL, also born in county Limerick, Ireland, and still living. They had children:

James, deceased, who was an engineer;
Margaret, deceased;
Martin, an engineer, resides in South Orange, New Jersey, who also gives instruction in violin playing;
Ella, married Charles FEIGHERY, of Passaic, New Jersey;
Patrick Ambrose. See forward;
Mary, married Harry KENNEDY, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Patrick Ambrose MAHER was born at Mount Hope, Morris county, New Jersey, January 2, 1873. His early education was acquired in the public and parochial schools of his native town, while all of his spare time was taken up with working in the mines. Having displayed great natural ability, his parents decided to educate him for the career of a priest, and he accordingly matriculated, in 1892, at St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Maryland, and after two years spent in that institution he entered Seton Hall college, South Orange, New Jersey, was graduated in the class of 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and was awarded the degree of Master of Arts, by the same institution in 1899. In 1897 he commenced the study of theology, received minor orders and became sub-deacon, in June, 1900; deacon, October, 1900; ordained priest, June 29, 1901, by Bishop McFALL, of Trenton, New Jersey. His first assignment was at St. Mary’s, Jersey City, New Jersey, where he remained for upward of five years. He was then appointed, October 1, 1906, to St. Joseph’s Church, Mendham, New Jersey, and November 27, 1911, transferred to his present station at St. Patrick’s Church, Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey. The gifts of the Rev. MAHER are of the highest practical order. He has a warm heart and a genial nature, and the culture he has acquired makes him a safe counselor, a warm friend, a pleasant companion, and an interesting and instructive preacher. His pulpit efforts are attended with the utmost success, because of the fact that his sermons are characterized by great simplicity and directness of aim. He frequently goes outside of the exact course prescribed for him in order to render assistance which is not strictly within his province, but his kind heart will not permit him to allow an opportunity to assist another pass by unheeded.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).