Rt. Rev. James Davis, D. D. Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Davis, Fogarly, Welch, Hennessey, McMullen, Cosgrove, Trevis. The Right Rev. James Davis, bishop of Iowa, was born in November, 1852, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, a son of James and Margaret Davis, who were devoted to their church and their children were reared in a strong religious atmosphere. The eldest, Thomas, who died October 4, 1904, entered the religious order of the Carmelites and rose to the rank of provincial in Ireland. Richard is an esteemed Catholic priest of Louisville, Kentucky. Three sisters are connected with religious orders, one being Superior of Sacred Heart convent at Sag Harbor, Long Island. Another, St. Sebastian, is a member of the same order at Befie, France, and a third, Sister Constance, is Superior of the Immaculate Conception Academy at Newport, Kentucky. The early religious instruction of Bishop Davis was received under the direction of the very Rev. F. Fogarly, P. P., at Donemagin. He began his studies for the church at Mr. Carmelite College, Knocktopher, under the direction of the Carmelite Fathers. After completing his classical courses, he entered St. Patrick's Ecclesiastical College in Carlow, where he completed his theological course. His ordination to the priesthood took place June 21, 1878, the Right Rev. Bishop Welch, of the diocese of Kildare and Longhlain, officiating. Soon thereafter he came to the he United States and entered upon his clerical duties in Iowa, he having been adopted by the Right Rev. Bishop Hennessey, of Dubuque, during the time he was studying in Carlow. After a short period spent at the cathedral in Dubuque, Bishop Davis was assigned to St. Peter's church at Windham, Iowa, where he remained for two years. He was then at St. Mary's church at Oxford, Iowa, for four years, and it was while he was there that the original diocese of Dubuque, then embracing the whole state, was divided and Davenport made the see (sic) city of the new diocese. The Right Rev. McMullen, D. D., was the first bishop, he being succeeded by the Right Rev. A. Cosgrove, who in 1884 assigned Father Davis to St. Michael's church at Holbrook, Iowa. There he was given full opportunity to demonstrate his ability as an organizer and upon the resignation of the Very Rev. A. Trevis of Cathedral, Father Davis was appointed in November, 1889, to preside over t! he Cathedral congregation at Davenport. From the beginning he faced hard work, the erection of the Sacred Heart church. He brought to bear his magnificent powers of organization, worked unceasingly with faithful zeal, and had the satisfaction of participating in its dedication. After six years of remarkable work, Father Davis was appointed to the office of vicar general made vacant by the death of the Very Rev. A. Trevis, December 18, 1895. In the years that followed he continued to labor faithfully for his church and the people under his charge, and November 30, 1904, he was consecrated bishop to succeed Bishop Cosgrove. Probably there is no dignitary of the church in America who is more universally honored and beloved, irrespective of religious beliefs, than Bishop Davis. Learned, experienced and sympathetic, he not only is laboring for the good of his own people but to advance Davenport and Iowa and to maintain the highest possible standard of morality. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann ACC Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES