[p. 441] formerly pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church at New Castle, for many years so faithfully served his church and fellow men that his memory will long be kept green and his gracious presence and loving ministrations recalled. Joseph Gallagher was born in County Donegal, Ireland, January 3, 1844, and died August 11, 1906.
In 1849 he accompanied his parents to America and was reared in the city of Philadelphia, receiving his literary training at St. Joseph's College at that place. Desiring to prepare for the priesthood, in 1861 his parents sent him to St. John's University at Frederick City, Maryland, which was in charge of the Jesuit Fathers.
When, in 1864, the contending Union and Confederate armies made Frederick City and vicinity the arena of war, practical Christianity came very near to the quiet students at the university, for, on one occasion, when over 700 men of both armies were left wounded on the field, they proved their courage and tested their religious zeal to the fullest exent. Among the leaders of the volunteer nurses from the advanced class was Joseph Gallagher, who, with his noble comrades, worked for weeks, night and day, to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and wounded soldiers. Mr. Gallagher in his burning desire to succor others, forgot himself and brought on, through exposure, an illness which compelled him finally to return to his home and accept medical attention. When his health had improved to such an extent that he could return to his studies, the president of St. Joseph's College surprised him by offering him a position as teacher of classics, one which he accepted and brilliantly filled for two years. After this interval he resumed his theological studies at St. Michael's Seminary at Pittsburg, and was ordained a Priest by Rt. Rev. M. Domenec, D.D., Bishop of the Pittsburg Diocese, January 11, 1873. His first mission was at Altoona as assistant to Very Rev. John Tuigg, who afterward was Bishop of the Pittsburg Diocese. His next appointment which covered two years, was at Dudley, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, where he was pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. On February 6, 1879, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Congregation at New Castle. His labors continued there until his death (August 11, 1906), faithful in all things, beloved by his congregation and esteemed and valued by his fellow citizens.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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