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| J.D. Creaghan (1850-1938) was a leading factor in New Brunswick business for 60 years |
The Miramichi district as well as numerous friends throughout Eastern Canada were grieved to learn of the death of John D. Creaghan, which occurred at the family home, Prince William Street, on Tuesday morning September 13, at the age of 87. His passing, which was not unexpected, came after an illness of several months, although he was able to be up and about until a short time ago.
The death of Mr. Creaghan is a distinct loss, not only in Newcastle but to New Brunswick at large, where he had been a leading factor in mercantile life for the past 60 years. He will be missed as a leader who gave liberally of his time and work to the best interests of the community. He was of the best type of public citizen and took a keen interest in public affairs. He was a member of the first Newcastle Town Council, was active in the Board of Trade and was chairman for Northumberland County in two Victory Loan campaigns.
The late John Daniel Creaghan was born at Mountbellew, County Galway, Ireland, on June 24, 1851. He received his education in the Franciscan College at Tuam and his business training in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to Canada as a young man under contract with the firm of MacDonald and Cody, dry goods merchants at Fredericton. Shortly afterwards, in 1875, he formed a partnership with Donald Sutherland, under the name of Sutherland and Creaghan, doing business at Newcastle. A few years later he purchased Mr. Sutherland’s interest and formed the present company of J.D. Creaghan Company, Limited. In 1905, the company was incorporated as a family corporation with Mr. Creaghan the president and manager. Since then the business increased steadily in scope both in Newcastle and Chatham and Moncton Branches. The business is one of the best known and most progressive houses in the province and the late Mr. Creaghan was the oldest active dry goods merchant in the Maritimes.
In politics, Mr. Creaghan was a lifelong Conservative and was prominently identified with that party in Northumberland County. He also was interested in the Newcastle Curling Club and donated the Creaghan Cup for competition. A devout member of St. Mary’s Church, he took an active interest in all church affairs. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a charter member of the Chatham Council 1219. For years he was president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and took a great interest in the welfare of the needy, not only through the medium of organized charity but in boundless instances of his private generosity.
On November 30, 1882, Mr. Creaghan was married to Ellen Adams of Douglastown and in 1932 they celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Their home was a centre of hospitality for young and old alike. Mrs. Creaghan died on January 9, 1935, and surviving are five sons and three daughters: Donald S. Creaghan of Newcastle, T. Cyril of Montreal, John A. of Moncton, Gerald F. of Vancouver, and William V. of Moncton. The daughters are (Mollie) Mrs. D. King Hazen of Saint John, Misses Aileen and Nan at home. Another daughter (Clare) Mrs. John W. McManus of Moncton died on January 11, 1929. Twenty-three grandchildren also survive.
The funeral was held at 9:30 AM Thursday morning and was attended by large numbers from all over the county and province. The cortège left the family home and proceeded to St. Mary’s Church where Requiem High Mass was celebrated by the pastor, Very Rev. Father MacLaughlin. Present on the sanctuary were Rev. Dr. J.M. Hill and Rev. J.F. Ryan, Chatham; Rev. J.D. Keane, Douglastown; Rev. E.P. Wallace, Nelson; Rev. W.J. Nowlan, Renous, and the curate, Rev. P.R. McCarthy. The staffs of the Newcastle, Moncton and Chatham stores and a large number of business and personal friends from Moncton and all over the county attended. Interment was made in St. Mary’s cemetery, the bearers being four sons, Donald, John, Cyril and William, C.P. McCabe, and James McMurray, Moncton. A large number of beautiful floral tributes, Mass cards and messages of sympathy were received by the sorrowing family from relatives and friends.
W.J. Hogan and Sons were the funeral directors.