Maurice S. Kerrigan

Here are two notices from the “Shoe and Leather Reporter”, a trade publication, with regard to Maurice’s death in 1891.

The members of the morocco manufacturing fraternity, in common with the whole trade and hosts of citizens, will mourn long and deeply that the earthly career of their old comrade, Maurice S. Kerrigan, has come to an end. When he last met with them, on the 8th of January, in Philadelphia, he was the honored guest of the National Association, and no one who saw him there, apparently in vigorous health and full of that spirit of cheerfulness, cordiality and brotherhood which was so characteristic of him and so charming in him, could have heard without surprise, as well as poignant regret, of the event which in less than five months thereafter has deprived his associates of his agreeable companionship.

Mr. Kerrigan’s life and character were, as far as we have been able to judge, from a long acquaintance with him, as nearly perfect as is supposed to be possible to any human being. There were certainly a great many qualities in his nature which could not fail to command the admiration and esteem of all who knew him. He was so simple in his manner, so free from ostentation or sense of self importance, so considerate of others, and so conscientious in all his dealings with his fellow men, that no words of praise of him can be framed in language which will be in excess of his deserving.

He came of a good stock, and like his honored father, has left a name which his descendants will always cherish with affectionate reverence and honest pride.

Mortuary, Maurice S. Kerrigan….

…formerly a morocco manufacturer, died at the residence of his son-in-law, at Green’s Farm, Conn. On Monday, May 31 aged 69 years. He was born in the “Swamp” (the leather district of NYC just south of the Brooklyn bridge); his parents residing, at the time of his birth, at No. 25 Ferry Street. (Now the location of Southbridge towers). Mr. Kerrigan was educated at the Grammar School of Columbia College, and afterward went to work with his father at No.1 Ferry, which building was for many years one of the landmarks of old New York. Upon attaining his majority, Mr. Kerrigan’s father took him into partnership, and the firm became James Kerrigan & Son. The senior member retired in 1859, and the son continued the title, James Kerrigan’s Son. In the formation of the Morocco Manufactures’ National Association Maurice S. Kerrigan took a leading part, and was elected the first President. For twelve years he held that honorable position. For several more he was Chairman of the Executive Committee, and in 1885, when he retired from active pursuits, he was made an honorary member. He was of a genial disposition, and was much respected by all who kwen him. Early in the century James Kerrigan purchased a farm on what is now West Hoboken, and since his retirement Mr. Kerrigan has employed his time in the development of the family property. The funeral was in St. John’s Chapel, Brooklyn, on the 3d inst., and was attended by members of the morocco trade from New York and other cities. Mr. Kerrigan left three sons and one daughter. His wife died in February last (1890).

Etc. etc.

Felix Kaufman said: Among the many in our trade who have passed away, there was not one who stood higher as a man, neighbor, merchant and citizen than Maurice S. Kerrigan. He embodied in himself all the good qualities of a family noted for its high integrity and worth. He was a man of such estimable character that no words of mine can add to the deep feeling of reverence which we have for his memory. His journey is over; may his footsteps be followed.