LibGuides: Fenwick History: Who was Edward Fenwick?

Edward Dominic Fenwick

First Bishop of Cincinnati

Life

Edward Fenwick was born in Maryland on August 19, 1768, studied at the Dominican Holy Cross College in Belgium, and in 1793 was ordained a Dominican priest. In 1805 Fenwick opened near Springfield, Kentucky, St. Rose Priory, the first Dominican house in the United States. Fenwick also ministered to Catholics scattered across Ohio. In 1822 Fenwick was consecrated the first Bishop of Cincinnati. At the corner of Seventh and Sycamore Streets, Fenwick in 1826 built St. Peter Cathedral, in 1829 St. Francis Xavier Seminary, and in 1831 the College of the Athenaeum (which became St. Xavier High School and Xavier University). Fenwick died at Wooster, Ohio, on September 26, 1832.

"Edward Fenwick--Founder of Xavier," Brief Biography by C. Walker Gollar

Fenwick Primary Sources with Reference to Slavery

Letters, including the brief summaries, from Edward Dominic Fenwick Papers 1803-1832: Founding American Dominican Friar and Bishop, Luke Tancrell OP, editor (New York: The Dominican Province of St. Joseph, 2005) . Used with permission.

Edward Fenwick to Luke Concanen 3 January 1804
Notes that Bishop John Carroll has invited Dominicans to come to America. He envisions an American Bornheim in Maryland. Conjectures the opposition of Thomas Anthony Plunkett, his Provincial. Outlines his vision for the initial steps for an American foundation
Edward Fenwick to Nicholas Young 27 September 1806
Financial note to Bank of Columbia. Gives instruction to Young on goods to be delivered by him at Georgetown to a Mr. Spink, from Kentucky. Asks for dried smoked herring and James River tobacco. Speaks of other offers of land not taken. Will write to his sister soon via Mr. Smiley. Has letters for uncle, Dominican John Fenwick. Spink has horses ready for trek from Kentucky to Maryland.
Edward Fenwick to Nicholas Young 17 February 1807
Writes about financial affairs, persons and goods. Mentions Peter Higdon.
Edward Fenwick to Bishop John Carroll 12 April 1807
Asks for dispensation from church law on age of housekeeper. Laments looking after slaves. Has a layman overseer with his wife for the farm. Has available capable teenage girls for the work needed around the house, if permission granted. Would like to begin a Dominican sisterhood
Edward Fenwick to Pio Maurizio Viviani OP May 1823
A joint letter from Fenwick and Wilson. Requests division of St. Joseph Province. Gives four reasons. Considers debts. Considers payment for new cathedral. Asks clarification on role of local bishop on transfer assignments of priest-religious. Francis O'Finan and John Hynes to inform Viviani verbally of details of local situation.
Edward Fenwick to Pio Maurizio Viviani OP 10 September 1823
Reviews his inadequacy to be bishop, and serious financial situation of his new diocese. Laments lack of help from Dominicans in Kentucky. Advances reason why Ohio is better location than Kentucky for spread of the Order. Asks Viviani to intervene on his behalf
Edward Fenwick to Pio Maurizio Viviani OP 11 October 1823
Advances reasons why Ohio is fine location to establish Order in America. Outlines his plan for economic stability through a large corps of lay brothers. Asks material help of the Dominicans in Kentucky. Asks for Dominican friars from Europe
Edward Fenwick to Tommoso Ancarini OP 28 March 1829
Gives a complete report to the Province of St. Joseph and the need to sell St. Rose Priory and move the Province of St. Joseph to Ohio. Expresses the need for Dominicans from Europe.
Edward Fenwick to Pope Pius VIII March 1829
Writes concerning the perilous situation of the Province of St. Joseph and asks permission to sell St. Rose Priory and transfer the entity to Ohio.
Review of Edward Dominic Fenwick Papers 1803-1832: Founding American Dominican Friar and Bishop. Edited and annotated by Luke Tancrell O.P. (New York: The Dominican Province of St. Joseph. Distributed by Dominican Publications, 487 Michigan Avenue, N.E.,

Fenwick History: Who was Edward Fenwick?

Edward Fenwick and Slavery

Edward Dominic Fenwick

Life

Fenwick Primary Sources with Reference to Slavery

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