Civil War Veteran Becomes Priest

Rev. EDWARD A. TERRY, LL.D.
Rev. Edward A. Terry, LL.D., was born in Ardmore, Ireland, August ], 1841. He came to this country in 1849, and went to live near Jackson, Mich,Having made his early studies at the local schools, he entered the Lazarist College, at Barrens, Mo., where he graduated with unusual distinction in 1861. At the outbreak of the war, he threw himself, with the ardor of his race, into the cause of the Union, and gave distinguished service in the cause of his adopted country. At the close of the struggle he returned home, where he continued his studies for some time. Under the influence of a strong desire to enter the sacred ministry of the altar, he went to Europe, where he entered the ancient University of Louvain, and completed his philosophical and theological studies. Returning to America, his abilities received immediate recognition, and he accepted the chair of dogmatic theology and sacred scripture at Mt. St. Mary’s College, Emmetsburg, Md. In 1866 he was ordained at St. Patrick’s church, Chicago. After spending nearly a decade in the western mission, Dr. Terry cast in his lot with the diocese of Albany, being assigned assistant pastor of St. Mary’s church at Hudson, in the early part of 1875. The following year he was transferred to St. John’s church, Utica, where he remained till 1880, when he was appointed pastor ot St. Ann’s church, this city. Under his able ministration the church has prospered, and the congregation ranks with the best in the diocese. Dr. Terry is regarded as one of the most learned priests of the American church and ranks among the first pulpit orators of the country.

Rev. M.J. Louden, ed., Catholic Albany: An Illustrated History of the Catholic Churches and Catholic Religious, Benevolent and Educational Institutions of the City of Albany (Albany, N.Y.: P. Donnelly, 1895), 206-215.