November 25, 1906
Father Joseph P. Doyle
Msgr. Moeder writes of Fr. Doyle, “On June 10, 1904 the first native son of the diocese was raised to the dignity of the priesthood at Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis Missouri. The young man was Joseph P. Doyle, son of Mr. Jos. Doyle of Walnut, Kansas. On June 12th he celebrated his First Holy Mass in St. Patrick’s church of that city.” (History of the Diocese of Wichita, p. 78) He was assigned to Strong City and died two years later on November 25, 1906. “The prevailing trait of his character at all times was unselfishness, and he considered no sacrifice too great when it became a question of obliging a brother priest or making others happy.” (The Catholic Advance, Dec. 1, 1906) Fr. Verdan of Greenbush celebrated Father Doyle’s funeral in Walnut and Fr. Hurley preached the sermon. “A large concourse of people, the relatives and friends of Father Doyle, thronged the church, many having come from Greenbush, Pittsburg, Parsons, and Fort Scott. (The Catholic Advance, Dec. 8, 1906)