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Oleary, Arthur

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an Irish Roman Catholic divine of note, was born, near the middle of last century, at Cork, and educated at St. Maloes, where he became a Franciscan. On his return to his native place he distinguished himself by his open adherence to tie British government. He persuaded his brethren to take the oath of allegiance; for which and his other exertions in the cause of loyalty he obtained a pension, and won the esteem of moderate men of all parties. He afterwards settled in London, and officiated as principal minister in the Roman Catholic chapel in Soho Square. He died in 1802. His addresses to the Roman Catholics of Ireland, and other tracts, were collected into one volume, under the title Miscellaneous Tracts, Theological and Political (1780-1, 2 vols. 8vo: 3d ed. 1782, and often; N. Y. 1821, 8vo); besides which he published A Defence of his Conduct and Writings, in reply to the bishop of Cloyne. O'Leary was an acute and spirited writer, and was remarkable for his powers of wit and humor. He engaged in controversy with Wesley also, and though the two divines occupied ground which kept them forever at a distance in theological views, John Wesley vet hesitated not to pay tribute to O'Leary, and called him,an arch and lively writer." See Life of Rev. Arthur O'Leary, by England (1822, 8vo); Chalmers, Biog. Dict. s.v.; Lond. Gentleman's Magazine, vol. 72. (J. H. W.)