 He was instrumental in the founding of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., as well as several Catholic schools in Peoria.He also oversaw the construction of St. Mary's Cemetery just outside Peoria (now in West Peoria, Illinois).In 1876, six Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, at the request of Reverend Bernard Baak, pastor of St. Joseph, arrived from Iowa City to care for the sick.