Thomas William Drumm

Thomas Drumm was born in Fore, County Westmeath, to Thomas and Mary (née Cullen) Drumm.[1] He came to the United States in 1888, and began his studies at St. Joseph's College in Dubuque, Iowa.[1] He completed his theological studies at the Grand Seminary of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, where he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Paul Bruchési on December 21, 1901.[2] He then furthered his studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.[1] He labored in the diocesan missions of Dubuque, and became pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Cedar Rapids in 1915.[1]

On March 28, 1919, Drumm was appointed the second Bishop of Des Moines by Pope Benedict XV.[2] He received his episcopal consecration on the following May 21 from Archbishop John Joseph Keane, with Bishops James J. Davis and Edmond Heelan serving as co-consecrators.[2] In 1924 he became the first Catholic bishop to preach regularly on the radio, offering monthly broadcasts on WHO. He remained as bishop until his death at age 62.