Teutopolis Township (part 3 of 3)

The golden jubilee of the arrival of the Franciscan Fathers was another occasion of great rejoicing in Teutopolis. It was united with the celebration of POPE PIUS X.'s GOLDEN SACERDOTAL JUBILEE and with the MEETING OF THE EFFINGHAM COUNTY DISTRICKTSVERBAND. This time the parish could celebrate in its own Hall. For Fr. Casimir had purchased the necessary land from Mrs. Hakman and had erected the Society Hall, 1907 - '08. It was dedicated on June 28, 1908. At the time there was much opposition and the pastor, in fact, built against the will of the majority. If a basement was not built, as some had advised, the reason was simply to avoid greater cost, since the people were opposed to building the Hall. How great a thing Fr. Casimir did in providing the parish with .'^uch a spacious hall, can only be properly understood after the lapse of years. The excellent jubilee program was opened with Pontifical High Mass on Sunday, Oct. 4th, Rt. Rev. John Janssen, D. D., Bishop of Belleville, was the celebrant. The powerful sermon was delivered by the Very Rev. Michael Richardt, O. F. M., a most popular preacher. Dinner over, the Delegates of the District's Verband held their meeting. After a short devotion, the parade of the delegates and societies from the neighboring parishes took place. The streets were appropriately decorated with bunting, streamers and inscriptions. At the hall, Mr. J. Brumleve gave the address of welcome. Very Rev. Provincial Cyprian Banscheid delivered the address on the Pope's sacerdotal jubilee and Mr. Kenkel spoke on ST. FRANCIS AND THE SOCIAL QUESTION. Rev. John Pennartz, of Sigel, wound up with an address on the "PURPOSE OF THE DISTRICKTSVERBAND.' At seven o'clock P. M., the school children, under the direction of the Sisters, gave a delightful entertainment to a packed house. It is claimed that on this occasion there were 5000 persons in Teutopolis. Besides the regular trains, which were crowded, a special train from Newton and Dieterich broug-ht a large delegation. On Monday, solem.n High Mass was sung at 9:30. Fr. Francis Albers, O. F. M., delivered an excellent sermon on the Religious State. At the two o'clock P. M. meeting. Rev. Hoffmann and Mr. Nosbisch gave a report of conventions attended. At 7:30 St. Rose's Sodality presented a fine drama entitled, "The School of Sorrow." On Tuesday afternoon the children gave an entertainment to a crowded hall. At 6:30 P. M., a Chinese Torchlight procession took place through the brilliantly illumined streets. Then followed a reception given to the Franciscan Fathers. A number of addresses gave evidence of the love and esteem in which the Fathers are held. Finally, Father Casimir thanked all who had aided in making the celebration such a success. Fr. Michael wound up the evening's program in his popular vein. The next day a Requiem was ch;".ite:l fcr the souls of the departed Friars, a number of whom rest in the Monastery vault, and a visit was made to their last resting place, to show that the living have not forgotten what those who preceded, have done for them. Thus ended, perhaps, the most magnificent demonstration the "Duetske Staadt" has witnessed. Among the many visitors we must not forget the Rev. Ed. Blecke, O. F. M., Prov. of the Holy Name Province.

On Thanksgiving day, Nov. 30, 1911, was celebrated the FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE NOTRE DAME SISTERS at this town (the exact date is Dec. 7, 1911), and, as the Sisters have deserved very well of the Catholic youth of this parish, there took place a plain but heartfelt celebration. Very Rev. Provincial, Benedict Schmidt, O. F. M., was celebrant at the solemn High Mass and Rev. Rector Hugolinus Storff, O. F. M., of St. Joseph's College, preached the formon for the occasion. Afterwards the Ladies served a dinner for the Sisters. Several donations were made.

In 1909, a concrete block wall was put up on the northwest corner of the church block at a cost of $-525.00. Mr. Frank Schultz furnished the blocks. After so many and great achievements of Rev. Casimir, we need not wonder that he was givei a fine farewell reception, when the chapter of 1912 transferred him to St. Bernard, Nebraska. He left in July. FR. THEODOSIUS FLASSMEYER, O. F. M., who had been professor and subrector at St. Joseph's College for many years, was assigned by his superiors to the congregation of St. Francis. He soon installed a new GAS LIGHT SYSTEM (Mr. Mathews of Chicago) at a cost of $800.00, including $150 00 for labor. Mr. Ben Weber and Brother Ewald Richardt, O. F. M., put in the pbint. The m.en and young men did the excavating gratis. - The Young Men's Sodality was reorganized, a large library purchased and opened in Dec. 1912. A young men's social Club was organized. On Febr. 2, 1913, the Rev. Chas. Brum.lave, a child of the parish, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Brumleve, said his first Mass in his native town. From Oct. 3rd - 5th, the parishioners had an opportunity to gain the jubilee iinlulgence granted in memory of the peace of Em- percr Constantine the Great in 313 A. M. The addition to the Sisters' School was begun in the year 1913 and blessed by the Rev. Pastor on Jan. 11, 1914.

The new pastor installed a 150 lights Matthews g'as-light plant, and on Dec. 22, the lights were turned on. The cost including labor was $800.00. Rev. Chas. Brumleve ?aid his first Mass on Febr. 2, 1913, at the opening of Thirteen Hours Adoration. Miss Carrie Young resigned as organist and Mr. L. Rieg was reinstalled. The fair held October 4, 5, 6, netted $850.00. On Nov. 24, the Young Men's Sodality was reorganized. The Sodality library was opened a few weeks later. With the aid of Prof. H. C. Weirich, Sr. M. Ethelberta, and the County school superintendent, our schools were reorganized and brought to a high standard of efficiency hitherto unattained in this community. These schools are now recognized as standard schools. The high school was also reorganized and later a district High School formed, and joined by Green Creek, Bishop Creek, Island Grove and Lillyville. Repeatedly Father Theodosius invited lecturers on agricultural subjects, among them Brother Leo C. S. C, of Notre Dame University Farm, who made an epoch-making address on soil and limestone, etc.

St. Anthony's Devotion spread. About 80 - 100 received Holy Communion in 1913 and 1914. In accordance with orders from the Rt. Rev. Bishop the finances of the parish were next regulated and the Sunday collections increased very much. The pew rent, which had been $3.50 per seat for 33 years, when Father Dominic Florian regulated it, vv^as raised. The annual house collection and Fair, which began to bring about $800.00, provided the remaining funds. As the annual expenses now amount to about $2300.00, this sum had to be provided chiefly by raising the pew rent and a November collection. The salary of the pastor is now defrayed from the pew rent. As the creamery had its outlet to the creek through the cemetery, the company was petitioned to redress this abuse. It was done by discontinuing the creamery. In December 1914, the floor of the sanctuary was replaced by a new double floor; a new green carpet and red runner were put in. St. Elizabeth Sewing Circle and St. Mary's Ladies' Society paid for this improvement ($404.00). In 1915, Father Theodosius succeeded in getting a Catholic dentist, Mr. J. R. Raney, to settle here. On March 21, 1915, a Day of Prayer for Peace was observed. On April 3rd, the new chalice, which the Young Ladies donated, arrived from Wm. Rauscher in Fulda, Germany. It cost $200.00. On April 26th, a new piano ($300 00) was installed in the Society Hall. The concrete bridge in the cemetery was built by Mr. H. F. Nuxoll. The price was $274.00. On Nov. 2nd, the new cemetery fence was put up by Weber Bros, ($175.00). During the war Teutopolis was overrun by government agents to ferret out German plotters, which were supposed to exist wherever there were any Germans or people of German descent. Mr. W. H. Kerrick, of Bloomington, was sent by the Government agent to investigate "the most dangerou.sly pro-German town and community in Illinois." Fr. Theodosius had been recommended to him as absolutely loyal for his sermon given on "Allegiance to our flag," preached soon after war had been declared to outline for the people the line of conduct now that war had been declared. One, who had been denounced as a suspect had left the state a number of years before the war broke out, the false denunciations came undoubtedly from the western part of the county. Mr. Kerrick was a sensible man, and after Fr. Theodosius had shown him the true state of affairs, the agent was highly satisfied with the spirit that prevailed at Teutopolis and claimed that our case was typical: "Not one case out of a thousand and was founded on facts and that the parties that provoked a German-American into saying something out of the way, were more guilty than the accused." He assured Father Theodosius that he would send to Washington the "best account ever." - The Spanish flu struck Teutopolis towards the end of September. Its first inroads were made in the schools. By October 1st, one-third of the children were missing. On October 3rd, the schools were closed. The mission to be held from Oct. 13 - 20, 1918, had to be cancelled. The doctors treated about 500 cases in our parish. Possibly 100 did not sand for a doctor. Whole families and whole neighborhoods were struck down helpless. What made conditions worse was that for days no medical aid could be procured from the five towTis, Teutopolis, Eff"ingham, Sigel, Montrose and Dieterich. This was toward the end of October. Some cf the doctors had been called to the camps, others were sick themselves. Relatives and friends sometimes refused to care for the patients for fear of contagion. The epidemic spared the pastor and, in fact, the whole monastery. The last sacraments were administered to some 20 persons: nine were buried: two soldiers, who had been shipped in, three mothers; two young ladies and two babies. The quarantine was lifted from the church on Nov. 17th. At 2:00 F. M. we had a thanksgiving service with "Grosser Gott.'' On Nov. 3rd, low Mass was celebrated outside the hall. Fully 300 persons attended. Schools were opened again on Nov. 25th. The Geo. Kitten family was especially helpless and the little ones were taken care of by Mrs. Herman Vahling, Mrs. C. Siemer and the Misses Cath. and Emma Meyers, of the Telephone Exchange. On Dec. 28th Rev. Bernardine Weis celebrated his golden jubilee at St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Father Theodosius also procured the artistic new church windows and fine vestments. The triumph of St. Francis cost $1000.00. In March 1919, the flu broke out again more viciously than ever and snatched Mr. and Mrs. John Kroeger and the latter's sister, Miss Lena Probst. On Sept. 15th, the Rev. Pastor underwent an operation at St. Louis. From October 26 - Nov. 2, 1919, a successful mission was preached by Revs. Titus Hugger, O. F. M., and John Joseph Brogger, O. F. M. - In April, 1921, two and one-half lots north of Joseph Buehnerkempe were purchased by the pastor for the sum of $1,200.00. They are to serve as a play-ground for the school chikhen. Later the 1-2 lot of Mrs. Brxmileve was also acquired. On June 2, the five o'clock Mass was eliminated; it was later on reintroduced witli the consent of the Rt. Rev. Bishop.

On May - Rev. Father Theodosius celebrated his silver sacerdotal jubilee at Teutopolis. July 2, 1923, the proper date, he spent at his native place with his relatives. On August 2, Father Theodosius departed for Waterloo, Iowa.

He came fion-; St. Augustine's Church, Chicago. He introduced two German sermons a month for the older people's sake. Father Bartholomew also installed electric lights into the church. After a year he was sent again to Chicago, and was the next pastor. After six month's stay the superiors granted his request and sent him to another sphere of activity. As his successor the superiors appointed the former assistant and present Guai'dian of the local monastery

Ee began to m.ake preparations for the impending diamond jubilee of the present St. Francis' Church. The whole church edifice was thoroughly renovated by Mr. Michael Derleth, of Indianapolis, Indiana; the organ was remodeled and electrified, and the altars, communion rail and statues repainted and regilded by Mr. Max Garisch, an artist from Techny, Illinois. A very successful mission was preached from Feb. 14 - 21, by Rev. P. P. Honoratus Bonzelet, 0. F. M. and Rev. Fr. Peter Crumbly, 0. F. M. A Diamond Jubilee Book was prepared by Rev. Fr. Eugene, 0. F. M.

Assistant Priests

For nzan'j years St. Francis' Church had no regular assistant. Many of the Fathers, however, especially the MASTERS OF NOVICES: Rev. Killian Schloesser, Mathias Hilterman, Francis Moenning, Damasus Ruesing-, Ludger Glauber, Roger Middendorf, Aurelius Bruegge, Gregory Knepper and John Ilg - and the LECTOES: Rev. Fathers Hubert, Eugene Puers, Francis Haase, Francis Albers, etc., and some of the college professors frequently lend their lielp.

Among the ASSISTANTS we may mention: Rev. Anselm Puetz, Eustace Brueggemann, Isidore Fosselmann, John Joseph Brogger, Cyrinus Schneider, Marcellas Bushlmann, Eusebius Helle, Herman Joseph Fister, Othmar Bsrthieaume, Peter Pfeifer, Eonaventure Alerding, Ephrem Muench and Maximilian Klotzbucher.

May Gcd rev/ard all, pastors and assistants, for the good work they have accompL'shcd in behalf of immoital souls and for the glory of God, with life eteJTial. Air.en.

Ordinations At Teutopolis, Illinois

Sept. 14, 1862 - Diaconate was administered to Anselm Mueller and the priesthood conferred upon FF. Nazarius Kommerscheid. - On Dec. 19, 1862, Fr. Anselm and Aloisius Wiev.-er were raised to the dignity of the priesthood.

On Januaiy 9, 1867, FF. Dominic Droessler, Francis :\Ioenning, Gerard Becher, Ambrose Jansenn, Eustace Niemoeller and Sebastian Kleekam received the Tonsure.

On Jan. 9, 1867, the first three also received Minor Orders; on January 10, 1867, the same three were made Subdeacons; on January 11, they were made deacons; on January 13, 1867 they were ordained to the priesthood. - On February 7, 1878: Fr. Michael Richardt was ordained deacon and on the same day Meinolphus Schmitz, Alardus Andrescheck were ordained priest.

Visited Occasionally Or Attended Temporarily

At present St. Aloysius Church at Bishop Creek and St. Rose of Lima Church of Montrose are atten-'.ed from the Monastery and St. Chailes Church, Casey, is attended by one of the Fathers from the College.

Rev. Francis Joseph (Maurice) Masquelet, whose name is the first in the records of Teutopolis parish, was a native of Gabville, near Strassburg in Alsace, where he saw the light of day in 1795. After making his studies in the neighboring episcopal see, he was ordained. In 1833 he is mentioned as the assistant of the Rev. Carl Bonaventure McGuire at Pittsburg, then under the jurisdiction of Philadelphia. As dissensions broke out between Germans and Irish, Father Masquelet thought it better to establish a separate church for the Germans whose language he spoke fluently despite his French name. He bought and fitted up an old factory; but when the Rt. Rev. Bishop came to consecrate it and saw the adjoining buildings, making it unworthy to be a house of God, he refused to dedicate that building. Deeply offended and at odds wi;h his assistant. Rev. IStahl, he and the latter left the diocese. Cincinnati seems to have been the next field of his labors. He is said thence to have attended many small missions. In 1839, the directory mentions him in connection with St. Martins, near Fayetteville. Perhaps it was here that the German Land Company engaged his services for the colony at Teutopolis. November 26th, we find him at this place and boarding for several months at Gannoway's tavern, about two miles west of Teutopolis. He must have traveled about to visit other missions. In 1840 Rev. F. Czackert, C. SS. R., is mentioned as pastor of Ste Marie (Picquet's Settlement), 111., and as attending Teutopolis also. ,Then we again find Father Masquelet baptizing alternately here until he disappears from the records about October 1842. For a short time. Father Masquelet, who was received into the diocese of Vincennes in 1840, was pastor at Ste Marie and Teutopolis. Cauthorn gives as his first place in Illinois as ]Mulberry. Where this place is, I do not know. But Mr. Ferd. Nacke, who married into the Masquelet family, told us in 1900, that the parents of Father Masquelet had lived for a time in a farm near Greenup, whence he attended both Ste. Marie and Teutopolis. Later on he brought his parents and the rest of the family to Teutopolis where his father and mother died. The latter burned to death ana was buried by Rev. Jos. Kuenster in December 1845. From Teutopolis, Father Masquelet went to Oldenburg, where he stayed about three months. Afterwards he labored among the Germans at New Orleans (Lafayette and Algiers, La.). In 1855 and probably in 1866 he paid a visit to Teutopolis, the last time, to dispose of his property here. He seems to have come from Alsace and returned thither and expired at his native place in 1873.

Rev. Charles Joseph Oppermann

Rev. Chas. Joseph Oppermann, who c,ame repeatedly to Teutopolis, and wrote the letter quoted at the end of "GLIMPSES OF PIONEER LIFE," was a native of the Eichsfeld, being bom at Duderstadt, Hannover, Prussia, at the end of the 18th century. After making his classical studies at Goettingen and his higher studies in a Paris seminary, where he was at the same time employed in teaching, he w^as induced by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hailandiere to come to Indiana. There he was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, lS41. On account of his eminent qualifications he again taught both before and after his ordination. He signs himself at

Teutopolis as Rector of the Seminary of Vincennes. In 1843, he was sent to Oldenburg, Indiana, succeeding Father Masquelet there. He also aided Mi'. John Mueller in founding the parish at Laneville. Later on he assisted in the care of the Germans at Evansville. Compelled by ill health, he went south and died soon after.

Rev. John Aug. Vabret

Rev. John Aug. Vabret was the first rector of St. Gabriel's College at Vincennes and had come over with a number of Eudist Fathers at the reques: of Rt. Rev. Bishop Biute from Rennes, France. In 1842 Father Bellier succeeded him on the rectorship. Their General caused them to relinquish the colleg'^ in 1845 and retire to Louisiana. Rt. Rev. Bishop Biaite made over to him absolutely all hi^' estate both PERSONAL and REAL, and he conveyed it to Rt. Rev. Bishop Hailandiere. - Cfr. Cauthorn, St. Francis' Cathedral of Vincennes, 18!)2, p. 175-176.

Rev. Joseph Kuenster

Rev. Joseph Kuenster, who signs himself "the first resident pastor," is a priest of whose youth little is known, except thai: he was born at Dueblich, Germany. I am told that He had been a soldier and knew how to handle horses. He was ordained by Bishop P. R. Kenrick on Aug. 15, 1842, together with Rev. Thomas Cusack and Rev. P. McCabe. In Nov. 1842, he was appointed the first resident pastor of Belleville. Despite discouraging conditions, he built a church and said Mass in it on Christmas day. Refusing to admit a fallen away Catholic as sponsor, he was vilified and waylaid and kept a prisoner for a day in an abandoned house till a passing American freed him. His next parish was that of St. Peter's at Teutopolis, where he was successful. In August 1850 he came to Quincy .and showed heroic devotion to the numerous cholera patients. Oftentimes for weeks, he did not lay aside his clothes in order to be ready to prepare some soul for its passage to eternity. He organized an orphan society, for the parentless children, completed the tower, built a school, etc. When cxhau.;ted after such labors, the Rt. Rev. Bishop sent him an assistant, it was too late. Father Kuenster went to his reward Sept. 15, 1857. A fine monument marks his last resting place in St. Boniface cemetery.

Once Father Kuenster was called upon by the Bishop to pay his cathedraticum. He paid it to the astonishment of all by carrying a goose and a gander across the prairie. But the good pastor saw nothing funny in it, as he got his salary chiefly, if not exclusively, in kind; for there was little or no money in the colony. But gradually Fr. Kuenster's flock of geese increased and so did the possessions of his parishioners." - (Rev. Father Larmer.)

Rev. Francis Joseph Fischer

Rev. Francis Joseph Fischer was born in Alsace. He was among the celebrated party of clerics who came at the same time as Rev. Bessonies, Audran, Gueguen, etc. He was in minor orders, when he embarked at Havre on October 21st of tne same year. He was ordained priest on September 19th, 1840. After ser/ing as un assistant to Father St. Palais at St. Mary's, Chicago, he accompanied Father St. Palais to Logansport, Ind., when Bishop Quarter came to Chicago and his own Ordinary recalled him to Vincennes. He labored again at the Cathedral, Vincennes, at Madison (1848), and, after leaving the diocese in 1850, he had charge, for a time, of Ste Marie, Jasper County, till 1850. He also ministered to Teutopolis which he visited repeatedly. He also was pastor of Highland, 111.

Rev. Joseph Zoegel

Rev. Joseph Zoegel was sent by Rt. Rev. Bishop Van de Velde to replace the Rev. Kuenster. He had lately arrived from Alsace (D. of Strassburg). He left Teutopolis about 1854, and, for a time, was pastor of St. Michael's Church in Chicago. In 1860, he was stationed at Langford, N. Y. Of his later career we could not find a sure record.

Rev. Charles Raphael

Rev. Chas. Raphael was born at La Rochette in Luxemborg on Nov. 3, 1826. He came to America in 1853 and was raised to the sacerdotal dignity probably at Chicago by Rt. Rev. Bishop Van de Velde on June 10, 1854. The young priest was given charge of Teutopolis (July 1854 - Nov. 1856.) He also, sometimes, visited Bishop Creek. Later he labored at Millstadt and Mascoutah, in Brussels, where he built a log church now called St. Michael's. In 1866 he was in charge of Summit Springs, at St. Marie, Butler Co., Pa., and finally, he acted as chaplain of the Good Shepherd Convent at Milwaukee. He died about 1900.

Rev. H. Liermann

Rev. H. Liermann hailed from Vornhein, Muenster, Germany. He was ordained priest, Nov. 18, 1850, and came to Chicago. In 1851, he was appointed pastor of Centen'ille. He was pastor of Teutopolis (Nov. 1856 - Jan. 1, 1857.) From 1861 - March 1865, we find him at McHenry then at St. Nicholas parish at Aurora, till 1879, when he went to St. Mary's parish at Rock Island, where he died after eight years of faithful services, in 1888.

Rev. Charles Zucker

Rev. Chas. Zucker was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 7, 1851 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Van De Velde in St. Joseph's Church at Chicago. After being in

Rev. Thomas Frauenhofer

Rev. Thomas Frauenhofer, a native of Pffenhausen, Bavaria, was born on Dec. 6, 1817. Ordained to the priesthood in July, 1844, he labored almost eight years in his native diocese. On May 19, 1852. he came to America and affiliated with the diocese of Chicago. In 1856, he came to reside at Green Creek and attended Effingham as a mission. Repeatedly he looked after the spiritual wants of orphaned Teutopolis. His publicanda and chronicle of Mary Help of Christians Church has become famous. They are neatly composed and exhaustive. At times, he visited Decatur to minister to the German Catholics, thus laying the foundation of the present strong congregation. When in the year 1858, about Christmas, he relinquished Green Creek to the Franciscan Fathers, he was appointed to Johnsburg, (D. of Rockport), Dec. 1858 - Dec. 1860; then was assigned to Lourdes, (Peoria), and, finally, he joined the Diocese of Dubuque. In 1867, he was in charge of Sherrill's Mount, and later on, of Petersburg. He died at the Alexian Brothers Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., in 1870 or 1871.

Rev. Jos. H. Fortmann

Rev. Jos. H. Fortmann was born Febr. 13, 1801, and ordained at the Barrens Seminary, Diocese of ISt. Louis, Mo., on Nov. 1, 1837. He labored at Apple Creek, Mo., was the resident priest at Germantown, (Shoal Creek), pastor at Highland, 111., where he built a church. May 1, 1844. Rev. Joseph Kuenster of Teutopolis, celebrated the first Mass in this church.

Rev. Bartholomew Bartels

Rev. Bartholomew Bartels was the last pastor at Teutopolis from the ranks of the secular clergy. He was a native of Cleve on the Rhine, where he was born on March 10, 1823. After studying at Cleve, Cologne, Bonn, and Muenster, he was ordained to the dignity of the priesthood by Archbishop Melchers on May 29, 1847. After 11 years, he left his native diocese and, in spring 1858, he placed himself at the disopsal of Rt. Rev. Bishop Juncker of Alton, who sent him to Teutopolis. He next labored at Quincy; Ste Marie (Jasper Co.); Freeburg, 1860; Millstadt, 1861 - '65; Highland, 2 1-2 years; Germantown, 16 years; retired to Quincy for six years, again assumed active work at Bartelso, wliere he accomplished much, and peacefully slept away on May 4, 1894.

Father Bartels was "a knotty, blunt and rugged character. Fearless and aggressive, he hewed his way through life. Like many other priests of pioneer days he learned many a lesson in the school of adversity, disappointment, and failure.'' Undaunted, he stubbornly cleared away obstacles and fearlessly followed the path of du4^y, without catering to the favor of a fickle world. Father Bartels was very conservative and known as a great financier. His savings he invested in the beautiful church, school, and cemetery. He also saved the daily "America" from financial embarrassment, disgrace and ruin, thus deserving the gratitude of all German Catholics of these parts.''^Zurbonsen, "Bead Roll."

Rev. Damian (Joseph) Hennewig, O. F. M. - who founded the FranciscaJi Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Monastery at Teutopolis, was born Feb. 18, 1808, in (Kirchspiel), Haltern, Bauerschaft Holtwich, in Westphalia, Germany. Being of frail constitution and delicate health, he quit sc,hool with a rather mediocre education. Already in his early youth he showed signs of talent for music and played the flute. His gait was heavy and one of his shoulders higher than the other. Realizing that Joseph was unfit for hard manual labor, his parents destined him for the linen trade and apprenticed him to a weaver of linen. He was not slow in learning, and, being very ambitious, was not satisfied as a mere linen weaver, but also devoted considerable time and energy to learn to weave artistic designs for bedding such as the Warendorf weavers made. He became quite proficient in both. His spare moments he devoted to music. The teacher at Haltern gave him lessons on the piano and the organ. Later on he made his home with his married sister at Dorsten and aimed at still greater proficiency in weaving and music.

His intimate association with the Rev. Grothues at Dorsten was of great benefit to the ambitious young man. He became organist and occ,asionally presided at the organ in the local Franciscan Church. Tho, by this time, well able to earn his living, nevertheless, he aspired to becoming a teacher and successfully completed a two year's course at the (Normal) Teachers' Seminary at Langenhorst. He soon obtained a position as teacher at Hohenholte and, at first, felt happy and contented. In his leisure hours he busied himself with the making of silk and the study of Latin. In 1844, the school board at Haltern engaged him to teach the boys of the highest class. He held this position till 1850 to the satisfaction of all. Encouraged and aided by several priests, he continued the study of Latin and also took up sacred theology since he felt called to the holy priesthood. Thru the efforts of the Rev. Paul Melchers, Vice-Rector of the Priests' Seminary at Muenster, he was received into this Institution on April 18, 1850. He was ordained priest on August 17, of the same year. For a shoi't time he as- . sisted his Rev. brother, who was pastor at Billerb?ck, as catechist and organist. The young priest soon conceived the desire to serve God in the Order of St. Francis. Consequently, having first donated his furniture and other belongings to the recently erected Hospital at Haltern, he donned the rough brown garb of the Seraphic Saint at Warendorf on March 6, 1851. At his investment he received the name of Damian. Father Damian was a most conscientious Religious and scrupulously observed the Rule and Constitutions of his Order until his death on Dec. 12, 1865. Great was his love for prayer. He was most punctual in attending the choir service both day and night, even after exhausting labors and late studying. With great zeal and success he labored in the confessional; extraordinary was his love of mortification. He evidently sought to copy his Seraphic Father. Soon after P. Damian was made Praeses at Warendorf and later Guardian of the large monastery at Paderborn and Vice-Provincial of the Province of the Holy Cross. Recalled to Warendorf, he met there Rt. Rev. H. D. Juncker, the first Bishop of Alton, who was seeking missionaries for his struggling diocese. When asked, whether he would take charge of the American Mission, P. Damian replied: "If I can be of any use, I am ready." - In August, 1858, he set out with Fathers Capistran Zrvinge and Servatius Altmicks and six brothers. At Teutopolis Father Damian labored most zealously in the vineyard entrusted to his care. When he wrung his hands and told the people: "We still need this," he was never refused. When his term was up, he toog charge of Green Creek till Father Mathias, owing to some misunderstanding with the Rt. Rev. Ordinary, left for St. Louis, Mo., when Father Damian once more assumed charge and spent his last strength in behalf of his beloved Teutopolitans. For ten months the wasting disease preyed on him On his death-bed he advised his brethren faithfully to observe the rule, zealously to strive after perfection, especially recommending mditation on the Passion and Death of our Divine Redeemer and the Way of the Cross, which he had made daily. On Dec. 12, 1865, he gave back his pious soul into the hands of his Creator. Rev. Killian speaks of no soul in his charge having been lost through Fr. Damian fault. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Juncker hastened to officiate at the obsequies and delivered the funeral sermon. The first Franciscan superior was the first to be buried in the newly erected mortuary chapel. His memory is in benediction.

Rev. Mathias Hiltermann, 0. F. M. was born at Iburg in Hannover, on February 12, 1812. After his ordination to the priesthood he acted for a number of years as chaplain of the Duke of Arenberg at Brussels, Belgium. Afterwards he took up pastoral work in East PMesland, in the so-called Diaspora, in places where since the great Protestant Revolution of the yVI. Century there had been no or few Catholics and no priest. Appointed to the newly erected church aA Weener, he labored there for 13 years with indefatigable zeal amid difficult conditions. He not only knew how to train a good congregation hut also provided for the erection of schools and a well furnished House of God. Innumerable were the indignities the man of God suffered both at the hands of Protestants and at those of apostate or lukewarm Catholics. To erect several churches and schools, he went to collect a considerable sum of money in Holland. His charity knew no bounds. He finally carried out his plan of serving God more unreservedly in the Order of the Friars Minor. After his novitiate and profession at Warendorf he was, after the lapse of a year, appointed to the responsible office of Master of Novices. This office he discharged very creditably until in 1862 his superiors sent him instead of the Very Rev. Gregcry Janknecht, 0. F. ]\L, to North America as Commissary Provincial of the twol foundations of the Saxonia there. The SONNTAGSBLATT, of May 17, paid the emigran; friar the following tribute. "Beloved by his parishioners which he left only to enter an Order and known and revered even more widely on account of his piety, the prayers of many will follow him and we are convinced that whithersoever the orders of his superiors will send him, the blessing of God will ever accompany his untirinp; zeal joined to a childlike disposition and to a heart full of the love of God, and of hi-^ fellowman. If respect for the humble disposition did not prevent us we should take pleasure in showing by single examples of the pastoral activity of this ma i th.it one has no need of reading Victor Hugo's "LES MISERABLES" to find genuine apostolic simplicity, - we should find beautiful traits of generosity and self-denial cf even the necessities for the benefit of one's neighbor in the life of this simple priest."

On May 7, 1862, he, with three clerics, Nazarius, Anselm Mueller, Aloysius, and one candidate, left Warendorf and arrived at Teutopolis on June 10th. He at once took up with great zeal his duties as Commissary Provincial, as Master of Novices and as pastor of the local parish. He always took the greatest interest in the work of the Holy Childhood. On May 10, 1864, he was succeeded as Commissary by the Very Rev. Killian Schlcesser. In 1869 he was appointed one of the Discreets of the Commissariate, Made vicar of the St. Louis Convent, he, nevertheless, devoted his attention chiefly to the missions. When setting out for a mission he fell and hurt himself. Despite intense pain, he preached the entire mission and heard all the confessions. Upon his return home, the doctor's examination showed several broken ribs. As a result he ever after suffered intensely and was mostly confined to his bed. He fell asleep in the Lord on April 25, 1883, just prior to a Triduum preached by the Saintly abbot Frowin Conrad of Conception, Mo. The latter opened the Triduum with the following words: "I came here to speak of two saints and behold, a third one has associated himself with them. "Some remarkable cures are attributed to P. Tdathias by the people: thus ihe cure of an incurable boy at Millstadt, 111. Father Mathias was indeed a model priest and religious, excelling by his spirit cf prayer, humility, self-denial, and mollification. He was untiring in his priestly office.

Rev. Dominic Florian

Rev. Dominic FlorJan was a native of Ziegenhals, in Germany. Henry Florian, this was Father Dominic's secular nam.e, was born on March 15, 1837. After he had completed the elementary school, he was sent by his good parents Frances Xavier Florian and Bertha Margraf to a school of Agnculture. As a young man he took the position of an economist Verwalter or manager of a large estate of a wealthy land-owner. But scon, tired of earthly wealth, Henry applied at the age of thirty-three for admission to the Order of St. Francis. He was invested in Warendorf on March 19, 1870. The young novice was then made head of a band of four religious brothers, who were to be sent as recruits to the American missions. They all arrived in New York on May 31, 1870. They were the Tertiary Brothers Fridolin Hemstegger, Lambert Igelhorst (professed). Otto Appelt and Dominic Rheidt (novices). A year later, on March 20, 1871, Fr. Dominic made his pi'ofession in Teutopolis. After finishing his studies in Quincy and St. Louis, he was ordained priest in St. Louis on April 19, 1874, two days after his solemn profession. His first sphere of activity was Sigel, Illinois. But already in 1879 he was elected Guardian and pastor in Teutopolis. After two years he was appointed pastor and praeses of Columbus where he remained but a year. Then after another year in St. Louis he was sent to Chaska. The following 13 years were spent in Minnesota; for nine years he attended Waconia from Chaska (1883- 1892) and for four years St. Benedict's parish from Jordan (1892-96).

In 1896 he returned to Teutopolis monaster^' but already in the following year he was transferred to Washington, Mo. His sojourn here was also very short, sinc,e in December 1898 he was made assistant at Joliet. For ten years he worked faithfully at the side of Father Polycarp until in December 1908, Fr. Dominic was made praeses of Washington, Mo. In July 1912, he came back to Joliet where he devoted his last strength to the penitents who flocked to his confessional. Finally his hearing began to fail and he was compelled to withdraw from his last activity. With age other infirmities set in and they obliged him several months before his end to retire to St. Joseph's Hospital. Here in consequence of the infirmities of age, eleven days after his 79th birthday, he died peacefully, early Sunday morning, March 26, 1916. Father Provincial Samuel conducted the solemn obsequies before the corpse was laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery.

Rev. Paul (Herman) Teroerde, O. F. M., was born at Dingden, D. of Muenster, Westphalia, Jan. 27, 1849. His parents were, Wm. and Chnstina (Walbring) Teroerde. After completing his classical studies at Muenster and Coesfeld, he asked for the garb of the Poverello of Assissi at Warendorf on Jan. 28, 1869. On March 13, 1875, he was raised to the dignity of the priesthood by the Most Rev. Paul Melchers, Archbishop of Cologne. On June 3rd, of the same year, Fi". Paul landed in America. From Teutopolis, 111., he attended the mission of Green Creek. Next his superiors sent him to Wien, Mo., and then to Quincy, 111., where he was in charge of St. Antonius. From 1881 - 1887 he was at Teutopolis as pastor and guardian. After a year and a half, he returned from St. Louis to resume his former charge for six more years. During this term he erected the new southern wing to the monastery. From 1894 - '99, Father Paul was supei'ior and pastor at Washington, Mo. His next field of labor was at the "missionary Church" of St. Peter's, Chicago, till January 1911. Meanwhile Father Paul frequently gave missions and retreats. Appointed pastor of St. Francis Solanus' Church and guardian of the Quincy monastery, his health failed him and while seekisg redress at Armstrong Springs, he passed away on Dec. 18, 1911.

Rev. Seraphin (Gerard) Lampe, O. F. M., was a native of Ankum, in the diocese of Osnabrueck, Germany. His birthday was on March 19, 1848. As a young man he came to America and joined the Franciscan Order at Teutopolis on Aug. 12, 1870, and was raised to the dignity of the priesthood on July 18, 1878. Among other places, he labored at Columbus, Nebr., Teutopolis, 111., St. Peter's, Chicago, Phoenix, Ariz., Fruitvale, Cal., and Sioux City, Iowa. - In the latter three places he founded a Franciscan monastery. - He also labored at Quincy, 111., and Hermann, Mo., at Watsonville, Portland, Ore., San Francisco and Sacramento. When the new Province of Santa Barbara was established in Nov. 1915, he was chosen its first Custos or Vice-Provincial. Though ailing for many years. Father Seraphin gave no outward signs of it so that his death, after a painful and unsuccessful operation at San Francisco, Cal., Qame unexpectedly to his brethren. The pains of his last illness he bore heroically and Veiy Rev. Provincial Hugolinus

Storff, 0. F. M., sang the Requiem, his Grace Archbishop Hanna pronounced the absolution and refrained from words of eulogy, respecting the request of the dying priest. His remains were laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery near those of Rev. Maurus Brink, O. F. M. Among the many qualities, which those who knew Father Seraphin best will remember, are his unfailing and whole-hearted charity. May he rest in peace!

Father Polycai-p (Peter) Rhode, O. F. M., was a native of Guenterode, Eichsfeld. Province of Saxony, Prussia. He first saw the light of day on Dec. 15, 1855. He followed the noble profession of teaching, being stationed at Effelder where his memory is still cherished as that of a very kind friend and teacher. In August 1881, he entered St. Joseph's College at Teutopolis as teacher and at the same time perfected himself in the classical studies preparatory for the priesthood in the Order of St. Francis. On July 21, 1883, he entered the novitiate, and after absolving his philosophical and theological studies, was raised to the sacerdotal dignity at St. Louis, Mo., on May 26, 1890. He said his first Mass at Teutopolis. His first charge was St. Mary's Help of Christian Church, at Green Creek. At the same time he acted as assistant master of novices and taught some classes at the college. He next served as pastor of the local parish and after spending about nine years at Joliet, 111., as pastor and superior, he was sent to St. Joseph's Churcji, Cleveland. He also acted for a time as guardian and was elected Definer of the S. Heait Province. At present Father Polycarp is guardian at Indianapolis.

Rev. Casimir (Bernard) Hueppe, O. F. M., was born at Attendorn, Westphalia, on Nov. .3, 1849. On May 15, 1868, he became a son of the Seraphic Saint Francis. In the trying days of the French-German War he, with many confreres, served as nurse of the sick and wounded soldiers. For this he later received a commemorative medal (Medaille fuer Pflichttreue im Kriege fuer Nichtkombattanten), of which decoration he was deservedly proud. In spring 1875, he came to America with P. P. Killian Schloesser and Servatius Altmicks and a number of young confreres. On June 29th of this year he received Holy Orders and labored at Wien, Mo., Jordan, Minn., Chaska, Minn., (1885 - '95), and Wien, Mo. (1895 - '99). A staunch German, he always was a friend of the Central Verein and kindred organizations. From 1906 - '09 he was Definer of the Province. When in 1912, he left Teutopolis, where he achieved great things by his stubborn determination, he was made pastor and superior at St. Bernard's, Nebraska, where he passed away almost suddenly. The cause of his death was a paralytic stroke to which he succumbed the following day, January 27, 1914.

Father Casimir was a humble and pious religious, averse to pomp, kind towards all, simple and pithy in preaching, devoted to the instruction of children and to the cause of Catholic Societies. His lack of proficiency in the American language occasioned some amusing blunders.

Rev. Stanislaus Riemann, Jub. Died August 9, 1920

The first candidate of the Order born in Teutopolis, was Joseph Riemnnn. His parents were Gerard Remann and Elizabeth Meyer. His birthday was DecemLei 2, 1850. He was one of the first students of St. Joseph's College in 1862. After frequenting College from 1862 to 1868 he was invested on Christmas day, 1868 and received the name Stanislaus. A year later he made his simple vows on the feast of Holy Innocents. When the Provincial, Father Gregorp returned to Europe on February 23, 1870 after his visitation in America, he took Frater Stanislaus % ith him, that the frater might pursue his higher studies in Europe. In 1875 Fr. Stanislaus returned to America with Fathers Kilian and Servatius, who had been in Germany in the interests of the American Commissariat. Holy priesthood was conferred upon him with 8 other deacons on June 4, 1876, in St. Louis. He said his first Mass in Teutopolis. In 1879 Father Stanislaus was stationed at MT. ST.

MARY'S, MO. From there he went to Memphis (1881-82). For the follov/ing six years he remained at INDIANAPOLIS, during which time he assisted either in the parish or took care of some of the neighboring missions like Brightwood, Franklin, etc. At the chapter, July 25, 1888, he was appointed praeses of TURIBIITS MISSION in Caliofmia where he stayed until his recall to the East in 1892, where he was made submagister in the TEUTOPOLIS monastery. From September 1894 until September 1900 he was stationed at Quincy, Illinois, and had charge of St. Anthony's paiish. He had the church renovated and decorated. In 1900 Fr. Stanislaus was transferred to Nebraska. From June 1901 until December 1901 he was praeses of St. Louis Monastery "ad interim.," because at that time the

Guardian, Father Hugo Fessler, was asked to bring the Fathers back to Memphis. On December 27, 1901, Father Stanislaus was made praeses and pastor of St, Bernard, Nebraska. During- his administrations until 1909, he built the new monastery and winter chapel. In 1909 he was transferred to Humphrey. From 1916-1917, he attended Morrison from Hermann, Mo., having acted as vicar in Quincy for a short time. He returned once more to Nebraska, to Lindsay. After celebrating his golden jubilee in the Order, he was soon taken to the hospital in Omaha, where he died of cancer on August 9, 1920. Father Stanislaus was a pious and very quiet and reserved religious, a dear confrere and faithful, humble worker.

Rev Dean Michael Weis

Rev. Dean Michael Weis, brother of the Rev. Bernardine Weis, O. F. M., was a native of Muersbach, Bavaria, and the oldest of nine children, being bom June 8, 1838. When he was 13 years old, the family came to New York and Michael worked for five years as a farmhand till the family came to Teutopolis, where he engaged in the same work. At the same time, however the young man devoted all his spare moments to studying and was employed as teacher of the Teutopolis public schools for one year and two years in the same capacity at the parochial school at Edwardsville. 111. Feeling a call to the priesthood, he entered St. Joseph's College and Seminary for some years, when he went to the Grand Seminary at Montreal, Canada, to complete his studies. He was ordained at Alton on April 4, 1868. He labored at Vandalia. Marine, Effingham, 1872 - March 1877, where he built the fine present church, after which he sought rest in California; then acted as chancellor of the diocese, till Jan. 1880. After laboi-ing at Saline Co.; Litchfield; St. Peter and Paul's, Springfield, and, finally, as dean to St. Boniface Church at Quincy, 111. where he spent the rest of his days, laboring most zealously till Nov. 9, 1909, when he went to meet the Master. Rt. Rev. Bishop J. J. Ryan, D. D., p^id Dean Weis the following beautiful tribute: "The animating motive, the overmastering principle of his life, was the thought of duty - to the holy will of God, to walk in; the way of His commandments and the precepts of his Holy Church; and in the spirit and requirement of his high vocation to lead all within his care and influence to do likewise. In the laxness and looseness of the time such a life of unswerving duty, day in and day out through a long course of years, is sublime in its lesson to us all. Thf3 genuineness of the heart of the man and the true priest of God showed itself especially in the care of the school and the constantly fatherly interest in the children and all that pertained to them - the last effort, the last strain of his physical powers was to be with them in their little day of honor." - "Blessed are they that die in the Lord; for, behold, now they have rest from their labors and their works follow them."

Rev. Bernardine (George Burchard) Weis, 0. F. M., son of Michael and Ursula (Nestmann), was a native of Muersbach, Bavaria, where he first saw the light on October 14, 1851. The family came to America in May 1852 and seems to have spent some years in the East before they settled at Teutopolis and took up farming. George attended the Quincy and Teutopolis college till 1868, when on Chri.stmas day he received the habit. On Dec. 12, 1874, he was ordained priest at St. Louis, Mo. There was also the scene of his first pastoral labors. When the yellow fever broke out in Memphis and the Rt. Rev. Commissary called for volunteers to take the place of those Franciscans who had fallen victims to duty, Fatlier Bernardine volunteered on September 6, 1878. "I am ready to depart any hour for Memphis, in order to render services to the poor afflicted to the best of my ability. Although I have administered the last sac,raments to several who were quarantined

]iere on account of yellow fever, and I shall today go there again, I do not feel the least dread of the disease. Should you be kind enough to send me, I shall deem it a special favor. I should have sent in my application already yesterday,

Fr. Bernardine

In 1879 he acted as subrector at Old St. Joe's. - Cleveland and Joliet (Chaplain of State Penitentiary (1882-'84) and St. Louis were the next scenes of his zeal. He came to St. Louis and in 1884 and from Januaiy 1887 acted as guardian, attending at the same time the "County Farm" i. e. Poor House, Insane Asylum and Female Hospital. During his guardianate the large refectory wing was erected. Made definer of the Province and superior and pastor at St. Sacred Heart Church at Indianapolis, Ind., he wiped out a debt of $15,000.00, a huge ta.sk for the poor parish. After sei-v'ing in various capacities at St. Louis, Santa Barbara, Cal., (Guardian and master of novices); Cleveland, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; Chillecothe, Mo. (superior and pastor 1910-'12); Ashland, Wisconsin; Cleveland, Ohio; and St. Louis, Mo., where he had the happiness to celebrate his golden jubilee as religious.

Very Rev. Dean Michael Weis

Father Bernardine passed away at St. Anthony's Hospital on June 16, 1919. Father Bernardine was a good religious, strictly devoted to the Order and its traditions. As superior he always practised what he exacted of others. The brothers and sisters of Father Bernardine were: (Rev.) Michael, Henry, John, John Gangolph, Leonard, Barbara Ursula (Sr. Bemardinede, N. D.), and George Burchard.

Rev. Clementine Deymann

John Henry Deymann was born in Hannover in Kl. Stavern, diocese of Osnabrueck on June 24, 1844. His parents were Gerard and Mary (Dueing) Deymann. He came to America in 1863 with his parents, who settled in Teutopolis. He soon entered St. Joseph's College to make his classical course. On Decem- Jber 3, 1867, he was invested and received the name Clementine. He made his sim- pie vows on Christmas day of the following year. At the investment of a large class, which took place in Teutopolis on December 26, 1871, he made his solemn profession. When the study of theology was transferred from Teutopolis to St. Louis, Frater Clementine was one of the four fratres who came to St. Louis. The class consisted of FP\ John Rings, Clementine Deymann, Herman Wirtz, Bonaventure Faulhaber. On May 19, 1872 FF. John and Clementine were ordained priests by the coadjutor-bishop Patrick Ryan. After rec.eiving "cura'' in July, 1873 Father Clementine was made professor, and later on, sub-rector of St. Joseph's College in Teutopolis. He also attended to the missions in Edgewood (1873), Kinmundy (1874), Pocahontas, Bishop and Altamont (1878 - '79). He, also, gave many retreats and often assisted the Rev. Pastors. On July 2, 1879, he was transferred to Joliet, where, besides care of several sisters' institutions, he acted as chaplain of the state penitentiaiy. On August 16, 1880, he was made superior of the residence whilst Father Gerard remained pastor of the parish. By the chapter of July 16, 1882, he was appointed praeses and pastor of Chillicothe, Mo. On July 15, 188.5, he was elected definer of the Province and also commissioned to take over the rectorship of the Orphanage in Watsonville, Pajaro Valley, California. With greatest pi-udence and fatherly love he most successfully governed this institution for nine years. In 1891, he was elected definer of the Province a second time. In 1896 the houses of California, which had increased to nine in number since the Old Mission of Santa Barbara had been incorporated in the Province, were united to form a commissariate. The chapter of July 22, appointed Father Clementine the first commissary. But he had hardly managed this office a few months when a severe attack of kidney trouble set in. His physicians advised him to go to Phoenix. But already on December 4, he was called away by death. His remains were brought to Santa Barbara for interment in the monastery vault.

Father Clementine was a man of great working ability. Notwithstanding his many duties as superior, pastor or rector, he found time for literary work, as the number of books and little pamphlets published by him, go to show. He published a manual for the members of the Third Order of St. Francis both in English and in German. A Manual of the Sisters of St. Francis, Joliet, - Life of St. Francis Solano, Life of Ven. Junipero Serra, Life of Magin Catala, Novena in honor of St. Antony, May Devotions, Way of the Cross - are from his pen. He translated and published the Seraphic Octave and Life of Ven. Crescentia Hoess. He found time for all this v^rork on account of his great punctuality. He was noted to answer every letter stante pede. The history of the Province calls him "a quiet, iriodest, pious and zealous priest, an exemplary religious" (p. 184). The Acta Ordinis .say of him: "vir simplex et rectus, verus Israelita, in quo dolus non erat, omnibus carus propter animi mansuetudinem et temperantiam in agendo." - (V. XVI, p. 20) - i. e., a plain and upright man, a true Iseaelite without guile, dear to all because of his meekness and prudent moderation in conduct."

Rev. Fabian (Bernard) Rechtiene, 0. F. M., the son of Philip and Catherine Zurliene Rechtiene, was born on Nov. 15, 1853, at Covington, Ky. When Bernard was.

a mere child, the family moved to Teutopolis, 111. His pious parents had the happiness of giving three daughters to the service of God in religion and one boy to the service of the altar. In the plays staged for the benefit of the Holy Childhood Society by Father Mathias, Bernard repeatedly played the missionary baptizing the little pagan waifs. He made his classical studies at St. Joseph's College. On Dec. 8, 1870, he became a novice and after completing the prescribed course of higher studies, was ordained on June 22, 1879, by the Most Rev. Archbishop P. A. Ryan at St. Louis, Mo., imd said his first Mass at Teutopolis. His first field of apostolic labor was at Jordan, Minn., whence he attended two missions; his next appointment being to Mount St. Mary's, (Wien), Mo. About 1888 he assumed charge of St. Agnes parish at Ashland. Here he celebrated his silver sacerdotal jubilee in June 26, 1904. Since he has labored at St. Paul, Mimi., (July 1912) - at Joliet, and again at his dear old Ashland. On - 1919 or 1920 Father Fabian had the happiness to celebrate his golden jubilee as a religious at Teutopolis, which was the occasion of a happy family reunion. Esteemed and beloved by all for good nature, kindness and his golden heart, which feels equally for all; but the little ones of the flock have ever been the object of Father Fabian's tenderest solicitude. St. Agnes magnificent school will ever be a monument of his devotion to the lambs of his flock.

These two young Franciscans are the products of Teutopolis community. They received their primary education in Teutopolis district schools. At an early age they resolved to take up higher .studies and chose St. Joseph's College as their "Alma Mater.'' Successfully they completed the six years college course and the donned the brown garb of Assisi. Their philosophical training of two years, they leceived at the Franciscan House of Studies at West Park, Ohio ; and their theological course of three years at St. Louis, Mo., where they also spent the year after their ordination taking another year of sacred Theology.

Rev. Father Michael, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Wernsing, an dCletus, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Adams were ordained to the holy priesthood on June 26, 1925, at St. Anthony's church, St. Louis, Mo., by the Rt. Rev. J. J. Murphy, S. J. D. D., Vicar Apostolic of British Honduras, Central America. Both parents of Father Michael are dead. His mother died but a few weeks after his ordination. He conducted the funeral services. The father of Father Cletus is also dead.

Father Michael and Clete read their first solemn holy Mass, Sunday, June 28, 1925, in our church. It was a day of great joy and happiness, not only for the relatives of the two young Fathers, but for all Teutopolis. About 400 persons partook of the sumptuous dinner given in their honor in Society Hall.

Sisters Of The Most Precious Blood

After the pioneers had provided for home and church, they turned their attention to school, for which a lot and some land, as a sourc,e of income, had been set aside. The FIRST school stood south of the cemetery where Mr. Meyers now lives. The first teacher, according to Mrs. (Uptmor) Pruemmer, was John Hy. Rabe. The FIRST PUPILS were: Josephine Flindsack, Catherine Pundsack, Marie Uptmor, Mary Boeckmann, Fritz Mindrup, Caspar Mindrup, Tony Mindrup (?), Clem Uptmor II., Joseph Boeckmann and Francis Boeckmann. The school, like pioneer schools generally, was a poor one. The parents were dissatisfied. Some reading and playing ar.d singing games was the main branch taught. The next teacher we hear of, was the Rev. Joseph Kuenster, who resided at Waschefort's and taught there and afterwards at the parsonage, A. D. 1845. A bushel of Qorn, or lOc per family was the year's .salary in those days. In fall, 1847, Mr. Peter

Prof. Louis Rieg

Doerner took charge of the school. He was a good teacher. He taught in the second story of Joe Homer's house till the cyclone tore it away. The next school stood where H. Esker resides. School was held in the upper story; the lower story served as the teacher's residence. In April 1851, Mr. Doerner moved to Pettis Co., Mo., and afterwards, to St. Cloud, Minn. After Rev. Jos. Zoegel and Frank Masquelet, Mr. Huels was engaged as teacher. He was removed in consequence of gossip. Herr von Schuler was the next teacher (Sept. 1852). He was prabably an Alsatian. In January 1853, Mr. John Hoeny is mentioned as teacher. He left in Sept., 1854. He had taught school in a log house built for the purpose about 300 yards from Hattrups. Another teacher was Mr. Dumstoff or Dumsloff; after Henry Eversman's three or four terms, also Chas. and John Eversman taught

The next teachers mentioner are: Michael Weis and Wm. Stilleke and John Wehling. The latter was organist also and had an excellent choir, composed chiefly of his wife and 2 daughters. In 1874, he removed to the west and died rather suddenly at Madison, Nebr., in the parish of Rev. B. Feldmann, O. F. M., where he had played the organ. Stilleke taught in a stable or barn fitted up for a school. The present boiler-house for the monastery and church now occupies the place. Wehling's successor was Mr. Louis Rieg, who taught till 1903 and again, from 1910 - 1918.

The Teutopolis schools were generally public schools: Father Mathias introduced a parochial school. In 1903, Mr. Louis Rieg was superseded by Sisters of Notre Dame. Already Rev. Damian Hennewig, 0. F. M., who had followed the teaching profession in Germany, had called in the Notre Dame Sisters. They took charge, Dec. 7, 1861. The senior boys, however, continued under the care of male teachers, Messrs. Kugler, Wm. Stilleke, Peter (?) Gottesleben, John Eversman, Michael Weis, John Wehling and Brothers (later Rev.) Rudolph Horstmann and Brother Gottfried Memel, 0. F. M. Of Prof. L. Rieg the "History of Eff"ingham County Schools" says: "His was, indeed, to be a long tenure of off"ice, devoted service and indefatigable self-sacrifice for the youths of Teutopolis. In 1899 he observed his silver jubilee as educator in their midst, and then continued his noble undertaking down to the present scholastic year, 1918, excepting an interregnum of several years, when teaching and organist work were done by him elsewhere (organist at Alton and at Altamont - professor at Quincy College) with great credit. For four years Mr. Rieg taught in the old school, afterwards in the two-story brick school which stood just east of the church and has been dismantled in 1912, about 13 years ago. This school had a hall in the 2nd story for society meetings, entertainments, etc. Its c.onstruction had cost $6000.00. Since 1912, Society Hall has been utilized as a school for the higher grades.

Mr. Louis Rieg is a native of St. Louis, Mo., attended the schools at Edwardsville, 111. While still studying at St. Joseph's College the second year. Father Maurice Klostermann recommended Mr. Rieg to Rev. M. Weis at Effingham, whence he came to Teutopolis. His first marriage to Miss Philomena Stockmann, occurred on July 27, 1880. His wife died on Dec. 28, 1908. On Aug. 8, 1917, he married Miss Mary Fulle, who passed away on June 23, 1923.

The iif.w annex, erected at an expense of $15,000.00 provided for fine new cla.-.- looms, vk-^ll \t.ililated, well lighted and we 1 eiiuippe-l, a^ a!>o i lunch room and cloak roon s The class rooms have oiled havdv/ood floors, latest model adjustable de.sks. iliite blackboards, and are also sujiplie I with all the modem aiils to study, maps, dictionaries, globes, arithmetic, modeU, visua-ization equipment, etc. Abou: nine acies of ground are at the disposal of the pupiLs as playground.

At i)}eseMt, the primary and intermediate g-rades occnpy rh3 above building, while the junior and senior high school students are cared for in the Society Hall, which is also equipped in accordance with the requirements of \h.e State of Illinois, whose inspectors have placed the sign "STANDARD SCHOOL" above the front door of each building. Up to the present year, a standard three-year course was recognized by the State Department, and this year a fourth year course has been added meeting all the requirements for off"icial recognition There are at piesent 38 students in the senior high school, and 217 in the grades. The faculty, at pre.sent, is composed of: Sisters, Ethelbert, Theobald, Annette, Arnica, Clovis,

In May, 1866, the cornerstone was laid for a Girls' School and Academy. On August 15th of the same year the solemn dedication took plac,e. In 1883 the academy was closed for lack of teachers. About 1907, two rooms were fitted up at the Society Hall and the Girls' school fitted up as a residence for the Sisters.

Maple Grove School

Petition for a new school was mad eon February 15, 1886, and was granted on April 5, 1886, by Messrs. Hy. Thoele and Christian Nosbisch, school trustees. The first Directors were chosen by lots and were: Messrs. B. Krone, John M. Adam, and Hy. Uptmor. Mrs. Goebel had donated the site. The following is the list of teachers:

List Of Sisters

Sr. M. Verena was born in Bavaria on Nov. 28, 1841, and when three years old came to America, to Baltimore. In 18-59 she went to Milwaukee as a candidate, received into the order in 1860, taught one year in that city, seven years at St. Joseph's School, Rochester, six at Kenosha, 1874 - 1877, at St. Peter's, Chicago, and ever since at Teutopolis, until 1915, when she took up her residence at Maria in Ripa, St. Louis, ^lo.

Teutopolis owes a debt of gratitude of the good Notre Dame Sisters, for the incalculable amount of good they have accomplished in educating the youth of Teutopolis for 65 years. May the Divine Savior, who has bidden to "let the Little ones come to Him and forbid them not" requite those who instruct many unto justice with the light of glory.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1911, the Ven. School Sisters de Notre Dame celebrated their Golden Jubilee in Teutopolis. The Very Rev. Provincial Benedict Schmidt oificiated at the solemn High Mass; Rev. Fr. Hugolinus Storff, 0. F. M., Rector of St. Joseph's College, delivered the festive sennon. The ladies and young ladies served a dinner for the Sisters and many presents were brought.

On July 2, 1912, Sr. M. Verena celebrated her golden jubilee as a religious at the Mother House at Milwaukee. A wash basket full of china ware and a gasoline engine for the Sisters' Laundry were the jubilee gifts of the ladies of the parish, resp.

The Married Ladies' Society

was organized in order to assist the church financially and to provide vestments and linens, etc., needed for the splendor of divine sei-vice. The organizers were: Mrs. Charlotte Eversman, Mrs. Frances Eggemiann, Mrs. Eliz. Kroeger and Mss. Antoinette Fuelle, The first meeting was held in 1855, The list shows thirty-one respectfully 44 charter members.

This society is still nomerically the strongest society of St. Francis parish and has accomplished untold good for church, convent and college. After the arrival of the Franciscans in 1858, these ladies got busy at once to make bedding and other articjes for the use of the Friars, working all dap and often late at night. When the Seminary and College was founded, these noble and generous ladies again got busy and, assisted by a number of others, made 75 beds, etc., each containing one straw tick, three comforts, two pillows, four pillow slips, and four bed sheets, in all, 1120 pieces. The goods were furnished by the College Building Committee: tick, cotton, batton, and comfort calico, but was purchased at Eft'ingham and Cincinnati where the prices were more reasonable. For years after this gigantic task had been accomplished, they offered their time and their labor gratis in sewing, not only bed clothes, but also Church vestments. When the process of canning fruit became known, these ladies, for many years afterwards, spent weeks at the college canning fruit, yes, on many nights they worked till eleven o'clock and never accepted a cent.

One of the side altars was paid for by the Married Ladies' Society. It cost $400.00. They are still keeping up the good work of helping the church at fairs and by donating and making things for altar use, etc.

St. Peter'S Men Society

St. Peter's Men Society's first mentioned on April 7, 1844. Its purpose is financial support for the church and adornment of the house of God. The first officers (April 7, '44) were: PRESIDENT: Clement Uptmor; VICE-PRESIDENT: Joseph Boeckmann; SECRETARY: Gerard Meyer; TREASURER: John Waschefort; COLLECTORS: Joseph Feldhake, Henry Kraemer, Hy. Vormor, Joseph Ostendorf, Herman Uptmor. The other CHARTER MEMBERS were:

St. Rose Of Lima Young Ladies' Society

St. Rose of Lima Young Ladies' Society was organized in 1860 by the Rev. Damian Hennewig, 0. F. M., and, in 1882, by Rev. Paul Teroerde. Later on it was changed into a Sodality of the B. V. M.

Eev. Damian, who had been a teacher, in 1860, gathered the young people into the St. John's Young Men Society and the Young Ladies into the St. Rose of Lima Young Ladies' Society in the same year. Father Paul cjianged them into SODALITIES iu 1888.

Oct. 30, Fr. Damian also introduced the CONFRATERNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OP^ MARY for the conversion of poor sinners, after the B. V. M. altar had been installed.

The first members were received into the THIRD ORDER of St. Francis in IS^'i, but the real organization seems to have taken place in 1861, by Fr. Kilian, Mathias Hiltermann, Director (Regelpater).

ST. VINCENT ORP'HAN SOCIETY ordered by the Bishop ]n 1866 to be introduced, was by the wish of the people united with the St. Francis' Mutual Aid Society.

St. Francis Mutual Aid Society

ST. JOSEPH'S SOCIETY having for its purpose the education of talented boys of the parish to the holy priesthood and founded in 1873 on the feast of the patronage of St. Joseph; existed till about 1881. It was finally merged into l:he ST. FRANCIS MUTUAL AID SOCIETY.

Maurice Branch Of The Catholic Knights Of America The Third Order

One of the many societies that have been established in this parish since its beginning, is the St. Francis Confraternity of the Third Order. It is over sixtytwo years in existence, having been Qanonically erected by the Rev. Killian Schloesser, O. F. M., on March 6, 1864, five and a half years after the arrival of the Franciscans in Teutopolis in 1858.

The Third Order was enthusiastically received and greatly appreciated from the very beginning as the numerous investments and professions sufficiently testify. From March 6, 1864 to October 4, 1866, no less than 86 persons, 32 men and 54 women, were received into the Order here at Teutopolis. At the latter date 68 novices had made their profession.

The first reception recorded took place June 9, 1863, almost one year prior to the canonical establishment of the Confraternity. It was that of Mr. Wenzel Schuster by Rev. P. Killian. Whether Mr. Schuster ever made his profession in the Order, the records fail to show. John Riemann, received by P. Mathias Hiltermann, March 6, 1864 and admitted to holy profession, March 12th of the following year, was perhaps the youngest candidate ever invested and professed in the Third Order at Teutopolis. He was 15 years of age at the time of his investment.

however, were investetl or professed in other localities. At present, the Confraternity has 91 members, a few of these rside outside of Teutopolis.

As far as can be ascertained from the rather incomplete records, at least four Tertiaries of Teutopolis have jomed religious communities in the course of time. They are: the former Mrs. Joseph Weber, now Sister Clementia at St. Mary's Infirmary, St. Louis, Mo.; Miss Helen "Weis, now Sister Mary Joseph Clare at New Orleans; Miss Anna Berheide and Miss Agnes Fehan.

Rev. P. Mathias, through whose efforts the membership of the Confraternity in the beginning increased by leaps and bounds, was its first Regelpater or Director which office he held for many years. Mr. John Hy. Wemsing seems to have been the first Prefect of the men and Mrs. Mary Waschefort for the women. Mr. Wernsing was subsequently re-elected many times as were also Mrs. Elizabeth Uptmor and several others.

The Tertiaries of Teutopolis have always been and still are among the most energetic workers of the parish. In past years the Confraternity as such most generously supported the efforts of the St. Joseph's Society, whose object was to foster vocations to the holy priesthood among our own boys, and to provide materially for the education of those whose parents did not have the means to do this. Individual lady Tertiaries have always been and still are eager and ready to sew, make albs, sui-plices, altar linens and laces, cassocks, etc., for the parish church, the College and our missions. Before the Teutopolis High School was opened, there existed a Tertiary Sewing Circle. But when the meeting room of the Sewing Circle in Society Hall was appropriated for high school purposes, the Circle was discontinued and has not been reorganized to this day.

The Tertiaries hold their regular religious meetings on the third Sunday of each month. This is at the same time their Communion Sunday. The Confraternity has its own banner, which bears tke Franciscan escutcheon. It was made by Mrs. Joseph Thoele. The emblem is a hand painting by a former student of St. Joseph's College. Since this banner is quite worn, a new one will be purchased in the course of this year. A number of Tertiaries have already contributed their share towards the price of the new banner, the othrs are expected to do likewise in due time.

Mr. Louis Rieg - Prefect of the men; Mr. H. J. Weber - Sub-Pref ec,t ; Mrs. Joseph Thoele - Prefect of the women; Mrs. Philomene Adams - Sub-Prefect; Rev. Maximilian Klotzbucher, O. F. M. - Director.

The Franciscan Missionary Union

This Union, commonly called the F. M. U., is a world-wide organization proper to the Order of St. Francis. Its introduction into all parishes and institutions in charge of the Friars, was ordered in a decree of the present Minister General of the Order, the Most Rev. Bernardine Klumper, O. F. M., in the latter part of 1922. It was enthusiastically welcomed by all classes of the faithful, especially the children.

The F. M. U. is the natural outgrowth of the spirit of the numerous Franciscan Family, its purpose is none other than the spread of the Kingdom of Christ on earth. It endeavors to achieve its aim by aiding the missions and missionaries of the Order by spiritual and material alm.s - prayer and money.

A local branch of the F. M. U. has been established in our parish in April of 1923. Since that date about 400 persons, adults and children of all ages, have been enrolled. It was organized by the Rev. Ephrem Muench, O. F. M., who was greatly aided through the efforts of the Ven. School Sisters of Notre Dame, in

The local branch of F. M. U. has achieved startling results since its erection in 1923. So far about $900.00 have been contributed for the cause of the missions through membership dues and donations. In Advent of 1925 the sum of over $100.00 was realized through mite boxes among the school children. Clothing and other useful articles have been sent to the missions by the mission workers of Teutopolis.

The first settlers were not here very long when the grim Reaper already demanded its victims. Though a lot marked "H" had been set aside for a cemetery on the original plat, the grave-yard had not yet been laid out. Hence some were buried at the Masquelet church, so we are told. Unfortunately, no record of funerals from 1839 - 1845, the time of Father Kuenster, can be found. Only when the remains were taken up and transferred to the new cemetery laid out in the year 1860, were a few meagre notes made of these re-interments.

a child; B. H. Zerrusen (father) died 1845; Uptmor, still-born; Jacob Doedtrnann, a father-in-law, John Durpin, 49 years, died 1846. The cemetery wa^. part of the Hardiek - Hattrup place; part of it was south of the railroad; Hy. Pnjemnier was the first one, it seems, to be buried, and this without a priest; a few board.'j Mvi&rie hastily nailed together so that the remains were visible through the coffin. As the grave was very shallow, the wolves uncovered the coffin at nigiit The bodies of the parents of Rev. Masquelet were not transferred, because they could no longer be found. The old part of the present cemetery (two lots) was donated by F. F. Waschefort, who reserved for himself a plot 20x20 feet only on which he erected a vault for his family. This was torn down many years ago. The cemetery had to be enlarged repeatedly. On Aug. 6, 1868, Mr. Maurer received ^30.00 for a lot. Father Mathias Hiltermann sold the lot on which the second cemetery had been located to Mr. H. H. Hardiek (Hardiek's Osseyard). Later on the lots No. Ill and 110, owned by the Church, were added; but they were so liiliy that they were not serviceable. Accoi'dingly two more lots were purchosed: lot 120 from J. Fuelle and lot 119 from H. H. Hattrup. The street dividing these lots from the graveyard was vacated by the village tioistees and !oc 108, on which the public road now lies, was donated by F. F. Eversman, M. D., on condition that all the newly purchased lots be laid out for burial places.

Later on, many family lots were laid out in the eas^^rrn part of the graveyard and manv fine monuments are to be seen here. It is a pity, that teams were allowed ii. the cemetery for the purpose of mowing the grass; they broke almost all the old stones marking the graves and make it imjiossible to .<upplen.fcnt some of tht, incomplete register of the dead of pioneer days.

The readers will notice that we have omitted the list of trustees and donors towards the church. This is owing to lack of time. We trust that He who sees even in the dark, will repay them.

Introduction 7

CHAPTER I - The German Land Company - Purchase of the Land - Platting of the Land - Allotment of the Land - Original Members of the German Land Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1838 9 - 18

CHAPTER III - Chronicje of Pioneer Days from 1839 to the Beginning of the Civil War, 1861 - Agriculture - Beginning of the Village - First Houses in the Village - Post Office - First Stores - First Mill - Incorporation of Village - First Village Elections - First Flag - Frauds at Elections - Violent Windstorm - First Sawmill - Projected Railroad - Waschefort's Combination Flour and Saw Mill 20 - 24

First Homes - Food Supplies - Clothing - Sicknesses - Plowing - Harvesting - Threshing - Transfer of Land - Horse and Cattle Buyers - Hunting in Early Days - Amusements - New Year - Epiphany - Shrove Tuesday - Marriage Customs - Superstition of the Old Settlers - The Old Stage Coach and Mail Route - Politics and Patriotism - Description of Teutopolis in 1842 24 - 44