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GENEALOGY COLLECTION

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Al_ERDING7 HSRMAN J0BEFH7

1845-1924. The Diocese of Fort Wayne

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2010 with funding from

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

http://www.archive.org/details/dioceseoffortway01aler

THE

DIOCESE

OF

FORT WAYNE

1857— SEPTEMBER 22—1907

A Book of Historical Reference 1669-1907

BY THE

RT. REV. H. J. ALERDING

'■''Gather up the fragments that remain^ lest they be lost.''

THE ARCHER PRINTING CO. '<Sn^^^^ FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

1907

1483492

CONTENTS

PAGE

Preface 5

Chapter 1. A Bird's-eye view 9

Chapter II. Northern Indiana within the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Quebec, Baltimore,

Bardstown and Vincennes 21

Chapter. 1 1 1. The Right Rev. John Henry Luers, D.D. . . 30

The First Bishop of Fort Wayne. Chapter IV. The Right Rev. Joseph Dwenger,

C. PP. S., D.D 38

The Second Bishop of Fort Wayne. Chapter V. The Right Rev. Joseph Rademacher, D.D. 46

The Third Bishop of Fort Wayne. Chapter VI. The Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding,

D.D 53

The Fourth Bishop of Fort Wayne.

Chapter VII. Domestic Prelates of His Holiness 60

The Right Rev. Mgr. Julian Benoit, V.G. The Right Rev. Mgr. John H. Oechtering, V.G.

Chapter VIII. The Clergy, Diocesan and Regular 64

Chapter IX. The Churches— Prior to 1857, inclusive. . 200

Chapter X. The Churches— From 1858 to 1867 266

Chapter XI. The Churches— From 1868 to 1877 314

Chapter XII. The Churches— From 1878 to 1887 354

Chapter XIII. The Churches— From 1888 to 1897 372

Chapter XIV. The Churches— From 1898 to 1907 390

Chapter XV. The Missions and Stations 402

Chapter XVI. The Congregation of Holy Cross, (C.S.C.) 429 Chapter XVII. The Congregation of the Most Precious

Blood, (C.PP.S.) 443

Chapter XVIII. The Religious Communities of Women. . 447

The Sisters of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, 1843. Chapter XIX. The Religious Communities of Women,

continued 456

The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Fort Wayne, 1863 Chapter XX. The Religious Communities of Women,

continued 460

The Sisters of St. Francis, Lafayette, 1875.

4 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

PAGE

Chapter XXI. The Religious Communities of Women,

continued 464

The Sisters of St. Joseph, Tipton, 1888.

Chapter XXII. The Religious Communities of Women,

continued 467

1. Sisters of Providence. — 1845.

2. Sisters of the Most Precious Blood. — 1853.

3. The School Sisters of Notre Dame. — 1865.

4. Sisters of St. Agnes.— 1872.

5. Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. — 1876.

6. Felician Sisters of St. Francis. — 1880.

7. Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. — 1902.

8. Sisters of St. Dominic. — 1905.

9. Sisters of St. Francis. — 1906, Maryville.

Chapter XXIII. Institutions of Charity 475

The Diocesan Orphan Asylums:

1. St. Joseph's Asylum, for Boys.

2. St. Vincent's Asylum, for Girls.

Chapter XXIV. Institutions of Charity, continued 481

Hospitals:

1. St. Joseph's Hospital, at Fort Wayne. — 1869. ■ 2. St. Elisabeth's Hospital, at Lafayette.— 1875.

3. St. Joseph's Hospital, at South Bend.— 1882.

4. St. Joseph's Hospital, at Logansport. — 1893.

5. St. John's Hospital, at Anderson. — 1894.

6. St. Margaret's Hospital, at Hammond. — 1898.

7. St. Roch's Sanitarium, at Fort Wayne. — 1899.

8. The Holy Family Hospital, at Laporte.— 1900.

9. The Kneipp Sanitarium, at Rome City. — 1901.

10. The Sacred Heart Hospital, at Garrett.— 1901.

11. St. Anthony's Hospital, at Michigan City.— 1903.

12. St. Ann's Hospital, at Peru.

Chapter XXV. Institutions of Charity, continued 489

1. The Old People's Home, at Avilla.— 1876.

2. St. Anthony's Home for the Aged, at Lafayette.—

1897.

Chapter XXVI. Education 491

Chapter XXVII. Addenda 517

Index 520

PREFACE

I,

The History of the Church is a record of the mercies of God on the human family. Considered in this Hght, the view that history is self-glorification is narrow in the extreme, and lacks the Christian instinct referring all things to God. The same holds good, be it the history of the Church in general, or of any portion of it. The purpose always is the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Such is the issue, and not the individual, not the missionary, not the priest; and therefor the Church records should be kept accurately and not with- held from publication. Gratitude prompts us to thank and glorify the Giver on High.

Sublime doctrines replenish the priest's mind, heaven- born aspirations exhilarate his heart, the salvation of others fires his soul with charity; but the example of holy priests, zealous, apostolic laborers in the Lord's vineyard stimulates him to renewed and enduring activity. To study these men, how they lived, labored, suffered and died, will foster within him the heroic spirit of these grand characters. The laity is similarly affected, when they read how the laity, not more than two generations ago, brought exacting sacrifices, underwent severe hardships of travel in heat and cold, for miles and miles, over almost impassable roads, without breaking their fast, to confess, and to receive, and to assist at the Holy Sacrifice, and once more to hear the word of God preached to them. The Catholic of the twentieth century can appreciate the changed conditions only, by learning how the parishes, now prosperous and flourishing, were organized; how the church- buildings developed from the rude frame or log structure to the magnificent edifices of today; what hardships and sufferings, even the little ones had to undergo, to receive a Christian education. And the lives of hundreds of priests and thousands of noble lay-men will more than compensate for the scandalous conduct of a few.

These and similar considerations suggested the usefulness of the present work, and prompted its publication. It is a

6 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

plain statement of facts made on reliable authority. Its defects are glaring, for the reason that hardly in a single instance all the information that was wanted, could be obtained. No effort was made to conceal these defects beneath glowing ver- biage and glittering generalities. The priests, the religious and several of the laity of the diocese have made this history possible by freely giving their assistance. Without the assist- ance of Rev. Wm. C. Miller, who spent nearly one year on it, the history would not have been undertaken. He is deserving the full credit, and the gratitude of all who appreciate what has been accomplished in preserving these records of the dio- cese. The reader is requested to note the defects whether of commission or omission and communicate the same to us for future use.

II.

This history has been in preparation since December 18, 1905, when the following circular was sent to the priests of the diocese, with the request that the historical data be fur- nished within six months:

"A. The history of your place before it had a church. If the name of the place was changed at any time, give the change or changes. Record the visits of the earliest missionaries to your place or district. When did it become a STATION, that is to say a place without a church, regularly visited? Who were these visiting priests? Where did they reside? Give some interesting particulars of this period. Were there any note-worthy lay-men? What was the number of souls at this time? What was the complexion of the Catholic population as to nationality?

"B. Thehistory of your place when it became a MISSION, that is to say, when it became a place with a church regularly attended. What priests had charge of it during this time? Where did they reside? In each case, if possible, give the year, month and day when they took charge and when they ceased to have charge of the mission. When was the first church built? Describe this church. Who was the priest in charge at the time of the building of the church? What was its cost? How was the money raised? Give interesting particulars of this period. Were there any note-worthy lay-men, with

Preface, Continued. 7

reference especially, to the founders of the parish? What was the number of souls at this time?

"C. The history of your parish: 1. The church grounds. How much ground has the church? When was the ground acquired? Was it secured at one time or different times? What was the cost? What priest or priests had charge at the time of these purchases? Where did these priests reside? 2. The church. When was it built? Who was the priest at the time? Describe the church, the style of architecture, the decorations, the furniture, etc. How much did it all cost? How was the money raised? Have improvements been made on the church since its erection? What were they? When were they made? What did they cost? Who was the priest at the time? What is the seating capacity of the church? If the present church is not the first church, then give the history of the former church or churches. 3. The school. When was it built? Who was the pastor at the time? Give the dimensions of the building. Its capacity for school purposes. How much did it cost? How was the money raised? Have improvements been made since? What were they? When were they made? At what cost? Who was the pastor? 4. The teachers. Who teaches the school? Are the teachers male or female? Are they lay or religious? If religious, of what community? How many teachers? What grades are taught? Is there a high school or academy? How is the school supported? What is the attendance at school? Where do the teachers reside? If in a house specially for them, when was this house built? What did it cost? Who was pastor? What improvements since? When made? At what cost? Under what pastor? 5. The priest's house. When was it built? Who was the priest in charge? What was the cost? Have improvements been made since? Is the present house the first? If not then give the facts, dates, etc., concerning the former house or houses. 6. If your church property has still other church buildings, mention them, giving full information con- cerning the time of their erection, their cost, their purpose, their improvements, etc., as suggested by the above questions. 7. Give an account of the cemetery, its area, its cost, and other facts. 8. What is the estimated value of your entire church property? What is the amount of debt on the same?

8 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

9. Name the various societies in your parish. Give the dates of their organization, their membership, their purpose, the good accomplished, and so forth. 10. What is the number of famihes and the number of souls in your charge? 11. Mention any remarkable or extraordinary events in the history of your parish. 12. How many boys of your parish have become priests or have entered religious communities? How many girls have become sisters? 13. What lay-men have done your parish note-worthy services? What were these services?

"D. Missions and Stations, if you have charge of any Missions or Stations in addition to the church of which you are the resident pastor, then give information concerning each of them, such as is suggested by the foregoing questions.

"E. The priests. Give a complete list of the priests who served the Catholic people of your place or of your district in the early missionary days, and of priests who visited your place when it was a station, and of priests who attended the same when it became a mission, and of the priests who became the resident pastors. Give the dates on which their labors began and ended. It would be an act deserving special commenda- tion, if a brief biographical sketch of each of these priests were given. If your parish has or has had assistant priests the names, dates, and brief biography of them is wanted.

"F. Above all, give your own biography."

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

(a bird's eye view.)*

Indiana furnishes an excellent theme for history. The little French colony on its soil grew around the forts, thrown up by France as outposts, to protect the Illinois country and the Mississippi. The more exposed lines, extending from Niagara to Fort Duquesne, were simply military posts, around which scarcely a sign of settlement arose.

The pioneer of the valley of the Wabash was, in all prob- ability, Robert Cavalier, Sieur de LaSalle. Doubt has long hung over his earlier explorations, about the year 1670; but the studies of our best antiquarian topographer. General John S. Clark, of Auburn, embracing every known document and map bearing on the point, leave little doubt that, about 1670, LaSalle passed from Lake Erie up the Maumee, crossed to the Wabash, and descended it till he became discouraged, and his men deserted. He was seeking the great river, called by the Iroquois, Ohio, and by the Western Algonquin tribes, the Mis- sissippi. Marquette subsequently passed the mouth of the Ohio, which he called by its Algonquin name, Ouabouskigou, the origin of our Wabash. There is no trace, in the "Jesuit Relations," which were printed down to 1672, of any knowledge of the Wabash river, or the shores of Lake Erie. The "Rela- tions," prepared for the ensuing years to 1679, which I printed from the old manuscripts, in all that they say of missionaries employed in the West, make it evident that no Jesuit ever reached the Wabash, before 1680. The early maps of Joliet, their friend, and the companion of Marquette, do not indicate it.

Marquette and Allouez reached the Illinois villages by the way of the Chicago river and the Desplaines; and the Recollects with LaSalle did so by the way of the St. Joseph's. During

* "Diocese of VIncennes, Indiana. Its History, by Rev. H. Alerdinp. genially ap- preciated by the historian of the Catholic Church in the United States, John Gilmary bhea. New York Freedman Journal, January 26 and February 2, 1884.

10 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

LaSalle's personal occupation of the Illinois country, Father Allouez kept aloof, as the great explorer was bitterly hostile to the Jesuits: but after he went back to France, the missionary was welcomed at the fort, in the Illinois country, by Chevalier Tonti. He subsequently founded a mission on the St. Joseph's, where wandering Miamis and Pottawottamies had gathered from Green Bay, in which district he had long ministered to them and the Maskoutens. The Marquis de Denonville, on the 1st of October, 1686, granted to Father Claude Dablon, Superior of the Jesuit Missions in Canada, a tract of land, twenty arpents in front on the St. Joseph's River and of equal depth, at such point as he might select, for a chapel and resi- dence. A modest chapel and mission house rose twenty-five leagues from the mouth of the river, and here Father Claude Allouez died, August 27-8, 1689, and his remains, not im- probably, repose within the limits of Indiana. Fathers Ave- neau, Gravier and Chardon continued the St. Joseph's Mission, till hostility between the French and the Miamis prevented their labors for a time.

In 1719 Fort Ouiatenon grew up among the Ouiatenons or Weas, another Miami tribe on the north bank of the Wabash, below the present Lafayette. Father Mermet had been their missionary, and may have labored here. Then Fort Miami was established where Fort Wayne now stands and finally, in 1733, the Poste au Ouabache, which soon took the name of its active commandant, a Canadian gentleman, John Babtiste Bissot, called from a seigneury he owned in Canada, Sieur de Vincennes. He had long been active in Western affairs, was brother-in-law to Louis Joliet, the discoverer of the Missis- sippi, and died nobly in an unfortunate campaign against the Chickasaws.

A chapel, dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, was erected at this last post, and there seems to have been chapels at Fort Miami and at Fort Ouiatenon. On the 22nd of July, 1741, a child was born at the last of these, who received in baptism the name of Anthony Foucher. This boy was destined to be the first native of the Wabash Valley, or indeed of the Western country, who was raised to the priest-hood. He was ordained by the Bishop of Quebec, October 30, 1774, and before he died, in 1812, a Bishop, from the Southern bank of the Ohio, was

. Introductory, Continued. 1 1

reviving the Faith among his countrymen on the river of his birth.

Our reverend historian of the diocese of Vincennes then takes up the earHest Register of Vincennes, opening April 21, 1749, with the marriage of Juhan Trottier to Josette Marie. The officiating clergyman was the Jesuit Father, Sebastian Louis Meurin, who continued the labors of Allouez and Mermet.

Stirring times of wars with England had come, and the little posts at Vincennes, Ouiatenon, Kaskaskia, St. Joseph's, Prairie du Rocher were filled with tidings of battle and expe- dition. The Jesuit Fathers, Vivier, Lamorinie, Foitier, Dujaunay, all labored among the French and Indians of Indiana, and the line of these pioneer priests of the Society closes with Father Julian Duvernay, who officiated at the chapel of St. Francis Xavier till 1763.

Then the flag of France was lowered at all the French posts in the West, and English soldiers came to plant, amid these French hamlets and their Indian friends, the flag of England. It was regarded with sullen discontent, and when Pontiac proposed to the Indian tribes a general rising, almost all the English forts were captured and destroyed simultaneously. Among them perished Fort Ouiatenon.

Of the state of religion, among these little communities of Catholics in the far West, we know but what can be gleaned from the parish registers and from lists that have been pre- served of those who made their Easter duty; there is very rare evidence of immorality; the colonists married young, and if jovial, light-hearted and daring, more given to hunt and Indian trade, than to patient tilling of the soil, they led moral lives, were tolerably regular in their devotions, and the little com- munities have no criminal record, no prisons, no deaths by violence, no executions. Each little settlement had its notary, and he or some other of the better educated read the mass- prayers, and catechized the children, when no priest was there to offer the Holy Sacrifice. At this time there were some eighty or ninety families at Vincennes, fourteen at Ouiatenon and nine or ten at the junction of the St. Joseph's and St. Mary's.

The infidel council at New Orleans, in 1762, ordered all Jesuit chapels to be razed, and one in Illinois, though on

12 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

English soil, was actually destroyed. When the English com- manders came, the Catholics of Indiana felt despondent. The fate of the Acadians, who, born and brought up under the English flag, had been deprived of their homes and all they possessed, and had been torn from their native land to be flung as paupers along the Atlantic coast, was before them. A similar fate might be theirs. On the 30th of December, 1764, a new era seemed to dawn, when Gen. Gage announced in a proclamation, that the King of England granted to his new Catholic subjects in the Illinois' country, liberty to enjoy their religion undisturbed.

The people at Vincennes then sought to obtain a priest; but the Bishop of Quebec, cut off from supply of clergymen from France, deprived of the Jesuits and Recollects, who were doomed to extinction, could not fmd priests to fill nearer pressing wants. It was not till 1769, that the Rev. Peter Gibault reached the Illinois country. At Vincennes, and the adjoining missions, there were some 800 souls. They received the priest with joy; marriages were solemnized, the children privately baptized were christened with due ceremonies. The Mission was one to attract him, with its orchard and gardens, but his field of labor included also the Missions in Illinois, and his visits to Vincennes were made at stated intervals. + In 1772, the little Catholic community in the Wabash valley were startled by an order of Gen. Gage, which seemed to prelude a new Acadian outrage. They were all commanded to leave the settlements; when they protested against the cruel order, he demanded the title deeds of the lands they held. It was evident, that it was the purpose to drive the Catholic settlers from British soil, doubtless to gratify the bitter anti- Catholic feeling in the English colonies at the East.

But the Parliament of Great Britain, on the 2nd of June, 1774, passed a law which precipitated the American Revolu- tion, by arousing all the bigotry of the colonies. This was the "Quebec Act," by which the people of Canada were per- mitted to retain their French laws and customs, and the Catholic Church was maintained in all its rights. The French settlements at the West, in our present Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, were by the act included in the province of Quebec. The Church there was thus formally recognized

Introductory, Continued. 13

by the English Government, an'd the right of the Bishop of Quebec to appoint priests, of the priests to receive tithes, was guaranteed by law. The oath of allegiance required to be taken was such, as Catholics could lawfully take, not such a one as was tendered to the Acadians, who were condemned as Popish Recusants.

This guarantee of religious freedom filled the Catholics on the Detroit, the Wabash, the Illinois and Mississippi with joy; but by the people of the English colonies, it was regarded in the light of a grievous and bitter wrong. It is denounced in our Declaration of Independence as an act of pretended legis- lation "for abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary govern- ment, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and a fit instrument, for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies." 1 cannot find that in the legislation or judicial decisions of those Western States, this act has ever been recognized as having been in force, but it certainly was at least till July 4, 1776, when the severing of all allegiance to England may have modified the condition of affairs; but this is a question for constitutional lawyers to decide.

When the Revolution broke out, the English Government, which had appointed Indian agents, controlled the various tribes of red men, and used them against the thirteen States; and it became important to destroy this influence. The Con- tinental Congress had no resources, but Virginia claimed the country, northwest of the Ohio, as part of her territory. In the summer of 1778, an expedition from Virginia, under Colonel George R. Clark appeared before Kaskaskia, after a brave and hardy march. The French settlers and their priest, Rev. Peter Gibault, received him without opposition; and Clark, by the aid of this clergyman and of Colonel Vigo, a Spanish settler there, reduced Vincennes, capturing the British commandant.

Indiana thus became part of Virginia, and came within the sway of Congress. The people took the oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its laws were extended over all the territory.

Virginia had been fiercely anti-Catholic; its colonial statute book teems with penal laws against the Catholics, and one may

14 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

be cited as a sample, which put the testimony of a CathoHc on a par with that of a negro slave, something not to be received in a court of justice. In Virginia a man might with impunity kill another in presence of a Catholic or a slave.

This old spirit soon showed itself; for shortly after the temporary Government was organized by Colonel Todd, the French settlers were, as under Gage, summoned to produce the titles by which they held their lands. Yet, amid the un- easiness produced by this hostile act, the Catholic settlers did not waver in their new allegiance, but bore their part in the struggle. In the autumn of 1780, LaBalme, with a party including many from Vincennes, captured the British post, Kekionga, on the Maumee, and died bravely soon after, over- powered by numbers, at the River a-Boite.

In 1781, Virginia relinquished to Congress the territory northwest of the Ohio, and the deed confirmed the French titles, including those of the churches in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

The course pursued by the Rev. Peter Gibault, cut him off from all aid or recognition in Canada, so that he had to struggle on alone, reduced with his people to great penury, by their sacrifices for the national cause. During the long interval from 1779 to 1784, he was unable to visit Vincennes. He came at last with Rev. Payet, and revived religion once more. The next year he took up his abode at Vincennes, built a new log church, ninety feet long by forty-two broad, the old church being remodeled for his residence. Here he remained till the nth of October, 1789.

Meanwhile, the treaty of Paris, in 1783, had recognized the independence of the United States, with its territory ex- tending to the eastern bank of the Mississippi; and the clergy in Maryland and Pennsylvania, who had at first, from fear of offending Protestant prejudice against Bishops, deprecated the appointment of one, had solicited that a Bishop should be placed over them. Pope Pius the Sixth, in 1784, appointed the Rev. John Carroll, Prefect Apostolic; but the pastor at Vincennes was a stranger amid the clergy in the United States, while he was under the ban in Canada, where the Bishop had excommunicated all who joined the Americans, and still refused the sacraments to all, who had not remained faithful to the

Introductory, Continued. 15

British cause. Yet, the northwest territory was still part of the Diocese of Quebec, although the Bishop exercised no juris- diction. This unfortunate condition of affairs lasted, till the erection of the See of Baltimore by Pope Pius VI., November 6, 1789, when in express terms he directed "all the clergy and people dwelling in the aforesaid United States of America, though hitherto they may have been subject to other Bishops of other dioceses, to be henceforward subject to the Bishop of Baltimore." The Bishop of Quebec, though protesting pro forma against a division of his diocese without his knowledge, gladly relinquished all claim and jurisdiction over a district, whose spiritual wants he had neither inclination nor power to supply.

Down to this period, the territory of the subsequently erected diocese of Vincennes was under the ecclesiastical law of France, as held in Canada. The priest received his tithes, the decrees of the Council of Trent were regarded as published as much as in Canada — the same holy days of obligation and fast days were observed as on the banks of the St. Lawrence.

The diocese of Baltimore, as established by the Holy See, included the whole territory then belonging to the United States, and recognized by the treaty of Paris, in 1783. Its Western limit was the Mississippi; Florida with the Gulf shore, Louisiana, and all the territory west of the Mississippi, were in the hands of Spain; over it the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba had, since 1776, extended his ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and through a Bishop Auxiliary he was endeavoring to bring in the discipline of the Church.

Bishop Carroll with few priests, no seminary, no institu- tions of any kind, found himself unable to meet the calls, that came from all parts of the vast country, confided to him. Natchez was visited by the Spanish ecclesiastics of New Orleans ; but the Northwest was destitute of priests.

That district had another difficulty. The bigotry of John Jay, in 1775, prevented Canada from joining the thirteen colonies; the same feeling made him, in 1786, an indifferent diplomatist, when Franklin was willing to make any concession to induce England to yield it to us. England retained Canada not only, but for years maintained her military possession of Detroit, and her influence over the Indian tribes of the West^

16 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

whom she incited to hostility against the Americans. The CathoHcs of the North-West were true; Hving from infancy in intimate relations with the various nations, they knew their language, their disposition, their ideas. But for their aid as agents, interpreters, deputies, the United States Government would have been powerless in the West.

But the want of priests was felt by all. The storm of the French revolution sent, at the opportune moment, a number of learned, zealous priests to this country. One of these, the Rev. Benedict Joseph Flaget, was sent by Bishop Carroll to Vincennes soon after his arrival, in 1792. Travel was slow and difficult. It took twenty days to reach Pittsburg from Phila- delphia; and to reach Vincennes was often a matter of months. The good priest arrived at his ruinous log chapel, in season to celebrate Mass at Christmas, after restoring the tottering altar, and giving the church such renovation and decoration as time and means permitted. There was a community of 700, but in the long period when no priest was there, so great had indiffer- ence grown, that only twelve approached the Sacraments, at the great Solemnity. He went to work, however, with the zeal which characterized him through his long Apostolic career, and was consoled with seeing that the majority became commun- icants, just reversing the numbers that shocked him on his arrival. He opened a school, encouraged industry, thrift and charity. The neighboring Indians also received his care, and his labors during the ravages of the small-pox completely prostrated him. Having been recalled to Baltimore, he left Vincennes in the spring of 1795.

To replace him, Bishop Carroll sent the Rev. John Francis Rivet, who had arrived from Spain in December, 1794. Wash- ington had seen the happy influence of Father Flaget over the Indians, and wished a priest to aid the Government in carrying out a beneficent policy, v^^hich would tend to their civilization, and who would teach them the advantages of the Christian religion. Father Rivet's offer of his services was accepted; he was directed to establish himself on the Wabash, and a salary allotted to him. Though the Government long neglected to pay this sum, needed for his support, Father Rivet, says Bishop Carroll, "applies himself incessantly in fulfilling the objects of his appointment, and disposing the Indians to main-

Introductory, Continued. 17

tain a friendly temper towards the United States. He is in- defatigable in instructing them in the principles of Christianity, and not without success." The historian of the diocese of Vincennes shows, from the records, to how many different tribes his zealous care extended. By any one who remembers, how those Indians, under English influence, made war on this country, defeated St. Clair and Harman, and yielded to Gen. Wayne only after a stubborn fight, the service done the country by the Catholic priests and people can be estimated. The English Government knew and felt Father Rivet's power, and a priest from Canada, a future bishop of Halifax, was sent to employ his influence with the Indians, to induce them to make no alliance with the Americans.

Rev. John Francis Rivet became Vicar General in the West, in 1798, and continued his labors till he sank under them, in 1804. Vincennes was then for years without a settled pastor; visited at intervals by Rev. Donatian Olivier from Illinois, and by Revs. Baden and Nerinckx from Kentucky.

When the See of Bardstown was erected, the people of Vincennes applied to their old pastor, the newly consecrated Bishop of Bardstown, for a priest. He visited them himself in 1814, and, with Rev. D. Olivier, remained some time in instructing the people so long neglected, and for the first time administered the Sacrament of Confirmation in Indiana. He visited them again and again, as missionary and as Bishop, but it was not until 1818, that Vincennes received a pastor, in the person of the Rev. Anthony Blanc, who, during a two years' incumbency, not only revived faith at Vincennes, but built two log chapels, one at seven miles and the other at twelve miles distance. Two other priests assisted him at intervals. He was succeeded by Revs. Dahman and Champourier.

The Catholic Almanac of 1822 thus briefly gives its account of the Church in three States, which now form eight dioceses, presided over by two Archbishops and six Bishops; "the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois are daily adding more and more to the Church. In each of these, several large congregations of Catholics are found. They are chiefly French, who extended themselves through parts of this country as early as the 17th century. Vincennes, in Indiana, was formerly a station of the Jesuits, whence they made excursions among the savage tribes."

18 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Father Champourier, sent there in May, 1823, describes the Church in Vincennes as so "nearly rotten and out of repair, that at any httle storm it becomes very dangerous to stay in it. Moreover, it is open to every wind and penetrated by every drop of rain," and he appealed in the papers to the Catholics of the country, for aid in the erecting a more suitable church. He was the only resident pastor, with a whole State, and even more, for his parish.

When Bishop Flaget visited Indiana 1829, he found Cath- olics at New Albany, the Knobs, Black Oak Ridge and Wash- ington. The jubilee granted by Pope Leo XII was proclaimed; Mass was offered at all these stations, instructions given, marriages and baptisms performed, or revalidated.

A new Catholicity was thus growing up around the old cradle of the faith at Vincennes. So promising did the future seem, that Bishop Plaget met Bishop Rosati, of St. Louis, at Vincennes in 1832, and after examining the condition of affairs and the prospect of an increase by immigration, these two great Bishops resolved, to address the Holy See and solicit the erection of Indiana into a diocese, with the See at Vincennes; and for the mitre they agreed to propose the President of Mt. St. Mary's College, the Rev. Simon Gabriel Brute.

The first of our present series of Catholic Almanacs, that published in 1833, gives its account of Indiana so briefly, that we may be allowed to copy it in full: "Black Oak Ridge, Davies County, Rev. Simon Lalumiere. Mount Pleasant, occasionally. Vincennes, 693 m. from Washington. Rev. L. Picot." This was all the actual material for the new diocese.

One of these, apparently the Ven. Father Lalumiere, him- self a native of the State, in the spring of 1833 said Mass for the four or five Catholic families of Columbus, and preached in the Court House; then said Mass at Shelby for ten Catholic families. At St. Peter's, in Daviess County, the Sisters of Charity, it would seem, had opened a school, and he began to talk of a church at Washington, Indiana, and the Bishop who was expected. "The Catholic population of Indiana is greater than would readily be supposed, and is constantly and rapidly increasing," he adds.

There seemed to be no very encouraging field for a Bishop, but the Rev. Dr. Brute resigned his position at Emmitsburg,

Introductory, Continued. 19

for which he was so well fitted, *and where as professor and president he had produced an indelible impression on the young levites, confided to his care. At the call of his Superiors and yielding to the judgment of those whom he respected, he .assumed the arduous duty of building up a new diocese. He had seen the struggles and difficulties of others, and had no unfounded hopes.

The diocese of Vincennes as established by the Holy See, in 1834, included the State of Indiana, and also about a third of Illinois. Having accepted the Bulls, he made a retreat at Bardstown, and was consecrated in the cathedral of St. Louis, October 28, 1834, by Bishop Flaget, assisted by Bishops Rosati and Purcell. He was welcomed with joy at Vincennes, and took possession of his little brick cathedral and his palace, which was a one story building, measuring twenty-five feet by twelve. He had in his diocese two priests in Indiana, Revs. Lalumiere and Ferneding, the latter the pioneer priest of the German settlers, and one in Illinois, Rev. J. M. J. St. Cyr, then at Chicago. There was, besides. Rev. Badin's Mission at South Bend, with the Sisters and an Indian school.

He made a visitation of his diocese, to discover where there were Catholics to be attended, at what points churches could be established and maintained. Then, with some definite idea of the wants of the diocese, he went to Europe to .solicit aid for the flock of all nations gathered in Indiana, old French settlers to the "manner born," Americans from Mary- land and Kentucky, Irish and Germans. In Europe he pro- cured material aid, and appealed to his Breton countrymen for priests to aid him. The men of St. Patrick's race did not turn a deaf ear to the call; priests came, of sterling qualities, who made Indiana the field of their long and untiring labor. How the Bishop, after his return, devoted himself to his duties as bishop and missionary, our reverend author tells most touch- ingly. His short career one of constant visitation, closed in June, 1839, in a calm and holy death, fit crown for such a life.

The Rev. Celestine de la Hailandiere, one of the Breton priests who came to Bishop Brute's aid in 1836, had been ap- pointed coadjutor, and became the second bishop of Vincennes. He was in Europe, at the time of Bishop Brute's death, and began his labors for his diocese by sending over priests, vest-

20 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

ments, sacred vessels. He induced the Eudists to undertake a theological seminary at Vincennes, Father Sorin, of the Holy Cross, to begin the work at Notre Dame, which God has so wonderfully blessed; the Sisters of Providence, to begin that institute, which possesses such a special charm of spirituality.

On reaching his diocese. Bishop de la Hailandiere began to introduce system and order; he held a retreat for his clergy, followed by a Synod. The erection of the See of Chicago, in 1844, relieved him of the Illinois portion of his diocese, but his energy and activity were of the kind that, directed by another, effect great results, but which, when not accompanied by the power to direct and employ others, produce discontent and confusion. He resigned the See in 1847, and returned to Brittany, where he died in May, 1882. By his own desire, his remains were brought across the Atlantic by his near kinsman, the Rev. E. Audran, to be laid in the Cathedral, which he never ceased to love.

Bishop Bazin, his successor, died in less than six months after his consecration; and the mitre of Vincennes was placed on the head of the Rev. Maurice de St. Palais, a native of the diocese of Montpelier, who had been on the Indiana mission since 1836, an earnest laborer, cheerfully enduring hardships and perils of no ordinary character. His appointment was welcomed by all ; and his first work the establishment of asylums, for the care of the orphans. It was to his zeal that Indiana is indebted for the introduction of the Benedictine monks, from the famous Abbey of Einsiedlen, who made St. Meinrad, so well known.

Bishop de St. Palais' labors in Indiana as priest and bishop covered a term of nearly fifty years. It was, therefore, espec- ially under his care that religion developed, the administrations of his predecessors having been too brief, to do more than plan the good they desired to accomplish.

He died in June, 1877, Bishop of Vincennes, having de- clined the appointment of Arch-bishop of Toulouse. He was not even Bishop of the whole State of Indiana, the See of Fort Wayne having been erected in 1857, which comprised the Northern part of Indiana.

CHAPTER 11.

NORTHERN INDIANA WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BISHOPS OF QUEBEC, BALTIMORE, BARDSTOWN AND VINCENNES — BISHOPS OF QUEBEC, 1674-1789; BISHOP CARROLL OF BAL- TIMORE, 1789-1810; bishop flaget of bardstown, 1810- 1834; bishops brute, de la hailandiere, bazin and de

ST, PALAIS OF VINCENNES, 1834-1857.

Naturally, the heads of various orders and religious com- munities exercised jurisdiction over their subjects, such as the Franciscans, the Dominicans, the Jesuits and others, who labored in various regions of this vast country, from the earliest days. When, however, the first Bishop of Quebec was installed in the year 1674, this Bishop and his successors exercised jurisdiction over the territory, now known as Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Maine, Ohio and New York. The British Colonies on the Atlantic coast, from New Hampshire to Georgia, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, were subject to the Vicars Apostolic of the London district, England. During this time, Florida and Louisiana, embracing all west of the Mississippi, belonged to the diocese of Santiago de Cuba; Texas was part of the diocese of Guadalajara; New Mexico of that of Durango, and California was governed by a Prefect Apostolic.

Pope Pius VI appointed the Rev. John Carroll Prefect Apostolic in the United States, in June, 1784; but the juris- diction of the Bishop of Quebec continued, until the same Pope erected the new See of Baltimore, on November 6, 1789. Bishop Carroll was consecrated August 15, 1790, and his diocese was made coextensive with the United States. A diocesan synod was held at Baltimore, with an attendance of twenty-two priests, on November 7, 1791. In 1800, Bishop Neale became Bishop Carroll's Coadjutor. On April 8, 1808, Pope Pius VII raised Baltimore to the rank of a Metropolitan See, and founded the new dioceses of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Bardstown. The Catholic population, at

22 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

this time, was estimated at about 25,000, with 68 priests, 80 churches, several rehgious orders and three colleges. Rt. Rev. John Carroll was born in Maryland, January 8, 1735. He attended the college at St. Omer in Flanders, and entered the Society of Jesus at Watton, 1753. He was ordained priest in 1761. In June, 1774, he returned to America and labored there, as a secular priest, in Maryland and Virginia. He was consecrated Bishop, August 15, 1790, and was made Arch- bishop in 1808. He died December 3, 1815. Pastoral letters show the Bishop caring for his flock; his controversy with Wharton and others show his ability in defending the faith against assaults.

Rt. Rev. Benedict Joseph Flaget was born of a widowed mother, November 7, 1763, at Coutournat, France. Two years old his mother also died, and an aunt took charge of the boy. He began his study of philosophy and theology, at the age of seventeen, in the Seminary at Clermont, finishing the same at Issy, and was ordained priest in 1788. When the French Revolution broke up all institutions of learning in France, Father Flaget sailed for Baltimore, in 1792. Bishop Carroll sent him to Vincennes, Indiana, where he arrived December 21, 1792. He was recalled to Baltimore in 1795. On Novem- ber 4, 1810, he was consecrated Bishop of Bardstown, having up to that time been engaged mostly in teaching. He visited Indiana several times as Bishop, but whether he came as far as the present diocese of Fort Wayne, is not known. Bishop David became his Coadjutor in 1819, Bishop Chabrat in 1834, and, at the time of his death, it was Bishop Spalding. "He died, as he had lived, a saint," says Bishop Spalding, "on Feb- ruary 11, 1850." The diocese of Bardstown, when first estab- lished, comprised Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and all the Northwest. Our historian Shea says of Bishop Flaget: "No Bishop, in this country, has ever been regarded as equalling Bishop Flaget in sanctity, in the spirit of prayer, in the ardor of his devotion, his firmness, patience and constant devotion to all the duties of his State." A number of seemingly well- authenticated miraculous cures were ascribed to Bishop Flaget, while visiting France. An account of these cures, bearing every evidence of a miraculous nature, was given in "The Record," published at Louisville, under dates of January 26

i6y4 — i8^j, Continued. 23

and February 2, 1905. It was in 1841 Bishop Flaget's See was transferred from Bardstown to Louisville.

The diocese of Vincennes was established in 1834. It comprised Indiana, and Illinois east of a line from Fort Massac along the Eastern boundaries of Johnson, Franklin, Jefferson, Marion, Fayette, Shelby and Mann Counties to the Illinois river, eight miles above Ottawa, and thence to the Northern boundary of the State.

The Rt. Rev. Simon Gabriel Brute de Remur was born at Rennes, the capital of Brittany, in France, on March 20, 1779. The untimely death of his father threw the responsi- bility of his education on his mother, a woman of strong Chris- tian character. How well she succeeded may be learned from the Bishop's reminiscences referring to his first Communion, where he says: "\ thank Thee, O my God, for the state of innocence and piety I was in the day I performed this most important act. My heart is full when I think of that day — thanks, thanks, O my God!" A retentive memory, a lively imagination, and close application made him a ripe and ac- complished scholar. He was well advanced in his studies, having become familiar with Latin and Greek, when the revolution broke out. During this reign of terror, unhappy France was deluged with the blood of her best and noblest sons. He witnessed it all. Having entered the medical college in 1796, he graduated 1803. In the same year, however, he gave up the practice of medicine and entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice, at Paris. Five years of earnest and brilliant studies in theology, brought him to the gates of the sanctuary, and he was ordained priest in 1 808. Following Bishop Flaget to America, he landed at Baltimore on August 10, 1810. He was there made president of St. Mary's College, and donated it his library of 5,000 volumes. We are told, "He was an oracle of learning to the clergy and bishops of the country. Indeed, from his secluded home in the mountain, his influence was felt throughout the entire Church of America," — the influence of a learned and holy man.

He was consecrated Bishop of Vincennes, October 28, 1834, at St. Louis by Bishop Flaget, assisted by Bishops Rosati and Purcell, He was duly installed on November 5, by the same Bishops, at Vincennes. What he found in his diocese

24 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

was: Two priests, a cathedral of four brick walls and roof unplastered and unwhitewashed, without sanctuary, a resi- dence of a single room 25x12 feet, a revenue of $100 pew rent per annum, and a subscription list of $240 for his support. A visitation of his diocese revealed to him the great need of priests, and means to erect churches, and to supply these he visited France. After incredible hardships and labors, he died June 26, 1839, of consumption, the result of a severe cold caught while riding on the outside of a coach, in Ohio, on his way to the Council at Baltimore. His remains rest in the crypt of the Cathedral of Vincennes.

It must be of great interest to the reader, to ascertain the status, in those days, of what is now the diocese of Fort Wayne. We can do no better, in this respect, than to quote from Bishop Brute's letter to the Leopoldine Association for the propagation of the faith, giving a full account of his first episcopal visitation in his diocese: "I went North in Illinois as far as Chicago on Lake Michigan. Rev. St. Cyr had arrived there from St. Louis, and enabled the Catholics to make their Easter Com- munion, so 1 gave only a few Confirmation. Chicago is now composed of about four hundred souls, French, Canadians, Americans, Irish, and a good number of Germans. From Chicago we went around the end of Lake Michigan to the river St. Joseph, and the mission of the Rev. de Seille, at the Indian village at Pokegan, situated just outside of our diocese, and in that of Detroit. This mission was established, many years ago, by the Venerable Father Badin. Father de Seille has lived three or four years at Pokegan. On Thursday evening we arrived at South Bend, a little town beautifully situated on the high banks of the St. Joseph river. It is growing rapidly, owing to its many advantages. Crossing the river, we visited St. Mary of the Lake, the mission house of the excellent Father Badin, who has lately moved to Cincinnati. He had a school there kept by two Sisters, who have also gone away, leaving the place vacant. The 625 acres of land attached to it, and the small lake named St. Mary's, make it a most desirable spot and one soon, I hope, to be occupied by some prosperous institution. Rev. Badin has transferred it to the Bishop on the condition of his assuming the debts, a trifling consideration compared with the importance of the place. On

16^4 — f^^j, Continued. 25

Friday morning we left for the Tippecanoe river, and the village of Chickagos. The Indians had heard of our coming, and had sent some of their number in advance, to ascertain our movement. They gave notice of our approach to others, who had camped out a few miles to wait for the Bishop, and to make a more worthy escort for him. The chief of the Chickagos was there and directed the movements. Coffee had been prepared at the small village, only three miles from the principal one. We dismounted, and sitting on mats of woven straw partook of their kind cheer. Then we crossed the river and soon arrived.

"Chickagos village is not so large as Pokegan, yet the chapel is nearly as large. It is however without ceiling, and without a room for the missionary overhead. The mission being of later standing. Father de Seille had baptized only about 120 persons, of whom 1 confirmed sixteen. Our interpreter was a Canadian woman seventy years of age, a truly deserving person. On our arrival all assembled in the chapel and Father de Seille introduced me as their Bishop, the head in these parts of all the other Black Robes. On Sunday morning, Father de Seille and myself sat upon two little stools in the chapel, and some twelve of the leading men came in and took their seats upon some of the opposite benches. Chickagos made the speech and, having expressed his confidence in Father de Seille and in me, he said he would present me with half a section, 320 acres of their land. Having replied through the interpreter, we pre- pared for Mass and Confirmation. Before Mass six children were baptised by me. We slept on the benches of the chapel, and some of the straw from the floor, wrapt up in our great- coats, after the manner of the good Father. Our food was boiled corn, fish, venison, and wild turkey, minced together in one dish, and some cranberries broken and mixed with sugar, they got from trees. Our drink was water, coffee was not to be had, although this was the principal village. I was to leave them after vespers, so before we began they came to sign the deed of the land, presented to the Church, which we had drawn up in as legal a form as we could. After a few parting words, and giving them my blessing, we mounted our horses and were escorted for some miles by a large number, Chickagos at their head, who before leaving us dismounted from their

26 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

horses, and asked their Bishop's blessing again. We spent the night at the house of a settler, fifteen miles from Chickagos, and found the house so full that many had to lie on the floor, as I had done once on my way to the lake. Here we had a bed for two, as was often the case. Through all that journey of 600 miles, we seldom came to any regular taverns, but almost every family would allow you to share their meals, and give you a place under their roof.

"The day after we reached Logansport, a rapidly improving town on the canal, that is nearly completed and will unite the Wabash with the Maumee at Fort Wayne, and thus Lake Erie with the Ohio and the Mississippi, through the States of Indiana and Illinois. I found there a good number of Catholics, and promised to send them one of the first priests I could obtain. I said Mass the next morning and then left for home, yet some days' journey, passing through Fayetteville, Attica, Covington, Terre Haute, etc. Few Catholics are as yet collected in these growing towns, but soon there will be more. Shortly after my return. Father Lalumiere came home and the account of his journey was very consoling. He had found more Catholics than I had, and many places ready to receive a priest. In three places they had begun to build churches. At Fort Wayne they had finished one, 60x30 feet, and the congregation num- bered 150 Catholic families. I was happy to send them the Rev. M. Ruff from Metz, in France, recently ordained and speaking the three languages, French, English and German. Of the latter there are a good many living there and in the environments. I had ordained Rev. M. Ruif subdeacon and deacon before my journey to Chicago, and had sent him to the Seminary of St. Louis (St. Mary of the Barrens), to make his retreat, and there he was ordained priest by that excellent prelate, Doctor Rosati."

Right Rev. Celestine Rene Lawrence Guynemer de LA Hailandiere, the second Bishop of Vincennes, was born at Combourg, in Brittany, May 2, 1798, and was baptized the same day, this being the time of the revolution, by a priest who was concealed in the house. He studied law, to fit himself for the magistracy. At the age of twenty-four, attending a mission given by the Fathers of the Faith, he resolved to renounce the world and the flattering prospects held out to

11

i6j4 — ■j857> Continued. 27

him. He entered the Seminary at Rennes, and was ordained at Paris, on May 28, 1825. When Bishop Brute requested the Bishop of Rennes, to give him the name of a priest worthy to be his Vicar General and Coadjutor, the Abbe de la Halandiere was selected. He came to America, in 1836, but two years later was again sent to Europe in the interest of the diocese. While there busily engaged, information reached him at Paris, that Bishop Brute had died, and that he himself had been appointed Bishop Brute's Coadjutor. He was consecrated Bishop at Paris, by Bishop Forbin Janson, on August 18, 1839, and made every exertion to obtain needed aid for his diocese. He sent over vestments and sacred vessels for the churches, the Eudists to found a college. Fathers and Brothers of the Holy Cross, Sisters of Providence. After returning to his diocese, one of his first acts was to hold a retreat for his clergy, which was followed by a diocesan Synod, in 1844. Bishop Hailandiere was a man of restless activity, and his energy made him unpopular with many. Aware of this, he visited Rome, in 1845, to resign his see, but Pope Gregory XVI induced him to return to his diocese, and resume his labors. He did so, but the old troubles continued and new ones were added, so that in 1847 the Holy Father accepted his resignation. He returned to his native country and died on an estate belonging to the family, at Triandin, on May 1, 1882. It was his desire that his remains be buried beneath the sanctuary of the Cathe- dral at Vincennes. His wish was complied with.

Right Rev. John Stephen Bazin, third Bishop of Vin- cennes, was born in 1796, in the diocese of Lyons, France, where he entered the priesthood and came as a missionary to the diocese of Mobile, in 1830. He labored with great zeal and devotedness for the Church, in the city of Mobile, for a period of seventeen years. He was Bishop Portier's Vicar General. Upon the recommendation of the sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore, he was appointed Bishop of X'incennes. His consecration took place in the Cathedral at Vincennes, on October 24, 1847, Bishop Portier being the Consecrator. He issued a pastoral letter, in which he said to his clergy: "Having been inured for many years to the labors of a missionary life, we feel ready, in spite of our advanced age, to share with you all the hardships of the ministry. We are ambitious of no

28 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

distinction. We expect to find in each of you a friend." But in the Providence of God he was almost immediately stricken down, and expired on April 23, 1848.

Right Rev. James Maurice de Long D'Aussac de St. Palais, D. D., the fourth Bishop of Vincennes, was born at La Salvatat, diocese of Montpelier, France, on November 15, 1811. He descended from one of the noblest families of France. His forefathers fought against the Moors and in the Crusades. His friends and relatives entertained well grounded hopes, as to the brilliancy of the future awaiting him. He received an education such as became a nobleman. The downfall of Charles X, and the revolution of 1830, convinced him of the vanity of all earthly things. In the twenty-fifth year of his age he was ordained priest, by the Archbishop of Paris.

He heeded the invitation of Bishop Brute, seeking laborers for the Lord's vineyard in the wilds of Indiana, and following him arrived in Vincennes in 1836. He was assigned to a station about thirty-five miles east of Vincennes, where he built St. Mary's Church. Not understanding the German, he frequently made use of a Lutheran as an interpreter, translating his French and English sermon into German. The bulk of the money to build St. Mary's Church, was realized from the sale of a herd of hogs, which had been donated by the heads of families. It is said this was the best herd of hogs ever sold in Daviess county. He remained until 1839, when Bishop de la Hailan- diere sent him to Chicago. Conditions in Chicago were not favorable; he met with much opposition from the dissatisfied portion of his flock. They first burnt his little shanty, and for two years refused to pay him any money, with the avowed purpose of starving him out, but he built St. Mary's Church at Chicago, which shortly after, in the year 1844, when Chicago was made an episcopal see, became its first cathedral.

In that same year Father de St. Palais was removed to Logansport. He underwent incredible hardships, travelling through the wilderness without roads and without meeting a human habitation for fifty or a hundred miles. His saddlebags contained the requisites for the holy functions, together with a little sack of salt and cornmeal for his meals.

In 1846, Father de St. Palais was sent to Madison, where he remained one year only. Bishop Bazin, in 1847, made him

16^4 — ^^57> Concluded. 29

his Vicar General and the Superior of the Seminary at Vincennes. He was administrator of the diocese from April 23, 1848, until January 14, 1849, when Bishop Miles of Nashville consecrated Father de St. Palais Bishop of Vincennes. Almost the first work which he undertook and brought to a successful issue, was the erection of orphan asylums. And the other important work was, to look after the Seminary. He paid three visits ad limina, the first in 1849, the second in 1859, and the third in 1869. In 1844 the diocese of Chicago was established, and thereafter the diocese of Vincennes was restricted to Indiana. Thirteen years later, in 1857, the Northern half of Indiana was made the diocese of Fort Wayne. Bishop de St. Palais had been present at the commencement exercises at St. Mary's of the Woods, when on the morning of June 28, 1877, at five o'clock, he suffered a stroke of paralysis and died peacefully on the afternoon of the same day, at four o'clock. His remains rest beneath the sanctuary of the Cathedral at Vincennes.

I

CHAPTER III.

THE RIGHT REV. JOHN HENRY LUERS, D. D. THE FIRST BISHOP OF FORT WAYNE.

The Rt. Rev. John Henry Luers, D. D., was born on Sep- tember 29, 1819, near the city of Munster, in Westphaha, a province of Germany. His parents were devoted CathoHcs. Poor in the goods of this world, and desirous of bettering their condition in life, the family emigrated in 1833, landing in New York on June 7th. Piqua, Ohio, located on the Miami river, and being the terminus of the Miami canal, connected Cin- cinnati on the Ohio river with Toledo on the Lakes. It was here, on a farm in the neighborhood of Piqua, that the Luers family settled down. John, however, became clerk and assis- tant salesman in a store in town. He was noted for strict integrity and attention to business, but alas! he began to neglect the exercise of his religion. When on one occasion the young clerk was paying his parents a visit, the father was amazed to find that his son John had forgotten his prayers. The Bishop himself in after life, alluding to this incident, often remarked: "The subsequent interview between my father and myself was of such a striking nature, that I received sufficient reasons to promise to relearn, what I had forgotten. It was a sore lesson, but one which I never forgot."

Having been called by God to serve Him in the sanctuary, John soon experienced a great change in his thoughts and feelings. His ardent desire was to become a priest. But how could he ever hope to acquire the education required, for this , exalted station in life. Providence, however, had given him : the vocation for the priesthood, and Providence also would i provide the means for attaining this end. It is related, that when Archbishop Purcell was on his way to Piqua, in order to administer Confirmation, he overtook our John walking in the same direction. The Archbishop on inquiry fouud, that the boy was going to Mass, and invited him to mount and ride withi the priest, accompanying him. The Archbishop soon dis- covered what was the great desire of the boy's heart, and

Bishop John Henry Luers, Continued. 31

encouraged him saying: "Fear not, my son; if God has destined you for the sanctuary, and has given you a vocation, He will in His wisdom provide the means. But you must pray, that God's will may be done." From that moment the boy's desire, to devote himself exclusively to the service of God, became stronger and stronger. General M. D. Morrison one of his companions, afterwards a member of congress in Indiana, relates: "Bishop Luers, when quite a boy with us in Piqua, suddenly stopped playing with the boys, and this being something unusual we often asked, what has become of John Luers ? He never comes around with us any more. The reply given was: Why, he's got hold of some old Latin books, and he is studying them; he is going to be a Catholic priest. The next thing I heard of him was, that he had gone off some- where to school."

St. Francis Xavier's Seminary, in Brown county, Ohio, conducted by the Lazarists, was the only Alma Mater of Bishop Luers. It was Archbishop Purcell, who sent him here as a candidate for the priesthood. Bishop Luers did not possess a quick or brilliant mind, but rather, what is preferable, a pro- found mind. The reports sent, by the superiors of the seminary to the Archbishop, were most satisfactory. He thoroughly mastered the sciences he applied himself to, and in addition he fostered solid piety, and developed an ardent zeal and a generous desire to serve God, for the good of his neighbor. Archbishop Purcell ordained him subdeacon, in the Cathedral at Cincinnati, on All Saints' day, 1846; deacon on the feast of St. Charles Borromeo, and on November 11th, of the same year, in the twenty-seventh year of his age, he was ordained a priest of God. He was the last priest ordained in the old seminary in Brown county, which is now St. Martin's Convent of the Ursuline Nuns.

Archbishop Purcell, much impressed with the evident zeal of the young priest, gave him charge of St. Joseph's Congre- gation, in Cincinnati, which was engaged in the work of the erection of a church, the walls of which were half up, but was paralyzed by a heavy debt. His advent infused new life into the enterprise. It was not long after, when St. Joseph's Church was completed, and all the debt paid off. Father Luers was indefatigable and untiring in his labors, to build up

32 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

the parish. He experienced in his own person, what, as Bishop later on, he often told his priests: "I have somewhere read, that more men rust out than wear out; a piece of mechanism is more apt to get out of repair, when not employed, than when performing its accustomed labor." So convinced was he of the importance of Catholic schools, that a substantial school house soon arose under his inspiration and direction, and it was his custom to visit the schools every day. The Catholic Telegraph, under date of July 6, 1871, has this to say: "Under his active, zealous care, this large church is rapidly finished, and the large debt as rapidly paid. It soon became, under his pastoral guidance, one of the largest and most important German congregations in the city. In labor, Bishop Luers, during the years of his priesthood, was indefatigable. At St. Joseph's he has left a most eloquent testimony to his great worth. Though he parted from the scenes of his labors years ago, his former parishoners treasure, in undimmed remem- brance, his name and good work, and speak of him, as if he were still walking reverent among them. Several, whom he baptized and prepared for their first Communion, are now worthy priests of the dioceses of Cincinnati and Fort Wayne." During twelve years of most successful pastoral labor, Father Luers won the esteem of his Bishop and the love of his people, and it is not surprising, that when the diocese of Fort Wayne was established, he should be made its first Bishop.

Nobody was more surprised than Father Luers himself, when he was informed, that the choice had fallen upon him for episcopal honors and labors. But with characteristic humility and simplicity he bowed his head, exclaiming: "Be- hold, Thy servant, O Lord!" He was consecrated a Bishop in the same cathedral, in which he had been ordained priest, on January 10, 1858. Archbishop Purcell was the consecrating prelate, and the Right Rev. Maurice de St. Palais, Bishop of Vincennes, and the Right Rev. George Aloysius Carroll, Bishop of Covington, were the assisting prelates; Very Rev. E. T. ColHns, V. G., was archdeacon, and the Revs. J. C. Albrinck, of Pomeroy, and C. H. Borgess, of Columbus, afterwards Bishop of Detroit, were the deacon and subdeacon of the Pontifical Mass. The Right Rev. Martin J. Spalding, Bishop of Bards- town, preached the sermon. In the afternoon of the day of

Bishop John Henry Luers, Continued. 33

his consecration, Bishop Luers wa? invited to visit St. Joseph's Church, of which he had been the efficient pastor. We quote again from the CathoHc Telegraph: "The sanctuary was briUiantly illumined, the church thronged to overflowing. A frame work erected in the sanctuary bore, in the midst of light, appropriate texts of Scripture; the choir commenced the proceedings with a hymn. The Rev. Stehle, aided by the Rev. Somers, who were afterwards charged with the care of the congregation, arranged rich offerings appertaining to the episcopal chapel and office, on a credence table, and an address was read to the new Bishop. The little boys and girls of the school, handsomely dressed, the girls in white and wearing bright crowns, the young unmarried men and ladies, the fathers and mothers of families, the officers of religious societies, and all the German Catholics of Cincinnati, through their able representative Father Otto, had a word and a gift for their Right Reverend friend, the delivery of which was interspersed with music from the choir. It was a heart-offering from all present to the merit and virtues of the faithful pastor now leaving them. The Archbishop and the Bishops of Vincennes and Covington, who were in the sanctuary, were deeply affected by this exhibition of an entire people's gratitude and faith." Another witness of these impressive scenes has written: "It was a touching sight to see St. Joseph's congregation on last Sunday afternoon, when the Bishop of Fort Wayne came to say farewell. Not a dry eye could be seen in the crowded edifice, and sobs were frequently heard breaking the solemn stillness of the church. After the exercises were over in the church, the newly consecrated prelate visited the schools, and here, to see and hear the tokens of sorrow every where visible, became perfectly painful ; and it was only after repeated assur- ances, that he would often visit them, could their grief be restrained. Kneeling to receive his blessing, with a thousand wishes for his welfare, the impressive scene closed."

Anxious to enter upon the work, assigned to him by the Holy See in the new diocese of Fort Wayne, he set out for the town of Fort Wayne in a day or two after his consecration. "He arrived towards evening, alone and unannounced, carrying his traveling bag in his hand, at the door of the residence of Very Rev. Father Benoit." What John A. Wilstach, Esquire,

34 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

wrote in his sketch of St. Mary's Church, of Lafayette, in the year 1893, will certainly prove of interest to our readers: 'it would seem that one of the first cares of Bishop Luers, in his new diocese, was to select his episcopal city. This had received a designation in his commission from the Vatican, because Archbishop Purcell, in the multifariousness of his duties, had suggested Fort Wayne, but an application to Rome by Bishop Luers would have immediately produced the change in the designation. Now it so happened, that from his first visit to the Star City of the West, Bishop Luers had desired to write after his name. Bishop of Lafayette. Here he found our beautiful situation, our shining river with its amphitheatre of crowning heights on either side. Here he found a body of educated Catholics willing to make, under his leadership, any sacrifice in his behalf, and here also, he found handsome and beautiful church and school improvements greatly superior to those existing in Fort Wayne. He selected, with an eye which taste and prophecy both guided, the plat of land now occupied by the Lafayette Public Library, and the buildings to the south of it and the Opera House to the east, as the seat of the Cathedral, an episcopal residence, school, convent and hospital. This unsurpassable tract of land, almost in the center of the city, was to be obtained, partly by purchase and partly by gift. The gift was to be from the city, and the project was voted down in the city council by one vote, and that the vote of the member from the first ward. History and tradition have consigned, or should consign, his name to oblivion, and there let it rest."

Bishop Luers found his Cathedral, at Fort Wayne, to be a small frame church in a delapidated condition, and the episcopal residence was a brick structure, erected by Rev. A. Bessonies, who had charge of the parish during the absence of Father Benoit in Louisiana. He also found, that his diocese comprised forty-two counties extending north from the northern boun- daries of Fountain, Montgomery, Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Randolph and Warren counties, a distance of 120 miles, and from the Ohio State Line to the Illinois State Line, a distance of 170 miles. Having appointed Father Benoit his Vicar General, he set out to visit his diocese, and it can be said truthfully, that he was hardly ever to be found at home, in

1483492

Bishop John Henry Luers, Continued. 35

Fort Wayne. He manifested great affection for his priests, encouraging them in their arduous labors, and sharing these labors with them whenever and wherever he could. He travelled the length and breadth of his diocese, over and over again, anxious to be where he might be of service. In all his travels, however, which were both night and day, he always managed to have the opportunity for celebrating Mass. He used to say: "God derives more glory from the celebration of one Mass, than from all the praises of the angels in heaven. Ought not priests to give God that glory no matter at what personal inconvenience ?" It is related of him, that, when knocking at a priest's house for admission at a rather early hour, the window was thrown up, and a voice was heard to

say: "Be off to out of that! Don't you know, that his

reverence is sick, and can't go on sick calls? A pretty time of the day you are calling." The window closed amid a shower of abuse on the unknown Bishop. He quietly walked, valise in hand, to the convent, where he met with a cordial reception.

He said: "There was a man down at Father 's house who

ordered me to rather warm quarters, but I thought it better to come and say Mass." Another quotation from Mr. Wil- stach's production will give us an insight into the Bishop's character and work: "He spared himself no labors official or menial, religious or domestic, of the house or of the field, of the city or of the country. Well is it remembered by those, who were present on one autumn Sunday in St. Mary's church, at Lafayette, how his face and his hands were so bronzed by the labor of the field's harvest work at the orphan farm near Rensselaer, that he hardly passed for white. His hands hung down black over the front of the pulpit (a favorite attitude with him), and his face rose above the purple cape as black as his hands." From all of which we conclude, that Bishop Luers was, in very truth, a pioneer bishop preparing the way for the elegance and comforts of the bishops of later generations. During his administration biennial retreats of the clergy were held at the University of Notre Dame, an accommodation which has ever since been a great advantage to the diocesan clergy. At the conclusion of these spiritual exercises, synods were held to regulate the affairs of the diocese, both as to temporalities and spiritualities. Among other things, the

36 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Bishop checked effectually the pernicious system of over- zealous lay trusteeism.

Bishop Luers was distinguished for his devotion to the Holy See. He had a great desire to visit the Eternal City, and to manifest his loyalty to the Vicar of Christ on earth, in the person of Pius IX. Accordingly he started upon his pil- grimage to Rome, on May 29, 1864, accompanied by the Rev. A. B. Oechtering, leaving the administration of the diocese in the hands of his Vicar General, Father Benoit. On his way he visited Louvain, where he secured four young levites for his diocese. At Rome he was received with great kindness by the Holy Father, and was entrusted with the drawing up of the constitution and rules for the Sisters of the Holy Cross, in America, with a view to having them approved ultimately by the Holy See. Upon his return, he continued his arduous labors for the advancement of every great interest of his diocese. It was he, who adopted a plan for the support of aged and infirm priests, under the title of the Catholic Clerical Benevolent Association of the Diocese of Fort Wayne.

On many an occasion did the earnest Bishop become the public champion and defender of the faith. In their contro- versies with him, tricky controversialists met with a great surprise and an overwhelming and silencing defeat. Having been attacked in the public press because of his attitude in the defence of Catholic Education, he replied in a card, from which we make this extract : " It is with me a matter of sincere regret, that our non-Catholic friends will not understand the Catholic position upon the so-called public school question. We do not object to Protestants sending their children to the public schools, nor to their supporting them by a tax, or in any other way they may deem fit. We have not the slightest intention of interfering with their existence. They may, per- haps, think they are well adapted to the wants of those who patronize them, but Catholic parents, who realize the sacred obligations of preparing their children, not only for this life but for the life to come, prefer to see their children in schools where religious instruction and moral discipline go hand in hand with secular education. Many Catholics regard it a hardship, that they should be taxed to support a school system that they do not and cannot approve; but in Indiana it is the

Bishop John Henry Luers, Concluded. 37

creature of the State Constitution, and until that instrument is changed or amended in this particular, Catholics, as law abiding citizens, must continue to bear their share of the burden, as well as assume their share of the responsibility."

Bishop Luers attended the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore, which assembled on the first Sunday of October, 1866; but he was not present at the Oecumenical Council of the Vatican, convened by Pius IX, having been excused, partly on account of the needs of his own diocese and partly that he might serve neighboring dioceses, in the absence of their bishops. During this time he travelled much, and there is little doubt but that he administered confirmation in every county of three States, and also conferred holy orders in the seminaries. It was not, however, without regret, that he was obliged to absent himself from the \'atican Council, being most anxious to give his homage to the Vicar of Christ, and to record his approval of the Definition of the Dogma of Papal Infallibility.

The end of his life is another evidence of the uncertainty of the hour and place and circumstances, when death may call upon us. On June 29, 1871, he gave Minor Orders to three seminarians and conferred Deaconship on another, in Cleveland. After breakfast, preferring to walk rather than to ride, on his way to the railway station he intended to make a call at the episcopal residence, when, on the corner of Bond and St. Clair streets he fell, having suffered a stroke of apoplexy. Having been carried to the Bishop's house, he received absolution, Extreme Unction and the last Indulgence, and within fifteen or twenty minutes he expired. Clergymen and laymen from both dioceses, escorted the remains from Cleveland to Fort Wayne; even a delegation from the deceased Bishop's old parish, St. Joseph's, at Cincinnati, was present to pay its tribute of love and gratitude. The funeral took place in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on July 4th, and was attended by Archbishop Purcell and the Bishops de St. Palais, O'Hara, Toebbe, .Mc- Closkey and Borgess. Archbishop Purcell preached the sermon, from which we quote a single sentence: "Bishop Luers presided over the diocese of Fort Wayne with marked zeal and abiHty." The remains of the first Bishop of Fort Wayne rest in the Crvpt beneath the sanctuary of the Cathedral.

CHAPTER IV.

THE RIGHT REV. JOSEPH DWENGER, C. PP. S., D. D. THE SECOND BISHOP OF FORT WAYNE.

H. Dwenger and his wife, the parents of Bishop Dwenger, emigrated from Aukum, Hanover, in the diocese of Osna- brueck, to the United States in the spring of 1837. They bought fotty acres of land in Mercer county, Ohio, near the present town of St. John. Having cleared a spot of the huge oak trees, they built a log hut, which became their home. In this humble abode, Joseph, the future Bishop of Fort Wayne, saw the light of day, on September 7, 1837. When in after years the Bishop referred to his birth place, he would say: "I was born between four big oak stumps, in a dense forest of Mercer county, Ohio." There were indeed four and more oak stumps around the log cabin of his birth. On the morning after Joseph's birth, the father hailed a neighbor passing his dwelling, saying to him: "Last night God sent us a little bishop!" The memory of this strange remark after seventy years, still lives with older members of St. John's parish, in Mercer county. What could have induced the father to speak thus to his neighbor? Was it a prophecy!

Joseph was about three years old, when Providence visited the happy family with a severe affliction. The father, whose strong arm protected and supported the mother, Joseph and his two older brothers, was removed from their midst at the call of death. The sorrow-stricken widow was left in destitute and helpless condition. In the hope of finding support for herself and children she went to Cincinnati, and became a member of Holy Trinity parish. When of age Joseph attended the parochial school of Holy Trinity, where, owing to his talents and industry, he made rapid progress in the elementary branches of education.

In the early summer of 1849, we find the widow and her son Joseph again occupying the log cabin in Mercer county. Why she should leave a comfortable home and her two older sons in Cincinnati and with Joseph alone return to the woods

Bishop Joseph Dwenger, Continued. 39

in Mercer county, is an incident in Joseph's life full of signifi- cance, inspired by heaven; as the sequel shows. The cholera of 1849 spared the mother and her son; but in October of the same year both were prostrated on a bed of sickness, and, in the case of the widow, of death also. Rev. Andrew Kunkler, C. PP. S., the pastor of St. John's was called, and he found her at death's door. He administered to her all the helps of religion, and every comfort human consolation can give. But, the poor mother was much troubled. She pointed to the little cot, on which lay her son Joseph sick and unconscious, saying: "I am willing to die, but what will become of my dear Joseph, wheni am no more?" Father Kunkler, ever ready to console and assist the afflicted and needy, promised he would take upon himself the care of the boy. Such are the ways of Provi- dence. Contented and with a smile on her countenance, the widow Dwenger departed this life, on October 25, 1849. Joseph, now an orphan, was not homeless, for Father Kunkler carried him on his arms into the priest's house and cared for him. The boy soon recovered and waxed healthy and strong.

Joseph knew well the desire of his mother, often expressed, to have him become a priest, and could easily perceive that his protector Father Kunkler, would have him become one of the Fathers of the Precious Blood. He considered seriously and prayed earnestly. At last, in 1 854, after five years of probation, he became a member of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood. Shortly after the Provincial, Very Rev. Francis Sales Brunner, sent him to Mount St. Mary's Seminary at Cincinnati, for the study of philosophy and theology; of which Revs. Rosecranz, Quinlan and Barry were the professors. At the seminary Joseph was known as the "Western Ohio student." He made rapid progress in his studies, and being punctual in all matters of discipline, endeared himself to his professors and his superiors, as well as Archbishop Purcell. He received tonsure and minor orders on December 19, 1857. On August 20, 1859, he was ordained subdeacon and on the day following deacon. Priesthood was conferred on him by Archbishop Purcell, on September 4, 1859. Father Dwenger celebrated his first Mass on September 8, 1859, in St. John's Church, not far from the place where he was born.

The Seminary of the Congregation of the Most Precious

40 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Blood, which had been transferred from the diocese of Cleveland to that of Cincinnati, in 1859, was located at Himmelgarten Convent, near St. Henry, Mercer county, Ohio. Father Dwenger was appointed its rector and also filled the office of a professor. This location however of the seminary was neither convenient nor satisfactory. Father Dwenger was empowered by the Society PP. S. to purchase at Carthagena the so-called "Emlen Institution," which for a time had been a manual labor school for colored children, but had been abandoned and was then the property of a John Smith.- With the assistance of Christopher Schunk, Father Dwenger effected the purchase in March, 1861. Mr. Smith was under the impression that he was seUing the property to a Protestant minister. In May, 1861, the building just purchased was remodeled and repaired and the seminary installed here, with Father Dwenger as its rector and professor. Father Dwenger was physically an imposing figure full of vitality and health. He devoted himself to the discharge of his duties with his whole soul, and great and not unfounded were the hopes entertained with regard to him. He was of an impulsive nature and at times would appear too harsh but "after a little harmless explosion of his patience, the next moment all was serene again; he would never harbor any grudge in his heart." In the seminary he was a strict disciplinarian and he would not tolerate a lazy and careless student; whilst the diligent student always found in him a kind father and teacher. He filled the position of rector and professor at the seminary during three years.

In 1864, he was appointed pastor at Wapakoneta and of St. Mary's, Auglaize county, Ohio, having charge at the same time of the parish at Glynnwood. He began the erection of a new church in St. Mary's, in 1866. The parish was small in number and poor; but owing to his intense activity he collected funds near and far, so much so that when the new church was dedicated on November 19, 1867, $12,000 had been collected and the structure was free from every indebtedness. Having been most successful as the rector and a professor of the sem- inary and also as a pastor and a church builder. Father Dwenger was now assigned to the work of giving missions. He was engaged in this work from 1868 to 1872, giving missions in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and in other States. Sometimes he

Bishop Joseph Dwenger, Continued. 41

was accompanied by one priest or' other of the Community, but generally he did the work unassisted. He was successful in his work owing to his great earnestness and popular style of preaching.

Father Dwenger was befriended by Archbishop Purcell, who chose him as his theologian and secretary at the Council of Baltimore, in 1866. The Archbishop frequently had him as a companion on confirmation trips through Mercer and Auglaize counties. On one occasion, while at dinner, one of the Fathers present asked His Grace, whether he could not delegate Rev. Joseph Dwenger to drive out and administer confirmation. The Archbishop answered: "Of course I might, but I am afraid he would impart too severe a blow." Father Dwenger attended the Second Council of Baltimore repre- senting Very Rev. Andrew Kunkler, the Provincial of the C. PP. S. It can be said truthfully that he was a ruling spirit in all the transactions of the Congregation, to which he belonged. The Provincial had the utmost confidence in his prudence and business tact ; so much so that he had Father Dwenger to preside over nearly all the meetings. On the other hand. Father Dwenger was most devoted and attached to his benefactor and was ever ready to do all in his power for the benefit of the Community. It may be mentioned here that when Father Joseph was deliberating whether to accept or decline the mitre he wrote Father Kunkler a most affectionate letter asking him for direction. He concluded the letter with these words: "I shall always remain your Joseph."

The See of Fort Wayne having been made vacant by the death of Bishop Luers, Pope Pius IX appointed Father Dwenger Bishop of Fort Wayne. He was consecrated in the Cathedral of Cincinnati by Archbishop Purcell, assisted by Bishops Toebbe and Borgess, on April 14, 1872. Without any delay the new Bishop repaired to the future scene of his labors, and began by investigating the condition of his diocese. He found the diocese somewhat involved financially, but as we have seen he was not a novice in finances, and in the course of time wiped out the existing indebtedness. On April 28, 1874, Bishop Dwenger addressed a circular to his clergy, from which we quote the first sentence: "Conscious of the awful responsi bilities of my Holy Office, and my own weakness and imper-

L

42 The Diocese of Fort IVayne.

fections, I leave Fort Wayne the 10th of May next, to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, and to the shrines of the Apostles, hoping thereby to obtain some special graces from God for the salvation of my poor soul; to obtain for myself and my diocese the blessing of our venerable and saintly Pontiff, Pius IX, and to obtain other benefits for my diocese." This was the first American pilgrimage to Rome and Lourdes. Should any of our readers enjoy the happy privilege of visiting the Grotto of Lourdes, let them, on entering the magnificent basilica look to the left, and among the many votive offerings with which the wall is covered, they will perceive a beautiful American flag with its red, white and blue and with its stars and stripes, left there by Bishop Dwenger, leader of the pious band of pilgrims, venerating Mary Immaculate at her holy shrine.

What will, among other acts of his, keep the memory of Bishop Dwenger in benediction, is his care of the orphans. The asylum near Rensselaer, for both the boys and the girls, had become inadequate, and the location undesirable. In 1875, Bishop Dwenger purchased fifty acres of land near Lafayette, on which he erected a four story brick building at a cost of about |30,000. This new institution known as the St. Joseph's Asylum and Manual Labor School, is devoted to the care of the orphan boys.

His pastoral and missionary work had convinced Bishop Dwenger of the importance and necessity of a parochial school in every parish. Hence he insisted not only that pastors must provide these schools, but he also established a Diocesan School Board, in 1879, consisting of ten priests, to whom he entrusted the supervision of the parochial schools of the diocese. The members of this Board were obliged to visit and examine all the parochial schools in their respective district, at least once a year, and to report to the Bishop concerning the condition of these schools. The same system has been adopted in many dioceses of the country.

In 1883, Bishop Dwenger on his way to Rome to make his official visit ad limina, again visited Lourdes. At Rome he received deserved recognition, for his labors in the distant American diocese. Surrounded by his clergy and laity and with heartfelt wishes for an administration "ad multos annos,"

Bishop Joseph Dwenger, Continued. 43

Bishop Dwenger celebrated his S.acerdotal Silver Jubilee in 1884. In November and December of the same year the Bishop attended the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, where, among the thirteen Archbishops and seventy Bishops he was the nineteenth in rank^and seniority. In March, 1885, he again visited Rome, this time in the interests of the Council and as the representative of the American Hierarchy. While in Rome he was the guest of the American College, where he spent seven months. During this time the decrees of the Council of Balti- more were presented by him to the Propaganda, and were approved. He was in Rome on the 4th of July, which the American students were anxious to celebrate. However it was thought inadvisable to display the American flag in such close proximity to the Quirinal. At this juncture Bishop Dwenger stept forward, and commanded in a way that could not be misunderstood: "Boys, hoist the American flag!" Instantly the Stars and Stripes were floated on high, and the American students sang: "Hail Columbia." When the Italian government intended to confiscate the American College in Rome, Bishop Dwenger hastened to Washington protesting in his own name and in the name of the American Hierarchy that the College was American property. At the instance of Secretary Blaine the Italian government gave assurance that the College would not be confiscated.

In 1886 the Bishop gave another evidence of his love for the orphans by erecting, on the twenty-five acre lot within the limits of the city of Fort Wayne, a magnificent structure to serve as an asylum for the orphan girls. The Bishop made his fourth and last visit to Rome in 1888, more for the sake of his health, than to transact any important business. Anxious to do still more for Catholic education the Bishop induced the Fathers C. PP. S. to establish what is now known as St. Joseph's College near Rensselaer. The College was opened in September, 1891, but Bishop Dwenger, whose health was declining, was unable to assist at its dedication. The Community of the Precious Blood has redeemed the land where the College now stands, and which was a great swamp, by spending on its improvement and on the construction of the buildings a sum of over |100,000.

While enjoying good health Bishop Dwenger was truly a

44 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

good shepherd of his diocese. He frequently visited all the parishes for confirmation and other episcopal functions. When however his health failed him more and more and became enfeebled by constant exertion he succumbed to a severe attack of heart trouble. His last effort to improve his health was a visit to New Mexico, which visit had little or no effect. Re- turning he resigned himself to what was evidently God's will and prepared for the end, which came after a lingering illness of nearly three years, on January 23, 1893. The funeral obsequies took place on January 26th. The Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Elder. The prelates present in the sanctuary were: Archbishop Katzer of Milwaukee, Bishop Foley of Detroit, Bishop Horstmann of Cleveland, Bishop Janssen of Belleville, Bishop Maes of Covington, Bishop Rade- macher of Nashville, Bishop Richter of Grand Rapids and Bishop Vertin of Marquette. Besides these dignitaries over two hundred priests attended. Members of the C. PP. S., to which the deceased Bishop belonged, present were: The Very Rev. H. Drees, Provincial; Rev. F. Nigsch, Procurator; Revs. Dickmann and Seifert, Consultors, and sixteen other Fathers. Bishop Rademacher delivered the funeral oration, selecting for his text I Macabees, Ch. V, 19-21: "How is the mighty man fallen that saved Israel." The preacher dwelling on the character of the deceased Bishop said: "Bishop Dwenger as all who have had the pleasure of knowing him will admit, was cast by nature in what we may call a grand heroic mould. Physically he was at least in the prime of his vigorous life — a perfect specimen of manhood. His powers of endurance and his capacity for hard work were simply marvelous. Even when by the labors of his long ministry, his powers began to wane, the long sickness which he endured also attested the wonderful strength and vitality of his constitution. In that vigorous body there dwelt a soul, equally vigorous and highly gifted; and we may truly say that his strong constitution, and especially his strong and expressive countenance, were a faithful index to the strong soul that dwelt within and ruled that body. His mind was clear and logical, and he was eminently practical. His memory was prodigious — both faithful and retentive. His will was strong and unbending, when he believed himself in the right, and especially when he defended what he considered

Bishop Joseph Dwenger, Concluded. 45

right and just. As for his heart, -it was true as steel, and noble, world-wide and generous in its sympathies, as Holy Church itself. As for his love of the country it is strange that it should ever have been called in question. As he said him- self, he was born under an oak tree, that is to say, in poverty; but the roots of that oak tree were not struck deeper and more firmly into the soil than the love of his country had struck its roots in the heart of the great Bishop. As for his love of the Church, it amounted simply to loyalty and chivalry. He was indeed in every sense a most devoted son of the Church, and he was a most true and model son of his country."

All that is mortal of Bishop Dwenger rests in the Crypt of the Cathedral, between Bishop Luers and Bishop Rade- macher.

CHAPTER V.

THE RIGHT REV. JOSEPH RADEMACHER, D. D. THE THIRD BISHOP OF FORT WAYNE.

The Right Rev. Joseph Rademacher, the third Bishop of Fort Wayne, was born in Westphaha, Qinton county, Michigan, on December 3, 1840. His parents sent him to the Benedictine College, near Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 1855. Here he made his classical and philosophical studies and also began the study of theology, which latter however he completed in St. Michael's Seminary, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Bishop Luers accepted him for the diocese of Fort Wayne, and ordained him a priest on August 2, 1863.

His first field of labor was Attica and its vicinity, of which place he was made the first resident pastor. He also attended Covington and the entire country East and West, from Odell to the Illinois State Line. He found the church and house devoid of every convenience. The pews in the church were rough boards and store boxes; but he provided an altar, new pews and a little reed organ. The year 1865 became a memor- able year, for in it, for the first time, a first communion class was admitted in the month of May, and at the same time Bishop Luers administered confirmation. It is well known, that the congregation was small and poor, and that Father Rademacher had to submit to many privations and hardships, but he never uttered a word of complaint. In 1870, he was transferred to Columbia City. When, in 1872, the pastorate of St. Mary's church, at Fort Wayne, became vacant, he was appointed to succeed Rev. J. Weutz. He had for his assistant the Rev. Charles Steurer. Having done faithful service here for seven years, he was transferred to St. Mary's Church at Lafayette, in 1880, of which he remained the pastor till June 24, 1883. He was noted lor zeal and prudence, and endearing himself to all, by his gentle and fatherly disposition, he was familiarly known as Father Joseph. "Besides being remark- able for his intellectual, social and religious qualities, Father Rademacher was remarkable also for his devotion to literature,

Bishop Joseph Rademacher, Continued. 47

not only theological but general. He joined to his knowledge of men and of aflFairs a close knowledge of books, and a memory which retained every thing which his mind acquired. A proof of this was furnished the writer one day in a singular manner. The writer had closely examined, only a few hours before, the early history of France. Entering into discourse with Father Rademacher, the conversation turned on this early history, and especially the significance of the battle of Soissonnes, as one of the decisive battles of Europe. As to this significance, the writer was giving his ideas. That was in the year 486, interposed the pastor. Continued the interlocutor, yes, the king of the Franks had no ordinary antagonist. Syagrius, the Roman governor, again interposed the pastor. His interlocutor paused for a moment in wonder, and then put the question: Tell me, pray. Father Rademacher, how did you happen to know so exactly this date and this name? Ah! he responded, I have read the history of those times."

The See of Nashville, Tennessee, having become vacant upon the translation of Bishop Feehan to Chicago, in April, 1883, Father Rademacher was appointed his successor, and was consecrated Bishop of Nashville on June 24th of that same year. His Vicar General and intimate friend, Rev. P. J. Gleeson, in reply to an inquiry, writes: "It gives me pleasure to do anything to honor the memory of Bishop Rademacher. When he took charge the diocese of Nashville wa^ still suffering from the effects of the yellow-fever in Memphis, where so many priests and religious had fallen victims to that dreaded scourge. His humble, hard-working zeal in meeting the peculiar con- ditions that confronted him, his readiness to do missionary work, and help even the humblest in preaching, hearing con- fessions, attending sick-calls, even taking the place of his priests who might be absent on a much needed rest, soon won for the Bishop the affection and the esteem of priests and people. This bond of affection between Bishop Rademacher and the priests and people of his diocese grew and deepened with the years, as his amiable, modest character became known: so that one and all instinctively called him GOOD Bishop Rademacher. The peculiar circumstances following the yellow fever, coupled with the financial conditions then prevailing throughout the country, did not allow his zeal to find expression

48 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

in the erection of church buildings. But his holy life, good example, his kindness to priests laboring in small and scattered missions, his patience and forbearance with all who came in contact with him, have built up a spiritual edifice in which the name of GOOD Bishop Rademacher is enshrined, and which will last as long as the generation that knew him lives. All honor to his memory."

On January 22, 1893, Bishop Dwenger was called to his reward. To the great joy of the clergy and laity of the diocese. Pope Leo XIII, by letters dated July 14, 1893, transferred Bishop Rademacher from Nashville to Fort Wayne. Having endeared himself to all, during his former residence among them, the entire population turned out to give him welcome, when on October 3, 1893, his solemn installation in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne took place. Father Brammer, Administrator of the diocese, addressing the Bishop at the entrance to the Cathedral said, among other things: "Ever since the death of Bishop Dwenger, it has been the earnest wish of every Catholic in this diocese, that you would be made its Bishop. For this reason, and because we love and respect you, our welcome is all the heartier." A most impressive reception took place on the evening of October 4th, but on the day following, the solemn installation and Pontifical Mass was celebrated at 9:30, with Bishop Rademacher as Celebrant, Very Rev. Joseph Brammer assistant priest, Revs. E. P. Walter and E. Koenig deacons of honor. Rev. John R. Quinlan deacon and Rev. C. B. Guendhng subdeacon of the Mass, Rev. W. J. Quinlan, master of ceremonies, and Very Rev. William Corby,

C. S. C, Rev. A. B. Oechtering, chaplains to Archbishop Elder. The Bulls of Pope Leo XI II were read by Rev. J. H. Hueser,

D. D., after which the Archbishop escorted the Bishop to the throne. After this, each priest of the diocese in turn knelt before the Bishop, in token of submission kissing the Bishop's ring. The sermon on this occasion was preached by Bishop Foley of Detroit, whose text was: "You have not chosen me, but I you. Go forth, therefore, into the world, teaching all men in my name, for lo, I am with you even unto the con- summation of the world." The prelates honoring the occasion with their presence were: Archbishop Katzer of Milwaukee, Archbishop Elder of Cincinnati, Bishop Maes of Covington,

Bishop Joseph Rademacher, Continued. 49

Bishop Watterson of Columbus,* Bishop Foley of Detroit, Bishop Horstmann of Cleveland, Bishop McCloskey of Louis- ville, Bishop Richter of Grand Rapids, Bishop Janssen of Belleville, Mgr. Thorpe V. G. of Cleveland, Mgr. Joos V. G. of Detroit and Mgr. Windthorst of Chillicothe, Ohio, the Vicars General Scheidler of Indianapolis and Albrinck of Cincinnati, Rev. G. F. Houck Chancellor of Cleveland, the Provincials Englert, O. F. M., Corby, C. S. C, Drees, C. PP. S. and Very Rev. Patrick Gleeson, Administrator of the diocese of Nashville. After the ceremonies, the clergy attended a banquet served in Library Hall.

For five years, unitl the close of 1898, the diocese of Fort Wayne continued to flourish, under the gentle yet efficient administration of Bishop Rademacher. Most conscientious in the discharge of duty, and realizing fully the great responsibility resting upon him, he did not lose sight of a single important interest of the diocese. The happiness of his priests, and the welfare of the parishes, were uppermost in his mind and heart. It is noteworthy, that often times he had to undergo a severe struggle, when his gentle disposition on the one hand and imperative duty on the other, coming in conflict, demanded a decision. It was then, that Bishop Rademacher experienced more suffering and greater concern, than those immediately concerned.

Churches multiplied, church properties improved, schools increased in number, and the work of education progressed most satisfactorily. He never failed to be present where his presence was required, and everywhere, all over the diocese, his influence for good was felt. It is to be regretted, that a beneficent administration like his was cut short, when human expectations were highest. 1 1 is needless, and altogether painful to record the circumstances under which the poor Bishop spent the last year of his life. The daily press at the time had this to say substantially on January 18, 1900: The Bishop's illness dates back something over a year. On returning from a visit at South Bend, the Bishop appeared worn and ill, and in a short time it became apparent, that he was bordering on a state of mental collapse. The physical break down followed, and within a few months, the once robust frame of the Bishop was but a sad reminder of the past. The patient was removed

50 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

to St. Joseph's Hospital, at Fort Wayne, where he remained for several months; after which he was taken to Chicago, and placed under the care of a specialist, for four months, at St. Elizabeth's hospital. When it was found that he was incurable, he was removed to Fort Wayne. It was on January 12th, at 11:25 A. M., when Bishop Rademacher yielded up his spirit to his Creator. The news of his death was received with universal sadness, for the good Bishop had been well beloved by his people and esteemed and respected by all. The solemn funeral services took place on January 16th, and were participated in, by not only the clergy of the diocese, but also by the clergy from other parts, swelling the number of priests in attendance to fully three hundred. The church dignitaries, who by their presence gave testimony of their esteem for the deceased Bishop were: Archbishop Elder of Cincinnati, Archbishop Katzer of Milwaukee, Bishop Byrne of Nashville, Bishop Chatard of Indianapolis, Bishop Foley of Detroit, Bishop Horstmann of Cleveland, Bishop Janssen of Belleville, Bishop Maes of Covington, Bishop Richter of Grand Rapids, Bishop Scannell of Omaha, Archabbot Leander Schnerr, O. S. B., Abbot Edmund Obrecht, O. C. R., Abbot Athanasius Schmidt, O. S. B., Very Rev. M. J. Marseile, C. S. V., Very Rev. John B. Murray, President Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Very Rev. Joseph Rainer, President St. Francis' Seminary, Very Rev. F. J. Baum- gartner, V. G., Very Rev. D. O'Donaghue, V. G. After the recitation of the Office for the dead, by the assembled clergy at nine o'clock, the Pontifical Mass of Requiem was celebrated vv'ith Archbishop Elder as celebrant, Very Rev, John H. Guend- ling as Assistant Priest, Rev. John Bleckmann Deacon, Rev. John H, Bathe Subdeacon of the Mass, Rev. A. J. Morrissey and Rev. J. F. Delaney Deacons of Honor, Rev, W. J. Quinlan, Rev. C. B. Guendling and Rev. John Durham Masters of Ceremonies, Rev. P. J. O'Reilley and Rev. F. X. Labonte Acolytes, Rev. John F. Noll Book-bearer, Rev. P. J. Crawley Candle-bearer, Rev. A. E. Lafontaine Mitre-bearer, Rev. T. Mungovan Censer-bearer and Rev. J. C. Keller the Gremiale. The sermon was preached by Bishop Horstmann of Cleveland, an intimate friend of the deceased. His text was: "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit doth rejoice in God, my Saviour. He that is mighty hath done great things in me and

Bishop Joseph Rademacher, Continued. 51

holy is His name. And His mercy is from generation to gener- ation to them that fear Him. He hath received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy." — Luke I. The sermon was a thoughtful tribute to the memory of the dead Bishop, and an earnest request for the prayers of the faithful, especially of those who had been benefited by the life and labor of the third Bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne.

After the solemn absolution the remains were enclosed in a vault beneath the sanctuary of the Cathedral.

The following touching tribute is quoted as characteristic: "Bishop Rademacher, when a priest, was sent to the little parish at Attica after his ordination, and also served the small missions Covington and Marshfield near by. The Covington church was the result of his personal work among the people, and in no less degree of his own sacrifices, for the Catholics thereabouts had little to give. The congregation was very small, and, much as they loved him for his humility and self sacrifice, they could not requite him properly in a money way. Whenever he announced that his salary was due, he would add, in almost the same breath, that if they needed this money for the necessaries of life not to worry about him he would try to get along as best he could. When he met with the poor he gave his last penny. One day a man came to him and said he was a painter, and if he only had a few dollars he could buy paint and brushes and thus get a job and escape starvation. Father Joseph had only two dollars which he handed the man, and, seeing that he was in need of a coat, gave him one of the two in his possession. Next day he found out that the man was a vagrant by choice and had imposed upon him. But Father Joseph was so honest and pure minded, said the witness of this scene, that he could not think otherwise of any man.

"At the time Father Joseph was in Attica, the section boss of the Wabash railroad invited the priest to a Christmas dinner, and both the host and hostess observed, that their guest kept trying to hide his shoes, or they thought he did so. Watching him more closely the hostess noticed, that he had hardly any shoes at all on his feet. She said to her husband: They are only pieces and scraps of shoes tied and sewed to- gether. Before the Father's departure his host gave him ten dollars, on condition that he should spend it on himself for

52 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

necessary clothing. They learned later, that he had given nearly all of his little store of clothing to a poor family, in which there were many children, and he thought their need was greater than his. Orphans, by the way, were his particular weakness, and long after his elevation to the Bishop's throne, he went among them with the simpHcity of a parish priest.

"He was a man of exquisite courtesy, so studiously careful of the feelings of others, that he made it the matter of conscience as important as his religious duties. No matter how much work he had to do, or how worried he was, he never was ill- humored. His people always rejoiced when they met him, or he came to their homes, for he was ever cheerful and had a wonderful smile for everyone. And he never wanted anyone to bother or worry about him.

"What an epitaph for this prince of the church, whose tremendous activities were graced by so much simple gentleness."

CHAPTER VI.

THE RIGHT REV. HERMAN JOSEPH ALERDING, D. D. THE FOURTH BISHOP OF FORT WAYNE.

The present Bishop of Fort Wayne was born in WestphaUa, on April 13, 1845. During his infancy, the family emigrated to America, and made their home in Newport, Kentucky. He attended the parochial schools of Corpus Christi Church. All the children of the parish, boys and girls, numbering about one hundred and fifty, were taught in one room, by one teacher. Scenes such as transpired there are wholly foreign to the present time. The education was in every respect strenuous. From his earliest boyhood days, he felt an inclination and a desire to become a priest. Encouraged by the Rev. John Voll, pastor of Corpus Christi Church, he received his first lessons in Latin from this zealous priest. He was sent to the diocesan seminary in Vincennes, Indiana, from 1858 till 1859. Bishop Carroll was unable to accept him, as a student for the diocese of Cov- ington, and application having been made to Bishop de St. Palais, of Vincennes, he was adopted by that prelate for the diocese of Vincennes. The second year of his studies was spent in the old St. Thomas' Seminary, near Bardstown, Kentucky. In the fall of 1860, he was sent to St. Meinrad's College and Seminary in Spencer county, Indiana, which institution was conducted by Benedictine Fathers, who had come to this country from Einsiedlen, Switzerland. Here he finished his studies, and received the Holy Orders from Bishop de St. Palais; Tonsure and Minor Orders on September 18, 1865, Subdeaconship on June 18, 1867, Deaconship on June 21st of the same year, and Priesthood on September 22, 1868.

His first appointment was that of assistant to the Rev. John B. Chasse at St. Joseph's Church, in Terre Haute, where he remained until October 18, 1871. While here, he had charge also of the missions Rockville and Montezuma, and the station Rosedale in Parke county, and of the mission Sullivan and the station Farmersburg, in Sullivan county. On October 18, 1871, he was removed to Cambridge City, where he was the

54 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

pastor of St. Elisabeth's Church, till August, 1874. Here he found a demoralized congregation, which had been interdicted for some six months, and was financially involved. After a time the debt was paid, but the location of the church was most objectionable. The following paper, by Bishop de St. Palais, will explain the condition of things, satisfactorily: "in consideration of the circumstances, in which the congregation of Cambridge City is placed, and of the many sacrifices the members of said congregation, though small in number, have made to build up their church, and that, notwithstanding all their efforts to do so, they now, after years of struggle, find the same hemmed in on all sides by the newly constructed railroads, in such a manner, that divine service is thereby frequently disturbed, and consequently the necessity, of pro- curing a more suitable location for the House of God, is appar- ent; I, therefore, not only authorize the pastor of said congre- gation, the Rev. H. Alerding, to collect funds for this purpose, but 1 also herewith strongly recommend the Reverend Gentle- man to the generous and charitable sympathies of all, on whom he may call for the furtherance of his laudable undertaking. — Given at Vincennes under my seal and signature, July 14, 1873. — Maurice de St. Palais, Bishop of Vincennes." The generous support given Father Alerding enabled him, as already stated, to liquidate the indeBtedness on the church property, and also to purchase a new site for a new church. While pastor at Cambridge City, he had charge also of the stations Knightstown and New Castle in Henry county and Hagerstown in Wayne county. The churches at Knightstown and New Castle were built by him and wholly paid for. It was during his pastorate, that Bishop de St. Palais visited all these places, and admin- istered Confirmation.

In 1873, the Rev. Joseph Petit had organized St. Joseph's Congregation, at Indianapolis, having erected a two story building on East Vermont street, which was to be church, school and pastoral residence. Father Petit resigned in 1874. Bishop de St. Palais built a roomy three story addition, to the structure erected by Father Petit, and made it St. Joseph's Seminary. It was at thi^ juncture, in the summer of 1874, that Father Alerding was transferred to Indianapolis, and appointed to the position of procurator for the Seminary, and

Bishop Herman Joseph Alerding, Continued. 55

pastor for the congregation, which continued to have regular services in the Seminary chapel. The Seminary continued for one year, and was then abandoned. Immediately upon the advent of Bishop Chatard to the diocese. Father Alerding was directed to build a new church in some other quarter, in order that the Bishop might use the old building as a hospital. A site was bought on the corner of North and Noble streets for $5,500, on which the present St. Joseph's Church was erected and was dedicated, on July 4, 1880. The church cost |25,000. A priest's house soon followed at the moderate cost of $2,500. At the instigation of the pastor, the Sisters of Providence erected the St. Joseph's Academy, south of the church. Later, a building, 100x50 feet, with four large school rooms on the first floor and the entire second floor for a hall, was erected. At the close of Father Alerding's pastorate a debt, not at all burdensome, remained upon the valuable church property.

A red letter day in the history of St. Joseph's Church was September 22, 1893, when the congregation celebrated the Silver Jubilee of its organization, and the pastor the Silver Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. It was a day of joy and still lives in the memory of Father Alerding and his friends.

In 1883, Father Alerding published "A History of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Vincennes." In the preface Bishop Chatard says: "It seems to me we all, of this diocese of Vincennes, owe a debt of gratitude to Rev. H. Alerding, on his successful completion of this history of the beginning of the Faith in our midst. It is to be regretted that not all corresponded to his request for information, owing, perhaps to want of information or documentary statements, or to press of occupation. As far as it goes, he has presented us a recital having the vividness of actual experience, and the reliability of an extract of records. The book is also a monument to his in- dustry and untiring patience, in the midst of financial and parochial work, which might well have excused him from such an undertaking."

The See of Fort Wayne becoming vacant upon the death of Bishop Rademacher, little did Father Alerding or his friends, or the diocesans of Fort Wayne dream that he would be the Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne. Yet " BY THE

56 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

GRACE OF GOD AND THE FAVOR OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE" such was the case. The Bulls of appointment bearing the date of August 30, 1900, were placed in the hands of the Bishop-elect on September 27th, and the consecration took place on November 30th, of the same year. The consecration took place in the Cathedral, at Fort Wayne: Archbishop Elder of Cincinnati was the consecrator and Bishop O'Donaghue Auxiliary of Indianapolis and Bishop Moeller of Columbus, were the Assistant Bishops. Chaplains to Archbishop Elder were Revs. J. H. Oechtering, P. F. Roche and E. J. Wrobel. Chaplains to Bishop O'Donaghue, Revs. D. J. Mulcahy and William Schmidt. Chaplains to Bishop Moeller, Revs. John R. Dinnen and H. M. Plaster. Chaplains to the Bishop-elect, Revs. A. Morrissey, C. S. C. and John Bleckmann. The other prelates present were. Bishop McCloskey, of Louisville; Bishop Chatard, of Indianapolis, chaplain Rev. A. J. Kroeger; Bishop Richter, of Grand Rapids, chaplain Rev. H. F. Jos. Kroll; Bishop Maes, of Covington, chaplain Rev. R. Wurth, O. F. M.; Bishop Foley, of Detroit, chaplain Rev. A. B. Oechtering; Bishop Horstmann, of Cleveland, chaplain Rev. F. Nigsch, C. PP. S.; Bishop Byrne, of Nashville, chaplain Rev. M. J. Byrne. The priests taking- part in the solemn ceremony were :- Rev. G. Horstmann, cross-bearer; Rev. T. Mungovan, book- bearer; Rev. J. Schmitz, mitre-bearer; Rev. J. Walsh, gremiale; Rev. J. Tremmel, censer-bearer; Revs. F. X. Labonte and J. F. Noll, acolythes; Very Rev. J. H. Guendling, assistant priest; Revs. H. T. Wilken and J. F. Delaney, deacons of honor; Rev. H. Boeckelmann, deacon, and Rev. John R. Quinlan, sub- deacon of the Mass; Revs. W. J. Quinlan, J. P. Durham, A. E. Lafontaine and P. J. O'Reilley, masters of ceremonies; Revs. L. A. Moench and B. Boebner, C. PP. S., chanters, and Rev. J. H. Bathe, notary. The preacher on the occasion was the Rev. Joseph Chartrand, private secretary to Bishop Chatard. The following was Bishop Alerding's first pastoral letter:

"Herman Joseph, by the Grace of God and Favor of THE Apostolic See, Bishop of Fort Wayne.

"To the Clergy and Laity of his diocese, greeting:- ■

"On this feast of St. Andrew, the thirtieth day of Novem- ber, in the year of Our Lord, 1900, the day of my consecration

Bishop Herman Joseph Alerding, Coniinued. 57

and elevation to the burden of the episcopate (Onus Episco- patus), I hasten to send you a word of greeting. You, the clergy, disinterested, self-sacrificing, zealous laborers in the Lord's vineyard, have done great and enduring deeds for God's glory and the salvation of souls. God's grace has been bountiful and your co-operation most generous. These premises given, the same glorious results are brought about at all times and in all places, as also in the diocese of Fort Wayne. The leadership of my predecessors in this favorite see, the Right Rev. John Henry Luers, the Right Rev. Joseph Dwenger, the Right Rev. Joseph Rademacher — not omitting the administration of Right Rev. Mgr. Julian Benoit, Very Rev. Joseph H. Brammer and Very Rev. John H. Guendling — has pointed you upward and onward. Lofty generalship has been at the head of the devoted priests of this diocese, and what wonder, if the diocese of Fort Wayne, throughout its length and breadth, is well established and well ordered.

"To you, the laity, whole-souled and devoted to your spiritual guides, shall be given merited recognition. The result of your generous devotedness to holy religion is apparent everywhere, throughout the diocese. You have furnished the means to erect the numerous and magnificent churches, evi- dences of a faith truly active; for, none but a practically Catholic head and heart will contribute generously, when the great cause demands it.

"The diocese may be quoted as an example worthy of emulation in the great work of Catholic education. Priests and people are a unit in the establishing, the upholding and the regulating of the schools. A prosperous school means a pros- perous parish, a poor shcool means a poor parish; no Catholic school means — 1 will not say — means no parish, but your imagination may picture the dreary condition and unpromising future of such a parish.

"And, again, the different religious communities of men and women, laboring in charities of various kinds, dotting the diocese throughout with the evidences of prosperity and bound- less zeal — aye — and that institution of institutions, upon which the fire-fiend laid his heavy hand not less than four times in the current year, without causing this bulwark of faith and morals to waver even for a moment, in its great battles for

58 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

science and religion — the University of Notre Dame. What a splendid record for the diocese of Fort Wayne.

"Consecrated Chief Pastor of this diocese at the close of the ecclesiastical year 1900, and at the close, too, of the eccles- iastical nineteenth century; and looking back over all that has been accomplished in this diocese— so briefly enumerated and so imperfectly withal — need I tell you that my soul is all aglow with joy, trembling with gratitude to God.

"But, dear brethren of the clergy, beloved children of the laity, what of the future, what of the twentieth century? Well, what of it? The clergy will continue to labor in the twentieth as they did in the nineteenth century; the laity will second the efforts of their priests in the twentieth as they did in the nine- teenth century. The new Bishop has been sent by the Pope, the same as his three predecessors had been sent by the Pope. The Holy Ghost rules the Church today, and will do so till the end of time, the same as He has done from the beginning. Let us be convinced, that the new century has even greater things in store for the church than the glorious acquisitions bestowed in the nineteenth century.

"Profoundly grateful to God for all His blessings upon our beloved diocese, let us beg Him to continue His vigilant care over us in the future. May the Holy Ghost descend upon your humble servant, enlighten his intellect that he may under- stand his duties, strengthen his will, that he may firmly adhere to what is right and just.

"May the blessing of Almighty God, of the Father ,and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, descend upon you, and remain always." — The letter was dated at Fort Wayne, Indiana, November 30, 1900.

Bishop Alerding at once began to visit the various churches of his diocese, and has made it a rule to visit all of them at least once every three years.

On September 30, 1903, he promulgated a Synod to be held on November 11th of the same year, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. The Synod was held and consisted of two sessions one in the forenoon, and one in the afternoon. The Statutes were officially published on March 19, 1904, and from that date were in full force. Among other things a new deanery was estabUshed, so that at present the diocese has six deaneries:

Bishop Herman Joseph Alerding, Concluded. 59

Fort Wayne, South Bend, Hammond, Logansport, Lafayette and Muncie. Heretofore each deanery was made to consist of certain parishes, but since the Synod each deanery consists of certain counties.

Bishop Alerding was absent from his diocese from Septem- ber 7 to November 15, 1905, to comply with his obligation of the "visitatio ad limina Apostolorum." The clergy made use of the occasion of his departure, as an opportunity to present to their Bishop an address, replete with good wishes and heartfelt prayers for his safe journey to Rome, and a safe return. Along with the address a generous purse, by the priests, was presented. His return on November 15th was greeted with unusual demonstration of joy by the people. The Cathe- dral was packed, the long entrance to it left no passage way, and Calhoun street was crowded the entire length of the Cathe- dral Square. Amid the ringing of bells and a grand exhibition of fireworks, thousands of people stood in the rain, to bid the Bishop welcome home with deafning cheers. Mr. W. J. Breen delivered an address of welcome, at the Cathedral entrance. Having reached the sanctuary the Bishop addressed the vast audience. From this address we quote one paragraph : "When I knelt at the feet of the Supreme Pastor of the whole Church it seemed as if knelt there, every man, woman and child of the diocese of Fort Wayne. When I visited the great St. Peter's Cathedral, impressed with its vast proportions, I fancied I saw in the great sanctuary Pius the Tenth, in the full splendor of grandest church ceremonial, and kneeling there with me my eighty thousand and more diocesan children. Indeed the great Cathedral could accommodate them all."

Bishop Alerding brought with him from Rome a large number of relics, to receive which, and to expose them for the veneration of the faithful, a place was prepared beneath the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral.

CHAPTER VII.

DOMESTIC PRELATES OF HIS HOLINESS.

1. THE RIGHT REV. MGR. JULIAN BENOIT, V. G.

He was born in Septmoncel, a village in the great Jura mountain range, France, on October 17, 1808. He began his theological studies at the age of seventeen, and having com- pleted these studies, he was ordained subdeacon and deacon, not having attained the required age for priesthood. He was so impressed with Bishop Brute's sanctity and learning, that he emigrated to America, on June 1, 1836. He was ordained priest, by Bishop Brute, at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Balti- more, on St. Mark's day, 1837. His first appointment was at Leopold, near Evansville, Indiana. He was next sent to Rome, on the Ohio river, and then went to Chicago; from which place he also attended Lockport, Joliet and several other towns along the canal. After one year he returned to Leopold, spending there three and one-half years in hard missionary labor. During his stay at Leopold, he received a salary of $63.00.

He was next sent to Fort Wayne, where he arrived on April 16, 1840. During the first six months, in Fort Wayne, he boarded with Francis Comparet. The church, at that time, was a frame structure rudely built, not plastered, 35x65 feet, with a few rough boards for benches. Father Benoit soon secured all the ground, known as Cathedral Square, and paid for it. His missionary field of labor comprised Lagro, Hunting- ton, Columbia City, Warsaw, Goshen, Avilla, New France, New Haven, Besancon, Hesse Cassel and Decatur. With the exception of a few canal towns, these visits had all to be made on horseback. During sickly seasons Father Benoit underwent incredible hardships, on account of sick-calls as far as Muncie, Indiana, and Defiance, Ohio. In 1845, he brought three Sisters of Providence to Fort Wayne, where he gave them a house completely furnished, and, towards enlarging the building, he contributed $5,000, in 1883. He built the present brick

i

Domestic Prelates, Continued. 61

structure, on the corner of Jefferson and Clinton streets, for a school for boys. He also erected the first episcopal residence, the present clergy house, on Clinton street, at a cost of $16,000, mostly from his personal resources.

Father Benoit visited New Orleans in 1853 and in 1860, soliciting funds for the building of the Fort Wayne Cathedral. In the autumn of 1861, the Cathedral was dedicated, having cost, including furniture, about $60,000. Father Benoit visited Europe in 1841, in 1865, remaining there about thirteen months; and in 1874, as a member of the first American pil- grimage, remaining from May till September, These visits were made principally in the interests of the diocese of Fort Wayne. Many honors were bestowed on Father Benoit. He was made Vicar General of the diocese of Vincennes, in 1852, and of Fort Wayne, in 1858. During Bishop Luers' visit to Europe, in 1865, Father Benoit was Admiinistrator of the diocese. At the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore, in 1866, he was the theologian of Bishop Luers. After the death of Bishop Luers, he was again Administrator of the diocese, from June, 1871, to April, 1872. He attended the four Provincial Councils, at Cincinnati, as theologian to the Bishop. In 1883, he was again Administrator of the diocese, during Bishop Dwenger's absence in Rome. A Papal Brief of Leo XI II, bearing date of June 12, 1883, conferred upon Father Benoit the honors and title of Domestic Prelate of His Holiness. The investiture took place in the Cathedral, on August 16th, of the same year.

Father Benoit's interest in, and labors among, the Indians remains to be recorded. Remnants of the old Fort Wayne and the Council House of the Miami Indians, on East Main street, still stood when Father Benoit came. He proved a true friend and protector of the poor Indians, in their trans- actions with the United States government, and the post- traders. In 1848, the Indians received orders from the govern- ment to leave their reservations about Fort Wayne, and go to the territory assigned them in Kansas. They numbered about 800, and were led by Chief Lafontaine, whom, together with his wife and children, Father Benoit had received into the Church. The Indians, however, refused to leave, unless Father Benoit would go with them. The government sent on some

62 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

troops, and the captain, calling on Father Benoit, begged of him to lead the Indians away peaceably. Upon these repre- sentations Father Benoit secured the services of Father Neyron, the only survivor of the band of twenty-two priests, that came to Indiana with him, and started on his tour, to please the Indians and prevent bloodshed. The tribe started overland, in the summer of 1849, and Father Benoit went by canal boat to Cincinnati, thence over the Ohio and Mississippi to St. Louis, where he took the stage for the present Kansas City. He finally reached the reservation, marked out for the Indians by the government, and remained in the encampment with his beloved children of the forest, about two weeks. He returned home by stage the entire route, travelling nine days and nights in one continuous trip. Out of six persons in the group, he was the only one to endure the hardships of the trip in one continuous journey.

Father Benoit's health began to fail, and when Bishop Dwenger returned from the Baltimore Council, in 1884, he found him complaining of a severe pain in his throat. Three leading physicians were called in, and pronounced his ailment to be cancer of the throat. Father Benoit recognized, that his remaining days on earth were few, and, with characteristic resignation, he remarked: "If Providence desires to take me by the throat, then God's will be done." An altar was erected in his room, and on Sunday morning, January 11, 1885, he offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, for the last time. He sufl'ered intensely, but he bore all in calm resignation to God's will. On Monday evening, January 26, 1885, having received all the consolations of religion, the heroic soul of the apostolic Father Benoit passed away. His remains rest in the Crypt of the Cathedral.

2. THE RIGHT REV. MGR. JOHN H. OECHTERING, V. G.

He was born December 23, 1845, at Lingen, Hanover, Germany, a son of Clement and Mary (Grotemeier) Oechtering. He attended the schools of his native city until twelve years of age, after which he spent two years at the Gymnasium, a school for the higher branches of literature and science, in the same

Domestic Prelates, Concluded. 63

city of Lingen. In 1858, he was sent to college in Munster and remained seven years, after which he spent two years at the University in the same city. In 1867, he entered the American College of Louvain, Belgium, as a candidate for the priesthood. He was ordained for the diocese of Fort Wayne, by the Co-adjutor Archbishop of MaHnes, May 21, 1869. Mgr. Oechtering came to America the same year, and was assigned to Elkhart, residing, however, at Mishawaka. He had charge of Elkhart one year, when he was transferred to St. Joseph's Church at Laporte, where he remained ten years. As pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Laporte he also attended Otis. On July 14, 1880, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church, Fort Wayne. For an account of Mgr. Oechtering's pastoral labors the reader is referred to the history of St. Joseph's Church, at Laporte, of Otis, and of St. Mary's Church at Fort Wayne. In 1888, he was named irremovable rector of the same church by Bishop Dwenger; in 1903, Vicar General of the diocese of Fort Wayne by Bishop Alerding; and in 1905, Domestic Prelate of His Holiness, Pope Pius X. Mgr. Oechtering is a ripe scholar: noted for several treatises of merit on Capital and Labor, Socialism, not to omit a number of dramas much admired for their original conception and classical fmish. The titles of these dramas are: Hermenegild, William Tell, and King Saul; a comedy: The Living Statue, and a farce: the Discovery of America. His Catechism of Church History for the higher grades of Catholic schools is doing good service to religion and bids fair, when better known, to be introduced in schools everywhere. Mgr. Oechtering is the Judge of the Matrimonial Court, Moderator of the Fort Wayne Deanery, Synodal Exam- iner and President of the School Board.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE CLERGY, DIOCESAN AND REGULAR.

The list of names given in this chapter presents, in alpha- betical order, the names of priests, who have performed pas- toral functions in this diocese, from about 1669, till the present time: covering a period of fully two and one-third centuries. The diocesan clergy is numerically the strongest, but there are also many members of the C. S. C, the C. PP. S., the O. F. M., the O. S. B., and the S. J. A considerable number of these, both diocesan and regular, were transient only, but their names must not be omitted from the role of honor though, in a number of cases, the names could not be traced beyond a mere mention ; and these will be found, in their order, in the index for reference.

For obvious reasons, these biographical sketches are brief. What is beyond the full name, the place and time of birth, the studies, the ordinations, the various appointments, and some incidents of a personal nature, must be looked for under the heads of parishes, to which they were assigned. Some estimate of the character and labors of deceased priests has been attempted, but with regard to priests, still Hving, the facts are simply stated without comment. God alone can judge and weigh the life of a priest, in the many details of multi- farious duties, at the altar, in the pulpit, in the confessional, in the baptistry, at the bedside of the dying, in the school, in mani- fold spiritual ministrations in the church, in his own house, in the homes of his parishoners ; not to mention the most arduous task of regulating the finances of the church property, with all that this duty implies, of collecting and administering the offer- ings of the faithful, in the interests of the parish.

We have before us three letters of the Rev. Stephen Theodore Badin, addressed to the "Right Rev. Doctor Purcell, Athenseum, Cincinnati." They illustrate forcibly the labors incident to a pastoral and missionary life, and coming from the first priest ordained in the United States, will serve as intro- ductory to the biographies here presented.

The Clergy, Continued. 65

"Feb. 15, 183"4, Fort Wayne Inda.

"Two months have elapsed since I left the Indian Village, having been detained here by various causes, bad weather, the infirmities of old age, pastoral avocations, and the various affairs incident to the building of a chapel at this place, pro- curing a piece of land for the honor of God etc. Meanwhile I have been informed that there is a number of Catholics towards the N. W. corner of your diocese, destitute of the benefits of the Church, and assailed by Methodist and Baptist preachers. 1 am apprehensive that they are very ignorant etc, and conse- quently much exposed to be perverted. There is a Baptist mission for the Ottawa Indians in the same parts, wherein they have enticed some Catholics.

"1 avail myself of the present opportunity, to enclose |10 for four subscriptions to the Catholic Telegraph, namely Francis Comparet, Esq. Fort Wayne — Messrs. Aughinbaugh and Dubois, Fort Wayne, Inda., Mrs. Coquillard, South Bend, St. Joseph Cty., Inda., and Mr. D. Burr, P. M., Treaty Ground, Wabash Cty., Inda. Mr. Burr is pursuaded in his mind of the Catholic truths, and I hope that he will become a member and a benefactor of the Church."

Father Badin quotes from the letter of one of the two "Charity Sisters" in the Indian Village on the St. Joseph river: "My dear Father, I am quite glad to inform you that we are so happy that we would not exchange our station for anything. Eliza Jackson."

This first letter is signed: S. T. Badin, V. G. of Bardst. "May 10, 1834, South Bend, St. Joseph Cty., Inda.

" Your favor of Feb. 25, was received a few days ago, owing to my various excursions and to the known neglect of post- masters. 1 sincerely condole with you on the embarrassments in which you have found your Diocese * * * But we must consider that nothing happens without the Divine permission, be resigned, bear patiently all afflictions (which are not rare in the holy ministry) and apply by humble, fervent and repeated prayers to the sovereign pastor of souls, who can alone supply our wants. In my little sphere I meet with difficulties little expected: I will not expatiate on this topic; but would beg your advice, if we could have this summer a confidential inter- view A. M. D. G. I must soon go to Fort Wayne, thence visit

66 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

the forks of the Wabash, where many Irish and German Cath- oHcs have been expecting me, who are employed in digging a canal, and are desirous of building a chapel. Thence I should go to Logansport eighty or ninety miles west of Fort Wayne. I am besides engaged in making a new establishment near this place for an orphan house, and I must begin with erecting a chapel. You may perceive that at the age of 66 I have a suificient share of toils. I would wish rather to enjoy solitude and retirement, in order to prepare for my fast approaching dissolution. * * * It is true, we have books enough to defend our holy religion, but they are not, or but little read by the generality of men, whereas a public, authoritative declara- tion of the American Bishops, which would be inserted in many American papers, would excite attention. * * *"

This second letter is signed: Stephen Theod. Badin. "September 23, 1834, Huntington (Town) Huntington Cty. Inda.

"The date of this letter reminds me that this day 42 years ago, the 1st Bishop of Baltimore ordained the first sub-deacon of his Diocese, and gave the tonsure and minor orders to 3 or 4 ordinandi. — Time has brought many changes and ameliora- tions, or rather the Divine Pastor has given an incalculable increase to the sheep and lambs. There were then about 30 priests in the U. S. * * * My intention, when I left home 12 days ago, was to answer the honor of your invitation. But first, we have many sick people along the canal lines. Second, when 1 am in Logansport at the mouth of Eel river (into the Wabash) the shortest road to Louisville, where my own affairs call me, will be by Indianapolis. Third, I have been informed by the CathoHc Herald that the consecration of the excellent Bishop of Vincennes is to take place on the first Sunday of October in Bardstown, where most probably I will have the opportunity of seeing you. In fine I may return by Cincinnati- for I have not money for traveling expenses.

"In consequence of more than one considerable wrong done me I am reduced to distress, am in debt, received no salary, and withal have spent considerable sums to establish the Church in these backwoods. I speak not of labors, privations. My trust is in Divine Providence, which fails not. * * *

"To serve you it would be gratifying to me to extend my

The Clergy, Continued. 67

labors to the N. W. of your diocese, but the above date of my ordination has already informed you that I am more than 66 years of age, and considering that 1 do ride almost incessantly to attend 5 congregations on three lines of about 80 miles each, it would prove a deception and a presumption to attempt more than I do at present. Indeed I am compelled from debility to use many precautions, which I disregarded in former periods of life.

"It may happen that Divine providence will not permit me to see the Angel of Vincennes. I had intended to write to congratulate him and his Diocese on his promotion, which has filled me with consolations; but having been made uncertain of the place and time where and when he was to be consecrated, and being often destitute either of time or even of conveniences in the miserable, crowded cabins where I must lodge in traveling, feeling also frequent fatigues, I have not yet satisfied my heart in presenting him my best respects, and in assuring him in my readiness to cooperate with and assist him in his exertions to establish and extend the kingdom of God in his new Diocese; wherefor I beg of you the favor to communicate these lines to him."

Having mentioned the Irish, the Canadians and the French, Father Badin continues: "As to the Indians, the greater num- ber of them being Christians, are on the boarders of Michigan, under the direction of the excellent priest, Mons. de Seille. He made this summer two excursions among the Pottawot- tamies of Tippecanoe river and baptised 76 of them the first Sunday of May, and 60 more the first Sunday of this month. The Pottawottamies of Michigan have sold all their land, and must emigrate within two years, but those of Tippecanoe have retained their Reserves of land, and may form a Catholic mission in the Diocese of Vincennes. The Indians are our best congre- gations.— Town lots have been procured in five or six different places, viz. South Bend (one and a half miles from my estab- lishment on St. Joseph river), Fort Wayne, Huntington, Wabash and Logansport. Three years ago I obtained also of Judge Hood two acres in the town of Peru, and prevailed on him to make his offer to Bishop Flaget; but as he did not answer the polite letter, and lots have become very valuable at Peru, there will perhaps be a demur. I caused the lot of Huntington to

68 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

be deeded to Bishop Flaget — but the donor of eleven acres in Wabash, being a friend of mine, preferred to give me his obh- gation for the same and I did not insist otherwise from motives of politeness and prudence.

"Our resources must be in the education of youth. Mr. Comparet estimates that the congregation in and about Fort Wayne must amount to 100 families. Prevailing sickness and mortality, the absence of pastor and poverty have prevented the forwarding of church aflfairs. No time should be lost in forwarding the erection of chapels along the canal line, because as soon as the work is done in one section of the country the Catholic hands move to another section, and the prospect of such erections diminishes or vanishes. — This has been evidenced in Fort Wayne: the timber alone has been secured. There should be two priests riding constantly every week along a line of 80 miles. They should be active, pious, learned and dis- interested, courageous and mortified. * * *"

This third letter is signed: S. T. Badin, Protosa. Baltim.

THE REV. DIONYSIUS ABARTH, O. F. M.

He was born June 6, 1823; entered the Order August 12, 1842; ordained priest July 12, 1846; came to America in 1855; at St. Boniface's Church, Lafayette, from July, 1869, to Sep- tember, 1870; died in Louisville, Kentucky, November 20, 1882.

THE REV. BERNARDINE ABBINK, O. S. F.

He was born at Cleveland, Ohio, October 20, 1850. He received his classical education, philosophical and theological courses, at Cross Village, Michigan. He was ordained priest at Cross Village, by Bishop Borgess, on July 25, 1879. He labored up to 1896 among the Indians in upper Michigan, since which time he has been the chaplain at the Old Peoples' Home, at Avilla.

THE REV. JOSEPH ABEL.

He was born February 15, 1861, in Dorsten, Diocese of Munster, Germany. He studied the classics at St. Joseph's College, near Rensselaer, philosophy at St. Francis, Wisconsin,

i

The Clergy, Continued. 69

and theology at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding on June 21, 1901, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. His first appointment was assistant at St. Joseph's Church, Hammond, till June 6, 1902. On that date he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church at Walkerton. The missions Hamlet, Bremen and the station Knox, are attended from Walkerton.

THE REV. A. ADAM.

He immigrated to this country on occasion of one of Father Sorin's visits to Europe. Father Adam for a few years resided in the French settlement north of Fort Wayne, where he built the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the church and priest's house of St. Vincent's Congregation. He became the resident pastor of St. Louis' Church at Besancon, on January 1, 1870. In 1875, Father Adam with Bishop Dwenger's per- mission, returned to France. Here, after serving for two years as chaplain in the Navy, he was appointed to a model parish, in the center of France, by the Bishop of Tours. His church there was over a thousand years old. He remained in France until 1905, when, an old man of seventy three years and after fifty years of hard priestly labor, he begged his Bishop for permission to pass his remaining days in the Trappist Com- munity, in Kentucky. He returned to the United States for that purpose, owing to the persecution of religious orders in France. However, being too aged for the rigorous Trappists' rule, the venerable priest was readmitted to the Diocese of Fort Wayne, and appointed chaplain to the Sisters of St. Joseph, at their Mother House near Tipton.

THE REV. CLAUDE ALLOUEZ, S. J.

He was born at Saint Didier, en Forest, France. He studied in the College of Puy en Velay, where he was under the direction of St. Francis Regis. He entered the Society of

70 The Diocese of Fort Wayne,

Jesus, and in 1658 was sent to Canada, His first labors were near Quebec, but on August 16, 1665, he left Three Rivers for his great Western Mission. He created the missions around Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. In 1680 he built three chapels: One at Pokegan, another near the Lakes of Notre Dame, and the third near the fort of the Pottawottamies. He died on August 28, 1689, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His successors in the order named were, Rev. Claude Aveneau, S. J.. Rev. James Gravier, S. J. and Rev. John B. Chardon, S. J., until 1759. In this year. Fort St. Joseph was reduced by English soldiers, the survivors taken prisoners and carried away to Quebec. The mission was not reorganized until the arrival of Father Badin, in 1830.

THE REV. PHILIBERT ALTSTAETTER, O. F. M.

He was born March 18, 1858; entered the Order September 4, 1875; ordained priest March 12, 1881; assistant at St. Boni- face's Church, Lafayette, from May 1881 to August 1884; attended Schimmels, from May to August 25, 1881, residing at Lafayette.

THE REV. GEORGE ANGERMAIER.

He was born on April 15, 1876, in Engelpolding, Arch- diocese of Munich, Bockhorn, Bavaria, Germany. He attended^ the parochial schools of his native town. He made his classical studies at St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas; philosophy and theology at St. Meinrad's Seminary. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 22, 1906. Returning from a visit to his native place, he was appointed assistant at Decatur on September 16, 1906.

The Clergy, Continued. 71

THE REV. VENANTIUS ARNOLD, O. F. M.

He was born on December 19, 1833; entered the Order October 28, 1850; ordained priest December 20, 1856; came to America in May, 1860; pastor of St. Boniface's Church, Lafay- ette, from December 1865 to July 1869; returned to Europe, August, 1874; died at Salzburg, Austria, May 27, 1895.

THE REV. VINCENT BACQUELIN.

He was a native of France; and was ordained priest at Emmittsburg, Maryland, April 25th, 1837. He celebrated Mass shortly after his ordination in a log tavern, at Anderson, residing at Shelbyville. From here he also visited Cicero. He met his death, while returning from a missionary trip, on September 2, 1846, in Rush county, being thrown by his horse against a tree, killing him almost instantly.

THE VERY REV. STEPHEN THEODORE BADIN, V. G.

He was born in Orleans France, on July 17, 1763. He studied with the Sulpicians in his native city. The French Revolution having closed their seminary, young Badin, after receiving Subdeaconship, emigrated to America and reached Baltimore, March 28, 1792. Bishop Carroll ordained him a priest, on May 25, 1793, the first ordination of a priest in the United States. On September 6, 1793, he, with Father Bar- rieres, left Baltimore and after a most laborious journey on foot to Pittsburg, by boat on the Ohio to Maysville, and again on foot to Lexington, where he arrived on December 1, 1793. In 1830, the Pottawottamie chief, Pokagon, induced the Very Rev. Gabriel Richard, Vicar General of the Diocese of Cin- cinnati, residing at Detroit, to secure Father Badin from the Kentucky missions for the region of the present Notre Dame. Father Badin built a log chapel on St. Mary's Lake. It was 24x40 feet, and served the purposes of a chapel and the priest's residence. He also bought a section of land from the United States Government, intended for the site of the future great

72 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

University. In 1842, he transferred the title of this land to the Fathers of the Holy Cross; which makes him the founder in fact of Notre Dame. The Catholic Historian Shea, under chapter X, giving the years 1829 to 1832, says: "The veteran priest Stephen T. Badin was laboring among the Pottawot- tamies near South Bend, Indiana. The Baptists soon aban- doned the mission attempted by them, and he was encouraged in his efforts to revive the teachings of the early missionaries." And again: "The Venerable Badin, living with the Indian Chief Pokagon, not only attended his Indians, but a French village and two future sees, Fort Wayne and Chicago."

Father Badin assisted at the burial of Bishop Flaget, who died on February 11, 1850. After that he withdrew to Cin- cinnati, where he died April 21, 1853. In May 1906, his remains were transferred from the Cathedral at Cincinnati to Notre Dame, where they now rest in a log chapel, the exact reproduc- tion of the first chapel built by the zealous missionary on St. Mary's Lakes.

THE REV. JOACHIM BAKER.

The sixth of a family of nine children, was born on March 7, 1863, to Jacob and Agatha (Meyer) Baker, at Fort Wayne, His parents were natives of Hesse Darmstadt and Baden, Germany, but were married at Fort Wayne. His father was engaged in saw-milling. Father Baker attended St. Mary's parochial school and also the Cathedral school. In 1879 he entered St. Lawrence's College at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin. Having completed his classical studies, he was received into St. Francis' Seminary, where he studied philosophy and the- ology. Archbishop Heiss ordained him deacon on March 19, 1888, and he was ordained priest by Bishop Dwenger on June 29th, of the same year. His first appointment was that of pastor at Portland, in Jay county. Until a residence could be built, he resided at Decatur, when in January of 1889, he moved into the priest's house at Portland, and became its first resident pastor. During his pastorate there, he had charge of Dunkirk, Red Key and Ridgeville, as missions. In August 1891, he was transferred to St. Anthony's, with Goodland for a mission. !

I The Clergy, Continued. 73

His next and present appointment was that of Alexandria, where he arrived on January 11, 1896. Here again he was the first resident pastor.

THE REV. EDWARD F. BARRETT.

He was born in Rutland, Vermont, in the diocese of Bur- lington, on December 22, 1867. He attended the parochial schools of his native parish, made his classical studies at Assumption College, Canada, and his theological studies at Assumption Seminary. He was ordained priest by Right Rev. L. F. Lafleche, on July 14, 1895, at Boloeil, Canada. He was assistant at St. Patrick's Church, Fort Wayne, until February 27, 1897, when he was appointed the second resident pastor of All Saints' Church, at Hammond, where he is at the present time. He is a member of the Diocesan School Board.

THE REV. SIMON BARTOSZ.

He was born at Posen, Prussia, in 1810; ordained priest, March 26, 1836; came to America, in 1865. In 1866 he attended Hanover Centre; from 1867 to 1870, he was the pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Laporte, succeeding Father Konen. He died January 28, 1872, and is buried in the cemetery at Fort Wayne.

THE REV. JOHN HENRY BATHE.

He was born May 20, 1854, near Delbrueck, diocese of Paderborn, Germany, a son of John H. and Theresa (Sandbote) Bathe, and attended the parochial school of his district, until thirteen years of age. Having finished his classical course at Paderborn, in 1872, he completed his philosophical studies in the same city, and devoted one and a half years to the study of theology in Munster. He emigrated to America, in the spring of 1875, and spent another year and a half in the study of theology, in St. Francis' Seminary, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

74 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

He was ordained priest by Bishop Dwenger, on February 16, 1877, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. His first appointment was that of pastor at Schererville, from February 16, 1877 to December 30, 1881. After that he was sent to Wabash, from December 30, 1881 to May 16, 1898. From Wabash he was sent to Valparaiso, but owing to ill health, he remained only from May 16, to July 26, 1898. Bishop Rademacher then appointed him Chancellor of the diocese, which position he filled from September 16, 1898 to July 1, 1905. In this position he served under Bishop Rademacher, the Administrator, Very Rev. J. H. Guendling and Bishop Alerding. It was his desire to be relieved of the office of Chancellor, and he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Church, at Avilla, on July 1, 1905. Father Bathe is one of the Synodal Examiners of the diocese.

THE REV. FRANCIS XAVIER BAUMGARTNER.

He was born on May 1, 1851, at Montlingen, diocese of St. Gallen, Switzerland. He came to America on October 19, 1864, and was ordained priest, on March 14, 1874. His name appears on the baptismal records of the Cathedral at Fort Wayne on March 22, 1874. From 1875 to December 19, 1880, he was pastor of Lottaville (Turkey Creek), attending to Hobart and Hammond as missions. He was the second resident pastor of Kentland, attending to Goodland as a mission, from December 19, 1880 to March 27, 1883. From April 7, 1883 to May 9, 1885, he was the first resident pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Hammond, attending to Hobart as a mission until February 1885. He died May 9, 1885, and his remains are buried at Lottaville.

THE REV. FREDERICK BAUMGARTNER, C. PP. S.

He was born on June 19, 1862, at Notzingen, Archdiocese of Freiburg, Germany; came to America on October 8, 1881; ordained priest at Cincinnati, on March 8, 1890. He was the pastor of Pulaski from 1890 to 1892.

i

The Clergy, Continued. 75

THE REV. JULIUS BECKS.

He was born, on October 8, 1836, at Laar, Westphalia, Germany. He arrived in this country on June 26, 1858. Having completed his course of theology at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, he was ordained priest, on Decem- ber 25, 1862, by Bishop Luers, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. From January 1863 to September 1864, he was pastor of St. Mary's Church at Decatur. He was pastor of St Mary's Church at Michigan City from September 24, 1864 until February 15, 1885. Until November 1, 1867, when St. Ambrose and St. Mary's parishes became one, he had services in both churches. From Michigan City he also attended Schimmels, as a mission. From August 1891 till August 1894, he was pastor of Lagro. He had charge of Oxford, from September 1894 to June 1895. His name appears on the baptismal records of the Cathedral, at Fort Wayne on September 8, 1895. For six months of the first half of 1896, he was pastor of St. Peter's Church, at Laporte. Owing to ill health, he was assigned to St. John's Hospital at Anderson, as chaplain, where he died on March 14, 1902. His remains rest in the cemeteiy at Michigan City.

THE REV. ACCURSIUS BEINE, O. F. M.

He was born August 15, 1832; entered the Order October 4, 1860; ordained priest November 7, 1862; pastor of St. Boniface's Church at Lafayette, from September 1870 to Jan- uary 1878; died in Louisville, Kentucky, March 13, 1888.

THE REV. MAXIMILIAN BENZINGER.

He was born in Wuertemberg, Germany, October 7, 1848, son of Michael and Elisabeth (Mueller) Benzinger. He studied at St. John's, Minnesota, and Calvary College, Wisconsin, and finished his theology at St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was ordained priest, by Bishop Dwenger, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 11, 1884. He was

76 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

pastor of St. Michael's at Summit, from July 4, 1884 to October 17, 1897. He has been pastor of Hesse Cassel, since October 17, 1897.

THE REV. HENRY BERBERICH, O. F. M.

He was born December 23, 1858; entered the Order, September 14, 1876; ordained priest April 16, 1882; assistant in Lafayette, from December 1887 to August 1890, at St. Boniface's Church.

THE REV. JOHN B. BERG.

He was born in Edingen, near Treves, Rhine-province, Germany, August 20, 1864. He emigrated to America in August, 1880. He studied the classics in St. Lawrence's College, Mount Calvary, Wisconsin; his philosophy and first year of theology in St. Francis' Seminary, Wisconsin, and completed his theology in St. Vincent's Seminary, West Moreland, Penn- sylvania. He was ordained priest, by Bishop Dwenger, in Fort Wayne, on June 15, 1889. His appointments were: Pastor of Reynolds, with Medaryville and Francisville as mis- sions; pastor of Alexandria, from June 8, 1893 to October 16, 1893; pastor of Remington, from October 16, 1893 to July 4, 1905; pastor of Whiting, since July 4, 1905. He is a member of the Diocesan Building Committee.

THE REV. WILLIAM BERG.

He was born on March 25, 1854, in Edingen, diocese of Treves, Germany. He made his classical studies at Paderborn, philosophy and theology in Munster, Germany. He was ordained priest in Osnabrueck, Germany, by Bishop Beckmann, on May 26, 1877. At the time of his ordination the so called Kultur-kampf had full sway in Germany. The Bishop of Munster having been imprisoned, he was ordained by Bishop Beckmann very early in the morning behind locked doors.

The Clergy, Continued. 77

He emigrated to this country, arriving at Fort Wayne, on July 11, 1877. His first appointment was that of pastor of St. Martin's Church, Hanover Centre, from August 1877 till June 9, 1881. He received his present appointment, pastor of St. Michael's Church, Schererville, on June 9, 1881. in F"ebruary 1903, Bishop Alerding appointed him dean of the Hammond district. He is a member of the Diocesan School Board.

THE RIGHT REV. MGR. AUGUST BESSONIES, V. G.

He was born in Alzac, department du Lot, province of Quercy, France, on June 17, 1815. Having emigrated to America, he was ordained priest by Bishop de la Hailandiere, at Vincennes, on February 22, 1840. From March 11, 1853 to February 1, 1854, he was pastor at the Cathedral, Fort Wayne, during the absence of Father Benoit. He was named Right Rev. Monsignore, January 22, 1884. He died at Indianapolis, on February 22, 1901.

THE REV. AUGUSTINE BEYER, O. F. M.

He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 25,1 849 ; ordained priest at Cincinnati, on May 25, 1872. He attended St. Joseph's Church at Reynolds sometime between the years 1876 and 1888, residing at Lafayette.

THE REV. JOHN BIEDERMANN.

He was born on February 11, 1867, at Bendern, Lichten- stein. Diocese of Chur, Switzerland. He attended the parochial school of his native city, and at the age of thirteen, he entered the College of "Mary of Perpetual Help" at Schwyz, Switzer- land. He pursued his philosophical course at Innsbruck, Tyrol, from 1886 to 1887, and his theological course at the Diocesan Seminary of Chur Schwyz, from 1 887 to 1 89 1 . He was ordained priest, by the Right Rev. Bishop Fidelis Battagli, on July 20,

78 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

1890. Having celebrated his first Mass, on August 5, 1890, he returned to the Seminary for another year. He was pastor, of Ruggell, Lichtenstein, from September 18, 1891 to February 1901. On April 1, 1901, he arrived in this country. From April 15th to September 30, 1901, he was assistant at St. Paul's Church, Fort Wayne; and from October 1st, of the same year till June 30, 1905, he was assistant at St. Peter's Church, in the same city. On June 30, 1905, he was appointed pastor of Nix Settlement, with Roanoke for a mission.

THE REV. BALTHASAR BIEGEL.

He was born at Hanover Centre, Lake county, Indiana, on August 6, 1866. The Rev. William Berg gave him private lessons, after which he entered St. Lawrence's College, Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, where he finished his classical course, in June 1885. He studied philosophy and theology, at St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, and was ordained a priest, with a fourteen months dispensation, by Bishop Dwenger, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 15, 1889. His first and present appoint- ment was that of the first resident pastor at Elwood, since July 29, 1889. From the spring of 1892 till June 1893, he attended Alexandria, and again, from October 1893 till Decem- ber 1895. He also attended Cicero, from March till September 10, 1898.

THE REV. F. JOSEPH BILSTEIN.

He was born in Oestinghausen, diocese of Paderborn, Germany, on February 12, 1867. He studied the classics at Havestadt and Paderborn, emigrated to this country, and studied philosophy and theology in the Seminary of St. Francis, Wisconsin. He was ordained priest by Bishop O'Hara, for the diocese of Scranton, at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, on June 7, 1891. He was assistant at St. Nicholas' Church at Wilkesbarre, Penn. till October 1895, when he came to Fort Wayne. Assis- tant at St. Paul's Church, Fort Wayne, October 1895 till February 1898; pastor of St. Anthony's, Goodland and Morocco, from February 1898 till October 1900; pastor of Monterey, with, Rochester, Kouts and Culver as missions, since October 7, 1900.

• The Clergy, Continued. . 79

THE REV. SEBASTIAN BIRNBAUM, C. PP. S.

He was born on May 3, 1825,in Wappershausen, Wuertem- berg, diocese of Rottenburg, Germany. He came to America, on June 7, 1864, and was ordained priest, on January 10, 1867. He assisted Rev. Wolfgang Giedl during his sickness, and upon his death, on May 23, 1873, Father Birnbaum, became the pastor of New Haven, remaining until July 1875.

THE REV. MICHAEL J. BIRO, C. S. C.

He was born in Szikszo, Hungary, October 5, 1863. His classical studies were made at Eger, Hungary, with the Cis- tercian Monks. He emigrated to America in 1893, and entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross, on August 15, 1897; profession, August 15, 1899. He completed his theological studies at the Catholic University, Washington, D. C, where he was ordained priest, by Bishop O'Gorman, of Sioux Falls, on February 8, 1900. He was appointed to organize the first Hungarian Congregation in South Bend, St. Stephen's. He was a member of the committee selected by the Hungarians of America to assist at the unveiling of a statue of George Wash- ington, at Budha-Pesth, Hungary. He continues in the pas- torate of St. Stephen's Church at the present time.

THE REV. JOHN BLECKMANN.

He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 5, 1846. He received his primary education in St. Joseph's school, of the same city. At the age of fifteen, he was adopted by Bishop Luers, for the diocese of Fort Wayne and was sent to St. Xavier's College; after that, he was sent to Notre Dame for his philosophical course, where he graduated in June, 1866. He completed his theological course, at Mount St. Mary's of the West, and was ordained priest, by Bishop Luers, in St. Joseph's Church, at Cincinnati, on April 27, 1870. He was made assistant to the Rev. Lawrence Lamoor, at Union City; where he remained for nine months, attending also the mis- sions Muncie, Winchester, Hartford City, Dunkirk, Portland

80 . The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

and Ridgeville. He next was made pastor of Attica, from where he attended various missions scattered through Foun- tain, Warren, and part of Tippecanoe, counties, such as Cov- ington and Marshfield. Having had charge of Attica, from December 1870 until May 1875, he was transferred to Delphi. On February 15, 1885, Bishop Dwenger appointed him pastor of St. Mary's Church, at Michigan City. In 1895, he cele- brated his Silver Jubilee as priest: three bishops honored the occasion with their presence. Bishop Richter of Grand Rapids, Bishop Marty of Sioux Falls, and Bishop Rademacher of Fort Wayne, together with more than one hundred priests. After the celebration, he took a trip to Europe, where he had the honor of an audience with Pope Leo XI II. He returned on August 29, 1895, and remains to this day pastor of St. Mary's Church. He is the dean of the South Bend district.

THE REV. JOHN BLECKMANN.

He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 9, 1882. He attended the parochial school of his native parish, and made his classical studies at St. Xavier's College, Cincinnati, Ohio. He began and finished his studies in philosophy and theology, at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cedar Point, Ohio. He re- ceived tonsure and first two Minor Orders, in June, 1905; the other two Minor Orders, on June 21, 1906; Subdeaconship on March 15th, Deaconship March 16th, 1907, all at the Seminary. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on May 22, 1907. His first appointment was that of assistant at St. Mary's Church, Michigan City, on June 8, 1907.

THE REV. JOHN BLUM.

He was born in Rubenheim, Bavaria, Germany, on Novem- ber 8, 1866. He studied the classics in Mount Calvary, Wis- consin, his theology in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, and was ordained priest by Archbishop Elder in Cincinnati, on June 22, 1892. His appointments were: Pastor of Frankfort and missions, from July 1, 1892 till December 24, 1895; pastor

The Clergy, Continued. 81

of Reynolds and missions, from December 24, 1895 till Novem- ber 1, 1896; assistant at Decatur, from November 1, 1896 till November 1, 1900; pastor of Kewanna (Grass Creek) and its mission, Lucerne, from November 1, 1900 till June 8, 1902; assistant at St. Ann's Church, Lafayette, from July 1905 till December 28, 1905.

THE REV. EDWARD J. BOCCARD.

He was born November 20, 1862, in St. Vincent's Parish, Allen county, near Fort Wayne. He studied the classics in St. Lawrence's College, at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin ; phi- losophy and theology in St. Francis' Seminary, Wisconsin. He was ordained priest, by Bishop Dwenger, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 15, 1889. His appointments were: Pastor of Nix Settlement and Roanoke, from July 2, 1889 till November 1895; pastor of Auburn, from November 1895 till September 1898; pastor of Kewanna and Lucerne, from Sep- tember 1898 till October 1900; acting pastor of Columbia City, from October 1900 to May 1901; pastor at Delphi, since July 9, 1901.

THE REV. HENRY A. BOECKELMANN.

He was born March 31, 1851, in Oster Kappeln, Hanover, diocese of Osnabrueck, Germany, a son of Francis and Anna (Schroeder) Boeckelmann. The family emigrated to the United States, in 1853, and located in Logansport, where the father died, September 20, 1882. He attended the parochial school at Logansport until 16 years of age, when he entered the College of the Christian Brothers at St. Louis, Missouri. From there he was sent to St. Viateur's College, Bourbonnais, Illinois, to make his philosophical and theological course and was ordained priest, by Bishop Foley of Chicago, on August 30, 1877. He was engaged as teacher at the college for one year, and on July 27, 1878, he was appointed pastor of St. John's Church, at Goshen and remained there until November 26, 1880, on which date, he was transferred to the Cathedral

82 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

at Fort Wayne. On February 15, 1885, he was appointed pastor at Delphi, where he continued until December 30, 1891. He was pastor of St. Vincent's Church at Elkhart, from Decem- ber 30, 1891 till October 4, 1906, the date of his death. Father Boeckelmann was noted for his uniform genial character, making him a most desirable companion, and also for the zeal and earnestness with which he performed every duty entrusted to him. One of the offices held by him was that of Synodal Examiner. He was also a member of the Diocesan School Board.

THE REV. JOSEPH BOLKA.

He was born on March 16, 1875, near Otis, Indiana. He made his classical, philosophical and theological studies at St. Francis, Wisconsin. Having completed his studies, he was ordained priest by Archbishop Katzer, at Milwaukee, on May 28, 1899. He was appointed pastor of North Judson, remain- ing until November 25, 1904, when he received his present appointment, that of pastor of St. Stanislaus' Church, East Chicago.

THE REV. BERNARD THEODORE BORG.

He was born in Bexten, Hanover, Germany, on March 8, 1836. He studied the classics at St. Vincent's, Pennsyl- vania, and philosophy and theology in St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained priest, by Archbishop Spalding of Baltimore, on June 30, 1868. His appointments were the following:- Assistant at St. Charles' Church, Peru, attending to Kokomo, Marion, and Tipton as missions, and to Fairmount as a station; pastor at Dyer, from July 1870 till September 1871; accompanied Bishop Dwenger to Rome, in 1874; assistant at the Cathedral, till 1877; assistant at St. Mary's Church, Fort Wayne, till 1878; chaplain at the Old Peoples' Home, Avilla, till 1887; chaplain at St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, Fort Wayne, from 1887 till December 22, 1904, the date of his death. His remains rest in the cemetery at Fort Wayne.

The Clergy, Continued. 83

THE REV. ALEXIUS BOTTI.

He was the pastor of St. Vincent's, in Allen county, from 1858 to 1860, visiting from here New Haven once every month during the year 1858. From 1860 to 1871, he was pastor of St. Paul's Church at Valparaiso, attending Hobart as a mission. He died September 14, 1872, at the age of sixty-five, and is buried in the cemetery at Fort Wayne.

THE REV. P. J. BOURGET, C. S. C.

He was one of the pastors of St. Joseph's Church at South Bend, attending the same from Notre Dame, prior to 1869. He died June 12, 1862, and is buried at Notre Dame.

THE VERY REV. JOSEPH HENRY BRAMMER, V. G.

He was born in Hanover, Germany, on October 1, 1839. The faith of his parents was the Lutheran. He was a car- penter by trade, and emigrating to America, in 1854, he settled in St. Louis. His nature was deeply religious, and after listen- ing to lectures on Catholic doctrines, and having still farther studied the same earnestly and sincerely, he was received into the CathoHc Church, in 1859. He determined to devote his life to the conversion and guidance of souls. He completed his study of philosophy and theology in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was ordained priest at Fort Wayne on May 11, 1868. He was appointed assistant priest at the Cathedral. Upon the death of Father Benoit, he was made Vicar General of the diocese and pastor of the Cathe- dral. During Bishop Dwenger's absence, in 1885, and again in 1888, he was Administrator of the diocese; and in fact during the protracted illness of Bishop Dwenger, the arduous duties of the diocesan administration, as well as the care of the parish, devolved entirely upon him

In 1880, he erected the imposing building in Cathedral

84 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Square, known as Library Hall. About this time he took a trip to Europe, where he also visited Ireland. In 1886, he became largely instrumental in the building of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum. Ten years later, in 1896, he undertook and successfully accomplished the thorough restoration of the Cathedral building.

Father Brammer organized the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Cathedral parish. He loved all men of whatever color, race or creed; he saw in everyone the image of God, a soul to be saved. He was known to have given away the last dollar, and to have borrowed money to assist the poor.

It can be said of him, that he took the deepest interest in the welfare and advancement of the Cathedral schools: he loved children with a special affection.

The continuous and arduous labors of Father Brammer gradually undermined his health, and for several years he was far from being well. His declining health only served to make him center his thoughts on the hereafter. His strength failed him from day to day, until having received the Last Sacra- ments, while yet in complete possession of his faculties, he surrendered his soul into the keeping of his Maker on Monday June 20, 1898. His remains rest in the Crypt of the Cathedral.

THE REV. CLEMENTINE BROERMANN, O. F. M.

He was born November 7, 1873; entered the Order, August 15, 1890; ordained priest July 24, 1897; assistant in Lafayette, from August 1897 to November 1898, at St. Boni- face's Church.

i

THE REV. ADAM M. BUCHHEIT.

He was born October 25, 1861, in Decatur, Indiana, a son of Adam and Elisabeth (Weber) Buchheit, natives of Germany. In 1862, the family moved to Fort Wayne. Adam received his elementary education in St. Paul's School. Rev. Joseph

The Clergy, Continued. 85

Nussbaum, of Hesse Cassel, gave him lessons in Latin, from 1876 to September 1878, when he entered St. Lawrence's Col- lege, at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, finishing his classical course in June 1883. In September, of that year, he came to St. Francis' Seminary, Wisconsin, where he began and completed his philosophical and theological studies. Bishop Heiss or- dained him Subdeacon and Deacon, at St. Francis, and on June 29, 1887, Bishop Dwenger ordained him priest, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. He suppHed the place of the pastor at St. Paul's, Fort Wayne, for six weeks, was two weeks at Chesterton, and eight weeks at Lagro. At the end of October, he was appointed pastor at Goshen, with Millersburg and Lig- onier as missions, attending also the Elkhart County Poor House. Having labored here until July 13, 1889, he was given ■a vacation. On June 2, 1890, he was made assistant to Rev. J. H. Hueser D. D., at Huntington, where he remained until July 19, 1895, when he was made pastor at Klaasville, with Lowell for a mission. From August to September 1898, he was pastor at Grass Creek, with Lucerne for a mission. Bishop Rademacher transferred him to Wanatah, on September 8, 1898, giving him charge also of the missions Schimmels, Walk- erton, and Hamlet. On November 21, 1906, Bishop Alerding gave him charge of St. John's Church, at St, John, in Lake county.

THE REV. PETER A. BUDNIK.

He was born July 15, 1876, at Ludom, Archdiocese of Posen, Germany. He studied the classics, philosophy and one year of theology, in SS. Cyrill and Methodius' Seminary, at Detroit, Michigan, and the two last years of theology, in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 21, 1901. He was the second resident pastor at Walkerton and its missions, from July 18, 1901 to June 5, 1902. He was pastor of St. Adalbert's Church, at Hammond, from June 5, 1902 till June 8, 1907. On the latter date he was transferred to Otis.

86 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

THE REV. ALEXANDER BUECHLER.

He was bom March 12, 1877, in Ottawa, Illinois, a son of Philip and Anna (Moczygamba) Buechler. He received his primary schooling at Otis, Indiana. He studied the classics at St. Francis, Wisconsin, from 1890 to 1897, philosophy and theology in St. John's University, Minnesota, and Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, and was ordained priest on July 3, 1900, in the Josephinum at Columbus, Ohio, by His Emi- nence Cardinal Martinelli. His appointments were: Assistant at St. Stanislaus' Church, Michigan City; pastor pro tem. of Goshen; pastor of Terre Coupee, and its mission Rolling Prairie, since May 1, 1901.

THE REV. MICHAEL J. BYRNE.

He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, October 18, 1858. He studied the classics at Niagara University, philosophy, at St. Sulpice's Seminary, Baltimore, theology, at St. Vincent's, Pennsylvania, and was ordained priest by Bishop Dwenger, at Fort Wayne, June 29, 1888. His appointments were: residing at the Cathedral, he attended Leo and St. Michael's, in Allen county, from 1888 till 1889; assistant at the Cathedral, Fort Wayne, from 1889 to 1891; pastor ot East Chicago, from Jan- uary 26, 1891 till 1893; pastor of Whiting, from 1893 to August 1898; assistant at the Cathedral, from August 15, 1898 to May 1, 1899; pastor of Union City, from May 1, 1899 to May 16, 1901; pastor of St. Ann's Church, Lafayette, since May 16, 1901. He is a member of the Diocesan Building Committee.

THE REV. MATTHEW ELEVART CAMPION.

He was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, November 9, 1844. His parents emigrated to this country, and after spending a few years in Canada, they settled in Michigan City, arriving there on Christmas eve of 1850. He made his classical studies at the University of Notre Dame; his theology at St. Francis'

The Clergy, Continued. 87

Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 'He was ordained priest by Bishop Luers, on January 14, 1868, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. His first appointment was that of assistant to Rev. B. J. Force at Logansport, from January 24, till April 9, 1868. Upon the death of Father Force, he was pastor pro tem. of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, until August 9, 1868, attending also the missions, Kewanna and Lucerne. From August 9, 1868 to October 1, 1873, he was pastor of St. Patrick's Church at Lagro. From here he attended to Wabash as a station till 1871. He was transferred to the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, as assistant from October 1, 1873 to April 4, 1875, when he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Delphi, where he remained only one month. Upon the death of Rev. George A. Hamilton at Lafayette, he succeeded him as pastor of St. Mary's Church, on May 9, 1875. On account of ill health he resigned this charge and in June 1880, he took charge of St. Peter's parish at Laporte. On June 9, 1883, he was transferred to the pastorate of St. Vincent de Paul's Church at Logansport. Father Campion was the dean of the Logansport district, a Diocesan Consul tor and a Synodal Examiner. In 1887, he was named irremovable rector and for fourteen years held the office of secretary of the Clerical Benevolent Association of the diocese. He died at Logansport, on December 18, 1899; his remains rest in the cemetery at Logansport.

THE REV. PETER ANTHONY CAPEDER, C. PP. S.

He was born in Lumberein, diocese of Chur, Switzerland, on January 1, 1817. Having been ordained priest on May 3, 1843, he emigrated to America in 1844. From 1869 to 1871, he was the pastor of Holy Trinity Church, in Jay county.

THE REV. FRANCIS ANTHONY CARIUS.

He was born at Altenstadt, diocese of Strassburg, Ger- many, on December 31, 1821. He came to America in April 1845, and was ordained priest by Bishop de la Hailandiere, in Vincennes, on March 11, 1846. His name appears on the

88 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

baptismal records of the Cathedral, at Fort Wayne, on April 12 and June 17, 1846, and May 7, 1847. Up to the year 1851, he resided at St. John, Lake county, paying Lottaville monthly visits. From 1852 to 1855, he was the pastor of St. Vincent's Church, Logansport, attending also to Peru, and visiting the Catholics at Monterev every three months, celebrating Mass in private houses. He seems to have been the first priest to visit the Catholics at Kewanna and Lucerne, as early as 1855. He later became a priest of the Leavenworth, Kansas, diocese and died the chaplain in the Ursuline Convent at St. Louis.

THE REV. J. C. CARRIER, C. S. C.

He was born at Vernes, France, July 14, 1833. He was one of the pastors of St. Joseph's Church at South Bend, at- tending the same from Notre Dame, prior to 1869. During the absence of Father Carroll at New Orleans, some time between 1859 and 1864, and for several months after Father Carroll's departure, he was the pastor of St. Patrick's Church at South Bend. He was probably the first priest to preach to the German Catholics at South Bend in their mother tongue, while they were still worshipping at St. Patrick's Church. He died in Canada, on November 12, 1904.

THE REV. THOMAS CARROLL, C. S. C.

He was born in Andagh, Ireland, August 17, 1836; entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross, June 30, 1857. He was the organizer and first pastor of St. Patrick's Church, at South Bend, of which he took charge in 1858. The year following he erected a small brick church; but the few Irish families making up his parish being too poor to pay for it, he went to New Orleans and there collected enough money to pay the debt. Throughout his pastorate he resided at Notre Dame. In 1864, he went to Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he became the pastor of St. Joseph's Church and where he died in 1896. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, at Notre Dame, owes its existence to Father Carroll.

The Clergy, Continued. 89

THE REV. JOHN B. CHASSE.

He was born at Rennes, in the Province of Brittany, France, on January 6, 1816. Having emigrated to this country, he was ordained priest, by Bishop de la Hailandiere, on Decem- ber 19, 1840. His name appears on the baptismal records of the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on October 10, 1842. He died September 1, 1879, chaplain at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, where he is buried.

r THE REV. JOHN W. CLARK, C. S. C.

He was born in Ireland, November 1, 1843, was ordained priest June 29, 1866. After spending a number of years as missionary, in California and Nevada, he joined the Congrega- tion of the Holy Cross, after which he taught the classics in St. Lawrence's College, Canada. He was transferred to the American Province, and in 1893, was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church, South Bend, in which capacity he continued until the time of his death, March 16, 1899.

THE REV. MICHAEL J. CLARK.

He was ordained priest, February 28, 1841, by Bishop de la Hailandiere. His name appears on the baptismal records of the Cathedral at Fort Wayne on August 13, 1841, June 1st, and July 1842. He adds to his signature "Pastore absente." For a time in 1842, he was the resident pastor of Peru. In 1843, he was made the first resident pastor at Lafayette, his parish extending over Tippecanoe, Fountain, Warren, Madison, Montgomery, Putnam, Benton, Carroll and White counties. He remained at Lafayette until 1857. He died at Bloomington, Illinois, pastor of a congregation at that place.

THE REV. FRANCIS LOUIS COINTET, C. S. C.

He was born at La Roe, France, February 26, 1816; re- ceived the habit, August 19, 1843; professed, September 5,

90 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

1846. He attended St. John, from April 1850 till January 1, 1851. From January 1853 to October 1854, he visited Mich- igan City. He died September 19, 1854, and is buried at Notre Dame.

THE REV. JAMES F. CONNELLY.

He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on May 24, 1878. He studied the classics at St. Joseph's College, near Rensse- laer. He made his philosophical and theological course at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral, Fort Wayne, on May 24, 1902. His first appointment was that of assistant at St. Bridget's Church, Logansport, until July 1, 1905, when he was made pastor of Lebanon and its missions.

THE REV. THOMAS M. CONROY.

He was born at Richmond, Indiana, on March 8, 1877. He made his classical studies in St. Joseph's College, near Rensselaer. He studied philosophy and theology in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 21, 1901. His appointments were: Pastor of Portland and Mis- sions July 1, 1901 -June 1, 1902; assistant at Anderson from June 8, 1902; pastor at Monroeville since August 21, 1904.

THE REV. PETER P. COONEY, C. S. C.

He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1822 and was educated at Notre Dame University, and at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore. Having been ordained priest, in July 1859, he was appointed Vice-president of St. Mary's of the Lake, Chicago, Illinois. On October 4, 1861, he received his commission of chaplain to the 35th regiment, Indiana Volun- teers. At the close of the war, he came to St. Patrick's Church at South Bend, and continued as its pastor, until March 12,

The Clergy, Continued. 91

1871. After this he gave missions in various parts of the country. He died at Notre Dame, May 7, 1905.

THE RF,V. WILLIAM CORBY, C. S. C.

He was born at Detroit, Michigan, October 2, 1833; re- ceived the habit, September 9, 1857; profession, September 10, 1858; ordained priest December 25, 1860, by Bishop Luers. He was one of the pastors of St. Joseph's Church, at South Bend, attending the same from Notre Dame, prior to 1869. In the beginning of 1865, he had charge of St. Patrick's Church, at South Bend, for three or four months. He died December 28, 1897, and is buried at Notre Dame.

THE REV. JOHN A. CORCORAN.

He visited Peru during the summer of 1835. He died in Peru and was buried on the north banks of the Wabash river, between the river and the canal; later his remains were re- moved to the Reyburn cemetery, at the instance of William B. McGregor, the first white resident on the present site of Peru; and later still, in 1887, fifty-two years after his death, was reinterred, in St. Charles' Cemetery, on the lot of Michael Cannon.

THE REV. JOHN B. CRAWLEY.

He was born in 1828 and ordained priest in 1864. He was the pastor at Anderson, from 1866 till August 1884; pastor of St. Peter's Church, Laporte, from the fall of 1884 till Decem- ber 19, 1893, the date of his death. His remains rest in the cemetery at Notre Dame.

THE REV. PATRICK J. CRAWLEY.

He was born in Castlerea, County Roscommon, Ireland, on December 19, 1869. He studied the classics in his native

92 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

place, came to America and entered Notre Dame University, in November, 1890, Mount St. Mary's Seminary in September 1894, and was ordained priest by Bishop Rademacher, in Fort Wayne, on June 24, 1897. He was assistant priest at St. Patrick's Church, Fort Wayne, until June 1, 1899; pastor at Lebanon from June 1, 1899 till June 30, 1905; assistant at Marion, from July 1, 1905 till April 14, 1906, since which time he has been the pastor of Marion.

THE REV. PATRICK JOSEPH CROSSON.

He was born in Carregallen, Ireland, on December 1, 1852. He received his elementary education in his native town. His classical course was made from 1868 to 1873 in private school, and in St. Mary's Seminary at Moyne, County Longford. In September, 1873, he entered the Missionary College of All Hallows, in Dublin, where he completed his course of phi- losophy. Having been admitted to the diocese of Fort Wayne, he emigrated to the United States in August, 1875, and in September, of the same year, he began the study of theology in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, and completed the same in St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee. He was ordained priest, by Bishop Dwenger, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on April 25, 1878. He was the assistant at St. Mary's Church, Lafayette, during five months, after which he was pastor at Lebanon for two and a half months, and in November of the same year, was appointed pastor of St. Anne's Church, in Fulton county, better known as Grass Creek. From August 15, 1880 till December 31, 1881, he was again assistant at St. Mary's Church, at Lafayette. On January 1, 1882 till June, 1882, he was given charge of Fowler and St. Bridget's, in Benton county (Barrydale), and six months later took up his residence at Oxford, with St. Bridget's for a mission. From September 1894 till Ascension day 1898, he was pastor of St. Bernard's Church, at Crawfordsville. He was pastor at Wabash, from 1898 till February 1, 1900, when he was made irremovable rector of St. Vincent de Paul's Church at Logans- port, and where he remains at the present time.

The Clergy, Continued. 93

THE REV. VALENTINE CZYZEWSKI, C. S. C.

He was born February 14, 1846, in the village of Talkuny, in the parish of Miroslaw, Russian Poland, He emigrated to America in April 1869, and in 1872 entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He was ordained priest on December 28, 1876, and was appointed pastor of St. Hedwig's Church, at South Bend, on January 1, 1877, which position he continues to hold at the present time. He was the first resident Polish pastor at South Bend, and Terre Coupee and Rolling Prairie, at the time, were missions attended from St. Hedwig's. Father Czyzewski also organized St. Casimir's and St. Stanislaus' Parishes.

k

THE REV. FREDERICK J. DANDURAND.

He was born at Kankakee, Illinois, on April 30, 1870. He studied at St. Viateur's College, Bourbonnais, Illinois. He was ordained priest by Bishop Rademacher at Fort Wayne, on June 28, 1895. He was assistant at St. Mary's Church, Lafayette, from July 1895 till February 27, 1897. He was assistant at St. Patrick's Church, at Fort Wayne, from Feb- ruary 27, 1897 till July 15, of the same year. He was assistant at the Cathedral, from July 15, 1897 till September 1898. He was pastor of Auburn, from September 1898 till July 23, 1900. He was pastor of Monroeville, from August 23, 1900 till August 1904. He was compelled to resign on account of sickness, and died at his native town, in Illinois, on February 26, 1905.

THE REV. SAMUEL DAUGHERTY, C. S. C.

He was born at Glasgow, Scotland, May 31, 1839; received the habit, being a priest, on August 7, 1865. He was one of the pastors of St. Joseph's Church at South Bend, attending the same from Notre Dame, prior to 1869.

THE REV. JOHN F. DeGROOTE, C. S. C.

He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, August 27, 1866. At the age of fourteen he entered the University of Notre

94 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Dame, and five years later joined the Congregation of the Holy Cross. For two years, previous to his ordination, he was director of St. Joseph's Hall, Notre Dame. He was ordained priest by Bishop Rademacher, at Notre Dame, on July 21, 1893. The offices he filled successively were: Prefect of dis- cipline and teacher in St. Edward's College, Austin, Texas, and in Holy Cross, New Orleans, and assistant priest at the Sacred Heart Church, New Orleans, for two years until March 29, 1899, when he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church at South Bend, which appointment continues to the present time.

THE REV. FRANCIS X. DEIMEL.

He was born at Brilon, diocese of Paderborn, on Novem- ber 25, 1846. Having emigrated to America in June 1868, he was ordained priest, on December 20, 1869 at St. Louis, Mis- souri. In 1873, he transferred to the diocese of Fort Wayne, taking charge of Hanover Centre, from June 25th, of the same year till August 10, 1877. From here he also attended Klaas- ville as a mission. He was pastor of Schererville, from August 1877 to May 1881. His health failing him, he left for St. Louis. He died in the Alexian Hospital, at St. Louis, on Novem- ber 11, 1881. His remains were brought to Schererville for burial.

THE REV. FRANCIS DEIPENBROCK.

He was a native of Westphalia, Germany, born on October 25, 1825. When still a youth, he came to America. Having finished his theological studies at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati, he was ordained priest. He was the second resident pastor of Avilla, having charge from 1862 to 1863. He died in Ottawa on September 4, 1868. He attended Ege as a mission from Avilla.

THE REV. JOSEPH F. DELANEY.

He was born on January 15, 1860, at Thompsonville, Connecticut. He was one of six children born to John and

The Clergy, Continued, 95

Mary Delaney. His father was a native of Roscrea, County Tipperary, and his mother, of the parish of Den, County Cavin, Ireland. His classical and philosophical courses were made at the Niagara University, after which he entered St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee. His health breaking down after one year, he was sent to St. Vincent's Seminary, Latrobe, Penn- sylvania, where he completed his theology. He was ordained priest, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, by Bishop Dwenger, on June 29, 1887. On July 17th, he received his appointment as an assistant to Very Rev. J. H. Brammer, V. G., at the Cathedral, until two years later he succeeded the Rev. T. M. O'Leary, as pastor of St. Patrick's Church at Fort Wayne. He was named irremovable rector by Bishop Alerding and is a Diocesan Consultor.

THE REV. WILLIAM DEMERS, C. S. C

He was born at St. Nicholas, Canada East, January 10, 1820; received the habit in 1862; profession, August 25, 1865; ordained priest in 1865. He was made the second resident pastor of St. Joseph's Church at South Bend, in the fall of 1870 up to December 26, 1872; pastor of St. Vincent, Allen county, in 1873; pastor of St. Louis' Church, Besancon, in 1875; pastor of St. Joseph's Church, South Bend, from Sep- tember 1876 to September 1877. He died on December 22, 1896 and is buried at Notre Dame.

THE REV. JOHN DEMPSEY.

He was born in Croagh, diocese of Limerick, Ireland, on March 21, 1845. He studied the classics in Limerick and philosophy and theology in St. John's College, Waterford, Ireland. Having emigrated to this country, he was ordained priest in Fort Wayne, by Bishop Dwenger, on July 18, 1873. His appointments were: Pastor of Grass Creek and Lucerne, from August 1873 till January 1877; pastor of Fowler and St. Bridget's (Barrydale), from April 19, 1878 till January 1, 1882; pastor of Lebanon, from 1882 till September 1884; pastor of St. Ann's Church, Lafayette, from September 1884 till August 1888; pastor of Valparaiso, from August 1888 till May 1898;

96 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

pastor of Crawfordsville, from May 1898 till April 4, 1906, on which date he dropped dead at the altar of St. Bernard's Church, in Crawfordsville.

THE REV. RUDOLPH J. DENK.

He was born in Germany, March 10, 1866, to Francis and Mary (Neumeier) Denk; he spent six years at Landshut, Germany, and four years at St. Vincent, Pennsylvania, in the study of the classics and philosophy; three years at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the study of theol- ogy, and was ordained priest, by Archbishop Elder, on June 14, 1891. He was the pastor of Kewanna and the mission, Lucerne, from June till the fall of 1891; resident pastor of Auburn, from November 1891 for eight months; assistant at St. Mary's Church, Fort Wayne, from 1892 till May 1896, when he was appointed the second resident pastor of Sheldon, with Bluffton for a mission. He died as pastor of St. Aloysius' Church, at Sheldon, in St. Joseph's Hospital, Fort Wayne, on January 5, 1901, and was buried in the cemetery at Sheldon.

THE REV. MARTIN L. DENTINGER, C. PP. S.

He was born at Buffalo, New York, May 17, 1856; or- dained priest at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 30, 1885. He attended Portland as a mission on two Sundays of every month, from November 1885 to March 1888. He was the pastor of Pulaski from 1901 till October 1903.

THE REV. FRANCIS DESCHAMP.

He was the pastor of St. Vincent, Allen county, from 1856 to August 19, 1858, the date of his death. From here he also attended Ege as a station. His remains rest beneath the sanctuary of St. Vincent's Church.

THE REV. CHARLES DHE.

He was born May 6, 1863, at Nermelles, Diocese of Arras, France. He made all his studies at Arras. He was ordained

The Clergy, Continued. 97

priest by Bishop Dennel of Arras, on July 10, 1887. His first appointment was at St. Pol sur Vernoise, diocese of Arras. He was next at New Iberia, Louisiana, Archdiocese of New Orleans. He came to the diocese of Fort Wayne, in February 1894, and was appointed pastor of Hartford City, with Montpelier for a mission. He had charge also of Dunkirk as a mission until March 1900. He was appointed pastor of St. Louis' Church, at Besancon, on July 11, 1906.

THE REV. ANTHONY DICK, C. PP. S.

He was born at St. Stephen, Ohio, January 1, 1852; or- dained priest at Cincinnati, Ohio, June 11, 1881. He was the pastor of St. Augustine's Church, Rensselaer, from October 1888 till July 1891; pastor of Holy Trinity Church, in Jay county, from 1898 till 1901 ; pastor of Pulaski, from November 24, 1903 till September 30, 1905.

THE REV. BERNARD DICKMANN, C. PP. S.

He was born at Minster, Ohio, October 3, 1839; ordained priest at Minster, August 17, 1862. He was appointed pastor of St. Augustine's Church, Rensselaer, in February 1897, but on account of ill health he had to go South for a change of climate.

THE REV. JOHN R. DINNEN.

He was born in Shelburne, Vermont, on June 19, 1843. In 1857 the family removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he attended the Kinsey School and Sloane's Commercial College. In 1861 he entered the University of Notre Dame, and became assistant professor in book-keeping and penmanship, and one year later, was made secretary of the University. He remained at the University until 1868, when Bishop Duggan of Chicago, sent him to St. Francis' Seminary, Wisconsin, to complete his course in theology. Bishop Luers adopted him for the diocese of Fort Wayne, and he was ordained priest by Bishop Luers, in St. Patrick's Church, Chicago, on July 22, 1869. On August 18th, of the same year, he was made assistant to Rev. George

98 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

A. Hamilton, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Lafayette. In April 1870, he received the appointment of pastor of Oxford and all the missions in Benton, Boone and part of White counties. From October 18, 1875 till May 18, 1878, he was assistant in the Cathedral, at Fort Wayne. He was pastor of St. Ber- nard's Church at Crawfordsville for more than sixteen years. Here he celebrated his Silver Sacerdotal Jubilee, in July 1894. On August 4, 1894, he was named irremovable rector of St. Mary's Church, at Lafayette, by Bishop Rademacher. Father Dinnen is a Diocesan Consultor, dean of the Lafayette district, and a member of the Diocesan School Board.

THE REV. ROBERT STEPHEN AMBROSE DOWD, C.PP.S.

He was born at Clooncraif, County Roscommon, Parish Aughrim, Ireland, September 11, 1870; entered the Congre- gation of the Most Precious Blood, August 20, 1891, at Rhoner- ville, California; ordained priest at Carthagena, Ohio, June 23, 1904, by Archbishop Moeller. Pastor of St. Vincent's Church, St. Vincent, Allen county, since January 1, 1907.

THE REV. WILLIAM DOYLE.

He was born twelve miles south of Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, on August 31, 1820. He was ordained priest by Bishop Bazin, on December 18, 1847. He attended Peru and Kokomo in 1851 and 1852. He was pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, at Logansport, from 1855 to 1857, visiting the missions Pulaski and Indian Creek, and the stations now termed Ke- wanna and Lucerne. He attended Delphi while a station, about the year 1861. He died in St. Vincent's Infirmary, at Indian- apolis, on August 7, 1883.

THE REV. DOMINIC DUEHMIG.

He was born November 9, 1842, in Ebenheid, Baden, Germany. He was the eleventh of a family of twelve children. He attended the schools of his native village until 1854. His classical studies were made at Wertheim, on the Main, in July 1862. Two years of his theological studies were made at the

I The Clergy, Continued. 99

University of Freiburg and two years more at the University of Louvain. He was ordained priest by the Bishop of Liege, Belgium on August 5, 1866. He left his native country on December 6, and arrived in New York on the 22nd, of the same month, reaching Fort Wayne on the 24th, in 1866. His first appointment was at Huntington for a short time only. He was made assistant priest at Avilla, on February 22, 1867 and was duly installed as pastor of Avilla, on May 12th, of the same year. The places which he attended, as missions of Avilla, were Kendallville, Ligonier, Millersburg, Waterloo, Summit, Ege, Albion, Bremen, Auburn, Angola, Lagrange, Goshen, Leo, Rome City and Butler. Father Duehmig's life was full of hardships and personal sacrifices. Travelling from place to place, sleeping in log houses, celebrating Mass in rail- road shanties and humble cabin homes, preaching in court houses and public halls, dispelling prejudice and sowing the good seed, he certainly was a pioneer priest, worthy of the highest love and esteem. As far as known. Father Duehmig offered the first Mass ever said in Lagrange county, in the little log house, the home of Patrick Foley, in 1871. In Steuben county, he was want to celebrate Mass repeatedly, in the little railroad shanty belonging to Eugene Moriarity, as far back as 1869. Father Duehmig, after an illness of a year or more, departed this life in the Kneipp Sanitarium at Rome City, on June 3, 1905. His life and labors will be ever held in grateful remembrance. His remains rest just back of the Mortuary Chapel in the Cemetery of Avilla, the statue of the Sacred Heart looking down upon his grave.

THE REV. JAMES H. DURHAM.

He was born at Middletown, New York, on November 26, 1874. He made his classical studies at St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas. His philosophical and theological course was begun and completed at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cedar Point, Ohio. He received tonsure on June 14, 1904; Minor Orders on June 21, 1906; Subdeaconship on March 15th, and Deaconship on March 16, 1907, all at the Seminary. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral at

100 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne, on May 22, 1907. His first appointment was that of assistant at St. Patrick's Church, Fort Wayne, on June 8, 1907.

THE REV. JOHN P. DURHAM.

He was born at Middletown, New York, on September 22, 1867. He made his studies at St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas, at the Seminary of Our Lady of the Angels, at Niagara, and Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati. He was or- dained priest at Cincinnati, by Archbishop Elder, on June 17, 1897. He was assistant at the Cathedral of Fort Wayne, from June 17, 1897 until March 7, 1901. He was pastor of St. Mary's Church, at Huntington until May 16, 1901, when he received his present appointment, that of pastor of St. Mary's Church, Union City.

THE REV. LAWRENCE A. EBERLE.

He was born at Peru, Indiana, on March 13, 1875. He studied the classics at St. Viateur's College, Kankakee, Illinois, and at St. Joseph's College, near Rensselaer, Indiana. He made his philosophical and theological studies at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on May 24, 1902. His appointments were: Assistant at St. Joseph's Church, Mishawaka; assistant at Decatur, from July 1904, with Port- land for a mission; pastor of Portland and Geneva, since July 3, 1905.

THE REV. FRANCIS X. EGE.

He was born in Wolpertswende, diocese of Rottenburg, Germany, on January 6, 1849. He made his classical studies with the Jesuits in Feldkirch, of his native country. His phil- osophical and theological studies were had in St, Francis' Seminary, Wisconsin. He was ordained priest by Bishop

The Clergy, Continued. lOl

Dwenger, at Fort Wayne, on June 10, '1876. His appointments were: Pastor of St. Anthony's, Benton county, from June 1876 to October 1878; pastor at Ege, from October 1878 to November 1897; on account of sickness, he had no charge for a year; pastor of Klaasville, since August 13, 1898.

THE REV. JOS. A. THOMAS EISENRING, C. PP. S.

He was born at Mosmang, St. Gall, Switzerland, on Novem- ber 1, 1844. He attended the parochial school at Kirchberg and St. George's College near St. Gallen. Having emigrated to America, he aflfiliated himself with the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, with whom he made his theological studies. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Purcell, on August 15, 1873. Having had charge of the parishes of Celina and of New Riegel, both in Ohio, until 1878, he was sent to Europe, where he remained four vears in charge of the parish and the convent of the Sisters in Schellenberg. He was recalled to America and was given charge of the parishes, at Coldwater and Philothea, Ohio. In the year 1883, he labored at Wina- mac, diocese of Fort Wayne, attending also Schimmels, North Judson, Jeflferson and Royal Centre. Having held many re- sponsible positions and having been instrumental in the erec- tion of several churches, he finally became chaplain of the St. Joseph's Hospital at Fort Wayne, conducted by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, on Decem.ber 3, 1889. In connec- tion with the hospital work, the Poor Handmaids have here their Provincial Mother-house, of which Father Thomas, as he is familiarly known, is the spiritual director.

THE RE\'. ANTHONY M. FLEERING.

He was born in Eppe, Westphalia, Germany, March 18, 1853. He was the oldest of seven children born to Gerhard and Mary Ann (Esseling) Ellering. The family emigrated to the United States, in September 1868, and settled in Stearns county, Minnesota, where his parents died, his mother in 1884, and his father in 1885. He received his elemientarv education

102 The Diocese of Fort Wayne.

in his native city. From 1874 to 1878, he attended the Bene- dictine University at Collegeville, Minnesota, for his classical course. His studies in philosophy were made in Calvary Col- lege, Wisconsin, from 1878 to 1880, and his theological studies in St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee. He was ordained priest by Bishop Dwenger, in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne, on June 11, 1884. His first appointment was that of assistant to Rev. Julius Becks, at Michigan City, who at the time was in feeble health. He was made pastor of Warsaw and of the missions Pierceton and Bourbon until May 1, 1886, when he received his present appointment, pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Church at Columbia City, and of the Sacred Heart Church at Warsaw, as a mission.

THE REV. EDWARD M. FALLER.

He was born January 3, 1824, in Barr, Province of Alsace. In his sixteenth year, he emigrated to the United States, land- ing in New Orleans, on April 1 1, 1840. He was ordained priest, on July 5, 1846, by Bishop de la Hailandiere of Vincennes. He first had charge of Lanesville, Indiana, but on October 12th, of the same year, he was transferred to Fort Wayne, and for two years was assistant priest to Father Benoit at St. Augus- tine's Church. He organized St. Mary's Congregation at Fort Wayne in 1848, and from here also attended Avilla and .its neighboring missions. While at Fort Wayne, he also attended to Decatur, as early as 1846, and Indian Creek, in 1851. When the diocese of Fort Wayne was established, in 1857, he re- turned to the diocese of Vincennes, being made the pastor of St. Mary's Church at New Albany. On July 5, 1906, he had been priest sixty years, the occasion was duly commemorated. He is still living and in active service.

THE REV. MICHAEL PHILIP FALLIZE, C. S. C.

He was born at Harlingen, Luxemburg, February 24, 1855; came to America September 2, 1874; ordained priest December 31, 1878; pastor of St. Joseph's Church, South Bend, from August 15, 1880 till the fall of 1888. He was the

The Clergy, Continued. 103

president of the State Total Abstinence Union. Upon his departure from South Bend, he was chosen the Proto-Vicarius- Notarius of the missionary band, which was then sent to East Bengal, India, and he is still working there, as the Vicar Gen- eral of the diocese of Dacca.

THE REV. GREGORY FANGMANN, O. F. M.

He was born July 16, 1846; entered the Order, September 17, 1863; ordained priest. May 22, 1869; assistant at St. Boniface's Church, Lafayette, from September 1870 to August 1872.

THE REV. FRANCIS P. FAUST.

He is the son of Francis and Catherine (Schulz) Faust, born in Fort Wayne, on February 19, 1868. He studied the classics at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, philosophy and theology at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, and was ordained priest, by Archbishop Elder, in Cincinnati, on June 22, 1892. His appointments were: Pastor of Auburn and Albion, from July 1892 to December 1895; assistant at SS. Peter and Paul's Church, Huntington, from December 1895 to November 1897; pastor at Ege, since November 1897.

THE REV. NORBERT FELDEN.

He was born at Marytown, Fond du Lac county, Wis- consin, on the 9th day of April, 1880. When about a year old his parents moved to St. Francis, Wisconsin, where is located, St. Francis' Seminary, the Alma Mater of 1600 priests. Here the young Felden imbibed the spirit of the priesthood. He remained at this institution until 1901 when, for climatic reasons, he went to St. Meinrad's Seminary in Spencer county, Indiana. Here he completed his theological course in 1905. On the 17th of June, he was ordained priest by Bishop Alerding, in the Cathedral of Fort Wayne. He was at once assigned to St. Peter's Church, at Fort Wayne, as the assistant.

104 The Diocese of Fort IVayne.

THE REV. AGNELLUS FISCHER, O. F. M.

He was born January </