USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > A standard history of Elkhart County, Indiana : an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development, Volume I > Part 29
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THE INDIANA AND MICHIGAN ELECTRIC COMPANY
For nearly ten years past the corporation named has controlled the electric light and power throughout the St. Joseph Valley, and perhaps no other public utility concern has done so much for Elk- hart, as its interurban lines, many minor manufacturing plants, and at least one great corporation (Lake Shore & Michigan Southern), are supplied with electric power through its transmission systems. while the public thoroughfares and numerous business houses and manufactories depend almost entirely upon the Indiana & Michigan for lighting purposes and for the operation of electric fans and other ventilating devices.
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Elkhart is the center of the widely-extended activities of the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company, and a description of its development, as a whole, and its outgrowth at Elkhart, in particular, is therefore given in the words of J. P. Ohmer, its superintendent. "The Indiana and Michigan Electric Company," he says, "is the Indiana corporation serving the people of the St. Joseph valley with electrical energy for light and power purposes directly or indirectly from Elkhart, Ind., to Watervliet, Mich., which is approximately 20 miles north of Benton Harbor, and in addition thereto street and interurban railways operating in said valley from Goshen to Water- vliet, Mich., and those radiating therefrom.
"To be more explicit,-it wholesales electrical energy to the Chi- cago, South Bend and Northern Indiana Railway which operates a local street car system in Goshen, Elkhart, Mishawaka, South Bend, Laporte, Michigan City, Indiana and has interurban lines operating in and between said cities; also to St. Joseph Valley Traction Co., which operates a line of railway easterly from Elkhart, through Bristol for a distance of approximately 15 miles, and which road is being extended easterly to approximately the Ohio-Indiana state line ; also to the Benton Harbor & St. Joseph Railway & Light Com- pany, which distributes electricity for light and power purposes in the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Mich., on Lake Mich- igan, and a local street car line in and between said cities, together with an interurban railway extending southerly and easterly to Dowagiac, Mich., and northerly for 20 miles to Coloma and Watervliet. This railway and light company also distributes this electrical energy in the villages of Coloma, Watervliet and Eau Claire, Mich., as well as in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. The Indiana & Michigan Electric Company also wholesales electric energy to the Southern Michigan Railway Company, which operates an electrical railway between South Bend and St. Joseph, Mich., through Niles and Berrien Springs. The Indiana & Michigan Elec- tric Co., neither directly or indirectly except for railroad purposes, disposes of any electrical energy in Goshen, New Carlisle, Laporte or Michigan City. In Michigan City the railway company does not procure its power from the Indiana & Michigan Electric Co.
"In Elkhart, Ind., where one of its hydro-electric plants is located, it distributes and sells all of the electricity that is used in that city for light and power purposes. In Mishawaka, Ind., where it has franchises by which it can distribute energy for all purposes, it at present distributes electrical energy for power purposes only,
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ELKHART PUBLIC LIBRARY
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
selling only such amounts of energy as are necessary for illuminating purposes in the manufacturing establishments to which it sells energy for power purposes. In addition to this power business it also has a contract with the municipality of Mishawaka, which municipality distributes said energy for lighting and small power business. In South Bend, Ind., this company maintains and oper- ates in conjunction with its hydro-electric plants a large steam plant and here it distributes and sells all of the electrical energy used for lighting and power purposes, both by the city and the inhabitants thereof, except such amounts as may be manufactured by private plants.
"In Niles, Mich., this company has a franchise for a limited section of the City of Niles by which it can dispose of electric energy to be used for power purposes only. In Buchanan, Mich., where one of its hydro-electric plants is located, it disposes and sells elec- trical energy for both light and power purposes to the municipality, as well as to the inhabitants thereof. Similarly, at the Village of Berrien Springs, where is located the fourth hydro-electric plant, it distributes energy for all purposes, except street illumination, for which it delivers energy to the municipality.
"It also distributes a small amount of current in the Village of Rolling Prairie and sells to a few customers just west of Laporte through an agreement made with the Indiana Railway Co. The approximate population which it serves directly or indirectly is 125,000.
"The Indiana & Michigan Electric Co. power is developed from four hydro-electric plants located in the St. Joseph River, one hav- ing an approximate head of 18 feet located in this city, the second with an approximate head of 20 feet located at Twin Branch, three miles east of Mishawaka, the third having a head of approximately Io feet at Buchanan, Mich., and the fourth having a head of approx- imately 20 feet at Berrien Springs, Mich., together with a steam plant centrally located at South Bend, Ind., and operated in con- junction with and parallel with the above mentioned hydraulic plants. All of said plants are interconnected electrically with practically two parallel transmission lines.
"The Indiana & Michigan Electric Co. is the result of the con- solidation merger or purchase of numerous companies originally existing independently in the St. Joseph valley. It was incorporated in the State of Indiana May II, 1907, at which time it took over a number of independent companies.
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"In this city the first electric company was organized by Etna Kuhlman in 1892. It was known as the Home Electric Light & Power Co., and had for its officers Dr. G. W. Spohn, President ; E. Kuhlman, Secretary; W. H. Hornberger, Vice-president and J. E. Micks, Treasurer.
"The first plant was located south of the Lake Shore railroad at the corner of Willard Street and was put into operation on Thanksgiving day, 1892.
"Later, the plant was moved to Elkhart ave., near Jackson Street, and was operated by hydraulic power from the St. Joseph River. This plant was entirely demolished more than fifteen years ago and the electric plant was moved and reconstructed on the north side of the river along the Big Four railway, near Beardsley avenue, and was designed so as to utilize both steam and hydraulic power. This is the plant called by the Indiana & Michigan Electric Co., plant "A," and was abandoned during 1914 as an operating plant.
"The hydraulic development in Elkhart dates back to 1867, when The Elkhart Hydraulic Co. was organized, and in 1868 they con- structed a dam in the St. Joseph River at Elkhart. This dam was a log dam with a head of ten feet and on the south side of which was the old fashioned race-way from which water was drawn for various manufacturing enterprises, and each manufacturer owned in connec- tion with the real estate on which his factory was located certain quantities of water which were used for power development pur- poses for his factory. In 1882 the St. Joseph Hydraulic Co. was organized and purchased from the owners of the dam certain water rights and this company constructed the race-way on the north side of the river which supplied manufacturing establishments, among which was the Home Electric, or the Elkhart Electric Company. This company, however, did not own any of the water rights but leased approximately 300 horse power. from the owner of the hydraulic properties.
"In January, 1901, the Home Electric Light & Power Co. was merged into the Elkhart Electric Co. In September, 1903, the Elk- hart Power Co. was, organized and purchased both of the above mentioned hydraulic companies, and this, the Elkhart Power Co., was later purchased by the Indiana & Michigan Co. In 1913 the In- diana & Michigan Electric Co. completed the reconstruction and raising of this Elkhart dam and building a new power house, from which they are now developing energy in conjunction with three other hydraulic plants and a steam plant at South Bend."
CHAPTER XV
ELEVATING INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
BAPTIST, METHODIST AND BRETHREN MISSIONARIES-FIRST METH- ODIST CLASS AND CHURCH-CASTLE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH -FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH-FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-FIRST EVANGELICAL CHURCH-GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-ST. VINCENT'S CATH- OLIC CHURCH-FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TRINITY CHURCH-FIRST METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH-GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH-FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH-THE RIVERSIDE CHRIS- TIAN CHURCH-SIMPSON MEMORIAL CHURCH-OTHER CHURCHES-THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION AND YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION-ELKHART GENERAL HOSPITAL-SECRET AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS-THE LOCAL INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS BODIES-THE MASONS-THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS -. THE WOODMEN AND THE FORESTERS-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS AND RATHBONE SISTERS- KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF THE MACCABEES -PATRIOTIC BODIES-INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS-ELKHART LECTURE ASSOCIATION-THE CHAUTAUQUA-THE CENTURY CLUB-OTHER CLUBS.
Many influences and agencies work toward the uplifting of a community or a city which do not formally bear an elevating stamp. There are certain institutions and organizations, however, such as churches, Christian associations, hospitals, benevolent and patriotic bodies, secret orders and lodges, industrial brotherhoods and the like, which specifically take their stand in the higher activities of life. It is a picture of this phase of the local history of Elkhart which this chapter attempts to draw; and it is a bright and instruc- tive one.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
BAPTIST, METHODIST AND BRETHREN MISSIONARIES
The religious influences and the Christian missionaries were active at the settlement of the Forks several years before the wor- shippers had gathered in sufficient numbers and in any special locality to divide their forces according to sect. The Baptists, the Methodists and the United Brethren sent their missionaries to Elk- hart Prairie as soon as the first log cabins of that region com- menced to be reared for the shelter of men and women and their families. Isaac McCoy, from the Carey Baptist Mission ventured from Niles, Michigan, and named Christiana Creek before there was anything suggestive of either Pulaski or Elkhart. He came after- ward when the signs were many. Felkner and Robinson, Methodist circuit riders, and John Denham, the United Brethren Missionary, held forth in exhortation, prayer and song after Doctor Beardsley had platted his town. It has even been claimed that Mr. Denham was there before him and preached the first sermon within the present bounds of the city. However that may be, it is known that one of the first meeting-houses for those who were religiously inclined at the mouth of the Elkhart River was the house of Mrs. Samuel P. Beebe, whose husband opened the first store in Elkhart. Having conducted their simple services at Mrs. Beebe's, or in some other cabin, the missionary would usually mount his horse and ride along toward Goshen, where the courthouse could be depended upon for a place of meeting, in case no settler's cabin was available.
FIRST METHODIST CLASS AND CHURCH
But the Methodists seemed to gather the greater momentum during this very early period, so that in 1832 they were able to organize a class, with John Baring as leader. Their meeting-place was the hospitable log cabin of James Bannon, corner of Second and Jefferson streets. In 1835 Elkhart became the head of an old- fashioned circuit embracing not only Elkhart, but much of the sur- rounding counties.
When the first schoolhouse was built, services were held there, in common with the pioneer preachers of other denominations, until 1839, when the second story of what was afterward known as Old Tammany and Bee Hive was leased. Later the society met in the Good Templars' Hall, Presbyterian Church and Masonic Hall. In
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1853 a subscription was started for a church building. On Febru- ary 4, 1854, the first board of trustees was formed and on August 20, 1855, the first brick was laid. Three times before completion the roof was blown off by terrible wind storms, but finally the church was dedicated (September 9, 1862), Rev. T. M. Eddy, editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate, officiating.
Progress was now more rapid. A successful revival occurred in 1864, the congregation increasing in membership so that, in 1865, Elkhart became a station. A Sunday school had been organized in December, 1853, with Henry Neal as first superintendent. An organ was not placed in the church until 1869, and then not with- out strenuous opposition. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized in July, 1871, by Miss Kate Drake. The first parsonage was erected in 1874, and the North Indiana Conference entertained in 1875. Many yet remember in those days, Mahin, valiant in debate, Simpson, thrice the beloved pastor, and Men- denhall, the towering preacher. A modern era of development was ushered by Rev. W. D. Parr, who led in the erection of the hand- some church dedicated February 9, 1890, by Rev. C. H. Payne. Its location is on the corner of Second and Franklin streets. A net gain of 350 in membership was made during the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Jackson and the conference again entertained, Rev. C. H. Brown, pastor; while the renovation of the church and the erection of the fine parsonage marked the pastorate of Rev. S. Light. The following members were connected with Trinity continuously for more than half a century : Mrs. Sarah Hay joined in 1855; William Barger, class leader and trustee for fifty-eight years, in 1859, and Alexander Airsman and J. Guipe, in 1860. The present member- ship of the church is 1,135.
Following is a list of pastors who have served the church : S. Ball, and others, 1832-41 ; C. W. Miller, 1841-42; Warren Grif- fith, 1842-43; E. Holdstock, 1843-44; B. Winans, 1844-45; O. V. Lemon, 1845-46; J. H. Bruce, 1846-47; James Farnsworth, 1847- 48; A. Salsbury, 1848-49; H. B. Ball, 1849-50; David Reeder, 1850-51; E. Holdstock, 1851-53; Isaac Ayers, 1853-54; E. S. Pres- ton, 1854-55; E. S. Preston and J. Hall, 1855-56; WV. S. Birch and A. Martin, 1856-57; W. S. Birch, 1857-58; J. H. Hutchinson, 1858-60; J. Johnson, 1860-61 ; J. Johnson and F. Simpson, 1861- 62; T. Comstock and C. Hover, 1862-63; T. Comstock and R. Oden, 1863-64; V. W. Beamer and F. T. Simpson, 1864-65; V. W.
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Beamer, 1865-66; H. J. Lacy, 1866-67; E. Hall, 1867-70; C. P. Wright, resigned, E. Holstock filled out the year, 1870-71; S. H. Rhodes, 1871-74; A. E. Mahin, 1874-77; F. T. Simpson, 1877-80; M. H. Mendenhall, 1880-81 ; R. D. Robinson, 1881-82; E. F. Hasty, 1882-85; C. E. Disbro, 1885-88; W. D. Parr, 1888-93; J. H. Jack- son, 1893-97; J. H. Jackson and L. C. Poor, 1897-98; C. H. Brown, 1898-1901; S. Light, 1901-1906; L. A. Beeks, 1906-1909; J. A. Beatty, 1909-1910; R. J. Wade, 1910-1915; John C. White, 1915 -.
CASTLE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH
The first missionary of the United Brethren Church in Elkhart County was Rev. John Denham who, as early as 1830, was preach- ing at various points in the St. Joseph Valley. He was succeeded in 1833 by Rev. Joseph Davis. John Griffith and William Davis preached at Elkhart in later years, and two small churches were finally formed. The church in East Goshen was erected in 1879 under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Eby, father of Rev. J. A. Eby, who served the present church in 1898-1900. The North Elkhart Church was completed in 1880. In the fall of 1889 Rev. William M. Bell was called to the field and consolidated the two churches under the name by which it has since been known, the Castle Church, United Brethren in Christ. The house of worship now occupied, corner of Middlebury and Monroe streets, was completed and dedi- cated December 7, 1890, under Doctor Bell, who is now bishop of the Pacific Coast district. Rev. A. Maynard Cummins succeeded him as pastor of the Castle Church in 1892; Rev. J. L. Parks came in 1893, Rev. R. P. Burton in 1897, Rev. J. A. Eby in 1898, and since the conclusion of Mr. Eby's pastorate in 1900, the following have served: Revs. R. J. Parrett, two years; J. E. Grimes, four years; C. S. Parker, two years; D. Robinson, two years, and J. W. Lake (now in his fifth year). The present membership of the church is 472.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The First Presbyterian Church, one of the pioneer religious bodies of Elkhart, was organized in 1840. After its members had struggled along for a few years, they were joined by a number of
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Congregationalists on what was called the Plan of Union. They worked together until the year 1869, when the Congregationalists organized the present Congregational Church. A peculiar and interesting incident connected with the pastorate of the church is that two of the ministers who remained longest were upon their sec- ond term of service. Rev. W. J. Essick, after serving the church for ten months, resigned, but was recalled and remained pastor for nearly four years. Rev. Edward Barr, after six months' service, went to another field, but was invited to return, and remained pastor for nearly six years. Rev. H. B. Townsend began his pastorate in 1888 and after over ten years of faithful service resigned in July, 1899. He was succeeded by Rev. F. H. Gwynne. The present pastor is Rev. Charles M. Herrick.
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
It is more than seventy years ago that the first Episcopal services were held in Elkhart, and the story leading to the event is thus told: In 1843 Mrs. Caroline Chamberlain, wife of Dr. Joseph W. Chamberlain and mother of Capt. Orville T. Chamberlain, came to Elkhart with her family. Soon afterward she sought to hold prayer book services at her home, and was rewarded by finding two families besides her own adhering to the Episcopal communion. These fam- ilies were those of Eliel Farr, of Cleveland Township, and Chester Gore. Thus the first Episcopal service in Elkhart was held in the house of Dr. Joseph Chamberlain about 1845.
On Easter Monday, 1868, a meeting was called to choose the first vestry and to take steps for the legal incorporation of the parish. Ground for the first church edifice was broken in May, 1873; first service in the church held on the second Sunday in Advent, December 14, 1873. Service of breaking ground for the present beautiful church held May 14, 1895. The cornerstone was laid July 1, 1895 ; first church reconsecrated November rith of that year; and the first service in the chapel of the present church was held July 5, 1896, and in the present church itself, Sunday, August 30th following. Rev. William Galpin assumed charge in 1894 and continued as rector for a number of years ; since his term of service Rev. C. S. Champlin and Rev. W. W. Daup have been in charge of St. John's parish.
IN ELKHART'S RESIDENCE AND CHURCH DISTRICTS
1.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The Baptists organized a church in 1856, under Rev. L. A. Alford, and in July, 1860, a house of worship was erected on the site of the present building, corner of West Lexington and Third streets. There services were maintained until about 1870, when the house was leased to the Congregational Society. In 1873 ser- vices were again regularly held. By the year 1877 the membership had increased to 208. The work went steadily forward until 1888, when the house was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $3,000. Among the pastors who have served the church are Revs. L. A. Alford, E. A. Russel, W. L. Huntley, James Green, W. W. Smith, WV. A. Clark, J. W. Reed, H. C. Bristol, R. E. Neighbor, J. Vraden- burg, G. A. Chittenden, S. C. Fulmer, Alvin A. Cober and Horace N. Spear.
FIRST EVANGELICAL CHURCH
The Elkhart circuit of the Evangelical Association was first organized in 1852 and the Division Street Society, the mother of the First Church, was formed in 1860 by Rev. E. L. Kiplinger. The first regular pastor in charge was Rev. Joseph Fisher, who served in 1867-68. In the latter year a brick church succeeded the small frame chapel in which the earlier services were held. Suc- ceeding Mr. Fisher as pastors were the following: J. Fox, 1869-70; G. A. Hertel, 1871-72; G. W. Braeckly, 1873-74; J. Beck, 1875; J. Huffman, 1876-77; C. C. Baumgartner, 1878; M. W. Steffey, 1879-80-81; C. F. Hansing, 1882-83-84; Geo. Roederer, 1885; Aug. Iwan, 1886-87; M. W. Steffey, 1888-89; J. Huffman, 1890-91; S. Heininger, 1892; J. H. Evans, 1893-94; W. L. Luehring, 1895-96; L. J. Ehrhardt, 1897-98; Thos. Finkbeiner, 1899-1900-01; M. W. Sunderman, 1902-03.
The Watchtower Church of the Evangelical Association was organized in September, 1872, by Rev. William Wildermuth by those members of the mother body who wished the services con- ducted entirely in English. Its services were at first held in the Division Street Church until October, 1873, when its own house of worship was completed. Rev. Joseph Fisher succeeded Revs. William Wildermuth and H. E. Overmier as the first settled pastor of Watchtower Church, in 1874. Afterward came the following :
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C. C. Beyrer, 1876; A. Geist, 1877-79; J. Wales, 1880-81 ; A. O. Raber, 1882-83-84; D. Martz, 1885-86-87; S. B. Kring, 1888-89; W. H. Brightmire, 1890-91; M. L. Scheidler, 1892-93-94; A. S. Fisher, 1895-96-97-98; F. E. Zechiel, 1899; J. O. Mosier, 1900-01- 02-03.
In 1904 Division Street and Watchtower churches were con- solidated into the First Church, with Rev. L. S. Fisher as pastor, and its large and elegant edifice on Hickory Street near Main was completed in the same year. Following Mr. Fisher were: Rev. J. H. Breish, 1907-10; L. S. Fisher, 1911-13, and Rev. E. W. Praetorius, since 1913. The present membership of the First Church is 650.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Northern Indiana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the General Synod. The beginning of its development dates back to 1865, when Rev. R. F. Delo was sent to Elkhart by the synod to organize the scat- tered forces of the Church of the Reformation. He started with twenty charter members, who held their meetings first in the Baptist Church and then for two years in a hall, the membership doubling in the meantime. An exodus of citizens to southern points weakened the membership and difficulties which could not be controlled caused disbandment.
In 1873 Rev. John G. Biddle revived the society, with a mem- bership of twenty-three and a frame building on South Main Street was shared with the German Lutherans. The present site at the corner of Marion and Ninth streets was bought in 1874 for $400, and H. J. Delo, David Coleman and William Kreichbaum appointed a building committee. When the building was nearly completed a storm destroyed it, but with commendable zeal and courage the members, aided by citizens, built a second house of worship and this was dedicated in December, 1874. Reverend Biddle at that time had charge of four other churches in the same circuit and was assisted by his nephew, Rev. L. S. Keyser. After Reverend Biddle's death, January 10, 1879, his brother Rev. Frederick Bid- dle served the church two years, until the Elkhart Church became independent of the other churches in the charge, Reverend Biddle continuing with the country churches and Rev. J. A. Hines assum-
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ing the Elkhart pastorate in June, 1880. During his pastorate of fourteen months the church was repaired and its affairs systematized. Rev. H. C. Grossman was pastor from September, 1, 1881, to May I, 1883; Rev. L. S. Keyser for five years from June 3, 1883; Rev. N. J. Myers became pastor on December 1, 1889; Rev. W. R. Funkey on July 1, 1891 ; Rev. D. U. Bair, September 15, 1893, and Rev. C. E. Rice on June 1, 1895, serving until November, 1908. It was during Rev. C. E. Rice's pastorate that the present church building and parsonage were erected. Rev. F. A. Dressel, the present pastor, took charge January 15, 1909. Its present membership is 408.
ST. VINCENT'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
At South Main Street and Prairie Avenue are the buildings rep- resentative of St. Vincent's Parish and nearly half a century of the development of Catholic interests in that section of the city. The edifices comprise a large church, rectory, sisters' house and school.
While services by Catholic priests had been held in Elkhart at intervals during the early days, no special priest was assigned to this parish until May 17, 1867, when Rev. A. B. Oechtering, of Mishawaka, assumed charge of Elkhart as a mission. On March 8, 1868, a permanent organization was effected. Until November 27, 1869, Rev. A. B. Oechtering continued in charge. Then came Rev. John Oechtering for one year. The corner-stone of the first church had been laid July 12, 1868, and the structure was dedicated October 25, 1870. The first resident pastor of St. Vincent's was Rev. J. H. Quinlan, who was appointed to the charge in November, 1871, and remained until October, 1875. It was during his pas- torate, in 1872, that the first priest's house was built. Rev. Martin F. Noll served from 1875 to 1880, and Rev. William Kroeger from May of that year until 1891. Father Kroeger's service brought great expansion in parish affairs; for in 1880 the first school and sisters' house was completed, and in 1886 the second church, or present edifice, was erected. Rev. Henry A. Boeckelmann was in charge of the parish from 1891 to 1906, during which period (1899), the priests' house of the present was built. Rev. F. J. Jansen has served St. Vincent's since 1906, one of the important events of his administration having been the erection of the large school and sisters' house now in use; it was built in 1909. It is Vol. 1-22
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