History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 93

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co.
Number of Pages: 1476

USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II > Part 93

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

M ICHAEL W. CARR, editor of the Pen Magazine, Indianap- olis. The history of a state is often well told in the biogra- phies of its literary men and women, for they are collectively a monument expressive of its higher civilization. It is quite true that literary celebrities are prone to seek the eastern cities, accounting them the centers of educational interests, and thereby lend their individual merits to help the repute of New York and Boston; but even these writers never entirely lose the interests which identify them with their home states.

The genus literati can be divided into two families, the one the authors of the brilliant thoughts which flash across the mental horizon like flaming meteors and then are lost, while they them- selves sink into the obscurity offered literary hacks in the east; and the other the parents of those thoughts which pile up and grow in value as the years go by, much as a great tower is reared by stone capping stone until it becomes a lasting memento of its builders.

Among this latter family can be classed Michael W. Carr, editor of the Pen Magazine, at Indianapolis, a writer who has achieved an enviable reputation among our western readers which is sustained by the scholarly finish and historical precision which mark his published articles. While laying claim to nothing in let-

(1397)

THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

ters more than the position of editor implies, he has nevertheless shown himself to be not only remarkably well educated, but also polished and forceful as a writer. His information is wide and correct, his observations to the point, and his criticisms always justified. The productions of his pen leave a lasting impression il the mind of the reader.

Mr. Carr was born in Ireland, the "Insula poetarum et doc- torum," and came to the United States in 1861. He received a part of his education at Louisville college, Ohio, and finished with a classical course at the university of Notre Dame, Ind. Upon leav- ing college he engaged in editorial work-newspaper, special pub- lications and magazine-and has been devoted to literature ever since. He is now about fifty years of age, and, although not con- stitutionally robust, his later literary work shows no loss of mental grip and power.

Mr. Carr is a conscientious, Christian gentleman, having a great love for his God, the Catholic church and his fellow-man. He possesses that keen Irish appreciation of right and justice which loses nothing by its being separated from the land where it is breathed in the air by those who honor it.

Rejoicing in a host of friends who see the sterling character beneath the air of mock-cynicism which may at times repel stran- gers, Mr. Carr quietly contributes his part to the literary fabric which will one day direct the world's attention to the state of Indi- ana as a place where scholars and writers abound both in merit and numbers, and where the work of these need not be done away from home to find true appreciation. This truth is especially applicable to the contributions of Mr. Carr to these volumes-the History of the Catholic Church in Indiana, Chapters I to VIII, inclusively, being the work of his able pen, as well as many of the sketches of the parishes in the southern diocese of Indiana.

REV. JOHN H. BOERSIG, rector of St. Martin's parish at Yorkville, Ind., is a native of Breckinridge county, Ky., and was born April 5, 1864. His early education was effected in the parochial schools of New Albany, Ind., after attending which he (139%)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

entered St. Meinrad's college, Spencer county, in January, 1879, there took his entire course in the classical, philosophical and theological departments, and was there ordained priest by Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard May 27, 1888.

The same spring Father Boersig was assigned as assistant at the cathedral at Vincennes, next as assistant in the German Cath- olic church at Madison, Ind. He was then sent as assistant priest to St. John's church at Vincennes, and remained until June, 1889, when he was assigned to the Sacred Heart parish at Schnellville, Ind., and stayed there until February, 1892. He was then assigned to St. Martin's parish at Yorkville, Dearborn county, Ind., where he is the present rector.

The membership of St. Martin's parish numbers eighty-five families or 400 souls. The schools are under the guidance of two Franciscan Sisters and the enrolment will reach eighty. Father Boersig has been an active pastor and has been ardent in his work. He placed in the church a beautiful new pipe-organ costing $1, 100, which is one of the best instruments of the kind in this part of the county. He has paid off $1, 330 of the debt, and the gen- eral improvements he has made in the parish will aggregate $1,450. The fair cash value of the Catholic property of the parish will now reach $15,000. St. Martin's lies thirteen miles northwest of Law- renceburg and seventeen miles from Batesville, Ind.

V INCENT BRUNNER, an enterprising and highly respected citizen of Mishawaka, St. Joseph county, Ind., is a native of Switzerland, and was born in the canton of Aargau, January 22, 1862.

Caspar Brunner, father of Vincent, born July 20, 1808, was a tailor by trade and married Miss Barbara Brunner, who, although she bore the same family name, was of no consanguinity. The children resulting from this marriage were five in number, but of these two died in infancy, the survivors being Agnes, Peter and Vincent. Mr. Brunner served in the Sonderbund war, was credited with being a man of sound judgment and great discretion, and served for a number of years as alderman and justice of the peace

(1399)

THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

in Europe In 1867 he came to America, landing at Castle Gar- den, N Y., December 24, whence he came to Indiana, passed one year in Whitley county, then settled in Mishawaka, St. Joseph county, Ind , resumed his trade, and united himself with the dem- ocratic party. He gave his children good educational advantages and reared them in the faith of the Catholic church, of which he and wife were devoted members, and died August 25, 1872, a highly respected and honored citizen.

Vincent Brunner, at the age of five years, was brought to this country by his parents, received a good common-school education, and learned to read, write and speak the English and German languages quite fluently. At the age of fourteen he began clerking in Frank Eberhart's grocery store and there remained six years, supporting, in the meantime, his widowed mother. In 1885 he borrowed $300, formed a partnership with H. B. Fitch and opened a grocery, but at the end of two years bought his partner's interest and continued alone until 1888, doing a very successful trade. He then disposed of his stock to his former partner, and, his health being somewhat impaired, made a trip to Enrope, visiting France, Italy and Switzerland, and in the latter country spent some time at his birthplace, readily recalling to mind many scenes in the old town. After an absence of four months he returned to Indiana and resumed the grocery trade in Mishawaka, but at the close of a year sold out and engaged in farming in Penn township until 1892, when he returned to Mishawaka. In 1895 he again went to Europe and conducted a party of tourists through portions of Africa, Spain, Italy and other countries. April 28 he and party had the pleasure of seeing Leo XIII, and of attending his private mass. Later on they saw the king and queen of Italy in Rome, the Prince of Wales at Southampton, and Gen. Booth, of Salvation Army fame, at Zurich In 1900 he expects to see the Passion Play at Oberam- mergau, Bavaria. Mr. Brunner is also a writer of some note, he having written several pamphlets and various newspaper articles. He is now again plying the grocery trade in Mishawaka. He owns a fine residence and has erected two of the handsomest business blocks in town, one being a two-story brick building, 29 x 80 feet. at the corner of Bridge and St Joseph streets, with metal front 11400)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

and plate glass windows. The corner stone is engraved with a genealogical record of the Brunner family, extending back to the fifteenth century.

Mr. Brunner was united in marriage May 1, 1883, with Miss Dora Deutchle, daughter of Leopold and Marguerite (Raab; Deutchle, the former of whom came from Germany in 1866, is now a well-to-do farmer in Madison township, St. Joseph county, Ind., and he and wife have had born to them eight children, named as follows: Andrew, Reuben, Wilhelmina, Dora (Mrs. Brunner , Mary, George, John and Valentine. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Brunner has been blessed with seven children, viz: Casper, Jo- seph, Victor, Caroline, Vincent, Charley and Marie. The family are all devoted Catholics, and Mr. Brunner is a member of the Catholic Knights of America, while his mother, now seventy-five years of age, adheres most devotedly to the same faith. Mr. Brun- ner is a self-made man, from a business point of view, and all he owns has been gained through his intelligent management of his business and strict integrity in all his dealings.

R' EV. JOHN GROGAN, the revered pastor of St. Peter's church at Laporte, Ind., and now for a quarter of a century in holy orders, was born in Rochester, N. Y., March 17, 1836. He was educated for the ministry in Bardstown, Ky., Notre Dame. Ind., and St. Mary's of Cincinnati, was ordained priest January 25, 1872, and has since done a vast amount of service in the cure of souls, having ministered, in Indiana alone, at Kokomo, La Gro, Dunnington, Mooresville, Marion and Laporte, to which last charge he was appointed in January, 1894. He is devout, ener- getic and tireless, and has accomplished, and will accomplish, a vast amount of good, D. V.

S. BARNETT, a deceased merchant of Brazil, Ind .. was born in Putnam county, and was a representative of one of the pio- neer families of his native county. Although not a Catholic in his religious convictions, he fully recognized that church as an agency

(1401

THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

for good, was a liberal supporter in all things material, and readily extended a helping hand in every worthy cause. He early became a resident of Brazil, Clay county, Ind., rose to prominence as a merchant and citizen, married Miss Elizabeth Glunn, and died in August, 1888, mourned alike by the public and the members of his immediate family.

Mrs. Elizabeth Barnett, widow of I. S. Barnett, is a daughter of Patrick and Alice (McGuire) Glunn, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1837, when Mrs. Barnett was but an infant. Landing in Newfoundland, the family proceeded thence to New Jersey, and from that state came to Indiana locating in Vigo county in 1854, becoming members of the congregation presided over by the well-known and greatly esteemed Father Lalumiere, with whom and the family the most cordial relations existed. Patrick Glunn, however, did not live long after coming to Indiana, as he passed away in 1855. The widow was possessed of greater vitality and longevity, and reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Glunn, several died in childhood and three reached maturity, and of these Mrs. Barnett is the only daughter, was the eldest born, and came with the other two to Indiana. In 1865 she was married to I. S. Barnett, and by him is the mother of two daughters-Larene and Grace. Mrs. Barnett is one of the early members of the church of the Annunciation, and never fails in her devotional duties and in lending a willing hand and purse when called upon to aid in the good work of the church. She still carries on the business conducted by her late husband, and is one of the most highly respected ladies of the city of Brazil.

DEV. MAXIMILIAN BENZINGER, pastor of St. Joseph's church at Hesse Cassel, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, October 7, 1848. a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Miller) Ben- zinger. His earlier education was acquired in his native country, where he resided until 1867, when he came to the United States. and in 1870 entered the Benedictine school at St. John's, Minn .. where he followed his studies until 1873; he next entered the col-

(1402)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

lege at Calvary, Wis., continued his studies until 1880, and then attended the seminary of St. Francis de Sales, at Milwaukee, until ordained, June 11, 1884, at Fort Wayne, by Right Rev. Bishop Dwenger. He was first stationed at Kendallville, and later transferred to the missions of Waterloo, St. Michael's and Butler: in 1886 he was appointed to the pastorate of St. Michael's at Summit, and performed noble work until October 17, 1897, when he was placed in charge of St. Joseph's at Hesse Cassal, where his piety and assiduity have won for him the love and heartfelt esteem of his congregation.

JOHN N. BREEN, the oldest merchant of Loogootee, Martin J county, Ind., was born in county Wexford, Ireland, March 9, 1830, and is the only child who reached mature years of the family born to his parents.

At the age of eighteen years, in 1848, John N. Breen came to the United States, and having had some experience as clerk in his native land, followed this calling for about two years in Louis- ville, Ky., whence he came to Indiana, and for seven years clerked at Washington for a Mr. Campbell. In 1857 he came to Loogoo- tee, and is probably the oldest male resident of the town. At that time the priest who officiated at Loogootee was Rev. Father John Mougin, who had his charge at St. Mary's and is now chaplain at the Nashville, Tenn., orphan asylum. Mass, in those days, was read at St. Mary's and at Mount Pleasant alternately, and Mr. Breen attended services at both places. In 1859 Mr. Breen donated the room over the store which he had established at Loo- gootee to divine service, and here a mission was formed - the result being that, a few months later, the reverend gentleman secured a more appropriate room, at which there was an attend- ance of thirty-two members of the flock; but this increased by degrees, and in 1860 was able to begin the erection of a small brick chapel. Unfortunately this chapel, while in the course of construction, was partly blown down by a gale of wind, but the pastor and congregation redoubled their efforts and cheerfully con- tributed the means and restored it to its proper form. The present

(1403)

THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

church was built several years afterward by the contributions of the parishioners, and by the donation of James Farrell of about $6,000.

October 11, 1865, Mr. Breen was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Campbell, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and a daughter of James and Sarah Campbell, who were early comers to Washington, Ind., where Mr. Campbell was engaged in mercantile business To Mr. and Mrs. Breen have been born seven children, viz: Walter, Anna, John (deceased), Mary, Alice B., Matilda Catherine and John. The father of Mrs. Breen was the gentleman for whom Mr. Breen was a clerk when he went to Washington, in 1850, but afterward entered into partnership with his father-in-law, for the purpose of doing business in Loogootee, under the firm-name of Campbell & Breen, but afterward Mr. Breen became the president of the Washington National bank.

Mr. Breen possesses an excellent talent for business, as will readily be perceived from the foregoing record. Commencing with almost no capital, he now owns his business block in Loogootee, beside considerable farming land in the suburbs. In politics a democrat, he was postmaster of Loogootee during the latter part of President Buchanan's administration, has always been a power- ful factor in local politics, has been a member of the town board for many years, and is one of the most respected residents of the town in which he has passed so many years of his useful life.

DEV. FRANCIS W. WOLF. pastor of St. Louis church at Shoals, Martin county, Ind., is a member of the family of ten children born to Otto and Matilda (Sauerwein) Wolf, natives of Germany, and of whose offspring seven children still survive.

Otto Wolf and wife came to the United States in 1848 and located in Connersville, Fayette county, Ind., where he followed his trade of cooper until the fall of 1876, when he removed to Indianapolis, where he was engaged in coopering until his death, which occurred March 1, 1893.

The reverend subject of this memoir, Francis W. Wolf, was born in Indianapolis, May 31. 1867. His preparatory education (1404)

Francis Hr. Wolf

ST. LOUIS' CHURCH, SHOALS, IND.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

was acquired in the parochial schools of his native city, and this was supplemented by further preparatory studies until he was able to enter St. Meinrad's college, in Spencer county, September 7, 1886, which he attended for the lengthened period of nearly ten years, as it was not until May 30, 1896, that he completed his studies and was ordained priest, on the same day, by Bishop Francis S. Chatard. Father Wolf read his first mass at St. Mary's, Indianapolis, June 29, 1896, and was immediately afterward appointed assistant to Rev. E. Audran, of St. Augustine's parish, Jeffersonville, Ind., where his services were so satisfactory that his superiors felt justified in transferring him to his present pastorate at Shoals, as the successor of Rev. L. Fichter. Connected with this church are missions at French Lick Springs and Salem, in Washington county, as well as a station at Mitchell, Lawrence county, and in attending to these Father Wolf has his hands pretty well filled. In addition to the performance of his ministerial duties, Father Wolf is also caring for his venerable mother, to whom he has given his filial care since the death of her husband. Few priests so yourg have secured a deeper love of their congre- gations than that which has been bestowed upon Father Wolf, and his multifarious duties, so well performed, are as yet but the step- ping-stones to higher ecclesiastical position.

V ERY REV. JOHN R. DINNEN was born near Burlington, Vt., in 1843. In the summer of 1857 his parents removed to Chi- cago, and the subject of this sketch secured a position as office boy in the Illinois Central ticket office. In winter he attended school and graduated from one of the most prominent business colleges in the city. Of an enterprising turn of mind, he established a news- stand, the first in the Chicago postoffice. Two years later he was able to open a general book and stationery store. In 1861 he left business to enter Notre Dame university, where, beside taking up the regular course of study, he was engaged as professor of book- keeping and penmanship. Feeling himself called to the sacred ministry, he devoted himself, after finishing the classical course, to

(1407)

THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS.

the study of philosophy and theology. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Luers, of Fort Wayne, on the 22d of July, 1869. Three days later he celebrated his first mass in St. Patrick's church, Chi- cago. His first appointment in the sacred ministry was as assist- ant to Rev. George A. Hamilton, at St. Mary's church, LaFayette. Thence he was sent, in 1870, as pastor to the missions in Benton and adjoining counties, then a most difficult field of work. After three years of arduous labors, he was called as assistant to the cathe- dral at Fort Wayne, where his untiring zeal achieved gratifying results. In May, 1878, he was appointed pastor of St. Bernard's church, Crawfordsville. During the sixteen years of his successful pastorate there his sterling qualities of heart and mind gained him hosts of friends, with whose aid he built a comfortable pastoral residence.

The great esteem in which he was held was manifestly shown on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his ordination, which he cele- brated on the 25th of July, 1894. It was a day of general rejoic- ing. not only among his parishioners, but also among his many warm friends all over the diocese and in Chicago, his early home. The pastoral residence was crowded with the guests who congre- gated there to wish Father Dinnen all joy and to extend to him their congratulations. At the jubilee mass the church was tastefully festooned with evergreen interwoven with flowers. On the altar sides were the dates 1869 and 1894 artistically wrought in floral work. The services were both beautiful and impressive. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Stanislaus Fitte, C. S. C., and was well worthy of the notable occasion. The banquet which followed the church services was spread in the Knights of St. John hall. It was a most pleasant affair and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Among the guests of honor were Gen. Lew Wallace and Gen. Manson, of Crawfordsville, and the Hon. Washington Hesing, postmaster of Chicago, a schoolmate of Father Dinnen. The remarks and reminiscences called forth in answer to the toasts were happy and appropriate. The memorable day closed with an inter- esting entertainment arranged by the societies and sodalities of the parish in Music hall, during which Father Dinnen's special guest, Hon. Washington Hesing, delivered a most interesting and brilliant

(1408)

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF INDIANA.

lecture on "Patriotism." As an indication of Father Dinnen's popularity, we may mention that seventy-six priests honored his jubilee by their presence, and that the members of St. Bernard's congregation presented him with a number of costly gifts on the occasion.

On June 12th, 1894, the Rev. E. P. Walters, pastor of St. Mary's church, La Fayette, died. On August 4, Father Dinnen was called by Bishop Rademacher to that large and important parish. How well he succeeded there and how he won the sincere respect and love of his parishioners and of the citizens without distinction of creed, is known throughout the whole diocese. Many and cordial, indeed, are the wishes that the Very Rev. Dinnen of the LaFayette district may see before him yet many years of blessed labor for the saivation of souls.

JOSEPH W. FRISZ, a leading grocer of Terre Haute and a prominent member of St. Ann's church, was born in St. Ann's, near North Vernon, Jennings county, Ind., March 31, 1863, and is a son of John and Magdalena (Gasper) Frisz, well-known residents of the aforesaid village. He was, however, educated in a paro- chial school at Bowling Green, Ky., which he attended until twelve years of age. He was then apprenticed to the machinist's trade in the shops of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad company, at Bowling Green, with which company he remained until 1881, when he came to Terre Haute and for three years was employed as a journeyman in the Phenix foundry and machine shop for a short time; he then entered the machine shops of the Vandalia Railroad line at Terre Haute, in which he worked until June 1, 1887, when he withdrew from mechanical work and engaged in the grocery trade, in which he has met with the most flattering success up to the present time.

Mr. Frisz contracted a most happy marriage, September 22. 1891, with Miss Elizabeth Dominca Kintz, the ceremony being performed in St. Patrick's church, Terre Haute, Rev. Victor Schnell officiating. This union has been blessed with four chil- dren, born and named in the following order: Wilfred, Ethel.

(1409)

THE CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS,

Helena and Blanche. The family are members of St. Ann's church, of which, for the past seven years, Mr. Frisz has been a trustee, but both Mr. and Mrs. Frisz had long been active and ardent Catholics prior to their marriage, and for two years Mr. Frisz was a member of the choir of St. Benedict's German Catholic church, and for four years a member of St. Patrick's choir, while, prior to marriage, Mrs. Frisz had been organist, for seven years, of St. Patrick's. Mr. Frisz is also an active member of council No. 111, Catholic Knights of America, and he and wife are among the most liberal contributors to the support of St. Ann's church and to all the charitable and educational undertakings in which it is con- cerned, as well as to all projects designed for the general good of Terre Haute. In his business relations Mr. Frisz bears an untar- nished name, and his fair and square dealing and uniform and unvarying habits in this respect have won for him the enduring respect of all with whom he has ever had any transactions.

R EV. PHILIP A. GUETHOFF, pastor of St. Mary's church, Crown Point, Lake county, Ind., is a native of England and was born in London November 18, 1856. He attended college in Calvary, Fond du Lac county, six years and then four years at St. Francis, Milwaukee, Wis., concluding his studies there, and was ordained at Fort Wayne, Ind., June 11, 1884, by Right Rev. Bishop Dwenger. June 15 he was appointed pastor at the Nix settlement, Whitley county, which included the mission at Roan- oke, Huntington county, and there officiated until July 1, 1889, doing good and efficient work. July 1, he took charge of the pas- torate at Crown Point, and here also he has been very assiduous, accomplishing much toward the glorification of the church and in promoting the welfare of his parishioners. When Father Guethoff assumed charge of this parish the congregation was composed of seventy-five families, with forty-four school-children and one teacher; there are now 125 families in the congregation, 116 scholars in the parochial school and three teachers, Sisters of St. Agnes, of Fond du Lac, Wis. Father Guethoff has also erected (1410)

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume II, Part 93

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co. Number of Pages: 1476

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Logansport, Ind., A. W. Bowen & co.
Number of Pages: 1476