USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 53
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The congregation now numbers eleven voting and five con- tributing members. The property owned by the congregation is estimated at $1.500. The present church officers are: C. Perso, Wm. Rosenow and A. Breitenfeld. A graveyard surrounds the church.
ST. PETER'S, TOWN OF CLIFTON.
The first Lutheran sermon in the towns of Clifton and Oak- dale was preached during May. 1863. in the house of Christian Hergert, by Prof. Dr. Ed. F. Moldehnke, first itinerant mission-
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ary of the Wisconosin synod. In 1865 St. Peter's, second oldest Lutheran congregation in Monroe county, commonly called "Clifton" or " Indian Creek " church, was organized at the resi- dence of Christian Joos, who came to this section of the state from Jefferson county in 1859.
The first regular minister representing the Lutheran church in this vicinity was Rev. John August Hover, who emigrated from Hamburg, Germany, April 15, 1865, and came to Ridgeville, August 25, as the first resident minister in Monroe county. He preached his first sermon to the newly organized congregation in the latter part of October, supplying this charge with preach- ing every third Sunday, the services being held in private dwell- ings and public school houses. After two years of faithful labor, Rev. Ilover accepted a call to Eldorado, near Fond du Lac, Wis .. and preached his farewell sermon on the seventeenth Sunday after Trinity, October 13. 1867. His last entry in the Church- Record reads: "The Lord bless this congregation. young and old, unto eternal life and salvation. Amen."
Ilis successor was Rev. Ludwig Ebert. who came to America from the Pilgrim Mission House at St. Chrischona, near Basel. Switzerland, in 1862, to serve the Lutheran church in the Dia- spora. During his pastorate in 1869 steps were taken to ereet a house of worship on a site presented to the congregation by Fred. Geil, two and one-half miles west from the present village of Clifton, on the old Minnesota stage road. The result was a frame building. 24x36x16 feet in dimensions, which was sol- emuly dedicated on the 17th of October. 1869, the Rev. Ebert preaching the dedicatory sermon at the altar from the First Book of Kings, eighth chapter, verses 22-30. 54-60. and then expound- ing from the pulpit the fundamental doctrine of justification according to John 3:16.
After Rev. Ebert's departure, which occurred around Easter. 1870. a call was extended to Rev. Albert F. Siegler, of Menomo- nie. Wis. He followed the example of his predecessor and resided at Ridgeville, breaking the bread of Life to this congre- gation every third Sunday. Extending his missionary journeys into Jackson, Wood and Juneau counties, he deemed it necessary to divide his field and induced Indian Creek. Dorset Ridge, South Ridge and Wilton to call their own minister.
This plan went into effect when Mr. W. H. Bergholz, a grad- nate from Concordia seminary. St. Louis, Mo .. came to live at Dorset Ridge, six miles south of the Clifton church. his ordination and installation taking place Inly 13, 1873. In 1877 he severed
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his connection with this charge, having received and accepted a call to Eldorado, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin.
Ile was followed by Rev. Carl Zlomke, who, after taking active part in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars, had left the fatherland as a candidate of the Wangemann Mis- sion Institute at Berlin, Germany, commissioned for emigrant missionary work in America. After a conscientious discharge of his ministerial duties he moved to Golden, Ill.
Mr. Julius Badke, graduating from the Practical seminary of the Missouri synod at Springfield, Ill., succeeded to the pas- torate in 1880, being ordained for the ministry by Rev. E. A. Pankow, November 25, 1880. He relinquished his charge in July. 1884, and then left for Glencoe. Trempeleau county, Wisconsin. afterwards entering the Canada synod, of which he still is a member, residing at Brantford, Ontario.
Immediately after his predecessor's resignation, Rev. Frank Steyer was called from Ahnapee (Algoma). Kewannee county, Wisconsin. where he had been active as missionary, covering the territory along the Wisconsin Central railroad, from Auburndale to Ashland. During his pastorship a commodious parsonage was built on the property adjoining the church. and henceforth we find the ministers of this charge permanently located in the midst of this congregation.
In a joint meeting held at Wilton, under the chairmanship of Rev. A. Schoedel in the spring of the year 1889, it was decided to divide the field comprising St. Peter's at Clifton, Immanuel's at Dorset Ridge, St. Matthew's at South Ridge, and St. Paul's at Wilton. As a result Rev. John Casparius Himmler was called to Indian Creek and Dorset Ridge, while South Ridge and Wilton became a separate charge. Mr. Ilimmler reports at the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the congregation, 664 baptisms, 304 confirmations. 112 weddings and 181 burials.
Rev. Ilimmler's ministry with this organization lasted until 1895, and Rev. Henry Viestenz was chosen as the next officiating pastor. On May 25, 1896, the resolution was passed to erect a new church. Messrs. R. Grassmann, H. Battalia. J. Senz, A. Brock- mann and C. von Haden were appointed the building committee. October 17. 1896, the new frame church. 34x50 feet, was conse- crated to the service of Almighty God. Rev. J. Himmler, Helen- ville. Wis., and Rev. L. Rauch, Fountain City, Wis., preaching able sermons. After an efficient service of seven years Rev. Viestenz was obliged to resign on account of ill health, March 16, 1902.
When Rev. Viestenz moved to Tacoma, Wash .. to regain his
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health, Rev. Immanuel Brackebusch was chosen to become his successor. He came from Door county and preached his first ser- mon in March. December 13, 1103. St. Paul's church, at Hustler. was organized with members of this congregation. In a regular congregational meeting, held on the 26th of June, 1912, it was decided to introduce English preaching once a month. The first service of this kind was conducted JJuly 14. 1912.
The congregation at present numbers sixty-six voting and fourteen paying members. The present officiary of the church is: Rev. I. Brackebusch, president : Rich. Wagner, vice-presi- dent : Ed. Wappler, secretary: Al. Brockmann, treasurer: Gustav Grassmann, John Brandt, Louis von Haden, trustees. Connected with the church is a school with thirty to forty scholars, the basement of the church being used as a school room. The church property is valued at about $5,000.
IMMANUEL'S, TOWN OF CLIFTON.
Inmanuel's Lutheran church more commonly known as "Dorset church," is located five miles northwest from Kendall. It was organized, in all probability, in 1870. upon the sugges- tion of Mr. Hugo Wetzel, who was the first German pioneer in this vicinity, coming from Dodge county in 1861. In the sun- mer of 1870 a parsonage and a church were erected of hewn logs upon a site deeded to the organization by Ernestine Wet- zel on March 28, 1870. During the same year, in the fall, Rev. Phil. Wetzel arrived from Hustisford, Wis., and preached at irregular intervals to Hugo Wetzel, Christian Hilke, Henry Zarling, Fred Thurow, Carl Glander, Christian Wolkow, Carl Radloff and Fred Raabe. But since Mr. Wetzel was no ordained minister nor connected with a Lutheran synod. the Rev. A. F. Siegler, pastor at Ridgeville, was called upon to perform the duties of an ordained clergyman. He preached in the parsonage and in the incomplete church until Rev. W. Bergholz was chosen first resident pastor, serving at the same time St. Peter's at Clifton and St. Matthew's at South Ridge.
In a joint meeting which was called by the Dorset, Clifton and South Ridge congregations, January 10. 1877, it was agreed to appoint Rev. C. Zlomke from Atlantic. Ia .. to the charge. IIe entered the field during May. preaching on two consecutive Sun- days at Dorset and Clifton, and devoting every third Sabbath day to missionary work in the South Ridge and Wilton settle- ments. His salary amounted to $325. Immanuel's contributing $125. When he was granted an honorary dismissal, June 27. 1880.
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he accepted a position at Golden, Ill. The Rev. E. Pankow preached during the interval.
In October, 1880, the congregation came under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Badke, who had been connected with the Illinois Staatszeitung, in Chicago, until he determined to prepare him- self for the ministry, graduating from Concordia seminary, Springfield, Ill., in June, 1880. He moved into the parsonage on the 26th of October and delivered his introductory sermon on the last of the same month. Under his administration, February 11, 1883, the board of trustees was enlarged, consisting now of six members instead of the customary three, viz. : Carl Siekert, Ferd. Waege, Fred Raabe, Fred Thurow, Fred Steingraeber and Henry Westphal. In January, 1883, Rev. Badke decided to move to Wilton. This caused considerable dissatisfaction on the part of the congregation, and the visitor, Rev. Phil. von Rohr, Winona, Minn., was called upon to settle the difficulties. The result was that the congregation, consisting of thirty-six fam- ilies, changed the constitution and called a Reformed minister.
On May 13, 1883, Rev. John Wirz, stationed at Ridgeville, where, in 1873, under similar conditions, a Reformed church sprang into existence, spoke his first sermon and was soon after, June 3, chosen as preacher. In consequence of this change a few members deemed it inconsequent to have a Reformed pastor preach to Lutheran people and withdrew. They were: Fred Zimmermann, August Klatt, Fred Thurow, Carl Zimmermann, August Wolfgram, Ilenry Koehler and Carl Bellack.
Rev. F. Steyer, who had been appointed by the remaining three congregations, took up his residence at Clifton and came to preach in the Strozinsky school house to the few afore- named Lutherans. Instruction for confirmation was conducted in a vacant house belonging to Mr. Bruno Krueger. After a few months they worshiped in district sehool house No. 5. At last, the congregation failing to collect the promised $200 salary, the Rev. Wirz was asked to resign, June 4, 1886. On April 17, 1887, Rev. Steyer was allowed to preach in the church, where- upon he was chosen pastor May 2d.
In the spring of 1889 Rev. Steyer dissolved his connection with this congregation in order to go to Fair Haven, Stearns county, Minnesota, and Rev. J. Himmler came to fill the vacancy, his installation taking place on the 7th day of July, 1889. He labored diligently in the midst of this congregation and at Clif- ton, South Ridge and Wilton, having in the meantime separated from this charge with intentions of calling their own minister.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Rev. Himmler, having been called to St. Peter's church at Helenville, Wis., in the spring of 1895, was succeeded by Rev. H. Viestenz, who had last held a position as pastor of several Lutheran organizations in the town of Greenfield. Sauk county, Wisconsin. Soon after his arrival it became evident that a larger edifice was essential to the prosperity of the congregation, and it was decided to ereet a new church structure. The building committee was composed of the following men: Fred Zinner- mann, Christian Glander and Fred Raabe. In the fall of 1898 the elegant church, 28x44 feet in size, with a seating capacity of 250, was completed, the dedication taking place on October 23. Rev. W. Parisins officiating in the forenoon and Rev. G. Berge- mann preaching an appropriate sermon at the afternoon's service. In 1902 Rev. Viestenz' health began to fail and he was ' finally obliged to discontinue his work on that account.
After his departure the congregation gave a call to Rev. Im. Brackebusch, the present pastor, who was installed into the pastorate of Immanuel's Lutheran church on the 9th of March, 1902, by request of Rev. Phil. von Rohr, late president of the Wisconsin synod, the Rev. J. G. Glaeser delivering the sermon.
The church enrollment numbers at present forty-two voting and eleven paying members. The present board of trustees are: Emil Pasch. president : August Raabe, secretary : Christian Glan- der, treasurer; Ed. Wendorf, Al. Gloede and Carl Glander. elders. The church property is valued at $4,500. Every other year German school is held during six months, the average attendance being about twenty-five. Public services are con- dueted every alternate Sunday. The minister occupies the parsonage at Clifton, six miles north.
ST. MATTHEW'S, TOWN OF WELLINGTON.
The nucleus of St. Matthew's Lutheran church, at the june- tion of South Ridge and Pleasant Ridge, in the town of Welling- ton, may be found in a conversation between Louis Friske and a Lutheran Trem Ridgeville, at Enderby's mill in Wilton, in the fall of 1869. When told about the existence of a Intheran church at Ridgeville. Louis Friske and his brother Julius walked fourteen miles to hear a Lutheran sermon. As a result Rov. L. Ebert. pastor of St. John's Lutheran church in the town of Ridgeville, inaugurated Lutheran preaching at South Ridge. where until then Methodist ministers from Spring Valley had been conducting services at the Musch school house with Lutheran people. The homes of Peter Friske and John Klachr
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were the first gathering places. Those who attended here were : Louis Friske. Milliam Schatz, Carl Brandenburg, Peter Friske, William Pahl, Carl Rohde. William Arndt, August Bartz, Louis Ziebart, Fred Malege, Julius Friske, Louis Musch. William Brandenburg, John Klaehr. Pastor Ebert conducted divine wor- ship once a month on week days. administering Holy Communion on Sundays, this happening four times during the year.
When, in April, 1871, Rev. Ebert resigned at Ridgeville and chose some other vocation, the Rev. A. F. Siegler was appointed to fill the vacancy. He continued the good work of his prede- cessor and came to labor among these Lutherans during mid- week, mostly on Wednesdays, accompanied by W. Waegner, a devout layman. On account of large attendance Mr. Siegler abandoned the services in private houses and began preaching at the Musch school house.
Noticing that the care of fifteen congregations and preaching stations exceeded his power, the Rev. Siegler insisted upon call- ing a special minister for Dorset Ridge, Indian Creek and South Ridge. The proper man was found in the person of Rev. W. Bergholz, who took up his residence in an old-time log house on the Dorset ridge in 1873. He came every third Sabbath day, often walking the distance of fourteen miles. The minister's salary at that time was $3 per member.
Rev. Bergholz, in the meantime having received a call to the eastern part of the state, was followed by Rev. C. Zlomke, who withdrew from the Iowa synod in 1875 on account of doctrinal differences. His installation took place on Monday before Pentecost, May 14, 1877, and was effected by Rev. A. F. Siegler. Mr. Zlomke, who served in the Second squadron of the First Roval Hussar regiment at Danzig, Germany, in 1864, made use of his skill as a horseman, coming on horseback from Dorset to teach the children the fundamental truths of Christianity on Saturday and preaching Christ every third Sunday.
After three years' service Rev. Zlomko was succeeded by Rev. J. Badke, who came from the fatherland in June, 1864, and after many hardships finally entered the ministry, serving the congregations at Dorset. Clifton. Wilton and South Ridge as his first charge. During his incumbency, January, 1881. the resolution was passed to build a church. January 7, 1883, the church officers. Gottlieb Jesse. Louis Ziebart. Henry Klaehr, were authorized to purchase a tract of land comprising one acre from Frank Webb, at a cost of $60.
In the meantime this charge was vacated, Rev. F. Steyer,
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
for whom a parsonage had been built at Clifton, beginning his ministry in 1884. Difficulties arising during the building period, 1886-1887. demanded preaching at the red brick and the HIef- fernan school houses, until the new church, 30x50x20 feet, was completed, and October 16, 1887. appropriately dedicated, the Rev. A. Schroedel delivering the sermon and the local pastor ably conducting the dedicatory services. Rev. Steyer preached his last sermon on Easter Monday, April 22, 1889, and then re- moved to Minnesota, where he united with the Missouri synod, which, together with the Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Nebraska synods, forms the synodical conference, the largest Lutheran church body in America.
In the spring of 1889. by the recommendation of the synod, this parish, comprising four congregations in the eastern section of this county since 1873, divided. St. Peter's at Clifton and Immanuel's at Dorset forming one charge, and St. Paul's at Wilton and St. Matthew's at South Ridge the other. The latter at once extended a uninamons call to Rev. J. Ziebell, who ac- cepted and took charge July 6, 1889. Immediately after his - installation he settled at Wilton, six miles northwest. from which place this congregation was supplied until it became an inde- pendent charge, in 1908.
A several years' vacancy occurred when Rev. Ziebell resigned in the winter of 1892. During this time, 1892-1895, St. Mat- thew's had the service of Rev. C. Koehler, from Ridgeville. He conducted divine worship every third Sunday, tending at the same time to the construction of a parsonage at Wilton, towards which this congregation contributed $250.
The next incumbent was Rev. JJ. Hering, at one time assist- ant professor in the seminary of the lowa synod. During his ministry, in 1899, an organ was bought: two bells were dedi- cated in 1905. January 25. 1908. it was agreed to separate from the Wilton charge and engage a minister. A property opposite the church was secured from F. F. Machus at $1,500 to serve as a parsonage.
Rev. H. Zimmermann, formerly at Shickley, Neb., followed the call which was extended to him on the 11th day of June. 1908, thus becoming the first resident pastor. Authorized by the president of the synod. the Rev. Zimmermann was installed as pastor of this conogregation by Rev. J. Hering on the 2d of August. 1908. Upon his instigation a second organ was ob- tained, which served for the first time on the 23d of May, 1910. Rev. A. F. Siegler preaching a special sermon upon this occasion.
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On November 5, 1911. a total remodeling of the church was planned, with a school room in the basement.
The present church membership consists of 88 voting, 8 con- tributing and 310 communicant members, 454 souls. This church also maintains a day school, which has an enrollment of forty pupils, German and religion being the principal studies. Regular monthly English services have become a permanent institution. The following are the present officers: Wm. Graewin, president ; Otto Schnell. secretary ; Louis Klaehr, treasurer; Albert Neitzel, elder. The value of the church property, including parsonage, is about $6.300. The church will be ready for re-dedication about the 1st of September.
ST. PAUL'S, WILTON.
When, in 1873, upon the request of Rev. A. F. Siegler, until then the only stationary Lutheran minister in Monroe county, the Rev. W. Bergholz was chosen pastor of the Indian Creek, Dorset and South Ridge settlements, this field of labor was soon, in 1875, extended by the addition of a preaching post in the vicinity of Wilton. The names of those assembling for divine services at the Mitchel school house. one and one-half miles south of the village, were: Christian Holch, John Jesse. William Arndt, August Bartz, Carl Liefke, August Rohde and Carl Brandenburg. They contributed $20 towards the support of the minister.
Upon the departure of Mr. Bergholz, which occurred in 1877, Rev. C. Zlomke was elected to serve the society, the Rev. A. F. Siegler supplying the pulpit until his arrival. Pastor Zlomke came to proclaim the gospel to this little flock every third Sun- day on his return from South Ridge, where he preached in the morning. Ilis annual pay was $30. In 1880, when the same call had been tendered for the second time. Rev. Zlomke moved to Illinois, and from there to St. Joseph, Mich., where he was connected with Trinity Lutheran church for twenty-eight years, retiring from active service in 1911 after a continuous service of thirty-eight years.
In 1880 Rev. J. Badke was appointed to take charge of the four congregations belonging to this parish: Immanuel's at Dorset Ridge, St. Peter's at Indian Creek, St. Matthew's at South Ridge. and St. Paul's near Wilton. On account of incon- venience of location and insufficient accommodations, it was de- termined in May, 1882, to discontinue preaching at the Mitchel school house. Services were now held at the United Brethren
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
church, in Wilton, which was rented for an indefinite period at $16 per annum. In January, 1883, Rev. Badke found it expe- dient to live in Wilton and consequently vacated the parsonage on Dorset Ridge. Here he came in contact with Rev. Phil. Wetzel, who. in consequence of advanced age, had retired from the Dorset Ridge in the fall of 1873, preaching occasionally to his family and a circle of close friends. After the arrival of Rov. Badke. Mr. Wetzel refrained from public preaching. and soon, in 1884. returned to Watertown, Wis .. his former home. where he died March 8. 1890. eighty-four years of age. In 1884, AApril 2. the congregation adopted a constitution by which it shall be governed. The church officers appointed at this meeting were: W. Arndt. II. Mittag. J. Schroeder, F. Waege. Rev. Badke commenced preaching every alternate Sunday in the afternoon, for which service ho received $30. since 1883, $50.
Mr. Badke was succeeded in 1884 by Rev. F. Steyer, who preached to his parishioners in the chapel owned by the United Brethren, coming fourteen miles from Clifton, where a roomy and comfortable parsonage had been built for the pastors of this charge. February 7, 1887. the congregation organized under the state laws in the presence of Mr. August Newhouse, the justice of the peace. Soon the necessity of possessing a place of worship was severely felt. Steps were, therefore, taken to secure a site on which to erect a suitable church edifice. A traet of land was purchased from Frank Farmer. one block west from the English church. Two hundred and sixty-four dollars were signed by the thirty-four members, and $115 were collected from the business people and neighboring congrega- tions. The completed church building was appropriately dedi- cated December 11, 1887. Revs. A. Schroedel. of Ridgeville, and A. Schlei, of Wonewoc. Wis .. officiating with the pastor. In the spring of 1889 Rev. Steyer accepted a pastorate in Minne- sota, but soon moved to Arkansas, where he has served a num- ber of congregations attached to the Missouri synod for more than eighteen years.
After Rev. Steyer's honorary dismissal. the synod advised to divide this charge, proposing Rev. J. Himmler for Indian ('reek and Dorset Ridge, and Rev. JJ. Ziebell for Wilton and South Ridge. The installation of Rev. Ziebell. formerly of El- roy, occurred on the 7th of July. 1889. the sermon of the occa- sion being given by Rev. A. Schroedel. July 14, 1892. two acres of land were bought from O. N. Hillger for a cemetery. the ground being consecrated on the 31st of July. On December 5.
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1892, Rev. Ziebell delivered his farewell address and resigned from the ministry.
During the interim which followed Rev. Christian Koehler, pastor at Ridgeville. supplied the congregation with regular preaching from December, 1892, to January, 1895. Ile super- intended. in 1893, the erection of a parsonage on the lot adjoin- ing the church. In the construction of this parsonage, main part 24x16x16 feet. addition 24x16x10 feet, an expenditure of $881 has been made, Sonth Ridge congregation contributing $250.
December 14. 1894, Rev. Julius Hering, who received his classical training at the universities of Leipsig and Rostock, Germany, was called from Norton, Min. The call was accepted and by authority of the president of the Wisconsin synod, the late Phil. von Rohr, the Rev. C. Koehler installed Mr. Hering on the 27th of January, 1895. An organ was purchased in 1896, a bell was placed in the belfry in 1898, church furniture was ob- tained in 1899. a marble baptismal font is used since 1911. On January 23. 1897, the spire of the church was struck by light- ning, causing considerable damage. July 4, 1897, it was decided to repair the damage and add sixteen feet to the old church. Mr. Adolf Prochnow, the contractor, finished the work in November.
The membership of this church is represented by about seventy families. A parochial school is held under the auspices of the church, with about thirty-five in attendance, in a special building bought for this purpose in 1906. The present church officers are: Fred Schroeder, president : Ferdinand Waege, secretary : Hugo Limp, treasurer: Emil Friske, elder. The amount of the pastor's salary is $550. Since 1908 St. Paul's is an independent charge.
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