USA > Wisconsin > Trempealeau County > History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin > Part 111
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janitor did his best to heat the Fagernes church during the winter of 1901-02, but the heat escaped too freely by way of numerous knot-holes and cracks in the board wall. The building was completed before May 17 the following year. On this day it was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. H. Hal- verson of Westby, Wis. Its length is 60 feet, width 30 feet. Its total cost $4,000, besides gratuitous work. The congregation now consists of fifty families of 166 communicant members. Its members live in the Towns of Preston and Arcadia.
South Branch Beaver Creek Congregation. This congregation con- sists of two distinct settlements separated by a narrow German settle- ment. The lower district comprises about 26 families, who originally came from Biri, Faaberg or Ringsaker, Norway. The upper district lies in Jackson County and comprises about 40 families, the first settlers coming from Solor, Norway, and some from Sweden. Prior to 1867 these com- munities were united with the congregation of North Branch congrega- tion organized in 1859. This was a great disadvantage. Their pastor, Rev. Waldeland, residing at Trempealeau Valley, was in time induced to hold services also in South Branch. In 1867 a separate congregation was organized in this valley. Its official name became South Branch Beaver Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. The families belonging to this congregation from the beginning and residing in Trempealeau County, Town of Ettrick, were: Ole Christensen, Gulbrand Nilson, Even Swenson, Mathias Swenson, Peder Larson, Christian Syljeberget, Lars Osley, Peder Bratstiengen, Ole Brendhangen and Sven Bergum. Some of the oldest settlers in the upper district in towns of North Bend and Melrose were: Hans Hanson, Nils Johnson, Ole Olson, Bernt Olson, Ole Karlstad, P. Smedsturn, Erik Paulson, Ole Lindberg, Peder and Lars Amundsen. Not until 1885 was a church built on a site that commands a full view down the valley. Its cost was $2,000, fully equipped. The congregation has 66 fami- lies, 233 communicant members.
This brief sketch of the religious activity within the five congrega- tions constituting the so-called French Creek charge would be incomplete without appending an account of the establishing of this charge and adding a few words about its beneficiaries.
The early immigrants from Norway came to the United States with good traditions. Honor, frugality and enlightenment were some of their characteristics. They were a religious people, whose spiritual sentiments are expressed in these lines so often sung :
"God's Word is our great heritage, And shall be ours forever ; To spread its light from age to age Shall be our chief endeavor; Through life it guides our way, In death it is our stay ; Lord grant, while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure, Throughout all generations."
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So soon as a settlement was formed a congregation was organized and a pastor was called. The pioneer pastors were a highly educated class of men, being largely graduates from the University of Christiania before entering upon their theological studies. They were eminently qualified to bring true culture and high ideals into the communities in which they labored. They were men with a will to work and a readiness to share the privations of pioneer life. The field was extensive. Each pastor had charge of twenty and more settlements throughout many counties. It meant incessant travel over primitive roads by oxen, horses and very often on foot. As the number of pastors increased and the congregations were able to support a minister the field was divided. There are circuits now served by fifteen to twenty pastors-circuits that for years were served by one.
Thus it was in Trempealeau County. Up to 1866 there was no residing pastor in the county. Rev. H. A. Stub organized the first Lutheran con- gregation, serving the people of this county in 1857. This was the Trem- pealeau Valley Congregation, over the line in Jackson County. He resided in Vernon County. He had eighty-five miles to travel. Another congre- gation was organized by him within the county, namely, North Branch Beaver Creek, in 1859. He is said to have preached in the newly started French Creek settlement before 1861. Rev. Stub had a number of congre- gations in La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford, Monroe and other counties. In 1861 this vast field was divided. A pastor, Lauritz Larson, was stationed in Halfway, La Crosse County. He had charge of all congregations north of La Crosse. When Prof. Dr. Larson moved to Iowa in 1862 Rev. J. B. Frich took charge of the field. Finally a pastor was stationed in Trem- pealeau County. Rev. Ole Waldeland came to Trempealeau Valley in 1866. He took charge of all congregations north of the Black River except Hardie's Creek, which was served by Rev. Frich until 1869. In the month of July of this year a new division was made. French Creek, Tamarack, Fagernes, South Branch of Beaver Creek and Hardie's Creek were united to form the so-called French Creek charge, and Rev. S. Svennungsen was called. He came to French Creek in September, 1869. The following spring 40 acres of land was bought for a parsonage. In 1874 Rev. Svennungsen was called to Winona, Minn. The next pastor was Rev. L. Sherven. He entered upon his work July 12 and remained until in the fall of 1880, when he accepted a call from South Dakota. In 1875 a new house was built for the minister. Rev. G. A. Lunde succeeded Shevren. He came in October, 1880, and remained until 1890, when he was called to Nebraska. A call was now extended to Rev. O. A. Myhre, who came May 1 of this year. During his incumbency the old manse was sold and a more modern building erected. In the spring of 1900 Rev. Myhre got leave of absence and went to Norway. In his absence Rev. G. I. Breivik had temporary charge of the work. In the fall Rev. Myhre resigned and when Breivik left in December the charge was vacant until March the following year. Rev. C. B. Bestul was called and entered upon his work March 10, 1901. He is still the resident pastor.
Finally a few words about the religious work done for the young. The Lutheran church has always maintained that parochial schools were a
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HISTORY OF TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
necessity. Neglect of the child spells the gradual disintegration of the church. The Master knew whereof He spoke when He delivered this man- date: "Feed My lambs," and again: "Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." In compliance with this demand the Lutheran church endeavors to supply the religious training of her children through trained teachers besides the pastor. Inestimable good has been accomplished by supplementing the secular training received in the com- mon school with the systematic, intelligent religious training of the paro- chial school. A number of capable men and women have taught in the church schools of the various congregations of the French Creek charge. Ole J. Engru taught in French Creek and Tamarack 1869 to 1891 with the exception of three or four years ; H. G. Saebo, 1891 to 1897 ; A. Oksnee, 1887 to the present time. In Fagernes O. T. Arneson taught for many years. In Hardie's Creek the first teachers were Ole Skundberg, Lars Orevig, J. E. Hovelsrud. In South Branch the first teachers were Christian Syljeberget and Mr. Ringstad. In Hardie's Creek and South Branch both the following teachers have taught: J. O. Saeter, J. M. Systad, A. Modal, M. Rund, John Ellertsen, Ida Myrstuen, Hilda Anderson, Helen Olson. These names deserve a place in history. They are the names of men and women who have striven and succeeded to make successive generations good citizens of both church and state.
2-Whitehall and Pigeon Creek Congregations, by Rev. Einar B. Christophersen.
Whitehall Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized June 14, 1870. Services were held in the homes of the different members and in the school- house at Whitehall until the Baptist church was bought in old Whitehall in 1874. In 1892 a new church edifice was built in Whitehall on a lot adjoin- ing the court house. Oct. 22, 1893, the church was dedicated by H. A. Preus, president of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod of America. The following ministers assisted: B. Hovde, I. Waage, T. L. Brevig, Th. Nilson, H. Rosen- quist, F. A. Moller, A. Heyer and the local pastor, Em. Christophersen.
The charter members of the congregation were Hans Bringrosen, Lars Skjonsby, Peder Kristianson and Kristian Pederson. The records of the congregation do not show who preached the first sermon nor when the con- gregation was organized, but very likely it was Rev. E. Jenson from Trem- pealeau Valley who helped organize the congregation, and the congregation was undoubtedly organized in the home of one of the charter members. From 1871 to 1902 the congregation has been affiliated with the Pigeon Falls charge, Rev. L. O. Sherven serving from 1871 to 1876, Rev. Em. Christophersen 1876 to 1902. In 1902 it organized a separate charge and called Rev. O. K. Ramberg as resident minister. A modern and beautiful building was erected on Dewey street to serve as parsonage. In 1912 Rev. O. K. Ramberg accepted a call to West Prairie, Wis. Since then the con- gregation has been served temporarily by Rev. E. B. Christophersen. In 1913 a basement with heating plant costing about $2,000 was installed in the church. The first baptism performed in the congregation was June 14, 1870, when Nels, a son of Lars and Ingeborg Skjonsby, and Martin, a son of Peder and Maren Kristianson, were baptized.
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The first wedding recorded was the one of Ole Jacobson and Helene Olson, May 19, 1871. The first funeral recorded was May 3, 1874, for one Olive Olsdatter, aged 30.
The Pigeon Creek Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Pigeon Falls was organized Aug. 18, 1866, by Rev. O. Waldeland of Trem- pealeau Valley. He had been requested by the few early Norwegian Lutheran settlers residing in the vicinity of the present Pigeon Falls to come and preach for them. He complied with the request. Services were usually held in the homes and on week days. The minister could not . preach for them on Sundays, because his call was so large that he could not reach around to them all on Sundays. His call comprised at that time a territory extending from Black River Falls to Galesville. Among the early settlers who organized the congregation were: Peder Pederson, Kris- tian Kaas, Erick and Lars Larson, Ole Iverson Hofstad, Anton Ekern and Anders Kristianson. Services were usually held in Peder Pederson's and Erick Larson's homes and in the schoolhouse. In 1867 seven services were held. In 1868 eight services were held.
Rev. O. Waldeland and his call were affiliated with the Norwegian Evan- gelical Lutheran Synod of America. Therefore when the time came in 1870 to call a resident minister for Pigeon Creek and affiliated charges in its vicinity, it was decided to put the matter of calling a minister in the hands of the church council of the Norwegian Synod. Rev. L. Sherven was called. He accepted the call and preached his introductory sermon Sept. 26, 1871. Up to this time the congregation had been served by the pastors of Trempealeau Valley. O. Waldeland, E. Jenson. Svennungson from French Creek and John Frich from Halfway Creek also preached a few times. At the time Rev. L. Sherven was called the field comprised Pigeon Creek, Chimney Rock, Bennet Valley, Thompson Valley, Strum, South Beef River and Whitehall congregations. Whitehall congregation had been organized June 14, 1870. Rev. L. Sherven served these congre- gations and did considerable mission work outside of them until 1876. The president of the Norwegian Synod, H. A. Preus was then asked to secure a minister. There being a scarcity of Norwegian Lutheran ministers in the country, Bishop Heuch of Norway had been requested by President H. A. Preus to endeavor to induce young ministers from Norway to go to America and serve Norwegian Lutheran congregations there. As a result of these transactions Rev. Emanuel Christophersen was called. His field was to be Pigeon Creek, Whitehall, South Beef River, Elk Creek and Upper Pigeon Creek congregations. Upper Pigeon Creek, Jackson County, having been formed of a part of Pigeon Creek congregation May 31, 1876, he was intro- duced to the Pigeon Creek congregation by Rev. L. Sherven. From that time until his death, March 23, 1909, he served continually as pastor of this congregation and the other congregations affiliated with it. A piece of land, about 23 acres, had been bought about one-half mile north of Pigeon Falls, which was to belong to the parsonage. Here a parsonage 20 by 20 feet was first built late in the fall of 1876. This was later on added to in 1887 very extensively. In 1912 a completely new parsonage was built.
In 1883 the Elk Creek congregation and Strum and other congrega-
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tions formed a separate call. In 1902 the Whitehall congregation also formed a new call and Rev. O. K. Ramberg was called as resident pastor. From 1909 to 1910 the Pigeon Creek call was served temporarily by O. K. Ramberg. In 1910 Rev. Einar Bjorn Christophersen was called as pastor to these congregations. On June 10, 1910, he was ordained a minister in the Pigeon Creek Church by Rt. Rev. J. Nordby.
The present church edifice, which is the original one, was commenced in 1871, but not completed and dedicated until several years later. In 1906 a substantial Young Peoples' Society hall was erected on property belong- ing to and adjoining the church. In this hall regular meetings are held by the Young Peoples' Society of the congregation, also by the Ladies' Aid, and the business meetings of the congregation are held in it.
The first child baptized in the congregation was Oline, daughter of Anders and Randine Kristianson, Sept. 18, 1866. Since that time 1,002 children have been baptized.
The first to be married were Anton Hendrickson and Johanne Louise Anderson. They were married April 21, 1868. Two hundred and eighteen couples have been married in the congregation since.
The first to be buried in the church cemetery were Agnette Larson, 33 years old, and an infant, Gustav Anderson, Nov. 14, 1867. Three hundred and three have been buried since. The records of the congregation also show that 1,026 services have been held up to Sept. 1, 1917. Sept. 17, 1916, the congregation celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. A great number of people took part in the celebration. Rt. Rev. J. Nordby delivered the anni- versary sermon. Rev. L. Shurer preached to an overflow meeting in the United Lutheran church. The following ministers took part in the cele- bration: J. Nordby, E. Jenson, L. Shuren, S. S. Urberg, A. J. Orke, C. B. Bestul and E. B. Christophersen.
In 1885 doctrinal differences which had caused dissension and separa- tion in the Norwegian Lutheran Synod of America also brought about a rupture in the membership of the congregation. A great number severed their connections with the original congregation, and as a result of this a new congregation, later on known as the United Lutheran Church congrega- tion was formed, called thus because it affiliated with the general Lutheran body organized in 1891, the United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America.
Negotiations looking toward the amalgamation of the two church bodies, the Norwegian Lutheran Synod of America and the United Norwe- gian Lutheran Church of America, and also the Hauges Synod have been carried on for several years. The fruit of these negotiations was the great union meeting in St. Paul, Minn., where, June 9, 1917, these three bodies were merged into the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. Locally the two congregations continue as two separate organizations, but the future will undoubtedly see them united in one congregation.
CHAPTER XIX CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TREMPEALEAU COUNTY (By Rev. Joseph L. Hauck)
The mind may travel with lightning speed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the frozen planes of the North to the sunny plantations of the South ; and grasp with keen perception all that this great country symbolizes and displays. The intellect may study the principles upon which our laws and institutions are founded, and understand the liberty, justice and equal rights they guarantee. The heart may love America with a love not only warm and ardent, but self-sacrificing and heroic ; and we may well glow with righteous pride for our industrial and agricultural achievements. But in addition to all this, should not the share Catholics have had in the discovery, exploration, and development of America be lifted from obscurity into the light of reverent knowledge, and into the forum of due recognition? There are many histories of the United States, each bearing its message of patriot- ism. Yet seldom the text of any of these mentions the efforts of the church in America. However, her work has become so telling and pronounced that it is now nigh impossible to obliterate, or pass over it unnoticed.
Why should the facts be concealed that the men who first touched the borders of America-Columbus and Ericson; that the discoverer of the Great Lakes-Champlain; that the men who first traversed the broad Mississippi Valley and its fertile western plains-Father Hennepin, Du Luth, Joliet, Father Marquette and La Salle-were Catholics! What harm could there be in this knowledge? No one will deny the truth, that our virgin soil was hallowed by the blood of Catholic missionaries, that the Catholic statesmen whose voices rang in the council halls of the land were eloquent and efficient, that the Catholic soldiers who bled on its battlefields were fearless and patriotic, and that the Sisters of Charity who served as army nurses were ministering angels. Let, then, history pay them the tribute of recognition they so well deserve.
Our country is justly proud of the liberty it offers to all its children. Though these are diversified in faith and race peculiarities, it places them all on equal footing. In recognition of such treatment its children are most grateful and are ever ready by heroic deeds, in peace as well as in war, to demonstrate their loyalty. Strong common interests unite the citizens, yet the strongest bond of unity is inculcated by the church. From the teach- ings of the church the moral and religious aspect of patriotism is received. Hence we find Catholics loving their country-America-not only because its fields are fair and fertile and its mighty hills with bounty stored; but because its gorgeous beauty and countless wealth are the lavish gift of our tender, provident Father. We see Catholics loving their rulers and bowing
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to their laws not only because these are wise, calm, just and true, but because they believe that they hold authority to rule from the Almighty Father. Loyalty to them, they believe, means loyalty to God. Respect for them is, they believe, respect for God. Catholics love America's insti- tutions not only because they guarantee peace, justice, liberty, and equal rights to all, but because they believe the principles upon which these are founded are the fundamental laws of God. Where such spirit and faith are dominating forces, true and permanent union and unswerving loyalty must spring forth.
It is proper that the history of Trempealeau County should offer its readers an exposition of the efforts, struggles, and results of the Catholics of the county. It is, however, not the scope of this article to give an exposi- tion of the teaching and moral practices of the Catholic church ; books cover- ing these subjects are ample and within reach of everyone. Nor is it the object to extol the spiritual life of the Catholics or to define their standard of catholicity, or to compare it with the religious spirit of their fellow- citizens of a different faith. To what standard their moral lives have climbed the angel of God has recorded in the book of life to be brought on judgment day to light and unto everlasting remembrance. It shall be merely the object of this article to show what, in a material way, by organ- izing parishes and building churches and schools, Catholics have accom- plished.
The early Catholic settlers were immigrants. Trempealeau County's fertile fields and salubrious air invited them from Germany, Austria, Ireland, Poland, and other European countries in search of new homes. The free institutions of this Republic seconded nature's invitation. Modern inven- tions narrowed sea and oceans ; and so, during the last half of the nineteenth century hundreds of Catholics poured into this district. They were well fitted for the work of religion amid a new people in a new age. They were sons and daughters of races who had suffered martyrdom for their faith; they were inured for every trial and trained to be unbending before the most violent storms. Such names as Nic and Casper Meiers, Peter Meyers, Frank Zeller, Carl Zeller, Jerome O'Brien, Christ Haines, John B. Haines, Paul Liberia, Albert Bautch, Lawrence Bautch, Peter Sura, Con Wiever, Anton Sabotta, and Antoine Grignon should be mentioned as among the earliest Catholic settlers and as being instrumental in having many others follow them to Trempealeau County.
The Catholics are located mostly in the southern and western parts of the county, in the towns of Dodge, Arcadia, Burnside, Gale and Trempealeau. They number about 5,000, or one-fifth of the population of the county .. They are affiliated to eight parishes which are hereafter mentioned and described in their chronological order. The first settlers, with few excep- tions, are now laid to rest, but their work is with us yet.
Noble pioneers! Who will tell, as it should be told, the story of your labors and sacrifices ? Poor were you in earthly goods ; willing hearts and strong arms were, in most cases, your sole possession; toil and hardship, verily the scriptural hewing of wood and the drawing of water were your lot. Only through your savings from slender wages or small incomes were you
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able to build churches and schools and support your pastors. Oh! may we who are heirs to the rich fruitage of your faith and charity, be ever mindful of our debt of reverence and gratitude !
Sacred Heart and St. Wenzeslaus' Parish, Pine Creek, Wisconsin.
Hedged in on all sides by high hills, which like guarding sentinels are ever on their post, on an inviting spot below, stands Sacred Heart and St. Wenzeslaus church, wrapped in quiet repose. To enter this delightful spot. the traveler mounts with difficulty the steep and rocky hill which lies be- tween it and the Dodge Station. As he steps over the crest of that mount. at the base of the opposite hills, he beholds the village of Pine Creek, con- sisting of the Sacred Heart and St. Wenzeslaus' church property, one or two business houses and a few dwellings. The view before him is a picture of beauty and fascination. Beckoning. it seems to speak: "This is the final barrier, cross it and I am yours." It was during the winters of 1862 and 1863 that the first settlers arrived at Pine Creek. They were mostly Bohemians. On Feb. 7, 1864, they organized the parish and called it St. Wenzeslaus', in honor of the Duke and patron of Bohemia. Having received as a donation from Paul Liberia a site of ten acres, they erected on it a little church, a wooden structure. For many years this little church heard the prayers and witnessed the devotions of the early settlers. Their number began to increase rapidly and soon the little struc- ture could no longer accommodate them. In 1875, under the direction of Rev. A. Singoski, the present church 44x125 was erected at a cost of $18,000. It is claimed that this church, at that time, was one of the most handsome edifices in Wisconsin. While the tendency of late has been to build large. lofty and costly structures the church in Pine Creek by no means is obliged to take a back seat among them. It was recently frescoed and newly furnished and in its new appearance must be classed today as a church of the first rank.
Soon after the organization, the number of Polish families became more and more prevalent while that of the Bohemian families remained sta- tionary. At present the parish numbers 170 families ; of these only ten are Bohemian and three German. For that reason was prefixed to the old title of St. Wenzeslaus' that of the Sacred Heart. At times the parish sustained heavy losses by fire, thus in 1882 their parsonage was destroyed. The present beautiful parsonage was erected in 1906 at a cost of $7,000. It is the fourth parsonage the parish has erected.
In 1891 the schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $3,000. The school attendance at that time was less than fifty pupils. In 1909 an addition was erected which made room for three further class rooms. The attendance now is 200 pupils. With the exception of two short intervals the Sisters of St. Francis have always taught the school. The school is well graded and maintains a high standard of efficiency.
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