NEGenWeb Project
Church/Catholic
Franciscans
Augustine's, Chicago, after which he returned to St. Louis.
On December 27, 1922, Fr. Maurice had the happiness of commemorating, at St. Peter's Church, Chicago, where he was then stationed, the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance into the Franciscan order. In the spring of 1925, his health being undermined by diabetes, he was compelled to withdraw from his strenuous work and seek relief, first in St. Anthony's Hospital in Chicago, then at St. Joseph's in Joliet, Illinois. Up to a week before his death he still said Mass. The doctor then ordering him to bed, he received Holy Communion every morning in his room. On Saturday morning, February 13, 1926, he had received Communion as usual, and while the chaplain was still distributing Communion on the upper floors, he was called to Father Maurice, who was dying. He hurried down with the Blessed Sacrament, gave him absolution, when the soul of Fr. Maurice passed to its eternal reward. The funeral took place Tuesday, February 16, 1926, at Johet.
Fr. Maurice was an able student, an eloquent preacher, an untiring and kind confessor and a strict religious. His retreats and German conferences to Sisters and religious were always highly appreciated.
REV. PACIFIC KOHNEN, O. F. M.
William Kohnen, son of Peter and Gertrude Kohnen, was born at Dobach, near Aachen (Aix-la-Capelle), in the diocese of Cologne, on February 12, 1851. After completing the classical studies, he joined the Seraphic Order of St. Francis, at Warendorf, March 5, 1872. His simple vows were taken April 10, 1873, and his solemn vows, April 18, 1876. While still a cleric, he came to Teutopolis, Illinois, on July 3, 1875, with the first division of Franciscans, who were exiled from Germany.
On June 18, 1878, Fr. Pacific was ordained to the priesthood at St. Louis, together with the Frs. Suitbert Albersmann, Seraphin Lampe, Benignus Schuetz, Maurice Baukholt and Zephyrin Engelhardt. Fr. Pacific labored at Teutopolis, Illinois, July 1879-1880; Chaska, Minnesota; at Wien, Missouri, as superior and pastor, 1880-1887; at Columbus, Nebraska, as superior and pastor, 1887-1894. There he also served as Dean. During his incumbency he enlarged St. Bonaventure's church. In 1894, he was assigned as superior and pastor to St. Peter's Church in the Chicago Loop District. Here he had pillars put beneath the church to prevent collapse, arranged the basement as a meeting place for the various societies, and greatly promoted the devotions to St. Anthony, introduced by his predecessor, Rev. Maximilian Neumann, O. F. M.
From 1898 until December 1, 1900, Fr. Pacific had charge of St. Mary's parish at Memphis, Tennessee. After a short sojourn at St. Louis, Fr. Pacific was made pastor and superior at St. Joseph's, Omaha. Here he labored long and successfully. He succeeded in building a school in 1909, and 1915-1916 the upper church. Despite his impaired health, he continued for eighteen years at St. Joseph's, finally resigning on account of failing eyesight. He resided for a time in Joliet, Illinois, then in Sioux City, Iowa, where he celebrated his golden jubilee as a Franciscan. Soon after he passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital, January 12, 1924. The funeral took place from St. Joseph's church, The Solemn Requiem celebrated by the Very Rev. Optatus Loeffler, Vice-Provincial, assisted by Frs. P. J. Judge and J. F. McCarthy. His Most Rev. Excellency Archbishop Harty was present in the sanctuary and preached the sermon. He spoke of the great work that Fr. Pacific had accomplished at St. Joseph's, in building up the splendid church and school and in promoting religion among the people. His rugged sanctity endeared him to all. Interment was made in St. Mary Magdalene's cemetery.
Mr. Valentine Peter, editor of the "Omaha Taegliche Tribune", paid his deceased pastor the following tribute: "The people of the Central West, especially the Germans, revered Fr. Pacific highly. He was a very pious man, very severe, both to himself and to his congregation, but beloved by all". Rev. Peter Gannon, in the, True Voice, says: "Outwardly he was severe, plainspoken and even gruff. The first impression which one was likely to gain on meeting him was that he did not care to make friends. But this impression was quickly dissipated, when one got to know him. He was really very kind at heart and the gruff exterior was only assumed, though he could be severe when the occasion warranted it. Fr. Pacific was solidly pious in everything that concerned religion. He was so deeply in earnest that, no matter how one might differ from his opinions, he respected and revered him for his priestly sincerity and zeal."
REV. SIMON SCHWARZ, O. F. M.
1918-1924
Rudolph Schwarz, son of Andrew and Margaret (Kroff) Schwarz, was born at Kenzingen, Grandduchy of Baden, Germany, June 15, 1877. He attended the parochial school and high school of his native place and came to America, March 19, 1883. Rudolph graduated from St. Joseph's Diocesan College at Teutopolis, Illinois, and a few weeks later entered the Franciscan novitiate, July 30, 1887, and was ordained at St. Louis, Missouri, June 30, 1894. At first he was given charge of several congregations near Indianapolis, Indiana. When Fr. John Gafron,
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veteran Indian missionary, took sick, Fr. Simon was sent to the Keshena Indian Reservation in Wisconsin, as assistant to Rev. Blase Krake, O. F. M. He had charge of Little Oconto, and Kenepowa, for many years. After serving as superior and pastor at St. Michael's mission at Keshena for another number of years, he was made pastor and superior at St. Joseph's, Omaha, for six years, after which he served as guardian at St. Augustine's in Chicago until August, 1927. In August of that year he became pastor of St. Aloysius' parish at Bishop Creek, near Teutopolis, Illinois. Since July, 1930, Fr. Simon is stationed at Hermann, Missouri, in charge of St. George's congregation and friary.
REV. TIMOTHY MAGNIEN, O. F. M.
Julius Magnien is a native of Hanhofen, diocese of Speyer (Spires), in the Bavarian Palatinate. Julius was born September 2, 1861, attended the elementary schools, the Teachers' Seminary, graduated and taught school for a number of years. When the call for the religious priesthood made itself felt, he left his native country, came to Quincy, Illinois, in 1884, and made his classical studies there and was admitted to the novitiate at Teutopolis, August 10, 1888. Among his fellow novices were Fr. Liborius Breitenstein and Raymond Holte, O. F. M. After completing his studies, he was ordained priest, June 30, 1894. He was professor at Quincy (1895-1898) and at Teutopolis (1898-1902). He had begun the erection of a fine brick church at Island Grove, which he attended from the college, when his superiors called him to St. Louis, Missouri, to take charge of the large parish of St. Anthony. From 1902-1908, he labored in Sacred Heart parish, Indianapolis, Indiana; then taught again at the college, Quincy, Illinois. There he also had charge of the mission at Ewing, Missouri. He next labored at Joliet, Illinois, 1917-1919; as pastor at St. Augustine's, Chicago, Illinois, 1918-1922; at Superior, Wisconsin, two years; at Jordan, Minnesota, 1918-1919; since then at Omaha. "Father Tim", as he is familiarly called, is an able speaker, a good pedagogue and priest that takes special interest in the young people of his parish.
SONS OF THE PARISH
1. REV. FELIX NOLTE, O. S. B.
Rev. Felix Nolte, O. S. B., was born April 14, 1880, at Juetsenbach (Eichsfeld), in the Province of Saxony, Prussia. He came to Baltimore and then to Omaha, where he attended St. Joseph's school from its opening day. In 1893 he became a student at St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas. After graduation he joined the order of St. Benedict and made his profession July 11, 1900. His ordination to the priesthood occurred on July 6, 1905. His first Mass he celebrated at St. Joseph's church, Omaha, the first priest of the parish to do so. Fr. Felix has since been teaching at his alma mater and attending missions in the vicinity, being (November, 1929) in charge of St. Ann's church at Hiawatha, Kansas.
2. REV. EPHREM MUENCH, O. F. M.
Rev. Ephrem Muench, O. F. M., was born January 8, 1893. He attended St. Joseph's school, made his classical course at Teutopolis, Illinois, and received the habit on June 21, 1911. He was ordained June 25, 1919, and said his first mass at St. Joseph's, Omaha. Since, he had charge of the Island Grove and Montrose missions; was stationed at St. Peter's, Chicago, for three years, and then (August, 1927) was made pastor of the parish and guardian of the monastery at Teutopolis, Illinois. He is also in charge of St. Rose parish, Montrose, Illinois.
3. REV. AUGUSTINE HOBRECHT, O. F. M.
Rev. Augustine Hobrecht, O. F. M., the son of Lawrence and Teresa Kreimeyer, was born at Omaha, on January 12, 1890. After several years spent at St. Joseph's school, he entered St. Joseph's College, Teutopolis, Illinois, and when his parents removed to California, the student entered St. Anthony's College at Santa Barbara, California. He received the Franciscan habit at Fruitvale (Oakland), July 25, 1908, and made his higher studies at the Old Mission in Santa Barbara, and was raised to the dignity of the priesthood, July 2, 1915. After teaching for a number of years at St. Anthony's college and at the Old Mission, Fr. Augustine was appointed guardian and pastor of the Old Mission. Since the death of Rev. Apollinaris Jobman, O. F. M., he is stationed at St. Anthony's, San Francisco, California,
4. REV. CLEMENT (JOSEPH) MARTIN, O. F. M.
Rev. Clement (Joseph) Martin, O. F. M., was born at Omaha, Nebraska, September 1, 1896. He received his early education at St. Joseph's parochial school, made his classical studies at Teutopolis, Illinois, and there donned the Franciscan habit June 21, 1916. He was ordained June 29, 1923. Having labored as assistant at St. Anthony's church at St. Louis, Missouri, for a number of years, he was stationed at St. Peter's, Chicago, and sent to preach missions occasionally. He is now devoting his time to missionary work.
5. REV. CLARENCE TRUEMMER
Rev. Clarence Truemmer, another son of St. Joseph's congregation, made his higher studies
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Rev. Augustine Hobrecht, |
Rev. Clement Martin, |
Ven. Bro. Pacific Brunk, |
Rev. Clarence Truemmer |
Rev. Felix Nolte, O. S. B. (Omaha) |
Valentine Peter, |
partly at Teutopolis, partly at Creighton College, Omaha, and completed his theological studies at St. Thomas' Seminary at Denver, Colorado. He was ordained there June 5, 1928, and celebrated his first Mass the Sunday after his ordination. Rev. Godfrey Piontkowski, O. F. M., acted as assistant priest. Rev. N. Wegener as deacon, Rev. Joseph Mines as subdeacon and Rev. Daniel O'Connor as master of ceremonies; Rev. Timothy Magnien delivered the sermon.
Father Truemmer was stationed at Hartington and Our Lady of Lourdes' Church, Omaha.
6. REV. FULGENCE (RAYMOND) GROSS, O. F. M.
Rev. Fulgence (Raymond) Gross, O. F. M., Son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Gross, was born at Omaha, October 11, 1903; attended St. Joseph's parochial school, made his preparatory studies for the priesthood at Teutopolis, was admitted into the novitiate at Teutopolis, July 1, 1923, took his simple vows July 2, 1924, and after completion of his philosophical and theological studies was ordained in June, 1930, by his Excellency Bishop A. Griffin, of Springfield, Illinois, at Teutopolis, and said his first Mass at Omaha. Father Fulgence expects to leave for Changtien, China, this year to devote himself to the conversion of the inhabitants of the Celestial Kingdom.
7. REV. FR. PACIFIC (LAWRENCE) HUG, O. F. M.
Rev. Fr. Pacific (Lawrence) Hug, O. F. M., was born at Omaha on April 17, 1905, made his classical studies at Old St. Joseph's College and Seminary, was invested with the habit of Friars Minor, July 1, 1924, took his simple vows on July 2, 1925, and is to be ordained June 25, 1931.
8. REV. BENEDICT (ALBERT) LEUTENEGGER, O. F. M.
Rev. Benedict (Albert) Leutenegger, O. F. M., another son of the parish, was born November 24, 1894, attended St. Joseph's school, made his classical studies at Teutopolis, Illinois, joined
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the Order of St. Francis, July 1, 1924, made his simple vows July 2, 1925, and is to be ordained to the priesthood June 25, 1931.
9. VEN. FR. WENDELIN, O. F. M.
Ven. Fr. Wendelin, O. F. M., formerly known as Alphonse Klein, attended the Franciscan College for aspirants, was invested in 1927 and made his simple profession, July 2, 1928.
10. THE DECEASED FRATER LUCIUS NACHTIGALL, O. F. M.
The deceased cleric, Lucius Nachtigall, O. F. M., who died at Quincy, Illinois, April 5, 1906, in
Revs. Pacific Hug, Paschal Rollman and Benedict Leutenegger, O. F. M.
the 20th year of his age and the first year of his profession, was also a former parishioner of St. Joseph's parish.
LAY BROTHERS
Ven. Brother Pacific (Francis) Brunk, O. F. M., is another Omahan. His birth occurred August 6, 1893. He attended St. Joseph's school, joined the Third Order of St. Francis, October 28, 1916, and the First Order, June 21, 1920; took his simple vows June 22, 1921, his solemn vows July 2, 1924. Brother Pacific saw service overseas during the World War. He is now stationed at St. Louis, Missouri.
Ven. Brother Henry (Charles) Dreixler, O. F. M., is a native of Bietigheim, Baden, Germany, where he saw the light January 22, 1875. He became a Franciscan Tertiary, August 29, 1903, after having lived in South Omaha. He was admitted to the First Order, June 18, 1918, and made his solemn profession July 21, 1922.
LIST OF SISTERS FROM ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH
Following, in order, is given baptismal and family name, and religious name:
Josephine Lange, Sr. M. Anselma; Mary Regner, Sr. M. Gertrude; Philomena Donnermeier, Sr. M. Perpetua; Elizabeth Schmitz, Sr. M. Jerome; Mary Wachtler, Sr. M. Amanda; Ludmilla Grieb, Sr. M. Frances; Margaret Zink, Sr. M. Lucina; Agnes Turek, Sr. M. Virginia; Lena Keuchel, Sr. M. Octavia; Lena Igel, Sr. M. Eligia; Mary Schmitz, Sr. M. Leontia; Mary Haffke, Sr. M. Crescentia; Anna Koley, Sr. M. Hilda; Frances Martin, Sr. M. Paschalis; Louise Grieb, Sr. M. Dosithea; Mary Kleine, Sr. M. Tarsilla; Emile Kleine, Sr. M. Priscilla; Mary Hobrecht, Sr. M. Philomena; Teresa Hobrecht, Sr. M. Cordia; Johanna Woletz, Sr. M. ----; Matilda Wichert, Sr. M. Gertrudis; Julia Kieschbaum, Sr. M. ---- ; Agnes Schneider, Sr. M. Elizabeth; Mary Feiler, Sr. M. Carissa; Clara Hug, Sr. M. ----, a Catechist (Huntington, Indiana); Sr. M. Pacifica Wolter, Sr. M. Beda Hobrecht, Margarita Linneman, Clementia Marrion, Natalena Fleckenstein, Hermania Linneman, Elizabeth Schneider; Ludwiga Linneman, Teresa Stang, Emma Croft, Michelina English, Siena Francis, Ambrosina Preiner.
Including some others, whose names we were unable to learn, there are more than thirty Sisters from St. Joseph's congregation--a very creditable number.
Rev. Fulgence Gross, O. F. M.
LIST OF FRIARS AT ST. JOSEPH'S MONASTERY, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
FRANCISCAN PASTORS AND SUPERIORS:
Rev. Mauritius Baukholt, O. F. M., Nov. 1, 1895-Dec., 1896; Rev. Pacific Kohnen, O. F. M., Dec., 1899-1918; Rev. Simon Schwarz, O. F. M., 1918-1924; Rev. Timothy Magnien, O. F. M., 1924-1930.
LOCAL SUPERIOR:
Rev. Walter Magnien, O. F. M., August, 1930.
LIST OF FATHERS:
Rev. Ladislaus Czech, Nov., 1895-Aug., 1896; Rev. Adolph Rockel, March, 1896-Jan. 18, 1908; Rev. Theobald Kalamaja, Aug., 1896-Sept., 1903; Rev. Menander Jarosczewicz, Sept., 1900-Aug.,
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1902; Rev. Methodius Kielar, summer, 1903-April, 1906; Rev. Cyril Mitera, July
19, 1902-Summer, 1906; Rev. Marianus Glahn, Jan., 1908-Aug., 1908; Rev. Ladislaus
Czech, summer, 1906-July, 1907; Rev. Rembert Stanowski, July, 1907-May, 1910;
Rev. Wolfgang Kraus, July 5, 1908-Aug., 1909; Rev. Gratian Gehrig, Aug. 27,
1909-Dec. 28, 1910; Rev. Edmund Roediger, Dec., 1910-March 30, 1912; Rev.
Benno Franzen, February to Rock Island, Illinois, May 28, 1889. There V.
J. Peter became naturalized, July 22, 1896. He was married to Miss Margaret
Reese, born in New York City on January 18, 1884, and daughter of Theodore
Rudolph Reese, musical conductor and composer. The marriage occurred on April
26, 1905, at St. Mary's Church, Rock Island. Their union was blessed with
twelve children: Carl Joseph Leo, Theodore Valentine,
St. Joseph's Friary, 16th and Center Streets, Omaha.
7, 1911-July, 1911; Rev. Lullus Seeboth, Oct. 26, 1915-July 13, 1916; Rev. Rembert Stanowski, May, 1910-July, 1911; Rev. Methodius Kielar, February 17, 1911; Rev. Vitus Braun, May 30, 1911; Rev. Theobald Kalamaja, July, 1911-; Rev. Wenceslaus Krzycki; Rev. Ewald Soland, July 30, 1914-Jan., 1915; Rev. John Nep. Turek, Oct. 21, 1914-Oct. 26, 1915; Rev. Mark Schludeker, July 13, 1916; Rev. William Schliska, Jan. 3, 1917-Dec. 6, 1917; Rev. Berard Zehnle; Rev. Alfred Tritz; Rev. Godfrey Piontkowski; Rev. Walter Magnien; Rev. Wenceslaus Krzycki; Rev. Casimir Wisniewski; Rev. Fridolin Pietrisiewicz.
VEN. LAY BROTHERS, O. F. M.:
Ven. Brothers Zosimus Orlic, Anthony Mueller, Adrian Wewer, Damian Bueschgens, Leonard Darscheid, Xystus Tuellmann, Candidus Ferstl, Pamphilus Schmitz, Blase Wermelskirchen, Damian Bueschgens, Venantius Abeln, Leonard Darscheid, Cornelius Gassmann, Pius Werner, Leonard Darscheidt, 1931.
MR. VALENTINE J. PETER
Valentine J. Peter, Editor and Publisher and Consulate Correspondent of the republics of Germany and Austria, was born at Steinbach in Lower Franconia (Unterfranken), Bavaria, on April 24, 1875. His parents were George and Catherine (Welzenbach) Peter. The family came to Rock Island, Illinois, May 28, 1889. There V. J. Peter became naturalized Jul 22, 1896. He was married to Miss Margaret Reese, born in New York City on January 18, 1884, and daughter of Theodore Rudolph Reese, musical conductor and composer. The marriage occurred on April 26, 1905, at St. Mary's Church. Their union was blessed with twelve children: Carl Joseph Leo, Theodore Valenine, Bernard George, Arno, Raymond, Teresa, William, Anna, Margaret, Paul, Dorothy and Eugene.
THE NEWSPAPER MAN
Mr. Val. J. Peter's career in the newspaper world started at Rock Island, where he had first labored as a farmhand, when he was given a
Ven. Bro. Leonard Darscheidt,
O. F. ,M., Architect.
position on the "Hock Island Volkszeitung" (People's Gazette). Soon after he accepted the position of city editor on the famous Mr. L. Ph. Wolf's "Peoria Sonne" (Peoria Sun). A few years later, when only twenty-four years of age, he purchased the Rock Island Volkszeitung. De-
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sirous of enlarging his sphere of influence, Mr. Peter had planned to buy a newspaper in San Francisco, when the earthquake frustrated his plans. Another time he wanted to locate at Toledo, Ohio, but a printers' strike prevented this venture. Finally, at the invitation of a cousin, he settled down in the growing city of Omaha in April, 1909, and bought up the "Westliche Presse" from Mr. Otto Kinder and the "Nebraska Tribuene" from Mrs. B. Festner, and consolidated them into the "Taegliche Omaha Tribuene" (Daily Omaha Tribune), the only German language daily and Sunday newspaper published west of Chicago. Mr. Peter publishes German newspapers also in Lincoln, Nebraska; Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri; Enid, Oklahoma; Chicago, Illinois, and Baltimore, Maryland; also one English Weekly, "The Rosedale Independent", Rosedale, Kansas City, Kansas.
Among the German language publications are two Catholic weeklies: "Der Landmann", Omaha, the only Catholic agricultural publication paper in the German language in America; and the "Katholisches Wochenblatt", a German Catholic weekly published in Chicago, Illinois.
Most of Mr. Peter's newsapers (sic) are printed in his extensive Omaha Publishing house. He is also president of the Interstate Printing Company, Omaha, a modern commercial printing plant. He has three distinct modern publishing houses: the parent plant in Omaha; one in Rosedale, Kansas City, Kansas; and the third in Baltimore.
Another prominent parishioner is Mr. M. J. Nachtigall, the well-known architect.
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