NEGenWeb Project
Church/Catholic
Franciscans
1903, and, after finishing one year of humaniora at Chicago and two years of philosophy and three years of theology, he was raised to the dignity of the priesthood on June 25, 1909. After the fourth year of theological studies was over, "Father Ben," as he is familiarly known among his parishioners, was sent to Teutopolis, Illinois, to take charge of Island Grove and Montrose and to help the teaching for a time at his Alma Mater. After half a year in California he was appointed pastor of Boyne City (Falls) and in 1921 he was made superior and pastor at Chaska, Minnesota. After a successful administration during six years, he was transferred to the important parish of Humphrey, Nebraska, in August, 1927.
Four Generations of the Pfeifer Family
Humphrey, Neb.
ASSISTANT PASTORS AT HUMPHREY:
P. Maternus Puetz, November, 1905-July, 1907; P. Marianus Glahn, July, 1907-190?; Adolph Rockel, -----. 1908-August, 1908; Edwin Hudson, July, 1908-August, 1909; Marianus Glahn, August, 1909-1910; Aemilian Zumkeller, January, 1911-August, 28,1911; Ferdinant Gruen, August, 1911-August, 1912; Benno Fransen, a few weeks, August, 1912; Guido Knepper, March 26, 1913-August 21, 1913; Lambert Brinkmoeller, November, 1913February, 1914; Mark Schludecker, February, 1914-summer, 1916; Maurus Eberle, summer, 1916-November, 1917; Andrew Butskueben, October 12, 1917-July, 1918; Damascus Erkens, July, 1918----19??; Herman Joseph Fister, March, 1919-summer, 1920; Lucian Trouy, August, 1921-July, 1922; Humilis Zwiesler, July, 1922-August, 1924; Berard Zehnle, August, 1924-August, 1926; Othmar Berthieaume, August, 1926August, 1927; Eugene Hagedorn, August 27, 1927-January 4, 1929; Anastase Steck, January, 1929.
SONS OF ST. FRANCIS' PARISH, HUMPHREY
REV. CYRINUS SCHNEIDER, O. F. M.
Fr. Cyrinus (Ferdinand) Schneider was born four and one-half miles west of Humphrey, October 8, 1884. His parents were Erhard and Dorothy Stark Schneider. After completing the elementary course of studies in the parochial school at Humphrey, Ferdinand, in 1897, entered St. Francis Solanus College, Quincy, Illinois. The next year he enrolled at St. Joseph's College, at Teutopolis, Illinois. Here he completed the course of studies in 1903, and on March 19th, of this year entered the novitiate of the Order. On April 5, 1904, he pronounced his simple vows, whereupon he was sent by his superiors to Indianapolis, Indiana, to apply himself to the study of the humanities and philosophy. These completed, he studied theology one year at West Park, Cleveland, Ohio, and three years at St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained priest by Archbishop J. J. Glennon on June 24, 1910, and said his first mass at Humphrey on June 26th.
Father Cyrinus' first assignment was that of assistant at Teutopolis, Illinois, from 1911 till 1913. Next he was pastor at Island Grove, for three years, assistant at Sacred Heart church, St. Paul, Minnesota, for one year, and pastor at Mancelona, Michigan. He held this position, when he enlisted as army chaplain, June 1, 1918, taking a training course for five weeks at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, and was commissioned as first Lieutenant, July 5, 1918. Rev. Lieutenant Schneider sailed for France as casual officer, August 17, 1918, and was assigned to the 143d Infantry, 36th Division, upon ar-
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rival overseas. The 36th Division was with the 4th French Army in the Champagne sector of the Meuse-Argonne offensive. He remained in France till May 5, 1919, landed at Newport News, Virginia, June 1, 1919, and was honorably discharged at Fort Worth, Texas, June 16, 1919.
Since the war service, Father Cyrinus was assistant in Omaha for four years, pastor at Cornlea, Nebraska, for ten months in 1923; pastor at St. Anthony's near Quincy, Illinois, and now at St. Paul, Minnesota.
REV. PETER REGALATUS PFEIFER, O. F. M.
Frederick Pfeifer, the son of John and Mary Pfeifer, was born at Humphrey on July 18, 1884. He attended St. Francis' School, made his classical studies at Teutopolis, Illinois; was invested June 22, 1906; took his simple vows July 2, 1907, and together with Father Solanus Eckholt, O. F. M., was ordained to the priesthood June 27, 1913. After serving as assistant at St. Louis for a time, Fr. Peter was assigned to Teutopolis as assistant pastor, transferred to Nashville (1915), a year later, to Indianapolis. Since January, 1923, he is pastor of St. Roch's Church in that city.
REV. FRANCIS SOLANUS ECKHOLT, O. F. M.
Fr. Francis Solanus (Henry) Eckholt, O. F. M., another Humphrey boy, was born February 21, 1886. His parents were Bernard and Sophie Eckholt. After absolving St. Francis' School, he attended the College at Teutopolis, took the Franciscan habit, June 22, 1906, made his simple profession July 2, 1907. He was raised to the dignity of the priesthood June 27, 1913. Father Francis was stationed at Nashville, Tenn.; St. Francis' College, Quincy, Ill.; St. Paul, Minn.; Oak Forest, Ill., where he organized St. Christopher's parish at Midlothian, erecting a church and soon after a school. Fr. Francis is now stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, where he acts as chaplain of St. Joseph's Hospital.
REV. BENEDICT LABRE PFEIFER, O. F. M.
Vincent Pfeifer is a brother of Father Peter and Ven. Brother Solanus Pfeifer. His parents were John and Mary Pfeifer. He made his studies at the same schools as the two preceding and entered the novitiate at Teutopolis, June 22, 1909. After absolving the prescribed course of studies, he received ordination June 15, 1916. He was stationed at Hermann, Missouri; Teutopolis, Illinois; Indianapolis; in Wisconsin; at Columbus, Nebraska, and now labors at Oak Forest, Cook County, Illinois.
REV. NICHOLAS WEGENER, (A. D., 1925)
See page 463.
REV. PASCHAL ROLLMAN, O. F. M.
Rev. Frater Paschal (Albert) Rollman first saw the light at Humphrey, January 15, 1905. After graduating from the St. Francis parochial school and from "Old St. Joe's" at Teutopolis, he was admitted to the Order of Friars Minor, July 1, 1924, made his simple profession on July 2, 1925. His ordination occurred June 25, and his first Mass at Humphrey on June 28, 1931. Rev. Peter R. Pfeifer, O. F. M., delivered the sermon. The choir assisted by an orchestra rendered Gruber's Jubilee Mass.
LAY BROTHERS
Ven. Brothers Osmund (Joseph) and Pius (Ignatius) Werner are the sons of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ignatius Werner. The former was born November 14, 1870, took the Tertiary habit August 10, 1888, and the capuch July 29, 1893, and made his solemn vows July 31, 1897. His Brother Pius was invested as a Tertiary Brother, February 16, 1917, and admitted into the first Order March 2, 1910.
Ven. Brother Solanus Pfeifer's birth occurred on March 5, 1886. In baptism he was named Joseph. He received the Tertiary habit April 16, 1907, and the habit of the First Order, March 18, 1911. He took his simple vows March 29, 1912, and his solemn vows June 18, 1918. Brother Solanus is at present the cook at Waterloo, Iowa.
VEN. BROTHER PLACIDUS (CARL) GROEGER, ALEXIAN BROTHER
Ven. Brother Placidus Groeger, now stationed at St. Louis, Missouri, was born at Humphrey in July, 1898. His parents were the late Frank and Teresa Nitsch Groeger. He entered the Alexian Brothers' Novitiate at Chicago in 1923 and remained there for many years. About three years ago he was stationed at St. Louis.
A number of Humphrey and St. Bernard boys are at present attending St. Joseph's College at Hinsdale, Illinois, intending to become Franciscan priests.
MISSIONS ATTENDED FROM HUMPHREY
1. St. Mary's, Stearns or Grand Prairie IV., beginning with Fr. Servatius Rasche, July 10, 1886, to the present day.
2. St. Anthony's, Burrows Tp., Platte County, beginning with Fr. Marcellinus Kollmeyer, July 12, 1892, except Fr. Desiderius VonFrentz, who from November, 1905, to July, 1913, resided at Columbus, to the present day (1931).
3. St. Michael's church, Albion, Boone County, beginning with Fr. Antonius Moll, spring, 1888, to April, 1890.
4. Madison, St. Leonard's, Madison County, beginning with Rev Marrelliniis Kollmeyer,
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July 12, 1890, to October, 1910.
5. St. Bonaventure's church, Raeville, Boone County, beginning with Rev. Marcellinus Kollmeyer, August, 1890, to August, 1892.
6. Sacred Heart, Cornlea, Platte County, beginning with Rev. Edwin Hudson, November 4, 1908, to Rev. Simeon Freitag, April 27, 1916.
Since the last date Cornlea was attended from Lindsay and later from St. Bernard.
ST. FRANCIS PAROCHIAL
AND HIGH SCHOOL,
HUMPHREY, NEBRASKA 1884-1931
One of the essential requisites for a flourishsoul for eternity. Without a parochial school, it will sooner or later become true what Most Rev. Archbishop J. J. Kaine, of St. Louis, Missouri, said on occasion of his first visit to St. Anthony's school at St. Louis: "Tear down this school and soon you will have to tear down that church also."
The Franciscan Fathers, wherever feasible, have been among the staunchest promoters and defenders of the parochial schools and behold there one of the reasons of their great success elsewhere and especially in Platte County, Nebraska, where they had in twelve parishes and mission, ten parochial schools, besides one at Madison, Madison 'County, and one at St. Anthony's, Burrows Tp. until some years ago. With the exception of one (Lindsay) all these are under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration of Lafayette, to whom much of the success of the Franciscan Fathers in Platte county is due. For these Sisters shared all the hardships and poverty of the early years with the Fathers and the people and rendered many and varied services in church and sacristy especially on the missions, where the Sisters remained all week deprived, formerly for three or four days of even Holy Mass and Communion, thus sacrificing themselves for Christian education and religion. May God reward them abundantly here below and after this life, as promised in Daniel: "Those who instruct many unto justice shall shine like stars for all eternity."
After the Lafayette Sisters had taken over St. Mary's school in December, 1881, St. Bonaventure's in August, 1882, and St. Bernard in January, 1883, they accepted also the schools at Humphrey in 1884 and Platte Center in 1885.
ST. FRANCIS' PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
St. Francis Parochial School opened in October, 1884, with Sr. M. Andrea, and Sr. M. Conrada in charge. Sr. M. Aurelia came soon after. The initial enrollment was about one hundred pupils.
Under the efficient guidance of the Sisters the school soon flourished and already in 1888 the school building had to be enlarged to twice its original size, to harbor the growing number of pupils. In September, 1888, a third room was opened with a third teacher, and in 1891 a fourth room with a fourth teacher. Still the number of families and of children kept on increasing and necessitated another addition to the school on the south side in 1897. Thus room was also gained for children living far from town, who wished to board with the Sisters, at least during the inclement season of the year. In 1901 another room was added with a fifth Sister, and the dramatic hall had to be converted into a class room.
PROF. WOLF, TEACHER FOR THE BOYS AND ORGANIST, SEPT. 1903-'05
As a number of the parishioners desired a male teacher for the boys of the higher grades Professor Anton Wolf, a very strict pedagogue of the old school, was engaged as teacher and organist with a salary of $500. But after two years it was deemed advisable to replace him by a Sister.
THE NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, A. D. 1904-'06
We have already described how the frame buildings, veritable fire traps, were replaced by the fine school (still serving) which at the time of erection was perhaps the most up-to-date school in the Sacred Heart Province, at least outside of the largest cities. The cost was $35,000. Classes were opened with six teachers and an enrollment of about 250 children. In 1907 the register showed 286 names of children attending St. Francis' school. Besides the ordinary branches taught in the public schools, there were taught Religion, German and, on Friday afternoons, the girls were given sewing lessons. The salary paid each Sister was $200. This does not include the residence, light, fuel, and furniture and repairs of building and equipment, which are furnished by the parish The tuition paid by the children was 50c a month. Every third and fourth child of the same family was admitted gratis. No tuition was required after first Communion.
THE HIGH SCHOOL--1901-1931
In the year 1910 a two or three years high school was opened with Sr. Egfrieda in charge. The first pupils of the ninth grade, fall 1910-1911, were: Julius Weidner, Clara Baechler, Elizabeth Fangman, Henriette Breunig, Rita Eisenmenger, Henriette Kersch, Agatha Keller, Antonette Fangman and Agnes Widhalm. Rita Eisenmenger, Elizabeth Fangman, Henriette
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Breunig and Clara Baechler completed the 9th grade by the end of February and
took up the tenth. As a desire for a twelfth grade had been expressed, Misses
R. Eisenmenger, Antonette Fangman (now Mrs. Pat Kelly) and Henriette Kersch
returned and finished the twelfth grade in the year 1912 or 1913.
On June 7, 1917, the Most Rev. J. J. Harty, Bishop of Omaha, distributed the diplomas to the graduates and eulogized the school. Commencement speakers in other years were: Rev. Wm. Borer, Rev. Basil Vogt, O. F. M., and Rev. Athanase Steck, O. F. M., of Columbus, Rev. Mark Schludecker, O. F. M., Otto Walter of Columbus, Dr. E. Zimmerer of Lincoln, Prof. Fred Lecron, County Superintendent of Schools.
Fr. Andrew Butzkueben (1917-1921) took the greatest interest in the school and had another story put over the boiler house for a seventh class room. He also installed a laboratory.
THE SISTER'S CONVENT AND HIGH SCHOOL
The Sister's Convent and High School was erected between May, 1923, and February, 1924. On February 18, 1925, Sr. Leocadia celebrated her golden jubilee as a teacher and August 13th, following, her silver jubilee of teaching at Humphrey. Father Josephat added largely to the equipment of the laboratory. By collecting books, money and giving entertainments a library was started for the school. Rev. Josaphat spent $1,800 on the laboratory and erected the new high school and convent. Fr. Benvenute purchased many works of reference for the library, enlarged the typewriting room, enstalled new typewriters and a Burroughs adding machine ($125), a gift of the Young Ladies' Sodality; transferred the laboratory to more suitable quarters and in 1931 purchased a Ditto Machine ($150). We find the present pastor shows the greatest interest in the school. In spring 1930 a musical course was added. Professor Chas. Sheppard teaches various wind instruments, while Fr. Benvenute gives violin lessons. The junior band consisting of about 20 members is making rapid progress.
THE COURSE OF STUDIES OF ST. FRANCIS' HIGH SCHOOL
This embraces 1st Mathematics (including three semesters of algebra, two of geometry and one of commercial arithmetic); 2nd History (General History, two semesters; American History, two semesters; Political Civics, one semester); 3rd Languages (four years, English; two years, Latin); 4th Science (Botany, Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Besides the regular four year High school course there is a Commercial Course comprising Typing, Shorthand and Commercial Bookkeeping. The library and accounting books, including a set of encyclopedia for each classroom beginning with the fourth class (ie. twelve encyclopedia, 421 volumes of fiction, while the rest of the books treat on History, English and Science, and General Reference.
The value of the Laboratory has been estimated by the Lincoln University inspector at $4,750.00.
About four years ago James Mayberger won the first prize of the Knights of Columbus Essay contest for Nebraska. Since 1930 the local Ave Maria Council Number 1794, of the Knights of Columbus, donates a silver medal to the graduate of the eighth grade having the best average and gold medal to the graduate having the best average in the high school.
SUPERIORS
Sr. M. Andrea, 1884-1890; Sr. M. Conrada, 1890-1892; Sr. M. Andrea, 1892-189-; Sr. M. Hugolina, 189 --189-; Sr. M. Antonia, l900-____; Sr. M. Ignatia, 1900----- ; Sr. M. Mathilde, 1908-1912; Sr. M. Modesta, 1912-1914; Sr. M. Antonia, 1914-1914; Sr. M. Andrea, 1914-1919; Sr. M. Stanislaus, 1919-__; Sr. M. Basilia, 1919-1923; Sr. M. Ursulina, Sept.-Oct., 1923, Sr. M. Delphina, Oct., 1923-Jan., 1924; Sr. M. Ludgera, Jan., 1924-Aug., 1924; Sr. M. Leopoldina, 1924-1927; Sr. M. Leontine, 1927-now.
ORGANIST
Sr. M. Andrea, 1884-1890; Sr. M. Romana, 1890-1892; Sr. M. Constantia, 189 ----- ; Sr. M. Antonia, 189__-1903; (Prof. Anton Wolf), 1903-1905; Sr. M. Ceciliana, 1905-1919; Sr. M. Romana, 19_-19_; Sr. M. Andrea, 19------- ; Sr. M. Basilia, 19__-1923; Sr. M. Andrea, 1923-1927; Sr. M. Electa, 1927-1929; Sr. M. Camilla, 1929-now
OTHER SISTERS
Sr. M. Conrada, Sr. M. Aurelia, Sr. M. Theodora, Sr. M. Michelina, Sr. M. Electa, Sr. M. Eleutheria, Sr. M. Antonia, Sr. M. Leocadia Klein. 1900-1927--Sr. M. Casiana, Sr. M. Casimira, Sr. M. Leontine, Sr. M. Victoriana, Sr. M. Alphonsina, Sr. M. Amarella, Sr. M. Antonia, Sr. M. Clarina, Sr. M. Heladia, Sr. M. Carollila, Sr. M. Theofreda, Sr. M. Hermalanda, Sr. M. Ursulina, Sr. M. Cordia. Sr. M. Anselma, 1926-Feb., 1928; Sr. M. Casimira, 1928; Sr. M. Sponsaria, 1924-now; Sr. M. Electa, 19__-1929; Sr. M. Concordia, 1929-now; Sr. M. Vincentina, 1927-now; Sr. M. Stephana, 19_-1928; Sr. M. Amarella, Sr. M. Antonita, Sr. M. Erentrudis.
TEACHERS OF HIGH SCHOOL
Sr. M. Egfrieda, 1911-1913; Sr. M. Ignatiana, 1913-1918; Sr. M. Egfrieda, 1918-1919; Sr. M.
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Leontina, 1919-1923; Sr. M. Amarella, 1923-1924; Sr. M. Teresa, 1924-1927; Sr. M. Leontina, 1927-now; Sr. M. Theofreda, Sr. M. Heladia, Sr. M. Theobalda, Sr. M. Cyrilla, Sr. M. Basilia, Sr. M. Heladia, Sr. M. Ignatiana, Sr. M. Basilia, Sr. M. Victoria, Sr. M. Theofrieda, Sr. M. Leontina, Sr. M. Amarella, Sr. M. Victoria, Sr. M. Theofreda 1st Sem., Sr. M. Novella 2nd Sem., Sr. M. Leopoldina, Sr. M. Stephana, Sr. M. Heladia, Sr. M. Leonardilla.
THE PRESENT HIGH SCHOOL STAFF CONSISTS OF:
Sr. M. Leontina, principal; Sr. M. Concordia, Sr. M. Heladia, Sr. M. Gerarda. Grade teachers 1930-1931: Kindergarten, Sr. M. Gerarda; 1st grade, Sr. M. Erentrudis; 2nd grade, Sr. M. Antonita; 3rd grade, Sr. M. Vincentina; 4th grade, Sr. M. Ladisla; 5th grade, Sr. M. Theodolinda; 6th grade, Sr. M. Sponsaria; 7th grade, Sr. M. Aurea; 7th grade, Sr. M. Avellina; 8th grade, Sr. M. Camilla.
ST. FRANCIS' ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
St. Francis Alumni Association was formed in 1918 with all of the graduates of St. Francis' High School from 1912 to that date as charter members.
The first officers were: President, Julius Weidner; Vice-President, Miss Henriette Breufig; Secretary, Miss Eliz. Hockenschneider; Treasurer, Veronica Fuchs; Historian, Miss Virginia Eisenmenger.
The present officers (1930-1931) are: President, (Esther Eisenmenger) Mrs. Leenerts; VicePresident, Mrs. Antony (Nora Onkels) Duesman; Secretary, Miss Rose Rollman; Treasurer, Norman Mayberger.
SOCIETIES
THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS
1. The Third Order of St. Francis was intro duced December 8, 1883. On this day twelve members were received, viz: Ignatius Werner, Frank Brockhaus, Bernard Ante, Antonette Fischer, Angelina Fischer, Anna M. Pfeifer, Johanna Brockhaus, Anna Pelle, Catherine Pelle, Mary Ottis, Anna Widhalm, Johanna Widhalm.
In 1908, the Third Order numbered eighty members. Mr. Frank Brockhaus has been Prefect almost since the beginning or for about 47 years.
In 1927, Fr. Eugene attended the S. Heart Provincial Convention as delegate and reorganized the officials according to the new regulations. In fall, 1929, Thomas Werner and Fr. Athanasius attended the Provincial Convention of Tertiaries at Springfield, Illinois. In September 29-October 1, 1930, Fr. Maximus Poppy, of Chicago, then Provincial commissary of the Third Order, preached a Tridum for the members. The number of Professed members in 1931 (March 1st) was 132, that of the novices 42, a total of 176.
In February, 1931, the following officers were elected: Prefect, Mr. Albert Rollman; Vice Prefect. Mr. Rochus Preifer; Mistress of Novices, Mrs. Antonia Hockenschneider; Secretary, Mrs. M. English; Treasurer, Mrs. Rose Brockhaus.
2. St. Ann's Christian Mothers Society was organized before the opening of a church at Humphrey in December, 1882. Since September, 1885, it is a Christian Mothers' Society. The first officers were: Mrs. W. Eimers, president; Mrs. Osterhoff, vice president; Mrs. Albert Wilde, secretary; Mrs. Thos. Ottis, treasurer.
The officers for 1931 are: Mrs. Wm. Groeger, president; Mrs. Charles Thielen, vice president; Mrs. Frank Haferland, secretary; Mrs. Gertrude Schaefer, treasurer; Mrs. Dominic Roufs, Mrs. Charles Loeffler, Mrs. Antonia Hockenschneider, Mrs. Albert Billerbeck, attend to the decoration of the altars.
3. The Society of the Holy Childhood for the baptizing and education of pagan children, especially in China, was organized in 1885.
4. St. Joseph's Men Society was organized in August, 1885. The first officers were: Mr. G. H. Brockhaus, president; Wm. Weber, vice president; Nick Fleischer, secretary; Jacob Fischer, treasurer. It had 50 charter members. At present the membership is ----. The officers are: Mr. Joseph Brockhaus, president; Joseph Keller, secretary; Felix Krist, treasurer.
ST. ANTHONY'S YOUNG MEN SOCIETY
St. Anthony's Young Men Society was founded August 30, 1885, and organized Sept. 13, 1885.
The charter members were: Conrad Hettich, Joseph Bauman, Hyacinth Eiche, Joseph Brockhaus, Stephen Schimitt, George Rollman, Wm. Eimers, John Weis, Herman Osterhoff, Joseph Kosch, John Froemel, Joseph Steffes, Leopold Yilk, Henry Piekenbrok.
Other members: Henry Ettinger, Ferdinand Lachnit, Henry Herbes, Joseph Manderville, Jas Manderville, Anton Ableidinger, Joseph Brauner, Theodore Piekenbrok, Joseph Werner, Ambrose Ableidinger, Dan Ottis, John Steffes, Max Schueler, Mike Weber, George Zuerlein, Joseph Weber, George Manderville, Joseph Bender, John Smith, Wm. Veik, Jos. Scheidematel, Joseph Draves, Frank Eimers, Henry Kraus, Fred Ball, Engelbert Herbes, Barney Hoenig, Florian Froemel, Anton Zirbes, Frank Froemel, Jim Manderville, John Dauben, Theo. A. Helmig, Louis Werner, Frank Weibel, Willy Yilk, John Heinen (June 21, 1890).
5. The first officers were: Conrad Hettig, president; Joseph Bauman, vice president; Phil-
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