Bio: Szymczak, Rev. Fr. S. M., Pastor 1928
Contact: Ken Wood
Email: refdesk@MarshfieldLibrary.org

----Sources: Marshfield News Herald Tuesday January 17, 1928 Page 1

LETTER THREATENS PRIEST WITH DEATH

Postal Inspector Advises That Case is One For State Prosecution

Stanley, Jan. 14-AP--A letter threatening the life of the Rev. Fr. S. M. Szymczak, pastor of a catholic church just across the line in Clark county, has been turned over to District Attorney Victor Nehs at Neillsville.

The priest was advised by Postal Inspector W. J. Hichman who was called here that the case was one for prosecution by state authorities.

The Rev. Fr. Szymczak who has been active in attempting to secure recognition of the prohibition act among his parishioners is understood to have given the district attorney the names of men whose emnity he aroused.

The letter received threatened the priest with death.

Marshfield News Herald Saturday January 14, 1928 p. 1

PRIEST AROUSES STANLEY POLES

Large Still And Moonshine Seized, According To Neillsville Attorney

Chippewa Falls, Jan 17-AP--As a result of the crusading of the Rev S. M. Szymozak, whose life has been threatened as a result of his demands that his parishioners observe the prohibition law, John Dobish, who runs a place across from the parish house of the priest, will appear in court Wednesday at Neillsville on charges of liquor law violations.

His place at Stanley Junction, four miles northwest of Stanley was raided Sunday and a large still, 600 gallons of mash, and some moonshine was seized, according to District Attorney Victor Nehs of Neillsville. The district attorney said that the raid was the result of attention called to conditions in the community by the priest who recently reveived a letter threatening him with death. Information has been given by auythorities that further raids will be made in the community.

Authorities who are keeping a close watch on the situation for the safety of the priest who has aroused the animosity of the community, populated largely by persons of Polish extraction whose drinking of beer and other intoxicating liquor was frowned upon by the Rev. Fr. Szymozak.