Bio: Volz, Rev. J. F. (History - 1857)

Contact: Janet Schwarze

Surnames: VOLZ FURLONG HEISS

----Source: Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin, by The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891 pages 197 and 198.

REV. J. F. VOLZ is the present pastor of Saint Mary's Catholic Church at Neillsville, Wisconsin. Religious services were first held in the present church building in 1878. It is a substantial structure of brick, and was erected at a cost of $3,500. In connection with the church there is a school building, which was completed in 1887. St. Mary's Parochial School has an average attendance of seventy pupils. The parsonage, or priest's residence, is a comfortable dwelling, and the style of it is in keeping with the other surroundings. The congregation of St. Mary's Church numbers about one hundred and twenty-five families, about equally divided as residents of the town and adjoining country.

Catholic religious services have been held in Neillsville regularly since 1876 previous to that date they were conducted only occasionally. Among the names prominent in the promotion of the interests of the church throughout its history should be mentioned that of Mr. James Furlong, who was truly one of its chief benefactors. He donated the land on which the church property is located, and was ever a liberal and earnest supporter of the church. He was highly esteemed, was a public-spirited citizen, and one of the honored pioneers of Neillsville his home was formerly in the State of Pennsylvania his death occurred in 1884.

The Rev. Father Volz has had charge of this congregation since 1879. He has accomplished a great deal towards improving the church property in his time. When he came here the church was in a rough, unfinished state, and the congregation 1,000 in debt. The church and its surroundings have been much improved and the entire indebtedness removed through the faithful and energetic labors of the present pastor, and the hearty cooperation of the active members.

The Rev. J. F. Volz was born at Prattsburgh, in the State of Indiana, January 1, 1857 the same year his father, Melchior Volz, removed his family to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and they have since made it their home. Melchior Volz is a well-known citizen, and a retried businessman of the place.

Father Volz received his earlier education in the parochial schools of LaCrosse, and was graduated from St. John's College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin in 1873. He took his theological course at St. Francis Seminary near Milwaukee was ordained a priest November 9, 1879, by the late Archbishop Heiss, and was well fitted for the work he has chosen. His present charge is his first one, and he has exhibited a marked ability in its management.

VOLZ FURLONG HEISS