This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RMunns7272 Surnames: Schwebach Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.lacrosse/2316/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 790. City of La Crosse JAMES SCHWEBACH, Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, La Crosse; was born in Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Germany, Aug. 15, 1847; born of pious German parents, he was early educated in the principles of the Catholic Church, to the advancement of which he afterward devoted his life. While yet in his teens, he finished a collegiate course of study in Luxemburg, where he mastered and became proficient in both the German and French languages. He emigrated to America in 1864, just as the country was experiencing the most trying times of the civil war, and seeing the great necessity of Catholic priests, within two weeks after his arrival in New York, June 11, 1864, he entered the St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee. Here he studied philosophy and theology five years. Being a young man of rare intelligence and fine natural qualifications, he graduated from this seat of learning at the early age of 21. Too young to be ordained, he was sent to La Crosse as sub-deacon, to perform such dut! ies as this office would allow. One year previous to his ordination to the priesthood, he preached regularly in three different languages - English, German and French. He was ordained on the feast of Corpus Christi, 1870, and was then appointed Pastor of St. Mary's Church, La Crosse. Besides possessing a fine library, he is well read, and is an accomplished French, German and English scholar. The kindly feelings of the Catholics of this city for the quiet, self-possessed student of fifteen years ago, has since ripened into feelings of love for the Pastor of to-day, and Father Schwebach is honored and respected by all classes of citizens, no matter of what religious belief. [I am not related to this family and have no further information. I'm posting this as a service and hope it helps!] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.