This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
DeWitt Church History Chronicles Early Faith Builders
The DeWitt Observer centennial issue recalls 19th century Catholic roots with St Simon's 1854 church begun under Father McKenna, Irish settlers, and brick foundations. It notes mass, schooling by Sisters of Charity and Mercy, and leaders who shaped St Joseph's parish's rise amid frontier growth.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mazzucelli
America
Mississippi
St. Raphael’s Church
Dubuque
Iowa City
J. A. Pelamourges
France
Matthew
Lyons
DeWitt
Loras
St. Simon’s Parish
St. Joseph’s Parish
Sorbonne
Seat of Justice
St. Simon’s
Father McKenna
St. Simons
Davenport
Walnut Grove
Center Grove
Villa Nova
McKenna
Father McDermott
O’beirne
James W. Scallon
Father Scallon
Sisters of Charity
American Legion
Sisters of Mercy
Chicago