Order of Catholic Foresters, 1898

MANY

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 12/3/2005 at 12:20:58

I translated the following two articles from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. They were originally published on 4 February 1898 and 4 March 1898. Any information in brackets or notes at the end are my own explanations. They reads as follows:

[First Article, 4 February 1898]
On Tuesday evening, a branch society of the Order of Catholic Foresters was founded in Carroll with 26 members. The following officials were elected: Rev. J. C. Nacke, Spiritual Director; Geo. W. Korte, Head Forester; Wm. Krüger, Vice Forester; A. J. Wiedemeier, Protocol Secretary; J. J. Gnam, Treasurer; F. J. Ries, Finance Secretary; Bernh. Bolster and Jos. Bolster, Inner and Outer Guards; Wm. Winnicke, Fred. Buchheit and Jos. Heue, Board of Directors. As we mentioned earlier, the Order is dedicated to supporting the sick and to life insurance. It is certainly a praiseworthy and fine organization, and persons who are inclined to join should report to Mr. A. J. Wiedemeier.

[Second Article, 4 March 1898]
The Order of Catholic Foresters has officially organized. The group in Carroll already consists of 27 members who have started the branch society. Since then, 19 applicants have reported wishing to become members. The organization is fully devoted to the noble works of Christian love and charity. Unlike other insurance companies, it is not only concerned with paying out insurance proceeds in cases of death, but also cares for the healthy and sick in a brotherly fashion during life. For the healthy, it looks over them wherever practicable so that they suffer no injury to body and soul, so that every possible opportunity is offered for them to earn a living, and so that every possible assistance is rendered to them. In cases of sickness, it provides that people receive the continuing support of the Order and are supported with a monetary allowance. In cases of death, it provides for the payment of insurance proceeds. Indeed, even after death, the brotherly duties of the Order do not end. We have at hand a little book, wherein the goal of the Order is summarized: “Promotion of friendship, harmony and true charity among its members. Friendship, through mutual support by all honest means. Unity, in working together for the purpose of providing assistance in cases of sickness and death, and active support for widows and orphans of deceased members. True Christian charity, by doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.” Those are indeed very noble goals which deserve the support of all upright people. The Order is founded with the assistance and approval of the Church. The officials of the branch in Carroll are: Geo. W. Korte, Head Forester; Wm. Krueger, Vice Forester; A. J. Wiedemeier, Correspondence Secretary; F. J. Ries, Financial Secretary; J. J. Gnam, Treasurer; Dr. A. Kessler, Doctor; Wm. Winete, Fred. Buchheit, Jos. Heue, Trustees; Lambert Baumhover, and M. J. Franzwa, Sr. and Jr., Directors; Barney and Joseph M. Bolster, Inner and Outer Guards.