This is St. John Lutheran Church. Across the road is Maple Grove Cemetery. That is where Johann and Lucia Backen, Mathilda (also known as Anna) and Julius Backen, and Catherine and Fred Davids are all buried. I think George is buried there too as there is a tombstone for him, although I never knew why he was there alone without his wife and family. Interestingly, on their tombstones Johann and Lucia are listed as John and Lucy.
Johann and Lucia, Mathilda and Julius, and Catherine and Fred are all listed as founding members of the church, although neither Johann or Lucia lived to see the building actually built. They were meeting in local school houses until 1894.
I think this photo was taken in 1934 at the 40th anniversary of the church building. In the front row behind the hitching post and holding his hat is Julius Backen. To his right is Mathilda. To her right is Catherine and Fred. I know I am related to many of those other people, but I can't identity most of them.
In later years, the church building was expanded. I can send an updated photo if you'd like. But this is the way it looked when your ancestors were here.
Johann and Lucia, Mathilda and Julius, and Catherine and Fred are all listed as founding members of the church, although neither Johann or Lucia lived to see the building actually built. They were meeting in local school houses until 1894.
I think this photo was taken in 1934 at the 40th anniversary of the church building. In the front row behind the hitching post and holding his hat is Julius Backen. To his right is Mathilda. To her right is Catherine and Fred. I know I am related to many of those other people, but I can't identity most of them.
In later years, the church building was expanded. I can send an updated photo if you'd like. But this is the way it looked when your ancestors were here.
Submitted by Sandy (Backen) Barton
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