Clayton co IAGenWeb - Church Records

Church History

St. Mary's church dates back to the year 1855. Early records show that the first services were held in the home of Patrick O'Brien on Ann street and later in their first church on Kinney street in the vicinity of the Peter McGuire home.

The first resident priest was Rev. Richard Nagle who remained until 1868. He was followed by Rev. Bart Lenehan who, shortly after his arrival formed a Catholic school with the Sisters of Charity in charge.

Also in the year 1868 James McGregor donated to the Catholic Society of McGregor a tract of land at the head of Main street for church and school purposes consisting of nine acres, and also another tract of 13 acres in another locality to be used as a cemetery.

The parochial residence was built first, during Father Sullivan's pastorate.

In 1876 the little church in Kinney street was destroyed by fire and for four years church was held in Forester's Hall, while plans for the church were going forth with Father Carroll as pastor.

In 1879 Rev. J.D. Brennan came and on May 18, 1880, the cornerstone of St. Mary's church was laid. According to the account of this ceremony, the stone was cut and laid by Fred Miller and two issues of the North Iowa Times, several Chicago newspapers, church documents and a few coins were sealed in a tin box and placed in a cavity in the stone.

Failing in health, Father Brennan retired and Rev. Gattet T. Nagle of Dubuque came. Charles Budde, Joseph Andres, John Korte, August Budde and J. Ryan as the building committee, set about the actual construction and in 1882 the church was completed.

St. Mary's church was damaged by fire on Christmas day in 1888 when the entire interior was scorched by flames. In the repairs made, the altar was raised and the walls frescoed.

Rev. Thomas Dowling came in 1911 and remained until 1916 when Rev. J.J. Horsfield came. Rev. Horsfield was honored in December 1941 at a golden jubilee celebration of his 50 years ordination, 25 of which were at St. Mary's. He served the parish three more years before retiring and died in June 1949.

Father Vernon Peters came here in June 1944 and left in November 1949 for Cresco. During the time he was here St. Mary's Hall was built.

The Rev. Francis J. Phelan came here from Dubuque in 1949 and is the present pastor at St. Mary's. Recent improvements have been made on the church and on the manse.

~North Iowa Times, Thursday, November 29, 1956 (Centennial Edition)
~Transcribed by S. Ferrall

Rev. John J. Horsfeld

McGregor, Ia. - The Rev. J.J. Horsfeld is retiring after 52 years of service in the priesthood. The last 28 years were as pastor of St. Mary's Church in McGregor and Marquette.

Now 82 years of age, he has been desirous of retiring for some time. Announcement that his resignation had been accepted was made Friday by the Most Rev. Francis J.L. Beckman, Archbishop of Dubuque.

A native of Dubuque County, Father Horsfeld completed his theological course at the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada. His first pastorate was at Cherry Mound, Allamakee County. He then served at Jesup and Parkersburg, coming to McGregor in May, 1916.

On Dec. 20, 1941, his 50th year in the priesthood was observed with a Golden Jubilee celebration at McGregor. At that time high church dignitaries and prominent Northeast Iowa citizens eulogized the priest and the man at a testimonial dinner attended by 500 persons.

Father Horsfeld will live in McGregor. The Rev. Vernon J. Peters, former pastor of St. Peter's Church, Clermont, will succeed him as pastor of the McGregor and Marquette churches.

~Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque, IA, June 11, 1944 (included the photo)
~transcribed by S. Ferrall
~Note: in many records his surname is spelled Horsfield. He died June 3, 1949 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque. The North Iowa Times printed a very long obituary/tribute to him that included a detailed accounting of his education, pastorates and misc. personal info. - born at Epworth, Dubuque co., IA Feb. 11, 1862; survived by a brother, James Horsfield of Epworth.

Records found with Ruddy Family Connections
-extracted from church records by Michael Ruddy, June 1966

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Baptism Records

James Walker, baptized May 3,1868, parents: John & Catharine Walker, sponsors: Richard Ruddy & Mary Anna

Brigeham Jordan, baptized October 19, 1868, parents: Patricio Jordan & Anna O’Maely, sponsors: Thomas Reddy, Julia & Margarita Manahan

Miriam Roddy, no date, parents Thomas Roddy & Joanna Waters

Louis Patrick Ruddy, baptized October 19, 1876, parents: Thomas & Jane Ruddy

George Vincent Witush, baptized February 20, 1884, parents: not given, sponsors: Michael Ruddy & Mary Ruddy

James Duffy, baptized August 3, 1884, parents: James & Mary Farmer, sponsors: James Farmer & Mrs Ruddy

Margarita Reddy *, baptized August 1, 1885, parents: Daniel Reddy & Annie Baker, sponsors: Anna & Patrick Manahan

Rosa Maltilda Kupp, baptized September 13, 1885, parents: not given, sponsors: Hugh Fagan & Mrs Ruddy

William Whitish, baptized February 21, 1886, parents: George Whitish & Mary Wooden, sponsors: Thomas Ruddy & Mrs Thomas Ruddy

Ellen Honora Reddy *, born June 20, 1887, baptized July 3, 1887, parents: Daniel Reddy * & Anna Baker

Edward McAndrews, born December 7, 1887, baptized January 1, 1888, parents: Peter McAndrews & Mary Terry, sponsors: Thomas Reddy & Mary McAndrews

John Ruddy, born May 9, 1891, baptized June 13, 1891, parents: Daniel Ruddy & Anna Baker, sponsors: Henry Gallegher & Ceciia Maquire

Confirmation Records

Edna Ruddy, confirmed June 6, 1920

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* ”Ruddy” see book 4 page 150
~contributed to Clayton co. IAGenWeb by Michael Ruddy. Mike's email address can be found in the Surname Registry for 'Ruddy'