GOLDEN JUBILEE 1888 – 1938

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, NOVEMBER 27, 1938

The following is a Digital Transcription of the GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION BOOKLET that took place in November, 1938.

THE LUXEMBURGER BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA 1938
Historical and Pictorial Review
Compiled by Fred A. Gilson, Grand President
Research and Dedication

To write the historical reminiscences of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America and its subordinate Sections requires considerable research work. However, I am very grateful to the former leaders of the Brotherhood as well as the former literary talented members of the various Sections for the historical facts and data that they compiled and preserved for future generations in former Souvenir Program Books and Schobermesse Program Books. These books have a great historical value and should be preserved by the Luxembourg people for their descendants. I also hope that the members will find a suitable place for this Souvenir Program Book in their libraries and preserve it for their descendants.

I am dedicating this historical review, which I herewith present to the Luxembourger people, to these former leaders and historians of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America. Foremost among these leaders, whose memory still lingers with gratitude in our minds and whose writings form our background, are:

John Hankes	Mathias Huss	John Watry	John Diederich
John Schmit	Peter Weiland	Henry Geimer	Henry Dieschbourg
Eugene Bellar	John Weiland

Others, who have the privilege to assist in the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, are Nick Nilles, Joseph Winandy, J. P Knaff, J. B. Merkels and perhaps your humble writer. Many others have rendered valuable services to the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America and to the Luxembourg people, and these will be remembered in subsequent pages and in the history of the various Sections, which will be annexed to this historical review of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America.

It may be only a coincidence that this Golden Jubilee Celebration falls so close to Thanksgiving Day, but it surely gives added reasons for us to be thankful, and it should inspire the heart of every Luxembourger to a prayer of thanks, in memory of the pioneers who had the wisdom and the spirit of fraternity, of brotherly love and devotion to organize the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America. It required courage, sacrifice, determination and goodwill, not only to start it, but also to preserve it and expand it to the mighty organization as we know it today. I venture to say that the organizers did not dream that someday their “Bruderbund” would grow into the largest “Luxembourg” fraternal organization in the world.

Motive for Organization

The motives to organize a Luxembourg Brotherhood were manifold, and the events leading to its final organization were diversified. The nature and instinct of the Luxembourgers coming as settlers to the United States of America from 1850 to 1875 was not society-minded, since fraternal societies were unknown in Luxembourg until the close of the 18th century. Although there were in Luxembourg many music bands and Singing Societies and perhaps a few agricultural organizations, insurance and sick benefit societies were not in existence.

However, the mode of living in the United States, the cosmopolitan aspect of the new country, brought about a feeling of fraternal inspiration, a feeling of brotherly and neighborly love into the hearts of the early Luxembourg pioneers toward each other. His new field of activity, his problem of establishing a home for himself and his family among strangers in a strange land and among people from all parts of the world, made the contacts he made at various intervals with his fellow countrymen from Luxembourg an event of great joy and happiness.

These looked-for and anticipated gatherings, generally on Sundays or holidays at the home of some countryman, were utilized to cultivate an intimate friendship and foster the Luxembourg language as well as Luxembourg ideals and traditions. As the immigration from Luxembourg grew, especially from the year 1875 to 1900, these friendship gatherings became more frequent, especially in parts of the country where Luxembourg centers of settlement had developed, such places as Chicago, New York, Port Washington, Dubuque, Remsen, Escanaba, etc., etc.

And so, the idea of forming a Luxembourg society became apparent, as the desire for frequent, mutual gatherings increased through the pleasure that was derived from the conversations in Luxembourg and on reminiscences of childhood days, as well as the joy in again speaking the Luxembourg language.

Early Luxembourg Societies

The 1st Luxembourg Society was organized in Williamsburg, N.Y., and had for its leaders such men as Nick Mueller, who was at one time a Representative in Congress in Washington, D. C., J. M. Blum, Ernest Derulle, Emile and Alphonse Fritsch, Eugene Bellar and others. Soon thereafter, in the year 1870, a Luxembourg Society was organized in Chicago; namely, the Luxembourger Unterstuetzungs Verein.

Its first officers were:

President	J. P. Lauth
Vice-President	P. Bernard
Secretary	J. Kartheiser
Treasurer	Henry Birren

This society made very good progress, but in the 2nd year of its existence, the great Chicago Fire of 1871 caused the loss of most of the worldly goods of its members and brought about a period of difficulties, complications, and hardships, which were arduous and perplexing. However, as is often the case, the greater the difficulties, the greater the efforts and determination; and so, it was with this Unterstuetzungs Verein. It soon recovered, prospered, and in the year 1877 it had 57 members, with a treasury fund of $1,250.00. The society was legally incorporated as a benefit society, paying $300.00 death benefit on the death of a member and $200.00 death benefit on the death of the wife of a member.

The yearly dues were $6.00 with an assessment of $1.00 on the death of a member and Fifty Cents on the death of the wife of a member. Under the leadership of Peter Reiter, who was president for many years, great success was achieved. For social as well as for financial reasons, a yearly Ball (Dance) was held in Mueller’s Hall on North Ave., as well as a yearly picnic. Both of these events became very popular and were the two great attractions for the Luxembourg people and their friends.

Unfortunately, the financial basis of this benefit society was not sound; insurance mortality tables experience had not as yet been developed and established for a basis of sound insurance facts and figures. In a short time, as the death ratio increased with each year, the reserve benefit fund dwindled and finally came to an end with a dissolution of the society.

In the meantime, other Luxembourg benefit societies had been established in St. Paul, Minnesota; Dubuque, Iowa, which prospered for a number of years but never developed into a real sound and successful Benefit and Insurance Organization.

In the year 1887, the Luxembourg Independent Club was organized, having as its basis and object political and social motives. It was composed of men from all parts of Chicago and its suburbs, but mostly from the north and the south side of the city. This Club has been successful and is still in existence today. However, out of a dispute which arose in one of its meetings, due to differences in the conservative faction and the more liberal faction, the seed of the now “Luxembourg Brotherhood of America” was planted. Parliamentary rules and meeting procedures were new to many members in the Club, and strict adherence to rules and order by the then leaders was often the cause of ill-feelings, disappointments, and disagreements.

After a stormy meeting held in the fall of 1887, during which the liberal faction was defeated in its proposals, a “Rendezvous” was held in the tavern of John Hankes, located on Halsted St., near Archer Ave., for the discussion of their grievances. Present at this gathering were: Michael Unsen, Nick Stirn, Bernard Dieschbourg, John Schmit, Bernard Monitor, Nick Mersch and Charles Puetz.

In the midst of their discussion, Nick. Mersch suggested they organize another Club for the Luxembourgers living on the south side of Chicago. All present agreed to this idea, and John Hankes donated $1.50 to buy postal cards to call a meeting of the Luxembourgers living on the south side for the formation of this new Club. Nick. Mersch issued the invitation, and on October 23rd, 1887, the organization meeting was held with John Schmit presiding.

The Club was duly organized on that day, and the following officers were elected to guide the destinies of the new “Luxembourg Club” for the balance of that year:

President	John Schmit
Vice-President	Nick Stirn
Secretary	Nick Mersch
Treasurer	Michael Unsen

Present at the meeting were 25 men, who joined the Club by paying an initial fee of 25 Cents: thereby making a treasury fund of $6.25. A committee consisting of Bernard Dieschbourg, John Diederich and John Hankes was appointed to draft a constitution, and orders were issued to announce the formation of the new Club in the “Staatszeitung” and in the “Arbeiterzeitung”, newspapers, which were flourishing in those days.

The next meeting was held on November 6th, 1887. At this meeting, additional time was granted to the Constitution Committee with the appointment of three more members to the committee, namely, Nick Cigrang, Edward Turmes and John Schmit. At the 3rd meeting held on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1887, the Constitution Committee presented its Constitution, which was compiled by John Diederich along similar lines as the Constitution of the “McCormick Reaper Works Benefit Society”; and which gave the new Society or Club its official name, “LuxembourgBruderbund”.

After the adoption of the Constitution by the assembled members, the following first set of officers were elected:

President	John Diederich
Vice-President	John Schmit
Rec. Secretary	Nick Mersch
Financial Secretary	Nick Cigrang
Treasurer	Bernard Dieschbourg
Trustees	Nick Stirn, John Hankes & Peter Hubing

John Diederich	Michael Unsen	Nick Stirn	Nick Cigrang
Valentine Hankes	Nick Mersch	John Schmit	Edward Turmes
Henry Feiereisen	Bernard Dieschbourg	J. B. Erpelding	Nick Feiereisen
W. Paultz	John Schaak	Nickolas Weber	Math. Schils
H. E. Stirn	John Schimberg	Nick Bonert	Peter Lenz
Henry Schmalen	Nick Hansen	Gustave Witwer	Jacob Alken
Nickolas Habig	J. P. Mootz	John Hankes	Peter Hubing

In the March meeting of 1888, a committee was appointed to contact the Luxembourg Independent Club for the purpose of running a joint picnic. This proposal was denied by the Club, which stated that it would have nothing to do with the Luxembourg Bruderbund. This refusal encouraged the members and, on their own initiative, sponsored an excursion to Cedar Lake, Ind., which was a grand success. and added an additional amount of $114.35 to the treasury.

Many of the conservative elements of the Independent Club ridiculed the new Luxembourg organization, calling it many names; and thereby jeopardized the work of its officers and members. No one suspected at that time that someday, this society would be so successful and become the now-known “Luxembourg Brotherhood of America.”

In the fall of the year 1888, the Bruderbund had grown very satisfactorily, and a good future was in the offing. It was then decided to legally incorporate the “Bruderbund” as a Sick and Death Benefit Organization in the State of Illinois, and on December 8th, 1888, a State Charter was granted and issued to the “Luxembourg Bruderbund.”

The following additional members besides the ones named above were noted on the Charter Page of the records:

W. Spanier	Bernard Molitor	Nick Manderscheid	Peter Girten
Charles Puetz	Jacques Hilger	Nick Ludwig	Anton Wark
Nickolas Michels	Jacob Mathey	Nick Wagner	Math Toekes
Peter Scholler	J. M. Lauf	George Trierweiler	Michael Lorang
Henry Reiff	Thos. Wagner

From 1888 to 1896, steady progress was made by the new Luxembourg Bruderbund in its new sphere of activities. During this period the following members had acted as presidents: Nick Stir, Nick Weber, Henry Feiereisen, John Schmit, Peter Scholler and John Hankes. All of these men were imbued with the spirit of real brotherly love and worked hard to build up and expand the activities of the society. The results of their efforts were very gratifying, a moral and social, as well as financial success. The good name of the society soon spread into other States, where Luxembourg settlements had been made, and soon similar societies with the same name were established in St. Paul, Minn., and Esdanaba, Mich.

First Luxembourg Congress

During the year of 1893, the World Fair year of Chicago, when many world congresses were held in the City of Chicago, the Luxembourgers expressed the desire to hold a Luxembourg Congress in Chicago. On an appeal issued by the Luxembourg Independent Club, a Luxembourg Congress was held on October 22nd, 1893, in Brand’s Hall in Chicago. Delegates present were from Dubuque, Iowa; Winona, St. Paul, Shakopee, Minnesota; La Crosse & Milwaukee, Wis.; Detroit, Michigan, and Aurora, Illinois, among them several priests. John Ludwig of Winona, Minnesota, was selected as the presiding chairman, and Nick Gonner of Dubuque, Iowa, was selected as the secretary.

The topic on the order of the Congress was how to promote the interests of the Luxembourg people living in the United States of America in the best possible manner. The main object of the discussions was to preserve the ideals, the characteristics and the traits of the Luxembourg people, to transplant them into the American civilization and to preserve the Luxembourg language and keep aflame the love for the old Fatherland.

During the consideration of the problems before the Congress, it appeared as if a Central Luxembourg Organization, similar to the Catholic Central Society of America (Deutsch Katholischer Central Verein von Amerika), would be best suited for the attainment of their objects.

It came to light also that in as much as the movement to establish a Luxembourg Consulate in America had proved futile, such an organization might even assume the duties of a Consulate and in this manner be of service to the Luxembourg people; especially to immigrants, who came in large numbers from Luxembourg during those years and established themselves in the new country. Another committee on benefit and insurance features promoted the idea of sick benefit and life insurance, similar to the Minnesota Catholic Benefit Organization, which was flourishing in those days and today still is a successful Benefit Organization.

The whole proceedings of this Congress were a grand success. Everybody was enthusiastic about this new Central Organization, and after adopting a tentative constitution, the Congress adjourned to meet the next year in St. Paul, Minn.

The enthusiasm of the new project soon disappeared after the delegates had left Chicago and the whole project lay dormant until the second Congress was called to order in St. Paul, Minn. Most of the various Luxembourg Societies had sent delegates to the second Congress except the “Luxembourg Bruderbund”; which was opposed to certain articles in the constitution, taking it for granted, that it was the object to make a religious organization out of the Central organization. The article of the Constitution referred to read as follows:

“The object of the Organization shall be to promote the religious, moral and material interests of the members, to do this more systematically; and further to insure its members an honorable Christian burial.”

It appears as if the members of the Bruderbund did not want a church organization, as this was not in line with the principles of their society.

Second Luxembourg Congress

The second Congress in St. Paul was a grand manifestation of the Luxembourg people; there was a grand parade before the solemn Church services, in which all the German societies in St. Paul and vicinity participated. The Congress drew the attention of the press, and the people of St. Paul and even the Chicago newspapers printed lengthy columns on the proceedings of the assembly. The meeting itself did not show any permanent progress; it was decided that the constitution adopted in Chicago was not practical, and finally it was decided to again meet the next year in Dubuque, Iowa. Every delegate was urgently instructed to study the various discussions of the 2nd Congress, to bring them up in their respective meetings, so that a practical plan could be adopted in the 3rd Congress.

Third Luxembourg Congress

In the year 1895, the 3rd Luxembourg Congress convened in the city of Dubuque, Iowa. A solemn pontifical Mass, celebrated by Rev. J. Schwebach, Bishop of Lacrosse, Wis., who was born in Platen, Luxembourg, was the 1st order of the day. The festive sermon was preached by Rev. A. J. Decker, who admonished the delegates that they should not omit the religious features in the Constitution.

The following day the Congress was opened by the President, Mr. John Ludwig, with delegates present from the following Luxembourg Societies:

• Luxembourg Independent Club of St. Paul, Minn.
• Luxembourg Brotherhood of St. Paul, Minn.
• Luxembourg National Society of Minneapolis, Minn.
• Luxembourg Benefit Society of Shakopee, Minn.
• Luxembourg Society of Winona, Minn.
• Luxembourg St. Nickolas Society of Rollingstone
• Luxembourg Sick Benefit Society of Dubuque, Iowa
• Luxembourg Independent Club of Aurora, Ill.
• Luxembourg Independent Club of Chicago
• Luxembourg Brotherhood of Chicago, Ill.

Many clergymen attended the meeting, among them the Rev. J. Schwebach, Bishop of La Crosse, Wis., Rev. A. J. Decker and Rev. J. Wilmes of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These Reverend gentlemen were presented by the chairman, and they all advocated the message of Rev. Decker in his sermon, not to forget God and religion in their Societies. Later in the report presented by the delegates, again no suitable plan was available, and a new Constitution Committee under the chairmanship of the deceased Mathias Huss was appointed by the chairman.

In this committee meeting three separate and distinct ideals were presented, each supported by a separate group; one group advocated general life insurance features, a second group wanted to pay just a nominal sum for death benefit and another group thought that the main object of a Luxembourg organization was to promote the moral, cultural and political interests of the Luxembourger people and this could not be accomplished without any monetary benefits.

After a 12-hour session of the constitution committee, a tentative constitution was presented, but it did not satisfy any one of the groups. However, on the 3rd day of the Congress, this new constitution was adopted, although the general feeling was that it was love’s labor lost. The new Constitution gave the new organization the name of “Luxembourg Nationalverein”. (Luxembourg National Society). A short time after the congress held in Dubuque, one of the members died, making it necessary to levy an assessment on the affiliated societies to meet the death benefit.

Only two societies remitted the assessment, and thus the Luxembourg National Society came to an end. Further attempts were made in the following three years, 1896 in Aurora, 1897 in Chicago, and 1898 in Minneapolis, to revive the Luxembourg organization or organize a new one, but all efforts proved futile.

The various efforts made during these 10 years to organize a Central Luxembourg Organization met their defeat in the discord that was in evidence among the Luxembourgers during those days due to their various attitudes in regard to religion as well as to political differences.

Organization of Grand Lodge and Sections

In view of the general difficulties encountered in the attempt to establish a united Luxembourg organization, an idea was developed by John H. Watry that a national organization should be built up out of one of the existing Luxembourg Societies. During this period from 1888 to 1896, the Luxembourg Brotherhood in Chicago had prospered and grown satisfactorily.

In these 8 years it had paid out several thousands of dollars to needy members, and its membership had risen to 75 members. Several members agitated to branch out and establish other branches in other Luxembourg settlements, but in one of the meetings, the project was submitted to a vote, and it was voted down. In South Chicago were a great number of Luxembourgers, who had settled there near the steel mills, and it became apparent that a Luxembourg Society was needed in this part of Cook County.

These people had heard of the good progress of the Luxembourg Brotherhood, and a delegation under the supervision of Mr. Nick Mausen went to the meeting of the Luxembourger Brotherhood to see what steps might be taken to affiliate with the Society. This was the appropriate time to consider branching out. A motion was made to appoint a committee to take the necessary steps to establish branches of the Luxembourg Brotherhood; the proposition was passed by a small majority: A committee consisting of John N. Watry, John Schmit, Nick Stirn and Frank Dieschbourg was appointed to draft a constitution, which would permit the affiliation of branch societies in the Brotherhood.

The new constitution, written by Mr. Watry, was adopted at the regular meeting on December 27th, 1896. Two weeks later, John Hankes, Nick Stirn, and John N. Watry went to a meeting called together by the Luxembourgers in South Chicago. At this meeting John Schmit acted as Chairman and John N. Watry as Secretary. The Constitution was presented with such additional explanation as was necessary, and after due deliberation it was decided to organize another branch of the Brotherhood, and it was designated as Section No. 2 of the Luxembourg Brotherhood, whereas the original Luxembourg Brotherhood was designated as Section No. 1 of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America. To Frank Dieschbourg is given the credit for designating the branches as Sections.

On January 14th, 1897, the new Section was officially established, and 15 members were initiated into the new Section, and their elected Officers were duly installed. Through this installation and establishment of Section No. 2 of the Luxembourg Brotherhood, the way was paved for further development. Credit is due to the organizers of Section No. 2 that the Luxembourg Brotherhood branched out and thus eventually became the wonderful organization that it is today.

John Glesener, an ardent and devoted member of Section No. 1, lived at this time in Rogers Park, and in his daily routine he came in contact with many Luxembourgers. He made propaganda for the establishment of a Section in Rogers Park, and soon his efforts were successful. Already at the end of April 1897, he notified the Grand Secretary, John N. Watry, to come to Rogers Park on Saturday, May 3rd, to talk over the proposition with many candidates.

Mr. Watry found 25 candidates present, who were all anxious to join the proposed Section No. 3, L.B.A. Grand Secretary Watry presided at the temporary meeting, and Mr. Peter Weimeskirch acted as secretary. In the course of the meeting, all present pledged themselves to join the Section whereof Mr. Weimeskirch was instructed to write the Grand President and have him come to the next meeting on Sunday, May 9th, 1897, to establish the new Section and install its officers. The Grand President and the other Grand Officers went to Rogers Park at the appointed time, and on this historical afternoon, Section No. 3 was established, and 29 members were initiated.

With the establishment of Section No. 3, the foundation of the Luxembourg Brotherhood was definitely established, and its future looked hopeful and successful. On May 23rd, 24th, and 25th of the same year, the 5th Luxembourg Congress was held at the Northside Turner Hall, in Chicago, Ill, starting with a large parade. At this Congress, the three Sections of the Brotherhood participated, leading the parade with a music band and taking a general lead in the proceedings of the Congress.

Grand President	John Hankes	Section 1
Grand Vice-President	J. P. Michels	Section 3
Grand Secretary	John N. Watry	Section 1
Grand Treasurer	Nick Stirn	Section 1
Grand Trustees	Nick Mausen	Section 2
Grand Representative	John Schmit	Section 3

Third Annual Convention

In the following year, little progress was attained; it seemed as if the societies from the Luxembourg National Society would not give in and affiliate with the Luxembourg Brotherhood, fearing that they would lose their early identity. So, at the time the 3rd Grand Lodge meeting was held on February 12th, 1899, we find fewer members in the Brotherhood than the previous meeting. At this general Grand Lodge meeting, the death benefit was raised from $50.00 to $100.00.

At this meeting, John Schmit was elected as Grand President, Nick Nilles of Section No. 3, as Grand Secretary, and Math. Huss as Grand Representative in place of John Schmit. After the meeting, a public installation of the new Grand Officers was conducted by E. N. Bellar, a member of Section No. 1, and was followed by a grand ball.

On September 15th, 1899, a Special Grand Lodge meeting was called at Orpheus Hall, 49 La Sale St., to regulate the payment of sick benefits. This conformed with a law of the Illinois Legislature, which had been passed in 1892, making it compulsory for benefit organizations to have at least 500 or more members. At this particular time, steps were taken by the Insurance Department to have all benefit societies comply with this provision. In all these years, the Luxembourg Brotherhood had not been requested to meet the demands of this law, but now pressure was put on all benefit organizations to meet the requirements of this law.

The Charter of the “Luxembourger Unterstuetzungs Verein” was at this time revoked, but through political pressure additional time was granted to the Luxembourg Brotherhood to increase its membership to the required number of 500.

At a special meeting of the Grand Lodge, held on February 18th, 1900, in Koch’s Hall on Randolph St., the affiliation was agreed upon, whereby each member of the Benefit Society under 60 years of age, was admitted to the Brotherhood by paying a tax equal to the per capita amount in the treasury of the Brotherhood at that time. Members over 60 years of age were admitted as honorary members. A short time thereafter, Section No. 4 was duly established, and its officers were installed by the Grand Vice President, Mr. J. P. Michels, who was at that time Acting Grand President, owing to the absence of the Grand President from the City.

4th Annual Convention

On May 6th, 1900, the delegates from the new No. 4 Section assembled for the Annual Grand Lodge Meeting, which was held in Ulrich’s Hall, Chicago. Grand Vice President J. P. Michels presided in the absence of Grand President John Schmit. Enthusiastic methods were proposed to increase the membership to the necessary number of 500, and a certain amount of money was voted to help reach this goal. At this meeting, Grand Vice-Presidents were elected for each affiliated Section, with the following results:

Grand President	J. N. Watry
Grand Vice Presidents	John Diederich	Section No. 1
	William Tibesart	Section No. 2
	J. P. Michels	Section No. 3
	Bernard Prost	Section No. 4
Grand Secretary	Nick Nilles
Grand Treasurer	Frank Dieschbourg
Grand Trustee	Theo. Abends.

As had been done after the previous Grand Lodge meeting, another ball was held.

Regime of Grand President J. N. Watry

A short time after these successes the Luxembourg paper, the “Luxembourger Post”, failed. With it was lost one of the best media to contact the Luxembourger people and the individual members of the various Sections. Grand President Watry realized that without such a medium of contact between the members no ultimate success could be achieved; it might even jeopardize the existing membership of the Sections. On his own initiative and at his own risk, he then established a small monthly paper, known as the “Luxembourger Vereinszeitung”. Through this he kept in touch with the membership of the Brotherhood and informed them of the doings and the progress of their organization.

5th Annual Convention

The provisions of the Constitutions provided that Grand Lodge Meetings should consist only of elected delegates after 5 Sections were established. In view of the fact that the Brotherhood now consisted of 7 affiliated Sections, arrangements were made in all Sections to elect delegates for the next Grand Lodge meeting, which was held on May 5th, 1901, in Hankes Hall at 2525 S. Halsted St., in Chicago.

This was the 5th Annual Grand Lodge Meeting. At this meeting were adopted a new and improved Constitution and a Ritual for the conduct of the meetings. This ritual was drafted by Brother Eugene Bellar of Section No. I and is still in use today, although various changes have been made. Encouraging reports were returned by all Sections and continued efforts were made to bring the total membership up to 500. The same Grand Officers were elected with the exception of Grand Trustee Mausen, who was replaced by Brother B. Prost. The following Grand Vice-Presidents were elected:

Section 1	Nick Bodevin
Section 2	Nick Mausen
Section 3	J. P. Michels
Section 4	B. Klein
Section 5	P. Flammang
Section 6	P. Johns

During the summer of 1901 little progress was made, but towards the winter of that year, energetic steps were taken to organize the Luxembourgers living in the suburb of Evanston, Ill. Nick. Gans and Hubert Hoscheid, at that time living in Evanston, were the men who started the organization of Section No. 8.

On February 23rd, 1902, 43 members were initiated, and the officers of Section No. 8 were duly installed by the Grand President, John N. Watry, and the other Grand Officers. At about the same time, Michael Mueller and Michael Welter realized that considerable Luxembourgers had established themselves in the Lake View district and soon they had enough candidates to establish Section No. 9. On March 16th, 1902, 21 candidates were initiated in P. Schmitz’s Hall on Lincoln Ave. & Roscoe St.; officers were elected, and Section No. 9 was duly established as a part and parcel of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America.

Incorporated as Insurance Organization

With the establishment of these two new Sections and the increase of membership in the other Sections, the goal of 500 was attained. Then the necessary steps were taken by the Luxembourg attorney, Mathias Huss, to incorporate the Brotherhood along the lines designated by the Insurance laws of the State of Illinois. On May 21st, 1902, the State Charter was issued in favor of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America and the same was duly signed by the then Insurance Commissioner, Mr. Henry Yates; whereto also was attached the great seal of the State of Illinois.

In this Charter it was made known that the Luxembourg Brotherhood had complied with all provisions of the Illinois Insurance Law, that it now was legally organized and that it could function as a Sick and Death Benefit Organization.

The following provisions were designated in the Charter:

• 1. The legal name of the organization was Luxembourger Bruderbund von Amerika, (Luxembourg Brotherhood of America).
• 2. Chicago was the headquarters of the organization.
• 3. Authoritative power was vested in a directorate of 7 members, who were to be elected yearly by the Grand Lodge.
• 4. Only persons between the ages of 18 and 50 years were eligible to membership.
• 5. All applicants for membership must pass the required doctor’s examination.

In this manner the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America was legally established as a Luxembourg Benefit Society and its foundation at that time was really sound and constructive.

6th Annual Convention

At the 6th Annual Grand Lodge meeting, held on May 11th, 1902, only one Grand Vice-President was elected, namely, Bernard Klein of Section No. 4. The other Grand Vice-Presidents were replaced by Grand Representatives and the following members were elected:

Section 1	Nick Bodewin
Section 2	Nick Mausen
Section 3	P. Malget
Section 4	P. Reiter
Section 5	H. Schmalen
Section 6	P. Flammang
Section 7	M. Diederich
Section 8	M. Schummer
Section 9	Michael Welter

In place of the deceased Grand Treasurer Frank Dieschbourg, Brother C. J. Lemmer of Section No. 5 was elected. Mueller of Section No. 9 was elected as Grand Trustee in place of Theo. Abens.

On June 14th, 1903, Grand President Watry established in West Pullman, Section No. 10, which had been organized through the efforts of Nick Mausen. 23 members were initiated, and the duly elected officers were installed by the Grand Officers.

6th Annual Convention

In place of the deceased Grand Treasurer Frank Dieschbourg, Brother C. J. Lemmer of Section No. 5 was elected. Mueller of Section No. 9 was elected as Grand Trustee in place of Theo. Abens.

On June 14th, 1903, Grand President Watry established in West Pullman, Section No. 10, which had been organized through the efforts of Nick Mausen. 23 members were initiated, and the duly elected officers were installed by the Grand Officers.

7th Annual Convention

The 7th Annual Convention of the Brotherhood took place on February 1st, 1903, at Orpheus Hall in Chicago. Only minor business, with a few changes in the Constitution, was transacted at this meeting. The following changes were made in the selection of Grand Officers:

• Grand Vice-President B. Klein was replaced by Peter Weiland of Aurora
• John Schmit replaced Math. Huss as Grand Trustee
• P. P. Kranz replaced Peter Malget as Grand Representative from Section No. 3
• B. Klein replaced P. Reiter from Section No. 4
• Nick Gans replaced M. Schummer of Section No. 8
• Michael Welter replaced Andrew Welter from Section No. 9
• Nick Lutgen was elected as Grand Representative from Section No.10 in West Pullman

Up to this time the activities of the Brotherhood had been confined to the State of Illinois, but at various times the desire had been expressed to organize Sections in other States where Luxembourg settlements had been established. In the Spring of 1903, John Ries went to reside in Granville, Iowa, and instructions were given him to use his good influence among the Luxembourgers in that town to establish a Section.

With the assistance of Geo. Wagner and Dominick Berg, Section No. 11 of the Luxembourg Brotherhood was duly established in the city of Granville on June 7th, 1903, with a membership of 26 charter members.

8th Annual Convention

The Luxembourg Brotherhood, which had prospered and grown so successfully under the leadership of Grand President John N. Watry, showed equal success under the guidance of Grand President, Peter Weiland. Two new Sections were organized in the first year of his regime, Section No. 12 of Random Lake, Wisconsin on October 27th, 1904, and Section No. 13 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in December 1904. Section No. 12 was organized by Frank Wagner and Section No. 13 by the then Grand Vice-President Mr. Henry Dieschbourg.

9th Annual Convention

The success achieved in these last few years was only an incentive for further concentrated action. In the next Grand Lodge convention, held on February 5th, 1905, in Jung’s Hall on Randolph St., in Chicago, a sum of $100.00 was allowed for the purpose of making the Society better known and 500 additional copies of the Luxembourger Zeitung were ordered printed to be used also for this same purpose.

At this convention Math. J. Huss was elected Grand President and under his able and sound guidance 6 new Sections were organized in 1905; Section No. 14 at Remsen, Iowa; Section No. 15 at Niles Center, Illinois; Section No. 16 at Escanaba, Michigan; Section No. 17 on the Westside of Chicago, Illinois; Section No. 18 in Lemont, Illinois and Section No. 19 in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.

Mr. J. P. Kieffer is credited with the organization of Section No. 14 in Remsen, Iowa; 19 charter members and the new officers were installed on April 29th, 1905. Section No. 15 in Niles Center, Illinois was organized by Joseph Hohs and in July 1905, the Officers were installed by Grand President Math. J. Huss. At the request of the Grand President, John Diederich traveled to Escanaba, Michigan and there made the arrangements to establish Section No. 16; on July 17th, 1905, former Grand President, John Watry, initiated these candidates and installed the elected officers. The same John Diederich organized Section No. 17 and on July 9th, 1905, former Grand President, J. N. Watry conducted the initiation and installation ceremonies.

In the summer of the same year, Section No. 1 made arrangements to hold a picnic in Lemont, Illinois. Upon finding many Luxembourgers in this village, the committee, consisting of Mathias Dillenburg, Nick Mersch and Michael Grein made the necessary arrangements to establish Section No. 19. On August 3rd, 1905, John N. Watry initiated more new candidates and installed the officers in a new Section. Nick Schmit of Section No. 5, who was visiting in Vandergrift, Pa., made arrangements to form Section No. 19 in Vandergrift, and on July 30th, 1905, 15 members were initiated and the elected officers duly installed by Mr. Schmit.

10th Annual Convention

The 10th Annual convention was held in Orpheus Hall in Chicago on February 11th, 1906. It is noteworthy to see in the report of the Grand Secretary Nilles that nearly 350 new members were initiated into the Brotherhood, so that the membership at that time totaled 1186. The Financial report showed a fund in the treasury of $5,317.09 and in the funds of the Section an amount of $17,451.55. At this meeting various changes were made in the Constitution affecting payments of death and sick benefit; a recommendation of the Grand President to raise the amount of the death benefit was not accepted by the convention.

In the summer of 1906, the Grand President Math. Huss and the Grand Secretary Nick Nilles traveled to the State of Iowa and paid an official visit to the Sections in Remsen and Granville. They received a hearty welcome, and their visit inspired many local Luxembourgers to join the above named Sections. Section No. 20 was organized in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, on January 27th, 1907, by Papa Pals and Frank Goehlen with Grand President Huss as the initiating and installing officer. 25 charter members were initiated into this Section and great promises were made to make it one of the best and most influential Sections in the country. These never materialized and Section No. 20 always remained as one of the weaker Sections in the Brotherhood.

11th Annual Convention

The 11th Grand Lodge convention was held in Brincker’s Hall in South Chicago on February 3rd, 1907. There were several new changes proposed in the Constitution, but these were not accepted by the convention. The delegates found it not timely to make changes, in as much as the Brotherhood was progressing so well both financially and in its membership.

Joseph Eischen, a member of Section No. 3 is credited with the organization of Section No. 21 at Gross Point, Illinois. On May 12th, 1907, this Section was duly organized by the Grand Officers. The same year, in the fall season, Section No. 22 of Hospers, Iowa was organized, through the consistent efforts of J. P. Kieffer of Remsen, Iowa. On December 22nd, 1907, 19 candidates were initiated and the elected officers duly installed to make it the 4th Section in the State of Iowa.

12th Annual Convention

The 12th convention of the Brotherhood was held under the auspices of Section No. 3, at Jaeger’s Hall on Devon and Evanston Aves. (now Broadway) in Chicago, Ill. One of the features of this convention was a banquet served by the members of Section No. 3. At this convention the Grand President proposed the establishment of a Luxembourg Home for Luxembourg young men and immigrants. This proposition was submitted to a committee for study and consideration, but the project never materialized.

Section No. 23 was organized in Portland, Oregon, in the year 1908 and in the same year Section No. 24 was organized in the City of New York. Although both Sections prospered in the first years of their existence, their distance from the Grand Lodge and the lack of suitable guidance caused them to disband in the year 1912.

It might be of interest to bring to the attention of the members the fact that the Grand Lodge conducted an Entertainment in the Fall of the year 1905. A similar affair, held in the year 1906, was one of great importance, in as much as a Souvenir Program Book of 300 pages was distributed among the visitors. This book has value as a historical document, as it contains the history of the Luxembourg Societies and Luxembourg people in this country, as well as important facts and events of the history of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The last of these festivals was held in 1908, since other Sections were holding picnics and other yearly festivals such as the Schobermesse, Saengerfest, etc., etc.

13th Annual Convention

The 13th Annual convention was held on May 2nd, 1909, in Ziemann’s Hall in Milwaukee, Wisc., with Section No. 13th as host to the delegates. The membership list had grown to 1,485 and the treasury fund amounted to $10,937.59, with an additional amount of $32,975.79 in the funds of the various Sections. Although no new Sections were established in the year 1909 and 1910, the membership in the established Sections increased with each year and the benefit of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America was felt throughout the various Luxembourg settlements of the country.

14th Annual Convention

The 14th Annual convention of the Brotherhood was held in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, on May 1st and 2nd, 1910, in Eagles Hall. The good people of Dubuque had spared no efforts to make this convention a grand success. A great parade was held on Sunday morning, followed by solemn church services. The convention proper was opened in the afternoon and lasted until the following noon. No changes of great importance were made, and the usual good reports were given by the Grand Schmalen, the Grand Vice-President, who had worked so diligently in the interests of the Brotherhood, had passed away during this past year and John N. Mangen of Section No. 17 was elected in his place.

15th Annual Convention

In the 15th annual convention held in the Teutonia Turner Hall on 53rd St. and Ashland Ave., in Chicago, it was reported that Section No. 25 had been established in Tessville on March 12th by the Grand Officers. At this meeting, held on May 7th and 8th, Mayor Carter H. Harrison was represented by Mr. John E. Traeger, who brought the good wishes of the mayor and gave the delegates the key to the city. Other distinguished guests at this convention were the German Consul Birkhoff, Sheriff Zimmer and Judge Michael Girten.

16th Annual Convention

The 16th Annual Convention of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America was to be held in Remsen, Iowa, but due to difficult railroad transportation, the convention was held at St. Paul Hall on 22nd St. and S. Hoyne Ave., in Chicago, Ill., on May 5th and 6th, 1912. Solemn church services were held in St. Paul’s church at 10:00 o’clock and at 2:00 P. M. the convention was called to order by the Grand President Mr. M. J. Huss. Among distinguished guests at the convention were John E. Traeger, Ex-judge Michael Girten and Father Benno of St. Paul’s Parish, all of whom addressed the assembly, extending their good wishes and encouragement.

At this time the membership totaled 1,642, the Grand Lodge fund was $17,477.84 and the Sections’ funds amounted to $45,351.30. At this convention a resolution was adopted, whereby all suggested changes to the Constitution had to be submitted to the various Sections 60 days before the convention date. It was also decided to limit the convention to one day; this was sufficient time to dispose of the regular business. The per capita tax was raised from 35 cents to 50 cents per year payable in two installments, July 1st and January 1st of each year. John M. Mangen of Section No. 17 was elected as Grand President and Henry Geimer as Grand Vice-President.

Accidental Death of Grand President Huss

In order to promote and encourage the membership drive, $50.00 was allowed for prizes to the three members who would bring in the highest numbers in the coming year. The convention delegated the Grand Officers and the Grand Representatives to make arrangements for the Silver Jubilee celebration. Henry C. Geimer of Section No. 8 in Evanston was elected as Grand President and Henry Dieschbourg as Grand Vice-President.

Silver Jubilee Celebration

18th Annual Convention

The 18th Annual convention of the Brotherhood was held in the Masonic Temple, located in the heart of the City of Chicago. The report of the Grand Secretary showed a membership of 1688 active members and 100 honorary members. The treasury report showed a fund of $22904.42 in the Grand Lodge and additional funds of $55942.06 in the various Sections. In view of the fact that no new Sections had been organized in the past few years, particular attention was given at this meeting to the establishments of new Sections in those parts of the country where numerous Luxembourg settlers were located. An initial fund of $100.00 was allowed for this purpose and an additional amount of 15 cents from the per capita tax was voted to this work.

19th Annual Convention

Random Lake in Wisconsin was selected for the 19th Annual convention, which was held on May 2nd, 1915, under the auspices of Section No.12. The beloved old Luxembourg-American poet, Mr. N. E. Becker, extended a hearty welcome to the delegates. This distinguished Luxembourg gentleman, who sang of Luxembourg and its people in his poetry, was presented with an Honorary Membership in the Brotherhood as a token of esteem and respect. “Bechesch Klos” (this was the nom de plume of the venerable old gentleman) valued this Honorable Membership highly. At this convention it was decided to adopt the use of the English language at the convention and the meetings of the Sections. A sum of $200.00 was voted for war relief in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

20th Annual Convention

The 20th Annual convention was held in the City of Aurora on May 7th, 1916, at the Luxembourger Hall, and was opened by Grand President, Henry C. Geimer. Present as guests were the Rev. J. P. Weber of Aurora and the Rev. J. M. Kasel of Milwaukee, Wisc.; both presented their good wishes to the delegates. At this convention it was decided to have the Constitution printed in English as well as in German for the benefit of the younger members of the Brotherhood. Particular attention was given to the hardships of the people in Luxembourg because of the war and the delegates were urged to contribute freely to relief organizations in Luxembourg.

21st Annual Convention

Granville, Iowa was selected to house the 21st annual convention of the Brotherhood which was held on May 6th, 1917, under the auspices of Section No. 11, of Granville, Iowa. One of the important decisions of this year’s assembly was to hold the conventions of the Brotherhood bi-annually instead of annually as heretofore. To show their good faith in their new country the convention proceedings records that a resolution was dispatched to the President of the United States of America, wherein the membership of the Luxembourg Brotherhood pledged loyalty and allegiance and promised full support to the President and the authoritative bodies of the country.

22nd Annual Convention

The 22nd convention was held on May 4th, 1919, at the Lincoln Turner Hall in Chicago. This was a most important convention, in as much as the country was feeling the aftereffects of the war and the whole world was passing through trying and hard times. It was also the year of the Influenza epidemic and, as can be seen by the report of the Secretary, the Brotherhood had lost 209 members since the last convention; only 100 new members had been initiated, making a net loss of 109 members. $1,000.00 was invested in Victory Bonds by this convention and $100.00 voted for the peace celebration to be held in October in the 8th Armory Hall in Chicago.

Reports also show how loyal the Luxembourgers were during the period of the war, how many of them volunteered into the services of the country, and how the Sections as well as the individual members contributed generously to the various relief funds and supported the government in all its undertakings. The loyalty of the American citizens of Luxembourg birth and extraction was publicly acknowledged by distinguished persons on various occasions.

National Convention of all Luxembourgers in the United States

At this convention the Grand President read a report on the National Convention, which had been held by the Luxembourgers in the United States on November 17th, in Chicago, Illinois. At that time the independence and the security of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was in danger. It may be noted here that the great majority of the delegates to his historical convention were mostly members of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America and that the provisions and actions taken by this convention were referred to the Grand Officers of the Brotherhood for final disposition and execution. In order that the historical documents, which brought about the continued Independence of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg may be preserved for future generations, I am herewith presenting them in their original form.

RESOLUTION

Adopted on November 17th, 1918, at the National Convention of the Luxembourger Societies and People of the U.S.A.

To His Excellency Woodrow Wilson,

President of the United States of America:

WHEREAS, the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, whose country was over-run by the armies of the Imperial German Government, notwithstanding the solemn protest of its people and prior to the invasion of Belgium, having appealed to the President of the United States of America requesting evacuation of its country by the German armies, and,

WHEREAS, Thousands of Luxembourgers and Americans of Luxembourger descent have shed their blood for the grand cause of Democracy, fighting under the flags of the United States and Allied Nations, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that in mass meeting and National Convention assembled at Chicago representatives of the entire body of American citizens of Luxembourg descent, endorse the above mentioned appeal and further that the President of the United States of America use his good offices to the end:

FIRST, That the Independence of the Grand Duchy be permitted to send a representative to the Peace Conference.

Signed:

Xavier Prum	Nickolas J. Schrup	Michael Majerus	J. P. Mathieu
Peter Schoos	Michael Loutsch	Leo Bree	John May
J. P. Hemper	Mrs. Susan Karels	Peter Weiland	Nickolas Gonner
Joseph Winandy	Eugene Huss	Joseph Hoss	P. L. Hoffman
Michael M. Welter	Joseph Dax	Henry Dieschbourg	Mrs. Barbara Kohn
Mrs. Margaret Seil

Chairman	Peter P. Kranz
President	Henry C. Geimer
Secretary	Nick Nilles, Secretary

A copy of the above resolution was also forwarded to Her Royal Highness, Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and one to His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Government of Luxembourg. It was the privilege of the writer of this history to address the delegates National Convention on the important problems of the day and the vital interests that concerned every Luxembourger. This speech was printed in full in the proceedings of the convention, and 2000 copies distributed among the Luxembourger people in various parts of the country.

In the month of February, a petition was circulated among all Luxembourg Societies which was later sent to the American Peace Delegation, imploring them to use their good influence in preserving the Independence of Luxembourg and to seek for Luxembourg economic connection with Belgium, On February 8th, 1919 the following Cablegram was sent:

American Peace Delegation, Paris

Undersigned Grand Officers of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America in meeting at Chicago resolved to respectfully request your influence that Luxembourg be preserved independent political organism and economically associated with Belgium.

Signed by the Grand Officers

Shortly thereafter, the Grand President received from Luxembourg the following communication.

Luxembourg, March 3, 1919

Mr. Henry C. Geimer, President,

Luxembourg Brotherhood of America.

We had the honor to send you the following telegram on January 20th, 1919.

The General Assembly of the Federation of the Agricultural Associations representing all the Luxembourger farmers sends greetings to the National Convention of Luxembourgers assembled in Chicago, thanks their fellow patriots for the great help to conserve the independence of our country. We beg you to increase your efforts with President Wilson so that the Peace Congress will give the Luxembourgers the right to dispose of themselves.

We have the honor to confirm the above telegram by the present letter. We would be glad to have you acknowledge the receipt of telegram and letter.

We are sure that the unanimous sentiment of the Luxembourger farmers are in favor of the maintenance of the independence of our country, so dear to you and us. Your influence with the proper persons will go a long way in helping the triumph of our cause.

(Signed) Federation of Agricultural Associations of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

At this convention the following communication of Thanks was sent to the Government of Luxembourg.

To His Excellency, the Minister of State and the Honorable members of the Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg The Luxembourg Brotherhood of America in regular convention assembled in Chicago, Illinois, on May 4th, 1919, takes this opportunity to express to you its thanks and appreciation for the courtesy and hospitality extended by the people of Luxembourg to the officers and soldiers of the United States Army during their sojourn in the Grand Duchy.

The returning soldiers speak in very high terms of Luxembourg and her people and are grateful for the courtesy extended to them.

The Luxembourg Brotherhood of America takes pleasure in acquainting you also with its activities in behalf of the future of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Thousands of American citizens have petitioned the American Peace Delegation in Paris and several cablegrams were transmitted to the representatives of the United States of America, that they may assist Luxembourg in achieving a stable future by establishing its independence politically and providing for economic association with Belgium.

(Signed) LUXEMBOURG BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA,

Grand-President       Henry C. Geimer

Grand-Secretary      Nicholas Nilles

And thus, one of the most important conventions of the Luxembourg Brotherhood came to a close.

23rd Annual Convention

The 23rd convention of the Brotherhood was again held in Chicago in the Lincoln Turner Hall on May 8th, 1921, under the auspices of Section No. 4. In his annual message to the delegates Grand President Henry C. Geimer reported how further action had been taken to insure the Independence of Luxembourg and how ultimately through the efforts of President Woodrow Wilson at the Peace Conference in Paris the Independence of Luxembourg was finally established. He also reported on the official visit made shortly thereafter, in the fall of 1920, by the Hon. Raymond de Waha, Charge d’Affaires for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in America.

In as much as the Independence of Luxembourg had been obtained through the

energetic efforts of the Luxembourg people in this country, the Government of Luxembourg recognized these efforts of good will and created diplomatic connection between America and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg by appointing Luxembourg Consuls in Chicago and Minneapolis. On January 23rd,1921, on the birthday of Her Royal Highness Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, the Hon. Peter P. Kranz was appointed Luxembourg Consul at Chicago, the Hon. Eugene Huss as Vice Consul at Chicago and the Hon. Emil Ferrant as Consul at Minneapolis.

Through the distressing war year, the membership of the Luxembourg Brotherhood suffered a bit, and we find, in the report of the secretary, a membership of 1,638 with a treasury fund of $44,444.99; the Grand Total Fund, of both the Grand Lodge and the various Sections reached $92,716.46. This was indeed a fine financial report, showing that the organization was on a sound basis. At this convention $10.00 was allowed to a committee to form a “Luxembourg Bowling League,” but this did not materialize at that time.

During the course of the past year, Section No. 3 had purchased a plot of Graves at Memorial Park Cemetery for the use of its members and had erected on this plot a grand Monument. The delegates were invited to participate in its dedication on Memorial Day, May 30th, 1921.

At this convention $200.00 was allowed to the Luxembourger Zeitung for the publishing of the convention reports and other official business of the Brotherhood.

24th Annual Convention

On May 3rd, 1925, the annual convention was held at the Odd Fellows Hall in Rogers Park in Chicago under the auspices of Section No. 3, with Grand President Henry C. Geimer presiding. At this convention the membership totaled 1,647 and the combined funds of the Grand Lodge and the Section was $102,827.83. A report of the committee for the Good of the Order proposed that the Ritual of the organization be translated into the English language and this was sanctioned. The important step taken at this convention was the raising of the amount of Death Benefit from $100.00 to $125.00.

25th Annual Convention

The 25th annualconvention was again held at the Odd Fellows Hall under the auspices of Section No. 3 on May 3rd, 1925. The important step taken at this convention was the raising of the amount of Death Benefit from $100.00 to $125.00.

26th Annual Convention

27th Annual Convention

The 27th convention was held under the auspices of Section No. 8 at the Redfield Hall in Evanston on the 5th of May 1929. At this convention $120.00 was allowed to the treasurer Peter P. Kransz as part payment of rent, since he had designated his office also the Home Office of the Luxembourger Brotherhood of America. The membership had grown at this time to a new high of 1835 and the combined funds of the Grand Lodge and the Sections went up to $137,105.64.

28th Annual Convention

Financial Crisis of U.S.A. is felt by Brotherhood

29th Annual Convention

When the time came for the next convention, which was held in St. Henry’s Club House in Chicago under the auspices of Section No. 3 the report of the Grand President John N. Weiland was very distressing. In the course of the last two years the depression had brought about a considerable decrease in membership. $67,000.00 of the Grand Lodge fund was invested in Gold Bonds and these had little real value at this time; no interest had been paid on any of them, and the financial situation was most deplorable.

The membership had fallen to 1,489, and the actual fund of the Grand Lodge was only $14,009.35, with Gold Bonds in the amount of $76,000.00 which were probably worth about 25% of their original value. The Grand Treasurer Peter P. Kransz did not attend this convention, and the report which he had sent to the convention was not accepted in the form, as presented, in as much as the paper value of the Gold Bonds and liquidation certificates was given instead of the real value. The quarterly dues were raised at this convention from 50c to 75c and the per capita tax, was cut down from 40c to 25c, leaving the death benefit payment at $150:00.

A motion was made at this convention and a resolution adopted, which petitioned the Government of the Grand Duchy to remove the present Consul General Peter P. Kransz from office and to put in his place the present Consul from North Dakota, the Hon. Perry Daubenfeld.

Fred A. Gilson elected Grand President

30th Annual Convention – Organization of Luxembourg Youth

The 30th convention was again held in St. Henry’s Club House under the auspices of Section No. 3 on May 5th, 1935. A confident feeling existed again and with renewed energy the delegates pledged themselves to rebuild the financial difficulties of the Brotherhood. In fact, an improvement was noted in the financial report given by the Finance officers at this convention. A recommendation of the Grand President to find ways and means to increase the membership, which had dropped to 1,351, resulted in an increase to 1,483 in the next year. Especially gratifying was the fact that mostly young men were taken into the various Sections. In view of these healthy conditions, steps were taken to promote sports and other activities.

In the fall of 1935 a Bowling League was organized, and this has been most successful. In the beginning of 1937, a “Luxembourg Youth Organization was organized under the guidance of the Grand President, which has also been very successful. It received the approval of the convention in May 1937, and it is part and parcel of the Brotherhood today.

Members of L.Y.O. must be composed of members of the Luxembourg Brotherhood and the activities are under the supervision of the Grand Lodge.

31st Bi-Annual Convention

The 31st Bi-Annual convention was held on May 2nd, 1937, at St. Peter’s Hall in Niles Center, Ill., under the auspices of Section No. 15. A grand parade was held, and the convention proceedings were most satisfactory. The reports of the Grand officers were very promising, and all members are working to have the Brotherhood soon in its former glory.

At this convention note was taken of the appointment of John Marsch as Consul General of Luxembourg and William Capesius as Vice-Consul of Luxembourg, both stationed here in Chicago. The first replaced former Consul General Peter P. Kransz and the latter replaced the former Vice Consul J. B. Merkels.

Cognizance was also taken of the bestowal of decorations by the Government of Luxembourg on 3 members of the Brotherhood, namely, Dr. John Klein, Nickolas Nilles and the Grand President Fred A. Gilson. All three received the appointment of Knights of the Oak Leaf Crown with its Gold Cross Insignia. Recently the Hon. John Marsch, Consul General, was also appointed as a Commander of the Oak Leaf Crown by the Government of Luxembourg.

New Illinois Insurance Law in effect

With the beginning of 1938 the Brotherhood started to work under the new Illinois Insurance Law, whereby all sick Benefits have to be paid by the Grand Lodge; Sick Benefits had heretofore been paid by the various Sections and the amount thereof and the length of time for payments were left to the discretion of the Sections. Under the present system the Grand Lodge pays $5.00 weekly sick benefit for a period of 12 weeks. And thus, we come to the Golden Milestone of our history. It has been a history of accomplishments, of benevolence and of charity, of loyalty and fraternity and above all, one of harmony and of brotherly love.

We look forward with enthusiasm and confidence; our goal has not yet been achieved, for there is much yet to be done. With God’s help and the protection of Our Blessed Lady of Luxembourg we will continue to build on the structure whose foundation was laid by the old pioneers and settlers, our forefathers. At the Golden Jubilee we renew our pledge of loyalty and devotion to our fellow men.

Opening Song – English Translation:

• Gresz Gott jidderen, den sech haut hei afernt,
• —> God greet every soul who gathers here today,
• Sech bedelegt un onser Bruderbonds-Versammlong!
• —> Joining in the meeting of our Brotherhood!
• Onsen Zweck as fir Beses, dat d’Menschheet ukennt, 
• —> Our aim is the good that all humanity esteems:
• Ze verhenneren, oder heelen durch bridderlech Handlong;
• —> To prevent suffering—or to heal it—through fraternal deeds.
• Wat An Ongleck an Not, an a Kreiz an a Leed
• —> In misfortune and need, in trial and pain,
• Asz de Bruderbond emmer ze heelfen bereet.
• —> The Brotherhood is ever ready to lend its aid.
• Wat de Weltbestand bessert, wat all Menschen erhieft
• —> Whatever improves the world’s condition, whatever lifts all people—
• “Tass d’Bridderlechket, de sech durzo bestrieft.
• —> That is true brotherhood, forever striving toward that goal.

Closing Song – English Translation:

• Op d’Weis fun “Ons Hemecht.”
• —> To the melody of “Ons Hémécht”
• Mir hun fir haut ons Flicht gedon,
• —> We’ve done our duty for today,
• Ons Arbecht asz besuorgt,
• —> Our tasks are safely through.
• Den Himmel gef beim Hemechtgo’n
• —> And Heaven, pleased to see us home,
• Ons Schutz matt senger Muocht.
• —> Will shield us with its might.
• Mir waren hei fur Guts ze dunn,
• —> We gathered here to do what’s right—
• Mir hoffen, t’asz geschitt;
• –> We trust that it took place.
• A wel mir fest de Glawen hun
• —> With steadfast faith our voices raise
• Klengt fro ons Abschiedslid.
• —> A joyful parting hymn.
• O Du douowen, dem seng Hand
• —> O Thou on high, whose guiding hand
• All Sachen lenkt a let,
• —> Directs and governs all,
• Erhal ons an em feste Band
• —> Bind us in one unshaken band
• A sechrer Enegkeet,
• —> Of sure and steadfast peace,
• Bis jider Letzeburger Kand
• —> Until each Luxembourgish child
• De Woerecht huot ausfont
• —> Has found the honest truth:
• T’get neischt am neie Vaterland
• —> There’s nothing in a distant land
• Iwer onse Bruderbond.
• —> That tops our Brotherhood.

“Ons Hémécht” — Our Homeland


(Luxembourg National Anthem)

Words by Michel Lentz (1859)   |   Music by Jean-Antoine Zinnen (1864)

De Feierwon   |   “The Iron Wagon”

Erenneronk un de 4, October 1859   |   In Remembrance of October 4, 1859

History of the Sections of the Luxembourger Brotherhood

Section No. 1 – South Side

The story of the Luxembourger Brotherhood really starts with the history of Section No. 1. Section No. 1 represented the complete Luxembourger Brotherhood for nearly 10 years until Section No. 2 was organized. The actual history of the Brotherhood, however, starts from the date of the granting of the State Charter, which was issued on Dec. 8th, 1888, in Springfield, Ill.

The Charter members of Section 1 were:

John Diederich	Michael Unsen	Nick Stirn	Nick Cigrang
Anton Hankes	John Hankes	Nick Mersch	John Schmidt
Edward Turmes	Henry Feiereisen	B. Dieschbourg	J. P. Erpelding
N. Feiereisen	W. Paultz	John Schaack	Nick Weber
Math. Schils	H. E. Stirn	John Schimberg	Nick Bonert
Peter Lentz	Henry Schmalen	Nick Hansen	Gustave Wittwer
Jacob Alken	Nick Hubing

The first set of officers were:

President	John Schmidt
Vice President	Nick Stirn
Secretary	Nick Mersch
Treasurer	Michael Unsen

The officers at the time when Section No. 2 was formed were:

President	John Schmidt
Vice President	Frank Dieschbourg
Recording Secretary	Wm. Oswald
Financial Secretary	Michael Unsen
Treasurer	Bernard Dieschbourg
Trustees	Nick Stirn, Peter Kohn and Peter Bremer
Marshal	John Heintz

Section No. I was very enthusiastic about the progress of the Luxembourger Brotherhood and gave generously of its experience and talent to each newly organized Section. At the beginning of 1902, Section No. 1 had 150 members, which was really its Golden Age. After this period, many of the members moved to different parts of Chicago and joined other Sections closer to their homes. And because of the changes in the neighborhood, the possibilities of securing additional new members decreased with each year.

A number of the older members of course, and many of those who were later initiated, remained true to their old Section, and although its numbers dwindled to less than 50, Section No. 1 nevertheless remained most active. It still has its regular meetings, still sponsors an annual card party in connection with the Schwesterbund of the South side, still participates energetically in all Luxembourger events.

Their officers as of 1938:

President	John Hobscheid
Vice-President	Math. Freising
Recording Secretary	Joseph Junio
Financial Secretary	Michael Grein
Treasurer	Henry Feiereisen
Trustees	John H. Hobscheid, Wm. Oswald and Michael Thoma
Marshal	Frank Zahnen
Assistant Marshal	Michael Nies
Grand Representative	Frank Junio

Section No. 2 — South Chicago, Ill.

To Mathias Berchem belongs the credit for starting Section No. 2. As a result of his work a number of Luxembourgers gathered together in South Chicago, on January 24th, 1897, where John Hankes, Nick Stirn, Math Berchem, Nick Unsen and John N. Watry organized the new Section.

The charter members were:

Wm. Tibesart	Nick Mausen, Sr.	Nick Arendt	Mathias Fink
Peter Schmidt	Henry Rassel	Philip Hames	John Zinnen
Thomas Krumes	John Lentz	Nick Nommesch, Sr.	Nick Henerici
John Diederich	Nick Tossing	Jacob Bremer

The first officers elected were:

President	William Tibersart
Vice President	Nick Mausen
Recording Secretary	Nick Arendt
Financial Secretary	Mathias Fink
Marshal	John Lentz
Trustees	Henry Rassel, John Zinnen and Philip Hames

The following charter members are still living and are still members of the Section: Nick Mausen, Sr.; Nick Nommesch, Sr. and Henry Rassel. William Tibesart, the first president of Section No. 2, returned to Luxembourg and is still living in Binsfeld.

An exceptionally faithful and loyal member is Nick Mausen, Sr., charter member, who at the age of 90 years is still active, and still attends every meeting. He represented Section No. 2 for 30 years at the Grand Lodge and is today an Honorary Grand Representative, the only member who has been honored in this manner.

The following presidents have served Section No. 2 since its organization:

William Tibesart	1897-1898
Nick Mausen, Sr.	1899
Jacob Bremer	1900-1901
Nick Henerici	1902-1904
Henry Rassel	1905-1906
George Mamberg	1907
Nick Mausen	1908
Nick Henerici	1909
John Rieland	1910-1911
Mike Michels	1912-1916
Nick Henerici	1917
Mike Michels	1918-1921
Anton Kanivee	1922
John Watry	1923
Mike Michels	1924-1926
Nick Henerici	1927
Nick Mauer	1928
George Mamberg	1929-1931
Mike Michels	1932-1936
Mike Kremer	1937
Nick Nommesch, Jr.	1938

Section No. 3 — Rogers Park, Chicago

Section No. 3, the leading Section of the Luxembourger Brotherhood, was organized on May 9th, 1897, in the Grand Army Hall on East Ravenswood Ave. in Rogers Park.

Rogers Park, High Ridge and the territory surrounding these districts had been settled by the Luxembourger immigrants since the last quarter of the 18th century. Here the old pioneers established themselves, tending their farms and their flowers. They had been raised as gardeners and farmers and naturally as such they established themselves in their adopted Fatherland.

When, in the spring of 1897, Mr. John Glesener came to Rogers Park, he found fertile territory for the establishment of a Section of the Luxembourger Brotherhood. With the assistance of Peter Weimeskirch, Nickolas Nilles, Peter Koob, J. P. Michels and others, this became an easy task and on Sunday, May 2nd of that year, 33 candidates were initiated into the new Section No. 3.

The following officers were elected:

President	J. P. Koob
Vice-President	J. P. Michels
Rec. Secretary	Nick Nilles
Fin. Secretary	Nick Thinnes
Treasurer	Peter Weimeskirch
Marshal	Theodore Lanners
Trustees	J. P. Jaeger Hubert Hostert and Andrew Weber

The charter members were:

J. P. Koob	J. P. Michels	Nick Nilles	Nick Thinnes
Peter Weimeskirch	Theodore Lanners	J. P. Jaeger	Hubert Hostert
Andrew Weber	Peter Nilles	Nick Drickes	Nick Laplume
Mathias Laplume	J. Leichtenberg	John Scholer	Peter Tres
J. B. Salentiny	Cor. Kimmes	Fritz Wanderscheid	Peter Eischen
Anton Beaufils	Peter Sartor	Vincent Schmitz	Joseph Bill
Fred Arendt	Peter Diederich	Louis Clesen	Fred Lutgen
Peter Schoos	Theo. Porters	Leon. Schuler	J. A. Schmit
Nick Brucher

From the very beginning up until the present time, Section No. 3 has been the banner Section of the Brotherhood. Its eminent success is undoubtedly due to its location, as most of the Luxembourger immigrants settled in the vicinity of Rogers Park. Credit must be given to its leaders and its members alike, men of clear and far reaching foresight, for its energetic enterprises, its laudable works of charity, and for its devotion and loyalty to the principles of the Brotherhood.

The charitable enterprises of Section No. 3 are manifold. Thousands and thousands of dollars have been disbursed in the cause of charity, not only to members and their families, but to other Luxembourgers and to other citizens as well. The Section has taken a lively interest in all civic and religious affairs, lending its aid to improve the American Commonwealth.

The War record of Section No. 3 is an enviable one. A great number of its members volunteered and served in the United States Army. Some of them gave their lives; others came home with fine records, among them Captain Perry Daubenfeld. The members of the Section gave generously to the various Welfare War Organizations and supported the Government in all its War Loan Drives.

The big social event of Section No. 3 is its “Annual Schobermesse.” This is the yearly banner festival of the Luxembourger people, and it has grown with each year in popularity. For 35 years a selected group of members have worked diligently and faithfully on the many preparations necessary to produce the numerous amusements and entertainments, the yearly Souvenir Program Books, the annual fruit, vegetable and flower exhibits, the grand parade, and the many other attractions. The success of the Schobermesse lies in the generous services of these men.

The following presidents have guided Section No. 3 since its organization, each one serving with credit to himself and the Section:

J. P. Koob	Andrew Weber	Peter Malget	Chas. Hengesch
Peter Thome	J. P. Michels	Peter Nettgen	Jos. Laplume
Tony Kremer	Al. Even	Eugene Koeune	Leo Eschette

Some of the members have established enviable records for length of time in office; probably the foremost of all is Nickolas Nilles, who has held the office of financial secretary continuously since its organization and still does a marvelous job in that capacity. He has also been Grand secretary for about the same length of time almost 40 years and is very greatly informed on matters concerning the Brotherhood and the Luxembourg people. Other members of splendid records include Peter Malget, Fred A. Gilson, Peter Thome, John Guirsch, Joseph Winandy and others too numerous to mention.

The present officers are (1938):

President	Leo Eschette
Vice-President	Martin Miller
Rec. Secretary	Nick Nilles
Fin. Secretary	Martin Winandy
Treasurer	John Guirsch
Trustees	Joseph Laplume, Anthony Flam and Perry Daubenfeld
Marshal	John Loutsch
Assist. Marshal	Joseph Victor

Section No. 4 – North Side, Chicago

Section No. 4 was organized on May 18th, 1900, when the members of the former Luxembourg Benefit Society of the North Side (Luxembourgers Unterstuetzungs Verein der Nordseite), decided to affiliate themselves, wholesale, with the Brotherhood.

At the time of its organization Section No. 4 had 62 charter members:

L. Abens	N. Anton	J. P. Berwick	M. Brandeburger
C. Birren	J. Binsfeld	M. Burgraff	C. Cordie
J. Dreis	G. Fiedler	P. Flammang	C. Feller
J. P. Goddart	J. Grosch	N. Glesener	J. Gieres
N. Grutzius	N. Guill	N. Hummel	P. Fiedler
N. Hansen	J. P. Hentges	P. Irrmann	P. Jungels
M. Kass	N. Kirch	M. Kirpach	Frank Kieffer
D. Krier	P. Kinn	Barney Klein	P. Kieffer
M. Litgen	N. Mersch	J. Mathiew	B. Metzel
G. Mangen	J. Meyers	W. Molitor	J. Noesen
H. Olsen	B. Prost	M. Prost	F. Peiffer
J. Reding	P. Reiter	M. Peiffer	J. P. Sauser
J. P. Shommer	J. Schaack	H. Thome	G. Wolf
T. Weirich	P. Wampach	J. P. Wilvers	L. Watry
J. Watry	N. Weiland	M. Werks	J. Nickels

Honorary Member, Andreas Lang

The 1st set of officers were:

President	Martin Werks
Vice-President	George Mangen
Rec. Secretary	Peter Jungels
Fin. Secretary	John Binsfeld
Treasurer	Jacob Schaak
Trustees	Nick Weiland, Jacob Meyers and Theodore Abends

Section No. 4 is located in the Lake View District of Chicago and has enjoyed a splendid record ever since its organization. The members are always ready to assist any brother, friend or neighbor in need or distress. Its social life is wholesome and successful, bringing the members of their families and their friends together in thoroughly enjoyable affairs.

At present the officers of the Section are (1938):

President	John Huss
Vice-President	Nick Jungers
Rec. Secretary	John C. Binsfeld
Fin. Secretary	Frank Gasper
Treasurer	Bernard J. Klein
Marshal	William Jungers
Trustees	John Binsfeld, John Condorf and Nick Karmels
Ass’t. Marshal	Nick Weiland

Of the 62 original members three are still living (as of 1938): John Binsfeld, John Godart and Nick Weiland.

Section No. 5 — Town of Lake, Chicago

Section No. 5, located in the town of Lake, was started on September 23rd, 1900, in Schumacher’s Hall, by the then Grand President, John N. Watry, when the former Luxembourg National Benefit Society (Luxemburg National Unterstuetzungs Verein von Chicago) became transformed into a new Section of the Brotherhood.

The 1st officers elected were:

President	Henry Schmalen
Vice-President	John Broden
Rec. Secretary	John Nilles
Fin. Secretary	Math. Manderscheid
Treasurer	Frank Wagner
Marshal	Frank Schmalen
Trustees	Chas. Bouquet, Val. Henkes and Peter Breyer
Grand Representative	John Nilles

The following presidents have guided Section No. 5 in a most capable and faithful manner:

Henry Schmalen	8 years
Chas. Tohles	3 years
Jacob Wehrer	6 years
John Nilles	18 years

John Nilles is still the presiding officer (1938). Peter Breyer has been treasurer of the Section for 35 years and has also been Grand Representative for a great number of years. Section No. 5 was one of the thriftiest Sections in the Brotherhood.

In the year 1915 the Section had 131 members. After this however, this number dwindled down to its present total of 31 when the neighborhood of Town of Lake became settled with other foreign people, and the Luxembourgers moved into better and more desirable neighborhoods.

The present officers are (1938):

President	John Nilles
Vice-President	Math. Breyer
Rec. & Fin. Secretary	Louis Nilles
Treasurer	Peter Breyer
Trustees	Nick Clais, Jacob Machtemes and Peter Schinker
Marshal	Peter M. Burger
Examining Physician	Andrew D. Schick

Section No. 6 – Hawthorne, Ill.

Peter Flammang, an ardent member of Section No. 4, was instrumental in organizing the Luxembourgers living in Hawthorne, Ill. into Section No. 6 of the Brotherhood. On September 30th, 1900, he had assembled the following Charter Members, who were initiated on that day by the Grand Officers:

Mathias Weber	J. Bartz	J. Hilger	Theodore Meyer
Theodore Frantzen	J. B. Bertrand	J. Gasper	N. Diederich
Theodore Gasper	J. Dirks	J. Lulling	P. Flammang
N. Asselborn	Nick Schweig	W. Spang	Nick Schneider
J. Theisen	Joseph Binsfeld	J. B. Bruecher	Nick Keiser

The 1st set of officers elected were:

President	Mathias Weber
Vice-President	J. Bartz
Rec. Secretary	J. Hilger
Fin. Secretary	J. B. Bruecher
Treasurer	Theodore Meyer
Trustees	J. B. Bertrand, Theodore Frantzen and Nick Keiser
Marshal	J. Gasper
Examining Physician	Dr. J. F. Hultgen

Section No. 6 was very active in the early part of its existence. It had good meetings and fine socials for its members. In later years, on account of the diversion of the population of Hawthorne and the changing of its industries, the membership dwindled and today has only a small membership.

Officers (1938):

President	Peter Schlentz
Vice President	Peter J. Steinmetz
Recording Secretary	Harry Schlentz
Financial Secretary	Matt Steinmetz
Treasurer	Peter J. Steinmetz
Marshal	Steve Stanislaus
Trustees	J. B. Berand, Jos. Bernsfeld, W. P. Roach.

Section No. 7 – Aurora, Ill.

Section No. 7 was organized on October 7th, 1900, at a meeting held in Marx’s Hall at Aurora, Ill., with Philip Johns acting as presiding officer and John Bertrand as Secretary.

The organizers were:

Peter Weiland	John Weiland	Peter J. Kartheiser	Nick Frisch
M. H. Frieders	John P. Bertrang	Peter Schuster	Philip Johns
August Reding	Michael Diederich

The Charter members are:

Peter Weiland	John Weiland	John P. Bertrang	Peter J. Kartheiser
Nicholas Frisch	Philip Johns	M. H. Frieders	Peter Schuster
Lawrence Kartheiser	Nick Kokar	Chas. Weiland	Peter Moutong
Michael Diederich	Peter Frank	Henry Koempgen	John Roeser
Victor Espagne	Wm. Assell	George Mannes	John M. Daleiden
Peter M. Daleiden	Philip Pillatch	Jacob Franzen	John E. Flammang
Philip Jungels	Nick Linster	Camille Petesch	John Petesch
Mike Menster	Wm. Gartner

Of these the following are still living (as of 1938):

Nicholas Frisch	M. H. Frieders	Lawrence Kartheiser	Peter M. Daleiden
Wm. Gartner

The first set of officers elected were:

President	Peter Weiland
Vice-President	John Weiland
Rec. Secretary	John P. Bertrang
Fin. Secretary	Peter J. Kartheiser
Treasurer	Nick Frisch
Trustees	M. H. Frieders, Peter Schuster, Philip Johns
Marshal	August Reding
Physician	Dr. Carl Franz
Grand Representative	Michael Diederich

The following presidents have served the Section in a most capable and efficient manner.

Peter Weiland	7 yrs.
John P. Mathieu	10 yrs.
Joseph Wampach	2 yrs.
John Hamling	7 yrs.
Eugene Lambert	3 yrs.
Michael J. Mathieu	9 yrs.

The membership of Section No. 7 has had a steady growth throughout its existence. In 1911 the membership was 47 members, in 1929 it had grown to 65 and with the drive made recently, membership has swollen to 136. The activities of Section No. 7 have been manyfold and varied.

Peter Weiland, the 1st President of Section No. 7 was also honored with the office of Grand President in 1904. John P. Mathieu was the Grand Representative of the Section for 22 years and traveled every quarterly meeting from Aurora to Chicago to attend the Grand Lodge meetings. Peter M. Daleiden held the office of Recording Secretary for a period of 25 years, he remains most active to this day and is a leading figure in all the affairs of his Section. Frank J. Keup has been financial secretary for 15 years, while the Marshal, Wm. Gartner has held his office for 30 years. Wm. Gartner was one of the charter members.

Section No. 7 has paid to its sick members since 1900 the sum of $157,776.00 and has helped very generously all civic enterprises in the City of Aurora.

Along social lines the Section has featured many novel attractions for the entertainment of its members and their families. The present chairman of the Entertainment Committee, Mr. Nicholas Hilger, has been most successful in bringing the members to the meetings.

The present officers are (1938):

President	Michael J. Mathieu
Vice-President	John Henry Schwartz
Rec. Secretary	Matthew B. Steichen
Fin. Secretary	Frank J. Keup
Treas. & Grand Representative	Nicholas J. Huberty
Trustees	Peter G. Assell, Nicholas W. Hilger, Jack J. Thilgen
Marshal	Wm. Gartner
Physician	Dr. B. J. Pulfer

Section No. 8 – Evanston, Illinois

Section No. 8 was organized on February 23rd, 1902, in the City of Evanston. 43 Charter members were initiated by the Grand Officers, with John N. Watry presiding. The organizers of this new Section were Nick Gans and Hubert Hoscheid. The Charter Members were:

Hubert Hoscheid	Adolph Reding	John N. Weiland	N. K. Welter
Michael Weiland	Frank Linster	Henry C. Geimer	Frank Welter
Peter Miller	Peter Bieffrich	Nick Williams	John P. Remich
Nick Steffen	Andrew Reisch	Henry Schmit	Michael Hirtzig
John Fischbach	John P. Wanderscheid	Mathias Watgen	Paul Sterpenig
Henry Olsen	Nick Fischbach	Martin Schmitz	Nick Majerus
Nick Gans	Peter Schimberg	Michael Reding	J. P. Damit
John Becker	John May	Michael Schumer	Lorenz Elsen
Frank Elsen	Andrew Theisen	Nick Olinger	William Pestka
Mathias M. Miller	Martin Mersch	Nick Brosius	Frank Leider
Michael Louis	Frank Miller	Frank Shelsky	Steven Marso
Nick Olinger	Peter Didier	George Guirsch

John P. Sterpenig, honorary member.

The first set of officers elected were:

President	Hubert Hoscheid
Vice-President	John P. Remich
Recording Secretary	Henry Geimer
Finance Secretary	Nick Gans
Treasurer	John Weiland
Trustees	Michael Schumer, N. K. Welter, Peter Schimberg
Marshal	Mathias M. Miller
Grand Representative	Nick Gans

Section No. 8 has been very progressive, from the time of its foundation up to the present. It has gained a fine reputation with its annual picnics, held from 1902 until 1929. After this the picnic was changed to a “Kirmess”. This festival has become most popular in recent years. Besides the “Kirmess”, the Section sponsors several other festivals,—a St. Patrick’s Party, Halloween Party and May Festival.

The destinies of the Section were guided by the following Presidents:

Hubert Hoscheid	John P. Remich	M. Weiland	Nick Steffen (Died 1938)
John May	Jacob Schaak	John Schaul	Charles K. Schmind
Peter Fuertsch

Section No. 8 has been very generous in its donations and its assistance to deserving brothers in need. It has given as well to other charitable enterprises of St. Nicholas Parish in Evanston and lent its aid to civic enterprises of the City of Evanston. Among the members of the Section, the following served in the World War:

Fred Brosius	Nick Brosius	Lawrence Elsen	Peter Erpelding
Jos. Fischback	Math. Guirsch	Frank Gerend	Theo. Hames
Peter Knockaert	Peter Linster, Sr.	Peter Linster	Wm. Leider
Nick Mersch	Ernest Mersch	Peter May	Michael Olk
Emil Reding	Jos. Schumer	Frank Schroeder	George Schumer
Wm. Schreiner	Math. Steffen	Leo Schimberg	Anton Schwind
Emil Urhausen	Math. N. Welter	Nick Wilwers	Frank Weiler
Wm. Wiltgen

The present officers are (1938):

President	Peter Fuertsch
Vice-President	Frank Pfeifer
Rec. Secretary	Nickolas Molitor
Fin. Secretary	Philip M. Knepper
Treasurer	A. Hamen
Trustees	Jules Knockaert, Nick Mersch and Edward W. Bell
Marshal	Nick Jung
Asst. Marshal	Nick Wilwers
Examining Physician	Dr. H. W. Luessman

Section No. 9 – Lake View, Chicago

Section No. 9 was founded in the Lake View District of Chicago in Schmitz Hall on Lincoln Ave. and Roscoe St. on March 2nd, 1902.

The following were the charter members:

Michael Mueller	Michael M. Welter	J.P. Zeigele	J. P. Bettendorf
N. Grandjean	P. S. Schmitz	J. P. Origer	John Brunsfeld
Henry Hansen	N. Origer	John Eiffes	Andrew Welter
John C. Thill	John Kohn	Peter Olinger	Bernard Knepper
Frank Biewer	Peter Schoos	N. Faber	N. Majerus
J. Schoeder	M. Theis	P. Weber	P. Mueller
J. Dattelzweig

The 1st regular meeting was held on March 16th, at which time the charter members were initiated and the new officers installed by the Grand Officers of the Brotherhood. Three charter members are still members of the Section, J. Kohn, J. Eiffes and B. Knepper.

The 1st set of officers were:

President	Michael Mueller
Vice President	Michael M. Welter
Rec. Secretary	Louis Ziegele
Fin. Secretary	J. P. Bettendorf
Treasurer	P. Schmitz
Marshal	J. P. Origer
Trustees	John Brunsteld, Michael Theis and Henry Hansen

The social activities of Section No. 9 have been very popular. Before the war their Annual Sylvester Masquerade Ball was an opportunity for the Luxembourgers to celebrate the arrival of each New Year. In later years the Section has arranged a winter festival, which has become very popular with the members of all Sections and especially with the younger people. These activities not only benefited the Section’s finances but also increased its prestige as a progressive and active Section.

Several of the members of Section No. 9 have been honored with Offices in the Grand Lodge. Henry Dieschbourg was for a great number of years Grand Vice-President and was appointed Grand President at the death of Henry C. Geimer. Henry Dieschbourg held this office until the time of his death a few years later. Michael Welter and Albert Wants held the office of Grand Trustees for a number of years and both of them distinguished themselves for their faithful services.

John Schroeder the former editor of the Luxembourger Vereinszeitung was Vice President and Secretary for several years. J. P. Bettendorf was Financial Secretary for 20 years and at the present time holds the office of Vice President. Math. Schroeder has been Financial Secretary since 1921, while the Marshal of the Section, John Claude will be able to celebrate his Silver Jubilee after the present term of office. Michael Wernimont was Treasurer for over 25 years and would still be in office, had not illness prevented him from accepting further duties.

It may be mentioned here that the three Trausch Brothers John, Harry and Michael have been most active in the services of Section No. 9. John has held the office of President for a great number of years; he is a leader and a diplomat, with a pleasing personality, and has become very popular in the Luxembourg Colony of Cook County. He is at the present time also Commander of North Town Post of the American Legion. Harry Trausch was Recording Secretary for many years while Michael Trausch served with distinction as Trustee. Besides the three Trausch brothers, the following additional members served in the World War:

Michael Wernimont	Victor Wernimont	Alex Kremer	James Arendt
John Linster	Nickolas Weber	Bernard Majerus

The following members have served as Presidents:

Michael Muller	Michael M. Welter	Peter Schumacher	M. B. Wernimont
Nick Granjean	Albert Wantz	Math. Schroeder	John Trausch

All these men were imbued with the true spirit of Luxembourg Fraternity, and it is largely due to their efforts that the Section has attained such an excellent record.

Section No. 11, Granville, Iowa

Section No. 11 was organized by John Ries, a former member of Section No. 1, with the assistance of George Wagner and Dominick Berg. The Section gathered for the first time on June 7th, 1903, with the following charter members present:

George Wagner	Frank Goergen	Dominick Berg	John Eulberg
Nick Graff	Nick Bertemes	William Faber	Herman Schwartz
Nick Block	Bernard Berg	H. Schemmel	John Corat
Mathias Malget	N. J. Klassen	N. H. Krips	Peter Wieldschuetz
Nick Weis	Peter Hemmer	Peter Mergen	J. H. Remacle
M. Remacle	A. Winkel	Math. Fisch	Joseph Schumacher
Nick Schwebach

The last three named are still active.

The first officers elected were

President	Dominick Berg
Vice President	John Eulberg
Secretary	George Wagner
Fin. Secretary	Frank Goergen
Treasurer	N. H. Graff
Marshal	Nick Block
Trustees	Nick Bertemes, William Faber and Herman Schwartz

Section No. 11 was never to spread out much; its activities were limited because of the few Luxembourgers living in Granville and the immediate vicinity. Its loyalty and faithfulness to the Grand Lodge, however, and its benevolent spirit towards its members and their families made Section No. 11 a recognized part of the social life of the Remsen country district.

The following members served in the office of president:

Dominick Berg	William Faber	John H. Remacle	Nick Ahles
Emil Gloden

One of the outstanding members of Section No. 11 is John Ries, who organized the new group after he had moved from Chicago to Granville. He is a renowned singer and musician, having assisted in the organization of the Luxembourger Saengerbund. He has been the leader of the Granville Band for the past 20 years. He has served as Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge for many years and seldom misses a convention, although Granville is nearly 400 miles from Chicago. The present president, Emil Gloden has been in office for 16 years, always serving the Section to the best of his ability.

The following officers of the Section at the present time:

President	Emil Gloden
Vice-President	John Ries
Secretary	Theodore Goergen
Treasurer	Jos. Schumacher
Marshal	Anton Hunt
Trustees	Nick Schumacher, N. T. Schwebach and Joseph Neuroth

Section No. 13 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Section No. 13 was organized in December 1904, by Henry Dieschbourg, the Grand Representative of Section No. 1. The following charter members were present:

Theodore Arend	Nick Anzia	J. Walter	Nick Zeimet
Joseph Lippert	John Bohler	Bernard Menge	Nick Mueller
John Pierre	Dom. Thill	John Wiltzius	John Wagner
Thomas Biever	Peter Mangen	J. N. Pierre

The first set of officers elected were:

President	John Bohler
Vice President	Thomas Biever
Rec. Secretary	Theo. Arend
Fin. Secretary	John Wiltzius
Treasurer	Nick Mueller
Marshal	John Pierre
Examining Physician	Dr. D. P. Thill

Theodore Arend is the only living charter member of the Section and in all these long years he has been very active, holding many offices. All meetings at the present time are held at his place of business, which is known as the “Luxembourger Headquarters,” on Green Bay Road in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Dr. D. P. Thill, another one of the charter members was very well-known in the Section, serving for many years as Treasurer. He was recognized for his conservatism and through his efforts the Section was always in good financial standing.

John Betz, the present President of Section No. 13, is a diligent worker and has always given his very best to guide the destinies of the Section. He has been employed for 20 years in the Sacred Heart Sanitarium in Milwaukee, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of the sisters.

Section 13 has been most generous in dispensing relief and assistance to needy brothers and other Luxembourgers in Milwaukee. Their social functions are very popular with Luxembourgers and with people of other nationalities in Milwaukee as well, and are always well attended.

The present officers are (1938):

President	John Betz
Vice President	Louis Passon
Secretary-Treasurer	N. J. Block
Fin. Secretary	Theodore Arendt
Marshal	Joseph Goham

Section No. 14 – Remsen, Iowa

Section No. 14 of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America was organized on May 14th, 1905, through the energetic efforts of J. P. Kieffer and Michael Treinen. The charter members of the Section were:

J. P. Kieffer	Peter Hames	Michael Treinen	John Kieffer
Leonard Meyers	J. P. Beck	Cornelius Wollwert	Henry Koob
William Heidesch	Theodore Koob	I. P. Steffen	Charles Flamming
Michael Bruecher	Michael Lanners	Theodore Freders	Michael Lamberto
John Zigrang	Henry Kemp	Peter Hoursch	Michael Britz
Michael Klein	Frank Bartels	John Janty	Nickolas Aust
Peter Clements	J. W. Galles	J. P. Bruecher

The following temporary officers were elected at this meeting:

President	J. P. Kieffer
Vice President	J. P. Bruecher
Secretary	Henry Koob
Treasurer	Michael Treinen

After 4 months the following set of officers were installed:

President	J. P. Bruecher
Vice-President	Henry Koob
Rec. Secretary	J. P. Kieffer
Fin. Secretary	Peter Hames
Treasurer	Michael Treinen
Marshal	William Heidesch
Ass’t. Marshal	Cornelius Wollwert

No. 14 was always a very good Section; it conducted its meetings in a business-like manner and followed strictly the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. It was imbued with the true spirit of Luxembourger Fraternalism and under the leadership of Michael Treinen it made fine progress. Its festivals and picnics attracted the whole countryside around Remsen.

At the last picnic held on August 21st, 1938, Section No. 14 had the pleasure of playing host to the Grand President, the Hon. Fred A. Gilson and the Luxembourg Vice Consul, the Hon. Wm. Capesius. Both men delivered an address of interest to the Luxembourger people, and both were warmly received by the visitors at the picnic.

The following members were at one time or another presidents of the Section:

J. P. Buecher	Peter Clements	Nick Thill	Anton Hames
Michael Treinen	Frank Bulner	Michael Bruecher	Alphonse Roder

The present officers are (1938):

President	Alphonse Roder
Vice-President	William Roder
Secretary	Jos. F. Nothum
Treasurer	Martin Kettel
Marshal	Peter Clements
Trustees	Nick Treinen, Peter Thill and Corelius Wolwert

The membership at the present time (1938) totals 39.

Section No. 15, Niles Center, Ill.

Section No. 15 was organized by Joseph Hohs in July 1905, Grand President Math. J. Huss and Grand Secretary Nickolas Nilles were the Installing officers. The Charter members were:

Henry Hermes	Michael Conrad	Anton Doetsch	Michael Hermes
August Luettig	Gustav Frisch	Joseph Hohs	John P. Schaul
Nickolas Hermes	Nickolas Schaefer	John N. Wagner	Peter Puetz
George Buscher	Joseph Puetz	Peter B. Dahm	William Hensel
Michael Leider	Frank Hoveley	Peter Hohs	J. P. Wagner
John Kalmes	Anton Krier, Sr.	Fred Schoening

The last three named are still living as of 1938.

The first set of officers selected were:

President	Joseph Hohs
Vice-President	Michael Leider
Rec. Secretary	John Kalmes
Fin. Secretary	Peter Hohs
Treasurer	John P. Schaul
Trustees	Anton Krier, Sr., Michael Hermes and Frank Hoveley
Marshal	Peter Puetz

Section 15 has been very active and its record as a benevolent society is very good; it always has taken care of sick and needy members, it has given solace and a word of cheer to unfortunate members and assisted all those in distress. The social functions of the Sections are always well attended, and their financial success is always assured.

The following members served as presidents during the existence of the Section:

Joseph Hohs	Michael Hermes	Ben. Schaul
Michael Leider	Anton Krier, Sr.	Martin Krier

On the death roll we find the following members:

George Buscher	Dominick Klein	Peter Dechambre	Joseph Lanners
Joseph Haupt	Peter A. Lanners	Henry Hermes	Michael Leider
Michael Hermes	Jacob Roemer	Nickolas Hermes	William Wagner
Peter Hohs	Henry Vogt

The present (1938) officers of the Section are:

President	Martin Krier
Vice-President	Francis Seul
Rec. Secretary	Paul Hermes
Fin. Secretary	Nick Kalmes
Treasurer	Joseph Freres
Trustees	Anthony Seul, Valentine Krier and William Biegert
Marshal	Anton Krier, Jr.
Ass’t. Marshal	Adam Hohs
Grand Representative	Anthony Seul

Section No. 17 – West Side, Chicago

On July 9th, 1905, John Diederich organized Section No. 17. The Installation officers were Grand President John N. Watry and Grand Secretary Nickolas Nilles. The charter members of the Section were:

John Mangen	Wm. Goedert	John P. Wilwers	Frank Pepping
Jacob Karels	Henry Magonette	Conrad Schmitt	John P. Schaus
Nick Wiard	Nickolas Spang	John Mergen	John Trausch
Paul Spang	John Kinsch	Chas. Binsfeld	Geo. Schaack
Arnold Schomer	John Scherer	Peter Wilhelm	Nick Goettert
John Schmit	Mathias Meier	Peter L. Hoffman	Math. Shanan
Nick Hansen	Nick Spang	Math. Hansen

The 1st set of officers were:

President	John Mangen
Vice-President	John P. Wilwers
Recording Secretary	William Goedert
Financial Secretary	Nick Wiard
Treasurer	Frank Pepping
Trustees	Nick Spang, John Mergen and Clemens Schoos
Marshal	Jacob Karels

At the time that Section No. 17 was organized on the Southwest side, there were many Luxembourgers living in that vicinity. In later years, most of them moved out to other neighborhoods and consequently the Section lost many members. At the present time the membership is just 24, but those that still remain, are imbued with the courage to support the Section to the very end.

Some of the members of Section 17 were honored with an office in the Grand Lodge; John Mangen was Grand President, Peter L. Hoffman was Grand Trustee and John Kinch was Grand Marshal for many years. One of its members, Michael Zimmer, was Sheriff of Cook County and for many years Warden at the Cook County Hospital.

In 1912 the Grand Lodge convention was held under the auspices Section No. 17. This was a very colorful affair, starting on Sunday with a large parade, bands and entertainment and finishing on Monday with the business session.

The present officers are:

President	Nick Wiard
Vice-President	John Goblet
Rec. & Fin. Secretary	Mathias Hansen
Treasurer	A. L. Kirch
Trustees	Frank Wiard, John Goblet and Jacob Krimbel

Section No. 21, Wilmette, Ill.

Section No. 21 was organized on May 12th, 1909, through the efforts of Philip Doetsch, Joseph Eischen, Math. Hoffmann and Peter Sesterhenn. Grand President Mathias Huss installed the new officers and initiated the 43 Charter members, who were:

Philip Doetsch	Math. Hoffmann	Paul Hermes	Joseph Eischen
Peter Sesterhenn	Michael Loutsch	John Hoffmann	Bernard Doetsch
Anton Puetz	Peter J. Koerper	Frank Hoveley	Wm. Rengel
John Sesterhenn	John Loutsch	Wm. Kriesart	Jos. Heinzen
Max Engels	J. B. Lambert	Peter Louis	Gustav Frinck
John Epp	Math. Barnig	Joseph Puetz	Peter Kirchens
Chas. Braun	Joseph Rengel	Gustav Eischen	Joseph Pettinger
George Reding	Martin Meier	W. B. Thalman	Joseph Steffen
Jacob Reinwald	J. B. Dalecke	Anton Reinwald	Frank Evert
Bernard Hens	Emil Rome	John Reding	John Ludovice
Jacob Roemer	John Neis

At the 1st meeting the following officers were elected:

President	Phillip Doetsch
Vice-President	Math. Hoffmann
Rec. Secretary	Paul Hermes
Fin. Secretary	Joseph Eischen
Treasurer	Peter Sesterhenn
Trustees	Anton Puetz, J. B. Lambert and Michael Loutsch

Section No. 21 was very progressive from the start, it was very considerate in the selection of new members, remained deeply interested in the welfare of its members and consequently its growth was steady and continuous. The social functions of the Section were of the old fashioned type wholesome and always well attended. An Annual Thanksgiving Dance and an Easter Masquerade Ball were the high spots of its Social Calendar.

The society was guided by the following Presidents:

Phillip Doetsch	Adam Barnig	Michael Loutsch	Anton Puetz
Joseph Eischen	George Reding	William Pettinger	Paul Hermes

All of these men were endowed with the fine qualities of leadership, and all of them left a spirit of good will among the members. Michael Loutsch, who served for 14 years, did much in bringing the financial standing of the Section to a sound and secure basis. Anton Puetz, who guided the destinies of the Section for 8 years did much in increasing the membership and brought the Section up to its greatest strength.

Math. Hoffmann, who was treasurer of the Section for 17 years, also was honored by the Grand Lodge with the office of Grand Vice-President, which he has held for the past 8 years.

It is especially noteworthy that Section No. 21 had 25 members in the World War service, which number was about ½ of its total membership. This fact will serve, too, as an indication of the youth of its membership.

The present officers are (1938):

President	John P. Hermes
Vice-President	Anton Puetz
Rec. Secretary	Arthur Borre
Fin. Secretary	John Reding
Treasurer	J. P. Wallers
Trustees	Lawrence Doetsch, Phillip Hillinger and Frank Borre
Marshal	Paul Pettinger
Ass’t. Marshal	Roman Rengel

Section No. 25 – Lincolnwood, Ill.

Section No. 25 is located in Lincolnwood (formerly Tessville); a suburb about 6 miles from the Chicago City limits. It was organized on March 12th, 1911, by the following members:

Leopold Bree	William Becker	Michael Weber	Cornelius, Kellen
Nick Herff	John Origer

The Grand Officers, led by Eugene Huss, initiated and installed the new officers in the presence of 19 charter members. The charter members were:

Leopold Bree	William Becker	Michael Weber	Cornelius Kellen
Nick Herff	John Origer	Frank Tess	Nicholas Grotz
Joseph Simon	Nicholas Origer	Fred Maierhofer	Frank Becker, Sr.
John E. Esch	Charles Tess	John P. Ziegle	John Schultz
Oscar Proesel	John Meier	Math. Freres	Mike Demuth
Michael Kaufman	Emil C. Blameuser

The first officers elected were:

President	Cornelius Kellen
Vice-President	Leopold Bree
Recording Secretary	William Becker
Fin. Secretary	Nickolas Grotz
Treasurer	Michael Weber
Marshal	Michael Kaufman
Trustees	Joseph Simon, Nickolas Herff and John C. Meier
Physician	Dr. R.V. Sintzel

LUXEMBOURG YOUTH ORGANIZATION

The Luxembourg Youth Organization was established in the spring of the year 1937, under the direction of the Grand President, Fred A. Gilson. The purpose of the organization is to promote sport athletics, socials, and other features interesting the younger members of the Luxembourg Brotherhood.

The Luxembourg Youth Organization is the Central organization of the Luxembourg Youth groups of the various Sections. These various youth groups make up teams of competitive sport and play each other for the championship of the Brotherhood.

The Officers of the Luxembourg Youth Organization are:

President	John Jung
Vice-President	Richard Hollis
Secretary	Richard Leider
Treasurer	John Hermes
Trustees	Michael Flam, Leo Eschette and Chas Foutsch
Marshal	Tony Puetz
Ass’t. Marshal	Jacob Kalmes
Publicity Mgr.	Martin Winandy

The Golden Jubilee – 1888 – 1938

A Pictorial and Historical Souvenir Program Book

Celebration of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America

Compiled by Fred A. Gilson, Sunday, November 27th, 1938

Swiss Club House 635-639 Webster Ave. Chicago, IL.