Rev. Nicholas J. Dahlmanns Biography

117

			REV. NICHOLAS J. DAHLMANNS.  

	Rev. Nicholas J. Dahlmanns is pastor of Sacred Heart church at 
Parkston and has been well known in connection with the work of the 
Catholic church in this section for a number of years, his influence 
being far-reaching and resultant. He was born in Germany on the 12th of 
April, 1870, a son of Joseph and Catherine Dahlmanns. The father is 
still living but the mother has passed away.  

	The Rev. Nicholas J. Dahlmanns pursued his early literary 
education in the schools of Bavaria and in 1894 came to the United 
States, after which he entered St. Francis, Seminary at Milwaukee in 
preparation for the priesthood, to which he had determined to devote 
his life. When he had completed his studies he was ordained in 1895 at 
St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was first assigned to duty at the mission at 
Jefferson, South Dakota, where he remained for eight months. He was 
then transferred to the Catholic church at Ipswich, where he remained 
for seven years, after which he spent eight years as pastor of St. 
Mary's church in Aberdeen. He has vigorously prosecuted the work of the 
church, extending its influence and upholding its standards. His 
devotion to his chosen calling is indicated in the fact that he was 
instrumental in building St. Joseph's church at Hillsview, St. Mary's 
church, school and parish house at Aberdeen and the Sacred Heart school 
and parish house at Parkston. He had charge of four counties where 
there were no railroads, necessitating his riding from one parish to 
another and visiting the isolated Catholic families. Since June, 1912, 
he has had charge of the parish at Parkston. There are two hundred 
children in the school, under the care of eight Sisters of St. Francis, 
and the other branches of church work are making substantial progress 
under his guidance.  

	Father Dahlmanns is a Knight of Columbus and also has membership 
with the Mutual Benefit Association of Minnesota. In politics he is 
independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. A spirit of 
progress guides him in all of his church work and he has the 
confidence, goodwill and hearty cooperation of his people.