Rev Johanning Letter

This letter confirms the character of this quiet, unassuming person, as I recall! I could not help but grin and enjoy the story related by Fr. Johanning, who also was a bit weak in the English grammar/syntax, although the letter has the characteristics of writing in those early days!

(Note: The following is an exact copy of Fr. Joahanning’s letter - keeping in mind that he too, as a German immigrant, was not completely proficient in the English language/syntax. His description of Joseph as “honest, pious, bashful” is quite accurate, as I recall in lateryears.)

Fryburg, Auglaize Co, O., August 24, 1894

Professor James Edwards,Notre Dame, Ind.

Dear Sir!

A nephew of mine, Jos. Wilberding, came with his parents from Germany (Oldenburg)about 7 years ago. In Germany already he began to work as a prentice of a well knownartist, sculptor in religious articles. Then here in Cincinnati he was for some years atheoretical and practical pupil of the Art School & Museum under the instruction anddirection of a great artist, Mr. L. Rebisso, Professor of modeling. By him Wilberdingwas employed at the magnificent statue of General Grant on horseback, erected in theWashington (?) Park in Chicago. The composer and erector of the celebrated monument was Mr. Rebisso.

Wilberding himself produced the last time many artificial things in modeling and carving. So in the spring of 1897 a Columbus statue in a little more than life size, made of plasterof paris. His intention was first to send it to the Chicago Exposition, and by many friendsand connoisseurs of art he was encouraged to do so. But it was not sent, I don’t know particularly the reason why not. This statue represents Columbus standing as commanderof all on the forepart of his ship and looking out for land.

Now, nephew Wilberding writes me, that he had read in the papers of some fine paintings in your university, representing scenes of the discovering of America, and that he would take the liberty to ask if he could hope to sell his Columbus to you to be put in any place in your Alma Mater. He would sell that statue very cheap, as he, like many other artisits, is a poor but a very honest, yet pious fellow, to his own disadvantage, often too bashful. Not a good scholar in German and in the English language - even worse than myself -he preferred to request me to write for him this letter. As references he gives his teacher, Mr. L. Rebisso and the faculty of the Cin. Art Museum Assc. Also a photograph of said statue can be had on demand. Therefore, should you, req. your superiors be willing to yield to his wish, please let him or me know it at your earliest convenience.

If you can’t come to Cincinnati the nexttime and look at that statue, any Rev. Father or Brother of St. Joseph’s College there might do so at Mr. Wilberding’s residence, Mills Ave, Norwood, near Cin., to be reached from Fountain Square by Norwood electric car in 45 minutes for 5 Cnts. My address is: Fryburg, Auglaize Co, O.

Very repectfully,

J. Johanning, Rector St. John Ch.