James Schwebach

James Schwebach (August 15, 1847 – June 6, 1921) was a Luxembourgish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse in Wisconsin from 1892 until his death in 1921.

Biography

Early life and education James Schwebach was born on August 15, 1847, at Platen in the Préizerdaul commune of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to Nicholas Joseph and Margaret (née Busch) Schwebach. He received his early education from private tutors, and afterwards studied at the college of Diekirch for two years.

In 1864, Schwebach immigrated to the United States, where he entered St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He there completed his studies in philosophy and theology in five years. At age 21, being too young for ordination to the priesthood, Schwebach was called to La Crosse and was there ordained a deacon by Bishop Michael Heiss on July 24, 1869. He then served as pastor of St. Mary's for 22 years, during which time he erected a new church, school, and rectory.

James Schwebach died in La Crosse on June 6, 1921, at age 73. He is buried at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse.