Biographical Sketch of

Peter M. Honeyman

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 724 - 725


Rev. Peter M. Honeyman is the present pastor of the Catholic Church, of Montello.  He is a native of Ireland, but 
in his youth came to the United States, making his home in Rhode Island.  He was educated at Grand Seminary, in 
Montreal, Canada, and after his ordination as a priest he was assigned to the church in the town of Poygan, 
Winnebago County.
 
Father Marquette is said to have done missionary work in Montello, when making his way down the Wisconsin River 
in a canoe preparatory to a voyage on the Mississippi.  Missionary work was then continued during the emigration 
of the first white settlers until 1849, and seven years later, in 1856, St. John's Catholic Church was organized 
and a house of worship was erected on a site selected by the Right Rev. John M. Hennie, Bishop of Milwaukee.  
The first church building was rather primitive in style, its dimensions being only 30x50 feet, but it was used 
for twenty years.  The first resident pastor was the Rev. A. Fagan, who assumed charge in 1862, and in 1867 was 
succeeded by the Rev. M. Monahan.  The field of labor of those priests was very extensive, and they traveled over 
a large tract of territory.  In 1871 came the Rev. James O'Mally, who was followed by the Rev. E. DeWitt in August, 
1874. The Rev. John Larmer assumed the pastorate of the church in 1876, and under his supervision the present house 
of worship was erected on almost the exact site of the old church.
 
Father Larmer continued to discharge the duties of the pastorate until October, 1886, when he was succeeded by 
Father Honeyman, who has since been in charge.  Many important improvements to the church property have been made 
by Father Honeyman.  The fine school building was begun by him in 1887 and completed in the autumn of 1888, and 
the school is now in a flourishing condition, having 175 pupils.  The church building has also been renovated and 
much improved by him; an excavation has been made beneath the church and a fine steam heating apparatus has been 
added to the building, while the interior has been remodeled and beautifully frescoed.  In a short time three fine 
altars will take the place of the old one now in use.  Father Honeyman has also greatly improved the parsonage and 
beautified the surrounding grounds.
  






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