Biographical Sketch of

Rev. Edward Theel

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 522 - 523

Reverend Edward Theel, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in the town of Crystal Lake, Marquette County, is a 
native of the Province of Radun, Prussia, where he was born Sept. 29, 1851. His father, John Theel, was also 
born in the same Province on the 14th of February, 1814, and in his early learned the trade of a miller which he 
followed for a number of years in his native land. Accompanied by his family, he bade goodbye to home and friends 
in the spring of 1866, and embarked for America, landing in New York City on the 13th of June, 1866. After remaining 
a few days in the Eastern metropolis, he went to Chicago, Ill., where until 1873, he engaged in carpentering. In that 
year he became a resident of Marquette County, settling on a farm in section 29 in the town of Crystal Lake, where our 
subject is now living. Devoting his energies to the development of his land, he lived the quiet life of a farmer until 
1883, since which time he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Emily Kolm in Newton Township. In Prussia, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Louisa Kaiser, a native of Radun and twelve children were born of their union. Mr. Theel 
takes an active interest in political affairs and he has held many positions of public trust. He is a member of the 
Lutheran church and is numbered among the best citizens of the county.


Our subject was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his father to America. In the schools of his native land 
he had read Latin and become a proficient scholar in the lower branches. After his arrival in America, he entered 
Concordia College of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he diligently pursued his studies for five years, completing a 
classical course. Having determined to enter the ministry and devote his life to the cause of the Master, he went to 
St. Louis and entered the Concordia Theological Academy for the purpose of fitting himself for his chosen work, and 
after three years graduated with high honors in the class of 1874. Immediately after his graduation he received calls 
from four congregations, one at Newton, Crystal Lake, Shields and Germania, all in Marquette County. He accepted the 
call from St. John's in the town of Crystal Lake, and since that time has expounded the cause of Christ in an able 
manner to those under his charge. In 1878 he organized a church in Richford, and in 1886 established one in Westfield.

Mr. Theel was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fongonten, a native of New York, the ceremony being performed in St. 
John's Church of Portage, Wis., by the Rev. Bsahn on the 22nd of November, 1877. Mrs. Theel has proved a real helpmate 
to her husband in his labors and is greatly beloved by the people of the community. They are now the parents of a family 
of six children, two sons and four daughters, but two died in infancy. Those living are: Clara, Huldah and Mary.

The church of which the Rev. Mr. Theel is pastor was the first of its denomination (Lutheran) established in the 
county, and his home has been the parsonage for thirty years. He has under his charge more than 1500 souls, 225 of 
whom are members of his church. All speak of this worthy gentleman in the highest terms as a thorough Christian man, 
a profound thinker, logical debater and one who is alive to all the divine influences of God and humanity. 






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