Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1884-02-07
PRAYING ON HOLY HILL.
An Eminence on Which, Pilgrims Say,
Their Bodily Ills Are Cured.


In achain of hills northwest ofMilwau-
kee is a rugged .eminence that on the
map is called Lapham's Peak. 1t is the
try for miles around is inhabited by
thrifty farmers They are nearly all
foreigners and Bohemians
The English language is rarely heard.
They are all Catholics, and are devoted
to their religion. Though the town of
Lawrence, which is the center of the lit
tie community, comprises but a few
stores and a score of houses, there is a
church there that cost over $4,000. The
Priest in charge is king among them.
They live in apparent peace and content
ment, without troubling or being annoy
ed by the rest of the world.
Around about Lawrence, Lapham's
Peak is known as Holy Hill. 1t is re-
garded as consecrated ground. On the
top pretty little church has been erect
ed, and near it is cottage occupied by
the priest who ofhciates at the church.
Traditions about Holy Hill have been
handed down from generation to genera
ton, and it is believed firmly that Wis
it to the wonderful place by the faithful
is all that is necessary for the sick to be
healed. Very little is known of the
place by the outside world, but there is
from one end of the year to the other a
constant stream of pilgrims, who pray on
the hill to be restored to health. During
the past year thousands have visited the
place. Many stories of miraculous cures
are told. The most recent case occurred
a few weeks ago.
Thomas WEIGH, of Oconto, Wis, had
been an invalid for years from paralysis,
and required the constant services of an
attendant. He had tried the usual rem
edies without relieving his sufferings.
He was devout Catholic, and hearing of
Holy Hill, resolved to try the efficacy of
prayer. He stayed at the hill a week.
Each day he was wheeled to the summit
on an invalid's chair, and spent hours in
devotional exercises. On the fifth day,
which was Sunday, he became conscious
of strange sensation, a prickly, sharp
feeling through his limbs, that seemed
to pass through the soles of his feet to
the ground. He at once found himself
able to walk around. Then he fell on
his knees. and with hands clasped and
face upturned thanked Heaven for his
restoration to health.
The road leading to the summit of Ho-
ly Hill is circuitous and rugged. At in
terYals along the way fourteen large
crosses are set. They are adorned with
pictures representing scenes in the life Of
the Savior. Pilgrims stop and pray at
each cross. Midway up the hill is small
chapel. On the walls are suspended a
number of crutches, canes and straps
1t is said they were left there by cripples
who were obliged to claim their aid
when they came, but were able to leave
the hill without them. The people who
live about the hill credit all the stories
that are told, and nothing can shake their
belief that on Holy Hill God manifests
His power.
Women are said predominant among
those who visit the hill. Oftentimes
they go to pray for a relative or friend
who is unable to 60 himself. At times
women climb to the summit wearing
shotted shoes, which renders locomotion
in blood. They glory in the torture and
think it renders their prayers more eff
cacious.
Holy Hill was for many years the
home of hermit Years ago he made
his appearance upon the scene, dropping
suddenly among the people. No one
knew where he came from. He made
himself "dugout" in the ravine, and
passed the time chiefly on the summit
of the hill in prayer. For many years
the hill had been regarded holy place,
and was said to possess strange, sacred
and miraculous properties. At the time
the hermit went to the hill he was a
cripple. But he soon began to improve,
and eventually was restored to perfect
health. More than two centuries ago, it
is said, Father Marquette and the bold
Joliet planted cross on the hill, and in
latter years the land was purchased by
the Catholic church. COnsecrated first
HvrM 70 hrr
hood of a later day, it was regarded as
holy ground indeed, and there was none
with disposition to modest the hermit
when he took up his rude habitation.
He called himself Francois, was very
retired and secluded, and had little to do
with the people of the vicinity. Claiming
to be a Franciscan monk, he soon won
| the confidence and esteem of the people.
who sent to his hut all the food necessary
to supply his wants. These contributions
were left at the cottage of Roman Gotz,
who lived but short distance from the
recluse. GotZ alone was intimate with
! Francois, and the latter is said to have
| given him his story. He said he was
| the scion of a noble German family.
! Educated for the priesthood he forgot his
sacred calling in his love for the daughter
of an innkeeper. He determined to test
his love, and absented himself two years
from girl. On his return he found her
faithless. In his desperation he killed
| her and fed. Conscience smote him
continually for his crime, and wherever
he went the image of the murdered girl
was before him. He wandered from
place to place., After years of wander
ing, worn out in body and spirit, he laid
his burden at the foot of the cross and
sought forgiveness. Absolution was
given him, but it was many years before
he found perfect rest and relief from sin.
Health failing and bodily infrmities
increasing, he in some way heard of Holy
Hill, and wendell his way thither, reach
| ing there in an exhausted state. He
became daily visitor to the summit OF
the hill, where he spent his time in de
votion. Often he could be seen upon
the bare summit, kneeling for hours in
| the broiling suns of summer and the cold