The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-01-19
PRAYING ON HOLY HILL.
Correspondence V. Y. Sun.

In chain of hills lew miles north- yves; of Milwaukee Is rugged eminence that on the map is called Lapham $ Peak. lt is the highest point in the state The country for miles around IS inhab- ited by thrifty farmers. They are nearly all foreigners and Bohemians. They are all Catholics, and are devoted to their religion. Though the town of Lawrence, which is the center of the little community, comprises but few stores and a score of houses, there is a church there that cost over $50 ,ooo The priest in charge IS a king among them They live in apparent peace and con- ten,ment, without troubling or being an- noycd by the rest ot the world.
 Around about Lawrence, Lapham's $ Peak IS known as Holy Hill. It is re- garded as consecrated ground. On the top pretty little church has been erected, and near Il a cottage occupied by the priest who officiates at the church. Ira diuons abou, Holy Hill have been handed down from generation to generation, and 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 oi pilgrims, who pray on the hill to be re- stored to health. During the past year thousands have visited the place. Many stories of miraculous cures are told. The most recent case occurred two ~eeSz ago.
 Thomas Wclch, of Oconto. Wis, had been an invalid for years from paralysis. anc required the constant services of an attendant. He had tired the usual rem cdes without felieving his sufferings He was a devout Catholic, and, hearing of Hoy Hill, resolved to try the efficacy of prAyer. He stayed at the hill week Each day he was wheeled to the summit or &n invalid's chair, and spen, hours in devotional exercises. On the fifth day. winch was Sunday, he became conscious N strange sensation, a prickly. sharp 1eei.ng through his limbs. that seemed 10 pass through the soles of his feet 10 the sroGnd. He al once found himself able io Salk around. Then he fell on his knees, and with hands clasped and face dp;eraed thanked heaven for his restora- tion 10 health.
 The road leading to the summit of Holy Hill Is Cirouitous and rugged. A, intervals along the way fourteen lars crosses are set. They are adorned with pictures representing scenes in the life of our Savior. Pilgrims stop and pray a, each cross. Midway up the hill is a small chapel. On the walls are sus- pended a number of crutches, canes and straps I, is said they were left there b, erippies who were obliged to claim their atH ~.hAp thAx, k,,t .I leave the hill without them. The peorie wko live about the hill credit all the stones that are told, and nothing can shake their belief that on Holy Hill God man:fests His power.
 Women are said to predominate among those who visit the hill Often,imes they go to pray for relative or friend who is unable to go himself At time: womea climb to the summit wearing sho;ted shoes, which renders locomotior almost impossible and bathes their fee m blood. They glory in the torture anc think renders their prayers more effica cioas.
 Holy Hill was for many years the hom. oi hermit. Years ago he made his ap pearance upon the scene, dropping sud denly among the people. No one knev where he came from. He made himsel a" dngout' in the ravine, and passes his tune chiefly on the summit of the hil an prayer. For many years the hill hae been regarded as holy place, and va said ,o possess strange, sacred. and mi racalous properties. At the time th, hermit went to the hill he was a cripple Bu; he soon began to improve, an, eventually was restored to perfec, health More than two centuries ago, 1t is said Father Marquette and the bold Iolie planted a cross on the hill and in late years the land was purchased by tn Catholic church. Consecrated first b Marquette, and again by the priesthoo, of a later day, it was regarded as hol ground indeed, and there was none witt disposition to molest the hermit whe he took up his rude habitation.
 He called himself Francois, was vey re sfed and secluded, and had little to d, with thepecple of the vicinity. Claimin to be Franciscan monk, he soon wo the confidence and esteem of the peopls who sent to his hut all the food necessar to supply his wants. These contribution were left at the cottage of Roman Got, who lived but short distance from tn xecluse. Got alone was intimate wisl Francois, and the latter is said to hav given him his story. He said he was tn scion of a noble German family. Edu eated for the priesthood he forgot hi sacred calling in his love for the daushte of an innkeeper. He determined to tes his love, and absented himself two year from the girl. On his return he founs her faithless. In his deperation he killes her and fled. Conscience smote him continually for his crime, and wherever he went the image of the murdered air ~As bc<are him. He wandered from place to place. After years of wander. ing, worn out in body and spirit, he laid