Encyclopedia Dubuque
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GONNER, Nicholas Sr.
GONNER, Nicholas Sr.(Pfaffenthal, Luxembourg, Jan. 8, 1835--Dubuque, IA, Dec. 20, 1892). Gonner, his wife, and three children immigrated on the steamer Europa which arrived in New York on January 2, 1866. They settled in Cape Girardeau, Missouri for several years. On March 28, 1872, he and his family moved to Dubuque where he devoted the remainder of his life to journalism.
Gonner was the editor of the LUXEMBURGER GAZETTE from 1872 to 1892 and IOWA which were both printed by the CATHOLIC PRINTING COMPANY. The Luxemburger Gazette had a national base of readers. Correspondents to the Gazette sent articles and information to Gonner that reflected the latest happenings in various Luxembourg American communities throughout the country. This made the Luxemburger Gazette an invaluable resource for modern day genealogists and those researching their Luxembourgian roots. The Gazette was published from 1871 – 1919 in German but has been translated.
Along with the Luxembourg Gazette and other writings, Gonner is also renowned for his book Die Luxemburger in Der Neuen Welt (Luxembourgers in the New World). Shortly after his arrival in the United States, Gonner began collecting information about Luxembourger settlements in America. It was this information that was used in his book which was published in 1889.
Gonner was a leader in the organization of the ROMAN CATHOLIC MUTUAL PROTECTIVE SOCIETY OF IOWA and served as the president of the German Press Association from 1887 to 1889. He was considered an authority on church architecture and was the author of many poems in the Luxembourg language.
Nicholas Gonner was buried MOUNT CALVARY CEMETERY in Dubuque following his death in 1892. His large grave stone is topped by a statue of Christ the Teacher with a book in hand. The monument also features the coat of arms of Luxembourg and the text (in German): Memorial to the honor of the meritorious Luxembourger Nicholas Gonner, dedicated by his numerous, grateful countrymen and friends - RIP.
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Source:
Luxembourg American Cultural Society & Center 100 Peter Thein Avenue P. O. Box 157 Belgium, WI 53004-0157