1837 - Letter regarding the separation of previously established Episcopal churches and missions from the Diocese of Michigan after Wisconsin became its own territory in 1836

Menomoneville, Wiconsin Territory, 1837. Envelope or Cover. Very good. This two-page stampless letter, sent from the Reverend Daniel E. Brown at Menomoneville to the Reverend Philander Chase "near Peoria / Illinoise",, measures 16" x 9.75" unfolded. It is datelined "Mission Buildings Green Bay / April 3rd 1837" and bears an especially scarce manuscript postmark "Menomoneville Apr 5" of which only one other example is recorded by the Wisconsin Postal History Society. In nice shape

In this letter, Brown requests clarification as to whether the few churches that had been established in Wisconsin would remain part of the newly formed Diocese of Michigan or form into a separated organization.. It reads in part

"I have presumed to address you upon a subject of much interest to the religious community of Wisconsin which . . . is of serious importance to the Church. It is presumed that the question whether Wisconsin is yet a part of the Diocese of Michigan as claimed by the worthy Prelate of that Diocese . . . or are we separated & no longer for and integral part thereof. . .. This question is now assuming a very serious aspect for the Vestry of Christ's Church Green Bay. . .. There are now four resident Clergymen in this Territory . . . three in the employ of the Board of Domestic Missions. We have but one organized Church who has no Rector the Rev R. F. Cadle having resigned. . .. It is also anticipated that . . . a church will be organized at Milwaukee & also that the Garrison at Fort Winnebago will organize themselves into a Parish. I have felt . . . as if it was unwise to agitate the question in our present situation & particularly as it regards questions of jurisdictions with Michigan [but] I would wish your advice. For if we are fully separated from Michigan & have the right to form a new Diocese . . . it would be prudent to do so. . .. Will you be kind enough my Dear Father to give me your views upon the claim set forth by the Rt Rev Prelate of Michigan & whether . . . it is right now expedient to organize at this time. . .."

. When Wisconsin was part of the Michigan Territory from 1818 until 1836, Episcopalian fell under the purview of Missionary Bishop of the Northwest. Its first mission , the Oneida Duck Creek Mission (originally under the Diocese of New York) at Green Bay was the beginning of Church work in the MIdwest. After the Diocese of Michigan was formed in 1834, Wisconsin activities were place under the temporary supervision of the Bishop of Ohio and did not come under the oversight of the Bishop of Michigan until 1836, after which he maintained that the establishment of the Wisconsin Territory had should not divide his diocese, successfully thwarting the establishment of a Diocese of Wisconsin until 1847.

(For more information, see Ford's A Brief History of the Diocese of Michigan and "Oneida History" at the Milwaukee Public Museum website.]

A first-hand document attesting to the religious competition that sprang into being with the establishment of the Wisconsin Territory. At the time of listing, nothing similar is for sale in the trade, nor has appeared at auction per the Rare Book Hub. OCLC shows no similar items held in institutional collections. We have another lot for sale regarding the Oneida Duck Creek Mission.

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