15 Facts About Albert Daeger

Anthony Thomas Daeger was born on March 5,1872, in Sand Creek Township, near the city of North Vernon, in Jennings County, Indiana.

The son of George and Frances Albert Daeger, he was the eldest of twelve brothers and one sister.

Albert Daeger's paternal grandfather was a German immigrant who joined the Order of Friars Minor after the death of his wife.

Albert Daeger received his early education at the parochial school of St Ann's Church in North Vernon.

Albert Daeger completed his philosophical studies at Franciscan friaries in Ohio and Kentucky, including St Boniface in Louisville.

Albert Daeger then returned to Oldenburg to finish his theological courses.

Albert Daeger celebrated his first Mass the next day, the feast of Saint Anne, at his childhood parish named after her.

Albert Daeger then served as an assistant and pastor at St Francis de Sales Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was a neighbor and admirer of William Jennings Bryan.

Albert Daeger then embarked on 17 years of missionary work in New Mexico.

Albert Daeger served as a pastor and the superior of his fellow Franciscans at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pena Blanca, Sacred Heart in Farmington, and San Diego Mission in Jemez Pueblo.

Albert Daeger's parishes were extensive and often required him to travel many miles by foot, but he succeeded in establishing chapels and schools where he went.

Albert Daeger contracted pneumonia during a snow storm in March 1909 but eventually recovered.

Albert Daeger was the first American-born Archbishop of Santa Fe, as all his predecessors were born in France.

Albert Daeger was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital, where he died a few hours later at age 60.

Albert Daeger is buried at the Cathedral of St Francis of Assisi.