Historical Marker

Eminent Theologian

Bishop John Lancaster Spalding, also sociologist and writer, born here on June 2, 1840. Graduated St. Mary's College, 1856, at age 16. He was ordained at American College, Louvain, Belgium, in 1863. Organized first Louisville Negro parish, St. Augustine's, in 1866. Consecrated first Bishop of Peoria, Ill., in 1877. "A great influence on US Catholic education." Died 1916 at Peoria.