Time period/Baraboo: 1888- 1918
Submitted by: St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish

John T. Durward was born in Milwaukee in March 1847 to Bernard and Margaret Durward. He was educated at St. Francis Seminary where is father was an instructor. The family moved to Durward’s Glen, east of Baraboo, in November 1862. John continued his studies and was ordained to the priesthood in 1870. His assignment to St. Joseph’s, Baraboo, was in 1888, after serving 14 years in Tomah and 4 years in Seneca.

Father Durward was an artist, poet, and writer of some renown, as well as a world traveler who had a commitment to Catholic education for the youth of the community. In addition to building the present St. Joseph Church in Baraboo, he was also responsible for opening the first Catholic school there in 1909. Fr. John planned every detail of the church and even labored with the workmen to complete the facility.

Father John T. Durward was loved in the community by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions were always remembered and celebrated by him as well. He retired after 41 years as a priest and purchased the Burr Oaks home on Fifth Street, but continued to serve the Bishop for several more years. His busy life was filled with devotion to God, his family, Baraboo, the Glen and anyone who needed him. Father John T. Durward passed away on September 18, 1918 at age 71 from a case of the dreaded influenza and is buried at Durward’s Glen with other members of his family.