Frederic Baraga (1797-1868) b. Castle of Malavas, Carniola, Austria, 1797 d. Marquette, Michigan, 1868

Although he was born and educated in Austria, Bishop Frederic Baraga is perhaps best known for his missionary work among various groups of Native Americans and settlers in the upper Midwest. He was devoted to his work as bishop and devoted a great deal of time and energy to truly getting to know the people in his missions. This dedication culminated in his authorship of several books on Native American languages and grammars.

Education and Early Missionary Work in Europe and America

Baraga was born in Austria in 1797. He studied law at the University of Vienna and graduated from the institution in 1821. After finishing school, he changed his mind about his future profession and decided to enter the Church. Baraga entered the Seminary of Laibach to obtain religious instruction and was ordained as a priest in September 1823. He served Austrian parishes until 1830, when he came to the US and spent the next four years as a missionary among the Ottawa Indians in the Michigan Territory.

Missionary Efforts among Native American Groups

In July 1835, Baraga traveled to La Pointe to work among the Chippewas. His great capacity for understanding and sincere devotion to helping the Indians made him a welcome presence. He went to Europe in 1836 to raise funds for his mission, returning to the States in 1837. By 1841, Baraga had built a church. He later mastered the Chippewa language and prepared several religious books in the dialect. These efforts won him lasting recognition as a philologist for his Theoretical and Practical Grammar of the Otchipwe Language (1850) and Dictionary of the Otchipwe Language (1853).

Culmination of His Career: Missions in Upper Michigan

The rest of Baraga's career was more closely associated with Upper Michigan. In 1843, he left La Pointe to establish the L'Anse mission in Michigan. He was made bishop of the region in November 1853. In 1865, his see was transferred from Sault Ste. Marie to Marquette. He worked in Marquette until his death in 1868.

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