In 1889 Mathias and Catherine Winkeljohann decided to migrate to America with the rest of the family. The decision was probably based upon a number of factors; their three sons [Matt, Henry and Herman] in America seem to have done well economically in a short time; Prussia had become a strong military power in Europe and four more sons could face military service; and finally there was the emotional pull of three sons an ocean away.

As preparations for the trip were being made, the family [ Mathias and Catherine, plus Maria Catherine, Bernard, Maria Elizabeth, Anna Maria, August, Gerhard Joseph, Maria Frances and Joseph Clemens] built a shrine to the Sorrowful Mother at the point where the side road from their home met the main road approaching Voltlage from the south. [Herman Heinrich (J Henry), Heinrich Mathias and Herman Heinrich had previously come to Ohio.] At the base of the shrine they wrote in the stone, “Built by the family Winkeljohann who went to America. Pray for us.” The shrine stands today- -the inscription worn dim with time. [The shrine was actually built in 1862 after Mathias/Catherine wedding]

Word has come from Voltlage that the shrine has been put in storage while a bike path is being built along the road where the shrine stood. The shrine is in need of repair. So the word went out to many of the descendants of the family and contributions have come in for refurbishing the shrine. Arrangements have been made through the mayor of Voltlage to have this done, and then have the shrine placed back on the same property, next to the new bike path. 

Those persons listed here have made this possible. Donations are still being accepted by:

The shrine was rededicated on October 8, 2006, with 9 members of the American Winkeljohn family in attendance.

St Katherine's Pastor, Andrew Winkeljohn, Dorothy Winkeljohn, Mike Widmaier, Jordan Laird Foley, Ken & Michele Laird, and Voltlage Mayor Bernard Egbert