Erected in 1952 to the Memory of Reverend Francis Xavier Pierz "Father of the Diocese of St. Cloud" 1785-1880 By assignment of Bishop Joseph Crιtin of St. Paul he came to the Upper Mississippi and its tributaries in 1852 to convert the Indians and . . . — — Map (db m213533) HM
[left panel] The first white settler, Herman J. Billig came to this area in the fall of 1865. In the spring of 1866 a mission was opened at Pierz and cared for by the pastor of Belle Prairie, Father Joseph Buh. [center panel]Pierz is . . . — — Map (db m158940) HM