A Quick Look at the Founding History
Sisters of St. Francis
Tiffin, OH
The Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio, have been in existence for more than 156 years. The congregation is an American community, rooted solely in the United States. It began on 58 acres of farmland in Tiffin, Ohio, the first town to be surveyed and platted in Seneca County. The congregation’s beginning was simple and humble, founded on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, June 4, 1869.
The aftermath of the Civil War left many orphans, as well as many aged, with no one to care for them. Reverend Joseph Louis Bihn, a diocesan priest and pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Tiffin, often had the task of finding suitable homes for the orphans. Hearing Christ’s words, “As long as you did it for one of these…” Father Bihn dreamt of establishing a home for destitute orphans and a place where elderly persons could spend their last days. His desire gained momentum, and he planned to invite sisters from an established community to assist in his dream. Seeking advice from a friend, he was encouraged to start a new community of sisters. When Father Bihn asked the Most Reverend Amadeus Rappe, Bishop of the Cleveland Diocese, for permission, the Bishop not only granted permission, but he also offered his heartfelt blessings. Father Bihn shared his intentions with Mrs. Elizabeth Schaefer, a widow with two daughters, who was also caring for her father and an orphan boy. She offered her services and the service of her household. Father Bihn asked her to be the co-founder; she then became the first superior, Mother Francis d’ Assisi. The first four sisters were clothed in the habit and professed their vows that day. The community took the name, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and of Charity.
Father Bihn purchased a two-story framed house on the farmland, which became the motherhouse, their new home, and where caring for orphans and the elderly began. It was located on Melmore Road, southeast of Tiffin, in Clinton Township. Originally, it was part of the Franklin addition to the town of Oakley. The rich farmland enabled the sisters to be virtually self-sufficient. In addition to growing most of their own food, the sisters wove sheets and towels from flax grown on the farm, and made habits from the sheep’s wool.
Father Bihn and Mother Francis were dedicated to caring for the orphan children who made St. Francis their home.
Lead photo caption: Reverend Joseph Louis Bihn (Left) and Mother Francis d’ Assisi (Right)
Artifact Spotlight
Tradition notes that the Orphan Train from New York came through the Tiffin area, and some orphans were dropped off there. Other orphans came from Tiffin and the surrounding vicinity. This picture shows how Father Bihn and Mother Francis strove to make St. Francis a place they could call “home.” The sisters and the elderly provided the children with the love and care they needed in a home-like atmosphere. This photo shows a table and chair that were made from wood found on the farmland, and a tea set containing two cups and saucers, a creamer, and a sugar bowl that were used by the children.
