Christian Cyclopedia

(August 13, 1777–February 21, 1846). Father of M. Stephan* Jr.; b. Stramberg, Moravia; studied theol. at Halle and Leipzig. Pastor Haber, Boh. 1809; Dresden, Ger., 1810–37; opposed rationalism; widely known as spiritual adviser; influenced C. F. W. Walther; resolved in the 1830s to emigrate to the US with his followers; placed under temporary suspension 1837; led Saxon emigration to Missouri 1838/39; deposed and taken to Illinois 1839; by 1841 he was living in or near Kaskaskia, Illinois, and preaching there in the courthouse every 2 weeks; served a cong. at Horse Prairie, several miles SE of Red Bud, Illinois, 1845–46. See also Altenburg Debates; Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, The, II 1–2.