John Vertin
John Vertin was a Slovene-American who became the third Bishop of Saulte Saint Marie and Marquette, Michigan, now simply the Diocese of Marquette. He was responsible for the reconstruction of St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, in 1880.Life
Vertin was born in Dobliče in White Carniola at that time part of the province of Lower Carniola, in the Duchy of Carniola, a part of the Austrian Empire on 17 July 1844.
Vertin received his primary education in Novo Mesto and emigrated to America in 1863 with his family. His parents presented him to the fellow immigrant from Slovenia, Frederic Baraga, who, upon accepting him into the diocese, sent him to St. Francis, Wisconsin, where he completed his theological training. On 31 August 1866, Vertin was ordained a priest by Baraga.
Upon the resignation of Ignatius Mrak as Bishop of Marquette in May 1879, Pope Leo XIII elevated Vertin to the episcopate to succeed him. He was consecrated at Negaunee, Michigan, on 14 September 1879 by Michael Heiss, then still Bishop of La Crosse. The following year he undertook the renovation of his cathedral. He was a Doctor of Divinity.
Vertin died of heart failure in Marquette on 26 February 1899, and was buried in the cathedral.
