Background
Grabau, Johannes Andreas August was born on March 18, 1804 in Ovenstedt, Prussia. Son of Johann Andreas and Anna (Jericho) Grabau.
Grabau, Johannes Andreas August was born on March 18, 1804 in Ovenstedt, Prussia. Son of Johann Andreas and Anna (Jericho) Grabau.
Graduated from the University Halle (Germany), 1830.
Taught school, Magdeburg, Sachsa, Germany, circa 1830-1834. Elected pastor St. Andreas, Erfurt, 1834. Ordained to ministry Lutheran Church, 1834.
Opposed Union liturgy and carried on services in private homes while he was not in prison, 1836-1838, finally allowed to emigrate with group of about 1000 parishioners. Settled in Buffalo, New York, 1839. Pastor Derifaltigkets-Kirche, 1839-1879.
Opened school later known as Martin Luther Seminary, 1840, trained candidates for ministry. Met at Milwaukee with Heinrich von Rohr (his 1st pupil) and 3 other clergymen, 1845, organized Synod of Lutheran Church Emigrated from Prussia (became known as Buffalo Synod). Visited Germany with von Rohr to confer with William Lohe on matters of doctrine, 1853-1854.
Buffalo Synod split into 3 factions over subject of ordination, 1866, largest splinter joined Missouri Synod. Started new paper Die Wachende Kirche to defend his synod’s views.
Married Christine Sophie Burggraf, July 15, 1834, 3 children.