USA > Arizona > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 10
USA > California > A history of the Church of the Brethren [southern California & Arizona] > Part 10
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David A. Norcross. He was born in White County, Illinois, Dec. 9, 1842. His parents settled at Mount Pleas- ant, Indiana and later near Shoals. He was brought up on a farm, so he hails from where good things to eat come. In 1861 he found himself in the 18th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers for three years service. Once typhoid fever came near claiming him. Severely wounded in the right hip at Port Gibson, May 1, 1863, he was disabled for more than eight months. When well he returned to his regiment at Indianola, Texas, and was discharged December 31, 1863. He re-enlisted January 1, 1864, for three years, or during the war. Was wounded and captured October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Va., and was a prisoner of war over four months. While in captivity a hospital steward at New Market, Va., amputated his left arm and it was so bunglingly done that after being exchanged and taken to Annapolis, Md., the arm had to be re-amputated. Starvation and strong medicine came near ending his career. He was wrapped in oiled silk, which went a ways toward restoration. He was discharged from service August 1, 1865, and granted only $8.00 per month pension. With poor health and no home, he had to meet the trials of a cold world.
His education had been neglected. The loss of his left arm made him feel more and more the need of a workable edu- cation. At twenty-three he started to school with small boys and took pleasure in reciting the multiplication tables with them. He came out a victor in his studies. Through the wise counsel of his uncle, Geo. W. Norcross of Burlington, New Jersey, Brother Norcross proceeded to Bryant and Strattons Commercial College in Louisville, Ky., and came out with high honors. He was offered a position at $1,000.00 a year, but poor health prevented him accepting. He taught in the com-
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mon schools, teaching ten public and five select schools in Martin County, Indiana.
October 10, 1867, he was married to Isabel Wicthcer, by
D. A. Norcross.
whom he had five sons and three daughters. In 1869 he was appointed Post Master at Shoals, Indiana, and served four years. Long confinement ate into his good health and he sought outdoor work. He resigned from his governmental position and ran for County Recorder. Democrats and Re- publicans alike gave him their support and he was the first Republican Recorder in that county. They gave him a ma- jority of eight hundred and eleven. He served the people four
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years and at the expiration of his time was asked to stand for the place again, but having become a member of the Church of the Brethren he could not see civil office blending in the Light of Spiritual consistency. The Book did not point that way for a Brother who believed "the whole Gospel." His Master's teaching and political life would not blend in his being to produce true happiness.
In 1888 he gave up teaching and came to Covina, arriving April 2nd. In September of that year his wife was taken by the Lord, leaving a saddened home. He purchased a home in Glendora in 1889. In October of that year he was united in marriage to Melissa C. Keim. To this union came Homer K. Norcross.
He was given additional responsibilities in the ministry at Covina April 2, 1895, and ordained to the Bishopric April 23, 1899, at Glendora. He labored awhile at Newberg, Ore- gon, in the Master's Cause. He now resides in Lordsburg. He presided over the Glendale, Arizona, Church for awhile. He has been a frequent representative at District Meeting and once represented the District on the Standing Committee at Annual Conference. He served as District Meeting Secretary at Covina in 1889.
"Davy is a good spiritual archer" and has lots of enthus- iastic fire. Generally he hits the mark. He does far better when he follows his own deductions than when he pursues that of another. He is honest to a nicety, both in business af- fairs and in spirit. Study that honest face which grew over an honest heart within. He continues at seventy-four to be a diligent Bible student. In song and sermon, Davy is lovable and charming. Coldness to him is cruelty. Love is a con- tinuous torch light from Heaven.
Edmond Forney. This faithful soldier of the cross was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1838, and was reared on a farm. At nineteen years of age he taught his first school. In 1857 he came with his parents to Richland County, Illinois, and remained there for several years. In 1862 he became a resident of Ogle County, Illinois, and engaged in farming. He married
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Elizabeth Hershey. He became a member of the church in 1860 and was chosen to the deaconship in Pine Creek Church, Illinois in 1863, and in 1865 entered the ministry. On Sep- tember, 1873, he became a Bishop by ordination. He served many years in charge of the Pine Creek Church. He came to California in 1900 and had charge of the Lordsburg Church from 1907 to 1912.
Elder Forney has push, ability and strong endeavor. He swings through life overcoming all obstacles for he fully under- stands that man is the highest type of life on earth. He recog- nizes the Holy Spirit in man as the most potent factor in life. He is kind, polite, generous, patient and pleasing, yet firm for right as he sees the right. It cannot be said that Elder Forney scatters his native ability. He is inclined to conserve his spirit- ual forces. He has served repeatedly on the Standing Com- mittee of Annual Conference and moderator of District Con- ferences. He still resides in Lordsburg and gives due atten- tion to the ministry.
William J. Thomas. This "godly man" first was numbered among mankind in Franklin Grove, Illinois, where he joined the church. Chosen deacon in 1861. Mar- ried Rebecca Kelly February 2, 1865; 1868 called to the ministry. In 1869 moved to Ames, Iowa, ordained to the Bishopric in 1889. Moved to Inglewood in 1896 and be- came a charter member and was given charge of that congre- gation which he held for fifteen years. He had charge of the Lordsburg Church four years, and the oversight of the Santa Ana Church two years. His christian virtues were esteemed by his fellow-helpers. In August 1913, he lost his eyesight which was a great misfortune, yet he bore it cheerfully. He still can "make things" out of wood and iron which yields him some comfort. He yet takes part in the ministry occasionally.
In Iowa he was among the first to agitate reformation in the ordinance of feet washing and lived to see a gracious change. The Ames, Iowa congregation was a leader in the reformation. He persisted, studied the Book, and by the time A. M. endorsed the change his congregation was busy in the new practice. It was his searching of the Scriptures that uni-
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fied his people and gave them the practice as now used. In fact, Brother Thomas perhaps was God's greatest instrument to bring about the better way in the Iowa churches. In a righteous cause he does not falter. He realizes his loneliness and says, "Where am I now?" "I am as a lone tree in a for- saken field." John the Baptist was beheaded, Stephen stoned, Peter crucified head downward and the Son of God nailed to the Cross crying, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Yes, yes, in these latter days, at the sunset of my life, why, why am I forsaken? Is it God's way? I trust it is."
There is much to comfort Brother Thomas. He still has the esteem of all Godly people.
Brother Thomas was Moderator of the 1896 District Meet- ing in Glendora and served admirably. He has always es- teemed one true friend of greater value than a legion of flat- terers. He has originality, and speaks to the heart of man.
George H. Bashor. He was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Nov. 20, 1871, and converted by Christ in the Chap- man Creek Church, Kansas and set apart as Deacon within one month after admission into the Church of the Brethren. He was installed into the Minis- try in the Panhandle Country, Texas in 1897; advanced to the second degree in 1900 and ordained to the Bishopric in July, 1911, in the East Los Angeles Church. He was given charge of Channing Street Mission in Los Angeles and served several years very acceptably. George has large social quali- ties naturally, and these being widened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit give him great power in convincing unbe- lievers and holding believers to duties toward God. In 1900 he took charge of Santa Fe Mission, also then under the fos- tering care of the East Los Angeles Church.
The Missions were built up strong in Gospel force and the numbers were satisfactory. He more than filled the Santa Fe Mission with people; for one Sunday School class was taught for awhile outside the main building. So full in his heart for the poor and unfortunate that he was known to go into saloons and lead out parties who were going astray. He faced crowds of unruly men to "rescue the perishing." This
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was Christ's way and George loves Christ's methods. Unruly boys easily come under his benignancies.
Brother Bashor has served the District twice on the Con- ference Standing Committee and presided over the District Conference with becoming dignity and fairness two times. He was Reading Clerk of the District Meeting in 1911 and 1912. He served with grace several years on the District Mission Board and with care looked after the District's interests. He
MERRICH RIST HAS
George H. Bashor.
is a Trustee of the Southern California District and Vice Pres- ident of the National District Mission Board. He is now Pas- tor and Elder in charge of the Glendora church. His faith in the Divine Higher forces is a strong element in healing the sick ; hence he is sought by those who are "ill at ease" to secure the blessings of James 5:14-17. Calm, careful, fair, delibera- tive he makes a good presiding officer over a deliberative body. He is serving the third year as District Sunday School Secre- tary.
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Born March 10, 1854 in Preble County, Ohio. John S. Brubaker. His parents were Israel and Sophia (Shock) Brubaker, both natives of Ohio. Brother Bru- baker and parents were farmers and had sterling qualities as men.
J. S. Brubaker.
He gained his early education in the common or public schools. At twenty-four years of age he united with the Church of the Brethren and four years later was chosen to the min- istry. In 1874 he became a resident of California, residing eight years near Merced. His next move was near Glendora. He gave the orange culture the best that was in him horticul-
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turally and made it a success. Here surrounded by his family consisting of wife, three boys and several daughters, he enjoyed the graces of social life in its purities.
Later in life he built an enjoyable house in Glendora, where he passed to his better home in the Heavens, February 5, 1912.
It is as a Christian that Brother Brubaker witnessed best for God.
His lips were quite free from guile, like Nathaniel's. He loved God and Christ and the Holy Spirit because he was born of them. His acquaintanceship grew into men's souls as they associated more and more with him. He made no claim to loud pretentions. He was unassuming, meek, gentle. This is much. He had charge of the Glendora congregation during his resi- dence at that place. He presided with honor and becoming dignity to the glory of God. His voice was the voice of a peacemaker, yet the needful firmness was happily joined to true kindness. He had the right counsel at the right time.
Near the close of his life he was called to preside over the city council of Glendora and led in the direction of justice and justice toward men. As business man, he assisted in the affairs of Glendora Light and Fuel Company and was a direc- tor of the First Savings Bank of Glendora. As a token of respect upon the day of his funeral, most all places of business were closed and the city council attended the service in the Church in a body.
As a helper in the affairs of the District he was useful and gave evidence of loyalty to Christ and his Church prin- ciples. A week before his leaving, he was heard to say, "I am a young man yet, and would like to have been spared to my family and to continue on in the great work of Jesus." "But he was submissive and went out in hope and joy-hope- fully waiting the Father's explanation." It is for us to say "even so Father, it sceemed good in thy sight," and to wait for the reason of the stroke, the time when from the mouth of every sepulchre the great stone shall be rolled away." Yet nature will have its way, and all the human within us groans in spirit, as beside the cave in Bethany the Divine human groaned before us ---
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"So good, so kind, and he is gone;
Vale, vale in aeternum vale." Yes, thanks to God. the aeternum is erased from our farewells by the glad hope of the gospel. We shall meet him and see him as Jesus is.
Matthew
Mays
Eshelman.
Born near Lewistown, Pa., Sept. 1st, 1844. At five years of age parents, Andrew and Leah Eshelman, moved to Clarion County Pa., where M. M. was schooled in part and completed in Ills. after the Civil War.
Taught school from 1865 to 1876. Served twice in war of 1861-65. Married Lizzie A. Best Oct. 25, 1865. She died in California Nov. 26, 1911.
United with Church of the Brethern June 4, 1874. Bap- tized by Elder David Kimmel in Christian County, Ills.
Elected to office of Deacon, June 4, 1875 at Cherry Grove, Ills.
Associated with J. H. Moore and J. T. Myers in Brethren at Work Sept. 1st, 1876. In publishing business six years.
Chosen to Ministry in Lanark Ills. Sept. 1878.
Ordained in White Rock Church, Kansas, in1884.
1885 to 1887 in charge of Belleville and two other churches in Kansas.
Served as Member of Standing Committee from N. W. Kansas and Colorado District at Annual Meeting of 1885 and 1887.
Secretary of Committee of Arrangements of Annual Meet- ing of 1884 at Bismark Grove, Kansas.
Member of Locating Committee of Mc Pherson college in 1887, and Trustee for three years.
From Feb. 1890 to June of 1895, Immigration Agent of the Santa Fe Railway and crossed the Continent 115 times, traveling about 150,000 miles. One of three persons secured option on Lordsburg, Cal., hotel and aided in organizing Lords- burg College in 1891.
Assisted in colonizing Inglewood and Laton, Cal. with members of the church and others.
Filled unexpired term of eight months in Colton Cal. Mission in 1898.
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Prepared for Geo. Rice & Son, publishers in Los Angeles, the auto-biography of 100 leading citizens of Los Angeles County.
Began teaching in 1880 and taught local Bible Schools in Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington and California.
Held Children's Meetings and gave chalk talks as early as 1883.
M. M. Eshelman, Making a Book.
Revival work in many churches from Indiana to Pacific Coast.
Secretary of twenty-three District Meetings in Ills., Kan- sas, Oregon, Washington and California.
Foreman of Berean Bible School, Los Angeles, from 1907 to 1912.
Author of the following works: Sabbathism, One Faith Vindicated, True Vital Piety, Two Sticks or the Ten Tribes of Israel Discovered, History of the Danish Mission, A Model
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Life, or, Uncle John Metzger, Operations of the Holy Spirit, Los Angeles Now and Then (illustrated), Open Way Into the Book of Revelation, Prepared this History, Writer for local newspapers and magazines. Author of Truth Triumphant.
Married Salome A. Watkins, Dec. 31st, 1912.
1915, 1916 united with S. S. Garst in charge of Tropico Church.
Always "least of all saints."
W. E. Trostle. The subject of this sketch was born June 7, 1868, on the farm near State Center, Iowa. In 1890 his parents took residence in Woodberry County, Iowa, and the son was schooled in the public schools and High School of Kingsley, Iowa.
During the years 1891 to 1893 he took education in Mt. Morris College, Illinois. He was baptized in 1889, and chosen to the ministry in 1892 in Iowa. Ordained to the Bishopric in Pine Creek Church, Illinois, in 1898 by Bishop J. G. Royer. Before chosen to the ministry he served several years as Sun- day School Superintendent. For seven years he was assistant Pastor of the Pine Creek Church, Ogle County, Ills.
In 1886 he loved and married Katie R. Rowland of Polo, Ills. In 1904 located near Pasadena. Assisted in organizing the Pasadena church April 14, 1905. Served as her Pastor for thirteen years and as Elder in charge eleven years. Served as Bishop of Long Beach church about two years and South Los Angeles church about five years.
For five years he was a member of the District Mission Board in Northern Illinois, and during the past thirteen years he has been a member of the Southern California and Arizona Mission Board. He has been a member of the Board of Trus- tees of Lordsburg College for eight years and is yet a member. Also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Golden State Home and Orphanage of this District. In his ministrations he has baptized about 100 converts. He is author of a number of prophetic charts. He has given much time to Bible and Prophetic study and believes in a whole Bible "rightly divided." In short, he takes very little interest in so-called modern re- forms. A strong temperance advocate, a firm conviction in
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right as he sees the right, and an admirer of true reverence. Shams make no impress upon him and he loves to defend an open Bible. He despises heresies and hypocrisies, and takes
W. E. Trostle
a conservative course. He has been greatly used by the Dis- trict and does much evangelistic work.
Was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1866. Before Geo. F. Chemberlen. he was twenty years of age he accepted Christ, and was baptised June 13, 1886. He came to California the following year. A review of this book shows a little of his church activities, and reveals the
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George F. Chemberlen "I know Him in whom I have helieved."
fact that he is regarded as an efficient fellow-helper in Christ. In 1890 he was married to Miss Cora E., daughter of Bro. T. E. and Sister Melissa Byrd Finch.
"I know Him in whom I have believed."
This "man of God" was born in Pennsylvania Elder Peter Forney. and at an early age united with the Church of the Brethren. Even in youth he took readily and very earnestly to the study of the Holy Scriptures. He read, meditated and filled his mind with Divine Truth, and his after years showed the fruits of this early desire
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to know God's will. When called to the ministry he was quite ready for edifying messages and gave them out freely and clearly. He knew the Bible so well that when any question was raised that required the book, chapter and verse he was ready to furnish it. His entertaining qualities were his ability to join truth to truth as the Spirit gave power. He traveled a great deal in his latter days and enjoyed the association and fellowship of his Brethren and Sisters in Christ. Like his Brother John Forney, few men were more able to weave Scripture subjects together. He died in his home in Glendale, Arizona, at the ripe age of eighty-five years. He was a char- ter member of the Glendale church and did a great deal to bring it up to an enjoyable standard in the truth of the Lord. He loved the Christ.
Born May 31, 1876, in Keokuk County, Iowa. Christian S. Hoff. He was converted at a mission in Graham County, Kansas, in 1888 and was baptized by Brother Isaac Studebaker. Chosen to the min- istry in the Victor Church, Osborne County, Kansas, in Octo- ber, 1902. His ministerial lines are exhortatory and evange- listic. He admires a clean life and does not fail on insisting upon it in himself. He is doing good work for the Master at El Centro, Cal. Rather unselfish in his makeup, courteous and considerate, Brother Hoff reaches into betterments with some ease. He is inclined to be very tolerant toward others, yet firm in his convictions.
A. C. Root. was born in Caldwell County, Missouri, Octo- ber 1, 1879, was the youngest son of Elder C. C. and Sarah Root. At the age of fourteen he was baptized in the Ozawkie church by Elder Piersoll. In the year 1901 he was united in marriage to Emma Cline at Gardner, Kansas. A month later they moved to Oklahoma and were called to the Ministry in the Hoyle Cong. in the spring of 1902.
In the year of 1903 they took charge of their first Pastor- ate in the Mt. Hope Cong. and have served to the present time
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in that capacity, and the evangelistic field, in a number of con- gregations.
Denver City, first church, Denver City colored church, Colorado City, Seattle, Washington, a Chinese School in Seat- tle, are some of the visible results of his labors. At present Pastor and Elder of the church at Long Beach, California.
A. C. Root
George L. McDonaugh. At the Annual Meeting in Bismark Grove, Kansas, in 1883, George L. McDonaugh first became acquainted with the Brethren. He took several car loads of members to Southern Kansas after the Conference and thus opened the way for
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many congregations to spring up in that region. In 1890 he became Traveling Passenger Agent of the Santa Fe Railroad and from that time to within a year or two ago he was instruc- mental in settling members in California, Oregon, Washing- ton and Idaho, where now there are many churches of Breth- ren. He has been untiring in his efforts to place people in pleasant places where home-making could bring contentment.
The subject of this writing was born June 26, W. F. England. 1856, in Medina County, Ohio. After attend- ing the common schools of his home, he enter- ed the Medina Normal School and set aside more ignorance by the sunshine of clear and useful truth. He began teaching school in his native county at the age of eighteen years. While teaching his third winter near the Black River Church, Ohio, he united with the Church of the Brethren, being immersed on Christmas Day, 1877. He was a student at the opening of Ashland College in 1879 and took special work for two years. He was united in marriage to Sister Ella Workman, December 22, 1880. He then located in the Ashland Ohio Church and was elected to the Diaconate August 1, 1885. On September 25, 1885, he was called to the ministry and given additional work September 8, 1894. He was ordained to the Bishopric in October 24, 1903. His associates in the ministry were Elders D. N. Workman, I. D. Parker, W. A. Murray, James Murray, T. S. Moherman. He lived in the Ashland Church twenty-seven years and moved with his family to Lordsburg, California October 31, 1907. Since that time he has taken an active part in the affairs of the church and Lords- burg College. He has attended every Annual Conference since in California and twice represented this district on the Standing Committee. He has been a Moderator of the Dis- trict Meeting and since 1908 has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Lordsburg College. For three years he was Acting President and Business Manager of that Institution. For quite a number of years he has had the oversight of Lords- burg Church.
Elder England has a tone of sweet influences and in his ready remarks he bears away in his lines many hearts on any
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W. F. England.
given subject. He makes a good Presiding Officer, is careful of people's feelings and views; even when arrogance lifts its head, he will meet the combat of error ardently. His personal make up is that of winsomeness, aptness, power of perception, love of home. He loves associates who are calm, gentle, kind and intellectual.
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Hewitt R. Taylor. Son of Robert and Mary Taylor, was born in Tuscarawa County, Ohio, May 27, 1842. In 1848 his parents emigranted to Iowa and settled in Powesheik County near what became later the town of Deep River. On his farm Brother Taylor lived for fifty years. He was the first single person to unite with the Church of the Brethren in that vicinity. Here he was chosen
Hewitt R. Taylor.
to the Diaconate, and to the ministry. He was chosen first Superintendent of the first Sunday School in this church. Here he was advanced to the second degree of the ministry and
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later to the Bishopric. He was the first Elder ordained in this congregation. He labored one year under the District Board of Missions in Muscatine, Iowa.
In 1881 Elder John Thomas of Washington County, Iowa, and Elder Taylor opened a preaching service at Elrick on the Mississippi River. These brethren were the first to preach in that section of the country. There were two members living at Kossuth at the time. Brothers Thomas and Taylor kept up that appointment until an elder was secured and a church or- ganized and one chosen to the ministry.
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