USA > Iowa > A history of the Church of the Brethren in southern Iowa > Part 3
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
The Brotherhood certainly has not produced many more forcible preachers than he was. A school-teacher once re- marked that Bro. Stickler had the best command of lan- guage of any uneducated man he ever heard.
He often called himself the Methodist Dunkard, per- haps because he possessed the zeal and activity of the old- time Methodist preachers, yet loving and upholding the doctrines of the Brethren. He was of Old Order inclina- tion, as opposed to Sunday-schools, salaried ministers, pro- tracted meetings, etc. He loved to debate and often said he would rather debate than do anything else. No one who ever heard him debate would want to be pitted against him. An instance will prove the point :
A Christian minister once announced in his neighbor- hood that he would use a certain morning appointment to prove that the Brethren were not following the Bible. He did not think that Bro. Stickler would attend, but Bro. Stickler was there, and when the minister had used his strongest language to prove his points, Bro. Stickler an- nounced that at a certain time he would make a full reply. The minister offered his afternoon appointment so that he could be present to hear Bro. Stickler. Bro. Stickler thanked him, and when Bro. Stickler opened his talk the minister sat looking the brother squarely in the face, but before the sermon was over he was leaning on his hand and looking at the aisle behind him! He told some of the folks afterward that he never received such a licking as Bro. Stickler gave to him. These points are not written to recommend that kind of preaching, but to show the power that is given to some men. Our study should be to discover in what way the most good can be accomplished.
Bro. Stickler was laid to rest Aug. 6, 1905, and as one writer has said, "How are the mighty fallen!"
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FAIRVIEW CHURCH
Eld. Martin Replogle
Martin Replogle was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1830. He was the second son of Eld. Abraham Replogle, whose biography will be found elsewhere. He received what in those days was considered a common school edu- cation. He was married to Anna Hareter in 1850. To this union nine children were born. He followed the occupa- tion of farming all his life. He had an interest in the flouring mill business with his brothers for a few years, but turned it over to them in a short time. He was again married, to Elizabeth Hiel, and his third wife was Sister Jennings, who survived him.
Bro. Replogle was elected deacon in 1852, and served in that capacity until called to the ministry in 1862. He was advanced to the second degree in 1870, and ordained in 1892. He was given the charge of the Fairview church in 1894, and retained the oversight until 1898, when he re- signed and Eld. Abram Wolf was selected. While he did considerable preaching and visited some among the ad- joining churches, he was not as much at home in the pulpit as were some of his brethren. Perhaps his strongest " preaching " was shown in his success as a financier and his willingness to help the church in her different activi- ties. He was always willing to perform his duty and never shirked any task which the church put upon him. He was laid to rest in the graveyard near the church where he did so much of his church work.
Eld. Daniel Zook
Daniel Zook was born in Bedford County, Pa., Feb. 6, 1824. When quite young he moved with his parents to Wayne County, Ind. We have no means of knowing any- thing of his early life, except that his education was lim-
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
ited, as schools in those days were meager. On Nov. 17, 1844, he was married to Margaret Hardman. He united with the Church of the Brethren about 1845, and moved to Iowa and located in Appanoose County in 1855, having pre- viously been elected to the office of deacon. Soon after coming to Iowa he was set apart for the ministry, and later was ordained to the full ministry and was several years the presiding elder of the Fairview church, until 1894, when he resigned the oversight and moved to Van Buren County. He was also for a number of years the bishop of the Liber- tyville church. Soon after he moved to Van Buren County the Pleasant Hill church was organized and he was placed in charge, continuing until his death.
In 1894 he was joined in marriage to Sister Sarah Fill- more, who survived him some years. He never was blessed with children, but that did not detract from his fatherly na- ture, as he was a father to all who made his acquaintance. He was a strong and entertaining speaker and love and sympathy shone out through his sermons as it did in all his life. He was perhaps sympathetic to a fault, as at one time he went security for a brother who entered into a business, and the result was that he lost all his earthly possessions, which put him in financial straits the rest of his life. But the manifestation of his love for God, the church and the unsaved will ever be a sweet savor to those who came in contact with him. He died at Birmingham Jan. 9, 1903, at the advanced age of 79 years.
CHAPTER III
Monroe County Church
The house is located one and one-half miles east of Avery, in Mantua Township, Monroe County, Iowa.
Eld. Francis Myers and his son-in-law, William Hart- man, of Indiana, came to the eastern part of Monroe Coun- ty on or about Sept. 15, 1853, and secured lodging at the home of John Stevenson, who made them welcome in his home until they were able to bargain for a piece of land. These brethren then returned to Indiana, to bring their families to their new homes. Before returning to Iowa they sent a request to the aforesaid Mr. Stevenson, to an- nounce a preaching service at his home for the last Sun- day in November of that year. The services were then soon moved to a schoolhouse in the neighborhood.
Some time in May, 1854, Bro. Myers stated his inten- tion of organizing a Church of the Brethren, and invited all who desired to do so to present themselves for mem- bership. Several requested baptism, among the number being Orin Judson and wife, Peter Miller and wife, Barker Bates and wife, Miss Sarah Judson, afterwards Miller, Olive Tyrrell, afterwards Morgan, and perhaps some others. Some time within this year these members, with others, to the number of twenty, were organized into a body of church workers, with Bro. Franky Myers as leader. If he was not already an elder he was soon ordained and be- came the shepherd of the flock.
Within this same year Bro. Daniel Miller and wife, Bro. John Hansel and wife, both ministers, and David Kingery, Sr., a deacon, and wife, located within the county.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
These pioneer brethren were among the best citizens, and through their consistent living the church increased in in- fluence and numbers. They had no protracted or revival meetings, but those who felt the value of church member- ship were not backward in making their wants known. At the death of Eld. Myers, in 1865, Eld. Daniel Miller, who had previously been ordained, was given the oversight,
Monroe County Church
which he held until the time of his death in 1883. In all this time they had no house of worship, and as the mem- bers lived in several groups their meetings were held either in the schoolhouses or private dwellings where there were one or more families of members. Those who came from a little distance were expected to stay for dinner. This sometimes worked a hardship when there were only one or two families to do the entertaining, but the social part of this plan was certainly helpful.
Their communion services were held in barns or groves.
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MONROE COUNTY CHURCH
In this time they had no prayer meetings nor Sunday- schools, and no great effort was made towards evangelism. While they held their own they failed generally to get their members' children or outsiders interested in the church work. Other denominations sprang up here and there, and the Brethren church had an unequal chance in the rivalry for prestige. Eld. Myers being an aggressive minister, and perhaps not overly strict in church govern- ment, many were added to the church in the beginning of its history. Eld. Miller was of the opposite type, and thus tended to hold in check a rapid increase in membership. This may have been for the better, in that it kept the church loyal to the Brotherhood, so that in the sad time of division in many churches the Monroe County church lost only three or four who went to the Old Order branch. It developed that the largest number of members was located near Cuba, south of Fredric, and the members for some time were counting on erecting a building as soon as they were able. When the time was ripe Bro. Berkman offered to donate one and one-half acres of ground on which to build, and the proposition was accepted. In 1884 the house, which still stands, was built and dedicated to the service of the Lord. The membership at that time stood at ninety, and for several years before and after it varied between eighty and 100. At about that time, upon the death of Eld. Daniel Miller, in 1883, Bro. Hiram Berkman was ordained and placed in charge of the church.
After the building of the churchhouse appointments were still kept up at different places in the county, and new ones were made when isolated members or friendly out- siders requested. It would be unwise to specify all of these, but one we think deserves mention. It was in the northern part of the county, and included the corner of Marion County, east of Lovilla. Members were there at an early
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
day, and for many years the Brethren had regular preach- ing at that place. For a while there were as many as fifteen or twenty members, but through death, emigration and lack of interest there are only one or two left. We find as the trouble everywhere that the efforts have not been either constant or energetic enough to produce permanent results.
There was no Sunday-school carried on by the Breth- ren until about 1886, but since 1890 the school has been practically evergreen and much good has been accomplished through its ministration. Other church activities have re- ceived some attention. Prayer meetings have been held at different times. A Christian Workers' meeting has been carried on most of the time since it originated in the Brotherhood.
Since the resignation of Bro. Hiram Berkman as elder, in 1907, on account of infirmities of age, the church has been most of the time without a resident elder. From that time to the spring of 1914 Bro. Peter Brower had charge, attending many of the councils and looking after the in- terests of the church.
From 1914 to 1917 Eld. D. P. Miller was the chosen bishop. During these years the church went through the regular routine of work, according to the best plans she knew, as the Lord gave her wisdom, holding protracted meetings almost every year and taking in those who were willing to accept the Savior, they being mostly from the Sunday-school ranks. In this time many of the standard bearers passed away or because of age were retired from active service, and many emigrated to other fields of labor. Because of these conditions, and considering that many of them were the best workers, the church has hardly held her own. The outlook, however, is brighter at present. The membership had decreased to about sixty, but at
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MONROE COUNTY CHURCH
present it is about seventy-five. Bro. D. H. Fouts, having moved in from Washington, was placed in charge of the church, and he, with E. S. Fouts and W. Rodabaugh, con- stitutes the active ministerial force of the church, with eight deacons as helpers. Some of the ministers besides the above were as follows :
John Hansel, 1854 to 1873, one of the most consistent Christians; Daniel Miller, Jr., 1875 to 1883; Isaac Miller, 1883 to 1890; Lewis Miller, 1883 to 1895; J. M. Follis, 1890 to 1903; Willis Rodabaugh, 1895 -; Henry Butler, 1901 to 1903; Frank Roberts, 1902 to 1913; E. S. Fouts, 1910.
Some of the deacons were as follows : David Kingery, Sr., 1854 to 1880, went with Old Order branch ; Peter Miller, for many years a pillar in the church; Daniel Miller; all his children joined the church; Aaron Moss, about 1882; John Smeltzer, before 1890; A. L. Morgan and L. P. Mor- gan, about 1890; W. S. Adkinson, 1893; J. B. Bruere, 1894; W W. Miller, about 1893; J. J. Miller, 1894 to 1915 ; E. D. Cook; L. P. McCoy, 1905; A. R. McMullin, 1910; Geo. Miller, 1913.
Eld. Francis Myers
"Uncle Franky " Myers died July 25, 1865, aged 59 years, 5 months and 7 days. He came to Monroe County, Iowa, in 1853, from Indiana. We were unable to secure any information concerning his early life, but from the description of the man and his habits he certainly had not much schooling except what he received in the school of experience and hard knocks. His homespun trousers and flannel shirt were an evidence of his truly pioneer life and character. People were forced to admire him because of his honesty and sterling worth. He was a minister, with much above the average ability of those of his time. He was truthful, sympathetic, sensational and convincing. He
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
always backed his arguments by what the Gospel had to say, but he never engaged in what people sometimes call clubbing.
As an illustration of his power we wish to cite one incident. When he first came to Monroe County there was a place in the community where people resorted for drink- ing, gambling, horse racing, fighting and kindred evils. Uncle Franky signified that by the help of the Lord he . would try to break up the gang, and it was not long until, through his plain and pointed gospel preaching, the people's patronage of the place was withdrawn and the evil was overcome. It is said that he could have an audience con- vulsed with laughter and the next moment weeping.
He favored, to a certain extent, the revival spirit, which is now sanctioned more than it used to be. At one time he was granted the privilege, by the members, of giving an invitation after a sermon, and at its conclusion one of his colaborers characterized him as a howling Methodist. Because of his entertaining qualities he was often invited to address people at camp or basket meetings in surround- ing neighborhoods.
He was a strong sympathizer with the abolition cause during the Civil War, and one or two of his sons enlisted in the Federal army. Once, when the news reached home of the defeat of the Union forces, he was so overcome that he could not preach, and dismissed the meeting for that time. While he was a lover of the church and her rulings, he always pointed to the Gospel rather than to church laws for his authority. He was progressive in his ideas and perhaps lenient in his discipline. He and his wife died the same year of the dread disease, smallpox, which one of their sons had contracted in the army and brought home. His memory is still cherished by some of the early settlers, who speak of him in commendable terms.
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MONROE COUNTY CHURCH
A short time ago we visited the last resting place of this one-time hero in a forsaken and neglected grave- yard. We could scarcely find the place for the growth of weeds and brush. There have been none of his relatives in the community for several years, and very few there- abouts know the last resting place of this noble man. While his name and grave may be forgotten, the result of his work remains.
Eld. Daniel Miller
Daniel Miller was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1803. When he was three years old his parents moved to Indiana Territory, into what afterwards became Union County. Here he grew to manhood, and because of his pioneer surroundings it is likely that his education was limited, except in the school of experience and obser- vation. He was, however, undoubtedly reared under Chris- tian influences, perhaps of Christian parentage, as he was called to Christian discipleship and ministry in his native State. He was what one of his sons termed "a common scrub farmer," dividing his time between the ministry of the Word and providing a living for his family.
The only important event of his life in his native State, of which we can give the exact date (Nov. 17, 1825), was his marriage to Lydia Eikenberry, who was a companion in all his sorrows and a sharer of all his joys. She was said to have been one of the most consistent and lovable of women. One brother confessed that her righteous life was the initial cause of his conversion. To this union were born eleven children, nine of whom lived to maturity. One son and two daughters embraced the faith of their parents. The others lived consistent Christian lives in other denom- inations. His companion survived him by several years, dying Jan. 26, 1891, aged over 84 years.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
In 1854 Bro. Miller, with his family, moved to Monroe County, Iowa, and located on a farm one and one-half miles north of Fredric, where he resided until his death. Here also is where we are most concerned about him as a min- ister. He was a very rapid speaker. As one brother said, "he ran all over himself." Whatever he undertook he prosecuted with all his might. So, when preaching, after shedding his outer garment, the perspiration often would fall to the floor. He preached considerably along doctrinal lines, one brother remarking that he always kept to the point. He was opposed to anything that savored of sen- sation or emotion, and often referred to the practice or opinions of the old brethren in expressing himself on church polity. He also favored the Old Order element in many of their tenets. He was therefore opposed to Sunday- schools and protracted and prayer meetings, and none of them were attempted in the congregation until after his death. In his discipline, both in his home and the church, he was rather stern, and very few cared to oppose him in his decisions. Considering his extreme views, he certainly had much ability as an overseer, in that the church pros- pered under his care. Oct. 4, 1883, he was laid to rest, and his mantle was placed upon other shoulders.
Eld. Hiram Berkman
Hiram Berkman was born in Indiana June 6, 1840. He was blessed with a good common school education and spent some of his young manhood in teaching several terms of school. By this means he laid the foundation of his after useful life. He was reared in the faith of the primitive (Hardshell) Baptist church, his parents belonging to that denomination, and for several years he was affiliated with that faith.
March 15, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss
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MONROE COUNTY CHURCH
Rachel Himelick. To this union were born six children, three of whom lived to maturity. The two daughters are living in the faith of their parents, and the son is a mem- ber of another denomination. His former wife dying, he was united in marriage to Sister Mary A. Funk Oct. 17, 1883, and with her he lived to the time of his death. She still survives him.
He, with his family, moved to Iowa in 1869, and after a few years located on a farm one and one-half miles east of Avery, where he resided to the time of his death. In 1870 he and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren, and ever afterward he was a liberal giver of his time and means to her prosperity. He was soon called to the min- istry, and about 1881 he was ordained to the full ministry, in which office he labored faithfully for about twenty-five years. He contributed the land on which the churchhouse was built, besides doing his share in money donation.
As a minister, at first sight he presented an awkward appearance, but when at his best he was a powerful and convincing reasoner. While his reasoning was not always scientifically correct, he had no trouble in convincing his auditors of the strength of his arguments. He often made strong arguments out of type's and figures. He made a thorough study of the Bible and read some of the most pro- found works of reason and logic of the day. He did a great deal of preaching, mostly at different points in the sur- rounding territory. He did not do much evangelistic work, and became easily discouraged at adverse circumstances. As an elder he was generally dearly beloved by his congre- gations, who were sorry to give him up when he was too feeble to attend to his duties. He was a great lover of home and the family. That is perhaps one reason he did not leave home oftener. He was always a strong supporter of the traditions of the church and decisions of the Annual
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
Conference. The theme of salvation through obedience was always prominent in his mind in preaching, and the church ordinances received his constant attention.
It was sometimes difficult for him to grasp new truths or new theories, yet when once they were mastered he had no difficulty in imparting them to others. In his preach- ing he liked to talk to a congregation as though he were speaking to an individual or class, which at times caused offense. This was perhaps his greatest fault, but when he was not so well acquainted with a congregation this dif- ficulty did not exist. His advice was, that if a minister did not feel himself master of the situation he had better take his seat, and it is said that in his early ministry he would often do this within ten minutes.
A couple of illustrations will give some idea of his power when at his best. At one time, when in an adjoining church, the resident minister asked him to do the preach- ing. Awhile afterwards a lady, in conversation with the above-mentioned minister, remarked like this: " When he first arose I wondered what that awkward fellow could do, but before he was through he shook my whole inward being." On another occasion, at an outpost of the home church, a gentleman came up to him after the service and said, "You must have been loaded for bear."
After several years of affliction with shaking palsy he was laid to rest by kind brethren and friends, Aug. 27, 1910. He was a man of strong constitution, and it is sup- posed that his early affliction was caused by being struck by a train when they were hauling rock for the church- house, in which accident he lost the senses of taste and smell. The funeral was conducted by Elders Abram Wolf and J. M. Follis, and the presence of his former parishioners and neighbors betokened the respect and admiration in which he was held by all.
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MONROE COUNTY CHURCH
Willis P. Rodabaugh
Willis P. Rodabaugh was born July 30, 1869, on a farm near Birmingham, Iowa. He was the eldest son of D. E. and Elizabeth Rodabaugh (nee Glotfelty). He attended the public school near his home until 15 years of age, and then attended the Birmingham Academy two winters, and at 17 started to school at Mt. Morris, Ill., where he attended four years, in all remaining at home one year to assist with the farm work, that his brothers might have a better chance to go to school. The last year at Mt. Morris he paid his own way. He graduated from the commercial department in 1887 and the academic department in 1890.
He had two brothers and three sisters, all of whom are now (Jan. 1, 1920) living, namely : Eld. E. G. Rodabaugh, of Norborne, Mo .; M. D. Rodabaugh, of Fairfield, Iowa ; Mrs. H. B. Johnston and Mrs. W. C. Hunt, of Batavia, Iowa ; and Mrs. Jesse Andes, of South Dakota. He was of 'a studious disposition but had his share of temper, although he kept it under good control and never caused any trouble in the home or community. He had almost finished reading the Bible through at the age of thirteen. After completing his school course he taught school two winters and worked on the farm during the summer.
Nov. 9, 1893, he was married to Martha Ann Warner, of Monroe County, Iowa. To this union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Five children sur- vive him, namely, Frona B., Bulah A., Leota M., Edwin D., and Alice I., and his wife, with a foster daughter, Mrs. Mary Caldwell.
He departed this life Jan. 9, 1918, at his home near Fredric, Iowa, aged 48 years, 5 months and 9 days. Funeral services were conducted by Eld. S. W. Garber and his re- mains were laid to rest in the cemetery near his home.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
He spent his life until a few years after his marriage in Jefferson County, Iowa, and then moved to Monroe County, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life.
He united with the Church of the Brethren at the age of sixteen and was a devoted, loyal member all his days, standing firmly by life and example for the principles of the Gospel as understood and practiced by the Brethren.
He was called to the ministry in September, 1893, in the Libertyville church, and advanced to the second degree in 1898, in the Monroe County church. He was always ready to do his part in the Master's service and was a faithful expounder of the Gospel.
His services and labors for the Libertyville and Monroe County churches and for the Southern District of Iowa, were much appreciated and will be fully known only in eternity. It was said of him that he was always found at church at the appointed times, and never allowed visiting or visitors to keep him from divine services. He was a kind husband and father. He had no enemies. All who knew him loved him.
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