USA > Iowa > A history of the Church of the Brethren in southern Iowa > Part 4
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CHAPTER IV
English River Church
From Its Organization to Feb. 19, 1918
As it is the desire to have a history of the Church of the Brethren in the Southern District of Iowa, I hereby give the following dates and events :
In the year 1854 a party of Brethren and others moved from Allen County, Ohio, seeking a location. About July 1, 1854, they arrived at Mt. Vernon, Linn County, Iowa, and the men (viz., David Brower, minister, Solomon Wine, Daniel Wine, Wm. Harvey, and Jonas Stoner) left their families about two miles north of Mt. Vernon, while they came to spy out the desired place. They were accompanied by Daniel Stoner, Abe Stoner, John Riggle and Solomon Cramer, who had no families at this time.
They were perhaps on this locating trip about six weeks, and while in this community they went on the Lord's Day to the Christian meeting at the home of Moses Hall, about one-half mile east of South English, Iowa. Mr. T. Q. Matthews, the Christian minister, asked if there was a minister among these brethren, and when he was told that Bro. Brower was a preacher, he asked him to preach. Bro. Brower accepted the invitation and preached the first Brethren sermon heard in the neighborhood, so far as known. They bought land near South English and proba- bly landed here with their families about Sept. 1, 1854.
Some families came from other places, and the first love feast was held at the home of Bro. Solomon Wine,
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HISTORY OF SOUTHERN IOWA
about forty rods west of where the Brethren church now stands, Sept. 22, 1855. Elders Samuel Garber and Christian Long, of Illinois, were present at this feast, and the English River church was organized. The charter members were David Brower and wife, Solomon Wine and wife, Daniel Wine and wife, Peter Wolf and wife, Samuel Flory and wife, William Harvey and wife, Sallie Flory, and a few others by the name of Wolf. These charter members have all crossed the river of death.
Bro. David Brower was ordained to the eldership and placed in charge of the new church the same day of organi- zation, and Samuel Flory and Daniel Wine were called to the deacon's office on that day.
Seven other churches have been organized from the territory originally belonging to this church, North English being the last. This church was organized May 3, 1916. Forty-five of our members comprised this new organization, and our present number is two hundred and five. I am sorry that some of these churches have been disorganized.
Ministers who have served this church, and the time of their labors here :
David Brower, moved here 1854; moved away, 1871; elder after September, 1855.
Jacob Brower, moved here 1855; died Dec. 6, 1900; elder after April, 1854.
Samuel Flory, chosen minister 1858; died July 3, 1914; elder after 1873.
B. F. Flory, chosen minister 1872; moved away 1874.
Andrew Mohler, moved here 1864; joined Progressives 1880.
David Barklow, moved here 1864; moved away 1870.
Wm. Smith, moved here 1871; moved away 1875.
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ENGLISH RIVER CHURCH
C. M. Brower, chosen minister 1872; died Sept. 13, 1906; ordained elder Oct. 9, 1897.
G. S. Wine, chosen minister 1881; moved away. 1891.
S. F. Brower, moved here 1891 ; moved away 1901.
Peter Brower, chosen minister 1892; died May 9, 1914; ordained elder, Nov. 17, 1903.
H. C. N. Coffman, chosen minister .1894; here at present ; ordained elder Nov. 17, 1903.
D. P. Miller, chosen minister 1898; in North English church, after May 3, 1916; ordained elder Nov. 23, 1907.
J. D. Coffman, chosen minister 1900; moved away 1905.
J. D. Brower, chosen minister 1902; here at present ; was absent 1906-1913; ordained elder about 1910.
A. W. Miller, chosen minister 1905; in North English church since May 3, 1916.
Elders of the English River Church, Nov. 16, 1923 From left to right: H. C. N. Coffman, J. E. Smith, J. D. Brower, W. D. Grove
H. C. Wenger, chosen minister 1906; moved away 1906.
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J. H. Brower, chosen minister 1906; here at present ; was absent one year, 1914; ordained elder 1914.
J. C. Seibert, elder, moved here 1906; moved away 1906.
W. D. Grove, chosen minister 1908; here at present ; ordained elder Nov. 25, 1916.
Jasper E. Smith, chosen minister 1914; in North Eng- lish church after May 3, 1916.
G. W. Burgin, elder in Burlington 1912; moved away, 1913.
S. P. Miller, by letter 1914 ; died Dec. 20, 1917.
W. H. Brower, chosen minister 1916; here at present.
W. H. Long, elder, moved here 1915; in North English church after May 3, 1916.
The following elders have had charge of this church :
David Brower, from 1855 to 1871; Jacob Brower, from 1871 to 1879; Samuel Flory, from 1879 to 1901; C. M. Brower,' from 1901 to 1906; Peter Brower and H. C. N. Coffman, from 1906 to 1910; H. C. N. Coffman, from 1910 to 1914 ; J. D. Brower, from 1914 to 1922; H. C. N. Coffman from 1914 to the present.
Following are the names of the deacons who have served this church :
Samuel Flory, elected 1855; chosen minister 1858.
B. F. Flory, elected 1858; chosen minister 1872.
C. M. Brower, elected 1870; chosen minister 1872. G. S. Wine, elected 1872; chosen minister 1881.
Peter Brower, elected 1887; chosen minister 1892. H. C. N. Coffman, elected 1892; chosen minister 1894. D. P. Miller, moved here 1898; chosen minister 1898. J. D. Coffman, elected 1896; chosen minister, 1900.
J. D. Brower, elected 1900; chosen minister 1902.
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ENGLISH RIVER CHURCH
H. C. Wenger, elected 1905; chosen minister 1906. J. H. Brower, elected 1902; chosen minister, 1906. W. D. Grove, elected 1902; chosen minister 1908. W. H. Brower, elected 1914; chosen minister 1916. Daniel Wine, elected 1855; moved away, 1866.
W. H. Black, elected 1858; died 1900.
J. F. Flory, elected about 1863; joined Thurmanites 1868.
Noah Miller, elected 1866; died 1912.
Daniel Niswander, elected 1866; moved away 1904. A. M. Flory, elected 1872; moved away 1897. John Fry, elected 1870; moved away 1880. L. H. Huff, moved here 1881; moved away 1881.
A. H. Brower, elected 1880; here at present.
S. F. Niswander, elected 1892; moved away 1904.
P. G. Hopwood, moved here 1895; moved away 1907. J. B. Flory, elected 1896; here at present. J. W. Borden, elected 1900; here at present. Charles Miller, elected 1900; moved away 1907. J. J. Smith, moved here 1902; here at present. John Wright, moved here 1898; moved away 1898. Charles Hostetler, moved here 1909; moved away, 1910. Frank Miller, elected 1905; moved away 1906.
H. W. Coder, elected 1906; here at present.
W. F. East, elected 1907; moved away 1911.
S. A. Miller, elected 1907; in North English church after May 2, 1916.
F. A. Brown, elected 1908; moved away 1911.
S. M. Flory, elected 1910; here at present. Otus Coffman, elected 1910; here at present. Fred Songer, moved here 1911 ; moved away 1912.
C. E. Flory, moved here 1911; in. N. English church after 1916.
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Ed. Smith, moved here 1913; here at present.
G. W. Phouts, by letter 1914; deceased 1921.
Oscar Clements, 1914; deceased 1921.
Meetinghouses
Our Brethren held their meetings in private houses, groves and schoolhouses, until 1865, when the house which is still owned and used by the Brethren was built. It is
Brethren Church Near South English
a frame house, 40x60 feet, and has from time to time been remodeled and repaired, which has kept it in very good preservation.
House No. 2, a frame house, 30x40 feet, was built in North English, Iowa, in 1889, and was turned over to the North English church in 1916.
Communion Meetings
This church has held at least one communion meeting
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each year, except one, and for a number of years two have been held each year.
The first four were held at the home of Solomon Wine, or in a shed near by. Then seven were held in barns, and seventy-four have been held in the present house and a number in the North English house.
District Meetings
One State District Meeting was held in the barn of Bro. David Brower, in 1865.
Seven District Meetings have been held in the church as follows: 1871, 1876, 1882, 1889, 1897, 1904, 1911.
Sunday-Schools
The first Sunday-school was organized July 8, 1877. Another Sunday-school was organized May 21, 1893, in the North English house. Both schools met twice each month (during summer only), but both grew, and about 1895 both developed into interesting evergreen schools, and have made steady growth ever since.
Revivals
The first series of meetings was held in this church in the winter of 1875-76, by John Thomas. We have had a series of meetings at this house almost every year since, and also at the other house from the time it was built. Many souls have been gathered into the fold during these meetings.
Social Meetings
There were some social or prayer meetings at the homes of some of the members, but they were not kept up regularly until Oct. 19, 1893, when the first social meeting
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was held in the churchhouse. At this time only a few of our members had had any experience in talking in public, but later this developed into a Christian Workers' meeting at both houses, and now many of the members can speak on almost any subject to edification.
Bible Schools
The first Bible school was taught in this church in 1895. Since that time many Bible schools have been taught by able brethren and sisters from abroad, and a few have been conducted by home talent.
Missionary Sentiment
There has been considerable missionary sentiment in this church from an early day. Our first ministers often went to other congregations (which were scattered over these vast prairies) on horseback or otherwise, sometimes being away from home for weeks at a time ; besides having appointments in their own District at schoolhouses or other available places, which the ministers and others were punc- tual in attending. Some of them walked eight or ten miles to meeting, and returned the same way, feeling well paid for the effort put forth.
Later we find our members giving of their means to be used in spreading the Gospel abroad.
Some of our members have gone out and devoted their services in the mission field (for a time at least).
Our Sunday-schools also have come to the rescue and for some years have supported one missionary on the for- eign field.
Aid Society
The first Aid Society was organized in September, 1899. Since that time our sisters have done much good in mak-
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ing prayer coverings, bonnets and other useful articles, sometimes fitting out those who had just come into the church; also preparing and sending many boxes, barrels, and sacks of clothing and provisions to our missions, or- phans' and Old Folks' Homes, and wherever they thought the articles were most needed.
The poor of our community, both in and out of the church, also have been remembered and helped.
Other Points of History
This church has sent a delegate to Annual Meeting every year since the church delegate system was adopted. She has been represented on the District Mission Board consecutively by at least two members ever since 1887. She has had one of her members on the board of trustees of Old Folks' Home ever since its existence began in 1904. She, too, has been well represented on Child Rescue and Temperance Committees, Ministerial Board, and Trustee of Mt. Morris College.
Ministers: J. E. Smith, received by letter in 1919; W. H. Brower, lettered out Aug. 23, 1919; J. H. Brower, de- ceased, Feb. 13, 1920.
Deacons : C. E. Flory, received by letter Aug. 23, 1919; Earl Grove, by letter Jan. 9, 1921; I. N. Weaver, chosen Feb. 26, 1921; W. P. Senger, chosen Feb. 26, 1921; Edwin Smith, lettered out about Dec. 15, 1919.
A. H. Brower.
Jacob Henry Brower
Jacob Henry Brower, eldest child of Eld. and Mrs. Peter Brower, was born near South English, Iowa, Jan.
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23, 1879, and died at the place of his birth, of influenza, Feb. 13, 1920, aged 41 years and 20 days.
His boyhood days were spent on the farm, assisting his parents, and attending the country school. Later he entered the South English High School. During 1908-09 he, with his family, spent the year at Mount Morris College, Mount Morris, Ill. His thirst for knowl- edge did not close with his school days, for he was ever interested in educational activities, spoke of his education as incomplete, and his future plans to finish his col- lege course. His studious habits went out with him in life, to which fact the well-chosen library of books and magazines, that he Jacob Henry Brower gathered about him, will testify.
He was united in marriage to Lottie V. Keiser, Dec. 25, 1901. His wife survived him only fifty-three hours. To them were born three daughters, Alma Fern, Edna May and Esther Eilene. Besides these sorrowing members of his immediate family, he leaves a devoted mother, three brothers and one sister, near South English, Iowa, one sister in Mount Morris College, one brother at Louisville, Ky., and many other relatives and friends.
Having accepted Christ as his Savior, he united with the Church of the Brethren in February, 1891. He was chosen to the ministry Nov. 24, 1906, and ordained to the eldership Oct. 25, 1914. Always serving in offices of the church, often appointed to committees or selected as dele-
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gate to Annual or District Meetings, he was ever active and enthusiastic.
Bro. Brower's interest in mission work led him to take up work of this nature at Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the spring of 1914. Climatic conditions were not favorable, and he returned to the farm at the end of the year. His ultimate aim, however, was the giving of his talents toward the spreading of the Gospel. In pursuance of this aim, he devoted much of his time to evangelistic work in Iowa. Time and money were on the altar. As a minister of the Word, his services were often in demand, up almost to the time of his death. Even in the hours of delirium, his lips still preached Christ to a lost world.
His short but severe sickness was borne with patience. As his wife and two children were sick, many of the cares and responsibilities were borne by his mother and eldest daughter. During his sickness it was very evident, by his talk, that he wanted to live, so that he might work for the Master and care for his family. But God willed other- wise.
Bro. Brower is greatly missed in the home, the church and the community. He was not only a loving husband and kind father, but he was a real companion and associate in the social interests of the family circle and community. Although he was older in years, yet he always enjoyed wholesome entertainment and often accompanied his girls in such activities.
In the very prime of life he slipped away-just why we can not understand. Our Father knows.
Feb. 15, 1920, he was quietly laid to rest in the Brethren cemetery, where his father had been laid almost six years prior to this time.
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Lottie Virginia Brower
Lottie Virginia Keiser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Keiser, born at Roanoke, Ill., March 18, 1881, died of in- fluenza and other complications, Feb. 15, 1920, aged 38 years, 10 months and 28 days. Interment, Feb. 18, 1920.
She was united in marriage to Jacob Henry Brower, Dec. 25, 1901. To this union were born three daughters, Alma Fern, Edna May and Esther Eilene, who have been called to mourn the loss of both father and mother with- in less than three days. Besides these daughters she is mourned by her father, mother, three brothers and two sisters, living in the vicinity of South English, Iowa, and many other relatives and friends, who will greatly miss her presence. Having accepted Christ as her Savior, she united with the Church of the Brethren, Oct. 7, 1899. A loving wife and mother, a true friend, and a kind neigh- bor, she lived a consistent Christian life. As opportunity offered, she accompanied her husband in his evangelistic work, but more often remained with her children, faith- fully performing the maternal duties, necessary to the real home which was established.
Like her husband, Sister Brower desired a speedy re- covery for the service that she felt she could render to her family. Especially did she express her desire to live for the sake of her fatherless girls.
Other complications setting in, combined with the shock of her husband's death, were too much for her weakened body. Peacefully, though very suddenly, her spirit took its flight into the great beyond whence none return. But, " there shall be no more death, neither sor- row, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the Lord God giveth them light; and they shall reign forever and ever."
Mt. Morris, Il1.
Elva E. Brower,
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ENGLISH RIVER CHURCH
Eld. S. F. Brower
Samuel F. Brower was born in Keokuk County, Iowa, Feb. 13, 1863. Being the youngest in a family with several boys, he was permitted to spend considerable time in the schools of the day, and was not necessarily disciplined to hard work in childhood as were the older ones. He was well tu- tored in the faith of the Church of the Brethren, his father being Eld. Jacob Brower, for several years overseer of the English River congrega - tion, whose bio- graphy will be found elsewhere in this book. He was baptized in the English River congrega - tion Jan. 27, 1884. Elder S. F. Brower and Family He moved to Sid- ney, Nebr., in
February, 1886, and became a charter member of the Grand Prairie church, which was organized in June of the same year.
Dec. 23, 1886, he was married to Miss Jennie S. Thomas, of Washington County, Iowa. To his wife he
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gave much credit for his success in the ministry, calling her his Bible encyclopedia. He was elected to the ministry in the Grand Prairie church March 30, 1889, and two years later returned to the English River church, Iowa. He was advanced to the second degree Dec. 24, 1892. While at this place he helped care for his aged father, who was almost helpless for several years. In February, 1901, he located in the South Keokuk church, where he remained over four years, and after the death of 'Eld. John Gable he was the foreman of that congregation until he moved away. He moved to Nampa, Idaho, in October, 1905, doing consider- able church work at that place, and was there ordained Sept. 26, 1908. He passed to his reward May 9, 1913.
He often felt as though he would like to do more church work, but on account of his own and his wife's health he had to turn down many calls. He was a mem- ber of the Mission Board of Southern Iowa for some years, and one winter he was chosen to visit the churches in the interest of missions, taking collections and looking up the isolated. He was a member of the building committee when the Ottumwa church was built. He was never very strong physically, but this could not be readily discerned in his preaching. His strong voice and manner of delivery made him a favorite preacher and ofttimes he was requested to preach in preference to several ministers that were present. His dignified manner was not so pleasing to some, and his bold assertions and expressive gestures were stronger arguments than his sound logic. He was the father of one boy and one girl, who are living with their mother in Idaho. He passed to his reward May 9, 1913.
Eld. Peter Brower
Eld. Peter Brower was born in Augusta County, Va.,
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Jan. 15, 1851, in an humble, but very religious home. He had a line of religious ancestors. In the fall of 1855 when in his fifth year he moved with his parents to Keokuk
Elder Peter Brower and Wife
County, Iowa, locating near South English, after which he always lived within two miles of South English, in the Eng- lish River congregation, which was organized only a few weeks before this family landed at this place.
He attended the District School at South English, but school privileges were very meager in that day. As mar- kets were far away, much time was consumed in market- ing grain, and working in the timber preparing material for buildings, fences, etc., consequently after he was large enough to work he did not get over two or three months of schooling a year. That was far short of the present- day schools, but by perseverance he obtained a moderate education. Under such conditions he grew to manhood, but he early formed a habit of much reading. Often while a young man he would carry his dinner with him, and if there chanced to be a newspaper about he would read the
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paper while he ate his dinner. He also obtained a number of good books which he read, and made a study of the Bible while yet a nonprofessor, keeping up this practice during his entire lifetime. Often he remarked, "I read about everything that comes to the house."
Jan. 10, 1878, he was married to Sister Sarah E. Stoner, and the spring of the same year he united with the Church of the Brethren, of which his wife was a member some time before marriage. She stood by him all the succeeding years, helping him in his many duties. He at once began active church work at home, writing for the press, teaching in the Sunday-school, etc. Some of his writings for the Gospel Messenger came out just about the time of his death. He was called to the deacon's office Oct. 22, 1887, and labored faithfully in that office until Sept. 3, 1892, when the church saw fit to call him to the ministry. Therein he labored faithfully until death, preaching his last sermon just twenty days before the spirit took its flight. He was advanced in the ministry Nov. 24, 1894, and was ordained Nov. 17, 1903.
He served as Messenger agent and church correspond- ent, and Sunday-school superintendent and teacher, also as ยท church delegate at Annual Meeting and District Meeting, and on Standing Committee, as well as on many other com- mittees. He had charge of five different churches as elder at some time, three of which he had at the time of his death.
He served on the District Mission Board for many years, being on the board at the time of his death. He also was on Child Rescue and Temperance committees, and trustee of Mount Morris College at the time of his death. He served his District as moderator a number of times, and also as clerk. In his early years he followed farming, but
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for some years he had left that mostly to the younger folks, turning his attention more to spiritual work. He reared a family of seven children, all of whom except one have united with the Church of the Brethren, and are fol- lowing the wise counsel of a father. One son is in the min- istry.
He was chosen as District evangelist in his early min- istry. For some time he labored much in the District, which, as he had an excellent memory, gave him an acquaintance which few possess. He was ever ready to help the needy, both in this world's goods and with spiritual food or ad- vice. He always labored hard for that which he believed to be right. He did much in the way of baptizing, preach- ing funerals, and solemnizing marriages. I can call to mind at least one time when he had two funerals in one day; at another time the funeral of husband and wife at the same hour, and at least three times he officiated at double weddings. One aged elder said, " I had asked him to preach my funeral," and one little girl, in her 8th year, said, "I wanted him to baptize me." Both services have since been done by others, for his work on earth was finished.
Only a few months ago I asked him to write the bio- graphies of the elders who had lived in this congregation and have passed over the river, and he willingly consented to do so. When he brought the manuscript to me, less than six weeks ago, I did not think that I so soon would be writing his biography. But when it seemed we needed him so much, God said, "Come up higher." His illness was caused by internal cancer, and was of short duration, yet he had sufficient warning. He sent for the elders and was anointed according to James 5: 14, and made other neces- sary arrangements. He was perfectly submissive to the . will of his Master. Thus, on the morning of May 9, 1914,
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when a little more than 63 years old, he peacefully passed away in the presence of his devoted wife and seven chil- dren and most of their families, one brother, one brother- in-law, two sisters-in-law, and a number of others.
His funeral, largely attended, was conducted May 12, by Eld. H. C. N. Coffman and Bro. W. D. Grove in the house where he had so often worshiped, and where the different parts of official work had been placed upon him. Thus, with much sorrowing, his body was laid to rest near those gone before, to await the resurrection of the just.
Happy the day when life begun, Happy the goal at set of sun ; For the Master has bade him come, For he had all his work well done.
Yet much is left for us to do.
Oh, let us to our God be true ; For he has said he would endue
Us with power if we are true.
South English, Iowa.
A. H. Brower.
Eld. C. M. Brower
Eld. C. M. Brower was born in Augusta County, Va., Oct. 9, 1844, in an humble religious country home, with a line of religious ancestors. While we have the "country church problem " confronting us now, we see, and must admit, that most of our strong men came from the coun- try. He grew like other boys, with nothing special to mark his future destiny, attending public schools at Colie Town and perhaps Liberty, in Virginia. In the fall of 1855, with his parents, he moved to near South English, Iowa, in the English River congregation, where he con-
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