USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > A Century of history of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana : with sketches of it's [sic] pastors, officers, and prominent members and reminiscences of early times > Part 5
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J. P. E. Kumler.
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Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, while in the capacity of pastor, was a great favorite with his church and congregation, and his resignation was very reluctantly accepted. His parting with his friends was painful at least, and at the last mo- ment he may have wished with them that he had not lis- tened to the "call" which they did not wish him to hear. Then why did he leave? Was it the "call," or was it that like a brave general he changed his position in order to be given a better advantage of the enemy, thinking that with the three years of thorough training he had given the sol- diers of the cross in Evansville that they could "hold the fort" and wage successful warfare against sin without his aid. His plans of systematic church work have continued and the impression left upon his people is that he was an excellent pastor. He was an eloquent and practical preach- er, and well deserved the kind regard and esteem in which he is held to this day.
To Mr. Kumler the First Avenue Church is largely in- debted. Through his influence it was first started as a Mission Society, in 1871, and with the help of the Grace Presbyterian Church, a flourishing society was organized and a church was built, of which Rev. Wm. H. McCarer be- came pastor and was very active in the promotion of its in- terests and welfare until the time of his death.
MRS. KUMLER
Was a most energetic church worker and is not forgotten. Her active interest in all good works as well as her exam- ple, were a great benefit to the church. No duty was neg- lected that she undertook to perform, and she was one of the women who could well be depended upon for a leader in all that pertained to reform, while her home duties were never neglected. She was a good wife and mother and is kindly remembered by her many friends. Mr. Kumler went from Evansville to Cincinnati, where remained for some time. His place of residence at present is Pittsburgh, Penn.
REV. SAMUEL CARLISLE.
After the Rev. Mr. Kumler left, Rev, Samuel Carlisle filled his place. It has been impossible to hear from him, and as nothing is known of his history it can only be said that he was quite a young man and gave satisfaction as a preacher.
His portrait has been kindly offered by one of his friends for insertion in this volume.
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Rev. Carlisle.
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CHAPTER XII.
REV. CHARLES HENRY FOOTE, D. D.
Rev. Mr. Foote was born in Lenox Mass., the 17th of June, 1825. His parents removed to Monroe county, N. Y. when he was ten years of age. He prepared for college in Rochester, N. Y., and graduated at Williamstown, Mass. He began the study of law, but at the end of two years de- cided that it was his duty to enter the ministry. He then went to Princeton Theological Seminary, and before he fin- ished his studies there, he received a call from the Second Church in New Brunswick, N. J., which he accepted im- mediately after he graduated in 1854. Mr. Foote was mar- ried to Miss Alma T. Foote, of Madison, N. Y., in June of the same year and remained with the New Brunswick church four years. Although the relation of the church and pastor were most harmonious, he took the advice of his physician and removed west for the benefit of the health of his wife. He settled first in Jerseyville, Ill., where he lived for ten years, which included the time of the civil war. Be- ing on the "Border land," it was only by his prudence, wis- dom and personal popularity that his large church was held together. Afterward, when he was in charge of the North Church in St. Louis, Mo., he received his call from Walnut Street Church in Evansville, to which he came in 1876. While pastor of the North Church in St. Louis he received the title of "D. D." from Blackburn University, Ill. After preaching and faithfully discharging all his pastoral duties in the Walnut Street Church for three years he accepted a call from the First Presbyterian Church in Ionia, Michigan, from which church militant he was removed to the church triumphant, June 27th, 1880. The tablet erected to his memory in this church will give a summary of his charac- ter and the esteem in which he lived and died. His work as a pastor was eminently successful in every sense of the word. He never had a communion season without addi- tions to the church. He always left a church united and harmonious, and on leaving he always received the most
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by Donde
Rev. Chas. Henry Foote.
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cordial expressions of regret from the majority of the peo- ple. He was especially happy in his work and intercourse with young people and his genial and frank ways always won the children. Mr. Foote was a cousin of Rev. Henry Beecher, whose mother's name was Foote.
The above account was written by an intimate friend of Dr. Foote, who says: "Of his work in Evansville, the growth and prosperity of the church for three years he was there, I need not tell you." Of course the church rec- ords will give a full account of the additions and official work. The following is a fac simile of the inscription of the tablet erected to his memory in the church in Ionia, Michigan, when he was called away from his last pastorate duties :
In Memoriam
CHARLES H. FOOTE, D. D.
BORN JUNE 17TH, 1825. ORDAINED MAY 23D, 1854. DIED JUNE 27TH, 1880.
An Able and Faithful Minister of Christ. The Beloved Pastor of this Church from 1879 to 1880.
Intellectual, Vigorous and Original. Emotionally Generous and Genial.
Spiritually Earnest and Energetic.
"Remember the Word that I said unto you, being. yet present with you."
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REV. ALEXANDER STERRITT.
Rev. Alexander Sterritt supplied the pulpit for a short time, when there was no regular pastor. He was an accept- able pastor of Grace Church for many years. He was a very original preacher, giving his own views on different subjects and his own interpretations of passages of scrip- ture, which was an innovation seldom ventured upon at that time, and though, to most minds, entirely orthodox, might in this day when such men as Dr. Briggs are arraigned, be thought to savor of heresy. He was a genial, jovial man and a clever preacher, and was well thought of by all who knew him. He is now numbered among those who have crossed over "to the other side."
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CHAPTER XIII.
MR. JOHN SHANKLIN.
Mr. Shanklin became an Elder of the church in 1855. He was one of the oldest residents in Evansville. He was born near Derry, in the County Done- gal, in Ireland. His father, John Shanklin, Sr., an Irish patriot, lost his life in the rebellion of 1798, fighting for his beloved country. In his eigh- teenth year Mr. Shanklin emigrated to America, landing in New York after a voyage of six weeks in a sailing vessel. He spent three years in New York, afterward removing to Frankfort, Ky., from which place he went to Shelbyville in the same state, where he engaged in teaching several years. Subsequently he made his home in Louisville, where he made life-long acquaintances and friends. In 1823 he came to Evansville and engaged in business in which he continued, under different firm names, the last being Shanklin & Reilly, till about four years be- fore his death. After his death a city paper spoke of him as follows :
"Mr. Shanklin began life in Evansville when it was a mere village. He saw it grow into a city with wide spread- ing commerce and wealth. He witnessed in his long life the creating of the railroad and the telegraph, scarcely dreamed of when he first came to the place and with these creations the marvelous growth and development of our country in commerce and intellectual activity. With all this his mind sympathized and kept pace. Though the snows of eighty-two winters had fallen about him, his spir- its were buoyant and hopeful, making his presence and company always genial and agreeable to the old and young alike. Proverbially liberal and kindhearted his hand was ever ready to help forward those who were contending with adverse circumstances. His heart was always open to the
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cry of the poor and distressed and with his means he was ever ready to render them substantial aid. John Shanklin was no ordinary man, in his mature manhood his physical powers of endurance were extraordinary. The circum- stances in which he and many others in this new country were placed called forth and developed the highest skill and energy. A trip to New York was made by river, stage and on horseback, and weeks and months were spent in these weary journeys. Also the southern trip to New Orleans was equally tedious, going down on a flat boat and return- ing by steamboat. Persons in business were obliged to make these long journeys. During Mr. Shanklin's active business life he was largely engaged in shipping produce to New Orleans. He was always foremost in business, pos- sessing the confidence of all who were associated with him in the affairs of life, and he never betrayed their trust. In the church his labors were supplemented by his devoted wife, and both are held in grateful remembrance. He was an Elder of the church for over twenty years, and his life linking the past century with the present, closed full of good deeds and loving memories. Of his excellence as a citizen, his tenderness as a husband, his kindness as a fath- er and his uprightness as a man, let the hearts of his chil- dren and friends who knew him best testify."
MRS PHILURA SHANKLIN.
Mrs. Shanklin was removed by death from a sphere of usefulness three years previous to the demise of her hus- band. She was a native of Vermont, and as Miss Philura French, came to Evansville in 1831 with her sister, Mrs. Calvin Butler, and engaged in teaching for three years before her marriage. The school house in which she began her labors was a primitive log cabin on the Princeton road near the old farm of Luke Wood. She afterward taught in Washington, Ind. She was actively engaged in promoting everything calculated to advance the prosperity of the church of which her brother-in-law was pastor in Evans- ville, and in its connection began her work in the Sabbath school. To her belongs the honor of organizing the first Sabbath school, which was then regarded as an innovation upon the established customs, which did not fully bear upon
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the higher sanctification of the Sabbath. But such was her power of fascinating the youth that it was not long till through them she triumphed over the prejudices of the par- ents. Her interest in the young people of her day and her influence upon them was in many instances very remark- able. Seemingly she had never forgotten her own youthful tastes and she entered into and sympathized in all the en- joyments of her young friends with evident delight and satisfaction. Her love for children was one of the well re- membered traits in her character. Her home was always a pleasant rendezvous for all the young people in the neigh- borhood. To illustrate her desire to give pleasure to the children a little incident is given by one of her friends, who said: "Finding her one day superintending the arrange- ment of the shrubs and flowers in her front yard, I called her attention to the fact that the gardener was setting the roses so near the fence that every passer-by might pluck them. She said "That is just what I want. If any little child that has no flowers at home comes along, I want him to reach right through the fence and take them.' Her reli- gion was practical as well as spiritual. She comforted and assisted those in distress and encouraged all who needed strength to bear the burdens of life. Her religion spiritual- ly, carried her beyond the cloudy visions of time, where love and beauty reign supreme. She dwelt in the presence of of the grandeur of which St. Paul speaks as "the powers of the world to come," and her aspirations were always for a better and higher life. She was in sympathy and goodfel- lowship with all Christians of whatever denomination. By her death, not only her particular friends were bereaved, but the church to which she belonged and the community for whose good she exercised her best thoughts and influ- ences.
Much more could be said of this good woman, but the hand that would indite these lines is influenced too deeply by a sister's love to be trusted to write more. The love and sympathy of a last surviving sister which made life pleas- ant and desirable has passed away, and in their place come memories from the shadowy past that no lapse of time is sufficient to dim. At this late day the heart aches at the desolation that the removal of the beloved presence has wrought and veils itself in its sorrow.
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Rev. J. F. Adams.
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CHAPTER XIV.
REV. J. Q. ADAMS.
Rev. J. Q. Adams was a native of the town of Ogden, a few miles west of Rochester, N. Y. His parents were New England people and his father was a farmer. He was early initiated into the hard work of a farmer's boy, and his school days were soon limited to the four months of the winter term of a district school. A desire to secure an edu- cation possessed him, and he cannot remember the time when he did not expect to become a minister. Under great difficulties he prepared for college, much of the work being done at home under the guidance of an older sister. From September, 1868 to May, 1869, he was a student in the academy connected with the Normal School at Brockport, N. H. Then, owing to the sudden death of his father, he left school and managed the farm until it was sold in the spring of 1871. In the meantime, by diligent study, he had entered the University of Rochester in the class of '74. Here he pursued his studies and was graduated with that class, and from the Theological Seminary at Auburn in 1877. Most of these years he was supporting himself by office work, teaching and preaching.
Soon after being graduated he was married to Miss Clara Southgate, of Rochester, and became stated supply of the Presbyterian Church of Mexico, N. Y. There had been much trouble in the church, and his work was to bring together the two parties and consolidate the church for work. Though holding a call to the pastorate, he was not installed, nor was he ordained until June, 1878. Then the Presbytery of Syracuse ordained him an evangelist. He had previously been licensed in 1876 by the Presbytery of Rochester.
In November, 1878, he accepted the invitation to be- come a stated supply to the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church, of Evansville, and began his work December 1st. At the end of the year he received and accepted a call to the pastorate and was installed by the Presbytery of Vin-
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cennes. Here he remained until October, 1881. It was a pastorate much enjoyed by him, and full of work. A large number had been received into the church under Dr. Foote, his predecessor, and his work was largely in looking after and training the new converts. The church was brought into greater unity, and better organization for work. Ow- ing to the failure of his health he was obliged to resign, and accepted a call to become the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Boulder, Colorada.
Here new work in laying foundations was thrust upon him. There was a large growth in every department of the church. It became self-supporting and stepped to the front as one of the most vigorous churches of that region. The demands of the general work were also numerous.
In March, 1884, he resigned this pastorate to accept a call to the Westminster Presbyterian Church of San Fran- cisco, where he is still pastor. Work in this city is excep- tionally difficult, and the church to which he came was in debt, divided, sadly demoralized, and few in numbers. There has been growth in many ways. It is out of debt, united, thoroughly organized, liberal and active in every good work. It has one of the best working forces of young people to be found anywhere. It has the First Company of the Boys' Brigade in the U. S. A., which, in its more than two year's work, has done much for the boys, and is a rap- idly growing organization.
Any notice of this work would be incomplete without some reference to her, who in every good work, has been a help-meet, indeed. Elder Samuel Orr called her "a model pastor's wife," and as the years have passed since then, she has not lost this reputation. To her abundant labors Mr. Adams owes much.
All that has been said of Mrs. Adams, meets with a hearty response from everyone who was blessed with her acquaintance. While her husband was pastor in Evansville she won all hearts, her labors of love and mercy were "abundant," and she has never been weary of well-doing. From her far. off home in California, word comes back that the good little woman is more active than ever and her good influence among all classes and especially among the young people, is being felt and highly appreciated.
That Mr. Adams does "not remember when he did not expect to be a minister" must have had a powerful influ- ence in forming his character. His life and mind must have developed with that gracious thought, which was evi-
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Rev. Seward M. Dodge.
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dent from his purely spiritual sermons. Mr. Adams was very highly respected, and his ill health, which obliged him to leave, was seriously regretted. Excellent reports of the good he is able to accomplish among the rising generation come to us, and that his health has improved in the mild climate of California, is very gratifying to his many friends.
REV. SEWARD M. DODGE.
Christmas morning of the year 1881, the Rev. Seward M. Dodge preached his first sermon in the pulpit of Walnut Street Church. First, as stated supply, and afterward as pastor-elect, he served the church until the last of Septem ber, 1883, when he departed for California and became pas- tor of the Santa Rosa Presbyterian Church.
On the 22d of January, a month after Rev. Mr. Dodge's arrival in Walnut Street Church, a jubilee service was held on the fiftieth anniversary of the building of the first church edifice erected ten years after the organization of the church, and the debt $3,000, which long hindered the work of the church, was cancelled.
Only a few days later, Elder Samuel Orr, long the main pillar of the church and confidential adviser of every pastor, was laid to rest. In the October following, his be- loved wife, of sainted memory, joined him. The next spring the old church manse gave place to a beautiful brick structure, erected to their memory by Mr. James Orr and Mrs. Martha Bayard.
During Mr. Dodge's pastorate, of less than two years, thirty-five members were added to the church-nineteen on confession of faith and sixteen by letter. Regular meetings were established among the young people, with whom Mr. Dodge was always in the fullest sympathy, and many re- ceived the spiritual blessing of introduction to Christian work.
Though the time was short in which Mr. Dodge re- mained with the church, his work was successful, and he was appreciated as an honest and faithful worker in the vineyard of the Lord. His talents were not buried, and in a quiet, unpretentious way he went about his Master's work and when the day of reckoning comes he will receive the plaudit: 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."
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CHAPTER XV.
MR. SAMUEL ORR.
In a note from the Rev. Seward M. Dodge, he says, "Much of sorrow as well as joy was crowded into the few short months I spent in Evansville." No sadder event ever occured in the church than the death of one of its old- est and best beloved Elders, Mr. Samuel Orr, which took place during the time when Mr. Dodge was pastor. The name of this good man brings pleasant memories to every one who knew him. He had all the qualities which make a man respected and honored in every walk of life-as a business man, a phil- anthropist, a Christian and a personal friend.
Mr. Samuel Orr emigrated from Ireland in 1833, and after two years spent in Pittsburg, he came to Evansville, where he engaged in business and afterwards became one of ths largest dealers in iron in the West. He was an hon- est man, and was eminently successful in the accumlation of wealth, which seemed a well merited reward for his per- severing energy and his upright dealings with all men. Be- nevolence was one of his most prominent characteristics; the poor and needy were never refused aid when an appeal was made to his kind heart ,and among this class the sin- cerest grief was felt when he was called away. The "Ev- ansville Courier" said of him:
"He was personally known to a larger number of men, women and children, perhaps, than any man who has ever lived in this community, and their knowledge of him was not merely that of an acquaintance, but of deep personal attachment."
It can be truly said of Samuel Orr that his kindness was universal; that his bounty was freely given whenever necessity or sorrow laid claim to it. The last prominent
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scene in which he was an actor occured about two weeks be- fore his death, the occasion being the semi-centennial an- niversary of the Walnut Street Church. After an eloquent discourse by the Rev. Seward Dodge, who had just entered upon his duty as pastor, it was proposed to clear the church debt by subscription. With that liberality which has al- ways characterized his actions in every worthy cause, and that has particularly lent emphasis and sincerity to his church loyalty, Samuel Orr subscribed about one-fourth of the amount necessary, in this way giving such stimulus to the movement that in a few minutes the required amount was raised. No one was present who will ever forget his cheering words on that occasion, now doubly memorable for the sad sequel of the great sorrow that followed. He appeared in his usual health and his cheerful nature was never seen to greater advantage. "This day's work," he said, "lifts a great burden from my heart; I have always wished that this debt might be paid during my life."
Alas! That the end should have come so soon after this happy fruition of his hope. He goes down, not over weighted with years it is true, but having fulfilled a career that was full of noble deeds that will be recalled with fra- grant memories. No reproaches will follow him into the mysterious future which all men must sometime explore, and he leaves behind him a name that will always be rev- erenced as an example to be emulated and beloved."
MRS. SAMUEL ORR.
The honored and beloved wife of Mr. Orr deserves a place in this volume. She was married to Samuel Orr before leaving Ireland. Reared with sterling principles, in the atmosphere of the old Scotch Presbyterianism, she was a firm defender of the faith, and her conscien- tious and useful life was a grand monu- ment to the teachings of her early days and her memory is as fresh in the hearts of those who knew her as the green sod from which she emigrated.
A few lines from the editor of the Evansville Tribune, who knew her from his childhood, shows the place she held in the affections of her friends.
He says: "To the writer she was very dear, the kind words and friendly advice she often gave him when a mere child, the interest she has always shown in him, after he ar-
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rived at man's estate, are cherished never to be forgotten. She was truly a noble woman and her life was a long suc- cession of good deeds-a kind charitable Christian woman, numbering her friends as well among those in the humble walks of life as among those upon whom fortune had smiled. Her church was next to her home, the dearest spot on earth to her, and as long as her strength would permit she was never absent from her pew. She has gone to her Maker, gone to the spot at His foot stool that awaited her coming."
Of Mr. and Mrs. Orr, it truly can be said, the mantle of these worthy people has fallen on their only son and daughter, Mr. James Orr and Mrs, Martha Bayard, who are well fitted to fill out lives that will honor their venerable parents. They have built a beautiful Parsonage on Wal- nut Street on the lot adjoining the church, sacred to the memory of their father and mother.
MRS. JANE FARRELL.
Mrs. Farrell, a sister of Mrs. Orr, is the oldest member of the church, and one of the precious links that connect the past with the present. She remem- bers much of Evansville in early times and likes to recall the scenes and events of long ago.
Mrs. Farrell came to America from Ireland, as Mrs. McDonald, more than forty years ago and became acquainted with pioneer life, the first few years having been spent in the country near Evansville. There were many privations to be endured in the new settlements at that time, and often misfortunes. After being comfortably settled in a home, her house, with all its contents was consumed by fire; not long after, hav- ing again secured a pleasant home, she was bereaved of her husband, who in attempting to cross a stream which he was usually able to ford, a late rain having swollen it, he rode into the stream and was drowned. Her trials were all borne as only a brave woman can bear trouble. She re- moved to town, and after several years she was married to Mr. John Farrell, since deceased. She has always been a staunch Presbyterian, and her interest in the church at her advanced age is unabated. When the weather is not un-
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