Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835 to 1915, Volume I, Part 10

Author: Evangelical Church. Indiana Conference; Baumgartner, Samuel H; Haist, A. B
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : Indiana Conference
Number of Pages: 412


USA > Indiana > Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835 to 1915, Volume I > Part 10


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35


CHRISTIAN C. BAUMGARTNER (1842-1902)


Synopsis: Born at Orange, Dachfelden, Canton of Berne, Switzerland, Feb. 2, 1842; died at Elkhart, Indiana, Sept. 3, 1902; buried at Elkhart ; converted in the Old Baptist Church, near Linn Grove, Ind., '68, under the labors of J. Fuchs. Licensed to preach, Sept., '70; entered the active work, Sept., '75; ordained deacon, '76; elder, '78; served as Presiding Elder 8 years; twice was delegate to General Conference; 3 times Secretary (German) of the Conference; taught public school from his 13th to 17th year; court interpreter at Bluffton; Doctor of Medicine, '63 to '75, '87- 1902 ; preached from '75 to '87 ; married Barbara Lehman, of Ohio, Oct. 8, '63; father of five children.


111


INDIANA CONFERENCE


HIS BOYHOOD DAYS AND IMMIGRATION TO AMERICA


He was the second son of John Baumgartner, a school teacher and book-binder. His father carefully directed the inclinations of his sons, and endeavored to give them a good, Christian, as well as a secular, education. To the grief of the family, the father died when the boys were but 9 and 11 years old, Christian being the younger. This caused them great sadness, and when it came to leaving the blue Jura mountains of Switzer- land and their many friends, it went doubly hard.


Christian had a special knack for learning, reading print at the early age of four years. He was witty and humorous, saying of himself that he had no talent to sing up to his eighth year. He got hold of a book that had these words in it, "Songs with their own melody." "That suits me," he CHRISTIAN C. BAUMGARTNER said. "I can sing my own melo- dy to these songs," and he pro- ceeded to do so to the dismay of those about him. Later on he became a good singer and a vocal teacher.


At the age of six, he went to school, his father being the teacher, and read French as readily as a boy of 13. In '49, with his parents, he came to Fluh, among the mountains, where his poetic feelings were awakened. Close to his home there was a waterfall, below which were fish. Trying to catch some of them, he fell in, and would have drowned, had not his brother called his parents in time to the rescue. There were many crabs in the stream, and being very fond of crab-meat, he would catch them, and unceremoniously eat them raw! He had a great liking for literature, especially for history, reading, early in life, Pilgrim's Progress, Stilling's Works, Huebner's Biblical History, History of the Turkish Wars, History of Switzerland, and Natural History.


Concerning their migration to America, he writes, "After a five days' stay at Havre, we boarded the ship 'Gentleman of Nor-


112


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


folk,' and after 42 days, rocking on the billowy ocean, at eventide, we reached Manhattan, near New York. There were 160 pas- sengers on board, all of which, but three, took sea-sickness, I being one of the three that escaped the ordeal. When we neared the land, the lights of New York and Brooklyn cast their glimmer upon the waters. To the right were the palaces of Castle Garden and the light-house of Sandy Hook; to the left, Ft. Lafayette with her 200 cannon, threatening the deep, while the masts of the thou- sands of ships in New York harbor looked like a large piece of timber in winter. Back of all this lay the green ocean, dashing high her waves, together with numerous ships and pilot-boats that silently glided to and fro like huge swans."


He was homesick for the fatherland, with its Alpine scenes, fantastic colors formed by the morning and evening sun playing upon the glaciers; its Sunday mornings with ringing church-bells and re-echoing mountains, and, above all, the friendships that were left behind. A new world lay before him, a world with an unknown language and strange customs.


Landing the morning after their arrival, they spent the day on land, and, boarding the steamer "Henry Hudson," at eventide, they reached New Albany, N. Y., the next morning. They pro- ceeded to Buffalo by rail, and from thence to Cleveland by boat, and finally to Sugar Creek Township, Wayne County, Ohio, where they were royally received by relatives. After a seven weeks' stay they proceeded to Berne, Ind., where her brother was living, and where they remained until the marriage of the mother. Christian's mother and brother went several miles every day to work, leaving him alone. The surroundings were new and uninviting. Wolves prowled about, and all manner of wild things; he had no books to read, was weak in body, and too young to work, and altogether he felt miserable and neglected. A few months later a change came to all this. His mother married Rev. Christian Baumgartner, of Vera Cruz, with whom they had spent a few days on their way to Berne. Now he could attend an English school, and, making rapid progress, was soon at the head of his class.


In '55 he attended school at Bluffton, Ind., being as happy as could be. His leisure hours were often spent on the banks of the Wabash, fishing and thinking of the time when Red Jacket and Tecumseh lived along this stream; and of the camp-fires of the Shawnees and Delawares that lived under the sycamore trees smok- ing their pipes, and of their tomahawks in hand when they gave the "war-cries," to the terror of new settlers. Here in school he


113


INDIANA CONFERENCE


also made rapid progress, and soon ranked as one of the best in the class.


He was now thirteen years old. It was decided that he should teach school. He took the prescribed examination, and received his license, and joyously returned home.


While teaching, many amusing and sometimes irritating things occurred. He was a mere boy and small for his age. He had grown scholars, and some of which were very ignorant, ill-mannered, and brutish. He was firm, courageous and determined. His motives were often misunderstood, and hence he was slandered and persecuted; but he always maintained his manliness and credit. Few experience so much in so short a time as he, and the tension of teaching almost wrecked his body. During his teaching period he was often called on to act as court interpreter in Bluffton. He also used his pen in writing articles against wrong-doing, and defending the right. Profanity in those days was awful, slanders many, first-fightings frequent. The neighborhoods were like volcanoes, not knowing when they would belch forth the lava of profanity, slander, and end in gruesome deeds. He said, "There was at this time and place a religious war in progress." All churches fighting each other, each thinking themselves in the right. But the work of the Evangelical Asso- ciation in this community wrought a great transformation.


A STUDENT OF MEDICINE


At this time ague was raging throughout the country, and this gave him a strong desire to study medicine. Rev. Klein, of Tiffin, Ohio, had previously urged him to enter the Reformed Sem- inary, and study for the ministry. He, however, had no such inclination, and realized that it was a great wrong to preach to suit the itching ears of the people. On May 27th, '59, at the age of seventeen, he left home to study medicine, without any guar- antee of having means enough even to pay for his tuition. His parents promised to assist him as much as their penury would allow, but he looked to God to provide the ways and means to fulfil his de- sire. He found a place with Dr. S. W. Bartges, of Akron, Ohio, where he also providentially met Dr. Barrick. Having finished his course of study, he began practicing in Wayne Co., among his Swiss friends. In '65, he moved to Linn Grove, Indiana, where he continued his practice for ten years with great success.


114


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


HIS CONVERSION


It was here, under the labors of John Fuchs, who was hold- ing a revival in the old Baptist Church, near the town, that he was converted, in the winter of 1868-9. Having attended some services he became serious about his salvation, but it was hard for him to pull away from the old Mennonites, especially since his step-father was one of the leading preachers of that denom- ination at this time. But his uncle, Samuel Baumgartner, brother of his step-father, called on him, and prevailed on him to come again to the revival. The Doctor consented, and when they en- tered the church it was crowded. Samuel Baumgartner went to the front, as usual, expecting the Doctor to follow. Turning around, he discovered that the Doctor was hunting for a rear seat. He motioned to him to come up in front, which he did, much against his desire. Brother Fuchs preached an unctuous sermon that gripped the Doctor's heart. When the invitation was given, the Doctor knelt and began to wrestle for salvation. Like others, he discovered that he had had only a form of godli- ness, and not the power. He was gloriously converted, and be- came very active in the Evangelical Association, of which he now became a member.


HIS CALL TO PREACH AND MINISTRY


He continued his profession, but soon felt that God had a higher calling for him. His class in Linn Grove recommended him to Conference for license to preach, which was granted at the Conference session, held at Indianapolis, in Sept., 1870. He now served in the local relation, together with his medical profession, until the fall of 1875, when he took the place of Rev. Maurer at Wabash, Ind., who had resigned on account of physical ailment. The Lord sealed his ministry by giving him many souls for his hire, especially near Urbana, Ind. (Speicher Settlement), where he had a great revival and organized the Urbana society of the Evangelical Association. In '78 he was sent to Elkhart, Division St. Church, and labored with good results. In '79 he was elected Presiding Elder and stationed on Indianapolis District, serving it 4 years. In '83 he was re-elected and stationed on Elkhart Dis- trict. The latter part of this term he was afflicted with an in- jured knee, which confined him to his bed for three months and left him a cripple. Had he listened to the attending physicians, his lower right limb would have been amputated. However, his judg- ment prevailed, and hence he was left in a better condition. On account of this misfortune he located in April, 1887, and again


115


INDIANA CONFERENCE


resumed the medical profession in Elkhart, Ind., where he con- tinued to the end of his life. This affliction robbed him consid- erably of his former energy and ambition, and he lost interest in his profession to some extent.


His preaching was unique. His Scriptural insight was clear and comprehensive; descriptive power strong and lucid; delivery easy, earnest, often with deep emotion, and somewhat in a mono- tone. He was as free in the English as in German. In general, he was a well-read man in the sciences, histories, biographies, and literature. He was also an occasional contributor to the church papers, always using good diction. He was highly esteemed by the brethren in the ministry. His medical knowledge gave him ready access to many homes while in the ministry. His pastor, M. W. Sunderman, had charge of the funeral services, while Rev. C. F. Hansing preached the sermon. Quite a number of ministers were present to show their last respects.


JOHN BERGER (1841-1891)


Synopsis: Born, Marshall Co., Ind., near Bremen, Aug. 17, '41. Died, Oakland, California, Dec. 12, '91, where he is buried. Converted, Aug. 26, '59. United with the Evangelical Associa- tion. Enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War. Licensed by the Indiana Conference, '63. Ordained as deacon, '66; elder, '68; missionary to Germany, '74; Presiding Elder in Germany 3 years, in the Indiana Conference 314 years, and 3 years as special col- lector for missions to Germany. Delegate to General Conference from Germany. Married to Susannah von Allmen, of Olney, Ill., Dec. 9, '66, father of 9 children. Secretary of the Conference, '71-3.


His parents, natives of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, Michael and Fredericka Berger, were honest and industrious farmers. They were members of the Lutheran Church, locating at Bremen, Indiana, where John grew to manhood. John endured all the hardships of a pioneer's family, being well acquainted with hard work and meager school privileges. By hard study he, neverthe- less, obtained a fair education, enabling him to teach school. He was the youngest of the family.


HIS CONVERSION


In '47, when he was six years of age, pioneer preachers of the Evangelical Association preached around Bremen. This year


116


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


his parents were soundly convert- ed to God and united with the Evangelical Association, and this, John said, brought a great change in the family life that made a great impression upon his young heart. Early, the Spirit of God strove mightily with John, but he delayed making a definite decision for the Christian life until he was 18 years of age. About this time he became very ill, and he faithfully promised the Lord that if He would spare his life he would serve Him. He be- gan to pray for pardon of sin, and renewal of heart, so that he might live a consecrated life to God. After his recovery he did not forget his vows, and, praising God for the JOHN BERGER great deliverance, began to serve Him in earnest. On Aug. 26, '59, he was "born again to a living hope unto eternal life."


HIS CALL TO THE MINISTRY


Soon after his conversion, there was awakened within him a strong desire to preach the Gospel, but being of a modest and timid nature, he found it difficult to yield. He began stifling his convic- tions, and the small voice was no more heard until a terrific storm arose, flashing lightnings all about him. A bolt of lightning just missed hitting him by so much as a hair's breadth. Again the voice of God was heard, and he was now led to take up the work of the Gospel ministry.


Just at this time the Civil War broke out, and he volunteered his services, entering Company K, 29th Indiana Volunteers. After passing through the great battle of Shiloh, he took sick and was honorably discharged from army life.


After his return from the army, he regained his health, and urged by the brethren, entered the ministry. He was licensed by the Indiana Conference, and was assigned to Ionia Mission, now of the Michigan Conference, with J. Trometer as preacher-in- charge. He served very successfully the following fields: lonia, '63; Defiance, '64; Olney, '65; Mt. Carmel, '66-67; Shelby, '68-69; South Bend, 1st, '70-72. In '74, the Board of Missions, appreciat- ing his ability, appointed him as missionary to Europe. He moved


117


INDIANA CONFERENCE


to Germany, and was appointed to the "Prussian Mission." He located in Essen, with his family, and began his work in said city and surrounding country. The Lord abundantly blessed his labors with many conversions, and a prosperous society was or- ganized as a result. He was our first missionary to Northern Ger- many, where he served for two years as missionary, and three years as Presiding Elder of Muelheim District. He was also in vital connection with the Reutlingen Seminary. While here, he was compelled to post his topics with a certain authority, and ob- tain his permission, before he was allowed to preach the sermon. At one time he was detained by a policeman and had to prove that he was not a spy. He found, with others, that a missionary in Germany had a hard time finding recognition, and that the doors of opportunity can only be entered with much persecution and per- sistency.


In the spring of '79, he again returned to America, re-entering the Indiana Conference, and was assigned to South Bend, 1st Church. The next three years he served as a special collector for the work in Germany, under the appointment of the Parent Mis- sionary Society. He proved to be efficient, and his work was crowned with eminent success. In '83 he was appointed to Wa- bash; 1884 found him elected as Presiding Elder, in which office he served 314 years, finding it necessary, on account of his health, to locate after this time. In '88, he moved to California, in an at- tempt to regain his health, which was sufficiently restored so that he could enter the California Conference, being assigned to Los Angeles. In '91, he was stationed at Oakland, where he served with success until his decease.


While still on the district, he met with a rather serious acci- dent on the La Gro road leading into Wabash. His horse became frightened at an approaching train, and, running away, threw him out of the buggy, breaking his leg.


He thoroughly understood the plan of salvation, and could pre- sent the same effectually, and he led many souls to Christ. He was recognized as an effective pulpiteer ; his sermons were lucid, deep and logical, both doctrinal and practical, instructive and edifying. He was a peer among preachers, fearless in attacking sin, positive in his convictions, but considerate of other men's views. He was congenial, a splendid pastor, and a great soul-winner. His motto was, "To lead souls to Christ," and "to labor for the Master." The church had in him a useful servant, a wise counsellor, and a sincere worker. He was highly esteemed by the brethren. He greatly deplored the division of the church, and took a neutral standpoint,


118


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


which also defeated him as a delegate to General Conference in '87. He was a frequent contributor to our church papers. The funeral services were held in a Methodist Episcopal Church at Oakland, Cal., by Rev. H. Cordes, and others assisting.


SAMUEL E. BEVERLY (1859-1894)


Brother Beverly was born in Huntington County, Pa., Feb. 11, 1859. When but a child his parents moved to Huntington Co., Ind., and at the age of 12 he went to live with Samuel McCaughey, where he remained until his marriage to Miss Clara Schock, Nov. 1, 1882. He farmed until '91, then moved into Huntington, and clerked in a hardware store for a year and a half. His parents were members of the Evangelical Association and reared him un- der this beneficent influence. Under the ministry of Geo. Roe- derer he was led to accept Christ and also to unite with our church.


He heard the call to the ministry soon after his conversion, but being of limited education he felt disqualified for so import- ant a work, and, therefore, hesitated. Finally he yielded to the call, which grew stronger from time to time, and received his rec- ommendation from the Huntington society, and was duly licensed as preacher on probation, April, '92. April, '93, he was assigned to his first charge, N. Webster Mission, upon which he entered with courage and determination. Being social and conscientious, he soon won the confidence and esteem of his parishioners.


On a hot Sunday night in July he was obliged to sleep in a very warm, unaired room, and in order to be more comfortable, he opened a window and retired. During the night he took a fatal cold, and six months later, Feb., 1894, he passed beyond. He was conscious to the end, and his going out was gloriously triumphant. During his illness he exhorted his visiting friends to live right. It was said that his sermons were Scriptural and spiritual, and de- livered with great earnestness. They were clear, impressive and arousing. The funeral was held in the Evangelical Church at Huntington, Ind., by D. Martz, P. E., assisted by J. W. Metzner. The city pastors served as pall-bearers. He was survived by his wife and 2 sons. His body was laid to rest in the Huntington Cemetery.


WILLIAM BOCKMAN (1814-1890)


Born at Schauden, Hanover, Germany, Jan. 17, 1814, of Roman Catholic parents, who scrupulously reared him in that faith. In


119


INDIANA CONFERENCE


'39 he immigrated to America and came first to Cincinnati, O., and after a few years moved to Huntingburg, Ind. Soon after his ar- rival at Huntingburg, he came under the influence of the pioneer preachers of the Evangelical Association, and by their earnest preaching was led into the true light, then "to repentance toward God, and faith through our Lord, Jesus Christ." One day, while he was passing a book-store in Cincinnati, he saw, for the first time, a German Bible. Being desirous of knowing what it con- tained, he went in and opened it, and read the words, "Translated by Dr. M. Luther." He at once closed the book, saying, "No good thing can come from Luther." He was intended for the Roman Catholic priesthood, and, therefore, had no confidence in a Bible translated by Luther. His early training made it very difficult for him to understand the true Word of God, but the Holy Spirit, who helps the sincere and humble to the way of eternal life, also helped Bockman. On Easter Monday, March 26, 1852, he knew the Lord -precious to his soul.


HIS CALL TO PREACH


After his conversion he esteemed the Bible the most wonder- ful treasure, and faithfully searched it daily. He soon perceived the divine call to preach the Gospel, which the class in Hunting- burg also recognized, and gladly recommended him and licensed him to preach, Aug., '52.


HIS MINISTRY


July 19, '53, he became assistant pastor to B. Uphaus, on Dubois Circuit, which embraced all the counties in South-western Indiana, and over into Illinois. In '54 he served on this same field with Jacob Keiper. In '55 he was assigned to Mt. Carmel Circuit in Illinois. In '56 he was sent to Marshall Circuit. In '57-8 he served Whitewater Circuit with E. L. Kiplinger. In '59 to Clay County Mission (now Brazil). In '60-2 he served Warren- ton Circuit (now Elberfeld). In '62 South Bend Circuit, with S. S. Condo as helper. In '63 he had DeKalb Circuit. C. Schamo was his colleague. In '64 he located, owing to family circum- stances, but in '62 he again entered the active work, and had Elk- hart Circuit assigned him. In '67 he was sent to Montgomery Cir- cuit (now Phillipsburg). This ended his work in active minis- try. Being very corpulent, traveling became very burdensome, and he located in N. Webster, Ind. Later in life he became almost helpless, needing the care of his children. His sons, John and family, especially, cared for him until his end, which came Aug.


120


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


2, 1890. He possessed a strong personality, was very sociable and winning, which gave him a good hold on the people he served.


As a preacher he was able and efficient, logical and practical, rather than theological. He was forcible, at times eloquent, al- ways attracting attentive congregations. He had a strong, musi- cal voice, which would ring out in clarion tones in preaching and in singing. The people were glad to hear him, and never heard him in vain. He often led his hearers like the current of a river along with him, while tears streamed down over their faces, and the congregation was moved to wonderful shouts of praises. Brother Bockman once said that "tobacco was to him the eye which he must pluck out," and so he plucked it out and cast is from him forever. He practiced as he preached, and had many souls for his hire.


M. Krueger officiated at his funeral, choosing as his text, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." He was survived by his son John and 2 daughters. He was laid to rest in the cemetery of N. Webster.


EARNEST BOHLANDER (1850-1894)


The subject of this sketch was born at Schlitz, Hessen-Daim- stadt, Germany, June 4th, 1850. His father was a forester, labor- ing for the Count of Schlitz, and died when Earnest was but 11 years old. The Count took an interest in Earnest, and sent him to school. When yet in his teens, he came to America. He had no relatives or acquaintances here, and settled at Wolf Creek, near Dayton, Ohio. He was a blacksmith by trade, which he pursued upon his arrival. He began attending services in the Evangeli- cal Church, and in a revival, conducted by J. K. Troyer, pastor of the Montgomery Circuit, was deeply convicted of his sins and led to repentance. He then united with the Evangelical Associa- tion.


It was not long until he became conscious of a call of the Lord unto the work of the ministry. The Wolf Creek class recom- mended him, and the Annual Conference, held in '73, licensed him as preacher on probation. With Wesseling, he was stationed to Carmi Circuit. In '74, he served Greenville Circuit, under E. R. Troyer. In '75, he retired from active work. In '76 he became a charter member of the South Indiana Conference, and was as- signed to Murphysboro, serving it two years. In '78, he was sent to Shelby ; in '79-82, to Tabor; '82-84, to Rockport; '84-85, to Ev- ansville; '85-88, to Grayville; '88-89, to Olney; '89-93, no record;


121


INDIANA CONFERENCE


'93, sent by the Indiana Conference to Medaryville, which con- cluded his ministry.


As a preacher, it was said of him, that he "was systematic, Scriptural and unctuous, gifted in speech, and possessing the knack of fascinating an audience. That he frequently became elo- quent, and achieved success for the church. He had his weak- nesses as other men. For several years he suffered from chronic ailments which baffled the skill of the physicians.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.