Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835 to 1915, Volume I, Part 12

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 12


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


His father seems to have been a wicked man, a drunkard, and kicked Timothy down a flight of stairs when but a child of eight years, injuring him so that he became afflicted with the "white swelling," which caused his lameness. His childhood was


132


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


anything but pleasant, which, without doubt, occasioned his silence concerning his childhood days. His father was a cooper by trade. Timothy attended public school but six weeks in his life, yet by hard study at home he became a well-read man.


He preached in the United Brethren Church in the North Ohio and Auglaize Conferences for 39 years, and gave very ac- ceptable service. In '66, he united with the Evangelical Associa- tion and was received into the Indiana Conference. He labored earnestly and faithfully in the Indiana Conference on the follow- ing fields : Berne Circuit, '91; Wolcottville, '92-93; N. Paris, '94, which he served until the Lord called him, June 15th, 1894.


He fell at his post. He was a man of strong and positive convictions, a loyal defender of the faith. Of him it was said: "As a preacher, he was sound in doctrine, clear, practical, deeply spiritual, possessing a deep emotional nature, which was often manifest in his preaching. He lived a consistent life. He gave himself to the Lord, to his church and to his family. He was pro- nounced against sin in every form, and took an active part in all reform movements. His suffering was brief, and his end peace." The funeral was held at New Paris, Ind., in the Evangelical Church. D. Martz preached the sermon, the brethren Scheidler, Evans, A. Geist, Albert and Bockman assisting. His wife, a Julia Ann Smith, whom he married in '69, and two sons and one daugh- ter survived him.


JOHN CAUFFMAN (1816-1889)


This brother was born April 25th, 1816, and died near Silver Lake, Kosciusko Co., Ind., Aug. 18th, 1889. He was converted to God at the age of 16 years, and united with the Evangelical Asso- ciation. He lived an earnest life to the end. He was licensed to preach in '36, and traveled 31/2 years, thereafter serving in a local relation. It was said of him that he possessed more than ordinary talents as a sermonizer.


During the last eight years of his life, on account of impaired health, he could not attend divine services very often. He was married to Leah Swartz, July 22, 1839, and became the father of seven children, of whom three died. In '54 his wife died also, and in Jan., '56, he was married a second time to Eva Zellars, and to them were born nine children. His wife and eight children sur- vived him.


His home was a true home to weary itinerant preachers. He had a warm reception waiting for them. He was also a good sup-


133


INDIANA CONFERENCE


porter of the church and the missionary cause, which lay near to his heart. He held the respect of young and old, and his name was honored in his community.


His end was peaceful and in the Lord. Brother Wales preached his funeral sermon in the Gospel Church, near Silver Lake. near which place, also, his body is entombed.


ADOLPH DASSEL (1830-1863)


Born March 3rd, 1830, at Hanover, Germany, he died in the full assurance of the faith, April 25, 1863. He was converted, March 5, 1853, and united with the Evangelical Association. He was licensed to preach by the Indiana Conference, Sept., 1862.


As a young man he came to America with his parents, and located near Warrenton, now Tabor, Indiana. Here he soon was brought under the preaching of the Evangelical Association, and yielded to the wooings of the Holy Spirit, repented and was born again. By a true and faithful life he won the confidence of the people of his community. He had a fair German education, and possessed natural gifts necessary to ministerial success. Soon after his conversion he became conscious of his call to the Gos- pel ministry, but, like many others, resisted for a time. As the call grew more urgent, and the society became convinced that he should preach the Word, and advised him to give himself to the work, the class at Warrenton recommended him to Conference, and he was licensed; but, having more applicants than were needed to supply the fields, he did not take work until Sept., 1863. Carmi was assigned to him, which he served with great satisfac- tion. His Presiding Elder said of him that, in his short career, he made warm friends of his members, and with his faithful vis- its among German families, and by his consistent life and kindness to all the people, he won the respect of nearly everybody within the circle of his mission. That he was meek, obliging, pious, modest, and possessed of excellent talents. His sermons were not overpowering, but yet permeated with the Holy Ghost, and that he insisted upon experimental religion. Shortly before his de- cease he said to his wife, "I am going home." He was survived by his wife and five small children. The church lost by his death a promising young man, and the family an indulgent father. In- terment was made in Carmi, Ill. His death was the result of in- flammatory rheumatism.


134


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


SAMUEL DICKOVER (1826-1883)


This man of God had a very eventful life, which ended as tragically as it was eventful. Born Feb. 3, 1826, of humble par- entage, on a farm near Cambridge City, Indiana, the 5th of 17 children, he fared all the hardships of those early days. His school privileges were very limited, yet fair, compared with the times in which he lived. He made use of every opportunity for intellectual advantage that was presented him, and his achieve- ments were marvelous.


HIS CONVERSION AND CALL TO THE MINISTRY


His parents were staunch members of the United Brethren Church, and, as such, knew the grace of God. However, when but 16 years of age, Samuel attended a camp-meeting conducted by Chr. Augenstein, one of our Evangelical ministers, which camp-meeting was held on John Dill's farm, near his home, and it was here that he came under deep conviction of sin and was converted. He was baptized and united with our church, where- upon his parents also transferred their membership to our church.


Immediately he became very active in the work of the Lord, and it was not very long until he heard the voice of God calling him to the work of preaching. Having a dislike for farm life, he followed his natural bent and learned a trade. While working at his trade, he gave himself to the study of the Scriptures, and even at times, while at his work, the Sacred Book lay open before him. Thus he acquired a fund of knowledge that stood him in good stead in the years to follow. At the age of 20, he abandoned his vocation and turned wholly to preaching the Word.


HIS WORK IN THE MINISTRY


The Illinois Conference gave him license to preach, June, 1846, and sent him to the Des Plaines Circuit. His first year was one of success and blessing, and laid the foundation for a useful career. In 1847 he served DeKalb Mission in Indiana; in 1848, Elkhart Circuit; in 1849, Mt. Carmel Circuit. In all these places he worked with visible results. In 1850 he was elected to the office of a Presiding Elder, in which office he continued for the greater part of his remaining ministry.


At the organization of the Indiana Conference, in 1852, he became a charter member, and one of the first Presiding Elders. In 1857 he resigned his office, and returned to the Illinois Confer- ence, whereupon he assumed a local relation, and moved to Iowa. However, he served Green Castle Mission during the winter


135


INDIANA CONFERENCE


months of this year, and at Conference time entered the active service again. He was stationed on Naperville Circuit, and won great success. In this one year he had 150 conversions and many accessions. This was phenomenal for this circuit. In 1860, he was again elected Presiding Elder, in which capacity he served three years. In 1863 he served Spring Creek Circuit, in 1864 again elected Presiding Elder, in which office he remained until his resignation in 1870. For two years he served St. John's Church in Chicago. In 1873-75, 1877, he was appointed special financial agent for the Institute at Naperville, in which office he acquitted himself very nobly. The other fields that he served were: Naper- ville Station, 1876; Des Plaines Station, 1878-9; Sheffield Mis- sion, 1879-0; Twelfth St. Station, 1880-1, when he was again elected Presiding Elder, in which office he laid down his life.


As a man, Brother Dickover was an earnest, devout Chris- tian. He possessed a great and winning personality, a conserva- tive spirit, and an unusual capacity for hard work. He was gifted in many ways, which gifts proved a great asset to him in his great work for the Master. He did not hide his talent in a nap- kin, but put it to use in the King's business, and gained other tal- ents. He was possessed of good executive ability ; in ceremonies he was a master. As a preacher he was sound and biblical, a power in the pulpit, a great winner of souls. He also was accomplished in song, and had the ability to lead others. He was highly hon- o1 ed among his brethren, who keenly felt his loss.


He was honored with many offices. A Presiding Elder for nearly 20 years; six times a delegate to General Conference; Con- ference Treasurer a number of times; a member of the Board of Publication, and also of the Board of Missions.


HIS HOME LIFE


In 1852, Brother Dickover found a life companion in Elenora Fisher, who became a true helpmeet to him. Their home life was one of great blessedness, and as a father he was greatly con- ceined for the welfare of his family. Nine children were given to them, and these were reared with great fidelity and earnestness. Even in his death his only concern was for his "dear wife" and children. He longed that they might be converted, one and all, and be able to meet him in yonder world.


HIS DECEASE AND BURIAL


His death was tragic. On Friday, November 16th, 1883, about noon, Brother Dickover and Ludwig Gruner were riding on


136


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


a C. B. O. passenger train near Otter Creek Bridge, Ottawa, Illi- nois. While stopped on the treacherous bend that lies in this place, in order to await the removal of a stalled sand train, they were run into by a fast freight, which demolished the rear pas- senger coach, killing all but 4 or 5 of the 15 passengers. Among. them were Dickover and Gruner. Fully ten minutes elapsed be- fore anyone had the heart to extricate them from the debris. Brother Gruner was the first to be liberated, and he pleaded with them that they would rescue his Presiding Elder. When Dickover was finally freed, it was found that he was fearfully scalded, bruised, crushed and lacerated. Death was inevitable. He was hastened to the home of Rev. Strickfaden, our missionary in Ot- owa, where every possible thing was done to alleviate his fearful sufferings. His end came very soon, even before he could see his wife, from whom he parted so reluctantly. He gave repeated assurance of his going home to God, and amidst untold physical tortures, but inward peace, took his leave to a world where suffer- ing and death are no more.


The obsequies were held Tuesday, Nov. 20th. Friends and ministers gathered from all parts of the district to show their last respect to him whom they loved as a brother. Bishop R. Dubs preached the sermon, Bishop Esher gave a eulogy of his life and work, Brother Augenstein officiated at the grave. Interment was made at Naperville, Ill.


He died in the work and gained a well-earned reward as a servant of the Cross of Christ.


EDMUND CHASPER EWALD (1870-1911)


Edmund was the son of Lutheran parents, and was born near Bremen, Ind., Nov. 24th, 1870. His young days were spent upon the farm, attending public school during the winter months. When of age, he worked in a saw-mill, close by his home. In the spring of 1894, he attended a United Brethren revival at Bremen, and was "born again," uniting with the Evangelical Church, of which his mother had become a member. He ascribed great praise to his mother for her Christian influence, and the training she gave him, often saying, "My conversion was due to her earnest prayers, and all that I am, I owe to her and to the grace of God."


He became a very active worker in the church, and soon heard God's call to preach the Gospel. He naturally shrank back from this sort of a life, being timid and having but a limited education. But, after it was clear to him that God really wanted him in His


137


INDIANA CONFERENCE


vineyard, he yielded. He had a re- markable dream that gave him great encouragement in his call. He dreamed one night that he was out on a large body of water in a boat, sitting idly by, while all around him there were people in the water strug- gling and reaching out their hands toward him, and calling him to help them into the boat. This dream made him feel that God had a special work for him to do. At this time he was working at a creamery. He gave no- tice of his intentions, gave up his work, and went to North-Western College. Here he put in nearly six EDMUND CHASPER EWALD years of hard study, graduating from the Evangelical Seminary, and if his health had not been impaired, he would have also graduated from the college in another year.


HIS MINISTRY


He came home, and received his license and was assigned by the Indiana Conference in 1902 to San Pierre, where he re- mained for three years. In 1905 he was assigned to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he served five years. In 1910, he was sent to Peru and nearly completed the year when the call of God was heard, appointing him to higher service. In each place he had souls for his hire. His preaching was practical, Scriptural, unctuous, bring- ing forth fruit unto eternal life. His sermons were well prepared and ably delivered. He was above the average in sermonizing. He also was a frequent contributor to the Evangelical Messenger. While yet in the very prime of his life, unexpectedly he passed away at Peru, Indiana, March 8th, 1911. He was recovering from a severe siege of typhoid fever, when an unlooked-for relapse overtook him, and he went to his reward. He left behind him a young widow, a Clara Berger, of Bremen, whom he married in 1902. His body was interred in the cemetery at Bremen, Indiana.


FRED M. FINKBEINER (1827-1904)


Fred Finkbeiner was born, Rudersoll, Wuerttemberg, Germany, April 28th, 1827. His father was a sawyer by trade. When three years old his parents immigrated to America, settling in Hagerstown, Md.


138


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


In '36 they moved to Marshall, Ill., and were among the first set- tlers here. Fred never had much schooling, and as his parents were poor, they often only had corn-bread with molasses to eat. There were twelve children, of which Fred was the oldest, and, consequently, he had to help make a living for all, clearing away timber, splitting rails, building fences, and making and hauling saw-logs. His parents were Lutherans, who carefully reared their children in this faith, and Fred was duly confirmed. When G. G. Platz, a pioneer preacher of the Evangelical Association, came to this place, his parents attended his services and were led to repentance. They then united with the Evangelical Association, becoming charter members of the Zion society of Marshall, and helped to build the first church of our denomination in this country.


At the age of 12 years, Fred, with his brother Christian, went to a camp-meeting, held near his home, in 1839, with the avowed purpose of throwing stones upon the people in the meet- ing; but the mighty preaching of the Gospel by these men of God gripped them, and they were brought to their knees at the altar. After a mighty struggle, resulting in a glorious victory, they united with the Evangelical Association. Fred rapidly de- veloped in his newly found life, and was elected as class-leader, and later on as exhorter. He revealed proficiency in these offices, and was recommended by his class and licensed as a probationer in '59. He traveled as assistant on Marshall Circuit one or two years, but thereafter remained in the local relation until 1878, when he again began active work in the South Indiana Confer- ence. He served Lancaster, '78 to '80; Tabor, '80 to '84; Camp Creek and other fields to 1893, when the South Indiana Conference was reincorporated with the mother Conference, he served three years more. In all 20 years of work. He built the Emmanuel Church on the Camp Creek Circuit. He had worked on it for 40 days when a nail flew into his eye and destroyed its sight.


His preaching was earnest and unctuous. He became greatly enthused by the support his wife would give him, while in his discourse. She would endorse his statements with "Amen, praise the Lord." This encouraged him and fired his soul. He fearlessly denounced sin wherever he found it, and urged holy living and full salvation upon the people. His fruits remain unto this day. Three young men were converted under his labors, who later entered the ministry, namely, I. H. Griesemer, of the Indiana Conference, O. L. Markman, now of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. Landis, of the Free Methodist Church.


After the death of his first wife, Sarah Oakes, he was mar-


139


INDIANA CONFERENCE


ried a second time to Barbara Beck, who proved a great help to him, and who, with seven children, also survived him. His end came May 25, 1904, at Marshall, and his burial was in the Big Creek Cemetery of the Marshall Circuit. Rev. J. Mundorf offi- ciated.


HENRY L. FISHER (1828-1880)


Rev. H. L. Fisher first saw the light of the world near Lebanon, Lebanon Co., Pa., March 18, 1828. His parents lived on a farm, and, early in the history of the Evangelical Association, became con- verted and united with the church. They were very pious Chris- tians. Their home was made a delightful stopping place for many a weary traveling minister of the Evangelical Association. In such a Christian atmosphere and relig- ious environments the person of this sketch was nurtured into manhood.


He says in his own day book concerning his childhood training : "I was soon taught what I had to do to be saved. In my twelfth year I was convicted of sin and felt a strong desire to become a Chris- tian; but I did not yield. These feelings continued until my six- teenth year, when, to a certain de- gree, the feelings left me until my twenty-first year, when, under the labors of Rev. W. Meier, Jan. 17, 1849, I was gloriously saved." At HENRY L. FISHER once the minister and the class- leader put him to religious work. Already in the first year of his conversion he was elected exhorter, which meant vastly more in those days than now. He soon filled many appointments for the ministers with general satisfaction. His geniality and sociability greatly fitted him to gain access to the people's hearts and win their confidence.


In 1849 he entered the matrimonial life with Angeline Schnei- der and lived one year with her on the farm of his parents. Their matrimonial life continued happy for thirty-one years when death separated them. His wife was first converted to God and united


140


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


with the Evangelical Association. At first he was opposed to her conversion, but soon thereafter, by the wooings of the Holy Spirit, he became convicted of the error of his way, and yielded.


The leading men in the church soon saw the possibilities and natural talents of a preacher in him, before he himself could see it or could consider himself worthy to enter the ministry. Being constantly urged to enter the Gospel ministry, gave him a great struggle. He said: "Many times I felt like giving up the fight, sometimes being tempted even to renounce Christianity." He was sure of the high calling, but felt himself too unworthy for such an important work. Rev. Clewell, who was then his pastor, at one time said to him, "You always see something worthy and good in others, but not in yourself." But finally, Jan. 1, 1857, he yielded to the call, and under Rev. F. Krecker, who was then Presiding Elder of Lebanon District, and Rev. J. Adams and Rev. F. Lehr, pastors, his recommendation was gotten out, and in February, 1857, he was licensed as local preacher at the East Pennsylvania Conference, which was held in the First Church of the Evangeli- cal Association in the city of New York. Bishop Joseph Long prc- sided and Solomon Neitz was the secretary.


He served his class as exhorter until he was licensed as local preacher, and in this latter capacity he continued while he was still farming, not yet fully realizing that he was competent to enter the regular ministry. On Sundays, and often during the week, he would be called on to go out and fill appointments and help in revival meetings. In April, 1861, he moved with his fam- ily to Peru, Ind., where he lived one year. Then he moved on a farm near Waupecong, Miami Co., Ind., where he remained only a short time, when the call to enter the active ministry became so strong and intense that he concluded to resist no longer, and in 1863 he entered the active ministry in the Indiana Conference, and was assigned to Waupecong charge. Waupecong was a lit- tle burg near the present Zion appointment of Bunker Hill Circuit.


He did very efficient and faithful work in the. Indiana and South Indiana Conferences as follows: Waupecong, Miami Co., Ind., in 1863, and was ordained deacon; Mt. Carmel, Wabash Co., Ill., 1864; Evansville, Ind., 1865-66 (on first date he was ordained elder) ; Huntingburg, Ind., 1867-68; Warrington Circuit, now El- berfeld, Ind., 1869-70. In 1871 he was elected Presiding Elder and assigned to the Elkhart District. He served one year, and then resigned on account of being necessitated to frequently preach in the English language, in which he felt he could not exercise. His friends said of him that "he was very modest and greatly


141


INDIANA CONFERENCE


underrated his talents, especially in the English language." The Conference earnestly protested against his resignation, believing that he was fitted for the place and sufficiently qualified in the English language to continue in the office. But he insisted that the Conference should accept his resignation, which the Confer- ence reluctantly did. He served Evansville Mission again in 1872- 3, and Indianapolis in 1874. At the Conference session held in 1875 he was again elected as Presiding Elder and was stationed on Evansville District. In 1876 at the Conference session held in Bremen, Marshall Co., Ind., when the Indiana Conference was divided by order of the General Conference, held in October, 1875, Evansville and Olney Districts were detached from the Indiana Conference, and the two districts constituted the South Indiana Conference. He cast his lot with this newly formed Conference, and remained Presiding Elder of Evansville District, which he served very acceptably and satisfactorily until 1879, when he was re-elected and assigned to Olney District, and served very effi- ciently until his demise, which occurred June 22, 1880.


He preached his last sermon June 13, 1880, when he held his last quarterly meeting on Sandoval Mission in Illinois, near St. Louis, Mo. His text was, "One thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see" (John 9: 25). At this time he still seemed to enjoy excellent health as usual, but Monday, after his arrival at home in Olney, Ill., he began complaining of not feeling well. Neither he nor those around him realized any particular danger until Sunday, June 20, when appendicitis developed so seriously that it was soon seen that his life was in peril. The illness put an end to his useful life. His active earthly career closed sud- denly to the great surprise of all. His genial spirit took its flight to the celestial abode, there to resume his newly assigned work in a more exalted sphere and with better perfection.


Brother Fisher was a very useful and exceptionally active and wide-awake member of the Evangelical Association for thirty years. He served about six years as exhorter in Pennsylvania, six years as local preacher in Pennsylvania and Indiana, and sev- enteen years as itinerant preacher, nearly seven years of the lat- ter period as Presiding Elder. He also represented the Confer- ence in 1875 as one of the delegates to General Conference, which was held in Allentown, Pa. This is evidence that he was held in high esteem by his brethren and had their confidence and good will. Physically he was a well-proportioned man of about 200 pounds, giving him a commanding appearance, which added great- ly to his pulpit efforts. His poise was erect and pleasing; his


142


LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS


voice strong and clear. His friends say, that "he often became very eloquent and oratorical in his preaching." He would not allow himself to become excited or be carried off by excitement in the congregations. He wholly trusted in God. His demeanor in and out of the pulpit was unassuming and humble; as servant of the Lord and to his flock he was faithful. He firmly defended the doctrine of Christ's atonement. He was thoroughly conse- crated to God and the church and to his calling. He was a man of a strong characteristic faith and exemplified it in his daily ministrations. His noble character had the peculiarity of under- rating his abilities in comparison with those of his brethren; but this really only added in making his life and character shine forth more brightly and effectively. Thus it may well be said that Brother Fisher was both a model Christian and preacher of the Gospel.




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.