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 13
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The funeral service was conducted in our Olney Church on Wednesday, June 23, and his interment took place in the Olney Cemetery. Eleven ministerial brethren were present at his fu- neral service and participated as a last act of love and respect for their departed brother.
HARRY W. FISHER (1861-1892)
Harry, son of Isaac and Katherin Fisher, was born in Tus- carawas Co., Ohio, Sept. 14, 1861, and departed this life near Kokomo, Ind., March 3, 1892. He spent his early days at the place of his birth. In '74, his father and family moved to Howard County, Indiana, to a farm, 8 miles north-east of Kokomo, near the Zion Evangelical Church, where he grew to manhood.
In '76, he was converted to God, under the labors of A. J. Troyer, and then united with the Evangelical Church. He at once took an active interest in the work of the church, and by his faithfulness soon won the confidence of the people, both in and out of the church. Perceiving the call of God to preach, he en- tered North-Western College and the Union Biblical Institute, and while here he acquitted himself so ably that he was elected president of the college Young Men's Christian Association for one year. After having finished his course in the Union Biblical Institute in June, 1889, he entered upon the active work of the Christian ministry within the bounds of the Indiana Conference. He was sent to Cleveland, Tenn., as missionary, where the Con- ference had taken up a mission that had been begun by Rev. D.
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J. Pontius with some of our church people from the North. Here he served with success one year. In 1890 he was assigned to Huntington, Ind., where his health began to fail, and he was obliged to resign his work, which he did with great reluctance, in order to try a milder climate for recuperation. His affliction came on by a very severe cold he contracted at the Conference ses- sion, held at Portland, Ind., April, 1890. Coming up from the balmy atmosphere of Cleveland, Tenn., the weather being cold and damp at Portland, he was thoroughly chilled; adding greatly to his dis- comfort, he was obliged to sleep up-stairs, far away from the fire, in a damp room, and with insufficient covering.
He went to Texas for recovery, so that he soon might take up the work again. For a while he seemed to be improving, and had hope. But in the winter of 1892, having had several relapses, rap- idly growing weaker, he was obliged to cease all mental and physi- cal labors, and on Feb. 9 he came home to his parents to spend his few remaining days. Why this young servant should so soon be called from labor to reward remains a mystery. By his death his parents and the Conference lost a true and loyal son. About two weeks before his death he said to his brother, Rev. A. S., "that he had given up to die, that he longed to go home to rest, for this world had no more charms for him." The funeral was held by S. H. Baumgartner, assisted by the pastor, C. F. W. Hansing. His body was laid to rest in the Zion Cemetery. He was survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
JOSEPH FISHER (1821-1892)
Joseph Fisher was born of good par- entage, May the 27th, 1821, York Co., Pa. His ancestors were of substantial German stock, early moving to this country and settling in Maryland and Pennsylvania. His father, George, was a highly respected farmer, and for many years a justice of the peace. He was a careful churchman, rearing his family in the tenets of his faith, but, for many years, was a stranger to experimental religion, and an opponent to all forms of emotionalism. Later in life he, however, experienced vital religion, and found the Lord precious to his soul.
Joseph was the youngest of the sons,
JOSEPH FISHER
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and when his older brothers left the home, he had the care of the farm. He was of a jovial disposition, buoyant in spirit, reveling in fun and frolic.
In 1844 he found a noble wife in Lydia Grove, who for fifty years was the anchor and balance of his life. It was not until after his marriage that he was deeply convicted of his sinfulness and converted to God. It was in a plain school-house, way back in Carrol Co., Maryland, that he heard the Spirit's call. Some preachers of the United Brethren Church were holding a meet- ing in this place, and he was among those that found the Lord. In his old age he gladly testified thus to this great event: "The Lord wonderfully and powerfully saved me, about 12 o'clock at night. I was able to shout 'Glory to God!'" Soon thereafter he united with the United Brethren Church, and it was not long until it was manifest to all that the Lord was calling him to special service. One year after his conversion he was licensed as an exhorter, and 2 years later as a preacher on probation. In the spring of 1850 he removed to Clarkesville, Hamilton Co., Ind., and in the same year, with his brother-in-law, M. W. Stef- fey, united with the Evangelical Association at E. Germantown, Indiana.
He was received into the itinerancy in June of the same year by the Illinois Conference, and stationed on the Miami Mission. This mission field extended into the counties of Miami, Wabash, Fulton and Huntington, the nearest appointment being fifty miles frem his home. The roads were mostly all bad, the membership small, and the salary smaller still. For weeks at a time he was away from his family, who very seldom knew just where he might be in his travels and labors. His first year's work resulted in 18 conversions and 20 accessions.
During the year it was his privilege to make the acquaintance of Bishop Seybert, and also that of J. J. Esher, of Elkhart Cir- cuit. These great men of God he met at a camp-meeting, con- cerning which he writes: "I had traveled on horseback several days, often stopping to dismount for prayer, my mind being much occupied and somewhat agitated with what I may meet, being a total stranger to the brethren. About noon on the third day, all dusty and weary, I arrived, introduced myself, and, to my glad surprise, was cordially received. Presently I was informed that I was to preach that same night. I can assure you that I was greatly perturbed, knowing that much depended upon the first impression that I would make. I went to God in earnest prayer, and sought divine help. Nor was my seeking in vain,
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for when the appointed time arrived, I took for my text Ps. 128: 1, 2, and was not preaching very long until I felt the nearness of divine presence. Bishop Seybert responded in his quaint, ear- nest way, which was peculiar to himself when he enjoyed a ser- mon. I felt as though the Lord had given me victory, and now I was in full accord with the brethren."
In June, 1851, he was sent to Elkhart Circuit, under the charge of Rev. Ragatz. He moved his family to Elkhart, Indiana. This year, he says, "was a very dull year to him," nothing seemed to be accomplished. The next year, when the Indiana Conference was formed, he united with it, and was again assigned to Elkhart Circuit, with B. Ruh as assistant. It was a great year for this servant of God; the work grew in every direction. Souls were saved by the score, and 63 united with the church. The circuit was extended over eight counties in Indiana and into southern Michigan. In 1854 he was appointed to Mt. Carmel Circuit, which meant a 300-mile move per wagon. But in this and the next year he had nearly forty conversions, and a greater number of accessions. The next year brought him to Evansville Mission, which was one of his hardest years. He had but five conversions, and a salary so small that he had to borrow money to complete the year. While here he built a parsonage, doing most of the work with his own hands. Again he was returned to Mt. Carmel, and in 15 months 106 united with the church. July 5th, 1856, he held the first Evangelical class-meeting for our people in West Salem; Nov. 4th, he delivered the first German sermon in Enter- prise, Ill .; on Dec. 20th, he conducted the first prayer-meeting in Carmi. At Carmi a powerful revival occurred, which resulted in 40 conversions and as many accessions. A church building was soon in progress, which was dedicated August 16 of this same year. At this same meeting J. M. Gomer and M. Speck were con- verted and united with the church. Persecution soon followed, the enemies pelting and injuring our people with stones. In 1857- 58 he was stationed on South Bend Circuit, during which time the Portage Prairie and Bainbridge Churches were built, and 129 souls were saved and united with the church.
The next eight years Brother Fisher served as Presiding El- der, serving on the St. Joseph and Whitewater Districts. His work as a Presiding Elder was highly efficient and greatly appre- ciated. Together with M. Mayer, he organized the first Evangeli- cal society in Louisville, Ky. In 1867-68 he served Elkhart, Ger- man Mission, having 104 conversions, and building the brick church on Division St. For three years he remained in a local re-
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lation, but in the spring of 1872 filled a vacancy on the Elkhart Circuit. In 1874-5 he served Watchtower society in Elkhart, which society was formed largely by his previous efforts and in- spiration. He then served the following fields: Decatur, Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Ft. Wayne, Huntington, Kendallville, and, lastly, Logansport. At Indianapolis and Kendallville he built churches and parsonages.
Several times he had the honor of being delegate to General Conference, and also of being a member of the Executive Commit- tee of Plainfield College. For eleven years he was vice-president of the Indiana Conference.
AN APPRECIATION
Brother Fisher was a strong man physically, mentally and spiritually. Gifted with a robust body, a fine military bearing, he had a commanding appearance that proved a great asset in his work. Nor were his mental faculties in arrears. Denied a large school training, he, nevertheless, was a studious and energetic searcher after truth. His scope of knowledge was such that he could command any situation in which he found himself. As a pulpiteer, he was practical, exhortative and altogether biblical. His sonorous voice greatly aided his vivid portrayals of sin, judg- ment to come and heaven to enjoy, and in his earliest years was regarded as the most successful revivalist in the Conference. San- guine, buoyant, the youngest man in the Conference for his age, he was naturally sociable and a warm friend to those whom he trusted. At times he did have his discouraging moments, but they were only for a season. Positive in his convictions, yet he was ever open to reason and persuasion.
He was patriotic almost to a fault. During the Civil War his sympathies would run away with him, and he would give vent to his beliefs, often to his own detriment. No one ever doubted his sincerity. His greatest joy was that his two sons followed him into the ministry and preached his same Christ.
OBSEQUIES
He retired at the close of his 4th year in Logansport, and re- mained in that city. Here his wife died in December, 1894. And here he also married Martha Bortner in 1895. In the spring of 1897 his last illness began, which brought with it great sufferings. On August 2, 1897, his release came, and triumphantly he as- cended on high.
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Rev. D. S. Oakes, his spiritual son, conducted the funeral services, assisted by other ministers of the Conference. Inter- ment was made in the Logansport Cemetery.
GERHART H. FRANZEN (1818-1881)
The subject of this sketch was born in Schale, Teaklenburg, Prussia, December 29, 1818, and came to this country in 1835. He had been carefully reared in the Reformed Church, but, com- ing under the preaching of Evangelical preachers in Des Plaines, Ill., 1840, was converted to God. Here he also united with the Evangelical Association. June, 1851, he was licensed by the Illi- nois Conference as a preacher on probation, assigning him at the same time with John Riegel to Naperville Circuit.
At the organization of the Indiana Conference he became a charter member and was stationed with Peter Burgener to Du- bois Circuit in southern Indiana. After one year he asked for his credentials in order that he might return to the Illinois Confer- ence. Here he served a few charges, and, as far as can be ascer- tained, were: Waukesha, Milwaukee and Cedar River Mission. After this he evidently located, as his name does not again occur in the minutes of the Illinois Conference. It is said of him that he was in a local relation 26 years, seldom preached after locat- ing, never married, and although he had much of this world's goods, he did not enjoy the grace of giving.
He died, suddenly, August 1, 1881, in Rock Run, Stephenson Co., Illinois, where his body also has been interred.
GEORGE W. FREEHAFER (1843-1910)
George W. Freehafer was born Dec. 11, 1843, at Wooster, Ohio, and, by accident, was ushered into eternity, Oct. 1, 1910, at Dayton, Ohio. His body was laid away in the beautiful Woodland Cemetery at Dayton. George was converted to God when but 12 years old, at the Leininger class of the Evangelical Association, near Huntington, Ind., and united with the church. His parents were converted at the same time. He received his recommendation to preach from his class at South Bend, in '71, and in September received his license from the Indiana Conference. He was or- dained as deacon and received into the itinerancy, '74, and as elder in '76.
He was descended from Germans, who settled early in Penn-
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sylvania, but George's parents moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, near Wooster, when he was 20 years old. Of him it is said "that he had a good German education." When he was 21 years old he started to school with an English spelling- book. Here he also married and lived for some years. Later they moved into Wooster. In 1847 they started on their journey to near Huntington, Ind., in a covered wagon, with an ox-team, until they reached a place called Mau- mee, on the canal. Here his fa- ther placed his family onto a ca- nal-boat, while the ox-team hauled the household goods. At the conclusion of this canal trip, George came near losing his life by an accident he never forgot. While his uncle David lifted him from the boat to the dock he al- most dropped him into the canal.
His father had previously bought 80 acres of heavy timber- GEORGE W. FREEHAFER land, 4 miles north-east of Huntington, without buildings. When he arrived here with his family, a spot was cleared away of its timber, and a crude log cabin was put up in post-haste. The floor was made of flat slabs, split from logs, which made it quite un- even. Later, a hewed log house, with sawed floor boards, was put up. In this humble manner George grew to manhood, doing hard physical work, with but little to inspire his fertile mind.
HIS ACTIVITIES AND MARRIAGE
At the age of 18 he took to carpenter work, and followed it for three years. At 21 years he entered the Roanoke Seminary of the United Brethren Church, remaining one year. After this he taught school for several winters, and during the summer worked at his trade. Later he took a course of "book-keeping" at "Eastman National Business College" in Chicago, Ill. From here he returned home, but soon after, in 1866, he went to South Bend, Ind., and found work at carpentering. Rev. M. W. Steffey was then pastor of our Evangelical Church here, and he became a member of his church. He also formed the acquaintance of his
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daughter Sarah, which ended in a wedding, April 23, 1867. Being ambitious, they purchased a lot here, and built a small house on it, which became the birthplace of their children. During this time he was engaged as cabinet-maker, with the exception of one year, when he worked in the "Studebaker Bros. Wagon Works."
HIS MINISTERIAL LIFE
After his conversion he took a deep interest in religious work and gradually developed into an active and influential Christian. In course of time the call to preach came. He obeyed and conse- crated himself to God for this work, and was licensed to preach in 1871. He served the following fields: St. Mary's Circuit, 1872- 4; Noblesville, 1874-5; Kendallville, 1875-7; Waterloo, 1877-9. On the Kendallville charge, at Dutch class, near Wolcottville, Ind., he took a severe cold, which lodged in his throat, and which he could not overcome. His voice finally failed him entirely, so he could not talk above a whisper. This brought on a "nervous break- down."
LOCATED, DUE TO BODILY INFIRMITIES
In April, 1879, he located and moved back to South Bend, but on Aug. 9 of this year he moved with his family to York, Neb., for his health. Here he began farming and carpentering. His general health began improving. But owing to the great droughts and high winds that were so prevalent, he returned with his fam- ily to South Bend, having first stopped in Chicago for six months. Four years were spent in South Bend, while he was engaged in meat business. This venture resulted in a financial failure.
In 1884 he located in Indianapolis, where they resided 13 years. He engaged as traveling salesman for the "Indianapolis Chair Co." This work took him all over the eastern and south- eastern part of the United States, from the northern Atlantic Ocean down to the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans. In this work he was very successful from the start, earning enough that he could pay every dollar of his indebtedness contracted in his meat business. By the economic co-operation of his wife, denying herself of many luxuries, they accumulated enough money to have kept them to old age if it had so been the Lord's will.
When the panic of 1893 was on he was out of work, and then found a position as clerk in the court-house of Marion Co., Ind. After two years, by a change of administration, he was again out of employment. The "Kimmel and Freehafer Real Estate" busi- ness having grown to such an extent, that his son could no longer collect the rents in the "Rental Department," and look after other
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duties, he was employed as collector of rents, and moved to Day- ton in 1898, at which work he accidentally met his death.
Brother Freehafer had a very genial disposition, a striking personality, and possessed sterling qualities. This made him friends everywhere in the ministry, in his travels, and wherever he lived. "He was one of the best known men on the streets of Dayton, having ridden the bicycle for nearly 13 years all over the town. He lived a pure life inwardly and outwardly. He never used the filthy weed, never drank intoxicating liquors." As a minis- ter and pastor he was conscientious, faithful and earnest. His work was crowned with success. "His judgment was good, he worked zealously, and always had a noble aim and spirit in his religious work, and was honest in his business affairs. He was a man of God." His preaching was simple, practical and full of divine unction, which made him a successful soul-winner. A fellow church-member said of him: "He was a man true to his convictions, affable in disposition, pure in his public and private life, and was an earnest and devoted Christian."
GEO. FREDERICK (1831-1905)
Brother Fredrick was born in Stark Co., Ohio, April 1, 1831, and died near Hudson, Ind., April 30, 1905. He was converted to God and joined the Evangelical Association in 1851, and lived in the faith until his death. He farmed near Hudson until his age obliged him to quit. Then he moved to town. He filled various offices in the local church, called "County Line," in an acceptable way. In 1865 he was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ. He never traveled, but rendered valuable service in his younger days at home and adjoining fields. Later he was also ordained as dea- con. He was an inspiration to the ministers of his society, and shared his home and comforts with them. He was quite pro- nounced in his convictions, and quite strenuously adhered to them. He was a respected neighbor and citizen. He was survived by his wife, 8 sons and 4 daughters. D. Martz conducted the funeral services, assisted by W. H. Freshley. His body is interred in the County Line Cemetery, west of Hudson.
DAVID GARL (1825-1863)
Brother Garl was born July 29, 1825, and died March 25, 1863, in Elkhart Co., Ind. He lies buried in the Smith (Salem Church) Cemetery, north-west of Elkhart city. He was survived
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by his wife and five children, two having preceded him in death. He had a common school education, and was reared on a farm. In his 17th year he was converted to God and united with the Evangelical Association. It is said of him "that he lived a truly pious life." He spent his last days by praising the grace of God. One of his last words was, "O Jesus, come soon and take me home." He was licensed to preach by the Indiana Conference in 1856. He served two years in the active work, and four as local preacher, and preached according to his ability. He was never ordained.
CHRISTIAN GLAUS (1818-1875)
Canton of Berne, Switzerland, gave birth to the subject of this writing, June 11, 1818. From his earliest youth, Brother Glaus experienced unusual hardships and trials. His school op- portunities were very limited, and at best he was not a very bright student. So manual labor seemed the wisest thing for him to pursue, and early he became a shepherd of sheep and goats. Arriving at manhood, he immigrated to America, and settled in Marion Co., Ohio, where he came under the influence of Evangeli- cal preaching and was converted to God.
HIS CALL TO PREACH AND HIS MINISTRY
Shortly after his conversion he deeply realized a clear call from God to preach the Gospel, to which he finally yielded. He gave himself wholly to the Lord for the work of ministering. He was duly licensed by the Ohio Conference in 1843, and received into the itinerancy. He was assigned to Wayne Circuit, with Peter Goetz as preacher-in-charge, and to the surprise of all, did effective work. He applied himself and plodded to suc- cess. Some folks who knew him in the fatherland, when they heard that he was preaching, said, "What does this little goat- shepherd know, what can he do?" But when they heard him they marvelled at his wisdom, his fluency of speech, and began to look up to him, and use only the highest terms in speaking of him.
At the organization of the Illinois Conference he became a charter member and successively and successfully served the following cir- cuits : Rock River, St. Mary's, Elkhart, Whitewater, Mt. Carmel, Du- bois. These he served with great blessing, however hindered quite often by bodily infirmities. He was slender in build and weak in con- stitution, yet withal possessing a willing spirit and anxious to serve in the hard places. For two years he found it necessary to locate.
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At the formation of the Indiana Conference he took up work again, and was elected to the office of Presiding Elder, which office he filled with credit for three years. He found it necessary to re- sign, however, at the end of this time, on account of extreme deafness, which was contracted by much exposure to the elements in his travels.
He served the most important fields in the Indiana Confer- ence with credit and effectiveness. As a minister and pastor, he was active, aggressive and a true shepherd of souls. As a preacher he was unctuous, instructive and helpful. In character he was unimpeachable. In disposition, affable, unassuming, somewhat re- tiring, universally beloved and esteemed. In labor he was untir- ing, always earnest, conscientious, punctual and orderly. In con- versation he was thoughtful, opposed to flattery, bombast or af- fectation. He hated levity and talebearing, and recommended a better example to those who gave themselves to criticising the faults of others.
He served the following fields: Wabash Circuit, 1852-5; Elk- hart Circuit, 1855-6; Whitewater, 1856-7; Miami Circuit, 1857-9; Newville Circuit, 1859-61; Huntingburg, 1861-3; Warrenton (now Elberfeld), 1863-5; Mt. Carmel, 1865-6; Olney, 1866-8; South Bend, 1868-70; Yellow River Circuit, 1870-2; Bremen Circuit, 1872-3; Newville, 1873-5.
The last two years of his active ministry were filled with in- tense sufferings. He was advised on all hands to locate and take things a little easier until he could get relief, but he worked on until the end. A lingering illness brought his labors to a close, and, after much suffering, he ascended on high, amid the triumphs of faith, Dec. 12, 1885, at Marion, Ohio. His body was interred at Marion, Ohio.
His good wife, who was a Heverling, whom he married in June, 1858, and nine children that were given to them, survived him.
HENRY GOCKER (1870-1915)
Brother Gocker was born July 12, 1870, in Colmar, Alsace, and peacefully passed away in Elberfeld, Ind., Feb. 19, 1915. At this place his body was also interred. He is survived by his wife, 2 sons and 3 daughters, and parents, one brother and two sisters. Two children preceded him in death. He came to America with his parents in 1881. They settled first in Chicago, Ill .; after one
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