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 15
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
Next we find him in Michigan
With Meck, and Coply, Fuchs and Miller,
Hettler, Klump, and Frye, and Keeler,
164
LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS
Toiling hard, long and successful.
In 1891 to us he came.
Since then he's firmly stood with us,
Gone in and out, has come and went,
Shared in our trials and our joys.
Of the positions he has held, Of work performed, of places filled,
I need not speak, they're known to all.
A year ago with him I shared
A good and hospitable home.
His languid step, his pallid face
I noted well, and though
His spirit still within him burned,
I knew time's sands were running low.
Yet, after all, when the Great Harvester
Sent forth his shaft and cut him down,
It was a shock to me, to all. My intercourse with him was much,
And intimate; I knew him well.
A garland of forget-me-nots
I'd lay upon his grave and say :
My brother, colleague, fare thee well.
SAMUEL HEISS (1803-1883)
This pioneer was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 14, 1893. He was converted to God under the labors of Bishop John Sey- bert, and united with the Evangelical Association. Yielding to the call of God to preach, the Western Conference licensed him, and for many years he served as a traveling preacher in that Con- ference. Afterward he served in a local relation in the Indiana Conference. It was said of him that he was highly endowed for the work of a preacher, which office he pursued to the conversion of many souls, and to the building up of the body of Christ. With untiring zeal he labored; methodical in his work, pleasing in his delivery, and always effective.
He was married the first time to Maria Anna Rohland, Sept. 20, 1825, who died in '49, leaving him with 9 children. Several years later he was married to Susanna Wies. In '54 he moved to Indiana, and at least during the latter part of his life he resided in Elkhart, Ind. Here he found a warm place in the hearts of our
165
INDIANA CONFERENCE
people, and often in great self-denial brought them the Word of Life. Like as a father, he nurtured the society.
Rather unexpectedly he passed away Feb. 9, 1883, and was laid to rest in the Elkhart Cemetery. He was survived by his second wife and 6 children. C. F. Hansing and M. Krueger offi- ciated at the obsequies.
CHRISTIAN HEIM (1824-1907)
This man of God was born in Wylderswyl, Switzerland, Dec. 18, 1824, died of old age in Olney, Ill., May 30, 1907, and was buried in the Olney Cemetery. He was converted in the latter part of 1853, and his wife, Jan. 1, 1854, and both united with the Evangelical Association. He was recommended by the Grand Prairie class, near Olney, and licensed by the Quarterly Confer- ence (year not given), and was received into the itinerancy, Sept., 1864, by the Indiana Conference. He was ordained deacon in 1864, and as elder in 1866. He was married to Mary Brawand in 1853. She was a native of Grindelwald, Interlaken, Switzer- land. She was blind for many years, and died Aug. 7, 1895. One daughter was born to them. He was married again, March 16, 1899, to Elizabeth Sharp, who survived him.
Brother Heim said of his father John and his mother Mar- garet (nee Loos), "that they gave me a Christian education as far as they had light in the religion of the Reformed Church." He was baptized as an infant, and as he grew older his parents in- structed him in prayers consisting of rhymes. These he commit- ted to memory. They also made it a duty for him to read the Bi- ble. He was sent to school, where he received further religious instructions, and had to memorize the Heidelberg Catechism, Gel- lert's hymns, Scripture verses, and studied much Bible history. When he was 16 years old he was confirmed. He says, "At this time a deep inclination to and need of salvation was realized. But the matter rested here, as I was not urged on to fulfil my vow taken at confirmation. Instead, as was the custom of my native country, I became careless, godless, and, like the rest, I surren- dered myself to the desires and pleasures of the world, and in- dulged in these things as much as any one."
On October 11, 1850, he, with others, immigrated to Amer- ica. He had, however, a desire to locate with a pious class of peo- ple. He says in his own brief sketch of himself, "God so over-
166
LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS
ruled that I landed in Olney, Ill., where I soon became acquainted with Zwohlen, Weis, Muehlman and others, who were then mem- bers of the Grand Prairie class of the Evangelical Association near Olney. By their prayers and godly conduct deep impressions were made upon my mind. It pleased the Lord to thoroughly con- vince me of the need of my conversion to God." But he hesitated yet for some time. He had a great struggle as a young man to tear away from worldly associates. But finally he made a firm resolve, "that if it is God's will to accept him, he would seek sal- vation and serve the Lord the rest of his days." After three months, passing through deep penitence, it pleased the Lord to pardon his sins, and he united with the Evangelical Church. This occurred under the labors of Chr. Glaus.
From now on Heim sought to serve the Lord earnestly. He prayed much in secret, in the home, in the timber, and in public with God's people, exercising his faith and strength in the Lord. He also prayed much for his unconverted friends. He felt an al- most irresistible constraint to preach Christ to them. Realizing his great inability, he prayed much to God to excuse him from so great a responsibility. He kept this divine call to himself, fear- ing it might be a temptation of Satan. But, finally, he promised submission to the Lord to preach, if he would pave the way there- to, without he saying anything about it to anyone. Here his diary stops, but he evidently learned clearly that the Lord revealed this to the people, for they voted him his recommendation to the Gos- pel ministry.
Prior to entering the ministry, he followed the shoe-maker's trade, and again when he located he did mostly cobbling work. It was said of him that he was a true, honest and upright man, Scriptural, unctuous and unassuming in his preaching, consist- ent in his life and profession, insisting on a definite change of heart, forgiveness of sin, and an assured adoption into the family of God, and on the maintenance of a holy life. He was a liberal supporter of the Gospel.
He served Clay County Mission, Sept., 1864-6; Yellow River, 1866-8; Medaryville, 1868-70; Greenville, 1870-1; West Salem, 1871-3. Then he located, due to bodily infirmities. In 1876 he be- came a member of the South Indiana Conference, remaining in the local relation. He had considerable ability, and his labors were fruitful in leading souls to Christ, and in building up the church. M. W. Sunderman officiated at his funeral; others as- sisted.
167
INDIANA CONFERENCE
GEORGE A. HERTEL (1821-1873)
This servant of God was born in Felderbach, Hessen-Darm- stadt, Germany, May 27, 1821, and died in Elkhart, Ind., July 12, 1873. His body was interred in the Van Wert Cemetery. Under the preaching of Rev. G. Zinser, Stark Co., O., he was converted to God and united with the Evangelical Association. He was rec- ommended to preach by the Mohr's (now Grand Victory) class, and was licensed as preacher on probation by the Indiana Confer- ence in '59. He was ordained as deacon in '61, and as elder in '64. His first marriage was with Miss Williman, who died before he entered the ministry. He was married the second time to Kath- erine Becker, who nobly stood by him in his arduous work and added much to his success as a soul-winner.
HIS OCCUPATION AND CONVERSION
When yet a young man he came from Germany and settled in Stark Co., O. He learned the art of brewing and was engaged in it when he was brought under the mighty influence of the Gos- pel. The truth gripped him with such power and so thoroughly revealed the wickedness of his brewing business that he resolved to quit it at once. He was gloriously saved, and at once ordered his brother Adam to unhitch the horses from the beer wagon, saying that no more beer would be brewed. It appears that that, which was on hand, was allowed to perish.
HIS EARLY CHRISTIAN LIFE
He moved to near Van Wert, O., where he purchased a farm and by industry and frugality succeeded in accumulating consid- erable property. He did not live here very long, until the preach- ers of the Evangelical Association searched for him, and were cordially received. He became a channel for the church, and pre- sented a way of access to the hearts and homes of the people in this community. Soon a goodly number of people were converted, a class was organized, and he was elected as its first class leader. This office he ably and faithfully filled until he entered the ministry.
FIELDS HE SERVED AND CHARACTER OF HIS WORK
From '59 to '61 he served Defiance, '61-63 DeKalb, '63-5 Van Wert, '65-7 South Bend Circuit, '67-9 Cincinnati, '69-71 Newville (now Linn Grove), '71 to July 12, '73, Elkhart, when he died of typhoid fever. Three weeks previous to his death he entered the pulpit, but could not preach on account of illness. He took to his bed, and when told of his serious condition, he replied, "Just as
168
LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS
God wills it, so it will be alright with me." When he was dying he whispered, "I have fought a good fight." His body was interred at an old cemetery at Van Wert, O., and later on it was exhumed and reburied in the new Van Wert Cemetery. At Elkhart, his Presid- ing Elder, E. L. Kiplinger, preached in the English, and John Fuchs in the German. Other ministers being present, assisted in the services. It was said of him that in no case was he a misfit, or was there ever a mistake made in his appointments.
The Conference recognized his ability and faithfulness and entrusted some of the best and most important fields to his care. He was an ideal pastor both in the city and country, going from house to house, both to members and strangers, teaching and en- couraging right living. With tears he often pleaded with people to come to church and serve the Lord. He also prayed with the people in their homes and took a keen interest in the children. His theme as a preacher was "Christ Crucified"; his sermons were thoroughly evangelical, unctuous and effective. When he delivered his messages the people usually felt that "a man of God" was speaking to them. He fearlessly preached the truth, aiming, first of all, to win souls to Christ.
In missionary work he was a leader and manifested a self- sacrificing spirit. His social nature helped him in his labors and enabled him to report a general increase in membership and giv- ing. He obtained a fair education in Germany, and, as a minis- ter, continued searching for the deep things of God. As a man he deported himself excellently, as a friend and brother he was cordial, true and open-hearted. He was a hater of sham. Physi- cally he was well built, in manners pleasing, in will strong and res- olute, in his undertakings successful. From a human point of view his life ended prematurely.
ELI F. HOCHSTEDLER (1840-1914)
Eli, son of Gabriel and Maria Hochstedler, was born in Holmes Co., O., March 17, 1840, and died in Rochester, Ind., June 13, 1914. His body lies in the Rochester Cemetery. On Easter morning, '63, at his home in Howard Co., Ind., he was converted to God under the labors of John Kauffman. In '70 his class rec- ommended him to Conference, and he was duly licensed to preach. He was ordained as deacon in Sept., '72, and as elder in '74. He was married to Emaline Lantz of near Kokomo, Ind., Aug. 1, 1862, and became the father of 6 children. His wife passed away at
169
INDIANA CONFERENCE
Greenville, O., while he served that work. A second time he was married to a Mrs. Mary Favorite of Winchester, and one son was born to them.
His parents, who were honest farmers, were natives of Pennsyl- vania, and moved to Holmes Co., O., in '54. Here Eli attended coun- try school. Later they moved to Howard Co., Ind., and soon there- after he attended college at Koko- mo, Ind. After this he farmed in the summer and taught school in the winter until he began to preach. When he came to Howard Co. there were no Sunday-schools in that dis- trict, because they were regarded as agencies of the devil. Social life was coarse, men were given to pro- fanity, Sabbath-desecration and de- bauchery. Such environment was not conducive to spiritual develop- ELI F. HOCHSTEDLER ment. Moreover, the country was new, low and wet, and heavily tim- bered, requiring hard labor to render the soil tillable. When Rev. Kauffman was serving the Waupecong Mission he preached in this community, and Eli was awakened to his need of salvation. Previ- ously to this, while yet attending the college at Kokomo, he was greatly affected because his landlady prayed for him. After 11 months of earnest seeking he found peace with God and united with the Evangelical Association at Zion (now Bunker Hill Circuit) . He evinced zeal and courage in the Lord's cause. Later he obtained a distinct call of God to preach the Word, which became more ur- gent as he postponed its acceptance. His spirit grew restless, while pictures of waiting congregations would loom up before him, and finally, in the solitude of the woods, he vowed obedience to God. Zion class gave him his recommendation, and being licensed by the Indiana Conference, he at once entered the active work.
HIS MINISTRY AND RETIREMENT
He served in the active work as follows: Elkhart Circuit, '70; DeKalb, '71; Vandalia, '72-3; Fulton, '74-5; Greenville, '76-78; Mishawaka, '79, after which he located. He was quite successful in winning souls for Christ. From his own diary we have these
170
LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS
statements : "Had glorious meetings-souls at the altar-power- ful meeting and souls saved tonight." After he located he moved on a farm in St. Joe Co., Ind., west of the Smith's Church, which is in the north-west corner of Elkhart Co. After living there 15 years he moved to Rochester, Ind., where he engaged in laundry work. Later he engaged in the feed store business, selling also coal and wood, until illness made it necessary for him to retire. His illness lasted 1 year, and although he greatly suffered, he bore his affliction with patience and resignation. He gave himself un- reservedly to the Lord and calmly awaited the summons from on high.
His funeral was held from the Evangelical Church in Roches- ter, June 15, 1914. Rev. W. M. Baumgartner, his former pastor, officiated and was assisted by J. W. Metzner, P. E., J. H. Rilling, C. W. Spangler, George Pullman. He was survived by his second wife and several children. Brother Hochstedler was not an elo- quent preacher nor gifted in speech, but he lived a pious and un- assuming life, and was ever loyal and devoted to the Churc.h. His preaching was plain, fearless, earnest, sincere, and mostly ex- hortative. As a man he was honest and faithful, companionable and deeply spiritual. He took great interest in the Sunday-school and Young People's Alliance. As long as health allowed he was a regular attendant at church services, and could be counted upon by his pastor. In his family he was indulgent and kind.
REV. FREDERICK HOFFMAN (1822-1884)
Frederick, brother of Rev. John Hoffman, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 3, 1822, and departed this life in - , 1884, near Royal Centre, Ind., where he is also buried. He was reared in the Lutheran Church. In the early part of his life his parents came to America, and settled in Holmes Co., O. Later he moved to Fulton Co., Ind., and was converted here in 1846, and united with the Evangelical Association.
He was licensed to preach in Sept., 1860, the German class of Culver Circuit recommending him. He was never ordained and never entered the active itinerancy, nevertheless he traveled much, frequently 30 to 40 miles, to preach the Gospel. H gave 24 years to the church as local preacher. It was said of him, "That his work at revivals was effective and appreciated, that he was mighty in the Scripture. His sermons were systematic, plain, practical,
171
INDIANA CONFERENCE
exhortative and deeply spiritual." His labors were not in vain. He was sick three weeks, but was fully resigned to the will of God. He expressed himself as being "prepared to die." He chose his own funeral text from Isa. 60: 20. He was survived by his wife and children, one of whom was the wife of Rev. L. Newman of the Indiana Conference, and the grandfather of Rev. Irvin Spen- cer, deceased. Rev. D. J. Pontius officiated at his funeral, assisted by H. E. Overmeyer and L. S. Fisher.
GEORGE B. HOLDEMAN (1847-1889)
Brother Holdeman first saw the light of this world, Wayne Co., Ohio, Sept. 4th, 1847, and received his second sight, the heav- enly, at Elkhart, Indiana, 1875, during a revival conducted by Jo- seph Fisher at Watchtower Church. He at once united with the Evangelical Association, and became an active and devoted member. It was soon discovered that the Lord had need of him in a larger sphere of service, and the Watchtower society recommended him to the Annual Conference of 1884, which, in turn, licensed him as preacher on probation. Having had but meager school advantages, he hesitated in taking up active work at once, but when a vacancy occurred on Ft. Recovery Circuit, four months after Conference, he GEORGE B. HOLDEMAN accepted it, and served with great satisfaction. In '85 he was as- signed to E. Germantown; in '86-88 he served N. Webster; in '88-89, Logansport; '89 he was again assigned to Logansport, but he was not permitted to return to the people that were so greatly attached to him. A higher power appointed him to the celestial field. After Conference he, with his wife, went to Wakarusa to visit friends and relatives, and after spending a few days here, preaching four times, he was called to his reward. Ten days of indescribable suffering ended his career. D. S. Oakes said of him : "He was a very conscientious and pious man, earnest and faith-
172
LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS
ful in the discharge of his Christian and official duties; he did not falter, nor did he become easily discouraged in his labors for God. He was punctual, reliable and effective; his preaching was appro- priate, pointed and instructive. He made rapid progress in his preaching. He had the confidence and the esteem of the entire Con- ference. A worthy laborer was lost by his untimely death." His widow, a Mary C. Harrington, and four children survived him. Burial took place at Elkhart, Indiana.
JACOB HUNTSINGER (1836-1909)
Jacob was born near Hagerstown, Wayne Co., Indiana, Feb. 11, 1836, where he also grew to manhood. He departed this life in Huntington Co., Indiana, in the triumphs of faith, Feb., 1909. He was small of stature, unique in his gifts, adapted for work among children. He was led to accept Christ as his personal Saviour in the spring of 1858, when he also united with the Evangelical Asso- ciation, remaining faithful and devoted until death. He never married. Soon after his conversion he felt called of God to preach the Gospel; the New Lisbon class recommended him, and he was licensed by the Indiana Conference, Sept., '72. He was ordained deacon, '79. He never took a regular charge, but devoted his life and efforts for nearly 30 years to the children. He very appro- priately received the name, "The Children's Friend." His sole purpose was to befriend the children on the streets, in the homes, and frequently spoke to them in Sunday-school, and at Sunday-school conventions. He would entertain them with quaint illustrations of his own, ever bent on directing their minds and hearts to accept Jesus Christ early in life. He also endeavored to implant principles of temperance and virtue by his apt use of object-lessons. This work he did with simplicity and amiableness. He was a firm believer in child evangelism, and in his younger days did considerable good among the children. He generally had with him simple tracts for children, and would distribute them at Sunday-school and to children on the streets. His work was ex- tensively known in and out of the church. His kindly words will long be remembered by those who learned to know him in their childhood. In eternity many will rise and call him blessed for what he meant to them in their youth. The one theme that lay near his heart was Heaven. Though he lived a simple life, his influence was always for good, and the Lord had need of him.
173
INDIANA CONFERENCE
AUGUST IWAN (1840-1897)
This herald of the Cross was born in Posen, Prussia, Aug. 15th, 1840, and was reared in the Evangelical State Church, in which he was duly catechized and confirmed. With his parents, Heinrich and Caroline, he and his wife, an Augusta Schultz, came to America, 1875, and settled in South Bend, Ind. He followed the trade of a blacksmith, and labored in the "Studebaker Wagon Fac- tory" until he entered the ministry. He was very industrious and frugal, and highly esteemed by his fellow-workmen. It was while in South Bend that he began attending the services in the First Evangelical Church, and under the labors of Christian Glaus be- came awakened to his need of salvation, and was converted to God, '76.
HIS DIVINE CALL AND MINISTRY IN THE INDIANA CONFERENCE
About six months after his conversion he received clear evi- dence of a call to the ministry, and was ready to go forth and preach any time the church would send him. When J. M. Gomer asked him whether he did not realize a call of God to preach, he replied : "I am ready whenever God wants me to go." Brother Iwan, like many others, earned large wages, hence made a great financial sacrifice by going out as a herald of the Cross. His wife was not willing to go, realizing the privations of a minister's life, but she graciously yielded to the will of God. His educational priv- ileges in Prussia were those of the common schools. "But," says E. J. Nitsche, "he was an earnest and faithful Bible student, a man with a great mind, possessing great will-power, backed by a forceful character. This made him a strong textual preacher." He served the following fields in the Indiana Conference: In '77-8, Logansport, where he had much opposition from a Lutheran pastor, who enticed him to a public debate on doctrinal points. Brother Iwan, being young in the work and inexperienced, was not a match for the occasion, and through this occurrence our work suffered a blow that almost paralyzed it in this place. In '79-80, Bunker Hill was given him; '81-82, Wanatah Circuit; '83, Medary- ville; '84, Laporte; '85, Wanatah; in '86-87, Elkhart, Division St. He was quite successful in soul-winning on these charges, and gained the confidence and esteem of the brethren and the offi- cers of the Board of Missions.
HIS WORK IN TEXAS
In '88 the Board of Missions assigned him to Galveston. Many of his friends were fearful of his going so far south, but he said :
174
LIFE SKETCHES OF OUR DECEASED MINISTERS
"I go to Texas to work for the Lord and to die there." He served Galveston charge different times for a period of seven years, and San Antonio for three years, and as presiding elder of the South District for two years, serving Galveston with it. When the time came to hold what proved to be his last quarterly meeting in Tem- ple, Texas, being sick at the time, he was urged to stay at home, but he said: "I must go to Temple, and if I must go on one foot." His unexpected death was caused by a carbuncle under his right shoulder-blade. His last sermon was on Daniel 5: 25-28, preached just two weeks before he was buried. Only the brethren of his district could attend his funeral on Aug. 15th, 1897. Rev. Meier preached from Revelation 14: 13. Revs. Bunse, Chum, and Daeschner assisted. The remains were interred in the beautiful Lake View Cemetery at Galveston. This was a great and sore be- reavement for the family, and a great loss to the Conference.
Rev. Daeschner of the Texas Conference wrote of him that he discharged the duties of the important office of a minister with fidelity and conscientiousness, without pretense or hypocrisy, that he did his work with circumspection and devotion, to the edification of the saints and the salvation of sinners. The church entrusted him with important charges in both Conferences. His preaching was often eloquent and unctuous, Scriptural and practical, logical, edifying and effective. He was known as being systematic in all of his work, devoid of selfishness. He was virtuous and stood in inti- mate relation with his co-laborers. He regarded the ministry as a holy calling, and the ministers as ambassadors of Christ and stewards of the household of faith.
CARL KALWITZ (1837-1902)
Brother Kalwitz was born in Pruetzenwald, Germany, May 20th, 1837. He was reared in the Lutheran Church, and came to America in '64, and settled in Laporte Co., Indiana. He was united in marriage with Augusta Bremer, '64, to whom were born 7 chil- dren. His vocation was that of farming. In 1864, under the labors of the preachers of the Evangelical Association, he was convinced of the errors of his life and deeply convicted of his sins. Yielding to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, he was converted to God, and united with the Evangelical Association at Zion, near Wanatah. He evinced ability to lead and instruct in God's Word. His class recommended him to the Indiana Conference for license, and in Sept., '67, the Conference granted him a probationer's license. He
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.