Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835 to 1915, Volume I, Part 20

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 20


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 WORK IN YOUTH


D. S. was the youngest of seven children, having three broth- ers and three sisters. He never attended German school, nor had any private instructions, except what he received at home, and by asking questions of German men. Hence his German reading, writing and public speaking was self-acquired, and quite perfect. As to his boyhood days he says: "I, to my knowledge, manifested no extraordinary traits or talents, but was full of life and anima- tion, healthy and robust, loving play. In my studies I never was in the lowest ranks in my classes." He never attended any but com- mon country district schools. From childhood he was accustomed to work, helping to take care of his father's stock, making tons of hay annually, cutting grass with the scythe, raking hay with hand- rakes, cradling and binding wheat and oats, and tramping out wheat and oats on the barn floor, which was very tiresome work. At the age of 15 years he was made a full hand in work. He was a vigorous, ambitious and strong youth, willing to work early and late for 50 to 75 cents per day. He was also a great reader at spare time.


HIS CONVERSION


After his father's death, being but eighteen years old, former restrictions were considerably relaxed, and he says, "He formed some very insalubrious associations which had a bad effect on him." On Dec. 31, 1858, he went to Salem (Smith's) Church, where a watch-night meeting was held. Rev. Jos. Fisher preached. Oakes


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was deeply smitten with the truth. The meeting was continued, and he frequently attended the evening services. He says, "The arrows of conviction sank deeper and deeper, until the evening of the 17th of January, while there kept ringing in my ears, 'Now or never, now or never.'" He went to the altar of prayer, five nights in succession, sometimes moved to deep emotions, and then again realizing a hard, callous feeling. He says that if he had done as he often felt, he would not have gone out a second time, but when he started he determinedly vowed to God never to give up, for it was a matter of principle with him. On the fifth even- ing, Saturday, Jan. 21, he went to church with a fixed determina- tion that that night the conflict must come to an end. He says, "There was a terrible struggle during the altar service." He would cry out, "I will not leave here till pardon is obtained, till victory is won." But something repeatedly would say, "Yes, you will, yes, you will." "The meeting will close," "the people will leave," "the lights will be extinguished," "the house will be locked." These sayings he thought were of Satan. But Oakes was deter- mined on finding pardon that night, and said to himself, "Though the meeting closes, etc., yea, if I die here, I will not leave here until I find pardon." Then the worst struggle began. Up to this time he was afraid of doing or saying improper things, which greatly hampered him, but now he became indifferent to these things, and oblivious to his environments. True, the congregation was dis- missed, most of the people left, but a few, Geo. Smith and oth- ers, remained. Oakes remained on his knees praying until 11 o'clock, when, as he says, "Suddenly the clouds rolled away, the storm subsided, the billows quieted, and a calm peace and joy pos- sessed me, without emotions or demonstrations."


HIS WORK IN THE CHURCH AS LAYMAN


When an opportunity was given, on Jan. 27, 1859, to become 'dentified with a church, he felt it an imperative duty to join the Evangelical Association. This was a surprise to many of his friends because the circuit was exclusively German. In the spring, Jos. Fisher called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a Sunday-school. D. S. Oakes was elected as superintendent, the responsibility of which seemed impossible for him to assume, but he consented, after much persuasion.


SOME EARLY CONFLICTS


Brother Oakes had many spiritual conflicts after conversion. In the spring of 1859 glowing reports of rich gold discoveries


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came from Pike's Peak, and he, with others, got the "Pike's Peak fever." Young men who joined church with Oakes insisted on his going with them, and he felt it his duty for their sakes. He was also urged by his brother Benjamin, who offered him the money. But his mother vehemently objected, because he and Ben- jamin were her youngest children, and the only ones at home. He yielded to her wishes, but "Oh," he says, "what a conflict." The second conflict came when the Civil War broke out. He felt he should enlist. Mother again opposed him, pleading with tears, "Stay with me until I die, then you can go where you will." Stay- ing at home became an intense struggle; at times he could scarcely restrain himself from going, but a sense of duty to his mother prevailed, knowing that his going would break her heart, and bring her with sorrow to the grave. During the summers from 1859-1862, he worked at carpentering, and in the winter he taught school. In 1861-2 he was assessor of the township. In August, 1861, he was elected class-leader, which office he filled acceptably one year. Up to this election he wholly exercised in English, but now being leader of mostly Germans, he, with determination, took up the German and with perseverance he soon succeeded.


HIS CALL TO THE MINISTRY AND MINISTERIAL WORK


He had a conviction from childhood up that some day he would be called to the ministry. During the summer of 1862 this convic- tion deepened; the call became imperative. The response was in- wardly, "Lord, I am ready whenever the way is fully opened." About the middle of June his brother Benjamin sent for him at Elkhart, with the intelligence that his mother was seriously ill. He laid his tools aside never to take them up again as implements of permanent employment. He stayed with his mother until her demise, July 1. Rev. M. Speck, junior preacher of the circuit, first spoke to him about his call to the ministry, which he frankly ac- knowledged. Later Rev. A. Schaefer, preacher-in-charge, spoke similarly to him. He was perfectly acquiescent to the Divine will, believing that God would bring all things to pass as He willed it.


Brother Oakes preached his first sermon, Aug. 24, 1862, in Wahl's school-house, near the present Smith Church. His text was "Watch and Pray," etc., Matt. 26: 41. The week following, Bro. Schaefer got out his recommendation, which was signed by nearly all members of his class and those of the other classes of the Salem (Smith's) society. On Friday of the same week the Quarterly Conference voted him a license as preacher on probation, signed by Jos. Fisher, P. E., and A. B. Schaefer, P. C. At this time the


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Discipline allowed the Quarterly Conference to issue licenses. In September he went to East Germantown, where the Annual Con- ference was held. Bishop Jos. Long presided. Here he was re- ceived into the intinerancy, and was assigned to the extensive Fulton Circuit with Michael Alsbach as preacher-in-charge. Their circuit extended into eleven counties from four miles west of Plymouth, south-eastward to six miles south of Warsaw, then south-westward to seven miles south of Lafayette, then westward to Medaryville, and back to the starting point, preaching daily, except Saturdays. It took three weeks for one to make the round. Roads were bad, conveniences poor, preaching was mostly in cab- ins and school-houses, the hardships were many, sleeping accom- modations poor. Yet these early pioneers murmured little, were happy and contented in the Lord's work.


In 1863 he was appointed to Huntington Mission, with seven appointments. In 1864 he was ordained deacon by Bishop J. J. Esher at Indianapolis, where Conference was held, and was then sent to St. Mary's Circuit. In 1865 Lafayette Mission was as- signed to him; the year was one of severe trials, the membership being very small, the outlook discouraging. In the spring of 1866, by invitation, he went to Danville, Ill., where he held a successful meeting and organized a society, building a small church that sum- mer. In 1866 he was ordained elder by Bishop J. J. Esher. The Conference was held in Evansville, Ind. He was assigned to St. Mary's Circuit and Huntington Mission jointly with J. A. Maier, Jr., colleague.


HIS MARRIAGE


On Oct. 16, 1866, he was married to Mary C. Scott of Deca- tur, Ind. Speaking of their beginning he says, "Clothing and gro- ceries were, at this time, extremely high. Ordinary calico, 50 cents per yard, coffee, 50 to 60 cents per pound; brown sugar, 12 to 15 cents per pound ; flour, $8.00 per cwt .; all else in proportion." They began housekeeping with $60, which she had, saved by her guardian. His salary for the first two years was $100 per year, and third and fourth years $125. At this time it was customary to report at Conference the surplus salary and divide with those who fell short, which he did several times. Now with a wife he was entitled to $250, if he got it. Thus we see the spirit of self- denial was great even in his pioneer days.


In 1867 he received Elkhart Circuit, with J. K. Troyer as col- league. Both families moved into a small parsonage on Solomon's Creek, near New Paris, Ind., each having two rooms. Two small


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rooms were added by their own hands, at their own expense. Thus they lived together in happiness, without a mar or jar.


In 1869-70 DeKalb Circuit was assigned to him, with J. Wales and H. E. Overmeyer as colleagues respectively, and in 1871 he was returned to Elkhart Circuit, with W. Wildermuth as assistant.


HIS WORK IN OREGON


In October, 1871, the Board of Missions appointed him a mis- sionary to Oregon. He continued serving Elkhart Circuit until spring. On Monday, April 29, 1872, he, with the family, left Elk- hart, and started on their long and hazardous journey, reaching San Francisco, Cal., Saturday, May 4, 10 P. M. Father Mar- quardt, missionary at San Francisco, met them at the station, with whom they shared their hospitality until the following Saturday, when they boarded the ocean steamer "John L. Stephens." They landed in Portland, Ore., Thursday morning next, and in the after- noon went by railroad to Salem, where they met Josiah Bowersox and family, then our only missionary in Oregon.


The field assigned to Oakes was Albany and Corvallis, county- seats, ten miles apart, on Willamette River. They made their home in Albany. They bought a five-roomed cottage and two lots, the first property they owned. He says, "We liked Oregon, but as far as church work was concerned, I felt that nothing could be done." So in the fall of 1873 he wrote a letter to the Board of Missions, giving his view of the situation thus, "That there were no prospects to become self-supporting for many years, if ever, and that we were throwing away our money and efforts which could be much more successfully applied elsewhere, etc." His let- ter to the Board was a long and definite one, ending with a re- quest to recall him, as he was too conscientious to remain at the expense of the General Mission treasury. He was known for his sincerity, and his views to the Board were later voluntarily cor- roborated by letter by the then senior Bishop J. J. Esher, while on his way to Japan from Oregon. The Board granted him leave to return by spring, 1874, but believing that he could save the mis- sionary treasury several hundred dollars on salary, they packed up in December and returned. After a stormy voyage they ar- rived, Dec. 24, at San Francisco, and per emigrant train, to save expenses, they arrived at Elkhart, Jan. 3, 1874.


HIS WORK IN INDIANA CONFERENCE AGAIN RESUMED


Early in the spring he took charge of the Huntington Mission, relieving W. W. Wildermuth. At the Conference session, held at


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Noblesville, Ind., September, 1874, he was assigned to Mishawaka Circuit, which he served three years successively with great re- sults, especially the second year, when he had a wonderful re- vival, in which 80 persons were converted, of which the older members still speak. He says, "This meeting began under de- pressing and discouraging circumstances."


In the spring, 1877, he was stationed on Twin Lake Circuit, which also was a very successful year of seven months, the Con- ference sessions having been changed to spring in 1876. M. W. Steffey, P. E., said of his work, "I never saw so great a change for the better and the work improved in so short a time, as was the case here." When the year was up he insisted to be moved, contrary to the wishes of his Presiding Elder and the people, but afterwards he resolved never to do so again. In 1878 he was sent, as he termed it, "to the almost barren and lifeless Benton Circuit, a bony part of the old Elkhart Circuit." Because of the uninhabit- able condition of the parsonage on Solomon's Creek he located in Bremen, 30 miles from the nearest appointment. This, he says, "was a hard, fruitless year, and did not receive his salary by sev- eral hundred dollars." He says, "Going from Twin Lake Circuit to Benton was, figuratively, jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire." In 1879 he was again assigned to Kendallville, formerly De- Kalb Circuit. On this field he spent three successful years. In 1882 he had charge of East Germantown Circuit, where the Con- ference session of 1883 was held, when he was newly elected as Presiding Elder.


He served in the office of Presiding Elder continuously from 1883 to 1905 as follows: Fort Wayne District, 1883-87; Elkhart, 1887-91; Fort Wayne, 1891-95; Elkhart, 1895-97; Indianapolis, 1897-99; Fort Wayne, 1899-1903; Indianapolis, 1903-04. In these years he often felt as though he could and would not continue in this work, owing to constant travel, exposure and responsibility, but again he wished to obey God and the church. In 1905, at the Rochester Conference, he resigned and located. He was the oldest among the Presiding Elders, the longest in service, consid- erably depleted in bodily and mental vigor. He served longer in this office than any other Presiding Elder of the Conference.


In 1904, J. M. Haug, Presiding Elder of Louisville District, died. D. D. Speicher filled out the Conference year. At the fol- lowing Conference session D. S. Oakes was elected Presiding El- der. The districts were assigned to the Presiding Elders, but, ow- ing to hard and long service, midst cares, worries and responsibili- ties, Oakes felt in justice to himself that he could not, at his ad-


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vanced age, accept the assigned district, and because the Confer- ence did not see fit to make an extra small district for him, he resigned, though reluctantly. It was not unwillingness on the part of the Conference to grant him his wish by creating a small dis- trict for him, but because of the inexpediency and insufficient com- pensation for five elders, had the Conference acceded to his propo- sition. Not wishing to take a charge, believing himself incapaci- tated to serve as pastor after so many years in Presiding Elder work, he quit the active ministry, as he says, "by force of circum- stances and on the responsibility of the Conference." But he did not lay down his Gospel armor, though he felt greatly relieved to be free from assigned duty, but continued preaching frequently, and assisting in revivals, until illness prevented him. In all, he was forty-two and one-half years in active service, and one year in the local relation.


Brother Oakes was a staunch and loyal son of the church. He was conservative, always sincere, frank, open-hearted to those who trusted him, and true and firm to his conviction. He was a wise and safe counsellor, possessing a keen insight in administrative things and careful in rendering his judgments. This made him from the beginning a strong leader in Conference affairs. His preaching was Scriptural, unctuous, convicting and convincing, and at times very eloquent and unique, though sometimes he got badly brushed in his efforts to preach. He despised sham, pomp, apish- ness and self-praise. He disliked indolence in ministers and re- garded it almost criminal to be unfaithful to church and Confer- ence trusts. In business affairs he was exact, economic and judi- cious. His aspirations were to be useful to his fellow-men, and edifying in his preaching. He never claimed to be without faults or human weaknesses. In manual work that had to be done, in ar- ranging for camp-meetings or building churches, etc., he always did his share of the work, and was an inspiring example to younger brethren. In some things he was somewhat eccentric and exact- ing-still he made many warm friends. He possessed quite a sense of wit and humor, was jovial, a good entertainer-almost limitless when relating humorous incidents that occurred in life. He was a good singer, somewhat of a poet, and a successful de- bater, especially when yet in his full vigor of body and mind.


He filled all the offices the Conference had in power to be- stow, and discharged his duties with tact, faithfulness and satis- faction. He represented his Conference 24 years as trustee of North-Western College from 1866-72 and 1885-1903. For some years he was a representative to the Board of Missions. Six


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times he was a delegate to General Conference. He served the Conference as secretary in both languages for some years. He was Conference mission treasurer and trustee and member of the Oakwood Park Association for some years.


Two samples of his poetry are here inserted, and one in con- nection with the Semi-Centennial Anniversary (which see).


REMINISCENT


In eighteen hundred sixty-two


I started out to preach,


Having nothing else in view


But Gospel truth to teach;


To win poor, wandering ones to God,


Believers to edify; The riches of Christ to spread abroad, And Him to glorify.


I did not seek the world's applause, Nor self to aggrandize,


But to promote His glorious cause,


And find favor in His eyes.


I was weak and incompetent, Deficient in many ways,


But humbly trusting forth I went Relying on God's grace.


I tried to preach but once before


I went to Conference ;


It was to me a trial sore To face the audience


Composed of Christians not a few,


Class-leaders three or four,


And the Presiding Elder too,


With several preachers more;


And there were my associates


Of youth and boyhood days, With nearly all my church classmates To criticize or praise. The sermon was not over long,


And sure not o'er profound ; The argument not striking strong,


Though based on Scripture ground.


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When I was through the Elder closed With exhortation strong, With fervent prayer that all enthused And soul-inspiring song.


The time I surely ought to tell, 'Twas on a Sunday e'en : The date I too remember well, 'Twas August seventeen.


In Matthew's gospel was my text,


The Master's counsel terse,


Contained in chapter twenty-sixth, And the forty-first verse. Thursday, the tenth of September, How well I remember! We seven did start Six miles north of Elkhart,


To Conference, way down At East Germantown.


There were J. Fisher and I, J. M. Gomer, A. Nicolai, C. Ude, P. Thornton,


And M. Speck, the seventh one,


Four buggies for seven,


Our number was uneven.


So, having a rig of my own,


I rode mostly alone ; But once in a while,


The time to beguile, My friend, Peter T., Would come and ride with me. The first day till noon We reached New Paris town,


Where we all got our dinners At good Brother Zimmer's;


We were then delayed an hour


By a good thunder-shower, But yet before night Reached Warsaw all right,


Where all night we remained, Being well entertained. Next day all went well, And we reached Immanuel, Where friends were us awaiting


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To attend a quarterly meeting, As Fisher had arranged for. Here we met a number more Preachers, who, from thence, Like we, were going to Conference. Monday found us en route again To the capital city on the train ; Tuesday, with our numbers swelled, We reached where Conference was held. When the Conference begun, Presided o'er by Bishop Long, All proceedings were in German, And the preaching, every sermon. Business progress was but slow ; What a contrast then and now! Then every little business question Was discussed in open session ;


Now no matter is long conferred, But to "committee" is referred. From active work five men withdrew,


While only three came in anew ;


Those were Schwille, Bretsch and Ruh,


And Burgener and Geisel too; There were Thornton, Dassel and I,


The vacant places to supply. But before the year was gone I of these was left alone; Thornton shortly homeward hied, And Dassel, he took sick and died.


I was sent to a circuit large, Papa Alsbach having charge. Our field extended far and wide, Three hundred miles per round to ride ; Twenty odd points we had to reach, 'Most every day we had to preach ; With endless visits to be made We had but little time to read ; My studying was largely done Upon the road, when all alone. Many lived in cabins rude With conveniences crude, But often courteous and kind, To hospitality inclined.


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Our services we mostly had In school-house, cabin, barn or shed; When we held them after night Tallow candles gave us light. Oft we used for public meeting The same room for cooking, eating, Entertaining, laundry, sleeping, And for general housekeeping. Only three churches in all our round,


Where twenty-five now are found. Alsbach was a noble soul, True as needle to the pole ; Like a father he was to me;


We worked in perfect harmony.


His preaching, though in doctrine sound,


Was not regarded as profound,


Nor textual, nor topical,


Nor yet in general practical ;


But earnestly devotional,


Exhortative, emotional.


This of preaching was his idea, (As often he expressed to me,) "What text is of but little merit, If you only have the Spirit." Poor man! He had his troubles sore;


For one his health was rather poor;


Phthisis placed him in such a plight He sometimes could not sleep at night; At other times rheumatic pain Caused him much suffering again. Another source of misery Was absence from his family;


They chose upon their farm to stay, Which was some forty miles away, And though he frequently went home, (Which caused severe complaint with some), 'Twas not as if he could be there


Alway, and have more present care Helping his wife the burdens bear In their general welfare. His eldest son had gone to war,


Although his years were scarce a score; This left his wife mostly alone


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With a young girl and half-grown son. The times were hard, the country rent With difference of sentiment About the war then being waged, And which the North and South engaged. Nevertheless the Lord did bless And crown our work with some success. And so the weeks and months rolled on, Till the eventful year was gone. Again to Conference, with joy, We went, in Marshall, Illinois. Bishop Orwig presided here; The business was dispatched with care. When the appointments were read out And every man received his lot


I was assigned to be alone, On a mission, Huntington. Eight appointments the work embraced;


One was dropped ere the year was passed.


The year was fraught with many a joy, But joys come not without alloy ; There were trials not a few,


And some strong temptations too. I had no visible success,


Which did my spirit much depress (However, next year made it plain That my work was not in vain,) And tempted me to quit the field, To which I was inclined to yield,


Because it seemed my duty clear ;


So near the ending of the year I wrote, informing my P. E. That he need not count on me As one yet standing in the line When the next the men they did assign.


But ere the year was fully closed My mind was otherwise disposed; So I resolved to go ahead And in the way of duty tread ; So, in September Sixty-four, I went to Conference once more; 'Twas held in the metropolis, The city of Indianapolis.


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Bishop Esher here presided, And our minds were soon decided By his counsels and his teaching, By his business tact and preaching, That he was the right selection In the episcopal election. Here I had deacon's orders voted, And to that office was promoted, By the Bishop's installation, And the rite of ordination. St. Mary's Circuit was my decree, Which I accepted graciously, Although (but I didn't know it then) It had obtained the cognomen Of "the Circuit of Punishment." So to my work with joy I went; Seven preaching points I found; Seventy miles' travel in a round; With four churches, which was more Than ever I had had before. At every point I had a few


Veteran members, tried and true.


The Saviour drew some hearts to Him, Especially at Bethlehem.


I there beheld displays of power As I had never seen before; Nor ever since in same degree, As I was there allowed to see; A mighty, sacred holocaust,


A veritable Pentecost, Strong men fell down upon the floor, And loud for mercy did implore.




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