USA > Indiana > History of the Eel River Christian Conference, from its organization to the present time--August 15, 1902-- ; also History of all the churches of the Conference from their organization to the present time, together with biographical sketches of ministers and laymen, and much other important matter > Part 5
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
D. A. McGinnis and Rev. Conrey, 1878-85; George Abbott, 1885-1888; J. W. Bolton, 1888-91; David Boswell, 1891-92; Wmn. Perdue, 1892-93; Eliza Robinson, 1893-95; Peter Winebrenner, 1895-98; V. R. Miller, 1898-99; W. W. Stuart and Peter Winebrenner, 1899-1900; Peter Winebrenner, 1900-01: Hiley Baker to present time. The present officers of the church are, Milo Lawrence, John Born and Aaron Appleton, trustees; John Born, treasurer; W. S. Chapman, clerk.
UNION CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Located in Richland township, Whitley county, Ind., was organized in 1845 by James Atchison in what was known as the Hand school house, which stood about a mile west of the present location of the church property which is a frame building valued at $1000, and was built in 1867. The old records of the church being lost, it is difficult to give many facts prior to the year 1867. However, the church was served most of the 22 years intervening between its organization and 1867, by Elders James Atchison, Thomas Whitman and P. Zeigler. During this time John Hand and Silas Atchison were deacons, and Anthony Atchison acted as clerk. The pastors who subsequently served the church were Thomas Whitman, W. B. Jones, Peter Winebrenner, W. S. Manville, Rev. Himes, David Hidy, W. G. Parker, S. McNeely and Levi Marks. Rev. David Hidy is the present pastor. The church now numbers 100 and represent a combined wealth of about $70,000. The annual Cnference was held with this church in 1858, 1869, 1880 and 1896. The present officers are as follows: J. F. McConnell, Thos. Bayman and Jacob Barnhart, trustees; Geo. W. Webster and C. L. Cone, deacons; J. F. McConnell, treasurer; C. L. Cone, clerk. A number of ministers have been members of this church, Jas. Atchison, who died at Pierceton, 1895; Joseph Roberts, who died in Minnesota; Andrew Wilson, who died some 36 years ago, and William Miles, who died in the community in 1875; David Hidy, Thomas Whitman, Martin Hathaway, besides several others, who afterwards preached for other denominations.
WATERFORD MILLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Though one of the smallest churches in the Conference, is by no means the youngest. It was organized at Benton, Elkhart county, Ind., October 9, 1842, by Elder Peter Banta with seventeen charter members.
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CHURCHES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
The present church is located in the village of Waterford Mills, Elkhart county, Ind., and has a membership of 36, prominent among which are Aurora Loughner, G. W. and Eliza Benner, S. G. and Eliza Howell, Maria Hippensteel, Susan Stahl, Henry Holtzinger, G. S. and Amanda Castetter, Samuel Stuart, L. A. Richards, Martin and Cathrine Higgins and Mary Violette. Ministers who have been members are Joseph Roberts and James Atchison, deceased, and V. R. Miller. now of Goshen. The church building is a brick structure and the property is valued at $750. The following ministers have had charge of the church: Peter Winebrenner, S years; Amos Vansickle, 1 year; Thos. Whitman, 3 years; James Atchison, 6 years; Jonah Dunn, 2 years; V. R. Miller, 1 vear; Moses McDaniel, 2 years; Win. S. Manville, 2 years; George Abbott, 5 years; J. J. Copeland, 2 years; J. W. Bolton, 2 years; Jacob Rittenhouse, 2 years; W. G. Parker, 5 years: Franklin Briggs, 1 year; Joseph Roberts, 2 years; Philip Zeigler, 3 years. The officers of the church are as follows: G. W. Benner, Henry Holtzinger and Martin Higgins, trustees; G. W. Benner and Samuel G. Howell, deacons; Lydia A. Richards, treasurer; Eliza A. Benner, clerk.
WARREN CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Was organized in Warren, Ind., October 22, 1871, by Elder D. W. Fowler with nine charter members. Present membership is 285. Church house is located in Warren, Huntington county, Ind., and is a brick building at present valued at $3000. Names of pastors who served the church and the years they served are as follows: D. W. Fowler, October, 1871, to August, 1876; David Hidy, 1876-80; C. V. Strickland, 1880-S1; James Atchison, 1881, to April, 1882; Elder Riker, April, 1882, to August, 1882; T. C. Diltz, 1882-83; J. L. Puckett. 1883-86; William Perdue, 1886-87; J. L. Puckett, 1887, to February. 1SSS; David Hidy, 1888-89; Peter Winebrenner, 1889-90; David Boswell. 1890-91; W. D. Samuel, 1891-95; James Maple, 1895-97: J. E. Etter. 1897, to present time. Names of ministers who are now or have been members of the church are: C. C. Morris, deceased; George Hubbard, now residing on his farm in Jefferson township, Huntington county. Ind., William Perdue, living in Warren, Ind. The present officers of the church are: J. E. Etter, pastor: J. W. Beard and J. W. Griffith. deacons: H. K. Groves, treasurer: George S. Good, J. J. Roudebush and Henry Mallow, trustees; John H. Thompson. clerk; J. G. Ray, choir leader. The membership has had in its past history, a host who were
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prominent church workers and useful members of society. At present there are many loyal and most estimable members. The estimated combined wealth of the membership is $240,000. Sister Roxaline Hultz, a venerable charter member, is still living, and if spared until June 16, 1902, will be 93 years of age. The first deacons were John Shaw and Daniel Mossburg. First trustees were Silas Jones, S. L. Good and Robert Sprowl. The society has at present (June, 1902) under construction a new $15,000 house of worship. The funds having been subscribed, the building will likely be completed during the summer and autumn. The work is being wisely and efficiently directed by Brother L. S. Jones, chairman of the building committee. The other members of the executive committee are J. E. Etter, secretary; J. L. Priddy, treasurer; George S. Good and J. W. Beard.
WAKARUSA CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Located in the thriving town of Wakarusa, Elkhart county, Ind., was organized in 1874, by Revs. Peter Winebrenner and George Abbott with fourteen charter members. The present membership numbers 175, prominent among whom are Dr. W. H. Knepple and wife, Fred Young and wife, A. C. Culp and wife, F. T. Atkinson and wife, W. O. Yarian and wife, D. V. Werntz, Fred Trisinger, and Mrs. John Wire. The church building is an old brick structure valued at $1200. The estimated combined wealth of the membership is placed at $30,000. Ministers who are members of this church are Mary G. Rheubottom, Wakarusa, and W. J. Young, Huntington, Ind. The following ministers have served the church as pastors: Peter Winebrenner, Geo. Abbott, D. W. Fowler, James Atchison, Reason Davis, David Hidy, J. J. Copeland, David S. Boswell, M. G. Rheubottom, W. J. Young, Geo. E. Hicks, V. R. Miller, A. E. Kemp and J. M. Miller. The present officers are, Anthony Smeltzer and W. O. Yarian, trustees; Fred Young and B. F. Melvin, deacons; M. J. Lechlitner, clerk.
BIOGRAPHIES.
ELDER JAMES ATCHISON
Was born in Lewisburg, Ohio, in 1814. He received a common school educa- tion in Darke county, Ohio. Was con- verted and joined the church in the year 1832. Entered the ministry in 1838 and was ordained in Jay county, Ind., in 1842.
Rev. Atchison was present at the organization of Eel River Conference and offered the opening prayer at that session. He united with the Confer- ence at its second session, 1845, and was a faithful member to the time of his death. He preached during his natural life time to almost every church in Conference. Also preached some in other Conferences, and with the writer and Elder Tatton took a tour through Canada in the year 1870. After attend-
ing the quadrennial convention in Oshawa (1870) he preached at White Vail, Baum, and other Christian churches of Canada. He attended al- most all of the quadrennial con- ventions, and being a very able Bible preacher, he was usually called upon to preach. His favorite themes were: "The Sonship of Christ." and "The Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Christ," and "The Last Resurrection" was his special favorite theme. In his lofty flights upon these topics he would seemingly bring heaven and earth to- gether, and we could hardly tell wheth- er in or out of the body.
Rev. Atchison not only offered the first prayer in Eel River Conference, but it became the custom of Conference to have him open all of its annual ses- sions with prayer. This was kept up for fifty years or more.
His first wife was the daughter of Elder Joseph Roberts, and after her death he married Mrs. White of Ligo- nier, with whom he lived until his death. She survived him but a short time when she too fell asleep. And now they "sleep that sleep from which none ever wake to weep."
Rev. Atchison was one of our mild preachers, all love with him. He was a lover of the old Christian hymns and would frequently sing them. Eternity alone can tell the amount of good done by this dear loving and beloved broth- er. and great must be his reward in Heaven, nothing less than "A house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." P. W. W.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
ELDER PETER BANTA
Though never a member of Eel River Christian Conference deserves mention in this book because of his part in lay- ing the foundation for this Conference. About the year 1840, Father David Winebrenner. an exhorter, learned from Brother Baker that Rev. Peter Banta from Ohio would preach at Waterford Mills at a certain time. Be- ing desirous to have a Christian minis- ter organize a church at Wolf Lake, he rode on horse-back to Waterford where he met and heard Banta and solicited him to come to Wolf Lake, which he did and organized what is now the Merriam church with twelve charter members. He also organized other Christian churches, preparing the way for the organization of this Conference. Elder Banta traveled on horse back from near Dayton, Ohio, to points in Ohio and Indiana taking a month to make his rounds, giving each point monthly preaching, and on account of
having new places to visit, it frequent- ly took more than a month. Here was a man with the right Christian zeal and grit. Filled with the Holy Ghost he pushed forward to certain victory. Does not Eel River Christian Confer- ence and many of her churches stand as a living monument to God's power manifested through the earnest labors of his steward, Peter Banta?
REV. ROBERT L. AMBER
Was born near Urbana, Ind. He was converted and joined the Christian church in 1876 under the ministry of Thomas Whitman. He united with the Conference as a licentiate in 1886 and was ordained at Broadway the follow- ing year. He was a consecrated young man of ability and served as pastor of the following churches: Sidney, Sala- monie, Pleasant Grove, Beuna Vista, Plum Tree, North Manchester, and at St. Johnsville, N. Y. He died in 1895 and was widely mourned. We copy from the report of the Committee on Condol- ence: "Brother Amber was an earnest student, carefully preparing himself for the work by taking a biblical course at U. C. College and graduating from the same institution. During his ministry he filled a number of pulpits as pastor to good acceptance, his last charge being at North Manchester. While engaged in active work, he was compelled to lay aside his labor, hop- ing that by careful treatment he might be restored to usefulness. His minis- try was a success, as all who knew him can testify. His last words were, "I am going to rest."
REV. JOHN BOSLEY
Was received as a licentiate in 1851. His name was dropped three years later by his own request.
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MINISTEES OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
ELDER GEORGE ABBOTT
United with Eel River Conference as a licentiate member at its fourth annual session which was held at Pleasant Grove in 1847. He was ordained in the same church in 1849.
Elder Abbott was born in Preble county, Ohio, September 18, 1817, and died in North Manchester, March 30, 1894, aged 76 years, 6 months and 12 days. He was the son of James and Catherine Abbott, both of whom were members of the Christian church. When George was 17 years old his father moved to Kosciusko county, Ind., where together they cleared up a farm in the green woods. He was married to Nancy Barrett in 1838, and immediately moved to a place four
miles east of North Manchester, where he began clearing a farm for himself. Under Elder Banta in 1842 he and his wife mited with the Christian church. He at once entered the ministry but was not ordained until 7 years later. when he entered fully upon the work of the ministry. The country was new. the people poor, his salary a pittance, yet he pushed forward. For the first three year's labor as a minister. he received twenty-five cents in money. He organized some twenty churches as will be seen in the church histories. His last great work in organization was at Huntington. He never wanted for a place to labor. If not called to some particular place, he made for himself a place.
He was disliked some because of
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his tendency to fight for his beloved principles, but he was extremely tender hearted and sympathetic. often shed- ding tears for people in their afflictions. He contended earnestly for the name "Christian" and frequently said, "I would as lief be called a devil as a Newlight." He had a number of de- bates with opponents of his faith, most prominent of which were the following: First, with - Rev. Douglas in a barn near Markle, Ind., the subject being, "The Trinity and Pedo Baptism." The second one was held near Galveston, Ind., on "The Kingdom of Christ upon Earth." Abbott affirmed and the neg- ative was taken by an Advent restitu- tionist, Carbala by name. The third occurred at Paw Paw with a Disciple minister. The design of water baptism figured largely in the discussion. They also discussed the same subject debated with Carbala. The fourth was held at Ashton, Ill., with Rev. Stevenson, an Advent restitutionist, the subject being the one discussed with Carbala. Ab- bott never was defeated. In defense of Bible truth he was a power in the hands of God.
His wife died in March, 1888, leav- ing four children, four having preced- ed her. On December 12th of the same year Elder Abbott took to wife, Eliza- beth Bennett, who was a member of the Merriam Christian church and with whom he lived happily until his death. His dying words were these: "Brother Winebrenner, I have consid- ered my past life and feel satisfied with it. Had I my life to live over, I should wish no change in it. If I erred in any way, it was an error of the head and not of the heart. I was sincere and con- scientious in all my preaching and dis- cussions, presenting what, with all my heart, I believed to be strictly in accord with God's word, and with this I am satisfied." His funeral was held at
Pleasant Grove where he united with the church, where accepted into Con- ference, and where ordained. His body was there interred.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Peter Winebrenner, assisted by Elder Thomas Whitman and Rev. J. N. Ullery.
REV. JOSEPH AMBER
United with Eel River Conference as a licentiate in 1895. In 1896 he preached at Prairie school house in Illinois and attended U. C. College. He was or- dained at his home church, Paw Paw, in 1897. His work in the ministry was of short duration, as at the next annual session, 1898, Conference was called upon to record his death. Suitable ex- ercises of condolence were held, Con- ference standing with bowed heads in token of their sorrow and respect.
REV. MARTIN ARNOLD
Was born in Maryland in 1805. He was converted and joined the church in 1856. He united with Conference as a licentiate in 1868 and lived a consist- ent christian life up to the day of his death which was caused by his horse becoming frightened at a train and running away. He was 85 years of age. In the report of the Committee on Condolence his life was praised be- cause of his faith and efficiency in the christian ministry.
REV. NELSON ABBOTT
Who resides at Mt. Etna, Ind., united with the Conference as a licentiate in 1867, and was ordained in 1871. Bro. Abbott, while not being actively en- gaged in the ministry, reports at every session of Conference, either by letter or in person.
RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. SAMUEL FRANTZ
Was born near North Manchester, Ind., October 8, 1867. He was converted and united with the Antioch Christian church under the labors of W. S. Manville in 1893 and was baptized by D. S. Boswell the next year. In 1897 he entered Eel River Conference as a licentiate. He is pursuing the outlined course of study and expects to finish this year. Rev. Frantz is a faithful, conscientious minister of the gospel, and has served the following churches as pastor: North Union, Phim Tree, Colla- mer, Salamonie and Beuna Vista, and is the pastor of the three last named at the present time. He was married to Miss Anna Brindle May 1, 1895. To this union has been born one child, a daughter.
REV. ABRAHAM BYRKETT
Was born in Pennsylvania in 1807. He united with this Conference in 1860 and was ordained in 1863. His last re- port to Conference was in 1878 when he said, "I am old and worn out, not able to travel any more." Eight years before this he reported, "Traveled 600 miles, preached 100 sermons, baptized 2, and received $14 salary." Brother Byrkett died in 1879.
REV. J. D. COVERSTONE
Became a licentiate in 1873. In 1875 his name was dropped from the roll, he having mited with another denomina- tion.
REV. C. W. COOK
Of Bluffton, Ind., united with Eel River Conference as a licentiate in 1893. In 1897 he reports having united with an eastern Conference.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. DANIEL B. ATKINSON
Was born March 5, 1869, near Sala- monie, Jay county, Ind. The earlier years of his life were spent on the farm in Jay and Elkhart counties. At seventeen years of age he began teach- ing in the public schools and continued to teach for four years, attending the stimmer normals at Millersburg, and serving as one of the instructors in the normal the summer of 1890. In Sep- tember, 1890, he entered Union Chris- tian College, Merom, Ind., graduating with the class of 1894, taking tlie de- grees B. A. and B. D. for the Classical and Biblical courses, and receiving three years later, the degree M. A. from the same institution.
While in college he preached as supply for the church at Enon, Ohio, during the summer of 1891; served as pastor of the church at Newton, Il1., 1892-93. and of the church at New Lib- erty, Gibson county, Ind., 1893-94. September 1, 1894, he began his pastor- ate with the church at Muncie, Ind., serving that church until September 1, 1898, resigning to accept a call to the chair of Latin in his Alma Mater .He entered upon his duties in the Union Christian College in September, 1898, and has served continuously as Profes- sor of Latin ever since.
During the years 1898 and 1901 he served as assistant pastor of the Col- lege church at Merom, Ind.
July 3, 1895, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Celia Randolph, a meni- ber of the same graduating class with himself. Mrs. Atkinson's death oc- curred October 1, 1900. Lois, their only child was born November 18, 1897, and is living.
Mr. Atkinson became a licentiate member of Eel River Christian Con- ference in Angust, 1890, and was or- dained to the work of the ministry in
August, 1892. He was Secretary of the Indiana State Christian Conference, 1894-1900. He has served as State Sec- retary of C. E., Vice-President of the State C. E. Union for three years, C. E. Secretary for the A. C. C. for over two years and has served in various capacities in the State and Eel River Conferences.
The summer of 1901 was spent in the University of Chicago in the study of Latin and Psychology. His life has been an unusually busy one and he has had the confidence of his associates in every field of his activity. He is a quiet, reserved man, with a keen sense of humor and with a will power which makes itself flelt in whatever he under- takes. While not a polished orator, he is a forcible speaker and hits the mark, which, after all, is the real test of the orator. His is the rare ability to dis- cover ability and put it to work. Our personal estimate is, that his greatest usefulness is in organizing the educa- tional work for the denomination, and in preparing men to go out to preach the Word.
Professor Atkinson is still a young man and his friends are justified in ex- pecting much of him in the coming years. R. R. S.
REV. DAVID S. BOSWELL
United with this Conference in 1889, bringing a letter of recommendation from the Mississinewa Valley Confer- ence. He very acceptably served as pastor at Pleasant Hill, Plum Tree, Warren, Collamer, Millwood, Servia, Wakarusa, Eel River, Antioch and Merriam.
At his own request the Executive Board granted him a letter of recom- mendation and dismissal, January 25, 1898.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
(MRS. D. HIDY)
(DAVID HIDY)
ELDER DAVID HIDY
Was born in Fayette county, Ohio, June 24, 1834. In 1837 with his parents, W. M. and Catherine Hidy, he came to Indiana settling on Simington's Creek, Wabash county. He first attended a school held in a log school house near his home in 1842, and by attending faithfully during the winter months he made considerable ad- vancement. At the age of 14 he united with the Pleasant Grove Christian church under the preaching of H. B. Barber who baptized him. In 1853 he was married to Miss S. J. Abbott. To them were born five children. Two sons and two daughters are still living.
October 8, 1863, he volunteered in the Union army and served as a non-commis- sioned sargeant in Comgany E, 130th Indiana Infantry. During the Atlantic cam- paign he was in 16 battles for a period of 120 days, and 200 of his regimental com- rades were killed and wounded. He was honorably discharged after the close of the war, on June 8, 1865.
He preached his first sermon at Boonesville and became a member of Eel River Conference in 1868, was ordained in 1869, and has been in the work ever since, with all of his time taken. He served as President of the Conference 3 years and has been Vice-President for the past 11 years. He lias preached about 1500 funerals. married 1200 couples, and baptized about 500 persons. For convenience he went in- to the North Manchester church as a charter member, at which place he still resides.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. J. W. BOLTON
Was born in Whitley county, Ind., in 1849. He grew up on a farm, and hay- ing gained a good common school edu- eation, he began teaching in 1869, which profession he followed for ten years. In 1874 he was married to Amanda A., daughter of Samnel Ab- bott. He was ordained to the ministry in 1868 at the session of Eel River Conference at New Madison. In 1893 he graduated from the theological de- partment of Union Christian College. Bro. Bolton has been, since his en- trance to the ministry, laboring con- tinnously in his chosen calling, serving some of our best churches and at Erie, Pa. He is now pastor of the Six Mile, Olivet, and Millersburg churches.
REV. BOSTON S. CONSTANT
United with Conference in 1870 as a licentiate, but no further record is to be found of his work or life.
REV. J. L. DUNN
Was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1823. He entered the ministry in 1858, united with this Conference in 1874 and died at Waterford, Ind., in 1879. Despite the fact that he was a poor man with a large family and some- times poorly elad he braved the severest storms that he might meet his appointments and break to his people the bread of life. He united with the chuch in 1840. He came to ns well recommended from the North Western Ohio Conference. He died in the trimunph of living faith within sight of heaven and went home to Jesus whom lie loved so well, at the age of 55 years.
REV. LEVI ABBOTT
Was a licentiate member of the first session of Conference, and was or- dained at Pleasant Grove, January, 1849, at the same time of ordination of his brother George. He died in 1851. Though his ministry was of short du- ration he was earnest, devoted and was loved by all who knew him.
REV. DAVID BOWSER
Of Goshen, Ind., entered Conference as a licentiate in 1845. In 1848 he with- drew and returned in 1863 when he was ordained. Bro. Bowser was a good preacher and a spirited exhorter. He died in 1877.
REV. W. L. BAKER
of Waterford, Ind., became a licentiate member of Conference in 1845, and tendered his resignation in 1846, which Conference reluctantly accepted.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. JULIUS E. ETTER
Pastor of the Warren Christian church, was born in Miami county, Ohio, October 7, 1870, on a farm where he passed his youth. He creditably completed Covington, Ohio, high school course and in addition to pursuing a private preparatory course of study, he spent some time in a Chicago theological seminary.
Though none of his connection were ever, in any way, identified with the Christian church, he has from his early life been in sympathy with her broad and Biblical propositions, and a staunch be- liever in the ultimate triumph of her teachings.
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