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 6
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After preaching for some time in con- nection with his school work, he was or- dained to the Christian ministry in the Miami Ohio Conference.
He was united in marriage with Miss Cora D. Minton, of Eaton. Ohio, August 22, 1895, and in 1897 was called to his pres- ent pastorate, succeeding the Rev. James Maple, D. D. He became an honorary member of Eel River Conference in 1901.
Rev. Etter is an able preacher and successful pastor. He is greatly loved by his congregation who give him earnest support in his efforts to strengthen the church. His years of usefulness in the cause of Christ have apparently just begun. It is hoped that he may be spared many years to labor in the Master's vineyard.
REV. E. GLEASON
Was born in Cayuga county, N. Y. He united with Eel River Conference in 1874 having entered the ministry seven years previously. He last re- ported in 1878. His name has since been dropped. He now resides at Treaty, Ind.
REV. LORISON GATES
Of Valparaiso, Ind., united with Con- ference in 1860 and remained a mem- ber until 1872 when he took out a letter of dismissal and commendation to the Mazon River Conference.
REV. DAVID E. GREER
of Bluffton Conference, united with Eel River Conference in 1860. His name was stricken from the roll in 1865, he having reunited with the former Conference.
REV. WILLIAM A. GOSS
Of the Illinois Central Conference united with this Conference in 1860 and was granted a letter in 1864. He was an active worker in the ministry and worked extensively for the Publishing House, a portion of the time being Publishing Agent.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. J. J. COPELAND
United with Eel River Christian Con- ference in 1888, bringing his creden- tials from the. Eastern Indiana Confer- ence. He was the able pastor of Wakarusa, Waterford, Goshen, Millers- burg, Collamer, Broadway, Paw Paw, Dunfee and North Webster churches. He joined the Christian church at the age of 17. He entered the ministry in 1880 and was ordained in 1882. He was a man of fine physique, but during the winter of 1894-95 he was taken serious- ly ill while conducting revival services at North Webster and was soon cold in death. He was 43 years, 7 months and 29 days of age, and fell while laboring hard and faithfully. .
REV. AMOS BALDWIN
Was one of the three charter members of Conference and continued in the ministry until 1847 when his name was dropped from the roll.
REV. DAVID W. FOWLER
Was born in New York City in 1823. He entered the ministry in 1842 and united with Eel River Conference in 1869. In 1878 he asked for a letter of recommendation which was granted and he joined the North Western Indi- ana Conference. In 1895 he reunited with this Conference.
Elder Fowler was one of the most brilliant pulpit orators in the State of Indiana. He did not remain in ruts but in thought stood upon the summit, inviting even his juniors in the minis- try to come up higher. He died at his post. In 1898, while preaching in Iowa, he became suddenly ill. He read his text, turned to a brother min- ister with him in the pulpit and said, "You must preach this discourse, I am sick." He was assisted to the home of friends and feeling that his stay upon earth was at an end, he prayed that his sufferings might be of short duration. His prayer was answered as he expired in a short time. His was a useful life and the influence of his sweet teach- ings will be felt in succeeding genera- tions. He served a number of our best churches as pastor.
REV. J. T. ALLEN
United with Eel River Conference in 1888 as a licentiate. He was pastor at Paw Paw in 1890. The following year his name was dropped from the roll, he having joined another church.
REV. L. B. APPLETON
Was born in Dayton, Ohio. He became a member of this Conference in 1873 and was ordained in 1875. In 1876 he was expelled for immoral conduct,
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
GILBERT ROMINE HAMMOND, PH. D.
Was born at Hunter's Land, Schohaire county, New York, December 11, 1848. H's people were of Scotch and Dutch origin. James Hammond, his father, died when Gilbert was a boy of 10 years, leaving his wife to care for a family of small chil- dren. The son worked out until 17 years of age when he had accumulated sufficient means to enter Starkey Seminary, from which institution he graduated in 1870. Six years later he grad- nated with the degree of A. B. from Union Christian College. He also took post-graduate courses in John Hop- kins and Syracuse Uni- versities from which last named institution he graduated a Ph. D. in 1886. He also took special work in chemis- try in Harvard College.
During these pass- ing years while not at- tending school himself he was engaged in teaching, first in his home county, then in Ogle county, Ill. In 1877 he had charge of a private school in South Westerlo. N. Y. After- wards he was principal of the Knoxville, Pa., schools and for three years was principal of a private school for boys in Dayton, Ohio. Four times he was called to Starkey Seminary, once as a Professor of Latin and Greek and twice as principal. He also at one time occupied the chair of Latin and Greek in Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio.
In 1876 he was married to Miss Dollie Simons, a cultured lady of Eddytown, N. Y., who has ever since been a devoted and encouraging help-mate in all his efforts to better humanity. In 1891 he went to Europe to enlarge his store of knowledge visiting all the principal countries of that continent as well as Egypt.
While teaching at Dayton, Ohio, he was pastor of the Dayton church and later served the churches at Aran, Greenville Creek, Laura and Phillipsburg. In 1890 he returned to Starkey as principal, resigning in 1898 when he took charge of the Bluffton church in Eel River Conference, of which he at once became a member. For the past three years he has resided in Elkhart having in charge our mission there and also the Goshen church. He is a cultured, consecrated, spirit-filled man of God. The sacrifice he has made and the devotion with which he has brought the Elkhart church to the front has endeared him to the people of this Conference.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERERCE
REV. JESSE FANNIN
Was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 9, 1820. He was converted in his fifteenth year. In 1836, at the age of 16 he moved with his parents, Rev. Bryant Fannin and wife, to a farm near North Manchester, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Dimy Nichols, February 14, 1843. To this union were born three sons and four daughters. In 1850 he entered Eel River Conference as a licentiate and was ordained in 1870. His wife died June 19, 1881. On Sep- tember 20, 1887, he married Mrs. Anna M. Horner. Brother Fannin was one of the pioneers of this Conference and a faithful mtnister of the gospel for over 50 years. He was very strict in what he believed to be right and did much good in the cause of Christ and of temperance. He died at his home in Wabash county, January 14, 1902, at the advanced age of 81 years, 2 months and 5 days.
REV. J. W. CONERY
Was born in Boiling Springs, Pa. Was educated in common schools, was con- verted and joined the church in 1870. He united with this Conference as a licentiate in 1884. He preached at Smith's school house in Whitley coun- ty, and did missionary work at Antioch. He died in 1885 at North Manchester surrounded by a faithful sister and a number of christian friends. He was an excellent soldier of the cross and his death was greatly felt and sadly mourned by the entire Conference.
REV. MUNSON W. COOK
Of Albion, Ind., united with Confer- ence at a called session of the Standing Committee, October, 1863, at the Union church. Father Cook came from Can- ada, and while aged he was strong physically and intellectually. He preached regularly for several years. In 1869 he reported, "I am very feeble and unable to preach." After six years of faithful service in the Confer- ence, he died in September, 1869, at the advanced age of 83 years.
REV. COMMODORE CLEMANS
United with Conference in 1862 and was ordained, October, 1863, at a called session of the Standing Committee. He was Secretary of Conference four years and withdrew from Conference in 1868 by letter.
REV. M. V. HATHAWAY
United with this Conference, a licenti- ate, in 1877. Two years later, by vote of Conference, he was given a letter commending him for ordination to an Illinois Conference, having removed to that state.
SIX MILE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Near Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. JAMES H. GREGORY
Was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1810, united with the church in 1828 and was ordained to the Chris- tian ministry in 1851. He resided near Merriam church upon his farm for 14 years when he moved to Walkerton, Ind., where he died in 1891 at the ad- vanced age of 81 years. His talent was largely exhortation. He frequent- ly spoke in Conference of himself put- ting chunks of fire-brands together. Illustrating his chosen work by some- thing known to people in that early day. When clearing the land of the forests, logs were piled together in heaps and burned. After burning awhile they would fall apart, when the fireman must with hand-spike bring the chunks and fire-brands together. Thus, like the fireman, he succeeded in bringing together those who were out of harmony with one another.
There occurred an incident in his life which may be of help to others. While residing at Merriam he lay sick nigh unto death for a long time.
Friends, wife and children were watch- ing at his bedside expecting each breath to be the last when he suddenly opened his eyes and said, "I came to the river of Death. The waves were running high, the waters chilly. There stood an Angel who said, 'You cannot cross now, the waters are. too cold, the waves too high. Tarry with your fam- ily, complete your work and when all is done, you will find the waters calm and the chill removed. Then you may cross over.' "
After this scene he regained his strength and labored earnestly for the Master till the call came.
REV. RILEY FREEMAN
Was born in Clay county, Kentucky, May 21, 1821. When a child he came with his parents to Laurel. In 1831 he united with the M. E. church and was at one time a licensed exhorter and class leader. In 1839 he became a member of the U. B. church and was licensed to preach, doing good work for the church. From Laurel he came to Wabash county in 1842. In April, 1846, he was married to Martha A. Amber and together they still reside near the Paw Paw church in Wabash county.
In 1847 he united with the Christian church and was ordained to the minis- try at Paw Paw church. He served this church as deacon for twenty-five years. To the writer of this sketch, the dear old servant of God recently Said, "The journey of life is almost over. Soon I shall kneel before the Great White Throne. May iny Master then say, 'Well done. Enter thou in. There's room for all.' Sweet will be the rest. Joy will be complete."
D. H.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. GEORGE GLOYD
Was born in Ligonier in 1848. He was converted and joined the church in 1867. In 1886 he united with Eel River Conference as a licentiate. Brother Gloyd reports each year, preaches funerals and aids other ministers, preaching from 12 to 40 sermons year- ly. He is well versed in the scriptures, is in full harmony with the Christian doctrine and aids much financially in building up the Christian cause. He now resides with his brother William upon an extensive farm near Kimmel, Indiana.
REV. J. T. HORNE
Was born in Virginia, educated in Clemonsville University, united with the church in 1846, entered the minis- try in 1868, and was ordained at West- field in 1872. He united with Eel River Conference in 1878, bringing his cre- dentials from the Weslyan Methodist Conference. He served several churches and in 1880 was given a letter to a Christian Conference in Kansas. He died at North Branch, Kas., in 1893.
REV. J. R. HOAG
Of Ohio, united with Eel River Con- ference in 1876. He organized the Collamer church and was the efficient pastor of a number of others. He was a native of New York and entered the ministry in 1842. In 1878 he received letters of recommendation and emi- grated to Nebraska, in which state he now resides.
REV. WILLIAM DEAL
Was a licentiate of the first Confer- ence. His name was dropped from the roll in 1847.
REV. LEWIS HIMES
Was born in Montgomery, Virginia, entered the ministry in 1886 and was ordained at Marshall, Wis., in 1867. He came to Eel River Conference in 1883, recommended by the Richland Union Conference of Wisconsin. He served as pastor of Spring Hill, Union and Leesburg at which latter place he resided. In 1891 he removed to El- wood taking with him a recommenda- tion from Conference.
REV. EPHRIAM HAMMOND
United with Conference, a licentiate, in 1863. He was ordained May 10, 1864, at a called session of the standing committee composed of Elders Zeigler, Abbott, Whitman and Winebrenner. His name was dropped from the roll in 1867, he haying united with the Dis- ciples of Christ.
REV. WILLIAM HOOD
Was ordained in 1845 at the request of the Wabash Christian church. His name was dropped from the roll in 1849.
REV. ALPHEUS IDEN
Was converted and joined church in 1875. He was educated at Stanford- ville, N. Y., and united with this Con- ference as a licentiate in 1877. During the following year he served a church in New York. In 1881 he was ordained at the Merriam church. His name was dropped from the roll in 1882. He is now a member of an Illinois Confer- ence and the pastor of several churches.
REV. HENDERSON JOHNSON
Was a licentiate of the first session of Conference. Dropped from the roll in 1847.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. DAVID WINSTON JONES President Eel River Christian Conference 1872 to 1883
Was born July 11, 1821, near the city of Dayton, Ohio. His parents, Obadiah and Ann Pearson Jones, were reputable Quakers or Friends, and he, therefore, had a birth-right membership in that church, and was brought up strictly in that faith. He attended the common schools of that period, including the Sunday School, and became proficient in the elementary branches, and com- mitted many poems, and passages from the Holy Scriptures, that remain vivid in memory to this day. His "First Reader" in school was a copy of the New Testament. This about com- pleted his education; for in 1834, when 14 years of age, he removed with his parents to the present site of Jones- borough, Grant county, Ind., to engage in making a home and a farm in that, at that time sparsely settled, new coun- try. There were no schools here for several years afterward, and then but of the lowest grade.
The ensuing years, up to 1840, were
occupied with hard work-clearing, farming, mill building and tending, with other work incident to an unim- proved and wild country. The nearest Friend's meeting where he, with his parents, attended, was three miles; but just across the Mississinewa river, one mile. was situated the Walnut Creek Christian church, from its nearness and young society, he frequently at- tended. This was the means by which in after years, he became a member and a minister of the Christian church. He well remembers some of the minis- ters of those early days, among whom were Hallett Barbour, Arthur W. San- ford, Silas Parks, John Robison, S. C. Minnich, etc. "Uncle" Jimmy Atchi- son, as he afterwards was affectionate- ly called, was just beginning his work in the ministry, and made frequent visits to Walnut Creek church where he made some of his first efforts.
During these years-the interim between youth and manhood-our sub- ject often felt the impulse rising with- in him to be a scholar. At one time he made application to the President of Oberlin College, Ohio, to be admitted a pupil of that institution, and the cor- respondence resulted in an agreement that he was to enter at the next suo- ceeding annual term. The father here interposed, he could not spare him. his oldest son from the work: besides the necessary funds to take him through college, were not available at the time. So the young man had to content him- self with the moiety of learning he had, and what he could pick up in a desultory way. The matter was finally compromised by allowing him one term at the Academy some time afterwards.
August 1, 1840, he was married to Jane Atkinson, a worthy young lady of the same county, whose parents were also Qnakers, she being a birth-right member, and they were both disowned
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
for accomplishing their marriage con- trary to the church rules.
These were the years in which the anti-slavery question was up for settle- ment, and he took an active part in the discussion. In 1852 he removed to Marion, the county seat, and establish- ed the Mississinewa Gazette, a weekly anti-slavery and temperance paper. Joined the Christian church and com- menced preaching. Became a member of the old Bluffton Conference and was ordained at Knightstown by Elders N. Summerbell, Arthur W. Sanford and "blind" John Byrkett. Between the years 1852 and 1863 he was engaged in publishing, occasional preaching, and two years as county treasurer. In 1863 he removed to Fort Wayne and established the Fort Wayne Daily Ga- zette, which he published for some months, took a partner and after two years finally sold out.
In 1871 he united with the Eel River Christian Conference, held with the Eel River church August 14, and resumed the ministry. At the next session of Conference was chosen pre- siding officer, which position he held for eleven years, and declined a re- election. In January, 1876, he issued the first number of The Christian Age, which he continued as a monthly and semi-monthly publication for five years. Was the first to propose and advocate the organization of a State Christian Conference; and at the or- ganization at Cassville, Miami county, was chosen its first Secretary. Is 110w June 1, 1902, enjoying reasonable health, and a comfortable hope of im- mortality beyond the vale, aged 80 years and 11 months.
REV. HAYNES PARKER
United with this Conference in 1851. His name was dropped in 1854, he hav- ing united with the Disciples of Christ.
REV. A. E. KEMP
Second son of B. F. Kemp, was born in Randolph county, Ind., March 7, 1875. He spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm where he improved the opportunities of a common school edu- cation. He then completed a high school course after which he went to college to better prepare himself for life's work. At the age of 24 he was married to Miss Ida Roush, of Jordan, Indiana.
While in college he felt impressed to take up the work of the ministry. He spent four years in the classical course, graduating with the degree of A. B. He attributes his standing in life to the religious training of his youth and the influence of God's word of truth.
He is of quiet disposition and u11- assuming, strong in intellect and grounded in the Christian faith. Early in life he united with the Christian church which he says comes nearest his ideal church (Christ's church.) In 1899 he was received into Eel River Conference as a licentiate and was or- dained at Six Mile in 1901. May his future be bright and noble and may many souls be constrained to accept the Savior through his influence.
REV. WILLIAM B. JONES
Was born at Elk Run, Columbiana county, Ohio, 1818. He was educated in common school, joined the church in 1840 and entered the ministry in 1845, being ordained at Danville, Ohio. He became a member of this Confer- ence in 1856 and was a valuable acces- sion because of his superior ability. He did much to build up the Millwood church and remained loyal until his death in 1889.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. J. MARTIN MILLER
Was born in Wabash county, Indiana, September 18, 1855. His early boy- hood days were spent as a farm hand, helping to support a widowed mother, and attended school during the winter months. He began teaching school in 1874, which profession he followed for 25 years. He attended several normal terms and fitted himself for the teach- ing of the higher branches in the high schools of Warsaw, Ind.
In 1890, at Sidney, Ind., he united with the Christian church. In 1894 he entered Eel River Conference as a licentiate, and after completing the Conference course of study, was or- dained at the Paw Paw church in 1897. In 1899 he was called to the pastorate of the churches at Bluffton and Six Mile, where he did excellent work, especially at Bluffton, where through his efforts the church was cleared of a long standing debt. He is at present
the pastor of the Wakarusa and Mill- wood churches where he has the love, confidence and support of the entire membership. He is a man of sterling qualities, unassuming, but full of the Spirit and anxious for the salvation of souls. J. R. R.
REV. ROSA LEE (now STODDARD)
United with Eel River Conference as a licentiate in 1895. She was the daugh- ter of Simeon Lee, whose biography appears below. She was the pastor of Broadway church in 1896 and did efficient work. She married B. M. Stoddard, ex-publishing agent, and moved to Dayton, Ohio. In 1895 she was granted a letter of dismissal and recommendation.
REV. SIMEON LEE
Was born in Wayne county, Ind., in 1845, and died in 1870 at the age of 24 years and 5 months, after an illness of three months. He attended Union Col- lege about 6 months. He maintained an untarnished name and died in the triumph of faith, exhorting all his friends to meet him in Heaven.
REV. UZAL KIMBALL
Was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1819. He united with this Conference in 1872, being ordained the same year. He died in 1898 at the ripe age of 79 years. He worked faithfully up to the time of his death.
REV. J. B. H. KENNISTON
Of Ohio Central Conference united with Eel River Conference in 1851. He was dismissed at a called session in March, 1853.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. WILLIAM S. MANVILLE
Was born in Bloomfield, Knox county, Ohio, June 15, 1819. Under peculiar circumstances, when about 20 years of age, he embraced religion desiring no other name but Christian. He was ordained in the Mt. Vernon. Ohio, Con- ference and for fifteen years preached for the Sparta church within sight of his birthplace. He also served the Appleton, Ohio, church for 15 years.
In 1842 he was married to Catherine Ramey, who has preceded him to Heaven. They moved to Indiana in 1860 and in 1873 he united with Eel River Conference. He served a 1111111- ber of our churches and for three years canvassed the State in the interest of the Christian church. He once held a public discussion with the champion debater, Rev. Miller, of the Dunkard denomination, at the Antioch church, which lasted nine days and at the close it was said by those hearing the de- bate that Bro. Manville had gained every point. Though now 83 years of age, Bro. M. is still vigorous in thought and loves to dwell upon the following favorite thoughts: "Christ the Vine, we the branches;" "Christ the bridegroom, the church the bride;" "A little leaven leavens the whole lump;" "Christ the head of the body, the church." He resides at Valparaiso, Indiana.
REV. LEVI MARKS
Was born in Bedford, Pa., in 1828. He was converted and joined the church in 1851. He entered Conference in 1882 and was ordained the following year. He acted as pastor of Spring Hill, Pleasant Hill and Millwood. Though now aged and feeble he is still preaching. He has been quite success- ful in his work, being a Holy Ghost preacher. He is now only waiting the Master's call.
REV. VAN RANSLER MILLER
Was born on a farm in Cass county, Michigan. His father, a Christian minister, was one of the earliest set- tlers in that county. His grandfather was a Baptist minister, while his great grandfather and great great grand- father were both Dunkard ministers. Bro. Miller was raised on a farm, re- ceiving a country school education. On his 21st birthday he was married to Mary E. Dickinson, of Goshen, Ind. To this union three children were born, Floyd Owen, Seymore Allen and Rose, who is now the wife of J. C. Swartz, Chicago. At the age of 24, Bro. Mil- ler left the farm, moved to Goshen and learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked more or less for 20 years. In 1867 he was converted and united with the Methodist church. In 1871 he moved back into the country, working at his trade and taking an active part in Sabbath school work. He was licensed to exhort in 1875, and in 1877 he withdrew from the M. E. church joining the Christian church, the church of his father, and in August of that year was ordained a minister. Since 1882 lie has resided in Goshen, working at his trade and preaching oc- casionally, until 1899, since which time he has been devoted entirely to preach- ing the gospel. His first regular charges were, Millwood, where he re- ceived fifty persons into the church in his first revival; Spring Hill, and in Hillsdale county, Michigan. He has been eminently successful as a pastor and revivalist and has perhaps been instrumental in bringing more persons into the church than any minister of this Conference, now living, having received as many as ninety-four in one year. Physically he is a fine specimen of manhood. He is possessed of a kindly disposition and is earnest, elo- quent and reverent in his chosen work.
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