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 9
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He had a weak body being a cripple all his life. Yet undaunted he went on. And often in his younger days he was thrown from his horse while riding to his appointments rendering him almost helpless. Still he ceased not to preach Christ and him crucified until his death. He was an able preacher and an upright citizen. He left two sons and two daughters. One of his sons, William Zeigler, is a faithful member of the Merriam church.
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MINISTERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
REV. ABRAHAM TABLER
Was received as a licentiate in 1851 and was ordained in 1853. His name was dropped in 1856, he having joined the Wesleyan Methodists.
REV. EDMUND THATCHER
Became a licentiate in this Conference in 1846. His name was dropped in 1853, he having united with the North- ern Indiana and Southern Michigan Conference.
REV. WILLIAM H. TURNEY
Coming with credentials from the U. B. church was licensed in 1886. No further mention is made of him in the records
REV. GEORGE WILLIS
Became a licentiate in 1861. He report- ed for the succeeding two years, after which time his name does not enter the record.
REV. A. J. WILSON
Became a licentiate in 1855 and his name was dropped from the roll of ministers the next year.
REV. J. E. THOMAS
Became a member of Conference in 1850 and his name was dropped from the roll of ministers in 1852.
REV. WILLIS THOMSON
Was one of the first licentiate members of Eel Riv.r Conference. Records show nothing further.
REV. M. K. ZERGER
Of Land, Whitley county, Ind., became a licentiate member of this Conference in 1877. He reported as preaching but little and in 1882 his name was dropped from the roll.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
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JAMES FRANK BARNES
Very few members of the Christian churches of Eel River Christian Conference in recent years have struggled more nobly to achieve success in life and an honored position among men than has the subject of this sketch. Although surrounded by many discouragements in his boyhood days yet by an indomitable will and 1111- ceasing energy he has built for himself a noble christian character and has won the esteem and respect of all who know him.
J. F. Barnes was born in Huntington county, Ind., November 26, 1862. He is the son of John and Malinda Barnes, who are still living and reside near Hunting- ton, Ind. His early life was spent on the farm, attending district school in winter and working at the usual farm work in the summer. He early developed an earnest desire for an education and improved all his leisure time in reading and study,often studying until late at night that he might accomplish his cherished desire of fitting himself to teach. In this he was successful having secured his first teacher's license at the age of twenty. From this time on he continued to teach for fifteen con- secutive years, usually two and three terms in succession in the same district. He was united in marriage with Lucy A. Stewart, March 29, 1885. To this union four children have been born, all of whom are living
He was chosen a member of the Conference Executive Board at Warren in 1895, which position he has held continuously ever since. At the session held in 1896 he was elected assistant secretary and the year following was elected to the office of Conference Secretary which position he still holds. He also served as Secretary- Treasurer of the Eel River Sunday School Association from 1896 to 1899. His work
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
has always been characterized by energy and faithfulness in all its phases. He has been superintendent of the Huntington Christian Sunday School for the past ten years and has been very successful in building up this part of the church work. He is also serving as treasurer of the Huntington church at the present time. On January 1, 1899, he resigned his position as teacher and entered the county treasur- er's office as deputy, which responsible position he is still filling with the hearty approval of both his employer and the public in general.
He united with the Huntington Christian church in 1891, of which he has been a faithful and active member ever since. He is one of those men that can meet and overcome opposition and at the same time exhibit that high type of christian man- hood that is always a joy to behold. Mr. Barnes is now in the prime of life and it is to be hoped that he will be spared many days, as he is a strong support to our church and Conference. O. W. W.
JOHN BURNS
Was born in Clark county, Ohio, and moved with his parents to Elkhart county, Ind., in 1832, where he assisted his step-father to erect the first flour- ing mill on the Elkhart river in that county.
The Christian church at Waterford was organized October 9, 1842, and in November of that year he united with the church and was chosen as one of her deacons, in which capacity he served until his death, which occurred October 17, 1878. He was 63 years of age at the time of his death and left a devoted wife, three sons and four daughters, who sorrow not as those who have no hope.
Brother Burns was a careful and prayerful student of the Bible and tried to live according to its teachings. He was a good man, with an unimpeachable character. He was industrious and frugal in his own affairs, leaving be- sides an untarnished name, the farm which he settled and cleared, to his family. He was a wise counsellor in the affairs of the church and the finan- cial affairs were always entrusted to him. His funeral procession was thought by some to be the largest ever seen in the county. Elder W. S. Man- ville conducted the services and preached from I Thess. 4:13-14.
SYLVESTER BLACKMAN
Son of Elisha and Amy Blackman, was born in York township, Noble county, Ind., October 6, 1842. He was reared on his father's farm until December 23, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. B, 12th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He faithfully served his county twenty months, or until the close of the war. He was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea and was in a number of the fiercest battles of the Rebellion. He was honorably discharged at Louis- ville, Ky., July 15, 1865. Since the war he has prospered in farming and now owns a beautiful farm of 177 acres in his native township. He was mar- ried to Mary J. Burns, Oct. 29, 1869. To this union seven children have been born: Ella, the wife of Emmet Black; Joseph E., Frank E., William, Ger- trude, Thaddeus G. and Anna E.
Brother Blackman and wife are both loyal members of the Sparta Christian church. He is also a mem- ber of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders and a member of War- den Post, No. 205, G. A. R. He was elected a Trustee of Eel River Confer- ence, August, 1899.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
JONAS W. AND OLIVE GRIFFITH
Of Warren, Ind., have been members of the Christian church for twenty years, uniting under the labors of Elder J. L. Puckett. Their christian life has ever been marked by loyalty and self-sacrificing zeal in the service of Christ. In the days when the church most needed encouragement, they were faithful. Brother Griffith has served the church as Sunday School Superintendent at different times and has ever been concerned for its spiritual welfare. Since he was chosen deacon, he has used his office well and maintained great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Sister Griffith has served the church for the past twelve years on the finan- cial and missionary committees. She has been teaching the infant class for seven- teen years and is also identified with the home class and cradle roll departments of the S. S. work, having for some time been superintendent of the cradle roll depart- ment of 82 members and is taking great interest in the little ones. Her labors have also been of a general character, having canvassed for the Herald of Gospel Liberty and otherwise serving the publishing house in many ways.
Brother and Sister Griffith are in the prime of life and have the promise of many years of useful and happy service in the Master's vineyard. They both have a wide acquaintance within the bounds of Eel River Conference.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
JACOB M. BROWN
The subject of this sketch, was born September 20th, 1850, in Rahrersburg, Penn. When he was one year old his parents moved to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where they resided until he was eight years of age. After the death of his father the family came to Indiana and settled on a farm in Wells county, near Murray. His first occupation was a school teacher, but in 1875 went to Markle, Ind., and engaged in the mer- cantile business. August 21, 1877, he was married to Miss Clara Myers, of Bluffton, Ind. In 1882 he came to Bluff- ton, Ind., at which city he still resides, being manager of the Frees feed barn at 128 E. Wabash street. In 1895 he, with his wife and daughter, united with the First Christian church of Bluffton. He was the founder and first president of the society known as the Eel River Christian Sunday School Association. In the summer of 1895 he was elected trustee of the Eel River Christian Conference, which position he still holds.
RICHARD T. ADAMS
Was born in Mishawaka, Ind., June 12, 1849. His parents died when he was a small child and at the age of 5 years he took up his home with Rankin Hoover in Chester township, Wabash county, Ind. Despite the poor school facilities afforded in his childhood and youth he gained a liberal education. Having been reared a farmer, he has followed that vocation all his life and is today one of the most progressive farmers of Chester township and possesses a well improved farm of 160 acres. He is a public spirited man, an earnest, hon- est, christian citizen and holds the re- spect of not only his immediate neigh- bors but of all who know him.
He is deeply interested in the affairs of his township and is a strong supporter of the public schools and takes no little interest in politics and in the permanent improve- ment of the public roads. He has been a member of the board of drainage commissioners of his county since 1898, is one of the trustees of the Indi- ana State Bank, of North Manchester, and, socially, is an enthusiastic mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and Knights of the Maccabees. He was united in marriage to Lida Hanley of his township, June 31, 1871. To this union ten children have been born, Marion T., Ida, wife of Joseph Dunbar; Laura, wife of John Goodman; Mary, wife of Lloyd Landis; Will F., Grace, Eva L., Stella, Hazel and Edna M.
Mrs. Adams was born in Fayette county, Ind., and was educated in the public schools. She is a woman of inany excellent qualities and is thor- oughly devoted to her husband and children, making for them a pleasant and happy home. She has a host of friends.
Botlı Mr. and Mrs. Adams are faithful and consistant members of the New Madison Christian church. Bro. Adams was elected a member of the Board of Trustees of this Conference in 1900.
REV. R. W. PAGE, Pastor Merriam and Sparta Christian Churches, Merriam, Indiana.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
MISS GERTRUDE BICKEL
Daughter of Simon and Jennie Bickel, was born March 9, 1882. She lives with her parents about two miles east of Bluffton, and is a member of the Six Mile Christian church and one of the active workers of the church.
During the past year she has been taking a course at the Huntington Business University. Miss Bickel se- cured more subscriptions for our Con- ference history than any other solicitor.
WILLARD W. DOLL
Was born in Sparta township, Noble county, Ind., January 26, 1863. He has lived in the vicinity of the Sparta church ever since he was four years old. In 1884 he married his Sunday School teacher and together, on De- cember 28, 1886, they united with the church. His parents and three sisters also united at the same time, all under
the labors of Elder George Abbott.
Brother Doll has been an enthusi- astic Sunday School worker all his life and, since uniting with the church, has been either a superintendent or a teacher continually, and attributes his present standing due to being con- stantly engaged in responsible places. He has an excellent family of five chil- dren and says if needs be he can have a Sunday School of his own at home, his eldest being an excellent organist, and all good singers. He is a man of strong Christian characteristics and full of the grit and courage that will enable him to stand until the end.
JOHN DORSEY
Was born August 7, 1842, near Liberty Mills. Ind., where he lived until about five years of age when he moved with his parents to Ohio, here he resided until grown to manhood.
On the call of President Lincoln for troops, young Dorsey at once re- sponded and enlisted in the 87th Ohio Volunteers. He remained with his regiment until Harper's Ferry sur- rendered in September, 1862. at which time he was taken a prisoner of war. Later in the war he again enlisted, this time in the 35th Indiana, with this regiment he served about one year. In 1863 Mr. Dorsey moved to Indiana set- tling near Oswego where he has made his home ever since, now nearly thirty- four years.
Mr. Dorsey has been a member of the Christian church nearly twenty- five years and has been among her most staunch supporters. He was elected a member of the Board of Trustees of Eel River Christian Con- ference at the annual session held with the Sparta Christian church in 1899. Since his election he has been a faith- ful and useful member of the board.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
A. P. WILLARD JONES
Was born in Huntington county, Ind., August 10, 1857. His parents were among the earliest settlers of his native county, settling where the town or Warren now stands. He was raised on a farm and acquired an excellent common school education. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Margaret E. Sutton, of near Huntington. To this union four children have been born, Lois, Howard, Lloyd and Ruth.
Brother Jones united with the Clear Creek Christian church in December, 1895, and together with his faithful wife, has since been thorough- ly devoted to his Master and to the best interests of the church. There is not a more loyal member of the Chris- tian church to be found than Brother Jones. He has been variously con- nected with his local church officially and is at present serving as church clerk and superintendent of the Sun- day School. At the session of Confer- ence with the Six Mile church, in 1901, he was elected a member of the Execu- tive Board. He resides on an excellent farm of his own in Clear Creek town- ship, Huntington county, and by his thrift, economy, practical sense and sound judgment, is succeeding well, holding the respect of his neighbors and of all who know him. He is as liberal with his gifts to the interests of his church as his means will justify and is exceedingly anxious for the ma- terial and spiritual welware of our be- loved Zion. W. J. Y.
B. F. HUMBARGER
Was born and reared on a farm in Whitley county, Ind. His occupation is farming and like most farmers he is vigorous in mind and body. He thinks and acts for himself, and loves the
liberty of the Christian church. Under the preaching of Elder Peter Wine- brenner he became a member of the old Sugar Grove Christian church, but afterward for convenience changed his membership to the Pleasant Grove Christian church, of which he is now a member. Mr. Humbarger is an active church worker and one of the substan- tial supporters of his church. His prominence in his own church led to his election as a member of the Board of Trustees at the annual Conference held at Sparta in August, 1899, to fill the unexpired term of Joseph Knight. At the end of this short term he was re- elected for the full term of three years at Millersburg in 1900. As an officer of Conference he is painstaking and conservative, a worthy member of the board.
W. H. LA FONG
Was born in Green county, Ohio, Jan- uary 28, 1844. He came to Indiana in October, 1859, and settled in Noble county where he has since resided. He was married to Sarah E. Gloyd, Octo- ber 8, 1863, and to this union were born two sons and one daughter. His wife died in 1895. Four years later he was again married to Mrs. Susan Stuff. Brother La Fong united with the Spar- ta Christian church in 1865 and is one of the charter members of the second organization which was formed in 1878. He has served this church as treasurer ever since its organization save two years. He has also served as a deacon for seven years and has been a member of the Executive Board of Eel River Conference three years. Brother La Fong is a prosperous farm- er and a conscientious Christian gen- tleman.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
JOHN P. KITT
Was born in Clark county, Ohio, August 14, 1825, and with his parents emigrated to Noble county, Ind., in 1846, settling upon the farin where he now resides. He was married to Elizabeth Hively, January 6. 1853, she having been born in Fairfield, Ohio, May 3, 1830, and having come to Indiana with her parents in 1840. To this union were born ten children, six sons and four daughters, of which number two daughters and one son died in infancy. Brother Kitt united with the Merriam Christian church in 1861, and has been a faithful member of the church, filling ser- eral of its offices and aiding in the erection of two places of worship, the first a frame and the second the present substantial brick. He has always been liberal in helping to defray the expenses of the church in all of her departments. Unless hindered by sickness, he has always attended all services of the church and Sabbath School, being active in the Master's cause. Brother Kitt has aided very materially in building up Eel River Christian Conference, both with his means and attendance at Conference session, having missed but one session since becoming a member.
He was elected treasurer of Conference in 1871 and served nutil 1888. He also acted as assistant secretary for twenty-six years, from 1865 to 1891. He also served on the Executive Board two terms and by virtue of his office was president of the Board. "Uncle" John P. Kitt. as he is familiarly known by those who are delighted to greet his presence at each succeeding Conference session, has certainly been loyal to and zealous in his church's interests. We need many more such earnest, honest workers in the Lord's vineyard. P. W.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
THOMAS JOHN
Was born in Jackson township, Hunt- ington county, Ind., May 11, 1855. He moved with his mother to Koscinsko county, Ind., in September, 1866. He was married to Alice Swihart, May 18, 1876. They are the parents of three children, the eldest a daughter, Edith, was taken across the mystic River in her infancy. Mable Pearl Dunbar and Lewis J., a daughter and son, still sur- vive. Brother John united with the Pleasant Grove Christian church in the year 1889, under the ministry of Rev. R. L. Amber. He was superin- tendent of the Pleasant Grove Sunday School for eight years. He served as treasurer of the Eel River Conference seven years. Is at present president of the North Manchester district of the Eel River Christian Conference Sun- day School Association.
Brother John is an industrious
farmer, having a fine farm and beauti- ful residence home near the church. His family are bright and intelligent, good entertainers, and have the happy faculty of making it pleasant for their guests. Brother John makes a special- ty along with his farming of dealing in fine stock, and many beautiful horses are sent to the market from his stables. He has also found time dur- ing his busy life to study music in which he has become quite proficient. He is not only a fine singer, but is somewhat of a composer, as his pub- lished productions show. Mable, the daughter, is an accomplished pianist, a lady with many natural as well as cultivated gifts. Lewis, the youngest of the family, is a bright young man, educating himself for usefulness in which he cannot help but succeed.
Mrs. John is a woman of rare qualities, kindly of disposition, and her beautiful home tells of her tastes and culture. Their home has always welcomed to its kindly hospitality the ministers who may have had occasion to be their pastor, in which the writer has often shared.
Brother John is respected by all who know him, is a man of thought and good judgment, is apparently just in the prime of life and bids fair to live to good, honorable and ripe old age. The entire family have always been deeply interested in the welfare and prosperity of the home church and do- ing their utmost for its upbuilding and are good supporters. May the good Lord aid them in their loving work.
C. V. Strickland.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
CALVIN PERDUE
Was born in Jackson township, Wells county, Ind., February 16, 1873. He is the son of Rev. William Perdue, of Warren, Ind. In 1892 he graduated from the high school of Warren. The next year was spent in mastering the details of book-keeping and business in the Indianapolis Business University. In 1894 he studied in the Normal College at Danville, Ind., during two terms. After returning to his home in Warren he began farming. in which he has ever since been en- gaged. He takes great interest in agricultural pursuits, and has been quite successful in producing vari- ous kinds of small fruits.
During the pastorate of Rev. John L. Puckett he united with the Christian church, and has been an active worker therein ever since.
Since the organization of the Christian Endeavor among the younger members of the Warren Christian church Mr. Perdue has taken a great interest in that work. For several terms he was president of the society. In 1900 he was elected C. E. evangelist of the Eel River Christian Conference, and was re-elected in 1901. He was elected recording secretary of the Fort Wayne dis- trict C. E. Union at the 16th annual convention held in Bluffton, December 31, 1901. and January 1, 1902. At the session of the Eel River Christian Conference held at Six Mile church, August, 1901, he was elected assistant secretary of Conference.
A. J. MAYS
Was born near the town of Millersburg, Ind., October 22, 1869. He attended district school until 19 years of age. Two years later he entered Union Christian College, Merom, Ind., where he remained two years, completing the commercial course. He united with the Millersburg Christian church in 1892 under the labors of Rev. J. J. Cope- land, and still remains a faithful work-
ing member of that church. May 20. 1892, he was married to Miss Bertha B. Boroughs, of Merom, Ind .. and to- gether they took up their residence at Millersburg. He was elected a trustee of Eel River Conference in 1897, was re-elected in 1900, and has served as secretary of the Board of Trustees dur- ing the past four years. He is at pres- ent engaged in school teaching and is thoroughly devoted to the interests of the Christian church.
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LAY MEMBERS OF EEL RIVER CHRISTIAN CONFERERCE
WILLIAM B. KNAPPE
The youngest but one in a family of nine children, was born in Noble coun- ty, Ind., April 8, 1851. He was raised 011 a farm and was educated in the dis- trict schools, acquiring a fair educa- tion which enabled him to teach for seven winters.
On September 14, 1876, he was married to Zillah A. Neal. Three sons and two daughters have come to bless their home.
Under the labors of Elder P. Wine- brenner in the Broadway Christian church in 1874, Brother Knappe was converted and mited with the church. In 1875 he was elected the superintend- ent of the Broadway Sunday School and has served almost continuously in that capacity for twenty-five years. He was elected a trustee of Eel River Conference in 1898, and in 1900 was made treasurer of the Conference, which office he still fills to the satisfac- tion of all. Brother Knappe is a con- scientious christian gentleman, in- tensely loyal to his church in all her interests.
MARTHA GILL
Wife of Reuben Gill, of Clear Creek township, was born January 14, 1822, in Campbell county, Ky., on a farm near the present town of Maysville. Her parents were John and Nancy Herndon. Her mother died in 1826 and soon after, she with her father, moved to New Richmond, Clermont county, Ohio. Here she lived until her father's death in about 1830. She then lived with her grandmother Hern- don until about the year 1837, when she went to live with her uncle, Aaron Gregg, in Bracken county, Ky.
On December 3, 1840, she married Renben H. Gill and two years later she with her husband moved to Clear Creek township, Huntington county, Ind., where they have lived ever since. She and her husband braved the hard- ships of pioneer days and have journeyed life's pathway together al- most sixty-two years, making for themselves a home for their declining years. Mrs. Gill is the only surviving charter member of the Clear Creek Christian church.
Mrs. Gill has been a faithful and loyal member of this church since the day of its organization in Abraham Kaylor's barn in July, 1856. Although Mrs. Gill has passed the 80th mile stone in life's pilgrimage slie takes great interest in her church. While her eyes have grown dim her spiritual vision is unimpaired and she looks for- ward with longing eyes to catch a glimpse of the "golden shore" where she expects to see her Master whom she has served so faithfully for so many years.
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