USA > Indiana > Indiana Methodism: a series of sketches and incidents grave and humorous concerning preachers and people of the West with an appendix containing personal recollections, public addresses and other miscellany > Part 29
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During his pastorate in Pearl Street, Richmond, a great revival occurred, resulting in four hundred conversions and extending through a year and a half of the pastoral work. He also saw extensive re- vivals in every other charge of which he was pastor, aggregating for the entire nineteen years over two thousand conversions and accessions to the Church.
The Trinity Church, at Evansville, was completed under his ministry; and the Meridian Street Church,
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Indianapolis, began and completed during his pastorate.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Di - vinity by Asbury University in 1870, and in 1882 received from the same institution that of LL. D. He was a member of the General Conference of 1884 and again that of 1888 from the Central New York Conference. He is the author of "The Temperance Problem" (1872); "Life of Rev. T. M. Eddy, D. D." (1879) ; "Itincrancy Time Limit" (1879) ; and has been a frequent contributor to newspapers and mag- azines. Since he has occupied the Chancellorship of Syracuse University the institution has grown from 300 students to 850 ; from one building to five; and the property from $300,000 to a property of $1,800,000. He is frequently called into the general lecture field, and is known as a successful dedicator of churches throughout the country.
I have known this remarkable man, intimately for thirty-five years, and have not failed to watch. with unflagging interest, his every ascending step, from the beginning of his carreer as principal of the Thorntown Academy, to his present commanding position,as Chancellor of one of the largest and best endowed literary institutions in American Method- ism. Charles N. Sims never knew failure, nor did he ever fall even to mediocrity in anything he under- took.
As Preceptor in earlier life, he was a model- the struggling student ever found in Dr. Sims a sympathizing friend. As a pastor he was vigilant, tender and kind, and much loved among his people. As a preacher the thronging multitudes waited up-
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on his ministry with profit and delight,and whether as teacher or preacher, success attended his efforts everywhere. For the last eleven years he has stood as the conspicuous head of a great University.
He might have been Bishop, but like the great Wilbur Fisk, he preferred the work of the mental and moral training of promising youth, and the Chancellorship rather than the Episcopacy.
Now at life's meridian, and well sustaining his justly earned fame, as preacher, pastor, and educa- tor, he is,and is likely to continue to maintain for years to come, and if possible, with increasing pop- ularity, the exalted station he now occupies.
May his useful life, long be spared to the Church and to the world, for the elevation of humanity- the good of the Church and the glory of God.
J. L. SMITH.
REV. JOHN L. SMITH, D. D.
PERSONAL REMINISCENCES.
I first met Dr. John L. Smith in December, 1856, at Thorntown, Indiana. I was a college student, out of money, hunting a place to teach ; and hearing that Thorntown Academy was looking for a principal, I armed myself with a few letters of rec- ommendation and went in search of the position. I found Dr. Smith superintending the building of his new residence in the suburbs of Thorntown. A
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fire of blocks and shavings was burning in the fire- place and we sat on the carpenter's bench to hold our first interview. He inquired carefully about the recent rebellion in Asbury University, of which in- stitution he was then a trustee. For a half hour we talked of the Academy, the University and the edu- cational work of Methodism.
Dr. Smith was then about fifty years old, in per- fect health, possessing great physical strength and impressed me with his practical wisdom and shrewd- ness as well as his devotion to the general interests of the Methodist Episcopal church. When I was elected principal of the academy and came to Thorntown, Dr. Smith welcomed me with cordiality and supported me with a sympathy for which I have never since ceased to be grateful. He was one of the founders of Thorntown Academy, an institution to which he gave largely for a man of his means and from which he neither expected nor received fi- nancial returns. Later he was connected with the founding of Battle Ground and Stockwell Collegiate Institutes, Valparaiso Male and Female College and South Bend Male and Female College. All these institutions have ceased to be church schools, but all were needed in their day and gave abundant return to the church for the money and thought in- vested in them.
In his relation to the Thorntown Academy, Dr. Smith was very helpful. He had a tact which was wonderful and methods of criticism which amuse me yet as I think of them. One of our teachers had a fondness for large words. He never spoke of heat except as "caloric." He asked me concerning his-
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tory, "Do you prefer to teach it ethnologically or synchronologically ?" These are specimens of the ponderous words he was accustomed to use in the class-room and in ordinary conversation. Dr. Smith was invited to deliver a lecture before the students. He announced his subject as "Anthropology" and read a paper occupying fifteen minutes which must have required many hours of searching Webster's Dictionary for unusual words. The lecture furnish- ed much amusement to the students, and the next day my fellow teacher with great seriousness re- marked, "That was a very fine lecture of Dr. Smith's, but I was almost tempted to think that it was meant to give me a hint concerning the use of unusual words."
As a preacher, Dr. Smith was clear, forcible and logical. He had a most excellent command of the English language. As an exhorter he possessed unusual power. In the autumn of 1857 he did me the kindness to present my name for membership on trial in the Northwest Indiana conference.
His two leading characteristics were force of char- acter and strong common sense. He was a faithful personal friend and though possessed of an honor- able ambition, he always subordinated it to the good of a cause. In every business interest of the church he was a wise counselor. He hadremarkable readi- ness of wit and knew just how to meet every emer- gency as it arose. He was easily a leader at that time in the deliberations of the Annual conference to which he belonged. Indeed, I think Dr. Smith possessed a genius for leadership. I well remem- ber the indignation temperance meetings held in
-
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Thorntown when the saloons there had become in- tolerable ; that in those meetings under the leader- ship of Dr. Smith enthusiasm rose to the point of revolution and that the saloons which did not close voluntarily were sacked and destroyed by disguised men moving upon them at midnight.
My personal estimate of Dr. Smith based upon an acquaintance of thirty-five years places him among the strong and useful leaders of Methodism in the State of Indiana and as having been influential in giving wise, practical direction to church move- ments in the day's of his activity. I rejoice that in his ripe old age he is giving to the church his recol- lections of the men and movements of his times.
C. N. SIMS.
Syracuse, N. Y., April 28, 1892.
RECOLLECTIONS OF REVEREND JOHN L. SMITH, D. D.
OF NORTHWEST INDIANA CONFERENCE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH BY REV. F. A. HARDIN, D. D.
I first met Dr. Smith in the Spring of 1845 in the village of Dublin, Indiana, in company with Dr., af- terwards Bishop Simpson. They were returning from Cambridge City where they had dedicated a new Methodist church the previous Sabbath. In the fall of 1846 Dr. Smith removed to Dublin, hav- ing just been appointed Financial Agent of the In -.
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diana Asbury university. He was called to that difficult and almost hopeless undertaking of provid- ing funds to keep the struggling institution in exis- tence and to his zeal and efficiency may be ascribed the success of that university.
My attention was drawn to him, however, on ac- count of the service he rendered the church during the stormy period of the Anti slavery agitation. His commanding position brought him more imme- diately into contact with the agitators than any one man in Methodism in that region. Both friends and enemies of the church looked to him and expected more from his sayings than they attached to any other. Religious Circles were greatly agitated growing out of a lecture delivered by one Dr. Chase, who had recently withdrawn from the Methodist church, being dissatisfied with her position on the slavery question. He had boasted that he would destroy the Methodist Episcopal Church and force her ministers, whom he styled "dumb dogs," to speak out on the Slavery question. Mr. Smith was ap- pealed to and readily responded and right nobly defended the church against the insinuations of this man. 'A few were swept off in the excitement, broke away from their moorings, some of whom made shipwreck of faith but most of whom returned to the church. The writer recalls vividly how his young heart glowed and throbed with delight when it was announced that Brother Smith would be at home and conduct service. It was the signal for friends and foes to repair to the church. He was the oracle from whom we hoped to get words of wisdom. There were living in the village at that time Rev. J. R.
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Tansey, Pastor, and Rev. W. F. Wheeler, superan- nuated member of the conference. Brother Tansey was a sweet singer ; Brother Wheeler was a man of persuasive eloquence and great in gentleness, while Dr. Smith combined the qualities of strength that force conviction home upon his hearers.
Under the united labors of these men a re- vival began in the fall of 1846 in which a large num- ber were converted. The writer then scarcely fif- teen years old came under the power of the awak- ening spirit and was joyfully saved. Dr. Smith was so rejoiced that he took him in his arms and hove him around the altar shouting and praising God. From that moment he seemed to link himself into sympathy with the boy and has ever since been un- flinching in his friendship toward him. Through all the peaceful and stormy years, he has never faltered in expressions of attachment. Being a man of strong friendships he has drawn to him a large circle of those who have been regarded devotedly attached to him. Being a man of positive character it is not strange that he should have made enimies, but he never deserted a friend, and, be it said to his credit that he never used his official position to oppress an enemy. He has been often assailed and sometimes even betrayed in the house of his friends, but it gives me pleasure to record that though intimately associated with him, I have never known him to in- dulge in a vindictive spirit. But often to throw the mantle of charity over the faults of his erring breth- ren. He has not been faultless, but has never been insincere. Brother Smith was a born leader and in any company would not fail to
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be recognized as such. He was scrupulous- ly faithful in his devotion to church work and regarding every measure of importance was unwill- ing that any act of a deliberative body that involv- ed the character of the church with which he dis- sented should pass unchallenged, and this some- times exposed him to the charge of wanting to "run things." In social life he never failed to manifest the same quality by which he was marked and dis- tinguished elsewhere. Possessed of a remarkable memory he could recall some fact or incident that would give point and impart life to the company. He despised coarse jokes and was remarkably free from slang. But I have known him to arouse the slumbering energies of a whole company by a sin- gle suggestion. Once returning from conference our engine was ditched. It was night in the month of August and was very hot. We were almost de- voured by mosquitoes, and had to leave the train and raise a smoke in self defense. This gave par- tial relief, and many of the company dropped off to sleep. We had with us a learned professor from the East who fearing a return of the insurgents,
stood guard over the rest. When all was still, Brother Smith called out, "Professor," to which he replied, "what is it Brother Smith ?" Brother Smith responded, "I would like your opinion of these long billed gallinippers," and before the Professor could recover Brother Smith said (bringing one hand down upon the other utterly demolishing one), "I think they are a perfect bore." One can hardly imagine the uproar that followed. He was fruitful in expedients. When morning came we found we were in a deso-
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late region. There was but one house in sight. It was a mere shanty, but Brother Smith suggested that even in so humble a place we might find some- thing to eat. I went with him and a number of other brethren, on my first foraging expedition. On entering the house, so small that we completely filled it, it was suggested by the brethren that we retire, but Smith called out "hold on," and address- ing the lady said, "We are Methodist preachers re- turning from conference, have been up all night, with nothing to eat, and came to see if you could provide something." She replied, "We have nothing, but a few chickens, dressed for the market," with which her husband hoped to procure meal and coffee, we were welcome to them if we could wait until she cooked them. Whereupon he replied "Chickens ? are what we want ? sliver them up and slap them on," which she did with the utmost haste. As an interested observer I can testify that our record as chicken eaters was not broken that day. As a splendid conclusion to Brother Smith's stroke of diplomacy, he proposed a collection, which when tak- en and passed over to the good lady with thanks, brought the first expression from her husband, (a silent observer up to this moment, )in which he said, (pointing to the saucer filled with coin) "that is more money than I have ever seen together before at one time." It was my pleasure to meet Brother Smith at the last session of the Annual conference in South Bend, Indiana, where I had the pleasure of seeing him elected at the head of his delegation to the General conference of 1892, almost on the identical spot where the writer had the pleasure of
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casting his first vote for him as a delegate just forty years before. The incidents of his retirements from active work will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to attend this session of his confer- ence. He rose to read his fifth report as presiding el- der of Valparaiso district. To his more intimate friends he had signified his intention to ask the bishop to relieve him and the conference to place him on the superannuated list. His report was full, complete and comprehensive, and showed a marked intimacy with every department of church work. But the climax was reached when he came to matters personal. He recounted his experience in the ministry, by passing rapidly over his different positions, the stormy and ยท peaceful pilgrimage,-the sunshine and shadow,- and the few men now in the ministry, who were act- ive when he began, and expressed the pleasing sat- isfaction of conscious peace with God. And now that he was about to surrender to the infirmities of age and lay aside his armor, he had unfailing love for the church, he had served through fifty-one years, and unfaltering faith in the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of Christ. He had nothing but for- giviness in his heart for all who had wronged him and expressed the hope of an early meeting with the loved of other days. Before he had time to resume his seat, the brethren rushed from every part of the house -with tearful eyes and kindly expressions of friendly sympathy, congratulated him on the happy termina- tion of an active ministry, covering more years, than most of them had lived. Bishop Ninde was quite overcome at this unlooked for but splendid conclu- sion of an active ministry, reaching through the
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most trying period of the church's history.
As some till cliff that lifts its awful form. Swells from the vale and midway leaves the storm, Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread, Eternal sunshine settles on its head.
NORTHERN INDIANA.
As already stated in another part of this work, the author of these pages was appointed presiding elder of the La Porte district in 1850. Remaining on the district four years, he became acquainted. with many interesting families in and out of the church, from Mishawaka on the east to the Illinois line on the west. Among the more active members of the church at Mishawaka were George Milburn, Brother Merrifield, and good Sister Griffin, whose name has before been mentioned.
South Bend, in 1850, was a small village. The leading families of the place, identified with the Methodist church, were the Samples, the Tutts, the Brownfields, the Greenes, the Bakers, the Stovers, and the Whittens.
Mother Currier, a great woman, lived in the village of Terre Coupee, as also the Hubbards, and Paul Egbert, a local preacher.
At New Carlisle lived Brother Alanson Pidge, a local preacher, blessed with a superior wife and good children. The Laytons, and many other good peo- ple, also lived at or near New Carlisle.
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Many of the grand people of that day at La Porte have heretofore been referred to. Brother Abbott, who hauled the presiding elder's goods from LaFay- ette to LaPorte, is still living, venerable with age and highly esteemed.
Before taking final leave of LaPorte and its noble people, and on the principle of reserving "the best of the wine for the last of the feast," the writer, with grateful recollections of the past ; now introduces his old friend, the patriarch "Abram," whose surname was "Fravel"-the Nestor of early Methodism in LaPorte.
Leaving their former home-"Mount Jackson, Va." Abram and his wife, Sophia-with their growing family,set out to seek "the promised land" of North- ern Indiana-settling in the then village-now city of "LaPorte," in the year 1835.
Brother Fravel was the first class leader-sustain- ing this relation "even down to old age," and was looked upon by the people, both in and out of the church, as the true and faithful "Foster father" of LaPorte Methodism.
Sister Fravel, "the elect lady"-wife, mother and Christian,by her serene piety,sweet spirit, and quiet dignity, reigned as queen of her household -a bright and living example of the true follower of the Lord.
To them were born six daughters and two sons, namely-Sophia, Robert, Theophilus, Miranda, Eu- sebia, Martha, Caroline, and Harriet. To their first born was given the name of her godly mother.
At a proper age,Sophia was given in marriage to John B. Fravel, Esq., a native of "South Carolina," and perhaps a distant relative.
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John B. Fravel and his excellent wife raised a re- spectable family of children, who now call their par- ents blessed, for having "taught them the right ways. of the Lord." Having in early youth been trained as a Merchant's clerk-Brother Fravel was well fitted to conduct a successful business on his own account, which he did, in LaPorte, for many years.
Being a man of rare capabilities-quick in his per- ceptions-with easy address and dignified bearing, readily took rank among the most gifted of the best society.
In early life he became a convert to the truth,and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He organized the first Sunday School at "Door Village" -was long the popular S. S Superintendent in his home Church -- a fine singer-"a cheerful giver," a generous supporter of the gospel, a prominent Mason, and a distinguished citizen. In the 63rd year of his age he was ' called from labor to reward," to join in unison with the immortal choir in chant- ing the doxologies of Heaven.
ROBERT,a worthy young man, for sometime a stu . dent of "Asbury University," volunteered as a sol- dier and commanded a Company, as Captain in the Mexican War. At the close of the conflict he re- turned to his home in LaPorte, but with broken health- the result of exposure,he soon fell a martyr in his country's cause, and now sleeps in a patriot's grave.
THEOPHILUS. "The beloved physician," resides in Westville, LaPorte County. Dr. Fravel is recog- nized not only as an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but also as an upright and con-
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scientious Christian gentleman. In the practice of his chosen profession, his skill and kindness among the sick have given him a degree of success, attain- ed by few ; and in all respects he has proved him- self to be, the "worthy son of a noble sire."
MIRANDA-became the wife of a Mr. Avaline of Ft. Wayne-an accomplished gentleman, Journalist, and Literateur. Sometime after marriage, they mov- ed to California, where the husband died,leaving his: young widow, and their only child-a daughter- to battle with life's ills, among strangers. Mrs. A. however, being a cultured Christian woman, found friends, and employment suited to her high social standing, and after a time received an appointment to a clerkship as an employee of the government at Washington,D.C. She is still living with her daugh- ter, and family, in the Federal City,surrounded by loving friends and prattling Grand-children, cheer- fully waiting the Master's call, to join the Angel Sisters, Martha and Caroline, with all "the loved and blest," in the bright beyond.
EUSEBIA-Mrs. Stephen Bartholomew of the City of Valparaiso, like her sisters, was a faithful member of the Methodist Church in LaPorte ; but after her marriage with an honored Christian gentleman of a sister church, like a loyal wife, she was not long in deciding to stand by her husband as a member of that noble and time honored body of christian people known as the Presbyterian Church-organized as a distinct denomination during the reign of King William and Mary, A. D., 1689.
MARTHA-soon after marriage moved with her husband, "Captain Lewis," to California.
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The Captain commanded a company of Union Soldiers, in putting down the Rebellion, he made a brilliant record, but now side by side with his de- voted wife, sleeps in the dreamless grave.
CAROLINE .- It may in truth be said of her, as the historian says of her archetype-Caroline, Queen of England- "her character was without a blemish, and her conduct always marked by judgment and good sense." Her honorable, and now bereft hus- band, W. B. Biddle, attorney at law, is an Alumnus of Asbury-now DePauw University. He volun- teered as a Union Soldier in the Civil War, was pro- moted to the rank of Major, and when the war was over, returned to his home in LaPorte, to resume his relation as Lawyer and Citizen with a record untarn- ished.
HARRIET .- The sixth and youngest daughter, was married to the son of an old and distinguished friend of the writer, Col. Shryock of Rochester, Indiana.
Hattie, as she was familiarly called in the days of her girlhood, was a favorite among the older as well as the young people. Her husband, a competent business man, has for many years been actively em- ployed in the Government service at Washington City, where they still reside.
In closing this imperfect sketch of an old pioneer Methodist family, the writer is impelled to add, that so far as his knowledge extends no one of the off- spring of Abram and Sophia Fravel-by word or deed, has ever brought dishonor upon the name of Fravel.
At the old home in LaPorte, which might have been properly styled "The traveler's rest," the weary
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itinerant from his long horse-back rides never failed to meet a hearty welcome and a genuine old Vir- ginia hospitality.
At the marriage of four of the lovely daughters of Brother and Sister Fravel-namely, Miranda, Martha, Caroline and Harriet-this writer had the honor to serve as the officiating minister-blest also with the privilege of invoking upon each bride and bride- groom, Heaven's best blessings, for time and eter- nity,-O, that all may meet "at the marriage supper of the Lamb."
Among the membership at Door Village was Jacob R. Hall, a most excellent man, whose honor- ed sons now reside in the city of LaPorte. Thomas Sale, son of the Rev. John Sale, of precious memory, worshipped at Door Village; as also the Keiths, the McLellans, the Allens, and others. At other points on Union circuit were the Robertsons, the Warnocks, the Harrises, the Hentons, the McClures, and Mother Benedict.
At Valparaiso, then a straggling village, lived G. Z. Salyer, and his excellent wife. Brother Salyer died many years ago. Mrs. Salyer still survives, the only one left of the charter members of the Valpa- raiso class,-a class organized by the Rev. W. J. Forbes in 1840. The children of Brother and Sister Salyer were Don A, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Winfield, and Emmett. The Salyer home was called the "Methodist Hotel," of Valparaiso. Under the hos- pitable roof of this "hotel" the writer spent his first night in the town (now city) of Valparaiso.
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