USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 39
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401
REV. SAMUEL BAKER.
The first notice we have of him is in 1800, when he was received on trial, in the New England Conference, and appointed to Bethel Circuit, From that time to 1816, he was annually appointed to itinerant service in Maine, when his name is entered as "withdrawn." In 1820, his name appears as appointed to Auburn, New York, and is reported annually in the itinerant service. in western New York, till 1826; after that time, his name disappears.
During the year 1826, Mr. Baker spent some time on a visit to the vicinity of his early home. The writer heard him several times in the fall of that year, at Norridgewock. He was regarded by the people as a very able preacher, and it was understood at the time that he was a member of the Genesee Conference.
Rev. Samuel Baker, a brother, who had been for some time a Methodist preacher. had embraced what he called "Universarian" views. The two brothers were said to have agreed to meet and fast and pray till their doctrinal views were brought into harmony, and that the result of this interview, was the conversion of Joseph to his brother's opinion. It is however probable, that there was a less creditable reason for the change of doctrinal opinions. From that time, the name of Joseph Baker disappears from the records of the church.
Mr. Baker was a man of commanding appearance, and of superior natural talent. He was a remarkably able preacher,1 an energetic and successful minister, but evidently, unstable. No information has been obtained of the closing period of his life.
Samuel Baker, brother of Joseph, was also a man of more than ordinary ability, but of marked eccentricity. He is believed to have commenced his ministry with the Baptists, and was, for some time, pastor of a large and influential Baptist church in Thomaston, where he was highly esteemed. He became dissatisfied with the Calvinistic sentiments of the Baptist church, and withdrew from that communion and about that time published a poem in which his doctrinal ideas were expressed.2
He was admitted, on trial, to the New England Conference in 1807, and appointed to Union Circuit Maine.
In 1820, his name again appears in the minutes, as received on trial, and appointed to Bristol, Maine ; 1821, appointed to Orrington ;
1 Rev. W. C. Larrabee once said that he once heard Joseph Baker preach one of the best sermons he ever heard.
2 Letter of Rev. L. P. French.
26
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402
REV. DANIEL WEBB. REV. OLIVER BEALE.
1822, admitted to full connection and appointed to Penobscot ; 1823, located.
Mr. Baker was inclined to doctrinal speculations, his mind was somewhat wavering upon sueli questions, and his views upon some subjects were visionary. At one time hc adopted the notion that children, properly educated, might grow up to a christian life without conversion. He established a school at Orrington which was after- wards removed to Dexter, in which he proposed to carry out this idea. But his school regime, did not become popular, and the enterprise proved a failure. Mr. Baker is said to have returned to the Baptist church.
Notwithstanding his doctrinal vagaries, Mr. Baker was a man of superior talent, and an able preacher.
DANIEL WEBB.
Daniel Webb was born in Canterbury, Windham county, Connecti- cut, in April, 1778. He was converted in 1797, by the faithful exhortations of a young woman who eame to work at his father's house as a tailoress. He soon commenced to labor as an exhorter.
In 1798, he was received on trial in the Conference, and appointed to an extensive circuit.
In 1800, he was ordained deacon, and appointed to Norridgewock Circuit, Maine, which included all the towns on Kennebec river above Waterville. He went reluctantly to his extensive field of labor, but this proved to be one of the happiest and most prosperous years of his ministerial life.
In 1801, his work was in Massachusetts, and " he continued in the itinerant service down to 1867, when he died 'in full assurance of hope, at the age of eighty-nine, being the oldest effective Methodist preaeher in the world .- (From Stevens' History of Methodist Episcopal Church, IV :33.)
OLIVER BEALE.
Rev. Oliver Beale was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, October 13, 1777. He was converted in Thomaston, Maine, in July, 1800. He then belonged to the Congregationalist church, that being the church of his fathers.
Immediately after his conversion, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was soon lieensed as a local preacher, under Rev. Joshua Taylor, Presiding Elder.
Eng. by E. Mackenzie.
REV. OLIVER BEALE. Of the Maine Conference
403.
REV. O. BEALE.
In July, 1801, he was received on trial, in New England Conference, and appointed to Readfield Circuit, Maine, with Rev. Asa Heath. From that time till 1833, with the exception of two years, he continued to render effective itinerant service in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine (mostly in Maine) .
In 1818, being disabled by lung fever, he was placed upon the list- of supernumeraries.
In 1819, though still feeble, he was appointed to Hallowell.
In 1822, he was again supernumerary, his long and arduous labors. having impaired his health. He, however, resumed his itinerant. labors the next year, and continued in active service till 1833, when: he took a superannuated relation.
In 1834, he was returned supernumerary, and continued to render such service as his feeble health would allow, till March, 1836, when he was called to supply the place of Rev. R. Schermerhorn, Presiding Elder of Augusta district, deceased. While employed in this service, he took a severe cold, which resulted in a rapid consumption.
In November of that year, feeling that he could not endure the rigors of another Maine winter, accompanied by his eldest son, he took leave of his family and went to Baltimore, visiting his friends on the route, in hopes that a milder climate might arrest the progress of disease.
They arrived in Baltimore on the 10th of December, and were kindly entertained at the house of Major Joshua Dryden.
Mr. Beale was visited by Dr. Thomas E. Bond, a friend and physician, and other friends, among whom were Rev. A. Griffith, S. G. Roszell and Bishop Waugh, from whom he received every needed attention. His strength rapidly failed, but his mind remained clear and composed. He died in great peace, December 30, 1836, in the sixtieth year of his age. Bishop Waugh officiated at the funeral. His remains were buried in Light Street burying ground, and subsequently were removed to Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Mr. Beale was in the itinerant service thirty-five years ; he was. Presiding Elder seventeen years ; he was five times a delegate to the General Conference, 1808, 1812, 1816, 1820, 1832.
In the earlier years, going to General Conference was no sinall undertaking ; the journey was usually accomplished on horseback, and some times required two or three months.
In 1825, the Maine Conference was organized, and Mr. Beale was elected secretary, and served in that office eight years.
404
REV. MARTIN RUTER, D. D.
Ile was a faithful, devoted minister ; affectionate in disposition ; he disliked controversy, and was eminently a peace-maker. He was strongly conservative in his views, a faithful friend, a devoted husband and father, a good man.
Rev. G. F. Cox, at the time editor of Maine Wesleyan Journal, in a notice of his death, writes: "There has fallen one of the best ministers of the Maine Conference ; one whose worth will be long .cherished by thousands to whom he has ministered the word of life. Adding to untiring industry, good perceptive powers, a chiastened imagination, large benevolence and firmness of purpose. In prayer, all felt that he had audience with God."
Mr. Beale was married to Miss Sally Bailey, in Williamston, Vermont, November 19, 1807. She became hopefully pions in early life, and united with the Congregationalist church. At a Quarterly meeting, at which Rev. J. Broadhead and Rev. Thomas Branch were present, she united with the Methodist church, and remained a faithful member till death. She endured patiently, with much feeble health, the burdens and trials of the itinerancy, which none but an itinerant's wife can fully understand.
Eight children were born to them ; three died in infancy. All who reached maturity entered the church of their parents, and continued in its communion.
Mrs. Beale died in great peace, at the home of her daughter, in Bangor, February 22, 1852, receiving all needed attention from her children.
Solon, the eldest son, died in Baltimore, August 4, 1869. His last words were, " My faith is strong ; my soul is at rest."
Oliver S. died August 8, 1878. "Fully cleansed," were among his last words.
Mary D., wife of Rev. F. Furber, died in " holy triumph," July 8, 1858.
Two daughters, Mrs. P. C. Plummer and Mrs. L. L. Withers, reside in Bangor .- (Minutes of Conference, and letter of Mrs. P. C. Plummer. )
MARTIN RUTER, D. D.
Rev. Martin Ruter was born in Charlton, Mass. April 3, 1785. In 1799, he was converted, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1801, he was admitted into the New York Conference.
405
REV. RALPH WILLISTON.
In 1804, he was stationed in Montreal, Canada, but the following Jear returned to New England.
In 1809, he was appointed to the New Hampshire District.
In 1811, to Portland. Maine.
In 1812, Mr. Ruter located at Cumberland Fore Side.
In 1814, he was re-admitted to the New England Conference and appointed to North Yarmouth and Freeport.
In 1815, to Salisbury, Massachusetts.
In 1818, he was appointed in charge of the New Market Wesleyan Academy.
In 1820, he was elected Book Agent to found and conduct the book business at Cincinnati. and was re-elected in 1824. Before his term expired, he was appointed President of Augusta College, Ky. which position he accepted in 1828. aud retained till 1832. Desiring to return to the work of the ministry, he was transferred and stationed in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania.
When Alleghany College was accepted by the Conference in 1833, Dr. Ruter was elected President, and entered upon the duties of this office in 1834, in which he continued till 1837, when he was appointed superintendent of the mission to Texas, and entered upon his work in July, of that year, and prosecuted his labors with great energy, enduring hardships and exposure to great dangers. "He formed societies, secured the building of churches, made arrangements for founding a college, and laid out the greater part of the state into circuits."
The following spring, he started homeward for his family ; was taken sick, and died in Washington, Texas, May 16, 1838.
Dr. Ruter was a very diligent student, a popular and successful preacher, faithful in all the varied departments of service in which he was placed.
His published works are a "Hebrew Grammar," a "History of Martyrs" and an "Ecclesiastical History," also sermons and letters .- (Simpson's Cyclopedia of Methodism. Minutes.)
RALPH WILLISTON.
Rev. Ralph Willistou entered the itinerant work in 1796, and was appointed to Granville Circuit, Mass. with Rev. Joseph Mitchell. His appointments, for four years, were in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
In 1801 and 1802, he was Presiding Elder of Maine.
:
406
REV. J. SNELLING.
In 1803, he was appointed to New York city.
In 1804, Annapolis, Maryland ; 1805, withdrawn.
Subsequently, he joined the Lutheran church, and became pastor of a church of that order, in Durham, N. Y. In this church, a public discussion was held between Dr. Nathan Bangs and a Lutheran minister, involving the "five points" of Calvinism. Mr. Williston soon after published a volume of sermons, in which he entered into a discussion of the topics which had been the subjects of controversy in the public debates, broadly insinuating that Methodist ministers might be denominated "Satan's ministers." Dr. Bangs replied to this unseemly insinuation, and a somewhat protracted controversy ensued. (Bangs' History of Methodist Episcopal Church, Vol. III, page 17.)
Mr. Williston subsequently entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
JOSEPH SNELLING.
Rev. Joseph Snelling was a native of Boston, where he was converted under the labors of Rev. Ezekiel Cooper, and became one of the earliest members of the struggling Methodist society in that city, and was the first preacher sent forth by the Boston Methodists.
In 1797, he was admitted on trial in New England Conference, and received appointments for several years in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
In 1802, he was appointed to Readfield Cireuit, Maine. This was then a four weeks circuit.
Joshua Taylor, the Presiding Elder, sent him around the Norridge- wock Cireuit to administer the saeraments. This he found a difficult service, in eonsequence of the depth of snow and the great distance.
In 1803, he was again appointed to Readfield Circuit.
In 1804, he was appointed to Sandwich Cireuit, Massachusetts. From that time, his appointments were in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
In 1810, he located, and subsequently, he entered the Protestant Methodist church.
"Mr. Snelling possessed moderate, but good talents, hearty and successful zeal, a temper full of sweetness, and manner of enduring .amiability."-(Stevens' Memorials of Methodism.)
SAMUEL HILLMAN.
Rev. Samuel Hillman was born in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts,
407
REV. S. HILLMAN.
1769. At the age of nineteen, he removed to Livermore, Maine. He was converted in this place, about 1793, in the wilderness, two miles from any inhabitant, all alone, during a violent thunder shower. At that time, he knew nothing of Methodism.
In 1794, Jesse Lee preached the first Methodist sermon in Livermore. Mr. Hillman was at the meeting, and at once embraced the doctrine, to which he adhered until death.
He was married to Miss Jane Norton, and removed to Monmouth ; joined the Methodist church, and soon received license to preach.
In 1802, he was received on trial in the New England Conference, and was appointed to Readfield Circuit, with Rev. Joseph Snelling. From that time, he continued in the itinerant work in Maine till 1816, when he located and settled in Monmouth, where he remained till his death in 1849.
He continued to preach as a local preacher, as his health permitted, being often called upon to officiate at funerals, preaching, after his location, not far from two hundred funeral sermons.
In 1840, he received a severe injury by a fall, resulting in a fractured limb, by which he was seriously disabled. During his confinement from this injury, he read the Bible through more than seventy times, besides a large amont of other reading.
He had a noble physique, being six feet and six inches tall, and well proportioned. He had a strong, clear intellect, and great decision of character, and was distinguished for strength of convictions, and boldness of utterance. both upon religious and political subjects. He was an able preacher, sparing of gestures while preaching ; when greatly aroused, he would rise on tip-toe, a superfluous movement for one so tall.
Mr. Hillman was a decided Republican. While preaching on the Hallowell Circuit, in 1811 and 1812, the people were divided in politics. The embargo and the declaration of war with Great Britain were subjects of bitter controversy. It was not easy for a preacher of such decided opinions as Mr Hillman, to be silent upon the exciting questions of the times. Some of his hearers were Federalists, and were not a little offended that their preacher "should meddle with politics." His congregations were considerably thinned by his strong utterances.
The Congregationalist minister at Augusta, being invited to preach before a company of soldiers quartered at that place, had given great offense by preaching from the following words of scripture : "This
408
REV. A. II. COBB.
year thou shalt dic, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord." The indignant soldiers sent for the Methodist preacher, (Mr. Hillman) who cheered on the band of volunteers, rousing them to the highest pitch of enthusiasm, by a spirited discourse from the words, "Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hands of the Midianites. Have not I sent thee ?"
Mr. Hillman was highly esteemed by his neighbors in Monmouth, where he passed so many years.
His son, the late Rev. A. P. Hillman, was for many years a prominent member of Maine Conference.
Rev. J. R. Day, D D., now of East New York Conference, is a grandson .- (History of Livermore. Records of Hallowell church, and Letter of Rev. J. R. Day.)
ALLEN H. COBB.
Rev. Allen H. Cobb was born in Barnstable, Mass. November 21, 1780. His parents moved to Westboro, Massachusetts, when he was a child. From his mother, he received his first religious impressions and instructions in Methodism. His advantages for mental culture were limited, but diligently improved.
At the age of twenty-two, he was received on trial in the New England Conference, July 1, 1802, and appointed to Greenwich and Warren.
In 1804, he was appointed to Bethel, Maine, and his appointments continued in Maine till 1809, when he located. His location was a necessity, as the receipts from his charge were not sufficient for the support of his family. He resided nine years in New Gloucester.
In 1818, he removed to Durham, where he remained till his death. He continued in labors abundant, supplying the wants of his family, ministering to the people in various places on the sabbath, and at the same time assisting in sustaining the preachers who were appointed to the circuits. He was a member of the convention that formed the Constitution of Maine in 1820. He represented Durham in the Legislature nine years. He was a senator from Cumberland two years, and for two years a member of the Executive Council. He, however, remarked, " If life could be lived over again, I would continue in the itinerancy, rather than enjoy civil honors."
In 1848, at the Conference held in Portland, he was re-admitted, out of respect for his valuable labors, and his name placed on the superannuated list, but it was his request to receive nothing from the funds of Conference.
409
REV. P. MUNGER.
He was faithful in all that was committed to him, ever ready with his counsel, to serve any, and emphatically, a friend of the poor, the widow and the orphan. As a preacher, he retained his popularity to the last. ready to prefer others to himself, yet willing to attend the frequent calls made npon him.
He was clear, methodical and instructive in his discourses. God honored him with great usefulness in planting and watering his churches. He died at his home in Durham, September 15, 1856. A great crowd attended his funeral, and the falling tear and snbdned feeling showed how much he was loved.3
PHILIP MUNGER.
Rev. Philip Munger was born in Brimfield, Mass. in 1778. His parents being pions, his father a deacon in the Baptist church, he was brought under religious influence in early life. Bnt his conversion at the age of eighteen, he attributed to the labors of some of the first Methodist preachers who visited that town. After five years of religious life, he received license as a local preacher.
In 1802, he was received on trial, in New England Conference, and subsequently received ordination as deacon and elder in regular conrse. The first three years of his ministry, were spent on circuits in Maine. The next fonrteen years of itinerant service, were in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connectiont.
In 1819, he was appointed to Readfield Circuit, and his itinerant work thenceforward was in Maine. For thirty-three years, he rendered effective service ; one year he was on the supernumerary list ; nine years he was superannnated.
He purchased a small farm in East Livermore, where he retired with his family, and passed the closing years of his life. During his superannuation, he continued his labors in the vicinity of his home as his health would allow, till within a few months of his decease.
During his last sickness, his sufferings were severe, but he was more than patient. In the intervals of severe pain, he was, much of the time, npon his knees, thanking God for putting him into the furnace, and seeking the witness of perfect love. His confidence in God continued unshaken to the last .. He desired his friends, when he was too feeble to do it himself, to hold np his hand in token of victory. He died at his home in East Livermore, October 19, 1846.
3 Memoir of Rev. A. H. Cobb, by Rev. C. W. Morse, in Minutes of Maine Conference.
410
REV. D. PERRY.
Father Munger was studions in his habits, and remarkably thorough in his investigation of doctrinal truth. He had a logical mind and few were able to cope with him in argument. Few ministers were equal to him in theological lorc .. He well merited a doctorate. In his preaching he was plain, argumentative and forcible. He was a faithful minister of the gospel, thoroughly loyal to the church, and interested in its institutions. For many years he was a trustce of Maine Wesleyan Seminary, punctually attending the meetings of the Board, sometimes at great inconvenience to himself. Notwithstanding the scantiness of receipts for his services, he managed to give his children the advantages of the Seminary.
Two of his sons became able ministers and members of the Maine Conference, and one son is a lawyer in Portland.
DAN PERRY.
Rev. Dan Perry was born in Rehoboth, Mass. August 5, 1779, and joined the New England Conference June 5, 1802.
Conference Record, as follows, viz. : 1802, Needham Circuit, with Rev. Joshua Soule, while on that circuit, preached in 12 towns, changed the same year to Salisbury Circnit, where his colleagues were Rev. Geo. Pickering and Rev. Daniel Webb ; this circuit included ten towns. He preached, during the year, two hundred and seventy-five sermons. His total receipts for the year amounted to fifty-six dollars and one cent.
1803, Falmouth Circuit, with Rev. Alfred Metcalf ; changed, this year, twice ; first, to Norridgewock Circuit, second, to Readfield Circuit. He traveled and preached two hundred and seventy-seven sermons in fifty-three towns during the year and received in all forty-five dollars for the year.
1804, Hallowell Circnit, but was soon exchanged to Penobscot Circuit. He preached, this year, two hundred and forty-six sermons in fifteen towns and his total receipts were thirty-five dollars and four cents.
1805, Bethel Circuit, and removed by the Presiding Elder to Poland Circuit. He preached two hundred and thirty sermons in fourteen towns. His receipts this year were thirty-one dollars and eighty-two cents.
In 1806, Bishop Asbury learning that he had thoughts of being married, sent him to Barnard Circuit, Vermont, which included twenty-one towns, where he preached two hundred and eighty-one
411
REV. D. PERRY.
sermons and his receipts amounted to forty-one dollars and seventy- five cents
1807. New London Circuit, and near the close of the year, he was sent to Middletown Circuit. These two circuits included twenty-four towns. He preached, during the year, two hundred and eighty-five sermons and received forty-five dollars and sixty-one cents.
1808, Wethersfield Circuit, embracing eleven towns ; he preached one hundred and thirty-one sermons.
At the end of eight months his health broke down, and he was compelled to give up his work. He received, this year, fifty dollars.
During these six years and eight months, he preached thirty-two occasional sermons, making a total of one thousand seven hundred and fifty-seven sermons, being an average of two hundred and sixty- four sermons a year, with an almost incredible amount of hard work in traveling on horse-back, from the Green Mountains to the Penobscot and in every New England State, and received for this service the sum of three hundred and five dollars and twenty-three cents. an average of a little over forty dollars per year.
He traveled on twelve circuits, embracing one hundred and thirty- six towns. Four of these circuits were known as "Four weeks circuits," requiring about three hundred miles of travel to make one round. Much of this travel was over the roughest roads, through woods, by spotted trees, and fording and swimming rivers.
This severe work and exposure, brought upon him a physical injury from which he suffered, more or less, through life. On this account he was compelled to locate in 1809. From this time, till 1834, he lived and supported himself and family, on his farm in Oxford, Maine. During all these years, he preached much on the Sabbath, without compensation, and attended a larger number of funerals than any other preacher in that section of the county.
He was a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 1833 and 1834, and for a long time clerk and treasurer of the town.
In 1834, he was re-admitted to the Maine Conference, and continued in the active work of the ministry fourteen years.
In 1848, his name was entered upon the list of superannuates, which relation he sustained till his death in December, 1864, aged eighty-five years.
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