USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 46
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JOHN RICE.
Rev. John Rice was born in Gorham, Maine, July 1, 1810. When a child, his father's family moved to Durham. At eighteen, he
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T. HILL.
attended a High school, and prepared himself for teaching. He was converted at Durham, November, 1829, and received into the church. He commenced preaching in 1831.
In 1834, he was admitted into Maine Conference on trial, and appointed to Gorham, and from that time till 1872, with the exception of one year as supernumerary, and five years superannuated, he continued in effective itinerant service.
In 1872, his name was placed upon the list of supernumeraries.
In 1877, he was enrolled with the superannuates. He provided himself a home in Gray, where, with his wife, he still lives (May, 1887).
July 25, 1836, Mr. Rice was married to Miss Mary T. Hunt, of Gray. They have had several children.
Mr. Rice writes : " It is a comfort to me to know that the Lord blessed me in my work. I was never appointed to but one charge but souls were converted. Number of conversions amount to about one thousand. I baptized about six hundred."
THEODORE HILL.
Rev. Theodore Hill was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, October 6, 1806. He was converted at Norwalk, Connecticut, May 12, 1831, when he was at work as a journeyman hatter ; his conversion was radical and thorough, resulting in the utter abandonment of the loose and evil habits he had contracted, and from that time, he became an uncompromising enemy of tobacco and all intoxicants, and other evil habits. Soon after his conversion, he was received into the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1835, he received license as a local preacher, and in 1836 he was admitted on trial to the Maine Conference, and continued in effective service. till 1869 (thirty-three years). Five years of this time were spent in the East Maine Conference.
At that time (1869) he was compelled, by the feeble health of his wife, to retire to the supernumerary ranks, living at his home at West Waterville ; he continued his labors in the ministry, as there was opportunity, till 1877, when he was smitten with paralysis, and became a superannuate. From that time, his health gradually declined, and after six years of remarkably patient endurance, he peacefully passed to his rest, March 2, 1883, aged seventy-six years.
Mr. Hill had an ardent and impulsive nature, and a strong will ; he was fearless and outspoken in denouncing sin and error, and yet
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1. T. THURSTON. J. GERRY.
kind and sympathetic in disposition ; lic was a forcible preacher, and successful in his work.
His widow survives, in extremely feeble health.
IRA T. THURSTON.
Rev. Ira T. Thurston was born in Monmouth, September 12, 1812. He was converted April 1, 1834, admitted on trial to Maine Conference in 1836, and graduated in regular course to deacon's and elder's orders.
His first appointment was to Rumford Circuit. From that time (1836), with the exception of three years, he continued in the itinerant service till 1851, when failing health compelled him to retire to the ranks of the superannuates. He died at Monmouth, January 7, 1852, aged forty years.
He was a conscientious man, plain and unassuming in manners, and faithful in duty, giving himself wholly to the work of the ministry. His closing hours were peaceful ; his last words were, "All is well, now ready to go."-(From Minutes.)
JOSEPH GERRY.
Rev. Joseph Gerry was born in Alfred, Maine, March 26, 1806. He was admitted to Maine Conference in 1829, and appointed to Livermore Circuit, and for thirty-four years, with the exception of one year, lie continued in the itinerant service. His appointments were often such as are called hard, requiring a large amount of labor ; yet he went on uncomplainingly to his work and rendered faithful service.
He was modest and retiring in disposition and courteous in manners, a good minister of the gospel.
In 1863, he entered the list of the superannuates and removed to Illinois, and was annually reported to his Conference, in terms of commendation. He died suddenly in Prairie Centre, Illinois, April 12, 1887. He had kept the faith and died well.
RICHARD H. FORD.
Rev. Richard H. Ford was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, October 6, 1810; converted December 16, 1830, at Bartlett, New Hampshire, and received into the Methodist church, in August or September of 1831. Received license to preach February, 1836.
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Admitted, on trial, in Maine Conference in 1836, and continued in effective service till 1844, when, in consequence of failing health, he took a superannuated relation, continuing in that relation till 1855, when his relation was changed to supernumerary, in which he continued two years, being appointed at East Poland and Minot Corner.
In 1856, he retired from active service and went to California, living at Silver Mountain, Alpine county. He continued to render such ministerial service as his health would allow, till 1868. After that time he was unable, on account of failure of his voice, to render much service, except occasionally to attend a funeral.
In 1873, his name was entered upon the list of superannuates until 1877, when his name disappears from the Conference roll.
LEVI STOCKMAN.
Rev. Levi Stockman was born of pious parents in East Poland. He was converted at the age of fifteen, and was admitted, on trial, to Maine Conference in 1836, and continued in effective itinerant service till 1843, when he became superannuated on account of failing health, and passed from his earthly labors June 25, 1844.
He was an able preacher and had great success in his work. Singleness of purpose and conscientiousness, were prominent charac- teristics in his life.
He died peacefully and in full hope of a blessed immortality .- (From Minutes.)
JOHN SIMPSON.
Rev. John Simpson was born in the town of Taghkanic, New York, in 1812.
He was converted at the age of twenty, and admitted to New York Conference, on trial, in 1836, and transferred the same year, to Maine Conference. He continued in effective service till 1841, when he was compelled to retire from active service on account of failing health, and died at his residence in Alfred, Maine, May 7th, 1843.
He was modest and retiring in disposition, but he was honored with gracious revivals and died well .- (From Minntes.)
ASAHEL MOORE.
Rev. Asahel Moore was born in Gardiner, Maine, November, 1811. He was converted in early life, and received license to preach some
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time prior to 1831, when he entered Bowdoin College, and while pursuing his college studies, he continued to preach occasionally, and was quite active in religious work. After graduation, he engaged in teaching at Gardiner, at the same time preaching for the Methodist society in Brunswick.
In 1836, he was admitted to the Maine Conference, on trial, and, with the exception of one year, when he had charge of Vassalboro Academy, he continued in the itinerant service till 1867; serving, during this time, four years as Presiding Elder of Bucksport District, and ten years as secretary of Maine Conference.
In 1867 he located, and served for some time, as pastor of a church in Newbury, Massachusetts.
In 1868, he was received into the Wisconsin Conference, returning to Maine about 1877.
In 1837 or 1838, he was married to Miss Charlotte A. McAllister of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. They had one son, who died in early manhood. Mrs. Moore died in 1874. He subsequently married Mrs. Martha D. Williams.
Mr. Moore was, for some time, superintendent of the Massachusetts Asylum for Inebriates, and died while connected with that institution.
STEPHEN ALLEN.
Rev. Stephen Allen was born in Industry, Maine, March, 20, 1810 ; converted at Norridgewock in 1826, under the ministry of Rev. Greenleaf Greeley, and in the course of a year was received into the Methodist church.
He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1835, and taught the Bucksport High school one year. Licensed to exhort in 1836. While pursuing theological studies in New York, he was licensed to preach and recommended to New York Conference, but was admitted, on trial, in Maine Conference, and immediately transferred to Black River Conference, and engaged as teacher with Rev. Jesse T. Peck, (afterwards bishop) in Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, two years.
In 1839, he was transferred to Troy Conference and engaged as teacher in Troy Conference Academy.
In 1841 he was elected Principal of Maine Wesleyan Seminary and transferred to Maine Conference.
In 1844 he was appointed to Waterville mission. From that time he continued in effective service till 1883, when he received a super- numerary relation.
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J. S. RICE.
In 1853, he was appointed financial agent of Maine Wesleyan Board of Education, and held that office part of the time in connexion with a pastoral charge, till Sampson Hall was completed, and all bills paid, 1866.
From 1876 to 1879, he was superintendent of the Maine Industrial School for Girls.
From 1879 to 1883, he was Presiding Elder of Augusta district. Supplied at East Readfield and Auburn in 1883 and 1884. Engaged. in preparing History of Methodism in Maine, from 1884 to 1887.
He was married to Miss Rachel Sturdivant of Cumberland, August 2, 1838. Five children were born to them ; two daughters. living, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Reynolds and Mrs. Louise F. Chase.
He was three times a delegate to the General Conference, 1852,. 1856 and 1872. He was a member of the Book Committee from 1852 to 1856, and a member of the Committee on Missions from 1872 to 1876.
He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Maine Wesleyan Seminary forty-six years, and a member of the Maine Wesleyan. Board of Education since its organization, in 1850, to the present time.
In 1869, he received the degree of D. D., from Bowdoin College.
JAMES S. RICE.
Rev. James S. Rice was born in Pownal, April 13, 1808 ; converted at Gorham, Maine, August, 1828 ; received into the church in Pownal, May. 1829; licensed to exhort in 1835, and received license to preach July 17, 1836, and admitted, on trial, to Maine Conference in 1837.
He continued in itinerant work till 1846, when he located, on account, of failing health, and to provide for the support of his family.
In 1851, he was re-admitted, and remained in the work till 1858, when he was superannuated, but labored as a supply several years.
In 1867, he was re-admitted and continued in the itinerant work till 1872, when he retired to the ranks of the superannuated.
Mr. Rice was married to Miss Eunice S. Johnson of North Yarmouth, October 12, 1830. They have had four daughters. His home is in North Pownal.
WILLIAM D. SEWALL.
Rev. William D. Sewall was born iu Chesterville, Maine, July 15,
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1813 ; converted at Skowhegan in 1831, and soon united with the Methodist church.
He commenced preaching under the Presiding Elder on Sidney Circuit, in 1836, and the next year was admitted to Maine Conference, .on trial.
He was ordained deacon in due time, and received into full membership in the Conference, in 1839 Ile was that year appointed to Vassalboro Circuit, and pursued his labors with great zeal and success, when, in the middle of the year, his healthi failed, and he was compelled, by pulmonary consumption, to cease from his labors. He died April 24, 1840, in great peace and full assurance of hope.
Brother Sewall possessed a good mind, and gave all diligence, according to his opportunities, to improve it. His piety was deep, .fervent and uniform .- (Minutes.)
HENRY L, LINSCOTT.
Rev. Henry L. Linscott was born in Alfred in 1808. In early life his advantages were very limited.
He was converted at the age of nineteen, at a meeting held by Rev. G. G. Moore, in a school house in Alfred. He immediately became active in religious meetings, and soon received license as a local preacher.
He had an ardent nature, and was accustomed to give full vent to his emotions, in his public exercises. For years, he was known, in the region of his home, as the shouting Methodist preacher.
He was, for a short time, a student in Maine Wesleyan Seminary, but he had but little taste for school studies ; he found "no glory in Grammar" to use his own language, and soon gave up student life.
In 1835, he was married to Miss Trafton, daughter of William Trafton, and, in 1837, he was received, on trial, in Maine Conference and continued ten years in the itinerant work, when he was compelled by failing health, to retire from active service and for thirty-seven years his name remained upon the list of superannuates. During these years of superannuation, he resided at Porter, Kent's Hill and .other places, working with his hands and preaching as his health would .allow.
For six years he lived in Kansas, but returned to Maine in 1877, and settled in West Baldwin. His health gradually declined, and in March 13th, 1885, he suddenly closed his earthly labors.
In disposition, Brother Linscott was impulsive, but kind-hearted ;
Very linky, yours Parker Jagny.
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he was fervent in prayer, and ardent in exhortation, and successful in his work as a minister.
PARKER JAQUES.
Rev. Parker Jaques was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1817. and passed his early life in that place. His parents were Congregationalists, under the pastoral care of the venerable Dr. Withington.
At the age of sixteen, he was converted in a Methodist meeting, and soon united with the Methodist church. Believing himself called to the work of the ministry, he left his father's home in 1836, at the age of eighteen, and entered the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, to prepare for his chosen calling, supporting himself, while pursuing his studies. entirely by his own earnings. He thus acquired a vigorous physical devolopement, as well as a thorough mental training, and habits of rigid economy, laying the foundation of success, in the hard service of the itinerancy.
He was received, on trial, in 1837, in a class of eleven, of which only two survive, and none are in effective service.
His first appointment was Dixfield Circuit, embracing several towns. From that year onward, for thirty-eight years, his appointments ranged from the eastern, to the western extremity of the State, including many of the most important charges in the Conference.
From 1875, for six years, he served as Presiding Elder.
In 1883 he became supernumerary, but continued his labors as a supply.
During the year 1885, he was compelled, by sickness, to abandon his work, and retire to his home at Woodfords, where, in a few months, his disease assumed a serious form, and soon terminated fatally. Calmly and trustfully, he looked forward to the hour of his departure.
To his pastor he said, "I have arranged my worldly affairs, satis- factorily to my family, and I have settled my account with heaven. I have worked long and faithfully, but I count it all nothing ; I rest. alone in the merits of Christ." He died March 31, 1885.
During the forty-six years of his itinerant service, Brother Jaques took no vacation. He never kept a horse, after his first year's service, and seldom hired conveyance in his pastoral work. He had great power of endurance, and accomplished an unusual amount of labor. during his ministry. He devoted himself exclusively to his work as a pastor. He had no cottage by the sea-side, and spent no time in
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pleasure excursions. He was a diligent and thoroughi student, careful in his preparation for the pulpit ; a sound preacher, a good minister, and specially successful as a Sunday school worker.
IIc gained steadily in the esteem and confidence of his brethren, often acting as Secretary of Conference, and he was twice elected as delegate to the General Conference.
He received from Bowdoin College, unsolicited, on his part and unexpected, the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
In his habits, he was systematic, industrious and frugal, always living within his means, and yet always ready to contribute generously to the claims of charity. Having contributed, annually, for the last twenty-four years, one-tenth of his income to benevolent objects. By careful economy, he laid aside from his income, a sum sufficient to provide for his family a comfortable home.
He was cheerful in deportment, courteous in manners, neat and tasteful in apparel ; a true christian gentleman.
In 1838, Mr. Jaques was married to Miss Louise Eaton. The widow survives in deep bereavement ; also one son, Dr. E. Jaques of South Berwick, and two daughters, Mrs. B. Harriman of Kent's Hill .and Mrs. C. L. Parker of Lancaster, Ohio.
JOHN C. PERRY.
Rev. John C. Perry was born on Bailey's island in Harpswell, in 1814. He was converted at Cumberland Foreside, where he was then residing, in a revival under the labors of Rev. John Lord, then Presiding Elder, who was assisting Rev. Joshua Taylor, the resident pastor at that place. Mr Perry soon after entered Maine Wesleyan Seminary, to qualify himself for the work of the ministry, to which he believed himself to be called.
He was admitted, on trial, to Maine Conference in 1837, and continued in the itinerant work till 1879, with the exception of four years supernumerary and two years superannuated relation, having rendered thirty-eight years of effective service in the itinerant work.
Mr. Perry's record is in all the churches, as well as "on high," and his name is honored among us, as one of the most devoted and earnest members of the Conference. He witnessed revivals on most of his charges, and was successful in building up the churches.
His last appointment, 1879, was to his native town, but he did not live to complete the year's service. He died March 20, 1880, at his
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home in Gorham, in the full assurance of hope, in the forty-third year of his ministry, aged sixty-six .- (Minutes.)
CHARLES ANDREWS.
Rev. Charles Andrews was born in Berwick, Maine. October 23, 1811. He was brought up in a christian home, and had strong religious impressions in early childhood. His parents were Congrega- tionalists.
In his eighteenth year, while living at Great Falls, New Hampshire, he walked to and from a camp-meeting held at Kittery, seventcen miles distant, in September, 1829. when he and about two hundred others were converted. He soon felt it to be his duty to enter the ministry, and strove earnestly to qualify himself for this work.
In 1832, he entered Maine Wesleyan Seminary and remained there five years.
In 1838. he was admitted to Maine Conference, on trial, and appointed to Argyle. The next year he was sent to Houlton with B. Lufkin, where over one hundred persons were converted.
At the close of the year, he was married to Miss Margaret Hitchins, in Robbinston.
He received ordination as deacon and elder in regular course, and continued in effective itinerant service forty years, consecutively ; during this time, though often in feeble health, he was never laid aside by sickness. He was prudent, careful, diligent and faithful in his work, and witnessed good results from his labors. After his superannuation in 1878. he continued to render such services as his failing health would allow. During the two last years of his life, his home was at Old Orchard, where his services and influence were a blessing to the newly organized church in that place. He came down to the close of life, calmly, trusting in God, enduring in great patience the long and weary months of sickness, and died in faith, 1884 .- (Minutes.)
RUFUS H. STINCHFIELD.
Rev. Rufus H. Stinchfield was a native of Phillips, Maine. He was admitted to Maine Conference, on trial, in 1838, and continued in the effective itinerant service till 1863, twenty-five years, when he took a supernumerary relation, and the next year, was transferred to the Wisconsin Conference where, after a few years of itinerant service, he suddenly died.
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S. S. CUMNINGS.
Brother Stinchfield was a faithful and devoted minister, remarkably persistent in his efforts to lead sinners to Christ, and uncommonly successful in his work. He left a widow and several children.
SILAS S. CUMMINGS.
Rev. Silas S. Cummings was a native of Greene, Maine. He was educated at Maine Wesleyan Seminary ; admitted to Maine Confer- ence in 1840, and continued his itinerant labors in Maine till 1853.
In 1854, he was transferred to New Hampshire Conference; 1857, located ; 1858, Providence Conference.
For many years past he has been connected as agent with the Baldwin Place Home for Little Wauderers, rendering excellent service in this important charity.
HENRY M. BLAKE.
Rev. Henry M. Blake was born in Monmouth in 1808, of Methodist parents ; was converted in 1829, while a student in Maine Wesleyan Seminary, at a camp-meeting held on the Seminary grounds.
In 1838, he was received, on trial, in Maine Conference, and appointed to Bartlett Circuit, and continued in the itinerant service till the day of his death, January 15, 1865.
Mr. Blake was a man of ardent temperament, careful and indus- trious habits and great singleuess of purpose ; he was strictly upright and wholly consecrated to his work as a minister; he had a deep sense of his own responsibility and of the perilous condition of the impenitent ; he was an uncommonly earnest and faithful minister. Few preachers can exhibit a more glorious record or can point to such a cloud of witnesses of their pastoral fidelity
He was a faithful friend and a pleasant companion ; he was married in the early part of his ministry to Miss Lydia Horne of Great Falls, New Hampshire, who was always in full sympathy with her husband's work and labors of love and who finished her course a few years in advance of him.
Mr. Blake was deeply interested in all the benevolent enterprises of the church, and was a constant and generous contributor towards them ; he contributed liberally towards the erection of Sampson Hall at Kent's Hill, and was iu favor of the largest aud most substantial designs for that building.
Great confidence was reposed in him by his brethren. He served
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Henry Mo. Blake
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many years as a trustee of the Conference and of Maine Wesleyan Seminary, and was twice a delegate to the General Conference.
His love for the church and its institutions continued to the last. By his will, written a few days before his death, besides gifts to other benevolent objects, there was a bequest of thirteen hundred dollars to the Maine Wesleyan Board of Education, as a fund for the benefit of the Seminary at Kent's Hill. His wife, at her decease several years previously, had given five hundred dollars for the same object.
The few last years of his life were overshadowed by affliction. The death of his excellent wife left him a mourner ; the loss of his books, papers, and other personal effects, by fire, was severely felt. But he was graciously sustained. and continued his pastoral work with unfaltering fidelity, to the last day of his life.
At the Conference in 1864, he was appointed to Pine Street Church in Portland ; he was the first pastor of that society twenty years previously.
On the morning of January 15, 1865, while on his way to the Pine Street Church to conduct the services of the day, he was seen to fall on the sidewalk ; friends came to his relief, but in a few minutes his earthly life was ended. "Faithful unto death," he went to receive his crown .- (From Minutes.)
LUTHER P. FRENCH.
Rev. Luther P. French was born in Solon, Maine, May 2, 1812. He was converted in 1835, and the next year, being impressed with a conviction of duty to enter the ministry, he went to the Maine Wesleyan Seminary to prepare for this work.
In 1839, he was received on trial in Maine Conference, receiving ordination as deacon and elder in due course, and continued in the itinerant service till the division of the Conference in 1848, when he became a member of the East Maine Conference, and continued in effective service till 1872, when he was transferred to the Maine Conference and appointed to Solon, where he remained three years.
In 1875, he received a supernumerary relation on account of business affairs.
In 1882. he returned to the effective ranks, and has remained in the itinerant work till the present time.
Mr. French has occupied prominent positions in the Maine and East Maine Conferences, which he has ably filled, serving several years as Presiding Elder, and once as delegate to the General Conference.
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He has been three times married. Onc son is living at Solon, and one daughter of the present wife at home.
JOIIN W. TRUE.
Rev. John W. True was born in Mercer, Maine, August 9, 1815. He was converted at the age of ten years, and was admitted to Maine Conference on trial in 1838, and continued in itinerant service till 1852, when, on account of feeble health, he received a superannuated relation. He died at Lima, New York, March 2, 1855.
Mr. True was a man of good talents as a preacher, and was devoted to his work .- (Minutes.)
SIMEON W. PIERCE.
Rev. Simeon W. Pierce was born in Norway, Maine, January 24, 1813. When about eighteen years of age he was converted, and immediately felt impressed with a conviction of duty to preach the gospel ; he soon commenced to labor as an exhorter, and in 1837, was sent by the Presiding Elder to Bethel Circuit as an assistant preacher.
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