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A HISTORLG
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Gc 977.1 M72h Moherman, T. S. A history of the church of the Brethren, Northeastern Ohio
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SIMON R. GARVER (Business Manager)
ELDER T. S. MOHERMAN (Editor)
ELDER ALBERT W. HARROLD (Associate Contributor)
A History
of the Church of the Brethren
Northeastern Ohio
T. S. MOHERMAN, B. D. Editor and Writer
S. R. GARVER Business Manager
A. W. HARROLD (Eld.) Associate Contributor
Printed by Brethren Publishing House Elgin, Ill., 1914
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Allen County Publ Lisay Ft. Wayne, Indiana
Dedicated to the memory of all who have in any way contributed to the development of the Church of the Brethren in Northeastern Ohio
INTRODUCTION.
A general sketch, a short history of the Church of the Brethren from the earliest settlement in Northeastern Ohio to the present time is no easy task, because of the sealed lips and the old trails of travel having become obscured with time, yet it is a matter of interest to know that fifteen counties of Northeastern Ohio were sold to the New England people. These counties were settled for the most part by emigration from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Some Brethren as early as 1800 emi- grated to these counties in primitive modes of travel, some on foot, others on horseback, and still others following the ox-cart. This country was a thick network of timberland; roads had to be cut out as the demand of travel required. These early settle- ments in the various parts of Northeastern Ohio were visited by the ministers from the older churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, the brethren coming on horseback, riding for days to visit and preach to the brethren and sisters who sought homes in what was then known as the new country. The place of preaching in the winter time was in the cabin houses, and in the summer time in log barns. Generally the brethren traveled two by two, following the example of the Master when he sent out the twelve and the seventy to preach the Gospel.
As emigration continued, here and there would be formed a nucleus of members, who were soon
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INTRODUCTION
organized into churches with officers who had the zeal and courage to develop the work of the Master.
About thirty-five years ago Elder Samuel Sprank- el was sent out by the Home Mission Board into Ashtabula County to look after a few scattered members in some of the northeastern townships of the State. Here he found one of the old trails the pioneer brethren used to travel on horseback, in coming into this new country to break the Bread of Life to the members in those new homes. On this trail an aged sister was found that came from Virginia, who had her home twelve miles north of Warren, Preble County. She came from the above- named State on horseback, taking the Indian trail for her road, and settled on a farm of heavy timber, which was naturally infested at that time with wild animals. Her home became a stopping place for the brethren when they would pass through to go to these mission colonies, as they were called. Brethren Hogue, Showalter, Karns, the Snyders, Kurtzes, Henry Davy, James Quinter and the Mish- lers visited these members upon occasions, whose presence brightened their hope, and strengthened their faith, resulting in the multiplying of organi- zations.
The first Annual Meeting held within this terri- tory was in 1822, eight miles northeast of Canton, near by a village that was called Harrisburg. later known as Berryville.
In 1864 the first District Meeting was held in Northeastern Ohio, one and one-half miles south- west of Hartville, in the barn of Jacob Brumbaugh. Since then District Meetings have been held an-
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INTRODUCTION
nually, with varying interest and inspiration, look- ing forward to the development of the work of the District.
It is a further note of interest to know that peace and union and harmony have prevailed throughout the District with but slight variations from the earliest advent of the brethren into the Northeastern territory of Ohio.
In the early days of the church, about one and one-half miles southwest of New Berlin, there lived a brother by the name of Funk. His zeal for the cause of the Master was shown in the large log house he built from the stately timber then densely covering the country. The upper part of his house was all in one room, where regular services were held for some time. This place grew to such im- portance that it was known far and near as the Dunkards' headquarters. What is said of this place may be said of many landmarks all over the District. The reader will note with interest these beginnings which prepared the way for the organization of churches, and the larger work of the Master later on.
PREFACE.
To write a history of a religious movement, trac- ing out all the paths of travel and noting the inci- dents by the way, is no ordinary task, even though all the material pertaining to the movement should be easy of access; but when the matter comes to hand in its crude state, to be reduced to a form of beauty as well as sound and reliable information, the task becomes more difficult.
To gather, compile and edit matter concern- ing the church of Northeastern Ohio, a new path of travel must be marked out. The libraries in the homes and those collected in schools and colleges do not contain those records that are of special in- terest to our fraternity, hence we have to visit the old and saintly homes of the brethren and sisters who were pioneers in the westward movement and draw from their rich memories those events that have ever been sources of joy to their waiting souls. Though this source of information reveals many preserved factors of the early doings of the churches, yet much of vital interest and importance has evap- orated from these repositories of past events. We are pleased to set forth what we have been able to gather from different sources, hoping that it may generate such an interest on the part of the member- ship in the various churches to continue gathering matters of historic worth, that the volume may in due time be revised and become a greater source of valuable information.
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PREFACE
This work of developing the history of the Breth- ren of Northeastern Ohio should become a matter of serious concern, because no religious sect is so little understood and so persistently misrepresented as the Church of the Brethren. Her name, belief and history are all unknown to the general reader. Even scholars who attempt upon occasions to make ref- erence to the faith and practices of this body are so wide of the mark that it becomes necessary to be diligent in setting forth our claims, that all may run and read.
This history will become valuable to those who attend our District and Annual Meetings, who par- ticipate in the deliberations and join in the making of history for Christ's people. If they are ignorant of the facts of the work of the churches, they be- come weak instruments indeed in inviting the on- ward progress of that body of people that have survived the wreck and debris of ages, and whose westward move has been irresistible against every opposition. By acquaintanceship with the records of the churches we are enabled to become consistent not only in faith but also in practice.
The aim of this work (which was ordered by the District) is to make as complete record of the or- ganizations of the churches as is possible and to use this record as a defense of primitive Christianity as be- lieved and interpreted by the Church of the Brethren.
The collection of the material has been a labor of increasing interest. To find a new fact; to uncover a lost record; to gain an, additional event in the chain of events, has been a sustaining power in many an hour of weary toil with a desire that this
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PREFACE
volume may quicken our love for the church and that it may be the means, under God's blessings, to do some good for the cause of the Master.
Those who have contributed in making this vol- ume possible are too many to mention personally. But may it be said that first and last and all through the years that data have been accumulating for this book, Brother Simon Garver, of Orrville, Ohio, has been the live wire through whose persistent agita- tions among the Brethren at District Meetings, love feasts, and wherever he would meet with those who would iend a listening ear, has the District Meeting been made willing to authorize the forward move that the archives of memory may be searched and the faith, hope and love of those who pioneered for Christ's sake may be whispered to our souls who are working on the superstructure of their splen- did foundations. Brother Garver's has been a self- sacrificing effort all the way through, sparing nei- ther means nor time that the rich treasures of the past may be brought to the knowledge of present readers.
Brother Albert Harrold, of Columbiana, Ohio, has been a faithful and wise counsellor. He has not been sparing with his time and means that the churches in the eastern part of the District might be well written up, and the lines of pioneer develop- ment may be clearly set forth ; for through his part of the District were the first trails made into the larger Northeastern Ohio.
As to myself, I would better make an apology rather than say anything complimentary. On ac- count of heavy school duties my editorial work on the manuscript which came to me has moved along
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PREFACE
with tiresome slowness. But by the untiring ef- forts of my associate committeemen and of my ever-faithful wife has the heavy load been sufficient- ly lifted that the last item of interest could be in- corporated.
The reader will not find perfection in style or in the content, for data in a great part have come to my desk somewhat fragmentarily and there were many overlappings that were in some measure con- flicting; hence in some instances the reader may remember the events a little differently from what is shown on these pages, as gathered from local informants. We have used only what has been re- ported to us as facts.
But few names of contributors appear because much of the matter coming to hand suffered such reconstruction that it would be no more than right that the editor should bear all responsibility for in- accuracies, and whatever other defects are found.
However, this beginning could not have been made without the generous contributions which have come in from all over the District. There is a rich mine of data of the churches yet to be explored, and that is: the inner workings of the congrega- tions; the real life of the members. The present effort could not get into that rich field, but had to be content for the most part in following dates, or- ganizations, elections, ordinations, and scraps of descriptive matter.
With malice toward none, but affection for all, and my humble pardon of any who may be offended, this volume is given to the public.
T. S. Moherman.
Northeastern Ohio
Comprises a very large area of nature's richest gifts. If you will turn to your map of Ohio contain- ing all the counties, beginning at the northwest corner of Lorain County, and pass along the west boundaries of Lorain, Ashland, Knox, Licking, Per- ry, Morgan and Washington Counties, you will have the line that divides Northeastern Ohio from the Southern and Northwestern Districts. There are twenty-nine counties in all, viz .: Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Jefferson, Geau- ga, Portage, Carroll, Harrison, Monroe, Belmont, Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas, Guernsey, Noble, Cuy- ahoga, Medina, Wayne, Holmes, Coshocton, Musk- ingum, Lorain, Ashland, Knox, Licking, Perry, Mor- gan and Washington.
The map of the Church of the Brethren comprises the following counties : Ashland, Knox, Perry, Medina, Wayne, Holmes, Coshocton, Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas, Portage, Trumbull, Ma- honing and Columbiana. Churches in Ashta- bula and Belmont Counties have been disorganized, which leaves less than half of the counties of the District unoccupied by churches of the Breth- ren. This map also shows that the westward move was through the central counties of the District, and so far as the records show, but few attempts have been made to spread into the counties to the
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
north and south. The answer to this rather pe- culiar phenomenon is that the Brethren pushed straight on into the western parts of the State, Indiana and Illinois. Too, the soil and type of people played some part in not indulging in more expansive movements within the District.
The natural resources of this church District cannot be excelled in their variety and richness. It is the most populous part of the State, its cities are large, and its manufacturing interests are great producers. Its educational system provides for the education of every youth, and all Protestant churches are represented in the moral and religious training of the public. Steam roads and electric lines are the transportation conveniences of every rural community.
Why should not the faith of the Brethren of Northeastern Ohio move into these counties un- occupied by our people, and become a power of God unto salvation to them who do not know Him? The material resources stand for comfortable homes and a substantial support to the cause of Christ. The culture and large-heartedness of the people of this part of the State are a great invitation, and a home mission field that should enlist our young brethren and sisters for Christ. By engaging our Home Mission Board in opening up missions in these populous centers, the District would not only increase its strength at home, but become a greater power in reaching those who are in heathen dark- ness in foreign lands. By keeping the home base an ever-growing and expanding power, enables it to become a dynamo of greater accomplishments.
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NORTHEASTERN OHIO
From this the reader will see that there is a great home field, and great resources in the home churches for great accomplishments ; a great treasury of truth in the Gospels to be taught ; and the great avenue to realize these great opportunities is through a great Home Mission Board, with a great and consecrated ministry at its service, great congregations, great Sunday-schools, great Aid Societies and Christian Workers' organizations.
IMMIGRATIONS AND EARLY SETTLE- MENTS.
As late as the middle of the nineteenth century, Ohio was considered as belonging to the Great West by those who resided east of the Allegheny Mountains. Its dense forests, rich soil, and water supply became quite an inducement to those who had the courage to make the venture of a trip into the new country.
The earliest migrations encountered many perils due to the newly beaten trails over precipitous mountains and through turbulent streams, and the irate Indians who were driven ruthlessly from their happy hunting grounds on the eastern slopes. The means of travel were: The ox-cart, stage-wagon, horseback and afoot. Homesteads were taken up rapidly on easy terms, and deeds given bearing the signatures of the Presidents of the United States. Soon the original trails became well established ยท thoroughfares with frequent residences all along the way, thus removing many of the dangers in- cident to the earlier days.
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
The earliest immigrations of the Brethren into Northeastern Ohio were along toward the close of the eighteenth century, settling for the most part in the first and second tiers of eastern counties. The trickery of land agencies, Indian invasions, and homesicknesses made the first settlements very em- barrassing. However, there was a deep-seated faith in the future of the new country, and the spirit of peacemaking in the midst of contending factions soon triumphed. The more healthful conditions brought new recruits from the East, and by the time Ohio became a State in 1803, immigrations of Brethren from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vir- ginia were growing quite common. " Birds of a feather flock together " was carried out only in a measure by the Brethren from the East. While there was some tendency to settle in colonies, yet there was a marked disposition to move into new sections of country, easy of access, however, for spiritual fellowship. From this the reader will note that the planting of the faith of the Brethren in the virgin section of the State was quite apostolic. The churches took on marked growth through the able preaching of the Word and shepherding of the flocks.
The first preachers were known as circuit riders, because of their much traveling from place to place on horseback to fill the appointments. Their work was ably supplemented at times by ministers from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, who made their trips over the mountains mostly in the saddle, spending in some cases several weeks, visiting the churches, pointing them to the ideals of peace, har-
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NORTHEASTERN OHIO
mony, plainness and a faithful walk in the footsteps of the Master. Their farewells to the brethren be- fore leaving for their homes were full of tenderness and love.
At a certain point in the history of these pioneer churches their growth was retarded, due to the heavy migrations to Indiana and Illinois, incident to the opening of those promising lands to settlement. This movement gave these congregations a chance to become mothers of churches. Not a few churches in the farther West owe their organization directly to the excellent and strong-faithed members who took advantage of home-getting on easy terms.
The early settlements of Brethren were all farm- ers, and they have maintained the reputation of developing the finest agricultural districts in the State. From this you will note that the Brethren occupy a unique position in the prosperity of the country, because it is through a right handling of the soil and its treasures that there can be success in any line of human well-being. This agricultural instinct has been well maintained by succeeding generations.
The preaching of the Word and the shepherding of the pioneer churches was carried forward without expense to the congregations. The ministers and their families practically bore the entire burden of spreading the Word to a dying people, yet they were prosperous and almost invariably headed the subscription lists for the erection of churchhouses, and any other expense incident to the carrying for- ward of the work.
For a quarter of a century all preaching was done
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in the houses of the members. The meetings were all-day services, with a noon luncheon furnished by the family entertaining the meeting. This taxed the finances of some of the members to the utmost, because of the long distances many of the members had to travel for spiritual nourishment. They had to be entertained for both lodging and meals, and that in a time when the house was but a cabin, and the means of gaining a living were primitive. Yet, those were good old days, so faithfully occupied that our cup of joy might be made full.
Through the well-wrought work of the churches of Northeastern Ohio, she has both directly and in- directly become identified with every modern activ- ity and progress of the general Brotherhood. This is as it should be. The Lord and Master has called us to a great work, and let the churches erect the superstructure of that which has been so nobly done, into citadels of faith, where "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men " might become immortal.
NIMISHILLEN CHURCH.
John Gans, Bishop Gans, as he was then called, moved into Nimishillen Township, Stark County, Ohio, in 1804.
He cut his way through the woods from Colum- biana County, and moved on a farm about one mile south of Harrisburg. He was the first min- ister and elder of the Nimishillen church of the Brethren.
He did not live to a great age, but in his will there
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BRICK CHURCH,
EAST
NIMISHILLEN, NEAR HARTVILLE Built in 1856.
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can today be seen a clause which forbade the use or presence of liquor at his funeral and sale.
He was buried on the Matthias farm near Harris- burg, but his wife became very old and is buried in the East Nimishillen cemetery, three miles south of Hartville. On her tombstone can be read that she was the wife of Bishop Gans. The definite lo- cation of Brother Gans' grave cannot be determined at the present time.
The Nimishillen church of Northeastern Ohio was therefore organized near Harrisburg, soon after the ycar 1804.
John Gans, Michael Miller, Sr., Ulrich Shively and Michael Dickey were its early ministers.
William Hoover, Isaac Karn, George Hoke, Jo- seph Showalter, Michael Miller, Jr., George Shively and Elias Dickey followed in the order named.
For some years previous to 1825 its regular meet- ings were held in the houses and barns of the following-named members: David Snyder, David Ebie, John Sheidler, Jacob Snyder, Joseph Schnei- der, George Swinehart, Daniel Brown, Michael Flo- ry, John Hershey, John Thomas, Jacob Bauer, Dan- iel Markley, Joseph Showalter, Conrad Brumbaugh. William Hoover, Peter Ebie, Martin Houser, Wid- ow Thomas, Andrew Crist, Jacob Funk, Widow Lieser, David Bixler, Jacob Replogle, John Garl and Daniel Bowser. Big-hearted people they were! These members living in widely different parts of the large territory embraced in this church, and the meetings being held only once in two weeks, they would come around only about once a year. The members would therefore go to meeting many miles
CHURCH NEAR CONGRESS LAKE, STARK COUNTY Built in 1874.
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
on horseback and in heavy wagons over rough roads, through a then rough and wild-looking country.
In the year 1825 this church was divided by or- ganizing the Canton Church out of its territory. The organization of the Canton Church left the Nimishillen congregation with John Gans, Wm. Hoover, Isaac Karn and Joseph Showalter as min- isters. Bro. Showalter had been called to the min- istry in 1819.
In 1822 the first Annual Meeting was held in Ohio in the bounds of the Nimishillen Church, eight miles northeast of Canton, near the village of Harrisburg, now called Barryville.
In 1840 George Hoke moved from the Canton Church into Nimishillen. Previous to this Breth- ren Gans and Hoover had died, and Brother Karn moved west.
In 1850 Daniel Fry moved to Illinois.
Menno Stouffer was called to the ministry in 1860 and soon afterward moved into this church, and in 1866 moved to Indiana.
About the year 1852 Brother Hoke moved to Ashland County, this State, and in 1858 Brother Showalter moved out of the congregation and the oversight of the church was left in the care of Jo- seph Mishler, who soon after became quite infirm in body and mind, and died in 1867.
In 1858 David Young and John B. Mishler were elected to the ministry. In 1864 the first District Meeting of Northeastern Ohio was held in the barn of Bro. Jacob Brumbaugh, one and one-half miles southwest of Hartville. The meeting places were continued among the members until 1856, when a
HARTVILLE CHURCH, STARK COUNTY
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brick church was built three miles south of Hart- ville. Then some meeting places were abandoned in the near-by territory and continued at other places till 1868, when the Nimishillen territory was divided into East Nimishillen, West Nimishillen and Springfield congregations. The ministers at this time were Henry Browant, Henry Brumbaugh, David Young, John B. Mishler; and deacons, John Culler, Henry Young, Abraham Kurtz, Jacob Mish- ler, Isaac Mohler, Thomas Hill, Manasseh Holl and Cyrus Witwer.
East Nimishillen.
Henry Brumbaugh was the only minister in East Nimishillen at the time of this division, and John Culler, deacon, with the churchhouse as a place for meetings.
In 1869, John Kurtz and Samuel Markley were elected deacons, and David Bowers and Joseph Hoover were elected to the ministry.
In 1871, Andrew Carper and Andrew Brumbaugh were elected to the deacon's office. In 1875, John Kurtz was elected to the ministry. In 1876, Charles Kinsley, John Bair and Daniel F. Ebie were elected deacons. In 1880, Charlie F. Kinsley was called to the ministry. In 1890, John Kurtz was ordained to the ministry and in 1892, Eld. Noah Longanecker moved into the congregation. The brick church that was built in the Nimishillen congregation in the year 1856 was torn down in 1899 and rebuilt as it stands at the present time, about three miles south of Hartville. In 1874, a frame meetinghouse
PRESENT BRICK CHURCH, NEAR HARTVILLE, STARK COUNTY Built in 1899.
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was built on the farm of Lewis Brumbaugh about one mile northeast of Hartville, with Andrew Brum- baugh, John Bair, Daniel Feller and Ephraim Brum- baugh on the building committee. The present brick church was built with John Wolf, Andrew Carper, Isaac Brumbaugh, Samuel Markley and Josiah Kurtz on the building committee. Bro. Jo- seph J. Hoover was the first clerk in the congrega- tion. He resigned his office on April 30, 1875, and was succeeded by Andrew Brumbaugh, who served in this office until 1900. He was succeeded by Solomon Shoemaker, who served in this office until 1910, when he was succeeded by Edson W. Wolf.
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