USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > A history of the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Ohio : from 1845 to 1880 > Part 7
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He was a stranger to any ambition but the ambition to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with his God. But unsought dignities and trusts were naturally thrust upon him, as has been pointed out by Judge Crane, and those dignities he wore with a meek and quiet spirit- never suffering them to interfere with his Christian duties ; but whether at home, or absent from home, his life was an embodiment and illustration of the faith which he professed.
An early friend of Judge Steele's (now in his eighty- second year) said, in reply to an inquiry by the writer, "I knew him well, in his Church and business relations ; we were long associated, on the Board of Trustees of the First Church. He was a man among ten thousand. For safety of judgment, sterling integrity of character, and true benevolence of nature, I never knew his equal."
No man is better known in this community than Judge Steele's son Robert; - of whom it is no light praise to say, that he is a worthy son of his honored father.
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WILLIAM KING.
Among the original members of the First Church there rises prominently to view one familiarly known, in many of the churches of that early day, as Father King. He was born of Presbyterian parents, in Pennsylvania, being one of the eight children of a well-to-do farmer. The death of his father, and the financial troubles resulting from the revolutionary war, so marred his prospects that upon reaching manhood he found himself almost penniless, and determined to retrieve his fortunes in the then far west. With him, to resolve was to execute. So, taking with him his young wife, he started for Kentucky amid the lamentations of friends who declared "he might as well go out of the world." He located near Lexington. During his residence there, three sons and two daughters were added to his family. Dissatisfied with Kentucky on account of slavery, he determined to brave the hardships of pioneer life in Ohio, rather than rear his children among such influences. Possessed of a vigorous constitution, in- domitable will, and fearless courage, he procured a team, placed his worldly effects with his family in his wagon, started on his journey, crossed the Ohio, shaking the very dust of slavery from his feet, and pursued his way through the wilderness until he reached Dayton, which at that time presented but a few cabins amid surrounding forests. Crossing the Miami River he cut his way through un- broken forests and located about two miles west of where
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the Dayton Court House now stands. He had but one dollar in his pocket when he pitched his tent, but he went to work with a stout heart, determined to owe no man anything. The site selected became his permanent resi- dence. It was one of the pleasantest locations in the vi- cinity of Dayton, and continues to be occupied by his descendants to the present day.
He carried into the church all the firmness and energy which characterized his daily life. He filled the office of ruling elder in the First Church, until laid aside by the infirmities of age; but he continued devoted to the church and its services long after " hoary hairs had his temples adorned." Especially do we remember his tall and vener- able form, in seasons of especial interest, when, after the sermon, anxious sinners were invited to come forward, he would rise from his seat and facing the congregation, would sing his favorite hymn, "Come humble sinner in whose breast." Even after his eyes had become dim, and his ears dull of hearing, his seat in front of the pulpit was seldom vacant on the Sabbath. It was nothing unusual to see him rise from his seat and stand in front of the pulpit, leaning upon his staff, and listening to the words of life as they fell from the minister's lips. But unquestionably his last days were his best days. For many years confined to his room, bereft of sight, taste and smell, and almost of hear- ing, never one repining or peevish word escaped his lips. On the contrary, the goodness of God and his daily mercies were his constant theme. His mind retained its vigor in a wonderful degree to the very last. It was hoped by his
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numerous friends that he would live to complete his hun- dredth year; but three months before that period arrived his freed spirit obeyed the summons "to come up higher."
His two daughters died in early life, followed in a few years by his wife, who was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and Christian growth. The two elder sons made their home in Madison, Ind., where both filled posts of honor and usefulness in the church. The younger son, Samuel, remained with his father, and early in life identi- fied himself with the church, continuing through life one of its devoted members and ablest supporters. For many years he served acceptably as a ruling elder, and was a " living epistle known and read of all men." More like his mother than his father, he was constitutionally weak; and his life was characterized by pain and suffering. At the age of fifty-six years his spirit, freed from the cum- brous clay, soared away to that better land where there is "no more pain," and where "they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever."
His grandchild, the present William B. King, was one of the colony that went out of the First Church to organize the Fourth Presbyterian Church of the city, of which he has long been a ruling elder. William King, Sr., his son Samuel, and his son-in-law, David Osborn, were cotempo- rary elders in the First Church, and for a long time exer- cised a controlling influence in its spiritual affairs,
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JOSEPH BARNETT.
This gentleman is well remembered by the people of Dayton. He was long and prominently identified with the business interests of the city, as well as with its Christian work. He was a native of Pennsylvania. His ancestors were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who settled near Cham- bersburg, Pennsylvania, about the middle of the last cen- tury. Mr. Barnett was a volunteer in the war of 1812. In 1813 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel Allen, an officer of the Revolution.
He came to Dayton in 1831, and built the handsome residence in West Dayton, now owned and occupied by Judge Craig. He was a member of the Ohio Senate, and afterwards served in the Constitutional Convention of 1839. In 1834 he and his wife became members of the First Church. Some years after the death of his first wife, he married Miss Jane Rodgers, of Clark County, who sur- vived him by a few years. In 1846 he was elected ruling elder, and was one of the most zealous, liberal, and influ- ential members of the Presbyterian Church. His hospi- tality to ministers was so unbounded that his house was often called a Presbyterian hotel.
He was the leader in establishing a Mission Church on First Street, east of the canal, in 1851, and became so deeply interested in the work that he withdrew from busi- ness, and devoted himself wholly to his Master's cause during the remainder of his life. The Mission prospered.
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Soon after its organization a call was given to the Rev. James S. Kemper to become their pastor. Under Mr. Kemper's effective ministry, it became necessary to aban- don the first mission house and erect a larger building in a more desirable location. In reference to this movement Mr. Kemper writes as follows :
"Mr. Barnett, admonished that his end was drawing near, became desirous to accomplish one last work. It was to see the church he had borne and done so much for, furnished with a commodious house. He secured a lot. A sale of the Mission Church property was effected. He headed the subscription list with $6,000; subsequently he added, by a codicil to his will, the sum of $2,500, to pro- vide against a church debt. It was not his privilege to see the church finished, yet he never repined over the de- nial of this fond desire. He said 'if the Lord will it not, I am content.' This was but one, the last and perhaps the greatest of many objects of his liberality. He left no children, never having had any. His Christian steadfast- ness and cheer never faltered. His last words were, 'Oh, to grace how great a debtor.'"
The following extract is from a letter written to Mrs. Barnett, after her husband's death, by the Rev. Dr. Ander- son, then of San Francisco :
"I shall never forget the first time. Mr. Barnett, at- tempted to pray in public. * ** He was diffident of his ability to lead the devotions of others, and had re- quested, indeed enjoined it upon me, not to call on him in any social meeting. After some demurrer I consented. 15
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Weeks passed on and brought with them the quickening and reviving power of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians were rejoicing, and many hitherto careless persons were asking in anguish of heart, ' What must we do to be saved ?' Among the former was Mr. Barnett. He came to me one evening with tears rolling down his cheeks and said: 'I can stand this no longer. I have professed to love Jesus ; I believe I do love him, and I must not be ashamed to let my voice be heard among his saints. I take off that in- junction; call on me when you please.' He prayed that evening, and it was a melting time among us all."
He died on the 2d of January, 1858, after a long period of patient suffering, from disease of the heart and dropsy. He was followed soon after by his wife, who was a devoted Christian, and an active co-laborer with her husband, in all his benevolent undertakings.
MRS. SARAH BOMBERGER.
Mrs. Sarah Bomberger was born near Frankfort, Pa., on the 6th of July, 1793. Her maiden name was Sarah George. Her father, Judge George, and her mother, Amm . Britton, were of Welch descent; their families emigrating to this country and settling in Pennsylvania. When Mrs. Bomberger was quite young the family moved to Ken- tucky, and after living there a few years, preferring a free State, came to Ohio, when Sarah was ten or twelve years of age. In 1810 Sarah George was married to William
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Bomberger, a citizen of Dayton, born in Philadelphia of a Quaker family, in which faith he was raised and lived till his death. He was a quiet, 'peaceable citizen, upright, honest, and conscientious in all things. He held the office of county treasurer of Montgomery County for fourteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Bomberger had three children,- George Wilson, who died June 21st, 1848; Ann, the only daughter, became the wife of P. P. Lowe, Esq., and died March 10th, 1877: both Mr. and Mrs. Lowe united with the First Presbyterian Church; the youngest son, William, now resides in Colorado.
Mrs. Bomberger became a member of the First Presby- terian Church at an early date. She was from first to last an active, faithful, cheerful Christian, of singularly clear judgment, great decision of character, given to hospitality in a simple, plain manner: taking an active part in the organization of the first Sabbath-school in Dayton, of which she was superintendent for ten years. With all her devotion to the cause of Christ in the church, Sabbath- school, and the Bible Society, she never neglected her home or her friends. Bright and cheery to the close of a useful life, Mrs. B., though so deeply interested in the Sab- bath-school, never felt that in Christian families it could take the place of, or supply the deficiency in, Christian home training.
Her light shone clear and steadfast, till she entered into rest, August 4th, 1859, aged 66 years.
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DR. JOB HAINES.
"Dr. Job Haines was born on the 28th of October, 1791, in the State of New Jersey. He had, at his death, almost completed his sixty-ninth year. He was blessed (to quote the language of his own private memoranda), "With pa- rents who were professors of religion, and who took pains to instruct him early in its great and important doctrines. He was directed to search the scriptures, to attend the house of God, to seek the Lord in prayer, early and dili- gently. These things were taught him both by example and precept." He was also furnished with the means of a collegiate education ; and having graduated, at Princeton, and prepared himself for the medical profession, at Morris- town and Philadelphia, he left his father's house July 5th, 1815, for a home in the west, arriving at Cincinnati August 2d. After a visit to friends in Springfield he com- menced the practice of medicine, at Dayton, on the 29th of January, 1817.
" How early his religious impressions were dated we have no means of ascertaining, but the memoranda above re- ferred to, give evidence that 'often, during the course of his early life, his attention was directed by some remarka- ble providence, some searching sermon or other means, to reflect on the concerns of the soul.' For several years prior to his profession of Christ, he was in the habit of secret prayer. The ministry of the Rev. B. Wilbur, in Dayton, during the year 1817, was peculiarly blessed to
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him. On the 28th of November, in that year, then 26 years of age, he was received into the fellowship of this Church, on examination. Four years after, he was chosen a ruling elder. He was therefore a member of the Church for forty- three years, and a ruling elder thirty-nine years. During this long period, in which he was, called to suffer many severe personal trials; and in which the Church passed through all the ordinary, and some peculiar difficulties ; our brother bore an unblemished reputation as a Christian, and as an officer of the Church. His chief characteristic was his hearty and unreserved consecration of himself and his all to the service of the Master. Remarkable for his Christian intelligence, sound judgment, and practical wis- dom; he was equally distinguished by his modesty and humility. He was always a lover of truth, and an earnest inquirer after it, yet equally a lover of peace, and a peace- maker.
" His integrity and honesty in business transactions were never questioned. Above most Christians, he was con- scientious in the use of his property, as a steward of God. He had 'learned the luxury of doing good.' His abun- dant liberality to the poor, in the practice of his profession; as well as to all, at home or abroad, whom his beneficence could reach, prevented him from accumulating wealth, save that which is laid up in heaven. He was singularly faithful in all religious duties, private, family, and public. His place in the sanctuary, the prayer meeting, the Bible class, the Sabbath-school, and the session, was never vacant when his presence was possible. A quiet activity charac-
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terized his daily life; and it may be truly said that, like the Master, 'he went about doing good.'
" He knew or at least manifested no extremes, of zeal, and lukewarmness; but was eminent for his unvaried constancy and perseverance in well-doing. Inflexible in principle, uncompromising in hostility to sin, and firm to his purpose, his gentle and benevolent spirit disarmed opposition. His life was holy, and HIS END WAS PEACE."
The above is an extract from the Rev. Dr. Thomas' funeral oration-and it is only necessary to add that the public respect and esteem entertained for Dr. Haines, through a long life, was exhibited, in a marked degree, on the day of his funeral. As the solemn procession moved along Main Street towards Woodland Cemetery, the side-walks were thronged with men, women, and chil- dren, and all the doors, windows, and porticos, along the line, were filled with people. Every voice was hushed, and every countenance wore a sorrowful expression. The mul- titude seemed spell-bound, as if overpowered by one com- mon sad emotion. Many heads were uncovered in silent homage. Many eyes were moist with tears, and many, whose hearts had often been gladdened by the good man's benefactions, were bowed forward as if burdened by a sense of painful bereavement.
It is the custom of all nations, when a great man dies, to invest his funeral obsequies with the ceremonial pomp and circumstance, befitting his dignity, but we doubt whether any of the world's great men -heroes, statesmen,
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princes or poets, ever received from the crowd, an ovation' of deeper or holier reverence, than was paid to the lifeless form of Job Haines in its transit to the grave.
Dr. Haines died July 23d, 1860.
He had two sons and two daughters, but the only living representative of the family is a granddaughter, Miss Mary Barnes, of Stanford, Kentucky.
MRS. SUSAN C. STODDARD.
Among the many noble women of the past, whom Day- ton holds in affectionate remembrance, there are few whose names shine with a purer lustre than that of Mrs. Stoddard. For a long period of her life she was prominently identi- fied with the Christian work of the city, as well as with the benevolent enterprises of the Church.
From infancy she had been trained carefully in the communion of the Presbyterian Church. Her father, Mr. John H. Williams, was a member and office bearer of the First Church, and her brother, Herbert S. Williams, and sisters, Mrs. Samuel King, Mrs. Judge Sherman, and the two Mrs. Wallace, all now living, were devoted members of the same communion.
She was married to the late Henry Stoddard, Esq., a leading member of the Dayton bar, and a member of the First Church, in which he long held the office of ruling elder.
Mrs. Stoddard possessed rare natural endowments; she was a woman of extraordinary personal beauty, of gentle
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and amiable disposition, and of brilliant intellect; but the crowning ornament of her character was CHARITY, and her husband's affluent circumstances afforded means for her liberal exercise of this grace.
She was the mother of four children,-Henry, John, Fowler, and Lida,-now Mrs. S. B. Smith.
She gave much personal care to the education of her children, and had the joy of seeing all of them connected with the Church of their fathers before her death, except one, and her dying prayer in his behalf did not remain unanswered.
During the last cholera epidemic in Dayton, she was distinguished for her unremitting devotion to the victims of that disease. She not only provided clothing, nurses, and delicacies for the sick poor, but she often nursed them with her own hands when other help could not be obtained, performing at times the must repulsive duties, with a will- ingness that only strong personal ties or true Christian charity can inspire.
Her house and heart were open alike to rich and poor, and the needy never went empty away. She was admon- ished frequently to exercise some discrimination in the bestowment of her charities, but her excuse was, that when the hand of want was stretched out to her, she lost all judiciary power.
It may be recorded that the children of Mrs. Stoddard have given ample proof that their mother's liberal example has not been lost upon them.
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She died on the 4th of April, 1861, being then in her fifty-third year. Her last illness was long and painful, but she bore it with cheerful submission to her Father's will.
MISS SARAH FENNER.
Miss Sarah Fenner was born in Canterbury, England, in 1790. Her mother died in her childhood, and her father with his two daughters, came to this country when Sarah was about twelve years of age and settled near Pough- keepsie, New York. Mr. Fenner, their father, died soon after coming to this country, leaving his daughters, who were yet in their childhood, though provided with ample means for their support, among comparative strangers. They were kindly received into a family of friends, by the name of Draper, who were without children, and who tenderly cared for them, and whose memory during life was cherished by Miss Fenner and her sister with great warmth of affection.
Previous to her coming to Dayton with her sister, Mrs. E. Thresher, in 1846, Miss Fenner had made two journeys to her native country, spending several years each time with an aged aunt. Miss Fenner continued to reside in tho family of Mr. E. Thresher until her sister's death, in 1860. Afterward she resided in the family of Mr. Charles Crawford with her niece, Mrs. Sarah Crawford, by whom she was patiently and tenderly cared for, during the long and painful sickness attending her last years.
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On coming to Dayton Miss Fenner united with the First Presbyterian Church, and directly became known as an active Christian worker. In the Relief Union and the Orphan Asylumn she was particularly interested. For many years she spent most of her time in visiting the poor, and in collecting funds for their relief, while she contributed very liberally of her own means. Few persons have been more favorably known by the poor and friend- less than Sarah Fenner.
She died in this city, on the 17th of March, 1874, and the memory of her gentle nature, pure life, large charities, and personal consecration to philanthropic work, will long be cherished by the citizens of Dayton.
THOMAS ALEXANDER PHILLIPS.
Mr. T. A. Phillips, though not one of the pioneers of the First Church, had been prominently connected with the congregation for a great many years before his death. He was descended from Scotch ancestors, who, on coming to this country, settled in the eastern part of Maryland. Mr. Phillips was born in Cecil County, Maryland, Septem- ber 29th, 1810. In 1844, he came to Dayton to take charge of the Copper cotton factory, which had been purchased, a short time before, by a Cincinnati company. Under his excellent management, the business became one of the most prominent and successful industries of Dayton,
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About thirty-three years ago, Mr. Phillips married Miss Margaret Jane, daughter of the late Augustus George, Esq., of this city, by whom he had three sons. The youngest died in infancy, the others, George L. and Charles A. were associated in manufacture with their father, before his death, and appear to have inherited a large share of his energy and business qualities.
As a citizen, Mr. Phillips was held in high estimation among those who knew him. By nature he was modest and retiring, generous in his impulses, and affectionate and lovable in all his social relations. He was a model hus- band, an indulgent father, and his home was one of the sunniest sanctuaries of domestic happiness in our city.
Though trained by Presbyterian parents, he did not make an early profession of religion. At one time, the claims of Christianity were much weakened in his regard, by the multiplicity and discordance of the sects. Being practical in his modes of thought, he had no taste for theological abstractions. He adopted for his creed the simple precept, "Do unto others as you would have others do to you."
His wife was an earnest Christian, a judicious counselor, and congenial companion. When his child, a darling boy, died, in 1860, his creed gave him no comfort. He was overwhelmed with grief, and this bitter experience created within him a desire to know the secret of his wife's trust, and calm resignation. He was eventually brought to see that his ereed lacked the vital element of true religion - love to God and trust in him; and in 1867 he made a public profession of his faith, and became a member of the First
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Church-his son George uniting with the Church at the same time.
During the residue of his life, he was an humble, faithful, and cheerful Christian. He was appointed to the office of trustee, and took a deep interest in building the new church, to which he contributed one-tenth of the entire congregational subscription. He gave liberally to all benevolent and laudable enterprises; and realized the fact that such "giving does not impoverish.2'
Towards his numerous employes, he was humane and generous. It was his practice to give every workman a yearly increasing bonus, in addition to the regular wages, so long as they continued in his service.
The author is familiar with many instances of his private beneficence, On one occasion he presented to Mr. Phillips a bill for professional services. Mr. Phillips instantly wrote a check for double the amount, saying as he passed it, " You doctors are often called to attend patients who are unable to pay. It would pain me to hear that a sick per- son was in want of a physician, on a stormy night, and couldn't get one, and I feel it my duty to contribute some- thing for such services. The whole burden ought not to fall on the doctors."
He suffered several years from disease of the heart, which terminated fatally on the 27th of November, 1877.
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HENRY L. BROWN.
H. L. Brown was identified with the First Presbyterian Church, of Dayton, from infancy to the close of life, which took place on the 25th of November, 1878. He was the son of Henry Brown and Catharine Patterson,-both early settlers of Dayton,-and devoted members of the First Church. They had another son, the late Judge R. P. Brown, and one (still surviving) daughter, Mrs. Charles Anderson.
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