USA > Ohio > Early history of the Disciples in the Western Reserve, Ohio : with biographical sketches of the principal agents in their religious movement > Part 16
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When he returned from college he found the commu- nity all alive, and agitated with these doctrinal discus- sions. With a readiness of insight possessed by few men, and with the promptitude and frankness for which he was ever distinguished, he examined, accepted, and . began cpenly to defend the Scripture models as the true standard of conversion, rather than the experiences of men formed as they are by the standards of their respect- ive systems. In this progress of religious intelligence the main portion of the church were with him. He was duly set apart by ordination to the life work of the ministry of the Word, October 26, 1826.
Just the month previous to his ordination, he was mar- ried to Miss Ann Eliza Haynes. In her he found a
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Christian companion, whose life flowed evenly with his. They were one in life; in death they were not long sep- arated. Their demise was only three weeks apart. He fell asleep in Chardon, June 26, 1860, aged sixty years ; and on the twentieth day of July, twenty-four days after, she followed him to their final reward. The funeral serv- ices of both of them were performed by Bro. J. H. Jones, in presence of a great concourse of weeping and admiring friends. Few persons ever passed to their graves more universally respected and lamented.
Collins won all to him by his kind, genial, social na- ture. He was very quick in discernment, abounded in humor, and was highly entertaining, either as guest or host, by his wit, anecdote, and unfailing supply of sensi- ble and instructive conversation. One less hopeful would have sank down under the hardships and lack of compen- sation, an experience in which he had his full share in common with the generation of preachers who founded and built up the churches. He did not exceed a medium height, was finely formed, his countenance comely and benevolent. Few men ever preached so many funerals. His abundant, practical common sense, his excellent vocal powers and fluent speech, his firmness of principle, activity in the gospel, his love of men, and devotion to Christ as his servant, made him universally acceptable, and with very many a favorite.
For thirty-four years he proclaimed the gospel. Most of this time he served as pastor of the church. In 1853, J. W. Errett was settled in the church, and served three years. James Encell followed him; then R. Chapman, who died there. Orange Higgins succeeded him for two years. J. W. Ingram next. After him W. S. Hayden, two years ; then R. S. Groves.
For many years the church has had the benefit of the invaluable life and labors of Bro. Dan. R. King, who, as a preacher, the peer of any of them, has borne burdens
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when others laid them down. At intervals, when no preacher was employed, he has himself blown the silver trumpet, and, "without murmuring and complaining," has stood always ready to serve for Christ. Present El- ders, D. R. King and C. D. Spencer ; deacons, Henry Bartlett, L. G. King, O. C. Smith. Seth Sawyer, clerk. Membership, about two hundred.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MUNSON.
Both in its origin and subsequent support this church is much indebted to the faithful William Col- lins. Living near by, and being extensively ac- quainted, and respected by all, he was a pillar of strength to the cause. The first visible awakening was in January, 1839, by Bro. J. P. Robison, who preached one Lord's day, and baptized Miss Jenett Hamilton. He visited them again in the spring, added several, and left a church of twenty-two mem- bers ; with Alonzo Randall and Orrin Gates as el- ders ; and Milo Fowler and Halsey Abrams, dea- cons. The visits of E. Williams, W. Collins, and Dexter Otis kept the fire alive. In June, 1840, brethren Bentley, Collins, and Robison, conducted a meeting with seventeen additions. In March, 1841, J. Hartzel came among them. The Presbyter- ian church was obtained, and a large hearing secured. His lucid statements and able defense of the truth won confidence and converts. In five days, twenty- one souls yielded to Christ. Being compelled to leave, the church sent Adolphus Morse, who was then preaching there, to Mantua for A. S. Hayden, to carry the work forward. The first evening the house was filled with people, who had waded through blinding storms and deep snow-such was the inter-
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est in the public mind. Rev. Mr. Pepoon, the Pres- byterian minister in the place, a man clearly honest in his convictions, but blinded by prejudice, came to hear and to oppose. Honor to the man, who, while opposing what he conceives to be dangerous error hath yet an honest heart to listen and to learn. Here was an example : This gentleman was hostile ; but years afterwards he became calm, and worshiped, and helped on the work. At this visit of three days, nine more were baptized into Christ.
On the 20th of May following came Henry. His royal blade of tried temper was never drawn but in victory. He staid from Friday till Monday, the time of a long meeting then ; produced an immense interest, added a number, and left the church all alive. There occurred a passage at arms between him and Rev. Pepoon, which was rather hot than healing ; but the times then permitted some things over which these days would throw the veil of char- itable oblivion.
In September following Hartzel returned, bringing Bro. C. E. Vanvoorhis with him. But the meeting- house was now closed. A store-room just erected was fitted up, and filled with hearers ; of whom some were obedient to the faith. W. A. Lillie, a school- teacher and student at law, whose inquiring mind had been tossed on the ocean every-where agitated by op- posing winds of doctrine, heard Hartzel with delighted relief of mind, as he saw in his exhibition of the gos- pel a rational system which he could embrace under the laws of evidence without violence to common sense. He immediately confessed his Savior. As in the case of Paul, so in his, the law was aban-
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doned for a higher and nobler pleading. He became a minister of Jesus Christ, and his labors have long been fruitful, both in converts and counsels. The churches of Munson, Chester, Russell, and Mogadore, especially, as well as many others, have received much aid by his judicious instructions.
Not only he, but Bro. Orrin Gates came up to usefulness in this church of Munson. Gates was born in Windham County, Connecticut, May 17, 1815. He was brought up among the Methodists. He sought earnestly among that people the joys of salvation ; but he failed to obtain under their teach- ings the anxiously-sought blessing-the evidence of pardon. He heard on King Street, Chardon, the rapid Henry ; and his interest grew to astonishment as he listened to the unadorned proclaimer of the gospel. The King brothers there, and Collins, were faithful with him, and he was compelled to investi- gate. The very plainness of the gospel stumbled
him. He fell sick; and his conscience so re- proached him with neglected duty, that he resolved to obey the gospel the first opportunity. This was afforded him in the great yearly meeting in Euclid, September, 1837.
His position as elder of the church, to which he was called soon after its organization, compelled him to take a public stand, and called him to exercise his good, natural gifts of exhortation.
The outburst of "Come-outer-ism" during the presidential campaign of 1848, was a sore trial to the church in Munson-good men staggered, and many were swept away by it. His associate elder bowed under it. He girded up his soul, and aided much to
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steady the ship over the rocking billows. It was long before the dissidents resumed their seats in the congregation.
His preaching was now no longer confined to a local congregation. In the winter of 1854, he was formally ordained in the church of Chardon, of which he had become a member, by brethren Isaac Errett, John W. Errett, William Collins, and Zadok King, the time-honored elder of that church. His field enlarged. He was the chief agent in founding the churches in Trumbull, Denmark, and Harpers- field, Ashtabula County, and Montville, Geauga County. His work in Munson, Hartsgrove, Bloom- field, and Bazetta will be long remembered. In Ba- zetta he had an ingathering of fifty souls at one meeting, and afterwards lived among them eight years.
In 1842, the church in Munson had acquired suf- ficient strength to erect a good house. Bro. Hartzel came to the dedication of it in November. He preached with such power that fifteen turned to God, among whom were Jas. G. Coleman, and Henry, Thomas, and James Carroll. William Hayden, re- turning from a tour of preaching in the State of New York, arrived in the midst of the meeting, and preached from the words of the prophet, ". .. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isa. lxvi : 2. In his sermon he urged strongly the needs and uses of the Sunday-school.
A great move was made among the people in March, 1843, by Dr. Robison. He began meeting the twenty-fourth of that month, and in ten days he
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had brought seventy-six souls into the kingdom. Elder Collins stood closely by his side, and the pres- ence and prayers of Otis the meek, a part of the time, helped forward the work.
No marvel that in June following this flood tide, when the yearly meeting for Geauga County was to be held in this church, Bro. Robison was the picked standard-bearer for that occasion-the church se- lecting A. S. Hayden as his associate ; these breth- ren, with those residing near by, discoursed during the four days to the great congregation. There were twelve conversions at that time.
During this year, Dexter Otis was employed by the church to preach one-fourth of the time for fifty dollars.
The brotherhood here have had the labors of most of the preachers. Besides the names already given, men who have been much among them, we mention Bro. M. S. Clapp, E. B. Violl, and Ransom Storm; nor should William Hayden have been omitted as among the earlier and most efficient fac- tors in these results. A. B. Green also, and Wash- ington O'Connor have gathered stars there for Im- manuel's crown. Alvin Waite preached statedly for some time, alternating with Bro. Otis.
Among the home forces, much credit is due to Thomas Carroll, who has long been at the helm. His patience, faithfulness, and good judgment are not easily overrated. Milo Fowler left his post as deacon and finance agent many days ago ; but he held it faithfully till his hand was enclasped by the touch of that of the angel who bore him to para- dise. James G. Coleman also, for many years an
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elder and counselor, and who, by preaching and teaching kept the membership together, will never be forgotten.
No man has been more faithful, or more useful than Allen Harper, one of the first members ; he has borne the burden at all times so faithfully and un- complainingly that he stands among the first in the gratitude of the church. And many others, who, with equal fidelity and perseverance have stood firmly by the cause for many years, doubtless have their names graven on the palms of Immanuel's hands.
ยท BURTON.
From Chardon, as from the church of the Thessa- lonians, the "word of the Lord sounded" out into surrounding townships. In the year 1835, John A. Ford, of Burton, and his wife, Mrs. Eliza Ann Ford, attended a meeting on King Street, in Chardon ; and hearing, they "believed and were baptized" by Bro. Collins. Her sister, Adaline Barnes, afterward Mrs. Hoadley, made her confession of Christ the same time. Mr. Ford was a prosperous farmer, of Presbyterian connections, and a member of the most influential family, and pioneers in the settlement of Burton. His brother, Seabury Ford, Esq., was sub- sequently chosen by the suffrages of the people to be Governor of the State of Ohio.
Mrs. Ford was a woman of warm friendships, of quick and correct perceptions, and by her decision and energy, she was a great help to her husband in the effort to bring to their neighbors the knowledge of the gospel as preached by the apostles. Almost the whole town was under the influence of the Pres-
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byterian church, and the numerous and wealthy family of the Fords were its chief support. This deflection from ancestral faith by John and his wife, was looked upon as close akin to a family reproach, and many times they were made to feel the slights and taunts of offended sect pride, as a penalty for their independence and the legitimate exercise of - their rights of conscience.
Wishing the gospel, as they now plainly saw it, to be heard by their neighbors, they invited Collins to come and preach, who promptly responded to the call. In 1838, Ford moved from his farm to the center of the town, where, in his new house, with better accommodations, the people came to hear, and there in the autumn of that year Elder Collins con- stituted the church, consisting of twenty members.
Bro. John A. Ford and Bro. Joseph Woodward, a man of much religious worth, formerly a Baptist, were very appropriately intrusted with the over- sight of the young community. These men would be entitled to respect for their sound judgment and weight of character in any community. Their fami- lies heartily co-operated with them in maintaining the ground under great disadvantages for many years. Bro. Henry Pifer was the deacon. After a time, Bro. Hoadley, brother-in-law to Bro. Ford, lo- cated in Burton, whose firmness and ability in coun- sel and address, with the musical talent of his amia- ble companion, were no small assistance.
The church was sustained by the occasional and sometimes stated help of the preachers-Collins, Williams, Hartzel, Belding, the Haydens, and others- so that they became well established in their own
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neat and comfortable meeting-house. Soon after the establishment of the Eclectic Institute at Hiram, this church obtained help from that source. It never grew to be large, but for twenty years conversions and other accessions repaired the loss by disinte- gration of various kinds. At length, when these two - leading families began to separate, the congregation declined, and their dismemberment eventuated in that of the church. In 1858 they ceased to meet.
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CHAPTER XI.
The church in Mantua-D. Atwater-Churches in Hiram and Gar- rettsville-Biography of Ryder-Origin of the Eclectic In- stitute.
A BAPTIST church was formed in Nelson, July 30, 1808, called "Bethesda." It was the first church of any "order" in the county of Portage. Its members resided in Nelson, Hiram and Mantua. It was gathered chiefly through the influence of Dea- con John Rudolph, who, in 1806, moved from Mary- land to Hiram township, and settled near the site of Garrettsville. Of this church, William West was pastor for a few years. He was followed by Thomas Miller, a warm-hearted man, who brought in converts. Darwin Atwater, of Mantua, was baptized by him in February, 1822. The principles of reform breaking out about this time, the dismemberment of the Be- thesda church followed.
That portion of the members who maintained the sufficiency of the revealed will of God for all pur- poses of "faith and practice," formed a church in Mantua, January 27, 1827, " on the principle of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and obedience to him as taught in his word." It consisted at first of nine members, viz: John Rudolph, John Rudolph, Jr., Zeb Rudolph, James Rudolph, Darwin Atwater, Laura Atwater, Cleona Rudolph, Elizabeth Rudolph and Patta Blair.
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The first year eighteen members were added, in- cluding Seth Sanford, Seth Harmon, Lyman Hunt and Mrs. Judge Atwater. Sidney Rigdon was their stated, though not constant, minister. In February, 1828, soon after his great meeting in Warren, Scott visited Nelson, Hiram and Mantua, and many turned to the Lord.
In May, of this year, the church was favored with a visit from "father" Thomas Campbell. The infant cause derived great advantages from this visit. He "set in order the things that were wanting," con- firmed the faith of the members, and new converts were added to the congregation. Under his counsels, brethren Zeb Rudolph and Darwin Atwater, young men of commendable gifts, studious and of blameless reputation, were chosen by the church, and set apart as "teachers ;" and John Rudolph Jr., and Lyman Hunt were appointed deacons. This was done Sat- urday, May 24, 1828. The next day, Elder Camp- bell preached in a barn belonging to Jotham Atwater, to a large concourse of people. Symonds Ryder, of Hiram, whose mind had been tossed with conflicting doubts, seeking to find the "right way of the Lord," heard him with fixed attention, and his difficulties being all removed, he confessed the Lord that day, and was baptized by Bro. Reuben Ferguson.
The converts increasing in Hiram and Nelson, a petition for the formation of a new church in Hiram was laid before the congregation; which, being granted, thirty-seven were dismissed for that purpose, and organized April 18, 1829. Another portion were dismissed to unite in Shalersville. Gamaliel H. Kent, and his wife Anna E. Kent, took letters to Aurora.
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The church in Mantua was thus much reduced, but her light has never gone out.
The following statement from the hand of that pil- lar of truth and justice, Bro. D. Atwater, just lately (May 28, 1873) laid down to rest, will be read with special interest :
MANTUA STATION, April 26, 1873.
DEAR BRO. A. S. HAYDEN :
. The infant church at Mantua was left small and inexperienced. I was the only one who had been accus- tomed to take an active public part. There were Bro. Seth Sanford, and Bro. Seth Harmon, both very young in the Christian profession, with a number of excellent sis- ters. In our weak state, in the midst of so much opposi- tion, we were poorly prepared to take care of the church. March 21, 1830, I was ordained elder, (in my youth), and Bro. Seth Harmon was ordained deacon-Adamson Bent- ley officiating.
At this time, Oliver Snow, an old member of the Bap- tist church, united with us. His talents, age and experi- ence, ought to have been very useful to us, but they were more frequently exercised in finding fault with what we attempted to do, than in assisting us. This only increased our embarrassment. Soon after this, the great Mormon defection came on us. Sidney Rigdon preached for us, and notwithstanding his extravagantly wild freaks, he was held in high repute by many. For a few months before his professed conversion to Mormonism, it was noticed that his wild, extravagant propensities had been more marked. That he knew before of the coming of the book of Mormon is to me certain, from what he said the first of his visits at my father's, some years before. He gave a wonderful description of the mounds and other antiqui- ties found in some parts of America, and said that they
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must have been made by the Aborigines. He said there was a book to be published containing an account of those things. He spoke of these in his eloquent, enthusiastic style, as being a thing most extraordinary. Though a youth then, I took him to task for expending so much en- thusiasm on such a subject, instead of things of the gos- pel. In all my intercourse with him afterward he never spoke of antiquities, or of the wonderful book that should give account of them, till the book of Mormon really was published. He must have thought I was not the man to reveal that to.
In the admiration of Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Snow and his family shared very largely ; so, when he came with his pretended humility, to lay all at the feet of Mormonism, it caused a great shock to the little church at Mantua. The force of this shock was like an earthquake, when Symonds Ryder, Ezra Booth and many others, submitted to the "New Dispensation."
Eliza Snow, afterward so noted as the "Poetess" among the Mormons, led the way. Her parents and sister, and three or four other members of the church, were finally carried away. Two of these were afterward restored.
From this shock the church slowly recovered. Bro. Ryder returned and exposed Mormonism in its true light. The Mormon character soon exposed itself.
Marcus Bosworth continued to preach for us. Symonds Ryder soon resumed his public labors with us, and re- gained the confidence of the community.
In the year 1834, there were several additions to the church. Its growth has never been rapid. We never had very large accessions, or very low depressions.
In 1839, we built a meeting-house at the center of Man- tua, and commenced to occupy it late in the Fall. It was soon after this that you labored for us. About this time, (January 19, 1840), John Allerton and wife, from the church at Euclid, and Selah Shirtliff and wife united, from
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the church in Shalersville-all the same day. Of the events during your labors for the church at Mantua, in 1840 and 1841, I need not write.
After much prayerful consideration, the church ordained Selah Shirtliff and John Allerton as elders, and Seth San- ford, deacon. This was done August 21, 1841.
In the above, I should have mentioned that Walter Scott preached for us several times. Father Thomas Camp- bell a number of times. Alexander Campbell once, and Bro. Alton once. Jacob Osborne several times before our organization, and once afterward. Adamson Bentley once or more. John Henry one meeting of days. William Hayden many times. D. ATWATER.
This congregation affords an instructive example to show that the leaders of a church usually impress the strong features of their character on the mem- bership. No community presents greater uniformity in its history. Firm, unwavering, moderately aggres- sive, she has maintained her ground and gradually ex- tended her borders. Her house of worship was too small, and after some years it was enlarged. Chiefly from Mantua, came the agencies which established the church in Auburn. She has not been behind in works of benevolence, and her contributions for mis- sionary enterprises, for the translation and circulation of the Bible, and for the support of the ministry, are a memorial to her honor. Among the earliest and strongest advocates of temperance, antislavery and kindred moralities, this brotherhood will be remem- bered when some communities of more pretension, but far less merit, shall pass away and fade from mem- ory. Bro. Darwin Atwater, for more than forty-three years, was the honored teacher, elder, and counselor of the congregation.
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This church of Mantua has given to the public three educated men of much promise for ability and for a thorough training in the principles of the Chris- tian religion. These are the three sons of the elder Atwater : O. C. Atwater, John M. Atwater, and Amzi Atwater-the last a professor in the University of Bloomington, Ind., and a preacher ; the others are proclaimers of the gospel in New England.
SKETCH OF DARWIN ATWATER.
Bro. Atwater's life was in many ways remarkable. Very seldom has a man appeared, and disappeared from the scenes of life's activity with so little of cloud or fleck upon him. Finely formed, of full size, an open, frank, yet grave countenance, his presence was noble, commanding always the respect of the people.
He was the only son of Hon. Amzi Atwater, who for a time filled the position of Associate Judge, and of Sister Huldah Atwater, whose time-honored home was in Mantua. His father, the late Judge, being one of the original party of surveyors to survey into townships the country called New Connecticut, or " Western Reserve," the party landed at Conneaut, the 4th of July, 1799, and proceeded to their work. This done, Amzi Atwater married Miss Huldah Sheldon, and settled on the banks of the Cuyahoga, where his son Darwin was born, September 11, 1805.
He availed himself of such facilities for learning as the country afforded. 1822-23 he spent some time in the academy in Warren. Afterward, in company with his friend, Bro. Zeb Rudolph, yet surviving, he took a course of study in language and the Bible, to fit himself for preaching.
He found a congenial companion in every good sense, and for every good purpose, in Miss Harriet Clapp, daugh-
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ter of Judge Orris Clapp, of Mentor, whose family are known as widely as the cause of the reformation.
When the church of Mantua was formed, Bro. Atwater was appointed its elder. The history of the church from that day was the history of Bro. Atwater. Other elders there have been-and good ones-yet the uniformity of his life, his undeviating devotion, his high and consistent manliness and superiority of judgment, gave him an undis- puted pre-eminence in the church, and wherever his noble qualities had legitimate exercise.
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