USA > Ohio > Erie County > History of the Presbytery of Erie : embracing in its ancient boundaries the whole of northwestern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio : with biographical sketches of all its ministers and historical sketches of its churches > Part 13
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Thomas Edgar Hughes, the fourth son of Rowland and Elizabeth (Smiley) Hughes, was born in York County, Pa., on the 7th day of April, 1769. In early youth he was not specially favored with facilities for
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education, except as to the principles of religion, but was occupied chiefly in the labors of the farm. About a year after his father's death, his mother with the family crossed the mountains and settled in what is now Washington County, Pa. Their home being equally distant between Chartiers and Upper Buffalo, they enjoyed the ministry of Rev. John McMillan, and at times that of Rev. Joseph Smith.
When Mr. Hughes was about twelve years of age, there were revivals of religion in both these churches. During these seasons of religious interest, deep impres- sions were made upon his mind, yet there seemed to be no abiding change. His seasons of thoughtfulness con- tinued until the spring of 1787, when he was eighteen years of age. At this period, he was deeply convicted of sin and of his need of a Saviour. The more direct means of producing this state of mind he considered was an exhortation, on Monday after a communion oc- casion, by Dr. McMillan. This state of mind continued for several months. In deep distress he went a dis- tance of ten miles to confer with a pious friend. This he ever afterwards regarded as a memorable visit. Whilst there his conviction of the evil and guilt of sin, especially grieving the Holy Spirit, were overpowering, well-nigh bringing him to despair. On his way home, he was led to reflect on the greatness and majesty of God, the method of salvation through Jesus Christ, until he obtained clearer views of the doctrines of the gospel than he had ever before conceived. He studied the " Assembly's Larger Catechism " closely, and was astonished that he had never before observed the truths of God's Word, so clearly set forth. Many passages of the Bible were brought to mind with an energy and grandeur before unappreciated, and he was impressed
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with the thought that they were the very words of God, most assuredly true and inestimably precious.
From papers left for the information of his family, the following extracts are made : -
" My mind was taken up in contemplating the amaz- ing wisdom and love of God in providing a Saviour ; but the personal glories of the Redeemer, the suitable- ness of his offices and work, his ability and willingness to save guilty sinners, his sufferings and death, and his present exalted state at the right hand of the throne of God, filled me with astonishment and wonder.
" Everything appeared new; the glory of God ap- peared to shine forth on everything around me. With intense interest I observed the change that had occurred in the frame of my mind. I dreadfully feared decep- tion, and lifted up my heart in prayer to God to keep me from resting in any delusion. My mind, so dark and burdened before, enjoyed sweet composure and peace. The way of life appeared plain and infinitely excellent and glorious. I exclaimed : . If I had a thou- sand souls, I could cheerfully trust them all in the hands of such a Saviour !'
" From this date, July 16, 1787, I humbly date my conversion to God, when I was eighteen years and three months of age."
In his handwriting, there is still extant a paper bear- ing date April 7, 1792, in which he enters into solemn covenant with God and consecration to his service. Not far from this date, he commenced his studies at the Cannonsburg Academy, with reference to the gos- pel ministry. Having made proficiency there, he re- paired to Princeton and entered the College of New Jersey, where in due time he graduated, probably in 1797. There is evidence that whilst a student he
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maintained a godly walk and conversation. His theolog- ical studies were pursued under the direction of Rev. John McMillan, for whom he ever cherished a high de- gree of veneration.
IIe was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presby- tery of Ohio, on the 17th day of October, 1798. Not long after this he began his ministerial labors in the congre- gation of Mount Pleasant, near Darlington, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where he was ordained by the same Presbytery on the 28th day of August, 1799. For a time he labored in the congregation of New Salem, in connection with Mount Pleasant ; but this was given up in 1808, when he devoted all his time to the latter place. Mr. Hughes' ordination was the first transac- tion of the kind north of the Ohio, and west of the Alleghany rivers. His pastoral relation to the church of Mount Pleasant continued until the 19th of Novem- ber, 1830, a period of more than thirty years.
Leaving Mount Pleasant, he removed to Wellsville, Ohio, where, for about four years, he had charge of the Presbyterian Church in that place. He had long en- joyed a good degree of health, but at length became a great sufferer. Hle was afflicted with angina pectoris, causing hint acute pain, and leading to the conclusion that his constitution was broken. He was laid aside from public labors about two years. In this time he had much tender and solemn religious exercise - pen- itent, humble, prayerful, hopeful, buoyant, confiding. At length his hour of death arrived. Amongst his last utterances, were these : " I feel unworthy to use such strong language as I might in truth, in speaking of the rich enjoyment the Lord permits me to experience. 1 am not afraid. to die. My sins are all taken away through the mediation of Christ." . And so he departed
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in peace, May 2, 1838, in the seventieth year of his age and fortieth of his ministry.
Amongst his memoranda is this : " On the 6th of May, 1799, I was married to Mary Donehey, a pious young woman. This I always regarded as one of the most happy occurrences of my life, one of the greatest gifts of God, and one received very sensibly in answer to prayer. She has been ever since, and continues yet to be, the great comfort of my life."
Ilis wive survived him several years. They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Four of the sons, William, John D., Watson, and James R., are ministers of the gospel, and one an efficient ruling elder, and one of the daughters the wife of a minister. One of the ministers above mentioned has three sons in the ministry.
Mr. Hughes was a friend to education. IIe did much for the Greersburgh Academy. Many of the early ministers studied with him, and derived great as- sistance from his counsels and efforts. His charge was blessed with many revivals during his ministry. Dur- ing one of these the Spirit of God was copiously poured out for several months, and upwards of one hundred persons were added to the Mount Pleasant Church. As a pastor he was faithful, being an earnest preacher, and careful in the religious training of the youth of his charge.
He was an earnest friend of missions. In the period of his vigor, he twice went, under appointment of the Synod of Pittsburgh, as a missionary amongst the In- dians, for a few months. On one of these occasions he brought home with him an Indian boy to educate. This youth whilst in his family became hopefully pious, and made a public profession of religion. During one of
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his missionary tours,1 he was instrumental in leading to conviction of sin, a somewhat celebrated Indian warrior called Ununqua, or Barnett, who was subsequently baptized and received into the church. He travelled as far northwest as Detroit in the work of his mission, and was with Badger (11) in the famous tour, when that veteran pioneer had such struggles with disease and cold and privation in the wilderness. But his struggles have all ceased. He rests from his labors. Ilis min- istry is now carried on where there are neither strug- gles, nor want, nor doubts, nor fears. Ile rests from his labors, and his works do follow him.
(2.) WILLIAM WICK.
1799-1815.
WILLIAM WICK was a lineal descendent of the Pil- grim Fathers. He was the son of Lemuel and Deborah (Luptein) Wick, and was born on Long Island, N. Y., on the 29th day of June, 1768. He removed to Wash- ington County, Pa., in 1790. On the 21st day of April, 1791, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth McFarland, youngest daughter of Col. Daniel McFar- land, an officer of the Continental Army, in the Revo- lutionary War. Her mother's maiden name was Sarah Barber. Her father emigrated to Washington County at the close of the war, and settled on a large tract of land on what was called Lower Ten Mile Creek. His nanie is mentioned in "Old Redstone," page 146. She united with the church under the ministry of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, and received her education chiefly from him.
There was a great call for ministers in these days,
1 Dr. Elliott.
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and Dr. McMillan was constantly seeking out young men of piety and gifts, and urging them to dedicate themselves to the great work of the gospel ministry. Amongst others, he sought out Mr. Wick, and urged him to abandon his farm and his cattle for this urgent work. Being of a delicate constitution, he had some doubts as to the propriety of the undertaking ; but after much prayer and reflection, he felt it to be his duty to go to the Academy at Cannonsburg. Here he pursued his studies with quietness and assiduity, enjoying what facilities were there provided. His studies here were completed in 1797, before the College charter was ob. tained. Ile was one of the founders of the " Franklin Literary Society."
His theological education was obtained at Dr. MeMil- lan's log-cabin, when he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Ohio, August 28, 1799. Having accepted calls to labor in the congregations of Neshannock and Hopewell, Pa., he was ordained by the Presbytery of Ohio, and installed pastor of these con- gregations, on the 3d day of September, 1800. During the next year he was released from the charge of the congregation of Neshannock, and installed as pastor of that of Youngstown, Ohio, for the half of his time.
Mr. Wick was one of the original members of the Presbytery of Erie. He was also an original member of the Presbytery of Beaver. His labors were confined chiefly to Youngstown and Hopewell, although he found time to engage in missionary work "in the regions be- yond." He was the first permanent laborer in the Western Reserve. About three years after his settle- ment, he was blessed with the outpouring of God's Spirit, during which many were gathered into the church. He was aided by the Connecticut Missionary
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Society, for a year or two, and was always the friend of missions. He and Joseph Badger were ever fast friends, and took missionary tours together. He was Moderator of the Synod of Pittsburgh, in 1811.
Says his daughter, Mrs. Wood, " I remember dis- tinctly of Revs. MeCurdy, Marquis, Badger, Hughes, and others meeting at my father's house, to devise plans for the spread of the gospel throughout the western wilder- ness."
He was a faithful minister of the Word, yet his min- istry was brief. In October, 1814, he contracted a severe cold, and in a short time it became evident that his lungs were seriously affected. He was feeble through the winter, yet was generally able to preach. March 26, 1815, was the Sabbath he was to preach at Hope- well. IIe was not able to leave the house, and sent one of his sons to request the congregation to come to his house, and although very feeble, addressed them in a very solemn and affecting manner, and baptized a child. Being exhausted he was assisted to his bed. On Mon- day and Tuesday he seemed better, and walked about the house and yard, and attended to family worship as usual. On Tuesday morning he sung with his family, in worship, in a clear voice, the hymn -
" On Jordan's stormy banks I stand."
After singing, he said, " This music sounds heavenly. O, what will it be to hear the heavenly strains above ! " That evening he retired without any visible change. At six o'clock on Wednesday morning, Mrs. Wiek no- ticed that his breathing was short and labored. He was beyond the power of speech, and before his family could be summoned, his spirit had taken its flight to the land of rest and glory.
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His death took place at Hopewell, Pa., on the 29th day of March, 1815, in the forty-seventh year of his age, and sixteenth of his ministry. At his own request he was buried at Youngstown, Ohio.
He was the father of eight sons and three daughters, the greatest portion of whom have gone down to the grave. One of his daughters was the wife of Rev. Thomas Anderson (37), for many years a member of the Presbytery of Erie, and the first pastor of the church of Franklin, Pa.
His sons have, several of them, occupied places of authority and trust amongst their fellow-citizens, and one of them has been in the chief council of the nation.
It is recorded on his tombstone that he preached during his ministry, one thousand five hundred and twenty-two sermons, and married fifty-six couples.
(3.) SAMUEL TAIT.
1800-1841.
SAMUEL TAIT was of Scotch descent. He was born near Shippensburg, Pa., on the 17th day of February, 1772. Although unpromising in early life, yet by the grace of God he became one of the most useful and distinguished ministers in the Presbytery. Ilis father was engaged in the packing business. This was the transportation of goods over the mountains on horse- back. Samuel Tait followed the same business with his father, and after age prevented the latter from this em- ployment, he carried it on for himself. Ile was a pro- fane lad, and gave little promise of usefulness. Whilst yet in his youth, his father removed with his family to Ligonier, Westmoreland County, Pa. Mr. Tait dated his first religious impressions to a conversation with Rev.
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Elisha MeCurdy. In later years whilst ploughing in the field, the conviction forced itself upon his mind that he was a poor lost sinner. At this time he would often leave his plough, and retire to the woods, and there plead for pardoning mercy, until finally light broke in upon his soul, and he was enabled to ery " Abba, Father." At this time he had no thought of seeking the ministry. He was, as he thought, settled in life, married and working on his farm. But a committee of Presbytery, much to his astonishment, waited upon hin, and urged him to seek preparation for preaching the gospel.
He repaired to Cannonsburg Academy, and after- wards studied theology with Dr. MeMillan, and was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Ohio on the 25th day of June, 1800. During that sum- mer and autumn he travelled over what is now the ter- ritory of the Presbytery of Erie. In the month of September of that year, he preached for the first time, to the people of Cool Spring, in Mercer County, Pa., from the words, " And they all with one accord began to make excuse." This sermon was blessed to the con- version of many persons. On the 19th day of Novem- ber, 1800, having accepted calls from Cool Spring, and Upper Salem, he was ordained and installed their pas- tor by the Presbytery of Ohio, in whose bounds these churches then were.
The young pastor resided at Cool Spring, in a log- cabin that he had got raised and clapboarded. During his absence on a preaching tour, his wife chinked and daubed the cracks between the logs with mortar made by her own hands.
The pastoral relation with Cool Spring and Upper Salem continued until June 25, 1806, when he relin-
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quished the charge of Upper Salem, and gave half his time to the newly organized church of Mercer. At the time of his coming to Mercer County, the place where Mercer now stands was an unbroken forest. Soon after the laying out of the town, a church was organized, that sought the labors of Mr. Tait. In June, 1813, the peo- ple of Cool Spring agreeing to worship at Mercer, he gave a part of his time once more to Salem, and finally in 1826, he relinquished Cool Spring, and gave all his time to Mercer. His pastorate at Mercer continued until his death; although the disease that finally ter- minated his life, laryngeal consumption, prevented him from engaging in active labors for a short time pre- vious to his death. He was called to rest on the 2d day of June, 1841, in the seventieth year of his age and forty-first of his ministry. He died strong in the faith, giving glory to God. Ilis remains are interred at the rear of the pulpit, where he had so long preached Jesus.
IIe was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Calvin. They had two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other was a member of the Mercer bar, and died before his father. During his entire pastorate he re- sided on a farm and wrought with his own hands. In his earlier years, the field was his study, and his pocket Bible his library. At intervals of rest in the labors of the field, he would turn over the leaves of his Bible, and when following the plough, his mind was busy in the great themes of the gospel. In appearance, he was most commanding. He was full six feet two inches in height, erect in his bearing, with a firm, grave cast of countenance. Many thought him anstere, yet he was a kind and sympathizing friend, and had a melting ten- derness, as he pointed men to the Saviour. Yet withal,
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he was firm and immovable when the path of duty was plain. Ile was the enemy of all species of vice and immorality, and sometimes exposed himself to the wrath of evil-doers, by his opposition to their evil courses.
He was most emphatically a man of prayer. ITis faith in the efficacy of prayer was wonderful. He had an elder, Joseph Smith, who was not one whit behind him in this respect. The prayers of these two men seem, even to the present day, to be bringing showers of mercy upon the church of Mercer. On one occasion the infant son of Mr. Smith was siek, as his physician supposed, unto death. The father, thinking the child was at the point of death, left the room. Meeting Mr. Tait at the door, he told him of his grief, and that all had been done in the power of man, and yet the child must die.
Says Mr. Tait, " Have you called the elders of the church together to pray over him ?"
Another elder who was near was called in, and the three knelt down by the couch, and Mr. Tait poured forth petitions for the sick infant " with strong crying and tears," and importunity, and a wrestling with the " Angel of the Covenant," such as the elders said they had never heard equaled. Ile seemed as though he would not be denied. And " He had power with God, and prevailed." The child began to grow better, and recovered, and was from that time dedicated to God, for the service of the ministry. Hel is now standing on one of the high places of Zion, in the ministry to which he was dedicated in the faith and prayer of his father.
As a man, Mr. Tait was distinguished for his strong
1 Rtev. J. T. Smith, D. D. (61).
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common sense, discriminating judgment, and familiar acquaintance with the human heart. As a preacher he was often eloquent, and had great power over an au- dience, and at times could sway them with wondrous influence. As a pastor he was faithful. In dealing with " cases of conscience," as the early fathers called them, he was most judicious and successful. Some- times to the heart almost broken with anguish, he seemed harsh, yet the result generally was that under his advice inquirers were led to forsake self, and cling to Christ alone. As a member of the ecclesi- astical courts, he stood high for wisdom and good judg- ment. He was called to the Moderator's chair more frequently than any other member of Presbytery.
Mr. Tait had the great satisfaction of laboring in numerous revivals of religion. The first was during the " Falling Exercise," which was shared in by his churches. Again in 1831, his churches were greatly blessed. Another was in 1836. Yet in the history of his labors there was almost a constant ingathering of souls to the kingdom of Christ, the influence of which seems to remain unto this day.
Mr. Tait was for a time a missionary to the Indians at Sandusky, or on the Maumee River in Ohio. He was appointed to this charge by the Synod of Pittsburgh, on the 3d day of October, 1822. The Board of Trust of the Western Missionary Society were about organiz- ing a mission family for this region, and recommended the Synod to appoint Mr. Tait as superintendent pro tempore. This appointment was accepted, and he pro- ceeded to the field and labored faithfully for a period of seven months, when he returned home.
Mr. Tait was, when a student, one of the founders of the " Philo Literary Society," at Cannonsburg. He
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was also one of the original members of the Presby- tery of Erie, and in 1818, Moderator of the Synod of Pittsburgh.
The following extracts are from a paper adopted by the Presbytery of Erie, on occasion of his death : 1 __
" In the death of Rev. Samuel Tait, not only is the Presbytery of which he was literally the father and founder, called to mourn, but also that the church of Christ has lost one of its most efficient ministers. For upwards of forty years, our departed father has stood as a watchman on the walls of our Zion, and has labored truly, with apostolical zeal, to advance the interest and kingdom of Jesus Christ. As a preacher of the gospel, Mr. Tait had few superiors. Having experienced in his own heart many of the blessed fruits that flow from Calvary, his soul seemed absorbed in the work of lead- ing others to the same blessed fountain opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness. Nor were his labors confined to the Sabbath and the pulpit. From house to house he visited the sick, cheered the mourn- ing, comforted the disconsolate, and pointed the dying to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world."
" On his death-bed Mr. Tait felt much for the dear people, for whose salvation he had so long labored, and literally spent his dying breath in praying for a revival of religion among them. And when his end drew nigh, a minister and friend who stood by his bed, inquired if he found comfort now in the doctrines he had so long preached to others, his answer was, 'All is peace, peace through the blood of Christ.'
" Blessed life! With Paul he might say, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have ! Committee: A. McCready, Cyrus Dickson, and W. M. Francis.
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kept the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day ; and not to me only, but unto all them also, that love his appearing.'"
" And now, though the tongue had ceased to dis- charge its functions, and the lips that but a moment be- fore glowed with the story of a Saviour's love were sealed forever, yet when the dying saint was again asked by the same pious friend if all was well, and having made a fruitless effort to reply, he raised his hands to heaven, whilst a beam of inexpressible delight played upon his countenance. And thus he fell asleep in Jesus.
"' See where he walks, on yonder mount, that lifts Its summit high on the right hand of bliss, Sublime in glory, talking with his peers Of the incarnate Saviour's love, And, past affliction, lost in present joy.' "
(1.) JOSEPH STOCKTON. 1799-1832.
JOSEPH STOCKTON was the son of Robert and Mary (McKemy) Stockton, of Franklin County, Pa. He was born near Chambersburg, Pa., on the 25th day of February, 1779. His parents had eight children - four sons, Thomas, Robert, John, and Joseph, with four daughters, Margaret (Cotton), Frances (Stewart), Jane (Brice), and Elizabeth (Cunningham). Of these, the subject of this sketch was the youngest son and seventh child.
In the year 1784, he removed with his father's family to the neighborhood of Washington, Pa. Ilis classical studies were prosecuted at the Cannonsburg Academy. In this institution he was also employed for a time as an
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instructor. He studied theology under the direction of Dr. John McMillan, and was licensed to preach the gospel on the 26th day of June, 1799, being but a few months over twenty years of age. In the next year, on the 8th day of May, 1800, he was united in marriage to Miss Esther Clark, a daughter of David Clark, Esq., who resided near his father's residence.
In the same year in which he was licensed to preach, he took a tour over the territory now constituting the Presbytery of Erie, in company with Elisha MeCurdy, and preached, amongst other places, at Meadville, Pa. In the next year, late in the autumn, having received an invitation to preach statedly at this place, he set out with his wife from the paternal home on horseback, and bearing with them the few things that were to make home comfortable, and in due time pitched his tent in the new town of Meadville. Over the church in this place, in connection with that of Little Sugar Creek, now Cochranton, he was ordained as pastor on the 24th day of June, 1801, by the Presbytery of Ohio, in whose bounds these churches then were. On this occasion Elisha McCurdy preached the sermon, and Joseph Pat- terson delivered the charges. llis relation to these churches was dissolved by the Presbytery of Erie on the 27th day of June, 1810.
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