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 21
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Besides many occasional sermons and addresses, Mr.
1 Sprague's Annals.
2 John Reynolds, Esq.
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Alden published, in 1814, " A Collection of American Epitaphs," in five volumes, 18mo., and in 1827, a " His- tory of Sundry Missions," and in 1821, a " Hebrew Catechism."
Mr. Alden was twice married : first to Miss Eliza- beth Shepard Wormsted, of Marblehead, Mass. She died at Meadville, Pa., April, 1820. She was the mother of five children, three daughters and two sons. The sons were educated at Meadville. One was sup- posed to have been lost at sea, the other, T. J. Fox Alden, was a lawyer of eminence at the Pittsburgh bar. In 1822, he was married the second time, to 'Sophia Louisa L. Mulcock, of Philadelphia. By her he had one daughter.
(28.) JOIIN MUNSON.
1816-1866.
JOHN MUNSON, son of Daniel and Susanna (Drake) Munson, was born in Morris County, New Jersey, on the 22d day of February, 1784. His father died in 1790, when John was but six years of age. His father's death took place in Herkimer County, New York, where his mother was left a widow among strangers. After some time his mother married again, and with her hus- band and family removed to Lycoming County, Pa. This was when John was eleven years of age. Ilis mother was a pious woman, and hearing what the Lord was doing in the outpouring of his Spirit in Western Pennsylvania, felt a great desire to place her family within the sphere of religious influence. Accordingly the family removed to Beaver County in 1806. His mother lived to see her husband and seven children re- ceived into the communion of the church, and one of
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her sons a minister of the gospel. She died in 1838, in the seventy-ninth year of her age. John Munson did not make a profession of religion until perhaps his twenty-fifth year.
He pursued his literary studies at the Greersburg Academy, under the direction of Rev. Thomas Edgar Hughes (1), with whom he also studied theology. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Hartford (now Beaver), on the 16th day of October, 1816. From this Presbytery, he was received by that of Erie in 1817. Having accepted calls from the congre- gations of Plaingrove and Center, he was ordained at Plaingrove, by the Presbytery of Erie, on the 25th of February, 1818, and installed as pastor of these churches. In these services Amos Chase (25) preached the sermon, and John McPherrin (16) delivered the charges. He was set off with others to form the new Presbytery of Alleghany in 1820. His pastoral relation to Plaingrove was dissolved February 6, 1838, when he gave all his time to Center. The latter charge he resigned June 28, 1859, after a pastorate of forty-one years.
Soon after this, growing infirmities prevented him from engaging in much public labor. His last sufferings were protracted and severe. Says a co-presbyter : 1 " Ile was for months paralyzed so as to be almost entirely helpless. His mind, however, kept bright and vigorous. His conversation was very much about Christ and heav- enly things. He spoke to those who called to see him about their eternal interests ; sent messages to his old parishioners and acquaintances, telling them of his peace, and giving them his love and blessing. To min- isters he would say, ' Preach Christ.' . Tell the breth- ren to preach Christ crucified more and more!' For
1 Rev. R. B. Walker, D. D.
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months he had not a doubt as to his acceptance with God, and his mind was full of sweet, heavenly peace. On one occasion he spoke to a ministerial brother of his circumstances rather despondingly, but in a moment added, ' But I am a rich man. O, what a rich man I am ! I am a joint-heir with Christ to an inheritance uncor- rupted and undefiled.' He died in the full possession of all his mental faculties, full of peace and in the joyful hope of a blessed immortality."
. His death took place at his residence, London, Mer- cer County, Pa., on the 18th day of December, 1866, in the eighty-third year of his age and fifty-first of his ministry. Mr. Munson was thrice married. His first wife was Miss Jane, daughter of George Allen, who died in less than a year after their marriage. Her death took place in 1809. His second wife was Eliza- beth Clark, to whom he was married in 1815, and who died in 1836, at the age of fifty-five. His third wife was Mrs. Abby S., widow of Thomas Branden, and daughter of Adam Black. They were married in 1837, Mrs. Munson died in 1862. Mr. Munson had but one child, which died in infancy.
In personal appearance he was, in his prime, robust and rough-hewn, with strongly marked features and little claim to personal beauty. He was able to endure great labor, and was never backward in undertaking any amount of self-denial and privation in the Master's work, that seemed to be called for. In his earlier min- istry he travelled much through the destitute settle- ments, preaching day after day, forcing his way through snow-storms and swollen streams, rarely failing to meet his appointments and always ready to expose himself, rather than disappoint his hearers.
Few Christians have had a richer experience than he.
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Says the same co-presbyter already quoted : " When first awakened his convictions were deep and pungent. Ile felt himself to be the chief of simmers. We have often heard him say that he did not see how it was possible for God to save him, and that after him no anxious sinner need despair of finding mercy. But when the light came, his peace was as a river. The principles of the gospel were deeply fixed in his heart. He lived out and adorned the doctrines which he preached. During his long ministerial life, there was not a single stain upon his character."
As a theologian, he was accurate and discriminating. His reading was not extensive, yet valuable, for he re- tained and appropriated what he read. In the religious controversies of his day he was well versed, and able at all times to defend his views of right.
As a preacher his great aim was to unfold the truths of God's Word, so as to convince his hearers and lead them to God and his service. His great themes were, God's great love and merey - of Christ and his eross. He was a good minister of the Lord Jesus, and labored faithfully for his cause, and so his rest must be sweet and his reward glorious.
(29.) PHINEAS CAMP.
1816-1868.
PHINEAS CAMP, the son of Phineas and Martha (Hall) Camp, was born in Durham County, N. Y., on the 18th day of February, 1788. At the age of eight years, he removed with his father's family to Oneida County, in the same State. Ilis classical studies com- menced at an academy at Whitestown, N. Y. After- wards he entered Union College, where he graduated in
1
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1811. For two years after this, he taught a classical school in Orange County, N. Y. His theological studies were pursued at Princeton. Having completed a full course at that institution, he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of North River in 1816. The first two years of his ministry were spent in itinerant labors. IIe was ordained as an evangelist by the Pres- bytery of North River, on the 15th day of July, 1817. He came into the bounds of the Presbytery of Erie in 1817, and was received from the Presbytery of Hudson, as a member, on the 29th day of June, 1819.
In connection with Johnston Eaton, he reorganized the churches of Westfield and Ripley, N. Y. His first pas- toral settlement was at Westfield, where he was installed on the 8th day of September, 1819. Cyrus Riggs (18), preached the sermon, and Samuel Tait delivered the charges. This pastorate continued for two and a half years, when, on account of ill-health in his family, the relation was dissolved. After two years of labor as an evangelist, he was installed pastor of the church of Low- ville, N. Y., having been dismissed from the Presbytery of Erie to that of St. Lawrence, February 9, 1825. Here he continued for four years, when the pastoral relation was dissolved. From this time Mr. Camp devoted himself to missionary labors in various portions of the church, being particularly active in revivals of religion. These labors extended over northwestern Pennsylvania, New York, and portions of Ohio. Being of a warm, fervid frame of mind, he was particularly adapted to missionary work, and to efforts in times of refreshing. Ile delighted in these labors. It seemed to be his meat and his drink to direct inquiring souls to Christ. During his labors, the " bodily exercise," spoken of elsewhere, prevailed, and was treated by him
1
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as of great importance as a manifestation of the Spirit of God. Many of the churches along the shore of Lake Erie, at Westfield, North East, Fairview, and Spring- field, enjoyed his revival labors, and some of the aged fathers and mothers in Israel yet speak of his unction and zeal in the Lord's cause. His last years were spent in connection with " the other branch."
Mr. Camp was twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary A. Leeworthy. Ilis second was Miss Anna Spalding. He had three children, two sons and a daughter, all of whom profess to be the followers of the God of their father.
About four years ago he removed to Dixon, Illinois, to spend his declining years with his children. Yet al- though laid aside in a great degree from the active labors of preaching the gospel, he continued to seek opportunities of doing good, in distributing tracts, and personal religious intercourse. These labors continued until within two days of his death.
A short time before his departure, he wrote in his diary : " I desire to possess dying grace for the present hour. I am dying : declining with age daily, that is dying. Shall I be overwhelmed with surprise and awe on entering the celestial world ? How can a stranger from earth endure it? Even the holy evangelist John, who had so often conversed with his mighty Saviour, had well-nigh fainted and died at the sight of the angel of the Apocalypse. I apprehend believers on entering that state will be gently dealt with ; will be gradually made familiar with the grand and fearful things that shall in turn be unfolded and explained. But be this as it may, let me have 'perfect holiness' in the fear of the Lord, and be ready when called to go."
Ilis last illness was short, and without suffering. It
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was rather the wearing out of life's machinery than positive disease. To his children and friends who gath- ered around his couch, he commended Christ as the only hope. When asked if he felt prepared for the journey, he replied, " Yes, yes, I settled that question long be- fore this. This trying hour would be insupportable were it not for my hope in Christ." After taking leave of his children one by one, with the expression on his lips, " Farewell, world, farewell," he sweetly fell asleep.
He died on the 30th day of January, 1868, having nearly completed his eightieth year, and in the fifty- second year of his ministry. He was an old man, full of years and labors, and has gone to reap the reward of those who " turn many to righteousness."
(31.) BRADFORD MARCY. 1809-1845.
MR. MARCY was a native of Berkshire County, Mass. Ile was the son of Smith and Patience ( Law- ton) Marcy, and was born at Otis, Mass., on the 9th day of March, 1774. Of his early life little can now be learned, as he was a quiet man, leaving little behind that would throw light upon his history. His classical studies were pursued at the college of Rhode Island, where he graduated in 1798. From a paper left be- hind originating from the college authorities, it is evi- dent that his standing as a scholar was very good. The probabilities are that he studied theology privately, and was licensed to preach by some of the New England associations. From a note attached to his ordination sermon, it appears that he was ordained by the Eastern Connecticut Association. Ilis name is found in the records of the General Association, as a missionary
1
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laboring in Delaware in 1805.1 After this he became a member of the Presbytery of Long Island, and was pas- tor of the churches of Smithtown and Islip, from 1811 to 1814.
Mr. Marcy removed into the bounds of the Presby- tery of Erie, sometime about the year 1820. He was received from the Presbytery of Long Island, on the 13th of April, 1824. Ile took no active charge in the Presbytery, although he preached frequently in the va- cant congregations in the neighborhood where he re- sided. Ile settled down upon a farm in Crawford County, Pa., and was very successful in the cultivation of the soil.
As a preacher he had more learning than faculty in bringing forth the treasures of his mind in sermonizing. He seemed anxious to do good, yet his peculiarities were often in the way of his accomplishing it. His in- finnities prevented his preaching during the last three years of his life. He died near Venango, Crawford County, Pa., on the 6th day of April, 1845, in the seventy-second year of his age.
Hle was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Evans, of Crawford County, Pa., on the 22d day of June, 1824. They had no children.
(33). GILES DOOLITTLE. 1823-1842.
GILES DOOLITTLE was the son of Elisaph and Ruth (Potter) Doolittle of the State of Connecticut. His father was born in Wallingford, Conn., June 1, 1750. Giles, his son, was born in Plymouth, Conn., on the 22d day of May, 1794. His first years were spent in the quiet ways of a Connecticut home, and under the instructions and prayers of a pions mother. When
| Gillett's History, ii. 1.
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about six or seven years of age, he was the subject of deep religious impressions, that were never afterwards obliterated. Ile had then such views of the evil of sin, and the holiness of God, as influenced the remainder of his life. Later in life he was inclined to believe that at this time God's saving grace commenced its work in his soul.
Early in life an incident occurred that seems to have influenced all his subsequent years. Hle read in the Connecticut Magazine an account of the labors and privations of the missionaries in the West. The ac- count so moved him that he secretly resolved that he would devote himself to the ministry and the missionary work. But circumstances seemed for a long time to be in the way of his preparation for this great work. llis parents were dependent upon his care, and he could not leave them. In his eighteenth year he made a public profession of religion, and connected himself with the Congregational church in his native town. About this time his mother died ; and in his twenty- third year his father was called away, leaving him free to follow his inclination and conviction of duty by commencing preparations for the work of the ministry.
After studying for a few months, he became discour- aged, as he looked at his age and the long years that must elapse before he could enter upon the work. The narrowness of his own means also added to this dis- couragement.
Ile now removed to Oneida County, New York, and engaged in teaching. flere, through the advice and encouragement of friends, he once more resumed his studies, and entered Hamilton College in his twenty- fourth year. Graduating in 1822, he returned to his native town and commeneed the study of theology with
ยท
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his old friend and pastor, Rev. Luther Hart, and in due time was licensed to preach the gospel by the South Association of Litchfield County, Conn., June 3, 1823. After preaching for a time in Connecticut, he journeyed westward, and tarried for a time in Oneida County, New York. But his desire to carry out his youthful plans soon induced him to move still further west, and in the year 1824 he came to Chautauque County, New York. Whilst in Oneida County, he placed himself under the care of the Presbytery of Oneida, and on coming into the bounds of the Presbytery of Erie, he put himself under the care of that Presbytery, being received March 2, 1825. Accepting calls from the united churches of North East and Ripley, he was ordained and installed at the former place, on the 14th day of April, 1825. In these exercises Johnston Eaton (20) preached the sernion, and Samuel Tait (3) delivered the charges. This relation continued for five years, when, on the 14th day of April, 1830, he was at his own request dismissed from Ripley, and gave the whole of his time to North East. In the latter church his labors continued until September 12, 1832, when at his own request he was dismissed. His labors were greatly blessed at North East, and many were gathered into the fold of the Redeemer. It is said that he after- wards regretted having sundered his connection with this church. He left it, however, strong and flourishing.
On the 10th day of April, 1833, Mr. Doolittle was dismissed from the Presbytery of Erie, and connected himself with that of Portage, having entered upon pas- toral labor in Hudson, Ohio. He was soon afterwards installed as pastor of the Presbyterian church at that place. This relation continued until the spring of 1840, when his declining health obliged him to withdraw from
20
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all the duties and labors of the ministry. His disease was pulmonary consumption, and with all its flattering voices, the invalid felt that his work upon earth was almost done. Although he had relinquished all pastoral cares, he yet continued in a very feeble condition. For the last few months of his life, he went down rap- idly to the grave. Under all his afflictions, he was uniformly patient, calm, and hopeful. God was his stay and his helper. Ilis mind was clear and untroubled to the last. In view of leaving his children portionless, he said he left them with a covenant-keeping God, whose promises were a more sure and blessed inheritance than millions of gold.
As the light of earth grew dim, and the splendors of the heavenly world were bursting upon his vision, rais- ing both hands he exclaimed, -
"() death! where is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy victory ? "
And these were his last words. His spirit departed on the morning of September 22, 1842, in the forty- ninth year of his age, and the twentieth of his ministry.
Mr. Doolittle was twiee married. His first marriage was in Oneida County, New York, to Miss Bethena Brooks, September, 1823. IIer death took place at North East, Pa., in June, 1831. He was married the second time to Miss Electa Upham, of Jamestown, New York, November 8, 1831. Ile was the father of eight children, five of whom have gone to rest. Three daughters with his widow yet survive.
" As a pastor he was faithful, prayerful, and watchful, laboring for the good of souls, to the extent of his physical health and strength. As a preacher he was plain, evangelical, and solemn, applying the truth rather to the intellect and conscience, than to the emotions of
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the hearer. ITis natural temperament was sedate and calm ; his disposition was serious but kind, amiable, and affectionate." 1
HIe left the following message for the church of which he had been pastor : -
" Tell them to remember their solemn covenant with God, and with one another. Tell them to rally round their pastor and sustain his hands and up- hold him in every good work, and beware of all influ- ences that divide and destroy the peace of Zion."
Ilis message to the impenitent was, -
"Tell them I thank them deeply and cordially, for their kindness. May the Lord richly reward them. My last prayers are for their salvation. Bid them delay not to seek and find that peace and joy in believing, without which they cannot possess the reward of the righteous."
One who knew him well,2 and who was brought into the church at North East through his ministry, thus speaks of him : ---
" He was a good preacher, with a pleasant voice and delivery, talents above the average ; of medium size, spare, gray eyes, sallow complexion, with a mild, be- nignant countenance, and such a heavenly smile ! I never heard him converse on any other subject than that of religion. He was a Puritan of the Puritans. Ile seemed to be always faithful, always zealous, always at the post of duty. Ile never unbent, was very reticent, and had remarkable control over his feelings ; so much so that he preached one Sabbath, when one of his children lay dead at home. He was cheerful under all trials ; nothing seemed to disturb him, except the wrong- doing of his people. Then he would weep over them,
1 Prof. Hickok.
2 Miss Jacks.
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and be moved as no bereavements of his own could move him. Yet he was not a stern man, but kind and gentle to all. When his wife died, whilst attending the funeral, he announced the hymn -
" Unvail thy bosom, faithful tomb,"
and preached her funeral sermon himself the following Sabbath. In this sermon, his manner was calm, and with apparent impassiveness he depicted her character, speaking of her many excellences, without exaggerating them.
(34.) NATHAN HARNED. 1822-1854.
THE subject of this sketch led a life of vicissitudes. Being of a delicate constitution, his health suffered dur- ing his preparatory studies, and throughout the remain- der of his life he was unable to enter with vigor upon the active labors of the ministry. But he seems to have been active and diligent according to his measure of strength, and has left behind him the testimony that he was an earnest, faithful minister of the New Testa- ment.
Nathan Harned, the son of David and Hannah (Walker) Harned, was born in Rockingham County, Va., on the 4th day of February, 1789. Of his early life and struggles, previous to entering the household of faith and dedicating himself to the work of the gospel ministry, nothing can here be said. It would be a val- uable contribution to the history of the church, if this important chapter on the lives of its ministers could be written, setting forth the struggles and the resolutions, the doubts and the fears, that agitate their minds pre- vious to commencing the great work.
Mr. Harned's academical studies were pursued in the
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city of New York. He was at this time in religious creed and profession a Baptist, and commenced the study of theology in the 'Theological Institution of the Baptist General Convention, in the city of Philadelphia. HIere he continued for three years, and completing his course, received a certificate of the same, July 25, 1821.
He was regularly licensed to preach the gospel by a Baptist association, and soon after received a call from a Baptist church in Northern Pennsylvania. But his mind was not at ease. He entertained grave doubts in regard to the peculiar tenets held by his church, that made him hesitate in regard to accepting this call. Ile took time to review the whole ground in relation to the subject of baptism and ecclesiastical polity, as enter- tained by his church. The call to the church in Penn- sylvania was declined. After a thorough examination of the whole subject, with earnest prayer for guidance and direction, he renounced the doctrinal peculiarities of his Baptist brethren, and placed himself under the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and was by that Presbytery licensed at a meeting held at Doylestown, on the 16th day of October, 1822.
His name first appears on the records of Erie Pres- bytery in 1824. He was regularly received under its care on the 2d day of March, 1825, having preached for some time previous to this in Warren County, Pa. At the same meeting at which he was received, calls were placed in his hands by Presbytery, from the congrega- tions of Warren, Sugar Grove, Great Brokenstraw, and Lottsville. These calls were accepted, and arrange- ments made for his ordination and installation. This took place at a meeting of Presbytery held at Warren on the 20th day of April, 1825. In these exercises, Mr.
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Tait (3) preached the sermon, and Mr. Chase (25) of- fered the ordaining prayer and delivered the charges.
This was a large field for the young pastor, and in- volved a large amount of labor. The labor was per- formed, however, in these four churches for nearly a year, when leave was asked to resign the charge of Brokenstraw, and probably Lottsville. The relation appears to have been a harmonious one, as an elder White from the former church declared, " that the con- gregation thought it was a matter of regret that Mr. Harned should leave them," yet under the circum- stances, could not object to the dissolution of the pas- toral relation. It was accordingly dissolved. In the month of May following, the relation with the churches of Warren and Sugar Grove was dissolved.
On the 22d of June, 1826, Mr. Harned asked and received a dismission to connect himself with the Pres- bytery of Hartford (now Beaver).
In the fall of 1826, the honorary degree of A. M. was conferred on him by Alleghany College.
Ilis next field of labor was Youngstown, Ohio, at that time under the care of the Presbytery of Hartford, or Beaver. Here he labored about three years, when failing health compelled him once more to resign his charge. He then spent some time in the South and Southwest, hoping that a more genial climate might restore his wasted energies. From Hartford Presby- tery, he received a dismission, October 5, 1830, and connected himself with the Presbytery of Philadelphia. His next field was Ridley, Delaware County, Pa., where he labored for a time under appointment by the Board of Missions. This appointment dates January 1, 1831.
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