USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 27
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One might say that in times past the Church of the Brethren has been Episcopalian in her administration of church government. Yet all the while she has adhered strictly to Congregationalism in the matter of choosing leadership in the respective congregations. True, there has been a kind of supervision in ordinations, but leader- ship is left entirely with the congregation. The results as revealed in this table,-as known to exist in the dis- trict,-are not satisfactory to any "bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Middle District has the credit of doing first some things which have reached large proportions for good. Now, let her do another thing first,-a something greatly needed, not only in the Middle District, but in every state district in the Brotherhood-start a solution for better leadership in the needy congregations of our district.
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PART THREE Biographical
PART THREE Biographical
In this part of the book it has been the aim to give biographical recognition, as far as information could be gotten, to every minister who has resided for a shorter or longer time in the present Middle District of Pennsyl- vania. For reasons, a few, not ministers, appear.
ADAMS, DAVID M., was elected to the ministry in the Roaring Spring congregation in 1904, and by that body ordained April 7, 1908. A few years since he became inactive in the ministry and thru a course pursued by himself he was relieved of his office at a special elders' meeting at Lewistown, August 30, 1922.
BADGER, MOSES, called to the ministry in the Dunnings Creek con- gregation, October 27, 1868.
BAKER, JOHN SNIDER, oldest of four children of John and Hannah (Snider) Baker, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Baker's Summit (Pa.), Febru- ary 20, 1840. His youth was spent on a farm near Snake Spring Valley Church, during which time he re- ceived a common schoool education. After his marriage he located on the old homestead and resided there till 1895, when he moved to Everett. In 1888 he fell from a loft in his barn and sustained injuries from which he never fully recovered.
He united in marriage with Eliza- beth, daughter of Jacob and Mar- garet (née Brech) Lingenfelter, members of the Church of the Brethren, Isaac Richey solemnizing the union on January 22, 1863. To them were born four children : Francis, Grant, Jacob, and Margaret Helen Baker.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, through baptism administered in 1875. This congregation called him to the ministry in 1878; and through the laying on of hands by George W. Brumbaugh and Jacob Koontz, he was ordained May 19, 1901. He was frequently a delegate to District Meeting. Being blessed with this world's goods, he delighted to aid in missions, the support of the Morrison's Cove Home and relief work abroad. He died April 12, 1923. Funeral conducted by Ira C. Holsopple and John S. Harshberger. Interment in the Ritchey Cemetery, Snake Spring Valley.
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BAKER, JONAS D., seventh child of Daniel and Lydia (née Kemp) Baker, was born December 10, 1886, near Grantsville, Maryland. His parents united with the Brethren Church soon after their marriage, and had the joy of seeing all their five sons and three daughters in the church, and one daughter, Florence, who married John M. Pittenger, a missionary to India. He has a com- mon school education supplemented by two years in Juniata College Pre- paratory Department, 1904-06. He is engaged in the lumber business at Fredericksburg.
He was united in marriage with Mary Catherine, daughter of John and Emma (née Enyeart) Detwiler, members of the Church of the Breth- ren in the Fairview congregation, the union being solemnized by William J. Swigart, June 25, 1910, at his home in Huntingdon, (Pa.). The bride had united with the Church of the Brethren, Joseph Snow- berger administering baptism May 20, 1897. She attended Juniata College four terms; taught for several years, and is now a teacher in the Sunday-school. To this union is born Mary Virginia.
While at Juniata, in the fall of 1904, he united with the Church of the Brethren, William J. Swigart administering baptism. His inter- est in religious work was not marked, however, till the fall of 1916, when he renewed his vows under the preaching of Mahlon J. Brougher in a revival in the Clover Creek congregation. At once he became active. Within two weeks he was elected teacher of an adult Bible class, and on November 10, 1917, was called to the ministry. He has served several times as delegate to District Meeting. Ad- dress, Martinsburg, Pa.
BASHORE, JOHN R., born near Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, March 22, 1841, was twin to Peter, fifth and sixth of seven children of David and Mary (née Ruble) Ba- shore, members of the Church of the Brethren. Reared on the farm, hav- ing only a limited education, he nevertheless applied himself to com- mitting many Scriptures, using the rest moments of field and home for this purpose. October 13, 1864, he was united in marriage to Fianna, daughter of Peter Shellenberger. Soon after both united with the church. This step meant great zeal for the Master. About 1884 he was called to the ministry in Juniata county ; in 1890 moved to Altoona and two years later located in the Fairview congregation. At once he took deep interest in the Sunday-
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school, where now the Smithfield church stands, superintended the school for over ten years, and laid the foundation for that congre- gation. Tho a man of affairs and successful in business, his religious life was so intense that, even in the busy seasons, rather than miss family worship he would rise an hour earlier. About 1904 he located in Martinsburg, and on April 20, 1909, passed to his reward. In his delirium just before his death he conducted a religious service com- plete, using for text Malachi 3:8, and invited sinners to confess Jesus.
BATZEL, GEORGE STEWARD, eighth and a twin in a family of ten children of John and Catherine (née Burket) Batzel, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Yellow Creek, Bedford County, (Pa.)., April 17, 1875. He was reared on the farm and during most of his life made his living by farm- ing, and in the meantime represented the Grand Union Tea Company for twenty years. He had the benefit of a common school education.
He was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of George and Susan (née Baker) Kinsley, John Rush officiating at the wedding held in his home May 25, 1901. To them have been born four sons and three daughters.
In the Bethel congregation, in 1895, he united with the Church of the Brethren, John Rush administering baptism. Yellow Creek con- gregation called him to the deacon's office in 1903; to the ministry in 1907; and, through Ira Holsopple and David Detwiler laying on hands, ordained him, in 1921. He has represented his congregation nine times at District Meeting. In recent years he has been success- ful as an evangelist,-has conducted some thirty-five revivals, baptized about three hundred, married thirty couples, preached over one hundred funerals. At present he is serving as pastor in the Long Meadow congre- gation of Maryland, his home being near Boonsboro.
BEACH, GUY K., third of nine chil- dren of Adam and Catherine (née Kochenderfer) Beach, the father a member of the Progressive Brethren, and the mother, of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Salemville, (Pa.), on December 21, 1889. After country school he attended New En- terprise Normal and the preparatory department of Juniata College. He taught school for five years and then entered the employ of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company,
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Akron, Ohio, where he continues. During the World War he spent fifteen months in the Veterinary Service of the Army, ten months of which service was in France, three months in Germany and the balance of the time in Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina.
He was united in marriage with Ethel Marian, daughter of Lewis and Laura (née Woomer) Eyer, Tobias T. Myers solemnizing the union on June 24, 1919. To them are born one daughter and one son.
In the New Enterprise congregation he united with the Church of the Brethren, David T. Detwiler administering baptism on December 15, 1903. The same congregation called him to the ministry July 20, 1913, and he was properly installed by David Stayer and Levi T. Stuckey, August 24, 1913. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting twice; has been active in Sunday-school work, serving as teacher, assistant superintendent and member of the Sunday-school board. Under his present situation he is not active in the ministry. His address is 813 Coburn Street, Akron, Ohio.
BIBLE, JAMES W., a minister from one of the West Virginia con- gregations who located, in 1910, within the bounds of the Artemas congregation. He and other members have built up the work there until the Glendale church house was erected in 1910. His address is Flintstone, (Pa.).
BECHTEL, KENNETH, oldest of three in the family of Daniel K. and Susan (née Ritchey) Bechtel, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in New Enterprise, (Pa.), July 25, 1898. He has had the privilege of going to school most of the time and preparing himself for religious work. At present he is attending Juniata College.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the New Enterprise congregation on Easter, April 4, 1915, and was baptized by Levi T. Stuckey. The same congregation called him to the ministry February 22, 1919. He has been active in Sunday-school work, and served as district secretary during 1922-23. He did some pastoral work at Melcroft and at Nanty-Glo in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
BECK, JACOB, was born in Warriors Mark Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, on July 6, 1790. School privileges in his day were meagre, but he made good use of the common schools avail- able. He made his living by farming. The Warriors Mark congre- gation of the Church of the Brethren called him to the ministry in 1833, just four years after he was received into the church by bap- tism. He lived in his home congregation and closed his labors there August 2, 1870.
BEERY, CHARLES O., the only son of Enoch and Mary (née Jay) Beery, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Covington, Ohio, March 7, 1871. He had seven half brothers and sisters through his parents being married twice. After passing through common school he attended college two years and graduated from the Normal English course at Huntingdon in 1895. He then served as principal of the Boyce, (La.), high school two years. Later,
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while pastor at Tyrone, (Pa.), he was principal of the Snyder town- ship high school four years. He has about two years' college work to his credit.
He was united in marriage with Lou Ella, daughter of George and Ursula Replogle, of Shenandoah, Iowa, on June 16, 1898, and to them were born five sons and three daughters. His wife died January 25, 1914. On March 20, 1923, he was united in marriage with Sannie, daughter of David and Nancy Shelly, Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, Tobias T. Myers solemnizing the union.
While attending school at Mt. Morris College, Illinois, on Novem- ber 10, 1889, he united with the Church of the Brethren, Tobias T. Myers administering baptism. On this occasion there were eight young men and as many young women to be immersed. Brother Myers administered baptism to the young men at the same instant that John G. Royer baptized the young women, first Brother Royer repeating the formula while each baptized his applicant and then Brother Myers-a very impressive service. Lou Ella Replogle was baptized at this time.
The Pleasant Hill congregation (Ohio) called him to the ministry on September 2, 1897. While serving as pastor at Tyrone, (Pa.), through the laying on of hands by James A. Sell and George S. Myers, he was ordained, April 6, 1907. He has been a Sunday-school teacher for thirty-three years ; has served as pastor in Glade Run and Plum Creek congregations, (W. Pa.), the Geiger Memorial of Phila- delphia, (S. E. Pa.), and Tyrone and Juniata Park congregations of our own district. He represented his congregation at district meeting and General Conference many times, and served on the Standing Committee from Middle Pennsylvania at the Hershey Conference of 1921. As a revivalist he has had the joy of serving in many congre- gations successfully. He enjoys getting into a weak and discouraged congregation and helping to revive them. His stronghold, both in pastoral and evangelistic work, is his personal contact. At present he is pastor of the Juniata congregation. Address, Juniata, Pa.
BENNER, LEVI B., one of nine children of family of Jacob and Nancy (née Burget) Benner, mem- bers of the German Reformed Church, was born at Martinsburg, (Pa.), September 16, 1857. He pre- pared himself for teaching in the public schools and during his life taught thirty-three terms. He held a state permanent certificate. Along with teaching he carried on truck farming not far from Duncans- ville, (Pa.).
He was united in marriage with Christiana, daughter of John P. and Christine Hoover, on September 28, 1879. To this union one son, Irvin H., was born, and he has become a school teacher. The wife died May 25, 1881. Brother Benner was
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married again, the second time in 1883, to Ida M., daughter of Daniel and Frances (née Bossler) Royer. To this union was born one daughter, Pearl, who married Frank E. Brubaker.
In the Clover Creek congregation, on January 20, 1880, he united with the Church of the Brethren, John W. Brumbaugh administer- ing baptism. The Carson Valley congregation called him to the ministry June 4, 1898, and through the laying on of hands by Brice Sell and John B. Miller he was ordained in the same congregation. He was active in Sunday-school, serving as superintendent eight years; has represented his congregation at District Meeting twenty times and at General Conference three times. Due to a somewhat prolonged sickness, he passed to his reward November 12, 1924. William J. Swigart preached his funeral. Interment in the Carson Valley cemetery.
BENNETT, JOHN, oldest of eleven born to Israel M. and Susannah Martin Bennett, began life in Alleghany County, (Md.), October 25, 1850. Early in childhood his parents moved to Bedford County, (Pa.), where he has lived all his life. Making good use of common school, one term in Alleghany Seminary, at Rainsburg, and two at County Nor- mal, in Bedford, he followed teach- ing for thirteen winters. Besides he has been farmer, merchant and post- master for Artemas for thirty-two years.
October 19, 1873, he was united in marriage with Anna C., daughter of Isaac and Nancy (née Martin) Sow- ers, at Silver Mills, (Pa.), James Pennell officiating. To them were born six sons and six daughters. The parents were privileged to enjoy their golden wedding with nine of their children and about 250 friends. After the wedding feast all went to the church nearby and appropriate services were conducted, James A. Sell leading in the same.
In June, 1874, he united with Christ in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, Jacob Steele baptizing him. Two years later the home group of members called him to the ministry, and on November 6, 1897, through the laying on of hands by George W. Brumbaugh and John B. Replogle, he was ordained. Christ made him His devoted servant. For twenty-five years he has not missed a district meeting, and yet his was often the longest drive over very muddy roads. He served on Standing Committee at St. Joseph, Missouri, and twice at Winona Lake, Indiana. Being the only minister in four townships, he has solemnized marriages and preached funerals up into the hun- dreds. He was four years a member of the District Mission Board, and since 1901 a trustee of the Martinsburg House for the Aged.
It can be truly said that he has been a spiritual father to the people of a very large territory, and from the beginning a faithful
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shepherd of the Artemas flock. Few in these days have done as much for the church for as little material compensation. His ad- dress, Artemas, (Pa.).
BENNETT, SYLVANUS, oldest of seven children of Robert Bennett, a farmer, was born in Southampton Township, Bedford County, (Pa.), on February 5, 1800. He was reared on the farm and had little opportunity for any education.
He was united in marriage with Sarah Bennett. They were not blessed with children of their own, and took other people's children to raise. Among them was Israel M. Bennett, the father of John Bennett, of Artemas, (Pa.).
Sylvanus united with the Church of the Brethren in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, which then included the southern por- tion of Bedford County. In 1851 he was called to the ministry by the same congregation and served his God as a pioneer preacher in the southern portion of Fulton and Bedford Counties. He made several preaching tours,-on foot,-as far east as Franklin County, (Pa.). He died August 25, 1855. His widow lived with Israel M. Bennett until her death in 1887. Both lie buried in Prosperity Cemetery.
BENTON, HOMER SOYSTER, third of four children of the family of Jacob U. and Barbara (née Soyster) Benton, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at McKee, Blair County, Pa.), February 23, 1893. Besides common schools, he has a college education, grad- uating at Juniata College in the Arts course on June 16, 1916. To make a living he follows carpentering, holding good jobs as foreman.
He was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Harry H. and Susan (née Claar) Graybill, of East Freedom, (Pa.).
In the Leamersville congregation, through baptism administered by Brice Sell on February 12, 1905, he united with the Church of the Brethren. In the same congregation he was called to the ministry on August 11, 1912. In the Sunday-school he has been active, both as superintendent and teacher. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting three times. Address, Altoona, (Pa.).
BERGER, LEAH BAKER, was born July 22, 1824, and on March 20, 1845, was united in marriage with John Berger, Christian Lehser performing the ceremony. The young people located at Salemville, engaged extensively in farming, and prospered. Their only child died in infancy, but seven orphans were received into their home, five of whom grew to maturity under their care. Both were ardent members of the Church of the Brethren. Leah had good business ability, took an active part in the management of their affairs and after her husband's death, in 1890, continued their business success- fully. In 1889 she conceived the idea of erecting a church house in Salemville. Being constructed at her own expense and after her own ideals, the house stood out in a class by itself, in that it had a belfry and a good bell,-nicely furnished and carpeted and every con- venience for its day. There was no formal dedication, but Joseph Z. Replogle preached the first sermon, and her own husband's funeral
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was the first in the new house. Though favorable to Sunday-schools, for some reason none were held in her church during her life. She maintained the upkeep of the church till her death, and turned the property over to the New Enterprise congregation without any encumbrance.
BLOUGH, GALEN ROY, sixth of seven children of Simon and Agnes (née Beahm) Blough, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born on a farm in Somerset County, (Pa.). His father died when he was three years old, leaving the mother with the large farm and a large family. She kept the family together until they were grown up. In due time Samuel P. Zimmerman became a step-father in the home and was a great help in rearing the children. After Galen graduated from the country schools in Somerset County, he attended local normals until he was prepared to teach in the public schools. He taught one term and then bought a part of the home farm.
He was united in marriage with Amelia, daughter of David I. and Alice (née Thomas) Thomas, Samuel P. Zimmerman solemnizing the union on October 13, 1917. To this union was born one son, Vergil Eugene, and one daughter, Oma Fern.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Maple Springs congregation, (W. Pa.), Isaiah B. Ferguson administering baptism November 1, 1909. The same congregation called him to the min- istry May 15, 1920. M. Clyde Horst and Edgar M. Detwiler had charge of the installation service. After he was elected to the min- istry he decided to prepare for that work. He took one year of Bible and then completed the preparatory course at Juniata College with the class of 1924. He has represented his congregation once at District Meeting and has been an active Sunday-school worker. For one year and a half he has had charge of the Beech Run con- gregation, an arm of the Aughwick congregation. He now serves the Bellwood congregation in the next year and continues his work in college. Address, Bellwood, (Pa.).
BOOK, ISAAC, called to the ministry in the Aughwick congregation May 18, 1869. Some time later he moved near Richmond, in Juniata County, within the bounds of what was then the Three Springs congregation.
BOOK, ISAAC BRUCE, fourth of seven children of Edmund D. and Elizabeth (née Long) Book, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Blain, Perry County, (Pa.), February 1, 1872. The father was a bishop and served the Perry County congregation about
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twenty years. The son was reared on the farm, attended public school, taught two years in Pennsylvania and one year in Iowa; graduated in 1896 in the Normal English course and received his A.B. in 1900 in Juniata College. For fourteen years he taught in Manchester College, (Ind.), and then took up farming for a livelihood.
He was united in marriage with Mae, daughter of William and Sarah (née Myers) Stine, of Adel, Iowa, the union being solemnized by Frank McCune, Christmas, 1900. To them were born six chil- dren : Gertrude Elizabeth, Paul Edmund (deceased), Carl William (deceased), Orpha Adaline, Anna Ruth (deceased), and Beulah Esther.
While attending school at Juniata College he united with the Church of the Brethren, William J. Swigart administering baptism on May 21, 1892. The Huntingdon congregation called him to the ministry February 17, 1897; the Manchester congregation had him ordained through the laying on of hands by Daniel Snell and Samuel Leckrone, June 1, 1911. His school work prevented him entering the evangelistic field very extensively. He has represented his con- gregation at District Meeting eight times; at General Conference seven times; has served on the Standing Committee, Sedalia, 1920; Winona Lake, 1922; Hershey, 1924. Since 1890 he has served either as teacher or superintendent in the Sunday-school. When, in 1924, the General Conference decided to have a clerk whose term of office continues for three years, he was elected to that position. He resides near North Manchester, (Ind.).
BOOK, WILLIAM I., fourth of six children of Edmund D. and Eliza- beth (née Long) Book, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Blain, Perry County, (Pa.), June 9, 1875. His father was a bishop, and in that office served the Perry County congregation about twenty years. Besides the training William received at home in the public schools, he graduated from Juniata School of Educa- tion, 1896, and received from the University of Pennsylvania, B.S., 1910; Ph.D., 1913.
He was united in marriage with Zella, daughter of James and Sarah (née Keller) Benedict, the union being solemnized by the bridegroom's father, June 11, 1901.
In a series of meetings conducted by Tobias T. Myers during the Bible Term at Juniata College, in the early Spring of 1895, he united with the Church of the Brethren, Henry B. Brumbaugh administer- ing baptism. His home congregation (Perry County) called him to the ministry in 1897. While serving the Stonerstown mission the Raven Run congregation advanced him to the second degree, Walter S. Long officiating at the service. While he occasionally fills the pul- pit and gives addresses, he has chosen the teaching profession, and occupies the chair of Physics in the University of Pennsylvania. His home is at 72 Wynnedale Road, Narberth, (Pa.).
BOWSER, JOHN K., second of twelve children of James and Eliza- beth Bowser, members of the German Reformed Church, was born on a farm near Yellow Creek in 1850. His parents were farmers
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and gave their children the benefits of a common school education. John was also a farmer.
He was first united in marriage with Eliza- beth Fishel, June 23, 1871. She died Decem- ber 7, 1896, and on April 24, 1902, he was married again, this time to Catherine A. Stayer.
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