USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 29
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BRUMBAUGH, JOHN, was born in 1793. His father migrated to this country, in 1754, from Germany. At an advanced age he died from that dread disease, cancer.t
BRUMBAUGH, JOHN, third of five sons of the family of George and Mary (née Bowers) Brumbaugh, was born on the old homestead, called "Timothy Meadows," in Penn Township, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), January 11, 1809. His parents were members of the Church of the Brethren, and his father a bishop, designated as an " exhorter," who always, when preaching, spoke in the German. John lived on the farm all his life. He was a great smoker until he was seventy, when, because he thought his example not good, he decided to quit, saying, "I will die rather than be overcome by it." During the re- mainder of the seventeen years of his life he did not use tobacco.
He was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Henry and Catherine (née Roberts) Boyer, April 6, 1830. To them were born six sons,-Benjamin, David B., George, Henry, Isaac, and John B. (The reader will at once recognize the Brumbaugh brothers, publish- ers, in this list.) The church first called John to the deacon's office ; later to the ministry, in which capacity he labored until his death, May 25, 1896. His body lies in the Brumbaugh cemetery.#
* Gleaned from Genealogies of Brumbaugh Families, 1913, Dr. Gaius M. Brumbaugh.
t Editorial, Gospel Messenger, 1894, No. 14.
# Extracted from sketch in Genealogies of Brumbaugh Families, 1913, Dr. Gaius Brumbaugh.
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BRUMBAUGH, JOHN BOYER, last of six children of the family of John and Catherine Boyer Brumbaugh, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born on a farm four miles south of Grafton, Hunt- ingdon County, (Pa.), March 14, 1848. After passing through common schools his desire for higher educa- tion, in a day when such a thing was looked upon as wrong, was so strong that he "went away" to Kishacoquil- las Seminary, out from Lewistown a few miles, in Big Valley; then to Millersville Normal, in October, 1872; to Shippensburg Normal and Crozer Theological Seminary. In his early life he made his living on the farm; later in the printing business, edito- rial work and preaching.
He was united in marriage with Eleanor J. Van Dyke, December 24, 1874. When the Pilgrim moved to Huntingdon he came along and made his home in that city all his days.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the James Creek congregation, in 1865, his brother, George Boyer Brumbaugh, admin- istering the rite of baptism. The Huntingdon congregation called him to the deacon's office, September 30, 1882; to the ministry, Janu- ary 18, 1889; and, through the laying on of hands by Edmund Book and George Bashore, he was ordained May 29, 1897. He represented his congregation a number of times at District Meeting, and twice at General Conference. He was a member of the Standing Committee of General Conference at Springfield, (I11), in 1906. His ministry was decidedly missionary and his services in the District were felt through his oversight of the Stonerstown congregation for twenty- two years, and the many "mission points " where he went to preach. He served as a member of the District Mission Board for fifteen years. During 1903 to 1910, inclusive, he served as pastor of the Huntingdon congregation.
Perhaps his largest service to God and fellow man was his long service in the publishing business. He joined his brother, Henry, in the publication of the Pilgrim, in the year 1869, and helped to develop sentiment in favor of church publications against a very strong op- posing current. He was called west to Mt. Morris, (Il1.), and occu- pied the chair of office editor of the Gospel Messenger during the time Daniel L. Miller was abroad on one of his trips. For many years he was associate editor of this periodical.
He took an active part in the founding of Juniata College through the Normal which Jacob M. Zuck established. His part was the unseen footing of the foundation, so essential to the great super- structure in every great enterprise. Until his death he continued to be a trustee of the college and a special supporter of the Bible department.
When, through a long, lingering illness, he was no longer able to walk, his faithful wife pushed him in the wheeled chair to the
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trustee meeting, the official meeting, the occasional convention; regu- larly his chair stood in the middle aisle of the church at prayer- meeting and on Sunday at all the services. Many gave him a word of cheer and appreciation, and his reply was a smile. Finally the hand of God relieved him of his suffering on June 11, 1922, and he passed into peaceful rest. His body lies in Valley View Cemetery, at James Creek.
BRUMBAUGH, ELEANOR J., second of fifteen children in the family of Archibald and Esther Swigart Van Dyke, ordained members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near McVeytown, Mifflin County, (Pa.), April 27, 1854. Her girlhood was spent on the farm, going to country school, and "working out"; later, as a school teacher, then as typesetter in the Pilgrim office. It was while in this last position that she met John Boyer Brumbaugh and was united with him in marriage, December 24, 1874. No children blessed their home, but they took an orphan to raise and in later years, though a helpless invalid, yet no child of their own could possibly have re- ceived better motherly care than did this orphan till she died. Her home had not long been established until it received Jacob M. Zuck into it,-in those formative days, when no salary was paid, she and her husband provided for the founder of the Normal which has since blossomed into Juniata College.
While yet living in the Spring Run congregation, on May 6, 1866, she united with the Church of the Brethren, Peter S. Myers admin- istering the baptism. She started the Sunday-school that now flour- ishes in the Huntingdon Church; has been active in church and Sunday-school-teaching, leading in song-service, correspondent to the church paper for many years, now and then writing a few stanzas of poetry highly devotional, and once representing her con- gregation at District Meeting. She was also leader in formulating sentiment for missions, both home and foreign, a charter member of the Sisters' Aid Society, and one of the few who did Aid Society work before any organization was known in the Brotherhood.
The closing years of her husband's life were marked with unusual affliction and helplessness, and under this burden she never flinched. Finally, on June 11, 1922, he was relieved of his suffering, while she continues to live "up stairs" at 1700 Mifflin Street, smiling and doing for others while waiting to go home. Here are lines written by her, October, 1923, worthy a place in connection with this sketch :
NEARER HOME
We have passed the radiant noonday, and the twilight has begun, Through the shadow, see the beauty of a glorious setting sun ! We are nearer to the river, loved ones crossing, one by one ; And WE are going home.
Brighter grows the heavenly pathway ; dimmer now the scenes of earth ; Light at evening time is promised, bringing peace of rarest worth. Hark, the heralds of the Bridegroom, with the message, "Go ye forth ! " And WE are nearer home.
By and by, the gates will open, and the Lord Himself will come. What a blessed day of gladness ! But a day of grief for some,
And He comes to take us with Him, when our work on earth is done, Take us to that happy home.
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Now the " harbor-bar is nearing," and the city lights appear ! See, the hands of loved ones beckon, as they gather on the shore! O, the joy of dwelling with them, and our Lord, forevermore ! Halleluia ! Halleluia ! Home, sweet Home !
BRUMBAUGH, JOHN D., fourth of six children of Josiah M. and Lucinda (née Dilling) Brumbaugh, a minister in the Church of the Brethren, was born in Clover Creek, Blair County, (Pa.), August 7, 1891. He attended grade and high school in Bellwood and gradu- ated from the preparatory department of Juniata College in 1909. After teaching several years in the public schools of Logan Town- ship, Blair County, (Pa.), he entered mercantile business in Juniata, (Pa.), where he is now manager of the J. D. Brumbaugh Company.
He was united in marriage with Alma E., daughter of James B. and Ida (née Troxel) Nelson, the union being solemnized by Harry H. Rasher, at Roaring Springs, May 26, 1916. Their home has been blessed with two children, John Nelson, Junior, and Dorothy Helen.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Bellwood con- gregation, baptism being administered by his father, in 1903. The Juniata Park congregation called him to the deacon's office, April 10, 1921; and to the ministry, November 30, 1924. Since he united with the church he has been active as a Sunday-school worker, serving as superintendent five years. Address, 701 Second Street, Juniata, (Pa.).
BRUMBAUGH, JOHN H., fourth of seven children in the family of Samuel and Elizabeth Hoover Brumbaugh, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born on a farm near Henrietta, Blair County, (Pa.), February 24, 1853. He had the privileges of a common school education, which was supplemented by unusual native talent that in his day made him a leader. His occupation was farming, in which he was quite successful.
He was united in marriage with Rebecca Anne, daughter of Daniel and Virginia (née Davis) Metzker. To them were born three sons and seven daughters.
In his early manhood he united with the Church of the Brethren and became a zealous worker for the Master. Sunday-school re- ceived his hearty support. The Fairview congregation, in which he was living, called him to the ministry, May 14, 1894, and later on, May 30, 1908, he was ordained. He represented the congregation at District Meetings a number of times, and was delegate to General Conference several times. He enjoyed the confidence of his people. After middle life he wandered from his Father's house and has not yet returned.
BRUMBAUGH, JOHN W., born April 7, 1823, was the son of John Brumbaugh, born in the year 1793, whose father came from Germany in 1754. He was reared and spent his life near the place of his birth,-Martinsburg, (Pa.). He was a successful miller, but though through life he accumulated some property, his love for his Lord and his brethren led him to go hither and thither exhorting people, until he closed life with very small estate.
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He was united in marriage with Margaret Nicodemus, April 21, 1844, and to them were born two sons and one daughter, who sur- vived him.
When he united with the Church of the Brethren is not known, but Clover Creek called him to the ministry on September 28, 1849, and had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by John Holsinger, Isaac Brum- baugh and Jacob Steele, August 24, 1867. During his active period it was rare that he missed a District or Annual Conference. "His love for the church and her doctrines was full and deep, and because of his loving disposition and consecration of heart, he greatly enjoyed the association of the membership and spent much time in traveling and preaching." *
BRUMBAUGH, JOSIAH B., the only son of David H. and Margaret Burget Brumbaugh, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Henrietta, Blair County, (Pa.), September 1, 1861. His child- hood on the farm, his youth helping in his father's foundry, his love for reading and good advantages in the common school were the steps until nineteen years old, when he began school teaching, a profession he fol- lowed for twenty-five years. He also invested in mercantile pursuits, largely conducted by his wife while, during the day, he was teaching.
He was united in marriage with Lucinda, daughter of John H. and Susan Dilling, of Clover Creek, (Pa.), on June 6, 1882, John W. Brumbaugh officiating. Two sons and four daughters blessed their home.
While living in the Clover Creek congregation he united with the Church of the Brethren, George W. Brumbaugh administering bap- tism on October 18, 1882. There he was called to the ministry on Christmas, 1893. Six years later (the Spring of 1899) he moved his family to Bellwood, (Pa.), and took charge of that infant congre- gation. He spared no efforts for the cause there for eleven years. On August 28, 1910, the family moved into a new home built in Juniata. While residing here he spent his Sundays preaching some- where, either at home or elsewhere. The Lord had an incessant worker in this servant. He officiated at many weddings and was called far and near to preach funerals. But a complication of dis- eases was reducing him. No longer able to leave his room, he read
* Extracted from Gospel Messenger editorial, 1894, No. 14.
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and prepared sermons which he never preached: for, on November 12, 1916, he passed away. Walter S. Long conducted the funeral service at Juniata, using 2 Samuel 3: 38; the Holy Spirit saw fit to lead James A. Sell to use the same text at the Clover Creek Church, yet the duplication was not known until the services were over. His body lies in the Brumbaugh Cemetery. 1
BRUMBAUGH, MARTIN GROVE, third of five children of the family of George Boyer and Martha (née Peightal) Brumbaugh, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born on a farm near Grafton, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), April 14, 1862. Early in life he chose the profession of teacher and prepared as follows: Juniata College, B.E., 1881; M.E., 1883; B.S., 1885; M.S., 1887; University of Pennsyl- vania, A.M., 1894; Ph.D., 1895. Besides, he has received honorary degrees as follows : LL.D., Mt. Morris College, (Il1.), 1901; Franklin and Marshall, (Pa.), 1902; Pennsylvania, 1911; Pittsburgh, 1916; Maine, 1919; Litt.D., Lafayette, 1915; L.H.D., Susquehanna, 1917.
He served as superintendent of schools, Huntingdon County. 1884-90; president of Juniata College, 1895-06; superintendent of school in Philadelphia, 1906-15; State Conductor of Teachers' Insti- tute in Louisiana, 1886-91; first commissioner of education, Porto Rico, 1900-02; professor of pedagogy, University of Pennsylvania, 1895-1900 and 1902-06; Governor of Pennsylvania, January, 1915, to 1919. In addition, he is a member of a number of historical societies and the author of the following: History of the Brethren, Juniata Bible Lectures, Standard Readers (five vols.), The Making of a Teacher, Life and Works of Christopher Dock, Story of Roosevelt, Editor of Lippincott Educational Series, Member of Pennsylvania State Board of Education.
He was united in marriage, in 1884, with Annie, daughter of Edwin Konigmacher, of Ephrata, (Pa.), and to them were born one son and one daughter. The wife died in 1914. His second marriage is with Flora, daughter of George Parks.
While attending Brethren's Normal in Huntingdon, on the evening of the day (May 11, 1879) that Jacob M. Zuck died, he was received into the Church of the Brethren by baptism, administered by Henry B. Brumbaugh. The Huntingdon congregation called him to the ministry, November 14, 1891, and advanced him to the second degree in 1893, James A. Sell officiating. He was a member of the Confer- ence committee that planned and carried out the Memorial Exercises of the Bicentennial of the Church in 1908; has been called upon a number of times to address the General Conference, and was always greeted with overflowing audiences. Perhaps his largest service to the church is his History of the Brethren, often quoted and highly prized by the church, and his articles which appear in the Gospel Messenger.
Since his service as Governor he has given his time to the plat- form, delivering educational and historical addresses to interested audiences.
However, on Commencement day, 1924, the trustees of Juniata College announced that he had unanimously been elected President of the College. President I. Harvey Brumbaugh had voluntarily re-
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signed in his favor. He not only accepted the invitation of his Alma Mater, but with his wealth of experience and the deep set religious ideals set in his soul by Juniata, he took charge of his new duties, December 1, 1924. The inaugural, on January 29, 1925, with its large concourse of his friends, who are also friends of Juniata, was a splendid token of the esteem with which he has been received back into the Juniata family. His address is Huntingdon, (Pa.).
BRUMBAUGH, MOSES ROBERT, the oldest of seven living children of Henry D. and Sarah (née Gouhonour) Brumbaugh, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Martinsburg, Blair County, (Pa.), August 21, 1864. He took advantage of a few years of train- ing in the common schools, then turned his attention to farming until he was twenty-four. Since then he has been engaged in merchan- dising and served during 1912-1916 as county treasurer.
He was united in marriage with Sarah Florence Steward, Novem- ber 13, 1890, Benjamin F. Shetron performing the ceremony. To them five sons and four daughters were born,-Charles A., Henry R., David E., Robert L., William E., Minnie M., Sarah Irene, Susan A., Carrie E. The mother died December 9, 1910. He was united again in marriage, the second time with Mrs. Jenetta Miller (formerly Smith), of Greenville, Ohio, the union being solemnized by Benjamin F. Sharp, on November 11, 1924.
In the Clover Creek congregation, through baptism administered by George W. Brumbaugh, he united with the Church of the Breth- ren. This congregation called him to the ministry, February, 1910; and, through the laying on of hands by John R. Stayer and David T. Detwiler, he was ordained June, 1914. He has represented his con- gregation many times at District Meeting and six times at General Conference. He has been active in Sunday-school work, being called upon to serve as superintendent for twenty years. During 1909 he was vice-president of the fifth district State Sunday-school Association. He served as a member of the District Mission Board during 1913-'18. In 1920 he was called to be overseer of the Albright congregation, which position he still holds. In 1921 the General Con- ference made him a member of the Child Rescue Committee. When chosen for the ministry he took it up at once and makes this com- ment upon this calling: "The ambition of my ministry has been to preach the Word as it is written. I never read sermons,-have no commentary nor Bible dictionary. I have prepared all my sermons by reading the Word, praying for the Holy Ghost to dictate. But I feel sure my work could have been very much more effective if I had the advantage of an education." His address is Martinsburg, (Pa.).
BRUMBAUGH, SAMUEL I., second of six children of Jacob and Mary Ann (née McCarson) Brumbaugh, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Liberty Township, Bedford County, (Pa.), May 21, 1866. His educational training is very limited. He has made a good living as railroad track foreman and farming.
He was united in marriage with Phoebe, daughter of John and Mollie Switzer, David A. Clapper solemnizing the union in his home, October 11, 1888. To them were born two sons and one daughter,
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and the wife died October 7, 1899. On October 7, 1901, he was united in marriage with Lizzie, daughter of John T. and Minnie (née Weaverling) Burket, David A. Stayer solemnizing the union. To them was born one son.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Raven Run congre- gation, in 1890; by that congregation called to the ministry, October 6, 1894, and ordained in the Fall of 1903, through the laying on of hands by William S. Ritchey and David A. Stayer. He has been active in Sunday-school in the capacity of teacher for many years, and has had the privilege of baptizing 144 into church membership. He has repre- sented his congregation at District Meeting many times, and at General Conference, twice. His home is in Saxton, (Pa.).
BUCK, CHARLES L., second of five children of the family of David F. and Barbara (née Longanecker) Buck, was born northwest of New Enterprise about four miles, July 11, 1843. His father was a member of the Church of the Brethren; his mother of the Seventh Day Baptists. When six years old, his parents moved to the farm at New Enterprise, (Pa.), where he remained till his death. He had the advantages of a common school education. Through an inherited physical infirmity he was not rugged and could not endure much exposure or violent exercise. He made his living, however, in the mercantile business for a number of years, and then managing his farm.
He was united in marriage with Hannah Amanda, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (née Stephens) Over, living near New Enterprise. Inasmuch as they were not blessed with children of their own, they took two to raise and gave them a good home. Both he and his wife, on May 7, 1876, united with the Church of the Brethren in the New Enterprise congregation, Jacob Miller administering baptism. This congregation called him to the ministry, June 13, 1877, and, through the laying on of hands by two of the following bishops who were present-Jesse Calvert, John S. Holsinger, John W. Brum- baugh, Jacob Miller, Jacob Koontz and John L. Holsinger-he was ordained February 16, 1887. He presided over the New Enterprise congregation from December 10, 1893, to April 19, 1912, and was a staunch supporter of all her activities. From 1902 to 1911 he was a member and treasurer of the Board of Trustees of Morrison Cove Old Folks' Home. He entered into rest April 19, 1912. William J. Swigart preached his funeral.
His wife, Hannah Amanda, the ninth of eleven children, was born near New Enterprise, (Pa.), in 1846. Her parents were members of the Reformed Lutheran Church, and died when she was small. She spent her girlhood days among strangers and relatives. She at-
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tended public school during the winter, and a term or more at Mil- lersville State Normal. She was a teacher in the primary department of the Sunday-school for over forty years. Surviving her husband, and their entire estate falling into her hands, she made disposition of it as follows :
Juniata College, $5,000.00; Bethany Bible School, $2,000.00; Or- phans' Home, Huntingdon, $3,270.00; Morrison's Cove Old Folks' Home, $3,270.00; Mission Board of Middle Pennsylvania, $3,270.00. She died April 21, 1916, and lies buried beside her husband in the New Enterprise Cemetery.
BURGET, ANDREW BOLGER, was born in North Woodbury Town- ship, Blair County, (Pa.), July 5, 1843. He is the youngest of seven children born to Adam and Catherine (née Bolger) Burget. His mother died and his father married the second time, to Anna Ken- singer, and to this union two children were born. Andrew is the only one living of the nine children. He was reared on the farm, was given a common school education and has made his living by farming.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Brumbaugh, on June 21, 1865, George W. Brumbaugh solemnizing the union. To them five children were born.
He united with the Church of the Brethren by baptism admin- istered by George Brumbaugh, in October, 1869. This occurred while attending a lovefeast at James Creek, an adjoining congrega- tion to where he lived. Clover Creek congregation called him to the deacon's office in 1875; to the ministry, October 25, 1884; and, by the laying on of hands by George S. Myers and David Stayer, ordained May 9, 1908. He was an active Sunday-school worker, serving as superintendent ten years; represented his congregation at District Meeting six times and to General Conference five times. He and his wife reside in Fredericksburg; address, Martinsburg, (Pa.).
BURKHOLDER, WEALTHY AGNES CLARK, fourth in a family of twelve children of William F. and Diana Houck Clark, was born near Broad Top City, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), September 13, 1849. Her father made no religious profession; her mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church early in life, but did not train her children in that faith. When twelve years old her parents moved near Shirleysburg, (Pa.), within the bounds of the Aughwick congregation. Through reading borrowed Gospel Visitors she became acquainted with the doctrine of the Church of the Brethren; through the preaching of Abram L. Funk, John Spanogle, John Glock, and others, and the personal touch of Mrs. Mark Funk Masemore, "a lovely Christian woman and warm personal friend," she decided to unite with the Church of the Brethren and was baptized by John Spanogle, April 3, 1864, when but fourteen years old. Those who know the ideals of those
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days will marvel that one so young should have been admitted into church membership, but it also shows the aggressive attitude of this congregation.
Her mother not being strong, Wealthy received but little common school education. December, 1870, she entered the home of Henry B. Brumbaugh, of James Creek, to learn to set type and work in the Pilgrim office; in 1876 she was made editor of the Young Disciple. and continued in that position four years. These years were form- ative ones in the history of the Normal, and she took an important part in starting the infant institution. She was one of the five in the first Sunday-afternoon Bible class; was the first woman to pur- chase "stock" in the Normal; the first woman admitted to its literary society, and wrote and read the first essay in that organiza- tion. Beginning August 30, 1879, she spent two years in the Breth- ren at Work office, in Lanark, (I11.) ; taking charge September 1, 1887, she served as matron in the Brethren's Normal, in Huntingdon, (Pa.), for two years.
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