USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
ESHELMAN, JOHN, a minister in the Yellow Creek congregation, who served the Church of the Brethren in the ministry about thirty years, died February 8, 1876, aged seventy-four years and seven days.
FEATHER, HOMER, second of six children of the family of George A. and Annie N. (née Hoover) Feather, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Roaring Spring, (Pa.), April 27, 1897. After passing his grammar grades he completed Altoona High School and Juniata College, receiving his A.B., 1922. At present he is assistant manager of the Harry J. Kerlin Furniture Company, of Altoona.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the First Church, Altoona, (Pa.), Walter S. Long administering baptism, July 9, 1909. This congregation called him to the ministry. September 7, 1921, Tobias T. Myers officiat- ing at the installation service. He resides in Altoona, (Pa.).
FLEMING, JOSEPH H., fourth of nine children of John and Sarah (née Allen) Fleming, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near McVeytown, (Pa.), February 16, 1885. Reared on the farm, he had the advantage of a common school education. He has made his living as a forgeman and farmer.
He was united in marriage with Katherine, daughter of Daniel and Leonora (née Gott) Seal, the union being solemnized by F. W. Brown, a minister of the Reformed Church in Beoner Springs, May 1, 1907. To this union were born four sons and two daughters. The wife united with the Church of the Brethren, February 7, 1915, and died November 7, 1918. On November 15, 1919, he was united in marriage with Vina, daughter of William M. and Ada E (née Peters) Wagner. To this union were born two daughters.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Lewistown con- gregation, Harry A. Spanogle administering baptism, March 15, 1908. In the Dry Valley congregation he was called to the deacon's office, May 17, 1919; to the ministry, October 6, 1923. He has represented his congregation once at District Meeting; is active as a Sunday- school teacher. Address, Lewistown, (Pa.), R. 4.
427
A History of the Church of the Brethren
FI,UCK, JOHN B., last of seven children of Tobias and Nancy Anna (née Snider) Fluck, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in the "Big Stone House" in South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, (Pa.), September 29, 1829. Though reared on the farm, he was eager for all the education he could command. Besides the common school training at home, he attended a school in Bedford conducted by Thomas J. Harris. T- R. Gettys, County Superintendent, is- sued a teacher's professional certificate to him, dated October 25, 1854, and two years later a State Permanent Certificate was given him. Few men in Bedford County took a more pro- gressive stand under the new Public School System enacted in 1852, than did John B. Fluck. He taught school for twelve years, engaged in farming, lumbering, and from 1852 did much land surveying, his services reaching over the Counties of Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, Blair, Cambria, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset.
He was united in marriage with Mary G. Ober, August 26, 1852. To them were born three children,-Frank B., a mining and civil engineer of Somerset County, to whom the editor is indebted for in- formation in this biography, as well as a photograph when his father was eighty years old; Melissa J. and Harry O., the latter deceased.
He united with the Church of the Brethren at the Steele's Church, (Hopewell congregation, called Yellow Creek), Solomon Buckalew administering baptism, December 15, 1877. At a lovefeast in the Snake Spring congregation, held June 6, 1879, he was called to the ministry and, in 1904, ordained. He was chosen the first secretary of the Snake Spring Valley congregation, and served in the office for a number of years. He died January 6, 1915, and his body lies buried in the New Enterprise Cemetery.
FUNK, ABRAHAM L., was a minister in the Aughwick congregation, born August 13, 1811. He was called to the deacon's office in 1844; to the ministry in 1847, and, through the laying on of hands, was ordained October 16, 1871. He did much for the cause, though he labored mostly in his home congregation. He died August 22, 1881, and is buried in the German Valley Cemetery.
FURRY, JOHN B., was born July 24, 1829. He was married to Elizabeth Snowberger and to them were born the following children : Sarah, Daniel, Hannah, Frank, and Leonard. He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Yellow Creek congregation (now New Enterprise) and served the church in the ministry both in Yellow Creek and Dunnings Creek congregations. He died December 18, 1863, and is buried in the New Enterprise Cemetery.
FURRY, LEONARD, son of John Furry, a member of the Reformed Church, was born near New Enterprise, in Bedford County, (Pa.),
428
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
July 15, 1805. He received a common school education and made his living by farming.
He was united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of Samuel Brown, and to them were born eight children, as follows: Jacob, Magdaline, Samuel John, Elizabeth, Catherine, Sarah, Anna, and Delilah.
After his marriage he united with the Church of the Brethren in the Yellow Creek (now New Enterprise) congregation. This con- gregation called him to the deacon's office; then to the ministry, in 1851; to the bishopric, April, 1876. During his ministry he would once or twice a year make a tour of the churches in Pennsylvania, sometimes reaching over into Ohio or Virginia, and a few times, still more distant points were reached. He served once on Standing Committee and attended regularly the District Meetings of his Dis- trict and many of the Annual Meetings of his time. He was a fre- quent correspondent to the church papers that sprang up near the close of his life. He died December 8, 1877, and lies buried in the New Enterprise Cemetery.
FYOCK, ABRAHAM, third son of seven children of Jacob and Bar- bara (née Reighard) Fyock, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, (Pa.), Novem- ber 30, 1844. "His early life was spent on the farm with his parents, until the time of the Civil War, when he enlisted, serving as a pri- vate in Company F, 198th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded in one of the battles, and was present with his regiment when General Lee surrendered." He returned to his home and lived on the farm most of his life.
He was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (née Good) Varner, the union being solemnized by Solo- mon Benshoff, on November 20, 1865. To them were born eight children, of whom Samuel H., Jane, the wife of Scott Wilson; Sarah, the wife of Benjamin Strayer ; Elizabeth, the wife of John W. Mills ; James W. and John C. grew to maturity. The mother died in April, 1914. Then, in the Fall of 1916, he was united in marriage with Barbara Callihan, of the Dunnings Creek congregation, in Bedford County, where he made his home until his death.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Walnut Grove congregation (W. Pa.). Here he was called to the ministry, Septem- ber 29, 1887, and, through the laying on of hands by Emanuel J. Blough and Jacob Holsopple, was ordained, December 28, 1899. He was bishop of the Walnut Grove congregation from 1899 to 1912; also for some years of Bolivar and Rockton congregations. He was a regular attendant at District and General Conferences, often repre- senting his congregation. On February 14, 1919, while getting ready to visit his children, he took a stroke of apoplexy and died without uttering a word. His funeral was preached by Albert Berkley ; text, Genesis 5:24. His body lies buried in Locust Grove Cemetery, near the place he was born .*
* Quotations from James W. Fyock's article in Gospel Messenger, and data other- wise furnished by him.
429
A History of the Church of the Brethren
FYOCK, JAMES W., sixth of eight children of the family of Abraham and Nancy (née Varner) Fyock, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Johnstown, (Pa.), August 10, 1879. His father was bishop, for a number of years, of the Johnstown and Dunnings Creek congregations. He passed the grade schools of his native city and did some special work at Mount Morris College, (Ill.). For fifteen years he had been traveling salesman. In 1920, when he took up pastor work at $1,500.00 salary, he gave up a job that was paying him $3,000.00 per year.
He was united in marriage with Annie, daughter of John A. and Susan (née Dickey) Strayer, the union being solemnized by Silas S. Blough, August 25, 1898. To them were born Kathryn Alberta, Erma DeRoy, and Milford H., all members of the Church of the Brethren.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Walnut Grove congregation, (W. Pa.), his father administering baptism, in the Fall of 1900. This congregation called him to the ministry, June 5, 1905; and had him advanced, June 29, 1910, his father and William M. Howe officiating. The Pine Creek congregation, (N. I11.), had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by William E. West and Marvin M. Sherrick, January 8, 1922. He has represented his con- gregation twice at District Meeting, and at General Conference four times. Ever since a member of the church he has been a Sunday- school teacher and was superintendent of the Walnut Grove (W. Pa.) Sunday-school for several years. He was pastor of the Pine Creek congregation (N. Il1.) from 1920 to 1923, and is now pastor of the Tyrone congregation (M. Pa.), since June 1, 1923. Address, Tyrone, (Pa.).
GARBER, CHARLES W., fourth of thirteen children of John B. and Catherine (née Gontz) Garber, members of the Church of God, was born in Bedford County, (Pa.), March 10, 1853. He had little intel- lectual training and made his living on the farm.
He was united in marriage three times. First, with Sarah L. Dick, and to this union three sons and three daughters were born. Second, to Mary Sturgeon, and to this union three girls were born. Third, to Mrs. Jane Lehman.
He united with the United Zion Church and served that body in the ministry for twenty- three years. In 1915 he was received into the Church of the Brethren, in the Albright con- gregation, not only in membership, but the church honored his ministry on the same day. He has shared the ministerial labors of both the Albright and Queen congregations.
GARVER, JOHN E., was born in Franklin County, (Pa.), in 1842. Besides the training of meagre common school education, he was a careful student of the Word of God. He made his living on the farm.
On February 2, 1865, he was united in marriage with Anna Bowman.
430
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
The Aughwick congregation called him to the deacon's office in 1881; to the ministry, June 3, 1882; and, through the laying on of hands, had him ordained to the bishopric, May 31, 1901. He died April 9, 1914. Interment in the Germany Valley Cemetery.
GAUNT, WILLIAM ANDREW, oldest of four children of William H. and Catharine (née Yeager) Gaunt, was born in Belington, (W. Va.), June 9, 1855. His father was an "Old School Baptist," and his mother a Presbyterian. He made the best possible use of the schools of his community and followed teach- ing and farming for a livelihood in his earlier life.
He was united in marriage with H. Jennie, daughter of John and Susan (née Byers) Turner, the union being solemnized by John Brindle, Febru- ary 28, 1884. The bride had united with the Church of the Brethren when nineteen years old. To them were born five children,-Mary F., Anna S., John L., Grace, who mar- ried Charles Ricker; and Olive.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Valley River congregation, (W. Va.), John W. Fitzgerald administering baptism, in September, 1872. This congregation called him to the ministry, September 5, 1874; and had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Samuel Fike and Elias Auvil, in January, 1880. He has represented his congregation at District Meetings many times; at General Conference six times; served on Standing Committee at Meyersdale, 1894; Naperville, (I11.), 1898. In 1885 he located at Frederick, (Md.), organized the congregation in 1887, and devel- oped it till October 25, 1894, when he entered upon a pastorate at Elk Lick for ten years; then he moved to Huntingdon, (Pa.), and had the pastoral care of Stonerstown and Riddlesburg Missions for nine years. He was active in the ministry forty-one years, during which time he served on many committees in the brotherhood, held over two hundred revivals, and many, many have been led to Christ through his ministry. He resides in Huntingdon, (Pa.).
GLOCK, JOHN G., the third of four sons and one daughter of Jacob and Catherine Glock, was born in Hoheneck, a small town on the banks of the Neckar River, near Ludwigsburg, Wurttemberg, Ger- many, April 1, 1807. His parents were members of the State Church in his native country. He received the education in Germany of one of his class. When twenty-five years old, in company with his brother, Frederic, he came to America to make his fortune. After sixty-six days crossing the Atlantic, the brothers landed at Balti- more. John came on to the Aughwick Valley and worked on the farm for the Lutz brothers.
431
A History of the Church of the Brethren
In August, 1836, he was united in marriage with Catherine Myers, a sister of the mother of Enoch Eby, well known to the church in years gone by. The wife died September 28, 1857. He was again united in marriage, Oc- tober 12, 1858, this time with Mary A. Basore, of Juniata County, and to them were born two daughters and a son. This wife died Novem- ber 15, 1897. Their three children united with the church of the parents, early in life. Cenia, the oldest, married Lowery E. Miller, and lives at Colorado City. Annie married Jacob A. Rohrer, and lives near the old homestead. John, a deacon, lives at Rockford, (Iowa).
"It was at a lovefeast in the stone house in Germany Valley where he was first impressed to unite with the church. This meeting re- minded him of heaven, and he resolved to be one of the number."* Accordingly, in 1836, he united with the Church of the Brethren in the Aughwick congregation.
Soon after being called to the deacon's office he was elected to the ministry, in 1840. Twelve years later he was ordained and given the oversight of the Aughwick congregation. Almost a half century he labored in the ministry, "traveled over valleys and mountains afoot or horseback, and for all that labor he received fifty cents once,-this to pay toll on the highways."
He passed away peacefully May 13, 1886, and was laid to rest in the Germany Valley Cemetery.t
GRAY, SAMUEL, S., sixth of seven children of Isaac and Catherine (née Mattern) Gray, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in Half Moon Valley, Center County, (Pa.), in 1838. His education was very limited. He made his living on the farm until 1872.
He was united in marriage with Marion, daughter of Jacob Beck, a member of the Church of the Brethren, in Warriors Mark, in 1864.
He united with the church of his parents and was very active. He came to Warriors Mark community in the Spring of 1872, and soon after that united with the Church of the Brethren. Here he was called to the ministry, September 22, 1877, and ordained, October 3, 1891. His closing years he spent in the Home for the Aged at Martinsburg, (Pa.), where he died December 21, 1913. Interment in the Warriors Mark Cemetery.
GRIFFITH, GEORGE, fourth of five children of the family of Harvey L. and Linda (née Cupp) Griffith, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Meyersdale, (Pa.), April 12, 1898. He gradu- ated in Meyersdale High School, 1917; received his A.B. from Juni- ata College, 1921, and is now in Jefferson Medical College, Philadel-
* James A. Sell's notes.
t Gleaned from Wealthy A. Burkholder's sketch in Gospel Messenger.
432
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
phia, preparing himself for the foreign mission field. As a Junior, he stands at the head of his class.
He was united in marriage with Stella, daughter of Erasmus and Margaret (née Grooms) McQuain, members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, the union being solemnized by Alexander Steele, June 18, 1919. To them were born two children, namely,-Paul Hawey and George, Junior. The bride received her education in the Meyers- dale schools, where she was a graduate of the High School in 1915, and spent two and one-half years in study at Juniata College. She united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of twelve; in February, 1920, after her marriage, she united with the Church of the Brethren, baptism being administered by Tobias T. Myers.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Meyersdale con- gregation, David M. Clapper administering baptism, in October, 1909. The Huntingdon congregation called him to the ministry, April 8, 1918, Tobias T. Myers conducting the installation service. He served as president of the United Student Volunteers during 1921 and 1923; has represented Juniata College Volunteers at three General Confer- ences; spent the summer of 1919 as field worker for the General Mission Board in Southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia; associ- ate traveling secretary with Foster Statler in Sunday-school work in Western Pennsylvania, summer of 1920. While in college he was student teacher two years and professor in preparatory department one year ; is now a Junior in Jefferson Medical College, and has spent the summers of 1923 and 1924 in Young People's Division Work in Western Pennsylvania. Forwarding address, Meyersdale, (Pa.).
GUYER, HERMAN S., eighth of ten children born to Adam and Elizabeth (née Snyder) Guyer, members of the Church of Christ, was born near New Enterprise, (Pa.), on February 25, 1860. He applied himself so closely to farming in his youth that he secured only a common school education.
He was united in marriage with Hannah B., daughter of John N. and Anna (née Bulger) Teeter, the union being solemnized by Joseph Z. Rep- logle, September 13, 1887. To them are born two daughters,-Laura and Annie.
He and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren during a re- vival held in the New Enterprise congregation, in May, 1891, and were baptized by Levi T. Holsinger. As a Christian, he has been active in Sunday-school work, serving as superintendent and teacher, was called to the deaconship June 8, 1895; to the ministry, December 25, 1901; and, by the laying on of hands by David A. Stayer and John Bennett, ordained July 20, 1908 ;- all this advancement made in the Snake Spring congregation. He has been a regular attendant at District Meetings of every character and served nine times as
433
A History of the Church of the Brethren
delegate to Annual Conference. Since the organization of the Koontz congregation he has been its bishop. Address, New Enter- price, (Pa.).
GUYER, NELSON, first of eight children of Emanuel and Elizabeth (née Shaffer) Guyer, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born on a farm near Loysburg, Bed- ford County, (Pa.), May 30, 1880. He was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and is making his living at poultry raising and dairy farming.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of William and Susan (née Cameron) Wineland, George W. Brumbaugh, of Clover Creek, solemnizing the union, Sep- tember 1, 1904. To them are born six sons and two daughters.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Woodbury congrega- tion, when he was sixteen years old, Jacob C. Stayer administering baptism. After serving a few years as deacon, the Woodbury congregation called him to the ministry, May 2, 1914; and later he was installed, by J. Kurtz Miller, then of Brooklyn, (N. Y.), officiating. He has represented his congrega- tion four times at District Meeting and once at General Conference. He served as superintendent of the Martinsburg Sunday-school two vears and the Woodbury Sunday-school two years. His address is Woodbury, (Pa.).
HAINES, AMOS HOPPOCK, last of three children of the family of Joseph and Margaret (née Hoppock) Haines, members (the father a deacon) of the Church of the Brethren, was born on the old homestead farm near Sar- geantsville, (N. J.), May 19, 1859. After passing through the common schools, attending high school, known as Ringoes Seminary, and graduating from the Trenton Business Col- lege, (N. J.), he pursued higher education and received the following degrees: Rutgers Col- lege, (N. J.), A.B., 1892; A.M., 1899; Yale Divinity School, A.B., 1897; Juniata College, D.D., 1901 He taught Greek and Church History at Mt. Morris College, (I11.), 1892-94 ; occupied the chair of Biblical History, Litera- ture and Philosophy, Juniata College, (Pa.), 1897-1916. During the World War he was organizing secretary of Liberty Bonds and War Savings for Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties, (Pa.).
He was united in marriage with Mabel, daughter of John and Louise (née Hunt) Lambert, of Lambertville, (N. J.), Tobias T.
434
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Myers solemnizing the union, on September 21, 1892. To them were born three children. The wife died August 1, 1918. But one daughter, Elizabeth, is living.
In the Amwell church, by baptism administered by Israel Foulson, in January, 1876, he united with the Church of the Brethren. This congregation called him to the ministry, January, 1884; the Hunting- don congregation, through James A. Sell laying on hands, had him ordained, November 2, 1915. He was active as a minister, even without a regular pastorate. He represented his congregation four times at District Meeting. Since 1907, he had been teacher of the "Truth Seekers Men's Adult Bible Class" in the Huntingdon Church of the Brethren Sunday-school. This class has an enrolment of fifty, average attendance of thirty; and he had, in that time, the joy of seeing fifty of the members of his class join the church of his choice. He was a frequent contributor to the Gospel Messenger and other publications. His latest publication was a brochure of twenty-one pages, entitled "No Creed-Biblical Interpretation," pub- lished in the Spring of 1923.
After an illness of upwards of five months, he died, August 31, 1924. His funeral was conducted by Galen K. Walker. Interment in Riverview Cemetery, Huntingdon, (Pa.).
HANAWALT, GEORGE, first of ten children of the family of Joseph R. and Mary (née Swigart) Hanawalt, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born on the Hanawalt home- stead, near McVeytown, (Pa.), April 2, 1831. Though reared on the farm, he had an irre- pressible desire for an education, pushed through common school and perhaps was one of the first of our young people in this District to enter high school. Teaching, further train- ing and native ability soon placed him as a leader in the public schools of his day. 1859-60 found him assistant principal and one of the main teachers of the McVeytown Academy. When he became of age, he was elected county auditor, and served six years. Besides, at dif- ferent periods in his life, he engaged in farm- ing and merchandising.
George, and Caroline McKee, of Nitany Hall, were united in marriage, November, 1856. The wife died June 8, 1858, leaving a baby daughter, who died two months later. He was married again, February 8, 1860, to Barbara Brumbaugh Replogle, daughter of Daniel Replogle, of New Enterprise, (Pa.). She died May 25, 1873, leaving eight children. Later, June 4, 1874, he was married to Lucinda, daughter of Samuel and Barbara (née Knavel) Stutsman, of Johnstown, and to them were born nine children.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, June, 1858, and six years later, after having served a short time as deacon, was called to the ministry,-all in the Spring Run congregation (M. Pa.). He took his turn in preaching in the large circuits his father had organ-
435
A History of the Church of the Brethren
ized, traveling every year, mostly on horseback, nearly 900 miles to fill his portion of the appointments.
In the Spring of 1879 he moved his family to the Conemaugh con -. gregation, of Johnstown, (W. Pa.). Here lie was active in church work. He helped to build the church house now owned by "The Brethren," as well as the Walnut Grove house and several other buildings that went up during his residence in the city. His con- servative counsel and help during the unfortunate division of the church, in the eighties, proved a blessing to many. June 10, 1886, the Walnut Grove congregation, through laying on of hands by Joseph Berkey and Hiram Musselman, ordained him and David Hildebrand to the bishopric .*
In 1886, for the sake of his growing family of boys, he moved to the Ligonier Valley. Finding a few scattered members, he organized them into what is known as the Ligonier congregation. For a num- ber of years he presided over this congregation, and under his super- vision the Boucher house, at Waterford, was built. In the sixteen years of residence at this place he preached a part of the time at Bolivar and Cokeville.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.