USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 36
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Campaign, and the Methodist Centenary Movement, 1918-19; Editor and publisher of the Christian Outlook, an inter-denominational and co-operative publicity organ; radio casting teacher of Adult Bible Class Teachers ; and teacher of Men's Bible Class in William Penn Hotel and "The Old Brimstone Corner," Smithfield Methodist Epis- copal Church, of Pittsburgh; author of How to Teach Adults; com- piler of Bible Readings for School Teachers; also occasional con- tributor to the columns of the Gospel Messenger since boyhood. His home is at 5886 Burchfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, (Pa.).
IMLER, CONRAD, lived in Bellwood, (Pa.), when he was called to the ministry, in the Warriors Mark congregation, October 8, 1872. He was active in the ministry. In 1883 he was granted a letter of membership and soon after moved to Maryland, where he died.
KEIPER, DEWEY HOWARD, second of five children of David H. and Jennie (née Hinton) Keiper, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Woodbury, (Pa.), Janu- ary 27, 1898. Besides the high school work received at home, he graduated from Juniata Academy, 1920, and received his A.B. in 1924 from the college.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Woodbury congregation, baptism being administered by Albert G. Crosswhite, on January 27, 1914. This congregation called him to the ministry, April 20, 1920, John R. Stayer officiating at the installation. He served as summer pastor in the Dunnings Creek congrega- tion, in 1922; in the Montgomery, Indiana County, (Pa.), congregation, 1923 and 1924, and is now a student in the Prince- ton Theological Seminary. His address is Woodbury, (Pa.).
KENSINGER, ISAAC B., sixth of twelve children of Isaac C. and Susan (née Brumbaugh) Kensinger, member of the Brethren in Christ Church, was born near Mar- tinsburg, (Pa.), February 9, 1886. He was reared on the farm and re- ceived educational training equiva- lent to completing high school. He has made his living mainly by teaching.
He was united in marriage with Mabel Edna, daughter of Henry B. and Sarah (née Nusbaum) Dilling, members of the Church of the Breth- ren living near Martinsburg, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by George W. Brumbaugh, on September 11, 1907. To this union were born eight children,-Wilmer R., Sarah L., Susan N., Minnie E., Anna L., Mabel E., Mary E., Lola R.
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He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Clover Creek congregation, Andrew B. Burget administering baptism, in May, 1912. This congregation called him to the ministry in May, 1913. He has represented his congregation twice at District Meeting; has been superintendent of Sunday-school six years and teacher ten years; has held seven evangelistic meetings; has been pastor of the Smithfield congregation since January 1, 1924. His address is Mar- tinsburg, (Pa.).
KINSEL, JACOB, second in a family of five children of John and Anna Maria (née Miller) Kinsel, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Altoona, (Pa.), July 3, 1868. He passed through the high school of his native city, and later was a student at Juniata College. He desired to be a doctor, and engaged himself with a chemist; but, Sunday work being required, he changed his plans and, learning the printer's trade, switched to newspaper writing as a reporter and editor. This he followed for many years, part of the time owning and publishing the periodicals he was sending forth. In 1906 he removed to Philadelphia, and entered the Medico-Chirur- gical College for a medical course. Later he studied several different methods of drugless healing. His health finally gave way and he moved back to Altoona.
He was united in marriage with Annie, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Ann (née Dilling) Soyster, Joseph W. Wilt solemnizing the union, on October 6, 1892. To them have been born five children.
In the Altoona congregation, in 1883, he united with the Church of the Brethren. The Juniata Park congregation (Pa.) called him to the ministry, August 11, 1911, and the Albright congregation had him ordained to the bishopric through the laying on of hands by John B. Miller and Leonard R. Holsinger, on August 20, 1924. Always active as a Sunday-school worker, he has served sixteen years as superintendent and many more years as teacher. He has repre- sented the congregation five times at District Meeting, and has done evangelistic work. January 1, 1921, he accepted the call to the pas- torate of the Albright congregation, choosing to serve them without remuneration, which position he holds at the present time. He re- sides in Altoona.
KINSEY, WILLIAM, fifth of seven sons and seven daughters of Jacob and Kathryn (née Hofecker) Kinsey, was born on a farm on the Lincoln Highway, about four miles southeast of Bald Knob of the Alleghany Mountains, July 10, 1878. He remained on the farm till he was of age, during which time he received only a common school education. In 1899-1900 he taught his first term of country school, and continued teaching four years. January 4, 1904, he en- tered Juniata College, and graduated in the Normal English course in 1906. He taught another four years in New Paris, and in Walnut
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Grove, Johnstown, (Pa.) In 1910 he returned to Juniata College and received his A.B. with class of 1913; entered Bethany Bible School (Chicago) and received his B.D. in 1915; graduate student of the Johns Hopkins University, sum- mer of 1924.
He was united in marriage with Minnie E., daughter of William and Sara (née Mohler) Howe, members of the Church of the Brethren, resid- ing at Maitland, (Pa.), the union be- ing solemnized in Johnstown, (Pa.), by William M. Howe, the bride's brother, on May 31, 1910. They be- came the foster parents of Ruth and Joseph Howe, the children of William H. and Edith R. (nee Newcomer) Howe, at the decease of the father. He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Walnut Grove congregation, through baptism administered by David Hildebrand, in September, 1903. This congregation called him to the ministry, July 30, 1908. Tobias T. Myers officiated at his installation, August 3, 1908, and he preached his first sermon in the Walnut Grove house, August 30, following. He was advanced to the second degree by the same congregation, June 21, 1910. The Lewistown congregation, through the laying on of hands by John C. Swigart and Jacob H. Richard, had him ordained, September 6, 1917. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting three times; at General Confer- ence six times. He served the Lewistown congregation (Pa.) as pastor from May, 1915, to September, 1918, when he took charge of the Bible Department of Blue Ridge College (Md.), which position he still fills. In 1921 he was chosen assistant bishop of the Frederic City congregation (Md.), and the next year, bishop of the Wood- bury congregation (Baltimore). He has served on several district committees. He is at present a member of the Ministerial Board of the Eastern District of Maryland. Address, New Windsor, (Md.).
KNISELY, CHRISTOPHER (more gen- erally known by Christian), third of eight children of Philip and Catherine (née Smith) Knisely, he a member of the Church of the Brethren and she of the Reformed Church, was born near Millerstown, Blair County, (Pa.), May 9, 1842. He was reared on the farm, and made his living there. His education was simply the common school training. At the breaking out of the Civil War he en- listed in Company E, 148th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, as a musician, and served until the close of the rebellion
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He was united in marriage with Maris, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (née Snyder) Baker, living near Everett, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by 'Squire Fisher, August 15, 1867. To them were born two sons and six daughters, three of whom are living,-Sarah K. Sell, Susan K. Wyles and Amanda K. Catlett. His wife died May 11, 1885. Then he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Hiram F. and Charlotte (née Ensley) Rohm, the union being solemnized by John S. Baker, February 21, 1886.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, in the prime of life. Here he was called to the ministry, January 1, 1883. He served the church in this capacity as best he could until he died, July 27, 1903. Funeral services con- ducted by John B. Fluck and Levi Holsinger. Interment in the Snake Spring Valley Cemetery.
KOONES, EMANUEL, G., the seventh of ten children of David S. and Maggie (née Guyer) Koones, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, was born about three miles south of Loys- burg, (Pa.), March 24, 1873. He was reared on the farm, attended public school and spent nearly two years in Juniata Preparatory School. His occupation has been farming.
He was united in marriage with Nannie K., daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (née Kauffman) Wisler, Brother Jacob C. Stayer solemnizing the union on March 8, 1900. To them were born three sons and five daughters.
In the Woodbury congregation he united with the Church of the Brethren, John B. Replogle administering baptism, in December, 1889. He moved, with his family, into the Cherry Lane arm of the Snake Spring congre- gation, in the Spring of 1915, and there, on November 5, 1916, he was called to the ministry. istry, he has been active in Sunday-school work. ville, (Pa.).
Besides his min- Address, Clear-
KOONTZ, HENRY SELL, third of four children of Jacob and Mahale (née Sell) Koontz, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop for twenty-six years, was born near Loysburg, (Pa.), January 17, 1866. He was reared on the farm. and has made his living there. He received but a limited common school education.
He was united in marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (née Hetrick) Guyer, liv- ing near Loysburg, members of the Church of the Brethren, the union
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being solemnized by John B. Fluck, August 13, 1893. To them were born six children, -Blaine (deceased), Herman, Virgie, Iva, J. Roy, and Mae.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Koontz arm of the Snake Spring Valley congregation, Silas Hoover administering baptism, in December, 1889. This congregation called him to the ministry, Christmas, 1900. He has represented his congregation four times at District Meeting and twice at General Conference. His address is New Enterprise, (Pa.).
KOONTZ, JACOB, son of John and Elizabeth (née Snyder) Koontz, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Snake Spring Valley, near where the Snake Spring Church now stands, July 11, 1829. Education limited to the meagre opportunities of that early day. He made his living farming.
He was united in marriage with Mahale, daughter of John and Susan (née Stephens) Sell. To them were born four children,- Charles, Charlotte, Henry, and Rhoda.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, and by her called to the ministry, in 1848; here, through the laying on of hands by two of these three brethren,- Daniel Holsinger, Isaac Miller, and Jacob Steele,-he was ordained, October 22, 1861, and given the oversight of the home congregation, which position he held till his death, June 3, 1907. David T. Detwiler conducted his funeral services. Interment in Koontz Cemetery.
KREIDER, DANIEL K., seventh of eight children of John F. and Mary (née Kreider) Kreider, members of the River Brethren, and he an elder in that body, was born at Camp- bellstown, Lebanon County, (Pa.), March 29, 1871. He was reared on the farm and received just a common school education. When he reached manhood he became a manufacturer of noodles, macaroni, and potato chips.
He is united in marriage with Annie E., daughter of John G. and Magdolena (née Hostetter) Hoffer, of Palmyra, members of the Church of the Brethren, the ceremony being performed by Jacob F. Kreider, Decem- ber 12, 1891. To them are born three chil- dren,-Hoffer H., Obed E., and Asher H.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Creek congregation (E. Pa.), John H. Longanecker administering baptism, May 16, 1893. This congregation called him to the ministry, Novem- ber 24, 1906; and had him advanced to the second degree, October 11, 1910, Samuel Hertzler and Samuel R. Zug officiating. During his residence in Altoona, (Pa.), from 1912-21, he was active in his min- istry when called upon; was a Sunday-school teacher. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting six times and at General Conference, once. His address is 124 Evergreen Street, Harrisburg, (Pa.).
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KULP, HAROLD STOVER, fourth of six children of Aaron and Naomi (née Tyson) Kulp, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Pottstown, (Pa.), Septem- ber 29, 1894. He was reared on the farm; graduated from the East Coventry High School in 1909; from West Chester State Normal in 1912; taught three years in the Carter Junior Republic, "a school in char- acter building and citizenship for wayward boys"; attended Juniata College, 1915-19, where he received his A.B .; University of Pennsylvania, A.M., 1920; also about one year in Philadelphia School of the Bible.
He was united in marriage with Neta Ruth, daughter of Galen B. and Anna M. (née Miller) Royer, mem- bers of the Church of the Brethren, at Huntingdon, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by the bride's father in the Stone Church, on June 15, 1921. The bride was born in Mt. Morris, (I11.), January 30, 1896, and was a graduate of the Elgin (Il1.) High School, 1914; spent one year at Wheaton College, (Il1.), and three years at Juniata College, graduating with the class of 1919. After doing some work in the medical department of University of Philadelphia, she taught one year in Georgetown, (Del.). She united with the Church of the Brethren in Elgin, (Il1.), her father administering baptism, October 1, 1905. After her marriage she spent one year in London, while her husband was prospecting in Africa. In the Fall of 1923, she joined her husband at Lagos, Africa, and entered upon the work there. She died at their station, Gar Kida, North Nigeria, June 15, 1924, and is buried back of their home, on the hillside overlooking the valley.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Coventry con- gregation, (S. E. Pa.), baptism being administered by Ira C. Hol- sopple, the pastor, November 29, 1906. This congregation called him to the ministry, May 14, 1915, Jacob T. Myers and Leonard R. Holsinger officiating; the First Church of the Brethren, in Philadel- phia, through the laying on of hands by Milton C. Swigart and Harry K. Garman, had him ordained, May 24, 1922. He has repre- sented his congregation three times at District Meeting and twice at Annual Meeting. He was the first pastor of the New Enterprise congregation, serving them from July 1, 1918, till May, 1919. Then he became assistant pastor to Charles C. Ellis, in the First Church of Philadelphia, till July 1, 1921, when he assumed full charge. While in Juniata College, he helped reorganize the Student Volunteer Band, and decided to become a missionary to Africa. He resigned the splendid pastorate in Philadelphia, and the couple sailed for London. Here he left his wife for one year while, in company with Albert D. Helser, he spent a year locating a mission in Africa. He is bishop of the congregation of the Church of the Brethren in Africa.
* Gleaned in part from Ruth Kulp Glasier's sketch in Missionary Visitor, 1922, p. 440.
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KURTZ, DANIEL WEBSTER, last of twelve children of John and Mary (née Bollinger) Kurtz, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop for twenty years, was born near Hartville, (O.), October 9, 1879. Though reared on the farm, he early turned his attention to acquir- ing a good education, and hence at- tended schools and received degrees as follows: Ohio Northern Univer- sity, Ada, Normal, 1897; Mt. Union College, Alliance. (O.), 1897-1903 ; Juniata College, 1903-05, A.B .; Yale University, (Conn.), 1905-08, A.M. and B.D .; Universities of Leipsic, Berlin, and Marburg, Germany, 1908-09; University of Pennsylvania, 1910-1911; Juniata College, 1911, D.D. He has been a teacher as fol- lows : public schools of Ohio, 1899-1903; instructor in Latin, Juniata College, 1903-05; in Hebrew, Yale University, 1906-08; Professor of Greek, Juniata College, 1909-10; President McPherson College since 1914; President, Kansas College President's Association; President of College Section, Kansas State Teachers' Association; Member "Kansas Historical Association "; "Kansas Authors' Club," and " American Academy of Political and Social Science."
He was united in marriage with Ethel Leonora, daughter of Albert and Mary (née Beardsley) Wheeler, of Monroe, (Conn.), members of Congregational Church, the union being solemnized by President Marion LeRoy Burton, of Ann Arbor University, (Mich.), on Sep- tember 7, 1909. The bride is a direct descendant of Jonathan Ed- wards, and was born on the homestead, Monroe, (Conn.), where the Wheeler family have lived since 1668. Besides public and private schools, she attended Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, (N. H.), of which she is a graduate. She taught public school for eight years. At twenty she confessed Christ, uniting with the Congrega- tional Church, in which her father was a deacon. In the Fall of 1909 she united with the Church of the Brethren, William J. Swigart administering baptism. She has accompanied her husband on his trips to Palestine, 1913; to Japan, 1920; to Glasgow, 1924. She teaches the Freshman and Sophomore girls in McPherson College Sunday-school; is a member of advisory board of the Y. W. C. A., and of several reading circles. She gives talks occasionally on Japan and European conditions. Three children, Albert W., Royce E., and Bernard R., grace their home.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the East Nimischil- len congregation, (N. E. O.), baptism being administered by his father, on May 5, 1899; Huntingdon (Pa.) Church called him to the ministry, in October, and he was installed December 20, 1904, Henry B. Brumbaugh officiating. The Brooklyn congregation (N. Y.) had him advanced, in April, 1906; the First Church of the Brethren, in Philadelphia, had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Jacob T. Myers and Milton C. Swigart, April -, 1914. He has
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represented his congregation at District Meeting eight times; at General Conference, seven times; served on the Standing Committee at Hershey, 1915 and 1918; Sedalia, 1920; and elected to serve at Winona Lake, (Ind.), 1925. He is President of the General Edu- cational Board of the Church of the Brethren since 1915, and has been on many committees, appointed by the General Conference. He was pastor of the First Church of the Brethren, in Philadelphia, 1910-14.
He is primarily a teacher, and prefers to teach the Bible and related subjects. Hence his work in Bible Institutes and on the lecture platform; he turns down annually many times the number of calls he answers. From a teacher in the Sunday-school, when six- teen years old, he has gone forward and taught six teacher training classes, attended the World's Sunday-school Conventions at Zurich, in 1913; at Tokyo, 1920, and at Glasgow, in 1924; at the last two conventions he was on the program as speaker three times, both at Tokyo and at Glasgow. He was Vice-President of International Sunday-school Association; President of the Sunday-school Associ- ation of Kansas, 1918-19.
As a writer : Frequent contributor of live themes to the Gospel Messenger; author of Nineteen Centuries of the Christian Church, Studies in Doctrine, Our Need in Christian Education. Contributor to the International Bible Encyclopedia.
As a College President: Professor of Philosophy, Ethics and Theism. In ten years' presidency of McPherson College, he has witnessed the growth of the institution in the student body from sixty to four hundred ; four added new buildings; increase of endow- ment, $300,000.00. Address, McPherson, (Kan.).
LANDIS, HUBERT BASHORE, second of seven children of Thomas B. and Elizabeth (née Sieber) Landis, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Shirleysburg, (Pa.), January 26, 1871. He grew up on the farm, availed himself of common school training and graduated from the Normal English course of Juniata College, in 1894. In 1896 he went to Louisiana, where he has been successful in mercantile pursuits.
He was united in marriage with Effie, daughter of Jacob and Susan (née Studenbaker) Coppock, members of the Church of the Brethren, living at Tippecanoe City, (O.), the union being solemnized by the bride's grandfather, Samuel Coppock, on August 31, 1898. To them were born five children, four of which have reached maturity,- Elizabeth, Marguerite, Doris, and Hubert.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Huntingdon congregation, William J. Swigart administering baptism, in May, 1891. The Aughwick congregation called him to the ministry, April, 1895. Being absent from the body of the brotherhood, he has not been active in the ministry. His address is Winnsboro, (La.).
LANE, JAMES RICHARDSON, fourth of nine children of James and Elizabeth (née Sollenberger) Lane, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Shirleysburg, (Pa.), March 4, 1820. He was reared on the farm, made good use of the little educational ad-
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vantages offered in that early day, and taught a number of terms of school in his younger years.
He was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Samuel and Catherine A. (née Myers) Myers, members of the Church of the Brethren, living in Hill Valley, the union being solemnized January 6, 1846. To them were born nine children, eight of whom lived to maturity, namely : Sarah E., Anna M., Belle N., Virginia F., Samuel M., Franklin L., Alice R., and James G. The mother was not rugged and carried a great responsibility, because her husband was gone from home preaching the Gospel much of the time.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Sugar Run Church of the Aughwick congregation, baptism being administered by John Spanogle. This congregation called him to the ministry, in 1858, and for over forty years he traveled over mountain and dale, preaching, in the days when the minister re- ceived no compensation other than the answer of a good conscience. He was bishop of the Aughwick congregation for a number of years; was leader in Sunday-school work in the days when it was unpopular to favor such work, for he was one of two delegates to the first Sunday-school convention of the church in Middle Penn- sylvania. He died July 26, 1903. Henry B. Brumbaugh conducted his funeral services. Interment in Garber (home) Cemetery.
LITTLE, DAVID L-, seventh of ten children of the family of Charles C. and Mary E. Little, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born near Lockport, (Pa.), September 12, 1878. He attended common schools and took two special Bible courses of six weeks each. He has been making his living in mercantile pursuits.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Bolivar congre- gation, (W. Pa.), Harvey S. Replogle administering baptism, May 10, 1908. The Aughwick congregation, (M. Pa.), called him to the ministry, June 11, 1910. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting four times; at General Conference, two times. He is active in Sunday-school and is a teacher of men's class. He has held a number of revival meetings. His address is Hanover, (Pa.).
LONG, ALICE E., (née Coffman), older of two children of Samuel and Susan (nee Smith) Coffman, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born December 31, 1864, in Sharpsburg, (Md.). She was united in marriage with Walter S. Long, at Bakersville, (Md.), February 17, 1866. She united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Manor congregation, through baptism administered by David Long, in the Autumn of 1888. When eighteen, she began teaching Sunday-school class and, save a few years, has taught ever since. She has supplemented her husband's work in his pastorates and made it possible in many ways to accomplish the good work that has been accomplished.
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LONG, CHRISTIAN, son of Joseph Long, a pioneer who made his way into the wilderness of the Aughwick Valley, and settled in what is now known as Germany Valley, was old enough to be called to the ministry in 1802, when this first Church of the Brethren in these parts was organized. He and his wife were two of the six. Though he spoke only in the German language, yet the little group of believ- ers steadily increased amidst the hardships of pioneer life. He had at least one son, Peter, who succeeded the father in the work of the church. He died in May, 1849.
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