USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 41
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He united with the Church of the Brethren while attending col-
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lege at Juniata College, William J. Swigart administering baptism, in February, 1898. The Spring Run congregation called him to the ministry, May, 1900; and, through the laying on of hands by James A. Sell and William J. Swigart, had him ordained, in October, 1923. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting about fif- teen times; is a leader in Sunday-school work. His address is McVeytown, (Pa.).
RUPERT, ANNA MOHLER, oldest of eleven children of Joseph and Sarah (née Stroup) Mohler, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, was born near Maitland, (Pa.), October 11, 1847. She made good use of the common school education that was within her reach. She spent all her life in the Dry Valley and Spring Run congregations.
She was united in marriage with David, son of Adam and Jane Rup- ert, members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemnized by William Howe, January 28, 1868. The husband finished his preparation in Kishacoquillas Seminary, and taught public school for twenty-seven years; served as president of the School Board Association of Mifflin County for several years. He also was a deacon in the church many years. No children came to their home, but they took five to raise, namely, Merrill Geist, Elsie Yocum, Corbin Mohler, Hellen Strauss, Grace Strauss. The husband died June 1, 1921.
She united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Dry Valley congregation, Archibald Van Dyke administering baptism, in Octo- ber, 1872. She was given a splendid voice for singing, and used it in leading song services for many years, in both Dry Valley and Spring Run congregations. She also was a teacher in the primary department of the Sunday-school. Her address is McVeytown, Mifflin County, (Pa.).
RUPERT, SAMUEL G., third of seven children of John and Martha (née Wakefield) Rupert, members of the Spring Run congregation of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Mill Creek, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), December 11, 1849. He at- tended McVeytown common and high schools, graduated from Millersville Normal, taught in the public schools seven years, and was principal of the Altoona High School for three years. Besides teaching school, he was in the implement business, in Lewistown, about twenty years.
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He was united in marriage with Rebecca E., daughter of Alexander and Mary Ann (née McCune) Rainey, the union being solemnized by J. Jackson Kerr, of Huntingdon, (Pa.), May 22, 1869. To them were born six children, as follows: Agatha, married to Lewis Berkey; Laura, married to J. Bruce Otts; Anna, who supplied most of the information of this sketch, married to Wesley White; Clara, married to Samuel Steinberger; Adam and Wilbur.
He united with the Church of the Brethren in the Spring Run con- gregation, Joseph Hanawalt administering baptism, October 3, 1869. The Altoona congregation called him to the ministry, December 17, 1881, and had him advanced to the second degree, July 4, 1882. He attended many District Meetings and General Conferences; was su- perintendent of Sunday-school in Altoona. Two years after called to the ministry, he removed from Altoona to Lewistown, and was active in the Dry Valley congregation. Through evangelistic efforts he extended his ministerial work in Mifflin, Huntingdon, Centre, Snyder and Juniata. He was a member of the District Mission Board for about fifteen years. In 1905, he moved to Heart, (N. D.). He had a desire to visit the old home, and the family started back. They were going to the train,-had covered a few miles, when death came suddenly, December 11, 1909. His funeral was preached in Lewistown, (Pa.), by Albert Steinberger and Harry A. Spanogle. Text, Matthew 24: 43. His body is buried in Mount Rock Cemetery.
RUSH, JOHN, a son of George Rush, was born December 25, 1835. He grew up on the farm, learned the car- penter trade, availed himself of common school privileges.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring Valley congregation. The Yellow Creek (then Hopewell) congre- gation called him to the ministry, October, 1872, and had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Henry B. Brumbaugh and James A. Sell, August 20, 1897. From 1900 to 1907, he had the oversight of the Yellow Creek congregation. He died August 28, 1913.
SELL, BRICE, sixth of eight children of Dan- iel and Rachel (née Detwiler) Sell, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Leamersville, (Pa.), July 23, 1847. He was reared on the farm, at- tended the common schools and, during manhood, taught several terms of public school, and made his living farming, horticulturaling and trucking.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (née Hanley) Burns, members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, living at East Freedom, the union being solemnized by George W. Brumbaugh, September 27, 1868. When about eighteen years old, the bride had united with her parents' church. About two
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years after her marriage, she joined the Church of the Brethren, in the Leamersville congregation. To this union were born nine chil- dren,-Daniel, Lovinia, Stephen, Nathaniel and Emanuel (twins), Simon (deceased), Edgar, Minnie (deceased), and Orvella.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Duncansville (now Carson Valley) congregation, in his early manhood. This congregation called him to the ministry, September 19, 1872; and, through the laying on of hands by Thomas B. Maddocks and John L. Holsinger, had him or- dained, in 1899. At the organization of the Carson Valley congregation, in 1904, he was chosen bishop, which position he filled till June 4, 1908. He often represented his congrega- tion at District Meeting, and served on the Standing Committee at York, (Pa.), in 1921. He dedicated the First Albright Church and the Snake Spring Valley house,- taught in the Sunday-school about fifty years, started the Bennington Mission, not far from Galitzin. From about 1900 to 1913 he went, every four weeks, into Indiana County, to look after the spiritual welfare of the church there. He held evangelistic meetings in many congregations in Pennsylvania and other States. He was uncompromisingly strong on the temperance issue; served Middle District of Pennsylvania on its Temperance Committee for a number of years.
While marketing in Altoona, (Pa.), September 9, 1922, he met his death in an automobile accident. Funeral was conducted by Galen B. Royer. Subject, "Gaining a Crown." Texts, Luke 16:10; Matthew 25: 21. Interment in Carson Valley Cemetery.
SELL, BYRON MONROE, oldest of five children of Daniel M. and Nancy A. (née Dilling) Sell, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Altoona, (Pa.), July 5, 1897. After completing Altoona High School, he attended Juniata College, receiving B.S., 1922; and Jefferson Medical College, receiv- ing M.D., 1924.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in First Church, Altoona, J. Kurtz Miller ad- ministering baptism, in December, 1912. This congregation called him to the ministry, Sep- tember 7, 1821. He spent the summer of 1921 teaching in Vacation Bible Schools in Green- ville, Rockton and Sabula congregations; of 1922, in Somerset County, in the Hooversville congregation, all in Western District of Penn- sylvania. His address is 128 East Third Ave- nue, Altoona, (Pa.).
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SELL, DAVID D., seventh of eight children of Daniel and Rachael (née Detwiler) Sell, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Leamersville, (Pa.), July 8, 1850. He was reared on the farm, had the advantages of the common schools, and made a good living, farming.
He was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Robert and Cath- arine (née Launchbaugh) McFarlin, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, living in New Enterprise, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by James A. Sell, October 19, 1871. The bride was born October 3, 1849, near Schellsburg, (Pa.), united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, in 1866, baptism being administered by Leonard S. Furry. She has been a Sunday-school teacher fifty-one years; also president and treasurer of the Sisters' Aid Society, fourteen years.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Carson Valley (the Duncansville) congregation, baptism being administered by Dan- iel Sell, January 2, 1870. This congregation called him to the dea- con's office, October 19, 1872; to the ministry, April 27, 1876; ad- vanced him to the second degree, April 23, 1878, and, through the laying on of hands by Thomas B. Maddocks and John Holsinger. had him ordained, June 17, 1899. When the Leamersville congrega- tion was organized, June 1, 1904, he was given the oversight, and, save one year, filled it till his death. He was a regular attendant at District Meetings. He married forty-five couples and baptized 100 into membership in the Church of the Brethren.
He had a lingering sickness, and called for the anointing. This was done before the congregation, September 16, 1915. He died February 18, 1916. William J. Swigart conducted his funeral ser- vice ; John B. Miller led in the song service. Interment in Riverview Cemetery.
SELL, ESTHER B., one of ten children of Joseph and Mary (née Leighty) Stiffler, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Hollidaysburg, (Pa.), April 3, 1847. She is a granddaughter of Henry Stiffler, who was one of the pioneers of the old Franks- town Church.
At the age of eighteen, while at a lovefeast in the Albaugh Church, at Duncansville, she was powerfully convicted under the preaching of Elder Christian Long, of Illinois. She sought peace in accepting Christ, and was baptized, October 30, 1865. On the 19th of October, 1867, she was united in marriage with James A. Sell. He having been in the ministry already two years, she entered into this union knowing what it meant in self-denial and sacrifice in a free ministry. She at once entered sympathetically and courageously into her duties as a minister's wife, and never faltered in her devotion to her hus-
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band or his arduous duties over the more than half century that fol- lowed. As work opened in the church that she could engage in, she was ready and willing to do her part. She had the song service in the church for many years. She was one of the pioneers in the Sunday-school work, and took an active part in every department of its activities. She was never without a position somewhere. She was either superintendent or teacher or superintendent of the Home Department or chorister or leader in making out programs or doing several of these things at the same time. She taught the juveniles for twenty years, and then changed to the adults, so that there are now people in the church past middle life who never have any other teacher. There are many people round about who received their first instructions in the Sunday-school from her. Living close by the Leamersville Church, she entertained many visitors-especially min- isters. During the thirty-eight years of the use of this house for series of meetings, she entertained the evangelist who held the meet- ings, save one, when she was absent from home. She introduced the Sisters' Aid Society into the Leamersville Church, and was its first president. She stood faithfully by it through all its years of oper- ation, even into the infirmities of age. She was for a time District Secretary, and helped organize and encourage the society work in a number of other churches .- James A. Sell.
SELL, JAMES ARNOLD, was born November 23, 1845, and baptized March 6, 1863. His education was limited to four terms in the com- mon school, but he taught school for two terms. In his nineteenth year, on October 24, 1865, he was elected to the ministry, and seven years later, on October 20, 1872, was ordained to the eldership, being at that time the youngest elder in the brotherhood.
He became Associate Editor of our first weekly church paper, The Chris- tian Family Companion, on April 1, 1866. On October 19, 1867, he was united in marriage with Esther B. Stiffler. He located at McAleveys Fort, April 1, 1868, and took up the work of a carpenter.
In 1879, he removed to the home church at Leamersville. He had the oversight of this church as elder for thirty-four years, retiring voluntarily in favor of younger men. At this point, he built a church, preached in it for thirty-eight years, and then replaced it with a much larger one, in 1910. He was chair- man of the Advisory Board of Juniata College, from its beginning until within a few years of the Board's discontinuance. His wise counsel did very much in the early and difficult years to guide the college aright in the many perplexing problems which school and church had to face. He always appreciated the service that our colleges were to render to the church, and at the same time was loyal to the best interests of the church itself.
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He attended the following General Conferences : Clover Creek, (M. Pa.), 1863; Quincy, (I11.), 1866; Pipe Creek, (Md.), 1867; New Enterprise, (Pa.), 1877; Hagerstown, (Md.), 1891; York, (Pa.), 1912. In addition, he attended the following, in which he served on the Standing Committee : Cedar Rapids, (Ia.), 1892; Decatur, (I11.), 1895; Ottawa, (Kan.), 1896; Roanoke, (Va.), 1899; Bristol, (Tenn.), 1905; Des Moines, (Ia.), 1908; Winona Lake, (Ind.), 1910 and 1916. He attended nearly every District Meeting since called to the min- istry, and served as moderator ten times, besides serving a number of times as Moderator of Elders' and Ministerial Meetings. He was the first elder of the Altoona Church, and had for a time the over- sight of the Fairview, Roaring Spring, and Klahr Churches, in addi- tion to his home church.
He is also the author of a volume of poems which are noted for their religious spirit and fervor. Brother Sell has rendered a large service to the cause of Christ and of Christian education, and has made a large place for himself in the hearts of the many whom he has served. It is no small service to one's day and generation to have been used in the ministry, and in the councils of the church as Brother Sell has been, and to have aided in the pioneer work of pub- lishing and of education so necessary to the foundations of our later church development.
With his religious and poetic temperament, Brother Sell has been an inspiration to young people always in their outreach toward higher Christian ideals. The present work in a large measure exists because of his long and patient collecting of historical matter which has made it possible. Address, Hollidaysburg, (Pa.)-Charles C. Ellis.
SELL, WALTER CECIL, fourth of five children of Albert and Della (née Stewart) Sell, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Ponca City, (Okla.), March 29, 1895. His mother died May 14, 1897. He was reared on the farm, went to California in 1916, spent three months in Berean Bible School, of Los Angeles; graduated from LaVerne College (Calif.) pre- paratory department, 1921; took one year college there, and now is attend- ing Juniata College, completing his college work.
He was united in marriage with Alice Dorothy, daughter of William and Augusta (née LeDue) Lehman, of Los Angeles, (Calif.), members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemnized by Emanuel S. Young, April 17, 1917. Besides public school in Pontiac and Springfield, (Ill.), she graduated from Expression course, Mt. Morris College, 1912; and took three years' Bible work at Berean Bible School and one year La Verne College, (Calif.). She united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Mt.
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Morris (Il1.) congregation, baptism being administered by Olin F. Shaw, in November, 1911. Planning to go to the mission field, she took training in the Good Samaritan and Pacific Hospitals, of Los Angeles, 1913-16, but failing health compelled her to discontinue this before completing the course. The Hollidaysburg (M. Pa.) congre- gation called her to the ministry, October 5, 1924, Charles O. Beery and Daniel A. Maddocks officiating. To Brother and Sister Sell were born Ruth Naomi and John Paul (the latter deceased).
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in Fredonia, (Kan.), William B. Sell administering baptism, in 1910. The First Los Angeles congregation (Calif.) called him to the ministry, August 1, 1917, and he was installed, August 15, William E. Trostle officiating. He has represented his congregation twice at District Meeting, and once at General Conference. He served as pastor of the Dixon (I11.) Church, 1922-24; entered upon the pastorate of the Hollidays- burg congregation, September 1, 1924. He is a member of the Stu- dent Volunteer Organization, and served as president of the La Verne College Student Ministerial Organization. His address is Hollidaysburg, (Pa.).
SHAFFER, JOSEPH J., eighth of fourteen children of Hiram and Frances (née Berkebile) Shaffer, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Hooversville, (Pa.), November 22, 1872. He was reared on the farm, took advantage of common schools, local normals, and graduated from Juniata College in the Normal English course, in 1896; took Latin and Greek in Hill College, Pottstown, (Pa.). He taught in three summer normals; was principal of the Windber High School, 1899-1901; assistant principal of the Dun- cansville High School, 1923-24; now principal of Jefferson School, South Altoona. In the meantime he has carried on farming to some extent.
He was united in marriage with Grace, a daughter of Samuel F. and Rebecca (née Schrock) Reiman, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, the union being solemnized by William G. Schrock, December 24, 1899. To them were born six children. His wife died December 7, 1913. The second time he was married to Elizabeth, a sister of his first wife, this union being solemnized in June, 1915.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Shade Creek congregation, (W. Pa.), baptism being administered by John M. Mohler. This congregation called him to the ministry, July 4, 1893; and, through the laying on of hands by Valentine Blough and one other, had him ordained, in 1908. He represented his congregation, both at District Meeting and General Conference, many times ; served on the Standing Committee at Harrisburg, (Va.), 1909, and Seattle, (Wash.), 1914; was first pastor of Coventry congregation (S. E. Pa., N. J. and N. Y.), 1898; of Shade Creek congregation, (W. Pa.), 1907-08; of Garret and Beachdale congregations; of Hollidaysburg congregation, 1918-21; bishop of Berlin congregation, 1911-13. He has done evangelistic work in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Iowa. He served as president of the District Mission Board of Western Pennsylvania six years; is now president of the
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Temperance Committee of Middle Pennsylvania. His address is Hollidaysburg, (Pa.).
SHARP, SOLOMON Z., youngest of ten children of Solomon and Magdalena (née Zook) Sharp, members of the Mennonite Church, was born near Allenville, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), December 21, 1835. As a student, he attended schools and received the following degrees : Millersville State Normal, (Pa.), B.E., 1860; M.E., 1862; A.M., 1868; Washington and Jefferson College, (Pa.), A.M., 1875; Mt. Morris College, (Il1.), LL.D., 1889. He has been a teacher and supervisor of institutions as follows: Principal of Kishacoquillas Seminary, (Pa.), 1861-66; Instructor in Pedagogy and German, Mil- lersville State Normal, 1866-68; Principal of New Providence Insti- tute, (Tenn.), 1868-75; Professor of Latin and German, Maryville College, (Tenn.), 1875-78; President of Ashland College, (O.), 1878-81; Professor of German, Mental and Moral Science, Mt. Mor- ris College, (I11.), 1881-88; President of McPherson College, (Kan.), 1888-96; President of Plattsburg College, (Mo.), 1897-1900; Col- lector for Smithsonian Institute, Washington, (D. C.), 1876-78; one of two State Geologists of Kansas, 1894-97; Member of American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1876; Member of Kansas Academy of Science, 1890.
He was united in marriage with Salome, daughter of Shem and Elizabeth (née Yoder) Zook, the union being solemnized by Joseph Hanawalt, in March, 1860. The bride, a member of the Mennonite Church, later united with the Church of the Brethren. To them were born six children,-Oscar, Theodore, Maurice, Agnes, Annie Grace, and Annie L., who married Benjamin G. Davis. All the children save Mrs. Davis, are deceased. The wife died July 3, 1920.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run congregation, in October, 1860. Here he was called to the ministry, in 1862. In the Oak Grove congregation, (Tenn.), he was ordained. through the laying on of hands by George W. Dove and Samuel Molsbee, in 1868. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting fifteen times; at General Conference, five times; served on the Standing Committee at Broadway, (Va.), 1879; at Winona Lake, (Ind.), 1910, 1916, and 1922; at Sedalia, (Mo.), 1920; was editor of our Sunday-school literature in its infancy, and has been a more or less con- tributor to our church publications since 1863; is author of two books,-New Testa- ment Baptism, in 1910, and Educational History of the Church of the Brethren, in 1924. He established the Oak Grove con- gregation, in Tennessee, and held many re- vival meetings in his time. Address, Fruita, (Colo.).
SHELLENBERGER, HELEN, fifth of seven children of Thomas and Annie Shellenberger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Lewistown, (Pa.), December 14, 1900.
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Besides the advantages of the city high schools, she is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute.
She confessed Christ by uniting with the Church of the Brethren, in the Lewistown congregation, baptism being administered by Harry A. Spanogle, in 1913. She has been active in church work, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. On August 27, 1922, the Lewistown congregation licensed her to preach, and on September 24, 1924. commissioned her permanently, Herman B. Heisey conducting the installation service. Her address is 128 Valley Street, Lewis- town, (Pa.).
SHELLENBERGER, JOHN B., third of eight children of Enoch and Maggie (née Berry) Shellenberger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Mochentonga Lock, along the Susquehanna River, March 16, 1868. He availed himself of the common school education of the day,-first was a merchant, and, since January, 1917, has been engaged in the insurance business.
He was united in marriage with Vina E., daughter of John M. and Ellen (née Hoover) Mohler, mem- bers of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, the union being sol- emnized by William Howe, October 1, 1891. The bride confessed Christ by uniting with the Church of the Brethren, in Dry Valley congrega- tion, baptism being administered by William Howe, November, 1878. Since sixteen years old, she has been a teacher in the Sunday-school. In recent years she has been a leader in the Aid Society work of her congregation. To Brother and Sister Shellenberger are born three sons,-Dr. John M., Dr. Martin B., and Henry D.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Dry Valley congregation, baptism being administered by Samuel J. Swigart, May 20, 1886. This congregation called him to the deacon's office, in the fall of 1891; to the ministry, August 18, 1893; and, through the laying on of hands by John C. Swigart and Walter S. Long, had him ordained, December 19, 1916. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting three times, and at General Conference, three times. He has been pastor at Burnham since, and bishop since its organization, in 1921. His address is Burnham, (Pa.).
SHELLENBERGER, MAGGIE (née Beery), third of five children of Major Henry and Mary (nee Springer) Beery, members of the Lutheran Church, was born near Freeburg, Snyder County, (Pa.). September 5, 1842. In her girlhood she united with the church of her parents. Her education was limited to the common schools.
She was united in marriage with Enoch, son of Peter and Eliza- beth (née Aigler) Shellenberger, members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemnized by Rev. G. G. Elenmyer, of
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the Lutheran Church, on February 13, 1862. To them were born eight children,-Annie P., Sarah A., Mary E., John B. (pastor at Burnham), Kate, Peter C., Annie Ida, and Minnie S.
It was after her marriage about thirteen years that, through the read- ing of periodicals, she united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Lost Creek congregation, Elias Lan- dis administering baptism, about 1875. Then she and her husband moved to Bannerville, some distance from the Dry Valley Church, and there, in about 1885, he united with the church. Though many things were against her, in 1879 she started a Sunday-school in the Bannerville school house; later had preaching, and erected a house of worship in the village. Her husband died February 23, 1894, and was the first one buried in the Bannerville Cemetery.
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