USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 42
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
While on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Ida Wilson, in Burnham (Newton), she decided to start a Sunday-school in this very needy place. She lived to see the present church house erected in 1908, and at the time of her death a membership of about one hundred. Due to rheumatism, she was a sufferer much of her life. She died December 6, 1913. Funeral services were conducted by Samuel J. Swigart. Interment in Bannerville, (Pa.).
SHIFFLER, CLARENCE CLAYTON, sixth of seven children of Jacob W. and Barbara (née Imler) Shiffler, the mother a member of the Lutheran Church and the father of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Woodbury, (Pa.), February 26, 1888. He attended common schools and local normals, and en- gaged in teaching public school five years. He is at present assistant foreman of the Berwind White Coal Mining Company Car Repair Shops, at Hollidaysburg, (Pa.).
He was united in marriage with Esther V., daughter of Samuel R. and Mary E. (née Hoover) Clapper, both members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemnized by Walter S. Long, July 21, 1910. To them were born three sons and three daughters,-Harvey, Dor- othy, Ethel, James, Dessa, and Donald.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Carson Valley congregation, William H. Holsinger administering baptism, in Octo- ber, 1910. The Hollidaysburg congregation called him to the dea-
519
A History of the Church of the Brethren
con's office, April 5, 1913; to the ministry, October 15, 1915. He has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for ten years, and teacher for twelve years. His address is Hollidaysburg, (Pa.).
SHOPE, DAVID, called to the ministry June 3, 1882, in the Augh- wick congregation. His address is Saltillo, (Pa.).
SHOPE, JOHN, JR., born December 18, 1847, one mile west of Orbi- sonia, in Huntingdon County, is one of eight children of John and Barbara (Flasher) Shope, member of the Church of the Brethren. The son had the advantage of a common school education, and in active life was a farmer.
When about twenty, he united with the Church of the Brethren, in Black Log Valley, a part of the Aughwick congregation. James R. Lane administered baptism. The same congregation, in session in the Hill Valley house, called him to the ministry, October 30, 1879, and seven years later he was ordained to the bishopric. His zeal for the Master led him forth to preach wherever there was an opening, and many school houses are witnesses to his message in his prime. He held a six weeks' revival in the new Black Log Church, and had the joy of baptizing some ninety members. In 1890, he united with the Progressive Brethren Church, where he continues faithful in service.
SHOWALTER, GEORGE QUINTER, first of eight children of Abram and Anna (née Yerger) Showalter, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Williamsburg, (Pa.), June 3, 1893. He received a common school education, and has been making his living farming.
He was united in marriage with Minnie Freda, daughter of Wil- liam H. and Cora (née Gates) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, the union being solemnized by the bride's father, February 21, 1914. Clarence, Ruth, Clifford, and Thelma are the four living children of their home.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Fairview con- gregation, David Adams administering baptism, in October, 1906.
Here he was called to the ministry, May 11, 1924, Charles B. Smith and Galen B. Royer officiating. He has been a Sunday-school teacher for a number of years. His address is Williamsburg, (Pa.).
SHUSS, ALVA ROBERT, fifth of seven children of Daniel H. and Maria (née Snively) Shuss, members of the Church of the Brethren, and the hus- hand a deacon for many years, was born on the old homestead, in Snake Spring Valley, Bedford County, (Pa.), September 28, 1886. Besides common school, he attended summer
520
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
normals and two terms at Juniata College. He taught in the common schools of Bedford County, (Pa.), and in Freda, (Mich.). He is making his living on the farm.
He was united in marriage with Phebe Margaret, daughter of George A. and Margaret (née Dunkle) Snyder, the union being sol- emnized by David T. Detwiler, November 25, 1915. To this union were born three children,-Wyzetta, Daniel, and Margaret.
He united with the Church of the Brethren while attending Juni- ata College, baptism being administered by William J. Swigart, in the winter of 1905. The Snake Spring Valley congregation called him to the ministry, May 25, 1907. For a number of years he was inactive, but recently has taken up the work of the ministry. He has been teacher in the Sunday-school eighteen years, and superintendent nine years; has represented his congregation once at District Meet- ing. Address, R. 1, Everett, (Pa.).
SIMMONS, ALFRED T., first of eight children of William and Eliza Ann (née Kinkead) Simmons, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, was born at Water Street, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), January 1, 1865. He was reared on the farm, had a common school education, and made his living farming.
He was united in marriage with Laura, daughter of Abraham and Minerva (née Mills) Rice, the union being solemnized by David S. Clapper, January 1, 1886. To them were born five children,-William, Goldie (de- ceased), Earl, Pearl (deceased), and Charles. He united with the Church of the Brethren. in the Yellow Creek congregation, David S. Clapper administering baptism. The Everett congregation called him to the ministry, Feb- ruary 15, 1894, the installation service being conducted by George W. Brumbaugh and Jacob Koontz. November 28, 1895, he was advanced to the second degree. He represented his congregation twice at District Meeting, and at Meyersdale, General Conference. He served as superintendent in the Sunday-school a number of years. Due to an accident, while working on a saw-mill, he met an untimely death, February 20, 1897. George W. Brumbaugh preached his funeral from Matthew 24:44. Interment in Providence Union Church Cemetery.
SIMMONS, ALONZO L., third of eight children of William and Eliza Ann (née Kinhead) Simmons, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, was born near Water Street, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), July 4, 1869. He received a common school education, and has made his occupation farming.
He was united in marriage with Sarah E., daughter of John and Christina (née Knisely) Kline, members of the Church of the Brethren, living at Tatesville, (Pa.), David S. Clapper solemn- izing the union, February 27, 1891. The bride united with the Church of the Brethren, in June, 1890. To them were born two
521
A History of the Church of the Brethren
sons and two daughters,-Ira L., Mary E. (married to Earle Steele), Martha W. (deceased), and Roy W.
He, with his father and mother, all united with the Church of the Breth- ren, in the Yellow Creek congrega- tion, baptism being administered by David S. Clapper, April 18, 1895. The Yellow Creek congregation called him to the deacon's office, No- vember 28, 1885; the Everett congre- gation called him to the ministry, June 5, 1898, and the Clover Creek congregation, through the laying on of hands by Samuel J. Swigart and William H. Holsinger, had him or- dained, August 10, 1912. He has represented his congregation at Dis- trict Meeting seven times; at General Conference, five times, and has been active in Sunday-school as teacher and superintendent. His address is Henrietta, (Pa.).
SMITH, CHARLES B., seventh of eight children of John R. and Frances A. (née Eavins) Smith, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Gordensville, Orange County, (Va.), Febru- ary 19, 1867. He grew up on the farm, attended common school and, after marriage, spent two years at Mt. Morris College, (Ill.), on literary and Bible study. He has made his living farming and carpentering.
He was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (née Holsinger) Rowzer, members of the Church of the Brethren, living at New Paris, Bedford County, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by Christian S. Holsinger, of Roan- oke, (Il1.), March 8, 1888. The bride confessed Christ at the age of fourteen.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Panther Creek congregation, Woodford County, (I11.), George W. Gish administer- ing baptism, in fall of 1886. This congregation called him to the ministry, October 12, 1890; and the North Beatrice congregation, (Neb.), had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Urias Shick and Stephen Yoder, on May 1, 1897. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting twelve times, and at General Con- ference, nine times; served on the Standing Committee at Seattle, 1914, and Winona Lake, (Ind.), 1920. He was district evangelist in Nebraska for two and one-half years, and for twenty years con- ducted many revivals in all parts of the Brotherhood. As pastor, he has served as follows: Beginning in 1897, at Red Cloud, (Neb.), ten years; beginning 1906, at Middledgeville, (Ill.), five years; beginning 1911, Morrell, (Kans.), eight years; beginning 1919, Mt. Vernon, (Va.), three years. Under his leadership Morrill Church, (Kan.), erected a $35,000.00 house, and had it dedicated March 17, 1918; since 1923 he has had the oversight of the Clover Creek congregation, (M. Pa.). His address is Martinsburg, (Pa.).
522
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
SNIDER, JOHN G., third of three sons and six daughters of Jacob U. and Lovina ( née Gruber) Snider, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near New Enterprise, (Pa.), September 29, 1844. He was reared on the farm, and made his living farming.
He was united in marriage with Eva D., daughter of Simon and Christina Brumbaugh, the union being solemnized by Jeremiah Fra- zier, March 5, 1868. The wife united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Clover Creek congregation, baptism being administered by George W. Brumbaugh, November 5, 1876. To this union were born seven children,- Lillie V., who married Harry A. Madara, Ida F. (deceased), Lovina M. (deceased), Grace E., public school teacher twenty-two years; Lyman E., and John B., now employed in the United States Treasury Department, 30 Wall Street, New York City.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Clover Creek congregation, baptism being administered by John W. Brumbaugh, on October 13, 1875. About this time the Woodbury congregation was being formed, and his membership fell within the bounds of the new organization. It so happened that Brother Snider had a church house on both his farms, and he and his family were regular attend- ants. The Snider Cross Roads Church is on the Gruber farm, where his son John lived. In the Woodbury congregation, John G. was called to the ministry, in August, 1877. In the ministry he labored to the best of his ability until November 20, 1880, when he was advanced to the second degree. He died November 27, 1923. Funeral conducted by Moses R. Brumbaugh and John B. Miller ; interment in Tyrone Cemetery.
SNOWBERGER, ANDREW, was born in the Snake Spring Valley, not far from Everett, March 24, 1802. He was reared on the farm, and made his living farming. Educational advantages were very limited.
He was united in marriage with Rosanna Snider, in 1822, and to them were born five sons and nine daughters. The names of the sons are John,* David, Jacob, Joseph, and Andrew. The names of the daughters are Nancy, who married John Dilling; Catherine, who married John Sollenberger; Elizabeth, who married Isaac Replogle; Rosan, who married John Ritchey; Mary, who first married Isaac Ritchey, and afterwards Jacob Snyder; Sarah, who married William S. Ritchey ; Susie, who married Jacob Hetrick, and afterwards James Grove; Fannie, who married Hymes Grubb, and afterwards John Amick; Lean, who married Henry Sollenberger. All the children became members of the same church to which their parents belonged, and two of the sons were ministers.
* John administered baptism to the editor when a lad while both were living near Monticello, Indiana.
523
A History of the Church of the Brethren
In 1834, he and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring Valley congregation. This congregation called him to the deacon's office, in 1827; to the ministry, in 1844; and, through the laying on of hands, had him ordained, in 1872, at which time he took oversight of the Snake Spring Valley congregation, and exer- cised in that office a little over two years. He was, for over a year, a great sufferer from dropsy, before he died September 3, 1874. John W. Brumbaugh, Jacob Miller and Jacob Steele conducted his funeral services, using for text Revelation 14:13. Interment in Ritchey Cemetery .*
SNOWBERGER, DANIEL, sixth of eight children of Theodore and Elizabeth (née Eshelman) Snowberger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Loysburg, (Pa.), November 19, 1809. He received a very limited education, and made his living on the farm.
He was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (née Snyder) Brake, on April 15, 1832. To them were born twelve children, the following reaching maturity: Christian, Elizabeth, who married John Furry, and later John B. Miller ; Peter, Christina, Nancy, who married John S. Hanawalt; Theodore, Rosan- nah, who married George S. Myers ; Samuel, and Daniel B. At this time Daniel B. is the only one of the family living. His wife died November 2, 1867.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Yellow Creek (now New Enterprise) congregation, where he was called first to the deacon's office, then to the ministry, and later ordained. In his home, in 1866, the first Sunday-school in the Yellow Creek (now New Enterprise) congregation was organized. He was not only a leader in Sunday-schools, but defended the work against those who opposed them. About a week before his death, at his request, he was anointed. After serving the church, in the ministry, about twenty-six years, he died July 26, 1878. Funeral services were con- ducted by Charles L. Buck and other home ministers. Text, Hebrews 13:14. Interment in New Enter- prise Cemetery.t
SNOWBERGER, JOSEPH, one of twelve children of Andrew and Rosanna (née Snider) Snowberger, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, and he a bishop, was born in Snake Spring Valley, near Everett, (Pa.), February 13, 1832. He was
* Gleaned from Daniel Snowberger's obituary notice, Christian Family Companion and Gospel Visitor, 1874, page 654.
+ Partly gleaned from Charles L. Buck's "In Memoriam," in Primitive Chris- tian, 1878, page 508.
524
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
reared on the farm, where he made his living. His school opportuni- ties were limited.
He was united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of John and Elizabeth (née Brown) Burket, on October 6. 1853. To them were born six children, of whom Jacob B., Sarah Shelley, and Ruhamia are still living. His wife died October 8, 1864. He was again mar- ried, this time to Susan, daughter of Henry and Magdalena (née Mock) Ditch, members of the Church of the Brethren, living in the Clover Creek congregation, the union being solemnized by John W. Brumbaugh, April 19, 1866.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, early in life; after his second marriage, he moved within the bounds of the Clover Creek congregation, where, on December 25, 1868, he was called to the ministry, John Holsinger, John Spanogle, and James R. Lane officiating. When the Fairview congregation organized, September 26, 1891, he was the only resident minister. This congregation had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by George B. Brumbaugh and James R. Lane, on May 14, 1894. He presided over the Fairview congregation until the close of his life. He was very active in Sunday-school, serving as teacher and superintendent. He died January 4, 1901. Funeral service con- ducted by George W. Brumbaugh. Text used: John 5: 24-32. In- terment in Shellytown Cemetery.
SNYDER, ADAM ARMSTRONG, sixth of seven children of Daniel R. and Phoebe (née Armstrong) Snyder, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Snake Spring Valley, near Everett, (Pa.), July 15, 1863. He received but a common school education, and has made his living on the farm.
He was united in marriage with Cassie F., daughter of John U. and Sarah Ann (née Foreman) Snyder, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, the union being solemnized by C. Howard Day, in Cumberland, (Md.), May 31, 1892. To them were born five sons and three daughters, five of whom reached maturity, namely, Orpha D., Chester Roy, Ralph T., John Carl, and Honor A.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring congregation, baptism being administered by William S. Ritchey, May 21, 1897. Here he was called to the deacon's office, in about 1907; to the ministry, January 4, 1913, but was not installed until October 12, 1913. Through the laying on of hands by Ira C. Hol- sopple and David A. Stayer, he was ordained, May 19, 1923. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting four times; at General Conference, two times. He has served in the capacity of teacher and superintendent in the Sunday-school. His address is Everett, (Pa.).
525
A History of the Church of the Brethren
SNYDER, DAVID, the fourth of ten children of John and Susan (née Replogle) Snyder, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Morrison's Cove, near Loysburg, (Pa.), December 24, 1851. He was eager for an education; pressed through the common schools; attended county normals, and then taught public school for a number of years. He made his living afterwards on the farm.
He was united in marriage with Lucy, daughter of John and Annie (née Bulger) Teeter, members of the Church of the Brethren, in the Koontz congregation, the union being solemnized by Henry Hersh- berger, December 24, 1875. To them were born four children,- Milton, Harvey, Annie, and Irene.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring congregation, in July, 1876. Here he was called to the ministry, in 1884. He united with the Old Order Brethren, in 1896, where he served the church until his death, August 1, 1908. Isaac Stitly and Harry Good, of Franklin County, (Pa.), conducted his funeral. In- terment in the Burger Cemetery, Salemville, (Pa.).
SNYDER, JOHN ROMEO, oldest of eight children of the family of Allen M. and Mary B. (née Stevenson) Snyder, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near DeGraff, (O.), September 16, 1871. He received a common school education and normal training, and taught eight terms of public school. He has made his living by farming, teaching and newspaper work. For six years he was editor of a daily newspaper, first in Paris, (I11.), then Findlay, (O.).
He was united in marriage with Mabel, daughter of Charles K. and Mary Jane (née Holverstott) Cord- rey, members of the Christian Church, the union being solemnized by Rev. M. J. Mills, March 17, 1898. At Bellefontaine, (O.), 1882, she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. After her marriage she joined the Church of the Brethren, Charles Bame administering baptism, in August, 1902. She has been a Sunday-school teacher for many years. To Brother and Sister Snyder were born six children, four growing to maturity,-Wilbur O., Dwight A., Carrie B., and Ezra R.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Logan congre- gation, (O.), Isaac Frantz administering baptism, December 20, 1888. The Bellefontaine congregation (O.) called him to the min- istry, in October, 1919; and the Huntingdon congregation (Pa.), had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by John C. Swi- gart and Charles O. Beery, on July 16, 1924. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting once, and at General Conference once. He served Northwestern Ohio District Meetings as writing clerk four times, and as reading clerk once. He has spent twelve years in evangelistic work, seven of which he was associated with
526
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
several leading evangelists in union tabernacle work; assisted in more than forty tabernacle campaigns in fifteen different states; directed the erection of forty-two tabernacles; spent several months as assistant state director in Indiana for Near East Relief Work; six months in office of General Mission Board, Elgin, (Ill.), as director of publicity for Forward Movement; for eleven years he has been editor of General Conference Daily; for the last five years he has been engaged almost entirely in evangelistic work, holding revivals throughout the Brotherhood between Fruita, (Colo., and Philadelphia, (Pa.). Early in 1924, he spent several months in the South under the directions of the General Mission Board, holding meetings in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. In March, 1922, he located in Huntingdon, (Pa.), his present address.
SNYDER, JOSEPH F., the second of eight children of John U. and Sarah (née Foreman) Snyder, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, was born in Snake Spring Val- ley, November 11, 1880. He attended common schools and county normals, and then engaged in teaching pub- lic school and farming during his lifetime.
He was united in marriage with Rebecca, daughter of William and Mary Ann (nee Shuss) Forney, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, the union being solemnized by Michael Claar, February 11, 1886. The bride united with the Church of the Brethren, baptism being admin- istered by Solomon Buckalew, Janu- ary 18, 1876. To them were born four children,-Robert A., William S., Mary G. (deceased), and Emanuel T. C. They took two children to raise,-Thelma Cogan and Frank Brumbaugh.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, baptism being administered by Jacob Koons, February, 1890. Here he was called to the deacon's office; later to the ministry, July 2, 1904; and, through the laying on of hands by David A. Stayer and John S. Hershberger, he was ordained, April 7, 1923. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting three times; at General Conference, twice; has served as superin- tendent and teacher in the Sunday-school. His address is Everett, (Pa.).
SNYDER, WILBUR O., first of six children of John R. and Mabel (née Cordrey) Snyder, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he an evangelist, was born near Bellefontaine, (O.), September 5, 1899. He is a graduate of Bellefontaine High School, 1918; and received his A.B. from Juniata College, 1923. He is following teach- ing as his vocation for the present.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Bellefontaine
527
A History of the Church of the Brethren
congregation, (O.), Benjamin F. Snyder administering baptism, September 17, 1912. The Huntingdon congregation called him to the ministry, May 4, 1921, Walter S. Long officiating. He preached his first sermon in Bellefontaine, (O.), on June 26, 1921. He is active in Sunday-school and Young People's Meetings. Forwarding address, Huntingdon, (Pa.).
SOLLENBERGER, RAYMOND, last of ten children of David S. and Lydia (née Ken- singer) Sollenberger, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Williamsburg, Blair County, (Pa.), November 28, 1897. He completed preparatory course at Juniata Col- lege, in 1922, and is now on the Arts Course at same college. He has taught public school one term.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Smithfield congregation, Samuel I. Brumbaugh administering baptism, November 27, 1913. The Williamsburg congregation, (Pa.), called him to the ministry, December 31, 1922, M. Clyde Horst and William R. Mil- ler officiating. Address, Williamsburg, (Pa.).
SPANOGLE, ANDREW, one of ten children of John Spanogle, of Warriors Mark, (Pa.), was born December 22, 1790. His educa- tional advantages were meagre, yet, through patient study of the Bible, he became well versed in the Book. He was a contractor, and erected, in 1838, the stone church now standing in Germany Valley.
He was united in marriage with Catherine (née Long) Lutz, mem- bers of the Church of the Brethren, living in Germany Valley. To them were born eight children,-Jacob, John, Andrew, Catherine, Samuel, Mary, Ann, and David.
It is probable that he united with the Church of the Brethren in the Aughwick congregation. Here he was called to the ministry. Inas- much as he was able to speak in either the German or English lan- guage fluently, he went through the churches in Western Pennsyl- vania, Ohio, Indiana, and Maryland on preaching tours. He was bishop of the home congregation for many years. He died August 8, 1876. Interment in the Germany Valley Cemetery.
SPANOGLE, ANDREW, JUNIOR, third of eight children of Andrew and Catherine (née Lutz) Spanogle, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, was born near Newton Hamilton, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), in 1822. His education consisted in what the Shirleysburg common school afforded at that day. He engaged in farming, mercantile and milling business during his lifetime.
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.