USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 44
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He was united in marriage with Rachel, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (née Paul) Holsinger, members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemnized by Jacob Miller, October 24, 1878. To them were born seven children,-Pauline, Preston, Jacob, Morris, Susan (deceased), Alma (deceased), and Huldah E.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the New Enterprise congregation, baptism being administered by Henry Hershberger, in 1876. This congregation called him to the ministry, March 8, 1884, and, through the laying on of hands by James A. Sell and Samuel
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J. Swigart, had him ordained, September 4, 1897. He often repre- sented his congregation at District Meeting, and six times at General Conference. For forty-four years he has served in the Sunday- school as teacher or superintendent. He confined his activities en- tirely to his home congregation. Address is New Enterprise, (Pa.).
SWAYNE, GEORGE W., son of George H. Swayne, a member of the Church of the Brethren, was born and raised in Aughwick Valley. Here he united with the Church of the Brethren, in his young man- hood, and was called to the ministry, October 14, 1898; and ordained, June 12, 1909. About 1922, he thought it right to unite with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a year he preached for them at Burnt Cabins. He is now engaged in farming. His address is Shirleysburg, (Pa.).
SWAYNE, PETER L., the oldest of seven children of George and Mary Swayne, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Germany Valley, near Mt. Union, (Pa.), January 21, 1834. He had a common school education, and made his living on the farm.
He was united in marriage with Catherine Long, a descendant of the first minister of the Church of the Brethren in the Aughwick congregation. To them were born David, Emerson, Laura, and Lucy.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Aughwick con- gregation, when about twenty-one years old, Andrew Spanogle bap- tizing him. Here he was called to the ministry, and here he spent his energies for higher ideals of life than obtained in the church those days. He helped to remodel the Germany Valley house, and had signs put up in the church forbidding the use of tobacco in the house of God. This, with some other difficulties, caused him to sever his membership for some time; but, during his last sickness, he was fully restored. He died peacefully January 18, 1882. James Quinter conducted his funeral services. Interment in Riverview Cemetery, Huntingdon, (Pa.).
SWIGART, GEORGE HANAWALT,. seventh of nine children of Samuel and Susanna (née Hanawalt) Swigart, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near McVeytown, (Pa.), January 30, 1834. He pushed through a common school, attended Kishacoquillas semi- nary and taught school for forty-three years.
He was united in marriage with Rebecca Jane, daughter of John and Susannah (née Ruble) Dunmire, living near McVeytown, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by William Howe, on March 7, 1867. To this union were born ten children, as follows: Milton C., Henry E. (deceased), Franklin H. (deceased), Susanna D., who married August Johnson ; Effie M. (deceased), John W., Charles W., Samuel L., Clara V. (deceased), and Ralph L.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run congregation. Here he spent his life; was called to the deacon's office ; then to the ministry, October 13, 1871; and, through the laying on of hands by George S. Myers and Walter S. Long, was ordained, May 30, 1900. He died March 14, 1924. Lawrence Ruble and Wil-
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liam Hanawalt conducted his funeral services. Interment in Spring Run Cemetery.
SWIGART, JOHN C., fifth of nine children of Christian and Eliza- beth (née Robinson) Swigart, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, was born in Oliver Township, Mifflin County, (Pa.), October 1. 1851. Though reared on the farm, he made use of every advantage of the common schools, and attended one term at Kishacoquillas Seminary, and one at Juniata College. He has made his living as school teacher and surveyor.
He was united in marriage with Catherine E., daughter of John and Mary (nee Sheerer) Yoder, the union being solemnized by Abram Myers, March 13, 1879. To them were born three children,-Samuel C., Wilbur C., and Mary E.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run congregation, Peter S. Myers administering baptism, April 12, 1872. This congregation called him to the deacon's office, May 25, 1882; to the ministry, May, 1887; and, through the laying on of hands by Walter S. Long and George S. Myers, had him ordained, May 30, 1900. In association with Reuben T. Myers, he has taken part in the oversight of his home congregation, since March 26, 1910, and, being the younger of the two, in recent years carried the main part of the responsibility. He has represented his congregation at District Meet- ings twenty-eight times; at Annual Meeting, nine times. He has always been active in the Sunday-school, and yet never served in official capacity. His district laid upon him these responsibilities : Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morrison Cove Home, since 1906, and secretary of the Board since 1907; Member and secretary of the Board of Management of the Child Rescue Home since its organization, in 1918; Reading Clerk of District Meeting for the years 1902-05; Secretary of the District Meeting, 1905 to 1922, except 1912 and 1921; Member and Missionary Treasurer of the Sunday-school Board of Middle District since 1912; Member of four important committees serving in the district; Member of the Creden- tial Committee of Annual Meeting of 1921; and of Committee of Arrangements for Hershey Conference of 1918. He served on Standing Committee at Winona Lake, 1910, and Wichita, 1917. His home is at Mattawana, (Pa.).
SWIGART, JOSEPH WILLIAM, seventh of nine children of Samuel J. and Elizabeth (née Rupert) Swigart, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, was born near Maitland, (Pa.), October 9, 1878. He was a graduate of the Lewistown High School, com- pleted the Bible course at Juniata College, in 1903, and received his A.B. from the same institution, in 1904.
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He united with the Church of the Brethren, soon after he entered Juniata College, and here he was called to the ministry, March 2, 1903. Due to the influence of Wilbur B. Stover, when home on his first furlough from India, he decided to make foreign mission his life work, and prepared for it. He was accepted by the General Con- ference of 1904 for India. A few weeks before sailing for his chosen field, he took sick with typhoid fever, and passed beyond, October 19, The other members of the missionary party, on their way to New York, stopped to attend the funeral of their fellow appointee. He is buried at Spring Run Cemetery.
SWIGART, MILTON CLARKE, first of ten children of George Hana- walt and Rebecca (née Dunmire) Swigart, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, was born near McVeytown, (Pa.), De- cember 28, 1868. He was reared on the farm, attended common school and one term at Bucknell Academy, Lewistown, (Pa.), and finished Jun- ior year in the Normal English course at Juniata, in 1898. He taught public school for nineteen years.
He was united in marriage with Anna, third daughter and ninth child of Levi and Rebecca (née Clinger) Swigart, the union being solemnized by J. Allen Myers, December 29, 1891. She united with the Church of the Brethren in 1888, in the Spring Run congregation. On account of death of her parents, her school work ended when she was fifteen years old. Nevertheless, she read her Bible through once a year for the last six years of her life; was teacher of a women's Sunday-school class with a membership of 75; was president of the Sisters' Aid Society, the Mother's Society, and superintendent of the Home Department and Cradle Roll of her home congregation. She also served five years as president of the Sisters' Aid Society of Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Eastern New York District; and was president of the Aid Societies for the Brotherhood of the Church of the Brethren, from 1915 till her death. She represented her congregation six times at District Conference, and four times at General Conference. To Brother and Sister Swigart was born one daughter, Esther. The wife died January 7, 1923.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run congregation, Reuben T. Myers administering baptism, June 21, 1888. Here he was called to the ministry, June 8, 1894; while in the Ger- mantown congregation (Phila.), he was ordained, through the laying on of hands by Jesse P. Hetric and Abram L. Grater, May 10, 1912. He has represented his congregation twenty-five times at District Meeting and fifteen times at General Conference. In his own state district he has been a member of the District Mission Board since the organization of the district, in 1911; secretary of the District
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Ministerial Board for ten years; was District Sunday-school secre- tary of Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1904 to 1906; has served as member of the General Temperance and Purity Board for ten years ; as moderator of District Meeting of Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Eastern New York, five times, and represented his district on Standing Committee at Winona Lake, (Ind.), in 1913 and 1916, and at Sedalia, (Mo.), 1920. He has been pastor of the German- town congregation, (Phila.), for nineteen years, and witnessed the growth of the membership from less than 50 to over 400. He was superintendent of Sunday-school for fifteen years, and teacher ever since a member of the church. He has held sixty-six revivals, with 872 confessions. He has had the oversight of all four of the Phila- delphia churches at one time, and is at present bishop over four congregations. His address is 6611 Germantown Avenue, Phila- delphia, (Pa.).
SWIGART, SAMUEL, J., oldest of nine children of Christian and Elizabeth (née Robinson) Swigart, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near McVey- town, (Pa.), October 3, 1843. He had but a common school education, and made his living at farming and carpentering.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John and Martha (née Wakefield) Rupert, the union being solemnized by Joseph R. Hanawalt, October 19, 1865. To them were born nine children, as follows : Martha E., Mary J., Rhoda M., Ella V., John G., Christian H., James W., Carrie R., and Esther C.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run congre- gation, about 1860; here was called to the ministry, May 25, 1869. and later, in the Dry Valley congregation, ordained. He represented his congregation at District Meeting thirteen times, and often at General Conference; served as a member of the Standing Committee at Burlington Park, (I11.), 1898; at Bellefontaine, (O.), 1903. He served as bishop, both in the Dry Valley congregation and the Lewistown (city) congregation. He was an ardent Sunday-school advocate. He died May 21, 1921. Interment in Spring Run Cemetery.
SWIGART, WILBUR C., the second of three children of John C. and Catherine (née Yoder) Swigart, members of the Church of the Brethren, and the father a bishop for many years, was born at Strodes Mills, (Pa.), March 21, 1890. Besides public school train- ing, he attended Juniata College about two years. He has since been engaged in farming.
He was united in marriage with Blanche, the daughter of John M. and Martha (née Rupert) Rhodes, the union being solemnized by
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the father of the bridegroom on June 30, 1912. The bride had united with the Church of the Brethren, November 7, 1907, in the Spring Run congregation, and has had the advantages of public schools in her training for life. To them were born seven children, three, Catherine and Martha (twins), and Harold, (de- ceased) ; Mary E., John C., George M., and Ruth E., living.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run con- gregation, his father baptizing him, on the same date his wife was bap- tized. This congregation called him to the ministry, November 30, 1920. Three times he has represented his congregation at District Meeting. He has been a regular Sunday-school worker, teaching a class in recent years. His address is McVey- town, (Pa.).
SWIGART, WILLIAM JOSEPH, fourth of nine children, four of whom lived to manhood,-three of them ministers,-of the family of Chris- tian and Elizabeth (née Robinson) Swigart, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in the old cottage, along Jacks Mountain, three miles below Spring Run Church, Mifflin County, (Pa.), March 19, 1850. His father had the misfortune of being blind the greater part of his life. William turned his attention to education and, after passing through the public schools of his day, attended McVeytown Academy, Kishacoquillas Seminary, and the National School of Oratory. He engaged in teaching in the public schools, 1868 to 1876; in Juniata College, 1880 to 1920. He spent 1877-1880 in the Primitive Christian office.
He was united in marriage with Carrie M., daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (née Mattern) Miller, James Quinter solemnizing the union, July 11, 1882. The bride was born at Seven Stars, in Hunt- ingdon County, (Pa.), May 12, 1854. She took advantage of the common schools, and did some work in Juniata College preparatory department. She confessed Christ by uniting with the Church of the Brethren, in the Dry Valley congregation, baptism being administered by Samuel J. Swigart, in the spring of 1874. (This was the admin- istrator's first baptism.) She and David Emmert founded the Orphans' Home in Huntingdon. To Brother and Sister Swigart were born three sons, Emmert and Paul growing to maturity.
While in the Spring Run congregation, he united with the Church
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of the Brethren, baptism being administered by Peter S. Myers, on April 19, 1873. This congregation called him to the ministry, at a lovefeast in the autumn of 1876, but he was not installed until May, 1877. The Huntingdon congregation, through the laying on of hands by James A. Sell and one other, had him ordained, November 14, 1891. Although making a living teaching and helping build up Juni- ata College, preaching was his preferred work, as is seen in the fol- lowing : Preacher and pastor of Ardenheim congregation since 1877. During this time he made over 1,200 pastoral calls, officiated at bap- tisms, marriages, and funerals of the community, even to the second and third generations. Preached over 4,000 times. Besides, he was supply pastor of First Church of Philadelphia, for about five years ; held a number of evangelistic meetings, between 1880 and 1910; fig- ured largely in the preaching in the Huntingdon congregation during thirty years' time, during which he baptized many students, as well as applicants from Ardenheim,-in all, about six hundred persons ; preached the dedication sermon of twenty-six different churches, thirteen of which were in his own district. His congregation had him represent them about thirty times at District Meeting, and between the years of 1904 and 1923, inclusive, the District Meeting chose him secretary four times, and moderator seventeen times. He served on the Standing Committee of General Conference at Lincoln, (Neb.), 1901; Los Angeles, (Calif.), 1907; Winona Lake, (Ind.), 1913 and 1916, besides representing his home congregation about ten times. He has served on the Peace Committee since 1916, was chair- man of the Central Service Committee during the war, and had charge of all camp visitation and interviews with the War Depart- ment. His home is near the college where he spent the best years of his life.
TAYLOR, MRS. MADILIN BOORSE, oldest of six children of Isaiah S. and Josephine (née Rahn) Boorse, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born at Pottstown, (Pa.), April 21, 1899. She com- pleted the Arts course at Juniata College, in 1923.
She was united in marriage with Joseph E. Taylor, son of Rich- ard M. and Eliza (née Corle) Taylor, of Alum Bank, (Pa.), the union being solemnized at the home of the bride's parents, by Aubrey A. Coffman, on June 11, 1924.
She united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Coventry con- gregation, (S. E. Pa.), November 9, 1913. Here she was called to the ministry, April 6, 1923. Her ministerial labors have been mostly in revival meetings. She has been active in Sunday-school work. Address, Alum Bank, (Pa.).
TEETER, BENJAMIN Y. S., a minister, with his family, moved from North Fork congregation, (W. Va.), and located in the Glendale arm of the Artemas congregation. He, with the members who lo- cated with him, built up the cause until, in 1922, the Glendale house was erected. His address is Flintstone, (Pa.).
VAN DYKE, ARCHIBALD, sixth of ten children of Archibald and Mary (née Leinbach) Van Dyke, members of the Presbyterian
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Church, was born near Milton, Northumberland County, (Pa.), August 1, 1830. He was reared on the farm, had the opportunities of public school, and made his living farming.
He was united in marriage with Esther, daughter of Samuel and Susannah (née Hanawalt) Swigart, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, living at McVeytown, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by John Spanogle, December 18, 1881. To them were born fifteen children. The bride had united with the Church of the Brethren, in 1852, in the Spring Run congregation. Visiting the sick and winning souls for Christ were outstanding features of her life.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Spring Run congregation, in 1854, John Spanogle administering baptism. Here he was called to the deacon's office, in 1856; to the ministry, in 1859, and later ordained. He represented his congregation at District Meeting five times, and at General Con- ference seven times. He was thoroughly missionary and evangelistic in his work for the church.
He died May 4, 1917, in the home of his daughter, Lizzie Van Dyke Miller, at Holmesville, (Neb.), where he spent his declining years. Jacob S. Dell conducted his funeral services. Interment in South Beatrice Church Cemetery.
VAN DYKE, IRVIN C., thirteenth of fifteen children of Archibald and Esther (née Swigart) Van Dyke, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, was born near Lewistown, (Pa.), Febru- ary 2, 1873. Besides the public school, he pushed through Juniata College, graduating as follows: B.E., 1900; M.E., 1092; A.B., 1906, and spent two years in post graduate work in Chicago University. His twenty-four years of teaching include two years of English teaching in Porto Rico, and nine years of Social Science in the High School of Pocatello, Idaho.
He was united in marriage with Sara, daughter of Thomas and Mary (née Hoffman) Hope, Coatesville, (Pa.), members of the Presbyterian Church, the union being solemnized by John B. Brumbaugh, on June 27, 1907. To them were born four chil- dren,-Irvin Cloyd, Jr., Vernon Brumbaugh, Stuart Hope, and Sara Jane.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the North Beatrice congregation, (Neb.), baptism being administered by his father, June 20, 1883. The Huntingdon congregation, (Pa.), called him to the ministry, July 9, 1902. He was District Secretary of the Middle Pennsylvania Sunday-schools, 1903 to 1906. Within that period he dedicated a union church within the bounds of the Claar congrega- tion, and was one of a party of six sent out by the Pennsylvania State Sabbath School Association, to conduct two-day Sunday-school
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Institutes in forty-seven counties of the State. His address, Winona Lake, (Ind.).
VAN HORN, DANIEL MORGART, fifth of seven children of John M. and Hannah (née Swartzwelder) Van Horn, members of the Luth- eran Church, was born near Rains- burg, (Pa.), June 30, 1861. Though reared on the farm, through attend- ing common and private schools he prepared himself to teach, and pur- sued that vocation during his early life. The latter part was spent on the farm.
He was united in marriage with Susie, the daughter of William S. and Sarah (née Snowberger) Ritchey, the union being solemnized by John B. Fluck, May 15, 1887. To them were born three children,-Ellis W. and G. Marshall, of New Enterprise, (Pa.), and Sara, married to Atlee L. Cowan. He was, in his young manhood, a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, but, after his marriage, he united with the Church of the Brethren, in Snake Spring Valley congregation, baptism being administered by David Dilling, in 1891. Here he was called to the ministry, June 8, 1895, and, through the laying on of hands by John Bennett and David A. Stayer, he was ordained, July 20, 1908. He represented his congregation at District Meeting eight times; at Gen- eral Conference, three times. He organized the first Sunday-school in the new church of the Snake Spring Valley congregation, and gave his undivided efforts to the development of his home congregation, over which he was made bishop in the spring of 1918. He died March 19, 1923, from neuralgia of the heart. George E. Yoder and Ira Holsopple conducted the funeral services. Interment in the Ritchey Cemetery.
ULRICH, WILLIAM MARTIN, third and only son of seven children of John and Martha (nee Minton) Ulrich, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near New Lancaster, Huntingdon County, (Ind.), October 5, 1875. Besides the common and high school of his home community, he attended four years at North Manchester, (Ind.), College, one year at Bethany Bible School, and four years in Juniata College, where he received his A.B. and B.D. in 1923.
He was united in marriage with Anna A., daughter of John and Susan (née Paul) Adams, members of the Church of the Brethren, the union being solemnized by Henry B. Wike, June 16, 1900. She spent four years in Manchester College, and one year at Bethany Bible School, and received her B.S.L. from Manchester College at the same time her husband received his, in 1911. She united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Salamonie congregation, Novem- ber 1, 1899; organized the primary department in her home congre- gation, and has been a teacher in the Sunday-school ever since.
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He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Salamonie con- gregation, (Ind.), Osias C. Ellis administering baptism, December 1, 1896. Here he was called to the ministry, March 7, 1903. The Tyrone congregation (M. Pa.) had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Harry A. Spanogle and William H. Holsinger, August 4, 1918. He has represented his congregation seven times at District Meeting, and five times at General Conference. He has been active as superintendent or teacher in the Sunday-school. He has served as pastor as follows: Green, (Ja.), September, 1915-16; Ster- ling, (Il1.), October, 1916-17; Tyrone, (Pa.), January 1, 1918, to August 1, 1921. He began a pastorate at Norristown, (Pa.), Novem- ber 23, 1924. His address is 717 Harris Ave., Norristown, (Pa.).
WAKEFIELD, ROBERT M., one of six children of Eli and Mary Wakefield, members of the Quaker faith, was born in Hill Valley, not far from Shirleysburg, (Pa.), February 29, 1836. He was reared on the farm, and received but a com- mon school education.
He was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of George and Mary (née Long) Swine, in 1858. The bride was a granddaughter of Peter Long. To them were born eight children, of whom the following are living : Eli, Albert, John, and Lloyd.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Aughwick congrega- tion, Abram Funk administering bap- tism, about 1858. Here, at the Germany Valley house, he was called first to the deacon's office, and then to the ministry, May 4, 1872, and, in 1883 or '84, ordained. He often attended District Meet- ing, and twice represented his congregation at General Conference. He died March 18, 1910. Funeral services conducted by William J. Swigart. Interment in Germany Valley Cemetery.
WALKER, GALEN KNEPPER, seventh in a family of thirteen children of Bishop Daniel H. and Mary (née Knepper) Walker, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Berlin, Somerset County, (Pa.), June 15, 1883. He received his edu- cation in the Somerset County public schools, Juniata College, where he received his A.B., in 1923; he is also a graduate of Crozer Theological Seminary, Chester, (Pa.). He taught in public and high school, and for five years served as Assistant Cashier in the First National Bank,
'S
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Berlin, (Pa.), and three years as Assistant Treasurer of the Farmers' Trust and Mortgage Company, Johnstown, ( Pa.).
He was united in marriage with Fern Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Susie (née Studebaker) Coppock, of Tippecanoe City, (O.), the father of the bride solemnizing the union, on November 28, 1911. They have three children,-Robert, June, and Ruth.
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