USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Church of the Brethren in the middle district of Pennsylvania > Part 45
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
During a revival meeting conducted by Daniel Stouffer, in the Brothers Valley congregation, (W. Pa.), he united with the church by baptism administered by William G. Schrock, in 1893. This con- gregation called him to the ministry, October 20, 1906, and, through the laying on of hands by William G. Schrock and William M. Howe, Walnut Grove congregation had him ordained, May 3, 1914. He served as pastor of the following congregations : Beechdale, (W. Pa.), two years; Plum Creek and Glade Run congregations, (W. Pa.), over three years; Pottstown, (S. E. Pa.), three years; and took up his present pastorate in Huntingdon, April 1, 1920. He has repre- sented his home congregation at District Meeting ten times; at Gen- eral Conference, seven times. He served on Standing Committee at Winona Lake, (Ind.), in 1916, and Calgary, (Can.), in 1923. In connection with his pastoral labors, he has held fifteen revival meet- ings. Address, Huntingdon, (Pa.).
WALTZ, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, tenth of eleven children born to Conrad B. and Mary (née Helfert) Waltz, gladdened their home in Rapho Township, Lancaster County, (Pa.), on May 13, 1889. His father, by occupation, was a farmer, but died when Benjamin was two years old. The mother found it necessary to move her family to the city of Lan- caster, and there Benjamin made good use of the city schools. He continued his education as follows : Elizabethtown College, PdB., con- ferred 1910; Franklin and Marshall, A.B., 1914, and A.M., 1915; Juniata, B.D., 1923. During 1914-15 he taught French and German in Du- Bois High School, in Clearfield County, (Pa.).
He was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Edward and Emma (née Picking) Myers, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, and he a deacon, living in Falling Springs congregation, (S. Pa.), the union being solemnized by J. Kurtz Miller, on June 3, 1915, in the Brooklyn (N. Y.) Church. The bride had united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Elizabethtown congregation, 1908, Earle E. Eshelman administering baptism. She attended Elizazbeth- town College and received her B.E., 1910. The next five years she taught public school in Franklin County, (Pa.). To this union were born two children,-Paul Kenneth, and Benjamin Franklin, Junior.
Benjamin's father was a member of the United Brethren Church; his mother was reared a Roman Catholic, but, at twenty, united with
548
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
the Church of the Brethren. In 1901, when but eleven years old, Benjamin united with the Church of the Brethren, Tobias F. Imler administering baptism. As manhood approached, he chose the voca- tion of a pastor, and prepared himself accordingly. The Lancaster City Church called him to the ministry, January 14, 1914. Through the laying on of hands by Daniel K. Walker and William M. Howe, on July 15, 1916, he was ordained in the Elk Lick congregation of Western Pennsylvania. In 1915 he became pastor of Salisbury, Gar- ret and Beech Dale congregations, in Western Pennsylvania. May 3, 1920, he entered upon his pastoral labors in the Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren in Altoona, where he is administering to a growing congregation. He represented his District on Standing Committee at Hershey, (Pa.), 1924. He believes in working as many of the church activities through the Sunday-school as possible. It is no surprise, then, to note that at the Sunday-school convention of Middle Pennsylvania, held at Martinsburg, August 22, 1923, he was elected for the two-year term on the Sunday-school Board of the district, and by that Board made its president, 1923-25. In 1924, he was elected director, for five years, on the Board of Altoona School of Religious Education, an interdenominational organization ministering to the sixty different congregations of the city. His address is Altoona, (Pa.).
WEAVER, MAHLON J., second of ten children, nine living, three ministers, of Jacob and Lovina (née Hoffman) Weaver, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Windber, (Pa.), Septem- ber 22, 1876. He was reared on the farm, pushed his way through public school, and graduated from Juniata College, as follows: Nor- mal English, 1901; Sacred Literature course, 1905; also attended Western Theological Seminary nearly one year; and Bethany Bible School (Chicago), one term. He taught public school a little over five years.
He was united in marriage with Fannie, daughter of William S. and Sarah (née Snowberger) Ritchey, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, the union being solemnized by William J. Swigart, October 31, 1909. She had united with the Church of the Brethren, at Huntingdon. To them were born three children,- Fern, Paul, and John. The wife died August 12, 1917. Later he was united in marriage with Roxie Edith, daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (née Landis) Hankins, members of the Church of the Breth- ren, this union being solemnized by Emanuel B. Hoff, August 31, 1918. She had united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Flora congregation, (Ind.), in August, 1903. She completed Flora High School, in 1906; the Normal English course at North Manchester, (Ind.), 1908; taught school four years, worked in bank four years, and attended Bethany Bible School, (Ill.), four years.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in Scalp Level congre- gation, (W. Pa.), baptism being administered by Jacob Holsopple, November 19, 1891. Here he was elected to the ministry, June 13, installed July 9, and preached his first sermon, July 23, 1899. The Everett congregation, through the laying on of hands by David A. Stayer and William S. Ritchey, had him ordained, in 1916. He has
549
A History of the Church of the Brethren
represented his congregation at District Meeting, fourteen times; at General Conference, eleven times. He has served as pastor as follows : Pittsburgh, (Pa.), July 8, 1907, to May 30, 1912; Everett, (Pa.), June 8, 1912, to December 25, 1917; Roaring Spring, (Pa.), May 24, 1918, to October, 1921; Elgin, (N. I11.), till March, 1923; Moxham, (W. Pa.), his present charge, since April, 1924. He has held over twenty-five revival meetings; has helped to hold a number of Bible Institutes ; has been especially successful in Sunday-school work, as teacher, as president of Bedford County Sunday-school As- sociation for two years, and of Western and Middle District Sunday- school Associations each for a term of years. In 1903, the Juniata Mission Band sent him to Northfield for a ten days' meeting, which proved very helpful. His address is 653 Park Avenue, Johns- town, (Pa.).
WEYANT, SAMUEL, first of nine children of Adolphus and Della (née - -) Weyant, members of the Church of the Brethren. was born near Klahr, (Pa.), December 14, 1895. Besides public school, he has had two years normal. He makes his living teaching public school and in the ministry.
He was united in marriage with Beckie, daughter of Emanuel and Kettura Walters, the union being solemnized by James E. Moffatt, of Cumberland, (Md.), May 23, 1917. To them was born one son, Kenneth.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Claar congregation, baptism being ad- ministered by Andrew M. Dixon, August, 1914. Here he was called to the ministry, August 29, 1916, and, through the laying on of hands by James A. Sell and John B. Miller, ordained, May 30, 1920. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting several times. He has been a teacher in the Sunday-school for ten years; superintendent for three years. He has administered baptism to. 75, including father, mother, two sisters and three brothers. His address is Claysburg, (Pa.).
WILSON, ROY X., second of eight children of William B. and Caroline (née Star) Wilson, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a deacon, was born near Three Springs, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), March 16, 1886. He had the advantages of graduating from the Normal English course, Juniata College, 1909. He has made his living mainly by teaching public school, having taught sixteen terms and seven summers before teaching two years in the Stonerstown (Pa.) schools.
He was united. in marriage with Myra, daughter of Samuel and Delilah (née Sollers) Bollinger, the union being solemnized by George Swayne, June 28, 1911. To them was born one child,- Freda May.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Aughwick con- gregation, John E. Garver administering baptism, March 23, 1902.
550
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Here, in the Hill Valley house, he was called to the ministry, Novem- ber, 1904, and ordained, by the laying on of hands by Robert Wake- field and John E. Garver, in March, 1917. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting, five times, and once at General Conference. He has been especially active in Sunday-school work, serving as superintendent of Sunday-school at Stonerstown, 1917- 1923, and conducted three teacher training and ten seal classes. His address is Saxton, (Pa.).
WILT, ARDIE E., oldest of six children of Joseph W. and Amanda (née Wagner) Wilt, was born in Red Bank, Armstrong County, (Pa.), May 11, 1870. His parents are members of the Church of the Brethren, and the father a bishop many years. After attending public schools, he spent from 1890 to 1893 in Juniata College. For twenty-one years he was a traveling salesman, and then accepted the position of manager of a bakery in the city of Altoona, which posi- tion he now holds. He is also connected with many business enter- prises of his home city.
He was united in marriage with Minnie R., daughter of John W. and Susan (née Shaw) Ressler, the father solemnizing the union in James Quinter's home, in Huntingdon, on May 29, 1891. To them were born one son and three daughters,-Lorna A., Bertha R., J. Ellis, and Helen K.
While at Juniata College, he united with the Church of the Breth- ren, William J. Swigart administering baptism, June 27, 1893. The Altoona congregation called him to the deacon's office, February 22, 1897. He has represented his congregation twenty-one times at Dis- trict Meeting, and twice at General Conference. He has been, for his congregation, chairman of the Finance Committee since 1916, and treasurer of the Building Fund since 1907. He was also chairman of the building committee which erected the present church structure. He has served his congregation as Sunday-school superintendent for thirty years; as church chorister, twenty-five years; among his out- side activities may be mentioned Sunday-school Secretary of Middle District of Pennsylvania, 1912-21; District President of the Blair County Sabbath-school Association; member of the Executive Com- mittee of the Central Pennsylvania Bible Conference since its organ- ization ; trustee of Juniata College for a number of terms; originator of the idea and leader in raising the money in the Sunday-schools of Middle District of Pennsylvania, which put up the $20,000 00 mission home for Juniata College, and chairman of the Building Committee, His address is Altoona, (Pa.).
WILT, JOSEPH WAMPLER, fourth of six children of John C. and Mary (née Wampler) Wilt, members in the deacon's office of the Church of the Brethren, was born on a farm near Rural Village, Armstrong County, (Pa.), July 6, 1846. He had a very limited com- mon school training, and at sixteen was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade. Later, he followed this trade, along with mer- chandising, until 1874, when he turned his attention to farming. The latter part of his life has been devoted to mercantile pursuits and salesmanship.
551
A History of the Church of the Brethren
He was united in marriage with Amanda, daughter of George and Polly (née Eckels) Wagner, of Blanco, Armstrong County, (Pa.), William F. Morgan, pastor of the Rural Village Presbyterian Church, officiating, on June 10, 1869. Of the six children born to them, three, Ardie E., Joseph S., and Mrs. Sadie A. Wilt Brum- baugh, grew to maturity.
When a little past fifteen, in the Cowenshannock congregation, (W. Pa.), he united with the Church of the Brethren, Louis Kimmel administering baptism, in August, 1861. This same congregation called him to the deacon's office, in 1874; to the ministry, July, 1875, and, on November 5, 1893, in the Altoona congregation, (M. Pa.), through the laying on of hands by Henry B. Brumbaugh and William M. Howe, he was ordained. He has represented his congregation thirty-four times at District Meeting, and nine times at General Conference.
In the ministry, he served the church as follows: Cowenshannock and Redbank, (W. Pa.), each one year ; in Middle Pennsylvania, the Claar congregation, two years; Warriors Mark, five years; Altoona, nineteen years; Bellwood Mission and Church, five years; Juniata Park, twenty years, and is still serving there. In all this ministry, the Claar congregation is the only one where he gave full time, and was supported as a regular pastor. In this congregation he held his first revival, administered his first baptism, performed his first mar- riage ceremony, preached his first dedication sermon, and was per- haps the first supported pastor in the district. While residing in Warriors Mark, in addition to his duties at home, he opened and developed the Glenhope Mission. (See Glenhope.) Except his labors in the Claar congregation, he labored for the different congre- gations without salary and, accepting his full portion, helped to bear their financial burdens.
His activity in the Sunday-school is seen, not only in being a teacher wherever he attended regularly, but he led in the organiza- tion of the school in Claar, in 1877; in Bellwood, in 1894; in Juniata Park, in 1904; besides he started schools in East Altoona, West Altoona, corner of Sixth and Union Avenue, and two in Warriors Mark territory. He served as superintendent in Claar, Warriors Mark, Altoona, Bellwood, and Juniata Park schools. As an evangel- ist, he helped hold a revival in Glade Run, (W. Pa.), in 1875 first, John B. Wampler and he took turns in preaching ; sixteen were bap- tized. During the winter of 1876, he made his first missionary efforts in Jefferson County, (W. Pa.), among the lowly living in the forests. The doctrine he preached was new to the people, but interest was awakened. In 1877, in Leamersville, Claar, Warriors Mark, and Riggles Gap, he held meetings with a total ingathering of about eighty members. He held other meetings during the years of his activity, with similar blessed results. In 1893, he was elected on the Old Folks' Home Committee; in 1894, this was succeeded by a board of trustees, and he was made a member. He is the only living one of the committee of 1893. He served as trustee till 1900, three years as solicitor, and three as secretary. He is at present bishop of Juniata Park congregation, and bearing his full share of the work.
When Altoona (First Church) was erecting her first house, and
552
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
was deeply in debt and greatly perplexed, he, though heavily encum- bered, took hold, directed the financial campaign, and at the same time served the congregation in spiritual things without salary. In fact, during his ministry he led in the opening of five missions, -- namely, Twenty-eighth Street, Altoona, Glenhope, Juniata Park, Bellwood, and Riggles Gap, and directed the building of the church houses in the last four named. Address, Juniata, (Pa.).
WINE, GROVER LORINGTON, second of eight children of John H. and Mary E. (née Edgecomb) Wine, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Allen County, (O.), January 12, 1886. His parents moved to Huntingdon County, (Ind.), in his youth. Here he graduated from the Clear Creek (Ind.) High School, in 1904; Manchester College, (Ind.), B.S.L., 1911; A.B., 1915; Juniata College, School of Theology, (Pa.), B.D., 1922; head of the Bible Department of Mt. Morris College, (I11.), 1922-24.
He was united in marriage with Mary C., daughter of Samuel D. and Lina (née Norris) Stoner, members of the Church of the Brethren, and he a bishop, living at Ladoga, (Ind.), the union being solemnized by Perry B. Fitzwater, June 1, 1911. Sister Wine had united with the Church of the Brethren, July 24, 1894; attended public school, Ladoga, (Ind.) ; Manchester College, (Ind.), B.S.L., 1909; and Teachers' Vocal Music Course, 1915. She served as city mis- She has been active as
sionary in Indianapolis, (Ind.), 1909-10. Sunday-school teacher, superintendent, musical director of worship, president of the Aid Society. Her pen has been gifted in writing the words for songs and other poems. She has prepared an Easter service, in co-operation with a music writer. To them was born one daughter,-Salome Ruth.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Huntington (Country) congregation, baptism being administered by Dorsey Hodgden, in February, 1899. This congregation called him to the ministry, August 18, 1906; the Polo (Il1.) congregation had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Olin F. Shaw and John J. Johnson, on October 27, 1919. He has represented his congrega- tion nine times at District Meeting, and nine times at General Con- ference; was District Secretary of Sunday-schools in Middle District of Indiana, 1909-11. At the 1911 General Conference, St. Joseph, (Mo.), he and his wife were accepted for the foreign field, but did not go on account of wife's health. He has held a number of revival meetings; served as pastor as follows: Huntington (City), Indiana congregation, October, 1911-13; North Manchester congregation, (Ind.), June, 1915, to December, 1917; supply pastor, Covington, (O.), January and February, 1918; Polo, (I11.), March, 1918, to September, 1920; October, 1920, till June, 1922, pastor and bishop of Fairview congregation, (M. Pa.) ; bishop of Mt. Morris (Il1.) con-
553
A History of the Church of the Brethren
gregation since October, 1923; pastor since September 1, 1924; bishop of Polo (Il1.) congregation since October 1, 1924. His ad- dress is Mt. Morris, (I11.).
WINELAND, JACOB L., called to the ministry in the Clover Creek congregation, August 24, 1867.
WRIGHT, MILTON B., sixth of eight children of Caleb G. and Cath- arine (née Dell) Wright, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born in Cass Township, Huntingdon County, (Pa.), October 26, 1873. He was reared on the farm; pushed his way through public school, and spent three years in Juniata College, Normal English course. He taught public school in Huntingdon County, (Pa.), for twenty-nine years. Since 1922, he is superintendent of Huntingdon County Schools.
He is united in marriage with Amelia, daughter of Van Buren B. and Susan (née Auspach) Hirst, members of the Lutheran Church, living at McAlevey's Fort, the union being solemnized by Reverend B. R. M. Sheeder, March 6, 1909.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, while attending Juni- ata College, baptism being administered, May, 1898, by William J. Swigart. The Aughwick congregation called him to the ministry, October 14, 1898; and advanced him to the second degree, May 9, 1902. Through his teaching profession, which he has chosen, he has been isolated from the church; has served as superintendent of a Lutheran Sunday-school for fifteen years, and affiliated with that communion in 1921. His address is Huntingdon, (Pa.).
YODER, GEORGE E., first of four children of Emanuel and Sarah (née Livengood) Yoder, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Elk Lick, Somerset County, (Pa.), January 20, 1884. He was reared on the farm; attended common school, and two years land and mining engineering school. He followed farming and surveying from 1905-09 and 1913-16.
He was united in marriage with Clara, daughter of Christian and Annie (née Coblentz) Beachy, mem. bers of the Mennonite Church, living at l'uscarawas, (O.), the union being solemnized by Tobias S. Fike, Feb- ruary 21, 1906. The bride had united with the Church of the Brethren, February 14, 1906. She is a graduate of a teacher training course and an active Sunday-school teacher. To this union were born seven children,-Ruth L., William E., Olive E., Mary L., John G., Florence K., and George C.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Elk Lick con- gregation, (W. Pa.), baptism being administered in October, 1896. Elk Lick congregation called him to the deacon's office, October,
554
in the Middle District of Pennsylvania
1905; to the ministry, in March, 1906; the Summit congregation (W. Pa.) had him ordained, through the laying on of hands by Edward K. Hochstetler and Lewis A. Peck, April 7, 1912. He has represented his congregation at District Meeting seventeen times; at General Conference, nine times; served on the Standing Committee at Winona Lake, (Ind.), 1919. As pastor, he served Summit Mills, (W. Pa.), 1909-13; Norristown, (S. E. Pa., N. J. and E. N. Y.), 1916-19; New Enterprise, (M. Pa.), 1919, to present. He was a member of the District Sunday-school Board (S. E. Pa., N. J., E. N. Y.), and served as its Field Secretary, 1917-19. He served as vice-president of the Sunday-school Board (M. Pa.), 1919-20, and its president, 1920-21. He has conducted forty-nine revivals ; assisted in six Bible Institutes; baptized 244; conducted fifty-six lovefeasts ; preached 70 funerals; anointed forty-six members, and solemnized twenty-six marriages. His address is New Enterprise, (Pa.).
YOUNG, ADAM, oldest of four children of John Young, was born near Philadelphia, (Pa.), December 24, 1819. For his time, he had a liberal education. He learned the shoemaking trade, and later in life followed farming. He resided in Mifflin County, (Pa.), till 1865, when he moved to White County, (Ind.).
He was first married to Catherine Wireman. One child was born to this union, and the wife died within a year afterwards. His second marriage was with Priscilla Clayton. To this union one daughter was born, and the mother died soon after. His third mar- riage was with Hannah, daughter of John and Sarah Richards, of Mifflin County, (Pa.), January 9, 1850. To them were born five sons and five daughters, the following still living: Mrs. John M. Keever, Mrs. Albert Livingston, James Young, David R. Young. Mrs. William Pearson, Samuel Young, Mrs. Will G. Girard.
About 1839, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. After moving to Mifflin County, (Pa.), and his third marriage, he united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Dry Valley congre- gation, about 1850. Here he was called to the deacon's office, and then, in 1854, to the ministry. The Monticello congregation, (M. Ind.), had him ordained, along with John S. Snowberger, in August, 1869. In Mifflin County, (Pa.), he was a co-laborer with William Howe; in White County, (Ind.), with Joseph Amick, John S. Snowberger, and John G. Royer. He died February 15, 1872. Funeral services by John S. Snowberger and Joseph Amick. Text, Revelation 14 : 12-13. Interment in Pike Creek Cemetery, near Monticello, (Ind.).
ZIEGLER, LEVI KING, oldest of ten children of Daniel and Kath- erine (née King) Ziegler, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Stouchburg, (Pa.), October 2, 1888. When he was three months old, he moved, with his parents, to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, near Denton, and was there reared on the farm and received almost the equivalent of a high school education. Two years were spent at Elizabethtown College, (Pa.).
He was united in marriage with Grace Ulmer, daughter of John and Annie (née Ulmer) Kline, of Lancaster, (Pa.), the union being
555
A History of the Church of the Brethren
Solemnized by Tobias F. Imler, at Ridgely, (Md.), on January 10, 1912.
He united with the Church of the Brethren, in the Ridgely con- gregation, (Md.), Levi R. Brumbaugh administering baptism, on August 8, 1902. This congregation called him to the ministry, January 6, 1911. The Denton congregation, (Md.), through the laying on of hands by Abram P. Snader and Wil- liam E. Roop, had him ordained, September 6, 1919. He has repre- sented his congregation at District Meeting nine times, and at General Conference, six times. He has served as pastor as follows : Shamokin, (Pa.), August 1, 1914-17; Denton, (Md.), March 1, 1919, to July 1, 1924; Williamsburg, (Pa.), August 1, 1924, continuing. He was a mem- ber of the District Mission Board of Eastern Maryland from 1919 to 1924. He has held nineteen re- vivals, with a total of eighty-six converts. His address is Williams- burg, (Pa.).
ZOOK, FREDERIC R., oldest of six children of John H. and Hannah (née Fishel) Zook, members of the Church of the Brethren, was born near Curryville, (Pa.), November 10, 1870. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He has made his living by farming and salesmanship.
He was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of George and Elizabeth (née Wineland) Seedenburg, members of the Church of the Brethren, living near Fredericksburg, (Pa.), the union being solemnized by John B. Miller, August 9, 1893. To this union were born eight children,-four sons and four daughters.
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.