Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 15

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 15

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Another prominent feature in the character of Dr. Brown was his unwavering and profound con- viction of the truths of the Bible. So confident was he that the Bible would take care of itself that he feared not the newest and most popular forms of infidelity, nor liad he any apprehensions lest the camp of Israel would be disturbed by the discovery of ancient manuscripts and historical

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records. With him for their teacher, the students, no matter what had been their early training, learned to respect the Gospel without knowing how opposition was disarmed and infidelity silenced. In the history of the Jefferson College class of 1830, written thirty years after the members were graduated, Rev. Dr. J. J. Marks, the author, thus refers to their president, Dr. Brown:

In him we all recognized the Christian, but still a man of like passions with ourselves; honest, impulsive and variable in temper, all the hues of his character, and the many sides of his mind were fully displayed. We felt that here was a man, who, though far in advance of us, was ready to help us, for our infirmities were his, and we saw the scars of yet unhealed wounds of battle, and we learned in a thousand ways that he never forgot the weaknesses of youth, nor the conflicts of manhood.

In manner he was eminently courtly and urbane, with that ease and tact which is only gained by associating with the world, and conversing with refined and culti- vated minds. He walked among men after the manner of Socrates, talking with all, learning from all, showing sympathy with the poorest, listening with the rapt inter- est of a boy to the stories of their adventures and jour- neys. He had an epicurean pleasure in rare characters, for they amused him and gratified his taste for the hu- morous and the graphic. His own conversational talent was of the highest order, humorous, sprightly and descrip- tive, thus making his words instructive and fascinating. In his conversation he threw open the treasures of years, gathered from reading, observation and converse with the great and good. I have heard many talkers, but none that excelled Dr. Brown, none that equaled him in depth of tone and moral value of conversation. His face was a wonderful spectacle and a deep study. We have watched him in the class room and in the chapel for hours with unwearied interest, for the whole world seemed to be in his face. We not only listened to him, but we studied him. We had reason to be grateful for the nice adjust- ment of his religious character and teachings. Deeply anxious for our spiritual welfare, he led us to the Savior whom he loved. Surcly the students who received from him the religious impressions which ripened into peni- tence and faith, must look back to those years with an interest which can never fade. The remembrance of his wisdom and integrity is among the most precious heri- tages of the soul.

For several years after he moved to Canonsburg he preached alternate Sabbaths with Dr. McMillan in the Chartiers Church, of which the latter min- ister was the pastor, but in 1880 a congregation was organized in the town in connection with the college, which enjoyed his pastoral and pulpit labors until the year 1845 when, on account of feeble health, he resigned the presidency of Jeffer- son College.

Of the power and influence of Dr. Brown many pages might be written, but want of space limits us in writing this sketch. While he was president of Jefferson College, an additional building was erected, and through his efforts most of the neces- sary funds for this purpose were raised. In re- spect to his whole career as president of Jefferson College, it can be truly said that it was an auspi- cious day for that institution when he was chosen to stand at its head. The people of Washington

were not insensible to the loss they had sustained by the removal of Dr. Brown to Canonsburg. Ac- cordingly, about six years after he had left Wash- ington, he received a united call from the congre- gation and college to return to his former position there as pastor and president. But though greatly attached to the church which he had served for sev- enteen years, and though the college which had sprung into existence under his hand made a strong appeal to his sympathies, he finally decided to remain at Canonsburg, much to the gratifica- tion of the people of that place, and all the friends of Jefferson College. For a number of years after his retirement from the college and church at Canonsburg, he embraced every favorable op- portunity of preaching the Gospel to his fellow- men, in which work he took great delight. Not- withstanding his growing infirmities he continued to preach until near the close of his life. On July 29, 1853, he died at the age of seventy-seven years. The funeral services were held at Canons- burg, but the body was laid to rest beside his loved ones in Washington. In both towns there was every demonstration of respect and sorrow. Stores were closed and many a face was wet with tears. In person Dr. Brown was tall and slender, with a thin and narrow face which usually bore a bright and animated expression. His movements were rapid, and his manner of walking, and the way he handled his cane would attract the atten- tion of a stranger. His mind was of a high order, and was especially adapted to abstract metaphysical inquiries. He had a keen sense of the ludicrous, and his sayings at times were full of wit. His heart was generous and open, and with a spirit of benevolence his delight was in making others happy, and in giving liberally of his means to the poor and needy. In social circles he was the master spirit, being gifted with fine conversa- tional powers and having in store a large fund of knowledge. As a minister he was one of the most effective preachers in the country. As a Christian he was a man of liberal views and feelings. Though a Presbyterian in principle and practice, his Chris- tian sympathies were as wide as the world. His moral courage was great, possessing as he did a spirit which would not have faltered at the sight of Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, and yet his faith in religion was often like that of a little child. As a scholar he ranked among the first, and was honored with the degrees of Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Laws.

Before closing, a few words must be added re- garding his domestic relations; he was twice mar- ried-first in 1804 to Miss Mary Blaine, of Cum- berland county, Penn., who died in 1818, leaving two children: one of them was the Rev. Dr. Alex- ander Blaine Brown, who two years after his father's resignation succeeded him as president of

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Jefferson College. The other was Elizabeth, the estimable and talented wife of Rev. D. H. Riddle, D. D., who also became president of the same in- stitution. In 1825 Dr. Brown was married to Mary W. Ferguson, widow of Rev. Mr. Backus Wilbur. She died in 1838, leaving one daugh- ter, Susan Mary, the wife of Mr. Henry M. Alexander, a prominent lawyer in New York City, one of the well-known Princeton family of Alexanders, and son of the first professor in the Princeton Theological Seminary. This daughter inherits her father's talents and many excellent traits. She is an earnest worker in the church, de- votes innch time in laboring for the good of others, and gives freely of her means to charitable objects.

R EV. ALEXANDER BLAINE BROWN, D. D. This eminent Presbyterian minister and educator is, alike by birthright and character, entitled to a prominent place in this volume.

He was the only son of Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D., LL. D., and was born in Washington, Penn., August 1, 1808. His mother's maiden name was Mary Blaine, daugliter of Alexander Blaine, of Cumberland county, Penn., who was commissary - general of Pennsylvania in the time of the Revolu- tion, and was distinguished for his self-sacrificing patriotism. In the son, Alexander B. Brown, were blended the mental talents and mental vigor of his father, and the mild, gentle disposition of his mother. In 1822 his father having been elected president of Jefferson College at Canonsburg, Penn., young Alexander became a student of that institution, from which he was graduated in 1825, at the age of seventeen years. While at college he represented the Philo-Literary Society as their champion in oratory at one of the annual contests. Having taught for some time in classical schools in Newark, Del., and Princeton, N. J., he entered, in 1828, the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn., and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Ohio, October 5, 1831. After two years of ministerial work in Virginia, where he declined several offers to settle as a pastor, he returned to his native State in 1833, and took charge of the Birmingham Church, now known as the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, South Side. Here he was successful in securing a commodious house of worship. A year later he became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Niles, Mich., when he soon was recognized throughout the State as one who had an education and mind of a high order. In May, 1839, he was called to the Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, Ohio, where he labored with great success until April, 1841, when, having accepted a professorship in Jefferson College, he came to Canonsburg. At

the same time he took charge of the congregation of Centre Church, a few miles east of the town. To this congregation he ministered until 1845, when he was called to the pastorate of Chartiers Church, which is about one mile south of Canons- burg.

Rev. Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, who had suc- ceeded Dr. Matthew Brown as president, at the end of two years resigned his office. It became a grave question with the trustees as to who should be chosen to fill the place of that brilliant man. Several prominent names were suggested, but the trustees, appreciating the talents and worth of their modest professor, Alexander B. Brown, unanimous- ly elected him president of the college. When informed of his election, he was greatly surprised, and most earnestly remonstrated against it, as he entirely distrusted his own qualifications. But his love for the institution would not permit him to decline the trust so strongly pressed upon him, and he accepted the position. It was the desire of the trustees that he should be inaugurated the same evening while they were present, which gave him but an hour or two to prepare for the occasion. To a friend he said that when he was being es- corted to the college, he felt like one going to the gallows rather than to a scene of triumph. The oath of office having been administered, he made an address which for eloquence and pathos was unequaled, during which there was scarcely a dry eye in the audience.

Many of the friends of Dr. A. B. Brown, know- ing the sensitive delicacy of his disposition, and his habit of shrinking from publicity, feared that his fine qualifications as a professor would fall short of the more heroic and rugged demands of the presidency. But their mistake was most hap- pily demonstrated in the actual development under pressure of duty, which soon showed him to be a model governor, as well as an instructor. His power over the students was wonderful. His min- gled snavity and firmness, together with their un- bounded confidence in him, as one who sought only their highest good, disposed them to heed his wishes; and if at any time he suddenly appeared among them in the midst of their youthful noise and riot, it was like the voice of Neptune amid the raging waves. His administration was a most remarkable one, during which the prosperity of the college continued to rapidly increase. The nine years of his presidency were peculiarly marked with peaceful relations in the college, and with its advancing reputation and usefulness. Four hun- dred and fifty-three diplomas bear his presidential signature, making an annual average of fifty grad- uates. At the time of his resignation the whole number of students was 230. He was also success- ful in raising an endowment fund of $60,000, which, iu those days, before millionaires were known, was

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of itself a herculean task. His zeal in the cause of education caused him to be generous to a fault. When from year to year he witnessed the embar- rassed financial condition of the college, he de- clined to draw his own salary in order that the other members of the faculty should be promptly paid, and in this way he freely gave $6,000 to the institution. His fine reputation, like that of his venerated father, has gone forth with the sons of Jefferson College into every part of our land, and into distant nations across the seas. It will ever widen, as the alumni of Washington and Jef- ferson College, in the coming generations, shall prove themselves worthy of the heritage of glory descended through both the old institutions into their consolidation and unity of achievement.

But honorable as was the career of Dr. A. B. Brown, as an educator, he ever felt himself conse- crated to the Gospel ministry, and in this service he found his chief joy. And he was a model min- ister in the judgment alike of his brethren and the people. Referring to him in an address before an Alumni Association in Pittsburgh, Rev. Dr. D. A. Cunningham said: "He who holds the stars in His right hand, held no brighter one than Rev. A. B. Brown, D. D. We sat under his teaching with great delight, and were more than charmed with his eloquence in the pulpit. The flash of his keen eye, the tremulous tones of that sweet voice, and the heavenly light which beamed from his counte- nance as he led us to the Cross of Christ, can never be forgotten." Of him, the Hon. Thomas K. Ew- ing, a prominent judge in Pittsburgh, said: "He was the finest teacher and the most eloquent min- ister I ever knew." Unambitious of prominence, even to a fault, and habitually refusing audience to the approaches of most inviting pastorates seeking his services, he ever preferred the work of the Gospel without the stress of competition for human praise. The common people heard him gladly, while the most intelligent and fastidious received his messages with delight. His sermons were a lappy combination of evangelistic truth, faultless taste, affectionate tenderness, and persua- sive-often thrilling-eloquence. His public lect- ures and addresses were also widely sought and highly appreciated. It was a treat to listen to his recitations of poetry, especially of his favorite Cowper, and his quotations from the grander por- tions of inspiration.

Soon after Dr. Brown was inaugurated presi- dent of the college, it was necessary for him to sever his relations with the Chartiers Church, in order that he might become pastor of the Canons- burg congregation & which worshiped with the stu- dents in the chapel. This position he retained, to the great joy of the congregation, until he resigned the presidency. In 1856 the trustees reluctantly yielded to his oft-repeated request to be relieved

from the duties which were too arduous for his de- clining health, and accepted his resignation. He then retired to his country residence, "Mount Blaine," and being within the bounds of Centre Church, his former charge, he was induced to be- come its pastor. This relationship he held until the close of 1862, when failing health forced him to retire from active labors. Though afflicted with a painful disease, he patiently bore his sufferings until the eighth day of September, 1863, when God took him to the land of health. He was buried in the Centre Church graveyard, where a grateful and appreciative people erected a handsome mon- ument to his memory. His death at the age of fifty-five left a void deeply felt and not easily filled. Religion and learning alike will long cher- ish his memory, and blend their tears over his grave.

Only a little space is yet claimed for the domes- tic and social relations of this "beloved disciple." He was married December 3, 1833, to Miss Eliza- beth Finley Nevin, daughter of Mr. John Nevin, of Cumberland county, Penn., and sister of Rev. Dr. John W. Nevin, at one time the distinguished and scholarly professor of the Allegheny Theolog- ical Seminary, and afterward the successful presi- dent of Franklin and Marshall College at Lancas- ter, Penn. This estimable lady was well qualified to assume the high and responsible duties which her husband's position placed upon her, and her public services were crowned with blessings and honor, and by her pure and earnest life, her sweet and noble character, her unselfish nature, kind words and charitable deeds she will long be remem- bered as a bright example, worthy of imitation. Now, in the thirtieth year of her widowhood, she still lingers in venerable age to bless her children, while she gives witness of the matured experience of the Lord's faithfulness. Of the children, five sons and one daughter are now living. Two of the sons, having chosen the profession of their grand- father and father, are now prominent Presbyterian ministers.

[In the above sketeh, which is from the pen of Rev. James I. Brownson, D. D., LL. D., free use has been made of all available material, especially of a memorial address by the late Rev. Aaron Williams, D. D., an associate in the college faculty, and an intimate friend of Dr. A. B. Brown.

REV. W. F. BROWN, D. D., Canonsburg, Penn. In publishing a brief record of the life of Rev. Dr. W. F. Brown, we can furnish no better sketch than that written and read by Hon. John A. McIlvaine, Judge of the Washington County Court, at a col- lege class reunion in 1890.

Born under the shadow of Jefferson College, of which both his father and grandfather were popular and be- loved presidents, our elassmate naturally began his clas- sical course within its walls. He was enrolled a Senior "prep " in 1859, but at the end of his Freshman year he remained at home in order that his brother might enlist

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as a soldier. The next year, 1862, he entered our class as a Sophomore. Although descending from a long line of learned and pious ancestors, which drew toward him the respect of the class even before his acquaintance was fully made, his own innate qualitics soon caused him to be very popular. While having reason to be proud of his parentage, he was extremely modest, and in his inter- course with his fellow-students he never by word or deed referred to the honorable connection with the college which his birth gave him. From all public performances he shrank, only assuming a prominent position when in the line of duty. At college he showed a preference for the classics and was especially fond of Latin, which ac- counts for the high compliment passed upon his Latin exegesis when he was licensed to preach. Rev. Dr. George Marshall, who was then chairman of the examin- ing committee, pronounced it the best that had been pre- sented in the Presbytery during the thirty years he had been a member. But while studying the ancient lan- guages he spent much time with the goddess of music, and the clear, melodious tones of his fine tenor voice were a source of delight to us all. Possessing this natural gift to a high degree, after his gradnation he frequently aided his five brothers in giving vocal and instrumental con- certs, which were highly appreciated by all who heard them, and which were given for the benefit of churches and educational institutions. Of the many patriotic songs he sang while at college there was one entitled " Wake Nicodemus," which he selected as the subject of his con- mencement oration. He was a member of the Philo So- ciety, but never joined a secret fraternity, although often importuned so to do. In this matter he religiously adhered to and followed the request of his father, not- withstanding that at one time it left him the only student in the college who did not belong to a fraternity.

Three years from the time he left college he graduated at the Allegheny Theological Seminary, and was licensed as a Presbyterian minister to preach the Gospel. For several months he supplied the Fairview Church, and also the congregation then worshiping in the College Chapel. In 1870 the Canonsburg congregation desired his whole time, and he became the snccessor of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards, who was its pastor while he was pres- ident of the college. Three other calls were at the same time offered to Brown; but, being strongly urged by the congregation he accepted the call to the "College Church" of which both his grandfather and father had for many years been pastors. Owing to the transfer of the college classes to Washington, the students' side of the chapel was left vacant, but in a short time the con- gregation so increased under his ministration that the hall on each Sabbath day was filled. While pastor of this church he tanght in the Linnean Academy, and was after- ward professor of Latin in Jefferson Academy for three years. While preaching and teaching here he secnred, through the alumni of Jefferson College, a donation of $2,100 for their former beloved Greek professor, Dr. Will- iam Smith. In this labor of love he wrote and sent out some 1,700 letters.

After six years of labor in Canonsburg, he received a call to the Presbyterian Church in Charleston, W. Va., and also a call to the First Presbyterian Church of New- ark, Ohio. The latter he accepted, and, being duly in- stalled there, he preached for the period of two years, when, on account of throat trouble, he resigned, and upon the advice of his physician he did not preach for one year. About the same time his wife's health demanded a change of climate, and for a number of years they spent their winters in the South, where he preached in some of the leading churches, his services always being in de- mand. For quite awhile, when in New Orleans, he sup- plied with great acceptance the First Presbyterian Church during the absence of their distinguished pastor,

Rev. Dr. Palmer. In 1884, Rev. William Ewing, Ph. D., having resigned, onr classmate was chosen principal of Jefferson Academy, at Canonsburg, which position he ably filled for fonr years, when he was compelled to abandon this work on account of the severe and pro- tracted illness of his wife. As a teacher he was thorough and faithful, which the high rank taken afterward by his pupils in colleges and seminaries fully attest. His gov- ernment in the academy was that of love, and by his gen- tlemanly and polished manners as well as by the quality of the work done, he won the respect and affection of his scholars. Under his administration the institution flour- ished, and he proved himself to be a most successful teacher. As a preacher, this brother is both able and eloqnent. His sermons evidence deep thonght and orig- inality. He is especially strong in his descriptive powers. He has a fine presence and a good voice, and never fails to hold the attention of his audience. A year ago, 1889, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Frank- lin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Penn., and also from the University of Western Pennsylvania, in recog- nition of his ability as a preacher and a teacher. Refer- ring to this degrec, a Pittsburgh paper says: "Upon no more worthy man has the highest honors of these time- honored institutions been conferred." But while our classmate has become prominent, he has not been able to respond to the many calls to come up higher. Within the past few years he has had more than one invitation to prominent churches and wider fields of labor and in- fluence, but sickness in his family prevented him front accepting these positions. As intimated, Mrs. Brown has been a great sufferer for years, and in relieving her pains he has manifested a spirit similar to Wendell Phillips, who, when nrged to accept the most tempting offers, re- plied that neither money nor glory conld induce him to deprive his suffering wife of whatever assistance and comfort he could bestow. If, as one of our brightest stars, Dr. Brown's light has been for a time partly hid from the world, it has shone In his ministerial and edu- cational work at home, and has also brightened the dark rooms of sickness in many houses, and has cheered the sad heart of one whose deepest sorrow has been that her feeble health and severe pains have caused clouds to snr- round the brilliancy of her devoted husband. His wife was Miss Mary Houston, one of Canonsburg's brightest and most attractive young ladies, who during her years of sickness has given sunshine and comfort to many by her deeds and words of charity and love.

During the years 1890 and 1891 Dr. and Mrs. Brown made an extensive tour through Europe, chiefly for the benefit of the latter's health. While visiting the principal foreign countries and cities they spent much time in Italy, lingering for many months in Rome, which gave the Doctor an opportunity of studying the interesting and his- torical objects of the Eternal City. Shortly after returning home he was frequently called upon to speak of his travels in public, and soon his name and fame spread over the lecture field, he having added to his scholastic learning the polish and distingue of the Continental tourist. His lectures are said to be highly literary, entertaining and instructive, and in this field he has won the repu- tation of being an original, magnetic and eloquent speaker.

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Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 15

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1540

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540