USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania > Part 25
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His intention was to complete the teachers' course, which he did in the spring of 1902, and then to continue in that profession. But when this course was completed it did not yet satisfy, and he began to plan to take the college course. But when the financial prop- osition of caring for a family and going to school four more long years, faced them, it hardly seemed possible. But it was under- taken, and after a most strenuous four years, during which time it often seemed the battle must be given up, the goal was reached. He graduated and took his degree.
During this time, on March 23, 1903, the Huntingdon church elected him to the ministry. This brought him face to face with another problem. All his preparation of seven years in school has been for teaching. Now shall that ambition be given up? It was only after much prayer and thought, and a hard struggle that he accepted the ministry, and this with the intention of con- tinuing in his chosen profession.
After graduating, in 1906, he secured the principalship of the Yeagertown public schools, where he moved and remained two years. During his two years of teaching in Yeagertown he did some preaching at Lewistown. In the spring of 1908 he received a call to become pastor of the West Johnstown church. Although
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Elder John H. Cassady and Wife.
the call to give up his chosen profession and enter a new field could hardly be thought of at this time, he and his wife put it into the hands of the Lord and accepted the call of the church at a greatly reduced salary from what he was getting as a teacher.
They took up their pastoral duties August 1, 1908, and moved to Johnstown. There he found a splendid body of working mem- bers, but very much disorganized. There being four church- houses in the congregation made the work of organization very hard. But with a determination to win he entered upon the work. He spent his time in traveling over the congregation and preach- ing by turns at all four of the houses. This was a hard task.
During the six years of his pastorate in Johnstown he preached 1,313 sermons. He held sixty-one weeks of evangelistic meet- ings in the congregation, and thirty-nine weeks at churches out- side of the congregation. There were 285 members in the con- gregation when he became pastor. During the six years 893 were
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added. He has anointed and assisted in anointing over 100 per- sons.
From August 1, 1908, when he began his pastoral work in Johnstown, to December 31, 1915, he had preached 1,462 sermons, and in his pastoral and evangelistic work has received and brought to Christ 2,120 people. He resigned as pastor of the West Johns- town church September 1, 1914, to accept a call to become pastor of Juniata College and the Huntingdon church. During his stay in Johnstown he was ordained to the eldership, May 4, 1911.
Elder Cassady took a leading part in the work of the church of the Western District of Pennsylvania, serving as Moderator of the District and Ministerial Meetings a number of times. He was a member of the Bible Institute Committee from the beginning, believing it would serve a good purpose. He represented the Dis- trict on the Standing Committee at the York Conference, in 1912. Middle Pennsylvania was also represented by him at Hershey, in 1915.
Sister Cassady, who also was born and reared in West Vir- ginia, taught school a number of years. She received her educa- tion in the public schools and Juniata College. It was through her influence and willingness to assume the heavy burden of caring for the family that her husband was induced to go to Juniata Col- lege. Then, during the six years in Juniata, she was a most faith- ful helpmate, not only in the care of the family, but in many little ways she helped in the financial struggle, besides taking part in many of the church activities at the same time. In the splendid work accomplished in Johnstown she was very active in all the departments of church work. Her husband being away much in evangelistic work, she assumed the responsibility of much of his work, while still caring for the family. They now have a family of six children; viz., Maynard, Helen, Mildred, Robert, Paul and John, Jr. The three older ones are members of the church.
ANDREW CHAMBERS.
Andrew Chambers was born near Cameron, West Virginia, De- cember 23, 1858. He attended the country schools on an average of four months a year. At the age of nineteen he took the teach- ers' examination and taught three sessions, one session a year.
He was married to Miss Anna R. Meisenhelder. To this union were born two sons and three daughters. All are living except the oldest son, Scott. While serving as railway postal clerk on the Southern railroad he lost his life in a wreck, near Danville, Vir- ginia, September 27, 1903. Sister Chambers died March 25, 1900. A little more than seven years later Brother Chambers was mar- ried to Mrs. L. J. Covalt, of Moundsville, West Virginia.
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Andrew Chambers.
In March, 1882, he united with the Church of the Brethren. On his father's birthday anniversary, November 13, 1886, he was called to the ministry in the Ryerson Station congregation, West- ern District of Pennsylvania, and on October 17, 1891, he was ad- vanced to the second degree, Elder John S. Holsinger officiating on both occasions.
Being a natural debater, Andrew, prior to uniting with the church, read all the discussions on the distinctive principles of the church that he could obtain. Among these were the Quinter and McConnell debate, Miller and Walker debate and Stein and Ray debate. Living in a neighborhood of Disciples and Mormons and but few Brethren, he often became the defender of the Breth- ren faith. His first public debate was held in the spring of 1883 (before he was a minister), with an old and experienced Disciple minister. The proposition discussed was: "Trine Immersion Is the Only Mode of Baptism Taught and Practiced by the Apos- tles and the Primitive Church." The debate proved a surprise to his opponent and his brother ministers in attendance, and he later acknowledged his defeat.
In 1888 he held a discussion with Elder Craig, of the Reor- ganized Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). Only one prop-
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osition was discussed: "The Durability of the Christian Church." Elder Craig was so worsted that he refused to discuss the organ- ization of his church, though challenged to do so.
In March, 1894, he moved to Eastern Virginia, much to the regret of the scattered members of the Ryerson Station congre- gation. While residing among them and during his visits to them he baptized more than forty members. While living in Virginia he did his share of the preaching along with the other home min- isters, and held an occasional series of meetings.
Much of Brother Chambers' life has been spent in different occupations. In West Virginia he spent the greater part of his time in the lumber business, handling a sawmill and running a thrashing outfit. In Virginia he first located near Brentsville, Prince William County. In a year or so he located at Midland, Fauquier County. Three years he traveled for a machinery com- pany. Afterwards he built a flour mill at Midland which he op- erated for some time. In 1907 he moved to Washington, Dis- trict of Columbia, and is now in the employ of the government. This does not give him much time for preaching. He is hoping for the time when he will be able to devote all his time to church work.
Brother Chambers is a great reader and student, and is the possessor of an extensive library. He takes much interest in gathering up church history, and it is principally through his ef- forts that the writing of the history of the Ryerson Station con- gregation was possible. He also furnished a number of illus- trations for this work. It was the pleasure of the writer of this work to associate with Brother Chambers in church and other activities in Virginia five years.
Brother Chambers died April 6, 1916, since the above was written.
NELSON B. CHRISTNER.
Nelson B. Christner, youngest son of Gabriel and Magdalene (Dickey) Christner, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1851. Having moved with his parents to Westmoreland County, he received an education enabling him to teach school, which profession he followed successfully for a number of years.
He was married to Mary A. Wissinger, March 12, 1870, by Elder D. D. Horner, and the following October both were bap- tized by the same minister. He was elected to the ministry in the seventies, when yet a young man in the Indian Creek con- gregation. -
He lived and labored in Westmoreland, Somerset and Washing- ton Counties, Pennsylvania, Washington County, Tennessee, and Melvin Hill, North Carolina. He also lived a year in South Car- olina. He had moved to the South in search of health.
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Besides teaching he was engaged in farming and the mercan- tile business, but with him the Lord's work received first atten- tion. He made great sacrifices to fill appointments, and it was seldom that he disappointed his audience.
He died in July, 1904, aged only 53 years. He was buried in the Middle Creek cemetery. Brother and Sister Christner had a large family of children, but the pale messenger came and stole them away, one by one, until the greater part of them had gone to the other side, while their bodies lie buried in different ceme- teries. Their cup of trouble, disappointment and sorrow was often filled to overflowing.
DAVID STEELE CLAPPER.
In writing the biography of this godly elder I feel that I can do no better than to quote from the columns of a daily Johns- town paper as well as the Gospel Messenger: "The Reverend D. S. Clapper was born near Clear Ridge, Bedford County, Penn- sylvania, September 2, 1846, being the son of Elder Henry and Hannah Clapper. In 1869, at the age of twenty-three, he was united in marriage with Miss Sue Teeter. His early training and home influences were deeply religious and at an early age he united with the Church of the Brethren. The Reverend Mr. Clapper was a gentle man, not offensive in his devotion to his church, but al- ways endeavoring to be consistent, charitable and Christian in his conduct. The writer of this came to know him only a couple of years before the end, but in his brief acquaintance found the mellow old gentleman earnest and interesting. Mr. Clapper was one of the last of the old school of Brethren clergymen, and he lived to see his faith assume a new name and a more compact or- ganization and to see a new generation of trained clergymen come into the field. The children who survive and are helping their ยท aged mother to bear the blow of separation from her life partner are: John H., of Riverside, Washington; Willard L., of Hartman, Colorado; Laura, wife of Fred Burkett, of Everett; Iva, wife of D. B. Brallier, of Tatesville; Nellie, of Altoona; V. Grace and Har- riet, at home, and Lena, wife of Harry C. Crist, of Paint Borough. Mr. Clapper's six daughters were all at his bedside when he died. The only children absent from the funeral were his two sons in the Northwest."
Here I quote from the Gospel Messenger:
" The Homegoing of Elder David Steele Clapper.
" On the farm of Elder Jacob Steele, for many years the effi- cient elder of the Hopewell, or what is now known as the Yellow Creek church, was built the church known far and wide as 'Steele's
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1
Elder David S. Clapper.
church.' Near this church was born a grandson of Elder Steele, a son of Elder Henry Clapper, September 2, 1846. They named him David Steele Clapper. The early religious training and the strong, inherited qualities, caused David to give his heart to God at the age of seventeen, and he proved faithful to the age of 67 years, 9 months and 27 days, when he went peacefully to sleep at his home in Scalp Level, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1914.
"To Brother and Sister Clapper were born ten children, eight of whom have grown to maturity. Six daughters and two sons, who are still trying to live a life for the Master, gave their lives to Jesus before they were fifteen years of age. Sister Clapper, who has been a faithful mother and helper for Brother Clapper in all the varied experiences of life, still lives. Two brothers and three
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sisters survive him. Among these are Elder John Clapper and Sister Elizabeth, wife of Elder Michael Keller, both of Larned, Kansas.
" Brother Clapper served the church faithfully in the ministry for almost forty-three years. He was elected to the ministry in 1871, and given the full ministry in 1887. Few men were more ready to be used by the Lord than Brother Clapper. He never needed to be urged, but was always ready to do service. He found a pulpit almost anywhere. Whether it was in a grove, in a school- house, or in a church, it made no difference. If a few hearers were together, he was ready to tell the story of a free salvation. He opened a number of new fields for our own church.
" Brother Clapper was one of the early missionaries of the church. He wore out, in his travels, a number of buggies and horseshoes for the church, and this too, at his own expense. He was delighted, a few years ago, when his second youngest daugh- ter, Grace, broke the glad news to him of her interest in the un- christed of China, and of her surrender to the Lord, to be used in that needy field. The Sunday-schools of Western Pennsylva- nia have asked Sister V. Grace Clapper to represent them on the China field.
"Brother Clapper's sermons were mostly doctrinal. He was an able defender of the practices of the Brethren Church. He was one of the strong advocates of the non-conformity principles to the end. In his last meeting with us, as officials, he plead earnestly for the order of the church.
"The Bible was his principal Textbook. He was well versed in the Scriptures, and his conversation was largely on the Scrip- tures and the work of the church. He was a pleasant conversa- tionalist and was very fond of company. His home was always a welcome place for strangers.
" He always plead strongly for the family altar in the home, and well he could, for his home had its regular altar from the first day of its beginning to the last. Brother Clapper found time, during his busy life on the farm, during his earlier life, to conduct twenty-two series of meetings and to bring nearly two hundred souls into the kingdom. His home work was first with the Yellow Creek and Everett churches, Pennsylvania. A few years were spent in Kansas. During the last eight years he lived in the Scalp Level church.
" Last December he contracted a cold, from which he could not get free. This finally developed into that dreaded disease, con- sumption. He was always a strong believer in the anointing, and twice during his illness he was anointed. His one desire was to be able to be healed, that he might do more for the church, but
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he always said, 'His will be done.' The writer has known Elder Clapper from his boyhood days. The same determination which was so manifest in his struggle for life to the last was one of the strong qualities throughout his career.
"The respect with which he was held was manifest in the large number of friends and neighbors of other denominations besides our own people at his funeral in the Scalp Level house. The funeral services were conducted by the writer, assisted by Breth- ren Albert Berkley and W. H. Fry. He was laid to rest in the Berkey cemetery. H. S. Replogle.
"Scalp Level, Pa., July 24, 1914."
GEORGE D. CLEAVER.
George D. Cleaver, the subject of this brief sketch, was born July 30, 1848, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Here he lived with his parents until 1869. Being now of age, he went to Bed- ford County, where he was married, and lived ten years. In 1879 he returned to Clearfield County with his family and has lived there ever since. He became a member of the Church of the Brethren in 1886, was called to the ministry in the Rockton congre- gation in 1887, and ordained to the eldership in 1912. As resident elder of the Rockton congregation he succeeded Elder J. H. Beer, who in turn had followed his father, Peter Beer. Elder Cleaver is the only elder in Clearfield County.
LEWIS COBAUGH.
Lewis Cobaugh, third son and sixth child of Brother Fred- erick and Sister Susan (Benshoff) Cobaugh, was born in Taylor Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1833. On his mother's side his ancestors were German, and on his father's side, Swiss, his grandfather having emigrated from Switzerland. His boyhood and youth were spent on his father's farm, where he acquired a knowledge of husbandry which enabled him to under- take the management of the farm at the age of 16, when his father died. When he became of age he bought this farm. In addition to the education received in the district school, he applied himself dil- igently to the study of theology and the acquirement of German and French in addition to English, which was his mother tongue. He taught school several terms. His interest in educational mat- ters continued unabated, and for many years he filled the office of school director.
He followed the occupation of his father (farmer) until March, 1869, when, with his family, he moved to Johnstown, and associated himself in business with Judge Mahlon W. Keim, conducting a gen- eral merchandise store and operating a tannery. These were in
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a flourishing condition when death suddenly cut short his earthly career.
September 17, 1854, he was married to Susan Berkey, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Wolford) Berkey, of Paint Township, Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, by Elder Christian Lehman. In the spring of 1855 he was elected to the ministry in the Conemaugh congregation. On the same day his wife was baptized. He had become a member of the church at about the age of sixteen. His careful and thorough home study enabled him to prepare himself for the ministry, and he ultimately became one of the most elo- quent and successful ministers of the Church of the Brethren in his day. His ministerial labors took him over parts of Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Bedford Counties. He represented his con- gregation in the District Meeting and he was clerk of the same. His services were principally in the English language, though upon request he sometimes used the German. His travel was prin- cipally on horseback and by buggy, and his services were all without remuneration.
He was the father of four children: Peter A., Sarah J., Han- nah B. and Paul J. He died Nov. 17, 1869, after living eight months in the city, and before his new house, which he had erected, was finished. He is buried in Grand View cemetery.
DOCTOR JOHN P. COBER.
Jolin P. Cober, son of Elder Peter Cober, was born on the Cober homestead, near Berlin, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1803. He lived his entire life in Brothers Valley, and was an enterprising citizen. He received such schooling as was available in his day, which was principally in German.
He was married to Miss Rosie Anne Putnam. They early identified themselves with the Church of the Brethren and con- tinued faithful to the end.
To Brother and Sister Cober were born six sons and four daughters. Several of the daughters were the wives of officials of the church. Professor Wesley H. Cober (Cover), who was a prominent schoolman in Somerset County, and at one time a prom- ising young minister, was his grandson.
Besides being a farmer and minister, Brother Cober was a physician of considerable note. His services were in demand far and wide. It is said of him that he purchased Dr. Fahrney's doctor books, and that after his day's work on the farm was com- pleted and his sermons were prepared, he would study medicine in these books. He raised many of the herbs used in his medi- cines in his own garden. He had two large gardens, side by side- one in which he raised garden vegetables and in the other one his
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herbs. Brother Cober was doubly helpful to the sick. He could give them medical help and spiritual counsel and encouragement.
His ministerial labors were confined principally to his home congregation and several of the neighboring ones. He died July 31, 1884, aged 81 years, 4 months and 5 days. As a minister, elder and doctor, he traveled extensively on horseback, and had a large circle of acquaintances and friends. While his education and preaching were in German, he spoke English fluently.
PETER COBER.
Peter Cober was born on a farm near Berlin, Somerset Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, May 24, 1776, where he always lived, and died October 20, 1854, aged 78 years, 4 months and 26 days. He was married to Elizabeth Landis, to which union were born five sons and two daughters. "It is thought that his father's name was also Peter, and there is considerable reason for supposing him to have been Lutheran or Reformed in his church relations."
He filled all the offices in the church from deacon to elder, but not many dates are available. He, with John Forney, was ordained to the eldership at Berkley's, "having a good report from those without as well as from those within." Elder Peter Forney, of Glendale, Arizona, writes that he often heard his father say that he (John Forney) and Peter Cober were elected to the deacon- ship at the same time, then chosen to the ministry, advanced to the second degree, and ordained to the eldership together, and they worked together, shoulder to shoulder, as long as they lived, without a clash.
Elder Cober was considered .an able minister, and traveled considerably on horseback, preaching in several counties, often three sermons a Sunday. He was one of the first bishops in the Berlin congregation. He did a good deal of preaching in the Quemahoning congregation, even after it was a separate con- gregation. His services were in the German language, and he was considered an able man in the ministry in his day.
Here I quote from his obituary: "Elder Peter Cober died October 20, 1854, in his 79th year. He has been an able minister in our church for the last forty years and one of our bishops for about twenty years. We suffered great loss in his removal. Yet we trust our loss is his gain. He leaves a widow, twelve children, forty-two grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Funeral text, Rev. 14: 13."
THURSTON RODNEY COFFMAN.
T. Rodney Coffman was born in Bakersville, Washington County, Maryland, June 27, 1873. His parents were Samuel and
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Elder T. Rodney Coffman.
Susan Coffman. His father's people were United Brethren, and his mother's were German Reformed. But both of his parents became members of the Church of the Brethren.
Rodney attended the public schools and took the teachers' examination. Later he took a business course at Wolf's Business College, Hagerstown, Maryland. After graduating he solicited for, and taught in, the college for three years.
On November 4, 1896, he was married to Miss Blanche E. Fahrney, after which he farmed for his father four years. On May 8, 1897, he and his wife were baptized by Elder D. Victor Long, and on the following Thanksgiving Day, November 25, he was elected to the ministry in the Manor congregation, Maryland. He took his turns with the other ministers in the regular preach- ing services. Besides, he filled appointments at three mission points in West Virginia; viz., Johnsontown, Broad Line and Martins- burg. In September, 1900, he was advanced to the second degree of the ministry.
After his call to the ministry he took some Bible work better to prepare himself for the Lord's work. October 16, 1900, he ac- cepted the call from the Tyrone church, Middle Pennsylvania.
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Here he labored three and one-half years. His next call was to the Parker Ford church, Eastern Pennsylvania, which he accepted. At this place he labored for the growth of the church and the salvation of souls for nine years. While serving here he was or- dained to the eldership December 10, 1911, by Elders J. T. Myers and J. P. Hetrick. It was during this pastorate that Elizabeth, their only child, was born into their home.
In the fall of 1912 he received the call from the Pittsburgh church, which he accepted, and was installed as the pastor on Sunday, February 2, 1913, by Elder D. H. Walker, the elder of the church. This position he still holds.
Elder Coffman has met with gratifying sucess in the evangel- istic field. His intention was, when he finished his school work, to read medicine, but being elected to the ministry he has given his time to the church as pastor and evangelist.
JOHN P. COLEMAN.
John P. Coleman, son of Millard F. and Mary (Gardner) Coleman, was born in the city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1888. He attended the public schools of the city until nearly thir- teen years of age, finishing the common schools. When John was but nine years old his father died, leaving a widow with six chil- dren to support.
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