USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania > Part 26
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His help being much needed, he started to work as a mes- senger boy in the purchasing department of the Lorain Steel Company in the fall of 1900. In November, 1901, he took up a business course in Rowe College, working in the day and going to school at night, graduating in June, 1903. In October before grad- uating he secured the position as stenographer in the office where he had been working, and later became clerk in the same depart- ment. He now has charge of the stationery department, takes care of the correspondence and writes up orders for material needed, in the same department.
John was for some years a member of the Methodist Church, but on October 7, 1909, he became a member of the West Johns- town church of the Brethren, and became active in church and Sunday-school work. On January 13, 1910, he was elected to the ministry. He has filled various positions in Sunday-school, having been superintendent of the Roxbury Sunday-school from July, 1912, to the close of 1915. For a number of years he has been church clerk.
(Portrait on Page 199.)
PHILIP F. CUPP.
Philip F. Cupp, son of John and Elizabeth (Shaver) Cupp, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, June 16, 1842. His parents
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were members of the Lutheran Church. He was afforded oppor- tunities to secure an education that placed him in the foremost ranks as a public school-teacher of his day. He taught ten win- ter terms of school, one in Jenner and nine in Somerset Town- ship. Besides being a teacher he followed farming, living near the present town of Listie, in Somerset Township.
He was married to Kate Speicher, daughter of Jacob P. and Sallie (Schrock) Speicher. Some time after his marriage he united with the Church of the Brethren, and became an active worker in the same. "He served the church in the capacity of deacon about eight years. His influence as a deacon was far- reaching, and his great desire and prayer was to live peaceably with all men. He seemed to have a special knack in settling diffi- culties between brethren, and a reconciliation was generally ef- fected. More than one church scandal was likely prevented through his tact in such matters."
After serving the church as deacon about eight years he was called to the ministry. His ministerial labors extended over a period of eleven or twelve years. Most of his preaching was done in his home congregation (the Brothers Valley). He always filled his appointments when his health would permit. His man- ner of life was a continual sermon to all who knew him. He was a great lover of music and was a leader of singing in his congre- gation for many years. He often sang when in the field at work and when traveling on the road. His love and sympathy extended not only to his fellow-men, but even the domestic as well as the wild animals seemed to know him.
He was superintendent of the Trent Sunday-school of the Brothers Valley congregation for a number of years. In fact, it was he who organized the first Brethren Sunday-school in Som- erset Township. This was about the year 1879. He was always sure to have not only his family to attend, but as many of his neighbors and friends as he could persuade. He always kept a conveyance of some kind, and this was generally filled with people whom he persuaded to go along to church and Sunday-school. He was at home in the Sunday-school, and there is where he did his most effective work for the Master in his early Christian life. His name appeared on the program of the first Sunday-school con- vention of the Western District of Pennsylvania, held in the Grove meetinghouse, September 23, 1879.
His interest in education never abated. He gave his chil- dren all the advantages along that line that he could, and so we find them all entering the ranks of the pedagogue, one after an- other, as they were old enough. Three of them were also grad- uates from Juniata College.
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He closed his earthly career at the age of 54, in the spring of 1897, and is buried in the Husband cemetery at Somerset. His was a short but useful life, indeed.
John J. Darr.
JOHN J. DARR.
John J. Darr, son of John and Catharine (Ellenberger) Darr, was born in what is now Lincoln Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1850. The Darr home was near the Case- beer Lutheran church of which the parents were members. Here John J. attended Sunday-school from the age of six to twenty- two. He served this school as secretary a number of years until the time he left the school.
Brother Darr married Mary Gnagey, daughter of Deacon Chris- tian C. Gnagey, September 2, 1873, Elder J. W. Beer officiating. He is a prominent farmer of Lincoln Township. Their children
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are: Annie M. (Shaffer), Charles Franklin, Sadie A. (Weighley), Harry Wilson, Edwin Garfield, Alvin C., Park G. and Carrie P. (Glessner). Besides farming Brother Darr taught eleven terms of school in his county. Being a great friend of education, he gave excellent opportunities to his children along educational lines, and five of them were school-teachers.
Brother Darr was baptized in March of 1873, in the Quema- honing congregation, by Jacob P. Speicher, being the only one of his father's family to belong to the Brethren. He served the church as deacon a number of years, and on September 22, 1890, he was elected to the ministry in the same congregation, where he has labored ever since. He served his township in the capacity of school director six years.
Elder John N. Davis and Wife.
JOHN N. DAVIS.
I quote, in part, from the Meyersdale Republican: "John N. Davis was for more than half a century a conspicuous figure in the affairs of Elk Lick Township, Somerset County. He was born April 8, 1835, and grew to manhood without any educational ad- vantages. He was about eighteen years of age before he received any schooling. Samuel J. Livengood (father of the present editor of the Republican) was, during the early fifties, teacher of the school at Blaugh's Saw Mill, on Tub Mill Run, when his atten- tion was attracted to young Davis, in whom he recognized much native ability. He encouraged the young man, hitherto untutored, to start to school, and to strive to obtain an education. Young Davis consented, but went to school only one month. But in that
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time he got such a good start, and acquired such a thirst for knowledge, that he continued to be a student the rest of his life, or until his mind began to fail.
" The writer often heard his father say that John N. Davis was a pupil he was proud of, and a man who deserved a great deal of credit for the education he acquired in spite of his limited op- portunities. Although he attended public school for but one month, Mr. Davis afterward went to a Summer Normal at Berlin `for one term. Here he fitted himself to pass the teachers' ex- amination, and for many years he was a successful teacher in his native township. Not content with becoming proficient in the three 'R's '-' Readin', 'Ritin' and 'Rithmetic'-the only three essen- tials of those pioneer days of public education, Mr. Davis studied other branches, and among other things fitted himself to be a sur- veyor. He also acquired a fair knowledge of geology and was well informed on many topics.
" In 1863 he enlisted in Co. K, 171st Pennsylvania Regiment, and served nine months in the field in the defense of his country. At the expiration of his nine months' enlistment, he, with many others of his regiment, reënlisted for as long a time as might be necessary to keep General Lee's army from invading Pennsylvania. As Lee was soon driven back to ' Dixie,' with no prospect of a sec- ond invasion of Pennsylvania, Mr. Davis was mustered out and returned home to engage in lumbering and shook-making, but was later again drafted for military service. Not finding it conven- ient to leave his business to take up arms again, and being a non- combatant in religion, he employed a substitute at a cost of $2,200 to take his place in the army. After the war he continued at lumbering, farming and surveying. He was one of the pioneers in dealing in timber and mineral lands in the Negro Mountains. He bought 15,000 acres of mountain land, which he disposed of to Eastern capitalists, and acted as agent for the purchasers for a number of years afterward.
"It was, however, as school director that Mr. Davis shone above all other respects. For many years he served on the school board of Elk Lick Township, acting as township superin- tendent a good portion of the time. He encouraged the young teachers, and the interests of the public schools were always close to his heart.
"In his young manhood Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Dinah Schrock, seven years his junior, who survives him. During the last few years of his life, when he was practically help- less, he was tenderly cared for by his wife and their youngest son, James and his wife, who live on the parental home."
Elder Davis united with the Church of the Brethren at Summit
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Mills, in March, 1865. He was elected deacon at the same place in October, 1879. He moved into the Elk Lick congregation in Au- gust, 1880. By letter he and wife became charter members of the "Peck church " of the above congregation, which by division was changed to Maple Glen congregation. Prior to this division he was elected to the ministry, May 5, 1886. He was advanced to the second degree of the ministry September 17, 1887, and ordained to the eldership September 27, 1896. He was a faithful minister and elder, taking an active part in the affairs of the District. His activities were confined principally to his home and neighboring . churches. Some years ago he was one of an Old Folks' Home Committee.
Elder and Sister Davis were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom survived him; also thirty-one grandchildren. En- dowed by nature with a brilliant intellect, he was a great mental and moral force in the community in which he lived until seven or eight years before he died, when failing memory conpelled him to retire from the ministry. He died February 28, 1913, aged 77 years, 10 months and 20 days. Funeral services were conducted in the Springs Mennonite church by J. C. Beahm, L. A. Peck and G. D. Miller (Mennonite), and interment was in Springs cemetery.
ALPHEUS DeBOLT.
Alpheus DeBolt is the son of Brother John and Sister Char- ity (Walters) DeBolt, who lived on the banks of the Mononga- hela River, near Masontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Here he (John) owned and operated a gristmill and sawmill. John DeBolt and his wife were members of the Church of the Brethren, he being a faithful deacon.
Alpheus was born February 23, 1844. A few years after this the father sold the mill and bought a farm near the Fair View church, about one and a fourth miles southeast of Masontown, where he died. When Alpheus was twenty years old, during the Civil War, he was drafted to go to the army. His father paid the commuta- tion fee of three hundred dollars and he was released.
In 1868 he was married to Miss Catharine Sterling, daughter of Deacon Jonathan Sterling, Elder Joseph I. Cover solemnizing the ceremony. On New Year's Day, 1872, they united with the church, being baptized by the same officiating minister.
His zeal and faithfulness as a lay member commending itself to the church, he was called to the office of deacon on October 7. 1881. After serving the church in this capacity about two years he was called to the ministry March 24, 1883. June 14, 1902, he was ordained to the eldership by Elders Josiah Berkley and W. A. Gaunt.
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1
Elder Alpheus DeBolt and Wife.
To Brother and Sister DeBolt were given seven children, of whom three died quite young. The others, having been brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, are members of the church. The hospitality of Brother DeBolt and his family is note- worthy. It is given in gospel measure, heaped up, pressed down and running over.
By his earnest and careful study of the Bible Brother DeBolt has acquired a substantial knowledge of the Scriptures, which, coupled with his natural ability, makes him a fluent conversation- alist. His sermons are forceful. In his ministerial duties he is greatly assisted by his wife, whose Christian character, hospital- ity and charitableness are of a high standard. Her seat in the sanc- tuary is seldom vacant when health permits.
JACOB DELL.
Jacob Dell was born on a farm near Bakerstown, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1829. Reared as a farmer's son he received a common school education. In 1850 he married Miss Mary Harmon. They raised a large family of children. The fam- ily resided in Bolivar, Westmoreland County, from 1850 till 1893, when they moved to Duquesne, Allegheny County.
For many years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
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Church, but about 1879 he and his wife were baptized into the Church of the Brethren by J. W. Smouse, who was at that time an active evangelist, and was holding a meeting in Bolivar. In 1882 he was called to the ministry in the Bolivar congregation. Here he labored as opportunity and ability permitted until he moved away. He was a faithful and willing brother.
He had served his country in the War of the Rebellion and by trade he was a brick moulder. He came to his death in the Car- negie Steel Works yard by being run down by a train May 8, 1899, at the age of 70 years, 4 months and 7 days. He was buried at Derry, Westmoreland County.
CHRISTIAN F. DETWEILER.
Christian F. Detweiler was born April 28, 1845, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Amish Mennonites and Christian was reared in that faith. He was married to Salome C. Zook, whose parents also were members of the same church. Her father was a minister and lived in Mifflin County.
Christian received his education in the public schools and in the Kishacoquillas Seminary. He began teaching at the age of sixteen and continued to teach for about twelve years. From Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, he moved to Knox County, Tennes- see, with a colony of Amish Mennonites in 1872. While living there he united with the Church of the Brethren, being baptized by Elder S. Z. Sharp. A few years later his wife also united with the Brethren, being baptized by Elder Jesse Crosswhite. About the year 1876 or 1877, he was elected to the ministry.
In 1880 he removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, into the Bear Creek church. From thence, two years later, he moved to Madison County, Indiana. After living there one year his wife died, leaving him with seven children, the oldest of whom was fourteen years and the youngest eighteen months of age. One year later, in 1884, he removed to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and became an active minister in the Johnstown congregation. The same year he married Esther B. Miller, a niece of Elder Jacob Miller, of Bedford County. To this union three children were born. Here he labored faithfully, doing a good deal of preaching in the old Horner house of the Conemaugh congregation. He died October 1, 1889, aged 44 years, 5 months and 3 days, and was buried on the Hill owned by Jacob Wertz. His widow and younger children moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and subsequently she was mar- ried to Jesse Layton. His children are members of the church, one of them, Anna Z. Blough, having been a missionary in India since 1903.
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Edgar Marion Detwiler and Wife.
EDGAR MARION DETWILER.
Edgar M. Detwiler was born on a farm near New Enterprise, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1883. He is the son of Elder David T. and Susan (Kagarise) Detwiler. His father, who has had the oversight of the New Enterprise congregation since 1912, is one of the active elders of the Middle District of Penn- sylvania, being at present the treasurer of the Mission Board, and in recent years has held quite a number of revival meetings in his District. After many years of ill health his mother quietly passed away on December 21, 1915. Though her suffering, at times, was great, she bore it all with Christian patience, never once complaining of her lot, but continually manifesting a deep and abiding trust in her Savior.
The subject of this sketch was born and reared on a farm. He received his early education in the public schools of South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, graduating therefrom in 1899. He began teaching at the age of seventeen, and taught in all nine terms in the public schools; six in Bedford County and three in Montgomery. He also assisted in conducting five Sum-
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mer Normals for teachers, serving as the principal for four of them. Early in life Brother Detwiler was inspired with the desire for a higher education than could be secured in his local com- munity. Acting upon this desire he interspersed his teaching with attendance at Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He was graduated from the normal English course in 1906, and from the college course in 1912. While a student he was active in Y. M. C. A. and other phases of religious work.
In the spring of 1906 the District Meeting of Middle Pennsyl- vania elected Brother Detwiler to the office of District Sunday- school Field Secretary. He served the District continuously in this capacity until removing from the District in the autumn of 1912. It was during his term of service that the Sunday-schools of the District adopted a constitution, and effected a District organization by electing departmental superintendents.
The religious life of Brother Detwiler properly began on the 29th day of February, 1896, when, at the age of twelve years, he united with the church. On December 29, 1906, he was called to the ministry by the New Enterprise church. He was advanced to the second degree in August, 1908, in the same congregation. After completing his college course, he took charge of the Nor- ristown church as their pastor, and served them as pastor until he was called to take pastoral charge of the Roxbury church of the West Johnstown congregation in the summer of 1915.
Brother Detwiler was united in marriage to Sister Anna Grace Brumbaugh, of Clover Creek, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1913. Sister Detwiler has had the experience of a number of terms' teaching in the public schools. She also spent several terms as a student at Juniata College. They are happily located at 14 Sell Street, in the new parsonage.
JOHN F. DIETZ.
Elder John F. Dietz was born in Somerset County, Pennsyl- vania, September 26, 1863. During his earlier boyhood his father was in the milling business, and he was yet quite young when he took a helping hand in the work. It soon became apparent that his aid was necessary to help support his father's growing family, and when he could be spared, he assisted the neighbors in their farm work.
Considerable time was spent on the F. O. Livengood farm, located on the beautiful Casselman River in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Brother Livengood was a very fine Christian gentleman, and took considerable pains to give good advice and assistance in the proper development of the grow- ing boy. Elder Dietz has a kindly regard for Brother Liven-
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John F. Dietz and Wife.
good, and remembers him with the most filial affection. Later, in turn, he worked with the lumbermen in the woods and in the sawmill. By this time his father quit the milling business and went to farming. Here he again took up the work and for some time helped on the farm.
At the age of eighteen he hired himself to Elder Peter Knavel and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. He remem- bers Elder Knavel very kindly, and remarks that in all their deal- ings and association, whether it pertained to business or church, there never was an unpleasant word between them. For a num- ber of years he was one of the leading contractors and builders in the Conemaugh Valley.
When fourteen years old he attended a Normal Training School. At seventeen he again attended a similar school with the express purpose to prepare for teaching. Having passed the examinations successfully he taught school the following winter. By hard study, unceasing efforts, and attending various Normal Schools, he obtained a liberal education. In all, he taught eleven terms of school. Whether in work or play, school or church, he soon forged himself to the front and became a recognized leader. He has one of the best private libraries in the Brotherhood, pos- sessing many books of splendid selection. These, including mis- cellaneous books, pamphlets and so forth, number possibly two thousand.
He united with the church of his choice when nineteen years of age, and was baptized by Elder Hiram Musselman in Paint Creek, just above the noted Paint Falls. The thermometer reg-
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istered below zero, and the ice lay fully two feet thick on the bosom of the stream. He regarded Elder Musselman as an ideal brother and often sought his companionship.
During his membership in the Shade Creek congregation, Brother Joseph Berkey was elder in charge, and while Brother Dietz lived in Roxbury, knowing that Elder Berkey was old, feeble and entirely blind, he determined to have one more conver- sation with him. On a cold, stormy winter day, he drove thirty- two miles to converse with the good old brother, receiving from him a splendid history of his long and useful service in the church. Brother Dietz, with his associates, Elders Jerome E. Blough and James F. Ream, and others, for some years was a leader in the Sunday-school work at Scalp Level, Pennsylvania. He was for years the church clerk of Shade Creek congregation.
He united in marriage with Jemima E. Blough, daughter of Elder Emanuel J. and Sarah (Barndt) Blough. To this union were born eight children, four sons and four daughters; namely, Lottie Alverta, Vernon Jay, Olive Pearl, Galen Royer, Norma Lou Etta, Elma Blanche, Emmert Roy and John Herschel.
Brother Dietz's idea of a companion in life was one who was consecrated to the church and devoted to her service. In this he made a wise choice, for in the many duties devolving upon him, she always proved a loving companion and a splendid helpmate. He did much baptizing and anointing of the sick; performed many marriage ceremonies and preached many funerals. No weather was too cold or inclement, no night too dark and no distance too great when the Lord called to service, and in all these arduous duties Sister Dietz neither offered a complaint nor a single mur- mur, but stood faithfully by the work, always giving it her en- couragement.
Brother and Sister Dietz went to housekeeping at Scalp Level, but in a few years moved to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he was elected to the ministry September 14, 1893. The next year he was advanced to the second degree of the ministry, and on June 28, 1900, he was ordained to the eldership in the West Johns- town congregation. He was the first resident elder of the West Johnstown congregation, and served it in that capacity for twelve years. His preaching and other services were much in demand. He served the church in many important positions, attending nu- merous Annual Meetings, and many District, Elders', `Sunday- school and Ministerial Meetings and various other conventions. His wife loved to accompany him, and did so when she could. He was often chosen as delegate to important meetings, and in 1910 represented the Western District of Pennsylvania on the Standing Committee at Winona Lake Conference.
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Elder Dietz stood for advanced ideas in all his work, believed in an educated ministry, was a firm advocate of the Brethren's schools, encouraged special training and preparation for church work, taught and exemplified the plain and simple life, upheld woman's suffrage and prohibition, and believed that the home is the greatest institution in the world.
During his leadership in the West Johnstown church, scores were added to the fold, one new church was built and three remod- eled, a number of brethren were elected to the ministry, more than a dozen brethren were called to the deaconship, and John H. Cas- sady was advanced to the eldership. Many brethren and sisters shared the comforts and hospitality of their home at number 41 Sell Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He now resides in Detroit, Michigan, where he is again a recognized leader in his chosen field.
SOLOMON E. DORER.
Solomon E. Dorer was born August 15, 1856, in Upper Yoder Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. His father, Crispin Dorer, came from Stantz, Switzerland. He was born September 19, 1829, and his parents were Roman Catholics. He emigrated to this country in 1850, and worked a while in Blair County. Coming to Johnstown he worked for Elder Jacob Stutzman, whose farm is now the eighth ward, Johnstown. Later he worked for his son, Abraham Stutzman, who persuaded him to read the New Testament. After many arguments he was finally converted and was baptized.
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