USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania > Part 36
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It was this interest in the children and young people that early prompted him to open a Sunday-school in the Scalp Level church, in 1878. He was the first superintendent, and filled that position for a number of years. This was one of the first Brethren Sunday- schools in all these parts. He also bore a large part of the expense of carrying on the school. Quite frequently would he buy books as presents for the officers and teachers. And so it naturally came to pass that when young people wanted to become man and wife they came to Brother Musselman, when they wanted to be baptized they came for Brother Musselman, and when death invaded the home, he was usually the one called to speak words of comfort. He seemed to be peculiarly adapted for this kind of work. Well, there may have been other reasons that played some part in this. He lived in town, and hard by the creek, and had considerable leis- ure.
He married 215 couples, but no record was kept of the bap- tisms, funerals and anointings. For a number of years he did the most of that work. For some years he gave a present of a hymn book to all whom he baptized, and in his will he made provision to give Bibles to all new converts. This is carried out as far as the money reaches. The hymn most used by him at baptism was number 240 in the hymn book, the first verse of which runs thus:
"In all my Lord's appointed way, My journey I'll pursue; Hinder me not, you much-loved saints, For I must go with you."
After he was a minister he missed few, if any, District and An- nual Meetings. Beginning in 1872, he served the District in the
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capacity of treasurer continuously for more than twenty years, with the exception of one year. He represented Western Penn- sylvania on the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting, held at Pertle Springs, Missouri, in 1890.
He did considerable traveling over the District in the interests of the church, but his best work was done in his home congrega- tion, where he was always ready to help in every good work, both with his means and his time.
Elder and Sister Musselman reared Lizzie (Yoder) Rodgers, and they live together at the present time. Beside remembering many of his relatives in his will, he also made bequests to a cem- etery fund, home and world-wide missions and Juniata College.
He died December 9, 1900, aged 73 years, 6 months and 4 days, and is buried in the Berkey cemetery. J. J. Shaffer officiated at his funeral, assisted by other brethren.
THE MYERS FAMILY.
This name seems to have been originally written " Moyer," then "Meyer," and at present is written " Meyers " and " Myers." Some- time toward the close of the eighteenth century four brothers, Michael, Rudolph, Henry and Christian Meyers (Moyer), came to Somerset County from what is now Lebanon County, Pennsyl- vania. It is not known whether they came at the same time nor whether they were accompanied by their parents. There was a George Myers in Elk Lick Township as early as 1784. Whether he was the father of the above brothers, or a brother, I cannot say. One Abram Myers died in Elk Lick Township in 1832, whose sons were John, Henry, Michael, Jacob and Samuel.
It is possible that the Myerses were not Dunkers, but that Michael and Christian became such through the influence of their wives. It is the descendants of these two families we want to notice.
Michael Myers married Miss Mary Buechly, daughter of Elder Michael Buechly, of Elk Lick, near Meyersdale. The date of his election to the ministry is unknown, but Holsinger's History is authority for the statement that when Elder John Keagy moved to Ohio, in 1806, Brother Myers was ordained to take his place. He is, therefore, the second elder ordained in this valley. He presided over an extensive membership for thirty years and died in the spring of 1836. Five of Elder Myers' sons were called to the ministry and one to the deacon office; viz.,
1. Elder Henry Myers, who was married to Anne Lichty, daughter of Joseph Lichty. He was the first elder in the Middle Creek congregation, where he served till he moved West, about 1854.
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2. Elder Jacob Myers, who was married to Hannah Lichty, daughter of Christian Lichty. See his biography.
3. Elder John B. Myers, who was married to Barbara Miller, daughter of " Big" Abraham Miller. He was elected to the min- istry in the Elk Lick congregation and moved to Ohio in 1854.
4. Elder Martin Myers, who was married to Anna Witt. He was elected to the ministry in the Middle Creek congregation, also moved West, and died in Kansas.
5. Elder Michael Myers, who was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Christian Lichty. See his biography.
6. Samuel Myers, who was a deacon.
Coming to the third generation we have two of Elder Henry Myers' daughters, Polly and Sally, married to two ministers; viz .; Solomon Lichty and David Livengood, respectively. Of Elder Jacob Myers' sons, Tobias was an elder and Jacob a deacon. Of Elder John B. Myers' sons, Abraham and Jacob were deacons. Of Deacon Samuel Myers' sons, John S. was a deacon and William S. a (silent) minister.
In the fourth generation we find two of Elder Tobias Myers' sons, Jacob T. and Tobias T., in the eldership. Two of William S. Myers' sons, Joseph W. and Mahlon, are deacons.
In the fifth generation, two of Joseph W. Myers' sons, W. H. and Samuel A., are ministers.
Christian Myers (Moyer) was born in Lebanon County in about 1763, and came to Somerset County in the eighties of the eighteenth century. Here he married Miss Barbara Buechly, daughter of Elder John M. Buechly. His sons were: John, Michael, Abraham, Joseph, Henry, Jacob and Peter. Of this generation, Abraham was the only minister. See his biography.
In the third generation we find Joseph B., son of Elder Abra- ham, called to the ministry, though he did not serve. Abraham's daughter, Mary, was the wife of Elder David D. Horner. Henry's son, Henry Smith Myers, is an elder in the Brethren Church, though formerly an elder in the Church of the Brethren. John H. Myers, son of Joseph, was an elder, and his half-brother, Josiah, was a deacon.
In the fourth generation, Elder Jonathan D. Myers, of Robins, Iowa, is a son of Deacon Josiah Myers. His brother, Michael, was a deacon. Cyrus E. Myers, a minister, is a son of Jacob L. Myers, and Frank Blaine Myers, a minister, is a son of Deacon William H. Myers.
ABRAHAM MYERS.
Abraham Myers, son of Christian and Barbara (Beachly) My- ers, was born near Berlin, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1799.
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He was married to Miss Rebecca Kimmel, daughter of Solomon Kimmel, of Somerset County. When about twenty-three years of age he removed to Westmoreland County, settling in the Ligonier Valley, about two miles from Ligonier. He was a prosperous farmer. He owned an excellent farm of 720 acres, which he brought to a high state of improvement and cultivation.
His call to the ministry in the Jacobs Creek congregation took place when he was between thirty and thirty-three years of age. His services were mostly in the German, though he could also preach in English. He is said to have been very successful in church work.
Elder and Sister Myers had the following children: Catharine, wife of D. D. Worman; Mary, wife of Elder D. D. Horner; Jo- seph B., Jacob L., Abraham, who died at the age of twenty; John K., deceased; Sarah, wife of Isaac Horner; Anna, wife of Christian Ebersole; William H., Barbara, wife of Samuel Kimmel, and Re- becca, wife of John Berkley.
Elder Myers died February 2, 1872, aged 72 years, 4 months and 1 day. Sister Myers, who was born October 3, 1810, died March 10, 1895.
CYRUS E. MYERS.
Cyrus E. Myers, son of Jacob L. and Catharine (Horner) My- ers, was born September 18, 1864, near Mt. Pleasant, Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania. He was reared on the farm and given good school advantages. In addition to the common and select school, he attended the Mt. Pleasant Institute. He taught school and spent the fall term of 1888 in Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
He was married to Miss Sudie E. Kimmel, April 16, 1889, and they began their married life on a farm near Mt. Pleasant. In 1891 they bought a farm near Shelocta, Indiana County, Pennsyl- vania, where they have followed farming ever since.
In June, 1886, he gave his hand to the church and was bap- tized by Elder Abraham Summy. In 1887 he was called to the min- istry in the Jacobs Creek congregation, and was advanced in 1900.
JACOB MEYERS.
Jacob Meyers was a son of Elder Michael Meyers, one of the first elders in Somerset County, and was born and reared near Berlin. Here he lived and labored a number of years, having served in the eldership for some time.
He died July 7, 1852, aged 57 years, 6 months and 15 days. His disease was gangrenous erysipelas, commencing on the little finger of the left hand, and it baffled the skill of all the physi- cians. "Shortly before he died, on Saturday evening at 5 o'clock,
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he gave out a hymn and sang it with his family and neighbors, and then exhorted them all very sensibly how they should walk and persevere in the way to heaven, and at 7 o'clock he breathed his last. He told his family and friends that there was a crown of righteousness laid up for him and all the righteous."
The above is gathered from his obituary notice in the Gospel Visitor of that time.
JOHN H. MYERS.
John H. Myers, son of Joseph and Susannah (Hochstetler) Myers, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1845. He was reared on his father's farm, and received a fairly good edu- eation. In 1866 he was married to Miss Annie Barron, also of Som- erset County.
He was called to the deacon office in the Middle Creek eongre- gation in 1872, and ealled to the ministry in the same church in 1875. After preaching a few years he moved to Markleysburg, where he was ordained in 1880. He moved back to Somerset in 1893, lived there ten years and in 1903 moved to Markleysburg again, where he died August 11, 1913. He was an invalid a num- ber of years. He was an evangelist of note. To Brother and Sis- ter Myers were born: Alice, Ira Benton, deceased, Sarah Miriam, Dr. Herbert Paul and George Barron (deceased). His widow still resides in Markleysburg, Pennsylvania.
MARTIN L. MYERS.
Martin L. Myers was the youngest son of Elder Michael My- ers, Sr., and was married to Anna Witt. For the following sketch of his long and useful life I am indebted to William H. Welfley, of Somerset:
"The subject of this sketeh, the last and youngest survivor of a noted family of preachers, died at his home near Morrill, Kan- sas, April 4, 1895, in his eighty-first year. He was born and reared in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. His education was limited to less than six months' schooling. Being endowed with strong will power, he educated himself by his own efforts to the position of a teacher. He taught thirteen terms of school under the old regime of discipline, before the free school system came in vogue.
" In 1853 he was elected county surveyor of Somerset County. He was a farmer and continued in that occupation as long as he was able to do the physical work.
"In 1863 he moved to Carroll County, Illinois, and in 1882 to his last home on earth at Morrill, Kansas.
" Elder Myers labored in the ministry a full half century, while eternity alone will reveal the full returns of his ministerial labors. "Elder Myers was somewhat unique in his psychological
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make-up. The most observable feature was that of a patriarchal autonomy. His word to his children was law, and while the chil- dren at the time may have thought his mandates rigorous and se- vere, they discovered later on that there was always a mild and tender heart within and a silver lining in the cloud.
" His early ministry was a success, especially as long as he labored in the German language. His ministry was characterized by the same unflinching, indomitable and indcfatigable spirit of vim, push and perseverance as were his sccular affairs.
" Fifteen grown sons and daughters survive him, several of whom reside in and near Morrill. Many of his relatives continue to reside in Somerset County, Pennsylvania."
MICHAEL MYERS.
Brother Chambers is authority for the following incident in the ministry of Brother Myers: Once, while visiting in the Ryer- son Station congregation, he had two appointments for preach- ing at different places one Lord's Day. In order to reach the even- ing appointment in time it was necessary not to prolong the morn- ing service. So at the close of the morning sermon he called on Brother Pletcher to close the service. Brother Pletcher, like many of the home preachers, wanted to be heard, too, whether edifying to the congregation and the minister in charge or not, and so started in on what promised to be a lengthy talk. Brother Myers, being a singer, as well as a preacher, began singing the hymn, "O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight." Brother Pletcher, taking the advice of Paul, 'Let all things be done decently and in order,' took his seat at once.
I learn that the above Michael Myers is a son of the first Elder Michael Myers. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Chris- tian Lichty. He moved to Westmoreland County, where he was called to the ministry. (He might have been called in Somerset County.) He was considered an able minister, and traveled a good deal in Westmoreland, Fayette and Greenc Countics, preaching.
In 1854 he moved West. His wife and daughter died on the way of cholera, and he died in 1855 in Wisconsin.
TOBIAS MYERS.
Tobias Myers was born near Berlin, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1826. Brother Mycrs was a descendant of a noted family that came from the eastern part of the State during the latter part of the eighteenth century, and settled on a farm adjoining Berlin, where his father, Jacob Myers, lived and died. His grandfather was Elder Michael Myers.
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He was married to Eliza Berkley. For a number of years they lived near Berlin, on the farm now owned by Lewis Berkley, a nephew. Some time in the fifties he moved to Milford Township, where he was elected to the ministry. In 1876 he removed to Car- roll County, Illinois. In 1887 he came to Sheldon, Iowa, where his wife died in 1893. Since that time he lived a retired life, but spent much of his time in the service of his Master, in the min- istry.
Brother Myers was elected to the ministry over fifty years ago, and served in the eldership nearly forty years. He did not have the advantage of a liberal education, but was a close observer and a constant reader. He learned in the school of experience and closely watched happenings in everyday life. While living in Philadelphia, with his sons, he did considerable preaching in the East, especially in New Jersey. Some years ago he represented the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on the Standing Committee.
" Brother Myers was an extensive traveler, and preached in many pulpits of the Brotherhood. He was a remarkable man in many respects. He was favored with a fine physique, walked up- right, and stood erect in the pulpit, where he loved to be. His very appearance made a good impression before an audience. He looked upon the bright side of life, and was not inclined to worry and complain. He enjoyed life, allowing no evil forebodings to enter his mind. He looked forward with bright anticipations to the fu- ture. He was an optimist in the true sense of the word. He preached twice, one Sunday, only a few weeks before his death. He was never sick, and up to the last was in excellent health and spirits, for one of his age.
" About five weeks before his departure he came to Brother E. L. Knepper's home, full of ambition for the sugar season, as he was an expert in the art of making maple syrup and sugar, and usually spent the spring season at the home of Brother Knepper, his nephew. One morning, after partaking of breakfast, as usual, and while sitting in his chair, he was stricken with paralysis. After battling vigorously, for six days, against the effects of the stroke, he sank into a peaceful death, March 10, 1914, aged 88 years, 2 months and 24 days."
His wife and three sons preceded him in death. He is survived by his one son, Elder T. T., and three daughters, another son, Elder J. T., dying October 1, 1915, in Philadelphia.
Funeral services were conducted at the Knepper home by Eld- ers J. J. Shaffer and W. G. Schrock from Acts 13: 36. His remains were taken, by his son, T. T. Myers, to Sheldon, Iowa, and in- terred by the side of his wife in the family cemetery.
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WALTER N. MYERS.
Walter N. Myers, second son of Adam and Frances (Long) Myers, was born September 30, 1869, in Cherry Hill Township, In- diana County, Pennsylvania. He has always lived in the township in which he was born. His common school education was sup- plemented by one term of select school.
He was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Shank on September 29, 1892. He and his wife were baptized in the spring of 1896 by Elder Jasper Barnthouse. He was elected to the ministry in 1901, advanced to the second degree in 1902, and ordained to the elder- ship June 19, 1910, all in the Manor congregation, where he still labors. Elder Myers frequently represents his congregation at the District Meetings. Their only daughter also is a member of the church.
(Portrait on Page 128.)
J. Lloyd Nedrow, Wife and Child.
J. LLOYD NEDROW.
J. Lloyd Nedrow, youngest son of John M. and Mary Nedrow, was born on the top of the Laurel Hill Mountain, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1885. He had good educa- tional advantages, so far as the public schools are concerned, from the age of six years until grown up. When he reached the age of twenty-four he taught two terms in the public schools. Being the youngest son in the family his father had need of him on the farm until he was married.
On September 17, 1899, he united with the church in the Indian Creek congregation, since which time he has filled such positions
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in Sunday-school as teacher, chorister, secretary and superintend- ent. On March 31, 1906, he was elected deacon, and on October 7, 1911, he was called to the ministry in the Indian Creek congrega- tion, and was advanced to the second degree November 28, 1914. Since the organization of the Trout Run congregation, he has been one of the ministers of that congregation.
December 24, 1911, he was united in marriage to Miss Sadie M. Reese, of Fayette County. He is employed at the "Big Springs" as general manager and caretender, where he has lived nearly four years.
EMANUEL ELMER NEIDERHISER.
To Norman Elmer and Keturah (Hays) Neiderhiser were born three sons and ten daughters, of whom Emanuel Elmer is the oldest. He was born November 29, 1892, at Pleasant Unity, West- moreland County, Pennsylvan'a, and was reared on the farm. His education was obtained by attending eight terms of public school, since which time he has been employed on the farm and at several public enterprises.
Brother Neiderhiser was reared in the faith of the Brethren, and during a series of meetings held in the Mt. Joy house of the Jacobs Creek congregation, by Charles O. Beery, he yielded his young life to the Master and was baptized June 18, 1905. The fa- ther, Elmer Neiderhiser, was reared in the Lutheran faith, but after his marriage, he, with his companion, became a member of the Church of the Brethren, and he was later called to the deacon- ship, which office he still fills. The mother was brought up in the faith of the Brethren, having inherited that faith, through succes- sive generations, from her great-grandmother.
On May 30, 1912, Brother Neiderhiser was united in marriage to Miss Elma Goldie Seighman, and on March 27, 1915, he was elected to the ministry in the Jacobs Creek congregation, where he now labors.
(Portrait on Page 107.) DAVID OBER.
David Ober, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hoover) Ober, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1814. His par- ents were of German descent, and were members of the River Brethren Church. His opportunities for an education were limited to the common schools of the county. He was a plasterer by trade. May 9, 1839, he was married to Miss Catherine Chrissinger, of Westmoreland County. Nine children blessed this union.
He and his wife united with the Church of the Brethren in Fayette County. On May 13, 1855, he was called to the office of deacon, and later to the ministry. This was in Fayette County.
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Here he labored until he was sixty-one years of age, when, with his family, he moved to a farm in Cherry Hill Township, Indiana County. This was in the Manor congregation. Here he labored the remainder of his days. It seems that he was ordained in the Manor congregation about 1870. His services were altogether in the En- glish language, and extended beyond the borders of his home con- gregation. He was always ready to perform his part of the work of the church, and was very punctual in attending meetings.
He solemnized quite a number of marriages, frequently offici- ated at funerals and baptized a good many persons. He died on his farm. March 14, 1886, and was buried in the Crooked Creek cemetery.
SAMUEL W. PEARCE.
Samuel W. Pearce, son of Isaac and Jane (Young) Pearce, was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1867. He came to Johnstown when but a child, in 1878, where he has since resided.
He was married to Miss Minnie Harshberger, daughter of John M. and Katie (Wertz) Harshberger, on September 25, 18 .. Their married life so far was spent in the seventh ward, city of Johnstown, where they. now reside. Their children are: Ethel F., Ivan E., and Velma J.
Brother Pearce united with the Johnstown Church of the Brethren September 26, 1894, and since that time has been an active Sunday-school and church worker .. In the same congregation he was called to the ministry on March 29, 1900. Some time later he was installed and in the course of time advanced to the second degree of the ministry, and on May 3, 1914, he was ordained to the eldership. Since Elder Howe has removed from the congrega- tion Brother Pearce has been elder in charge of the large congre- gation.
(Portrait on Page 117.) JACOB W. PECK.
Jacob W. Peck, a successful farmer of Summit Township, Som- erset County, and a minister in the Church of the Brethren, de- scends from one of the old families of the county. He was born in what was formerly Addison (now Elk Lick) Township, June 18, 1845, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Maust) Peck, the grandson of John Jacob and Annie (Olinger) Peck, and the great- grandson of John Adam and Katarina Fillabina (Smith) Peck.
John Adam Peck, the great-grandfather, was born in Switz- erland, of German parents, about 1750. He came to America in the ship "Hamilton," sailing from Rotterdam, on October 6, 1767, landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On April 12, 1772, he
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married Katarina Fillabina Smith. They settled on a farm in Ad- dison Township, Somerset County. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters; viz., John Jacob, John, John Daniel, John George, John Peter, Henry, whose given name was most likely John; Catherine and Elizabeth.
John Jacob Peck, above, was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1773. He was a farmer and helped clear the homestead farm in Elk Lick. He was a religious man and a member of the Church of the Brethren. He married Annie Olinger December 22, 1799. To them were born the following children: Susannah, Mary D., John, Sarah, Catharine, Jacob, Jonas, John, Elias, Lydia D .. Eliza, Moses and Daniel. John Jacob Peck died March 2, 1852.
John Peck, the eighth child of John Jacob and Annie Peck, was born in Elk Lick September 18, 1813. He was an extensive stock raiser as well as a farmer and at one time owned a farm of 800 acres. He also was a member of the Church of the Brethren and an influential citizen. He married Elizabeth Maust, November 13, 1837. Miss Maust was born May 1, 1818, and was a daughter of Abraham Maust. Their children are: William, Mahlon, Abraham, Jacob W., Sarah Ann, Magdalena, Lewis A., Elizabeth, Jonas and Susan. Brother Peck died May 1, 1890, and Sister Peck September 22, 1896.
Jacob W. Peck.
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Elder Jacob W. Peck was educated in the public schools. He has been a farmer all his life. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Beachley) Flickinger, December 29, 1872. Sister Peck was born November 29, 1849. Their children are: Cora Alice, Lloyd Dillon, John Elmer, Emma May, Carrie, Mis- souri, Sadie Pearl, and Robert Earl. All received a good educa- tion and all are members of the Church of the Brethren.
After having lived on several other farms, Brother Peck, in 1884, bought a fine 192-acre farm near Meyersdale, where he still resides. Brother Peck has been director of the poor for Somerset County and was president of the board that erected the building for the insane. For fifteen years he was township auditor; he also served on the board of supervisors. In 1900 he was United States census enumerator.
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