USA > Pennsylvania > History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania > Part 42
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Here the Wolfe family lived thirteen years and the two sons, Jacob, who was the oldest, and George, grew to manhood. They had practically no educational advantages. In 1800 the father and sons built a raft on which they loaded the family and their be- longings, and sailed down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, till they came to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, where they landed. There, with some other members who had already located there, probably from North Carolina, they formed a splendid church colony in the wilderness. Elder Casper Rolland was the first minister to settle in the State, and Elder John Hendricks, of North Carolina, was the next.
March 3, 1803, George Wolfe, Jr., married Miss Anna Hunsick- er, the only unmarried woman in the community. Five years lat- er, in 1808, young George and his brother Jacob emigrated to Illi- nois and settled in Union County. Jacob Wolfe was the father of Elder George Wolfe, of California. The next year, 1809, the Elder George Wolfe, Sr., whose home was still in Kentucky, traveled through Southwestern Missouri and Southern Illinois on a preach- ing tour, and on his way home took sick at the old town of Kas- kaskia, about fifty miles northwest of where his two sons were living, and died and was buried at that place. His death was prob- ably the first among the members in the State. In 1812 George, Jr., and Jacob, with their wives and about ten others, were bap- tized in Clear Creek by Elder John Hendricks, of Kentucky. The same year George was called to the ministry and Jacob to the deacon office. In 1813 George was ordained to the eldership by Elders John Hochstetler and Hahn, of Kentucky. This was the first ordination by the Brethren in Illinois.
Elder Wolfe became a powerful preacher, preaching fifty-three years in all, nineteen in Union County, and the rest in Adams County, where he moved in August, 1831. While living in the lat- ter place he also visited the churches in Morgan, Sangamon and Macoupin Counties every year for thirty years. November 16, 1865, in his eighty-sixth year he died, and was buried near Liberty, Adams County, Illinois. He was the father of six sons and two daughters.
WILLIAM EDWARD WOLFORD.
William E. Wolford, youngest son of Jacob Lohr and Catharine (Rummel) Wolford, was born near the present town of Jerome, Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1877. His father was for many years a deacon in the Quema- honing and Ligonier Valley congregations. When William was one and a half years old the family moved to Waterford, West-
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William E. Wolford and Family.
moreland County, Pennsylvania. There, with his brothers and sis- ters, he grew to manhood.
During a series of meetings held in Waterford by H. S. Rep- logle, in 1900, William gave his heart to God, and was baptized. Feeling that he had missed a great deal by delaying his return to the Father so long, he at once began taking an active part in the religious activities of the little church, and on June 20, 1901, he was elected deacon. One year and one day later, June 21, 1902, he was called to the ministry. In 1904 he was forwarded to the second degree of the ministry by Brethren R. A. Nedrow and M. J. Weaver.
Brother Wolford received only a common school education, and because of lack of better Bible training he feels that he can not do as much for the Lord's cause as he would like to. How- ever, ever since he has been a Christian he has aimed to teach and preach the Word in its purity, that men and women might hear and live. He is especially interested in the young members, whom he tries to encourage in every way, for he realizes what he missed by spending his younger days in sin. He feels that the Lord has called him to stay by the home church.
In the year 1896 he was united in marriage to Clare D. Beam, daughter of John T. and Lavina C. Beam. To them were born six daughters and one son. In 1906 with his family he moved to Reedley, California. While there he helped in the erection of the new church at that place, served as superintendent of the Sunday- school a year, and did some preaching and baptizing. After living there eighteen months they returned to Waterford, where they have since lived.
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GEORGE WOOD.
George Wood was a son of Bernard and Hannah (Pulman) Wood, and was born in Seneca County, New York, October 8, 1819. His educational advantages were limited, yet by making use of every opportunity he secured an education that enabled him to teach several terms of subscription school.
He was married three times. He married Julian Noble, Oc- tober 22, 1843. She died while yet a young woman. July 15, 1858, he was married to Mary Helm. His third marriage took place August 12, 1890, and was to Jane Courtney. He was the father of about twenty children, of whom eleven still live.
He took an interest in the affairs of the township, serving as justice of the peace a number of years. However, he never held a lawsuit, but settled many a trouble by arbitration.
He was elected to the ministry about 1855 in the Clarion church, and not many years later advanced to the eldership. His ministerial labors were performed principally in Clarion, Venango and Forest Counties. He did a great deal of horseback travel- ing over a large territory. To support so large a family made it difficult to attend District and Annual Meetings very frequently, but he did so as much as he was able.
He died July 31, 1895, aged 75 years, 9 months and 23 days. "At Elder Wood's funeral 149 vehicles left the Wood home in procession. Passing a church (the funeral being on Sunday) the worshipers with their pastor joined the procession. When the cortege arrived at the church where the funeral services were an- nounced to be held, there was found a concourse of people large enough to fill the audience room. It is estimated that about 800 found entrance into the church, and at least twice that num- ber had to content themselves to remain outside. After an ad- dress by the writer of this, all this large concourse of people had a last and respectable leave-taking of Elder Wood's remains, after which they were consigned to the tomb, between two wives who were already sleeping there, all awaiting the first and glorious resurrection " (Joseph Holsopple). He was buried in the Phipp's cemetery, where the Brethren meetinghouse stood at the time of his death.
GEORGE E. YODER.
On January 20, 1884, on a farm in the southern part of Somer- set County, Pennsylvania, there was born to Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Yoder a son who was named George. Being a healthy child he was especially noted for his energetic characteristics, which made him very mischievous, so much so that it often caused his parents and grandfather no little anxiety.
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At an early age George was taken to Sunday-school, where at about the age of eight he received his first call of the Spirit to the higher life. However, like many others, he put off the im- portant step in life until October, 1896, when, during a series of meetings held by Brother Daniel Stouffer, he gave his young heart to God and was baptized. After the baptism Brother Stouffer pointed him out as the preacher of the bunch, which prophecy was fulfilled later.
In the fall of 1903 his parents decided to send him to school, and as the result, one September day, with a somewhat heavy heart, he landed at Prince William Academy, Virginia. The first year he completed a land and mine engineering course, but at the sacrifice of his strong nervous system. He suffered a nervous collapse in the spring of 1904, from which he has not yet fully recovered. The next year he spent in school again, taking some literary work. After this he spent several years with his father on the farm, in order to regain his broken-down health.
He took an active part in the work of the church in the Elk Lick congregation. In the fall of 1905 he was elected to the dea- con office, and in March, 1906, he was called to the ministry, all in the Elk Lick congregation. On March 10, 1912, in the Summit Mills congregation, of which he was then pastor, he was ordained to the eldership. Beginning May 1, 1909, he served the Summit Mills congregation as pastor four years, when he again went to the farm to regain lost health.
He then took the pioneer preacher's plan-working five and six days in the week and preaching on an average two sermons each Sunday. He made monthly visits to Accident, Maryland, and to Maple Grove, Maryland, preaching, three sermons a trip. On off Sundays he usually preached for the home congregation until Brother B. F. Waltz was secured as pastor.
In November, 1915, Elder Yoder accepted a call to the pas- torate of the church in Norristown, Pennsylvania, expecting to enter upon his duties January 1, 1916. But having recently passed through a severe spell of sickness, that move is delayed until health returns. Elder Yoder has done some fruitful work in the evangelistic field.
One of the most important events in the life of Brother Yoder occurred on February 21, 1906, when he was united in holy wed- lock to Miss Clara Beachy, of Sugar Creek, Ohio. Though un- known at the time of their marriage that she was to be a " preach- er's little wife," yet she has proved herself to be well qualified for that life of sacrifice. Though not without sorrow and disap- pointment, yet the Lord has richly blessed them and made their sojourn most pleasant.
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SAMUEL P. ZIMMERMAN.
Samuel P. Zimmerman, the oldest son of Peter and Sarah (Ream) Zimmerman, was born in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1844. He received such education as was available for farmer boys in the public schools of his day. His religious training was above the ordinary of his day, his father being a very pious man, and very strict in the observance of the Lord's Day. He was brought up in the faith of the Reformed Church.
On November 12, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Beam, oldest daughter of Brother C. Isaiah and Sister Catharine (Meyers) Beam, Brother Jacob D. Miller officiating. In October, 1873, he united with the Church of the Brethren, and a year later was called to the ministry in the Quemahoning con- gregation, where he has ever since labored.
September 3, 1904, he and P. J. Blough were ordained to the eldership. Brother Zimmerman has been one of the most active and zealous of the Quemahoning ministers. He has always lived in the same congregation. He first lived a mile south of Jenners, in Jenner Township, but in order to have better church facilities for his growing family, and also in order to be more centrally located in his large congregation, he moved to a farm near the present town of Jerome.
Brother Zimmerman, having been given Sunday-school ad- vantages in his boyhood, and knowing the value of the same, was largely instrumental in starting the first Sunday-school in the Maple Spring meetinghouse.
Two daughters and two sons blessed Brother Zimmerman's home. The two daughters are deaconesses. The oldest son is a minister, and has for fifteen years made his home in the West, principally in Waterloo, Iowa. He has been both student and teacher in Bethany Bible School, has held a number of series of meetings, and at the Annual Conference of 1914, at Seattle, Wash- ington, was appointed a member of the General Sunday-school Committee of the church.
His wife died September 15, 1896, and December 26, 1904, he was married to Sister Agnes Blough. Besides being one of the active elders in his home church he has for several years been the elder in charge of the Chess Creek congregation, where he has done considerable hard work.
Elder Zimmerman has married thirty-five couples, baptized 235 applicants and officiated and assisted in the preaching of 261 funerals.
(Portrait on Page 158.)
CHAPTER XV.
Ministers Who Have Left Us.
On the following pages will appear the names of ministers who were produced in our District, but who have gone elsewhere to work for the Master. Some were elected here, while others were elected after leaving us. No claim is made for the complete- ness of the list.
Wesley A. Adams, reared in Somerset County; a school teacher; elected to the ministry in the Middle Creek congrega- tion in 1875; moved to Johnstown, Pennsylvania; in the division went with the Brethren (Progressives); a merchant and a local minister in Johnstown.
Charles Asquith, moved from Western Pennsylvania to Black- hawk County, Iowa, and was called to the ministry in the South Waterloo congregation.
J. H. Baker, born in Fayette County, September 23, 1846; mar- ried Sarah E. Cover, September 3, 1868; a member more than forty years; was deacon, minister and elder; elder nearly twen- ty-five years; moved to Astoria, Illinois, 1885; preached his last sermon from his wheel-chair about a year before his death; often since then expressed a great desire to be able to go to the church and preach one more sermon; was a strong, able minister, loved by all; died in Astoria, Illinois, September 5, 1915, aged 68 years, 11 months and 12 days; buried in Woodland cemetery.
Samuel W. Bail is a native of Washington County, Pennsyl- vania, his ancestors having been members of the Ten Mile church of the Brethren. Samuel, himself, for many years worshiped here, and in 1901 he was called to the ministry. In 1906 he was installed. He spent some time in Dr. King's School of Oratory, and did con- siderable traveling. He filled the pulpit in the Pittsburgh church for a time. He moved to Arcadia, Florida, in 1914.
Jessie L. Beal, reared in Somerset County, called to the min- istry in the Indian Creek congregation, moved to Blackhawk County, Iowa, and served in the ministry in the South Waterloo congregation, Iowa.
Josiah Beeghly, born near Berlin, Somerset County; when quite young moved with his parents to near Accident, Maryland; thirteen years a deacon; called to the ministry in Maryland; twen-
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ty-eight years a minister; stood high in the church; died near Sabetha, Kansas, July 22, 1898, aged 77 years, 2 months and 5 days.
Samuel A. Beeghly was called to the ministry in the Glen Hope congregation; lived around Johnstown several years, and when last heard from was living in Connellville, Pennsylvania, and was not a member of the church.
J. Harvey Beer, called to the ministry in the Rockton con- gregation, 1885; ordained to the eldership, 1892; moved to Eastern Shore of Maryland, 1905; active.
J. W. Beer, born in Armstrong County, March 26, 1838; bap- tized in 1859; called to the ministry in 1861; married to Hannah Elizabeth Henegan, by Lewis Kimmel; ordained in 1881; all the foregoing in his native county; assistant editor of the Christian Family Companion; for a while publisher of the Progressive Chris- tian; wrote much for the different church periodicals; was the au- thor of "The Jewish Passover and the Lord's Supper," "A Sum- mary of Religious Faith and Practice, or Doctrines and Duties," and a poem entitled " Faith and Practice of the Brethren Church "; threw in his powers with the Brethren Church, and was the Mod- erator of the first General Conference at Ashland, Ohio, June 29 and 30, 1882; was a logical and forcible speaker; about 1892 he be- came afflicted with epilepsy; died in California.
Dr. James Bennett was a minister in the Indian Creek con- gregation for a number of years, but went with the Brethren in the division.
Aaron Berkebile, reared in the Conemaugh congregation; called to the ministry there; moved to Ohio; died some years ago while on a visit to his native county; father of Steven P. Berke- bile, missionary to India.
David Berkebile, reared in the Conemaugh congregation; moved West and was called to the ministry.
Richard K. Berkebile, reared in the Conemaugh congregation; moved West and was called to the ministry; was the promotor of the work in the St. Louis Mission years ago. The above were brothers.
Jacob Berkey, a son of John Berkey who died in Johnstown. He moved from near Scalp Level to Goshen, Indiana, many years ago. Soon after his arrival there he was called to the ministry and not long after to the eldership. He was very active in the work of the church. He traveled much on horseback when the country was new. He never failed to fill his appointments, which were very much scattered. A common saying among the people was: "It is Berkey's appointment; he will be here, rain or shine, or cold." He was blessed with a good memory, a good voice,
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used good language, spoke with great faith and confidence, and made good impressions on the people. A strong man physically, he was called far and near to adjust difficulties. Though of lim- ited education, he knew his Bible well, and preached in nearly all the courthouses of Northern Indiana, before judges and lawyers, with their approval. Nature had done much for Elder Berkey. Though he knew no fear, yet he was tender toward the erring, the poor and the needy, and had many friends. It is said that he lectured all over the community on the temperance question. He spent his last years in the mission field of Texas, and his fearless- ness finally cost him his life. In attempting to ford a swollen river at Elm Crossing, near Gainesville, Texas, in the spring of 1882, he was drowned at the age of 66 years. His wife was a Miss Lint, cousin of Elder C. G. Lint.
I. L. Berkey, oldest son of Elder Jacob Berkey above. He was born near Scalp Level, Cambria County, October 6, 1841. With his parents he moved to Goshen, Indiana, in a two-horse wagon, landing there April 1, 1847, after having been on the road one month. He was elected to the ministry in the Rock Run congre- gation, Elkhart County, Indiana, March 15, 1867, and called to the eldership of the same. October 26, 1880. Still active.
Solomon Benshoff, born in Cambria County, March 5, 1812; elected deacon in the Conemaugh congregation October 11, 1846; to the ministry May 20, 1855; later to the eldership. "Elder Benshoff was one of the staunch men of his county, and was an energetic member of the church. When the division occurred, Brother Benshoff stood in with the Progressives, and was the only ordained elder in that part of the State who became a charter member of the Brethren Church. He raised a family of twelve children, all of whom belong to the church of their father. He died March 31, 1894." His age was 82 years and 26 days.
Albert Perry Blough, son of Deacon John J. Blough, and grandson of Elder Jacob Blough, was born near Berlin, Somerset County, October 22, 1866. Began teaching school in the fall of 1882, before he was sixteen years of age. He taught five terms in his native State, one in Illinois, and four in Iowa. In 1887 he went to Northern Illinois, and in 1888 to Waterloo, Iowa. He was married to Miss Estelle M. Schrock September 24, 1891. He was called to the ministry in the South Waterloo congregation, Iowa, January 2, 1893, ordained to the eldership November 20, 1898, and the same day elected elder in charge of the same congrega- tion. In this position he is now serving his eighteenth year. Since September 1, 1911, he has served the same congregation as pastor. Elder Blough has been Moderator of District Meeting nine times; also Reading Clerk and Writing Clerk several times. He repre-
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sented his District on the Standing Committee of the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) and first Winona Lake (Indiana) Annual Con- ferences. He has often served on District committee work, and is a member of the District Missionary and Ministerial Board. He was a member of the Labor Union Committee several years, and is now a member of the Permanent Program Committee for An- nual Meeting.
Elder Emanuel J. Blough's Sons-Left to Right, Elders Jerome E., Silas S., Elijah E. and Jacob M.
Elijah E. Blough, son of Elder Emanuel J. Blough, and grand- son of Elder Jacob Blough, was born in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, April 21, 1871, and was reared in Jenner Town- ship, same county, in the Quemahoning congregation. In addition to attending the country school and county normals, he spent a number of years in Juniata and Bridgewater Colleges. He taught public school four years in Jenner Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and two years in Prince William County, Virginia. At present he is a teacher in Hebron Seminary. He was baptized
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in the Quemahoning Creek in the spring of 1886. In 1893 he moved to Manassas, Virginia. December 22, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice Conner, daughter of Elder Abra- ham Conner. He was elected deacon May, 1897; minister, Oc- tober 28, 1905; ordained elder November 5, 1911, all in the Manas- sas congregation. He has been a constant member of the Home Mission Board since 1902. He is frequently called to official posi- tions in the various meetings of the District, served his District on the Standing Committee at Seattle, Washington, and has done considerable evangelistic work. He is a trustee of Hebron Semi- nary, Nokesville, Virginia. In addition to teaching and preach- ing, he is extensively engaged in farming and dairying.
Jacob M. Blough. See his biography.
Homer E. Blough, son of Peter J. and Catharine (Horner) Blough was born in Quemahoning Township, Somerset County, in the Quemahoning congregation. With the family he moved to the South Waterloo congregation, Iowa, and was called to the ministry.
Silas S. Blough. See his biography.
Warren W. Blough, brother of A. P. Blough, mentioned be- fore, was born near Berlin, Somerset County, December 23, 1873. He was reared on the farm and in 1892 he began teaching school, which profession he followed twenty-one years, sixteen terms in Pennsylvania and five in Nebraska. He and Miss Lucy Baldwin were united in marriage August 15, 1896. Both were baptized June, 1899. In September, 1899, he was called to the ministry in the Berlin congregation, and in 1902 he was ordained to the elder- ship. He acted as pastor of the Berlin congregation ten years, until 1909, when he moved to Falls City, Nebraska, to become the pastor of that church. Has been pastor there ever since. In his native State he was active in the various meetings of the District, frequently as an officer. Since living in Nebraska he has done some acceptable evangelistic work. He has also done special Bible teaching and spent some time as music director.
Robert B. Bowser, born and reared in the Glade Run con- gregation, Armstrong County; elected to the ministry in the Brush Valley congregation in 1886; moved to the Bolivar congregation, where he preached acceptably for a while; united with the Wine- brennarians and preaches for them.
Daniel S. Brallier, a minister in the Manor congregation, elect- ed June 13, 1868; moved to Altoona, and there ordained to the eldership; deceased.
J. A. Brillhart, elected to the ministry in the Rockton con- gregation in 1892; relieved of his membership in 1897, after hav- ing united with the Mennonites.
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Benjamin F. Britt was born in Illinois while his parents were there on a visit, July 8, 1857. His parents lived near Breakneck Furnace, Fayette County. When B. F. was ten years of age the family moved to Illinois; baptized in 1878 by David Wolfe; called to the ministry in the Liberty church in 1882; second degree in Loraine church, 1885; died at Liberty, Illinois, June 2, 1900.
Philip J. Brown, born in Somerset County, October 14, 1827; elected to the ministry in the Sandy Creek congregation, Virginia; ordained in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1879; served on Standing Committee at Lanark, Illinois, in 1880; in the division he went with the Brethren, and after that deplorable event he traveled, preached and labored almost incessantly to build up the cause.
Benjamin Buechly, born in Somerset County, moved to Water- loo, Iowa. Minister.
David Buechley, born in Somerset County, elected in the Elk Lick congregation: moved to Waterloo, Iowa, in 1865.
Elias K. Buechley, born in Somerset County; elected to the ministry in the Elk Lick congregation, in 1852; moved to Water- loo, Iowa, in 1862.
Emanuel Buechley, born in Somerset County, probably elected there; lived in the Indian Creek congregation some years; moved to Northeastern Ohio.
Martin Buechley, born in Somerset County; moved to Water- loo, Iowa; was elected there.
J. H. Burnworth, born in Somerset County, March 28, 1847; school-teacher in Pennsylvania; moved to Milledgeville, Illinois, in 1869; united with the Dutchtown congregation in 1872; moved to Brown County, Kansas, in 1874; elected to the ministry in 1884; went with the Brethren in the division.
William Byers, born in Bedford County, January 29, 1823; married Rachel Cain, 1842; baptized by Lewis Cobaugh, October, 1858, in the Conemaugh congregation; elected deacon in 1861; elected minister in June, 1866; in 1882 he went with the Breth- ren; ordained to the eldership by J. B. Wampler in 1884; deceased.
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