USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > Huntingdon > History of the Presbytery of Huntingdon > Part 26
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Mr. LLOYD had from his earliest youth been exemplary in all his conduct. As a son, a brother, a neighbor, a friend, all rejoiced in him.
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A person in whose family he was most intimate, and for whom he did business several years, said with emphasis-" JOHN never did a wrong thing." He was faithful to every trust reposed in him; strong in his attachments; zealous in the cause of his Master, and anxious to do good to men. It was his delight to be useful.
He was about a medium size, of fair complexion, possessed a good constitution, enjoyed excellent health, and appeared capable of long service in the missionary field. While at Amoy he suffered much from ophthalmia, a disease incident to the locality ; but still he made great proficiency in the acquisition of the Chinese language; and at the time of his death, was capable not only of writing and speaking it, but also of preaching in that difficult tongue the glad tidings of salvation. Just at the time when we would say, he was amply pre- pared for usefulness, the Lord said that his work was done, and the faithful servant was called home. The "earthly house of this tabernacle" was then exchanged for " the building of God-eternal in the heavens." Thus far this sketch was prepared by the Rev. Dr. MCKINNEY, for the Obituary Book of the Presbytery.
The Rev. Dr. HAPPER of the China Mission, in a letter published in the Presbyterian Banner during the past year, thus writes of a visit to the grave of Rev. JOHN LLOYD, referring to a visit to the Mission of the Dutch Reformed Church, he says : "It gave me the opportunity of visiting the grave of my early friend and associate, the Rev. JOHN LLOYD, with whom I went out to China in 1844. He was permitted to engage in the labors to which he had consecrated the strength of his manhood and ripened intellect for four years. In that time his progress in the acquirement of the language and in preaching in this strange land, more than reached the highest expectation of his most partial friends. His early and lamented death removed one who gave the brightest promise of great usefulness in labor among this numer- ous people. We can only say, "God moves in a mysterious way," when he takes away those who are so well prepared to labor where laborers are so greatly needed. It was a melancholy pleasure to visit the grave of this dear friend, and there recall the memory of many days and years of pleasant intercourse, and think over his many excellencies and virtues, and weep afresh, tears of sorrow at his early removal from this field of labor. May God raise up and send forth many more such into this land."
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REV. JAMES Y. M'GINNIS.
D IED, August 31, 1851, at Shade Gap, Huntingdon county, Pa., the Rev. JAMES Y. MCGINNIS, in the 35th year of his age. The de- ceased was a native of Shippensburg, Pa .; in the Presbyterian church of which place his revered father had long been a ruling elder. His college education was obtained at Jefferson College. While at college, during an extensive revival of religion, he became a hopeful subject of saving grace. His theological training, preparatory to his entering the ministry, was received under the direction of the venerable Dr. MATTHEWS, of South Hanover, Indiana. In the year 1840 he entered the ministry ; was married to Miss CRESSWELL, of Franklin county, Pa., and was settled pastor of the church of Lewistown, Fulton county, Illinois. Whilst here his health became so impaired that at the close of his third year he resigned his pastoral charge and returned to his native State-hoping that its pure mountain air would invigorate his system, and thus be the means of prolonging his life and min- istry. One year after his return, in October, 1844, his "health still feeble, he accepted a call to the church of Little Aughwick, and became a member of the Presbytery of Huntingdon. Here God greatly prospered him in his efforts to advance the cause of Christ and the best interests of men. The church was built up, and the place in which he resided has assumed an entirely different aspect. Literally, as well as figuratively, the wilderness has become a fruitful field under his culture. The amount of labor he performed, and the amount of good accomplished, are matter of astonishment to all acquainted with the facts.
In the autumn of 1848 he commenced Milnwood Academy. The result showed he was fully adequate to the undertaking. Youth flocked to him from all directions, and building after building sprang up for their accommodation. At the time of his decease there was seventy-four students in the Institution, and an additional building was in the way of erection, under the expectation of a large
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increase. Had his valuable life been spared it is highly probable a College would have, ere long, been reared by the side, or assumed the place of Milnwood Academy.
On the 6th of August he addressed the Literary societies of Jeffer- son College ; and on his way home was attacked with dysentery. With great difficulty and much prostration, he reached his residence. Here, under the care of a skillful physician, and an affectionate family, his disease was checked ; but his wonted strength was never regained. On the Sabbath before his decease he preached greatly to the delight and edification of hispeople. On Tuesday he travel- ed several miles, and visited one of his elders who was in delicate health. On Wednesday he heard a lecture in the Academy, by Prof. WILLIAMS of Jefferson College. Soon after he was seized with bilious cholic, the removal of which was beyond the power of medicine. Two days before his decease his physician explained to him the nature of his disease, and announced to him the impossibility of his recovery. The announcement was received without dismay. Imme- diately he set his house in order, and prepared for his departure; gave minute directions in reference to his temporal affairs-the Academy, the Church ; sent for his aged parents, delivered to some, and to others left dying counsels; made known his wishes in refer- ence to the final disposition of his remains-the ministers who should deliver a funeral discourse ; one at his residence, the other at Ship- pensburg, the place of interment, etc. He would gladly have labored longer in the vineyard below, but the latter being clearly intimated as the Divine will, he expressed not only a willingness, but a desire to be absent from the body that he might be present with the Lord. Twice or thrice was the adversary permitted to assail him sore, but the result in every instance was increased peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. "I have," said he, "read of the valley of the shadow of death, but now I know what it is from experience; but blessed be God, He is with me, his rod and staff' comfort me." His sufferings at times were very great, but his confidence in his covenant God, unshaken. He knew in whom he had believed, and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which he had committed to Him until that day. The companion of his youth and riper age, with their five interesting children survive him to mourn their irreparable loss. May his God be theirs, and the everlasting arms be around them.
Eminently endowed with gifts and grace, the deceased adorned every station he filled.
REV. JAMES GALBRAITH.
THE REV. J. GALBRAITH was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1783. He was a son of ROBERT GALBRAITH, Esq., a lawyer of some dis- tinction in that city in his day. His name appears in the history of the Whisky Insurrection. The place where his son JAMES received his literary education is believed to have been Jefferson College, Can- onsburg. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Redstone, and .or- dained and installed pastor of Mahoning church, Indiana county, but within the bounds of the Presbytery of Redstone. He was probably licensed about the year 1808 ; and ordained and installed in 1810. In this charge he continued till the beginning of the year 1816. The congregation of Frankstown, (Hollidaysburg,) being vacant, Mr. GALBRAITH visited it by invitation in February, 1816, and a call was presented to him from said congregation, prosecuted before the Presbytery of Redstone; and he was received as a member of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, at its full meeting in October; and was installed pastor of the united congregations of Hollidaysburg and Williamsburg, (Hollidaysburg taking two-thirds of his time, and Williamsburg one-third,) Nov. 19, 1816. He continued the pastor of these churches till the fall of 1834, at which time the pastoral relation was dissolved. After this time Mr. GALBRAITH exercised his ministry in various places, but we do not know that he became a settled pastor in any of them. On removing from Hollidaysburg he visited Nashville, Ten., where he supplied for some time; then in Clarion county, Pa., and New Lisbon, Ohio. He died at West Fair- field, March 28, 1858, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
Mr. GALBRAITH was a man of respectable attainments, and a very instructive preacher. He was a great reader, and had a very reten- tive memory. He was therefore a good historian, and his accurate memory of facts, and dates, and incidents, made him a very agreeable and instructive companion.
He left a family of several sons and daughters all of whom are now dead, except the Rev. ROBERT C. GALBRAITH, of Flora, Illinois. Mrs. GALBRAITH was the daughter of the Rev. Mr. HENDERSON, of the Associate Reformed Church, Indiana county, Pa.
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REV. JAMES S. WOODS, D. D.
D R. WOODS was a native of Cumberland county, Pa., where he was born on the 18th of April, 1793. He received his literary education at Princeton College, then under the presidency of the celebrated Dr. WITHERSPOON; and his theological education in the same place, at the theological seminary, of which Drs. ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER and SAMUEL MILLER were then sole professors. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in October, 1818, and received as a licentiate by the Presbytery of Huntingdon, November 24, 1819, having accepted a call from the con- gregation of Waynesburg (McVeytown) for one-half of his time, at a salary of four hundred dollars. On the 5th of April, 1820, he was ordained and installed pastor of the before-named congregation. In April, 1823, he was appointed stated supply of Lewistown, at the request of the congregation, in which capacity he continued to serve them for one year, when he received and accepted a call to become their permanent pastor in connection with Waynesburg, the congre- gation promising a salary of three hundred dollars for one-half of his time. He was installed over this part of his charge April 28, 1824, by a committee of the Presbytery. Mr. Woons continued to serve these congregations acceptably, till in 1837, the congregation of Lewistown called him, with the consent of Presbytery, for the whole of his time, at a salary of $600 per annum. He continued to serve this congrega- tion, with increasing success, till the time of his death, which sad event took place suddenly on the 29th of June, 1862. He served the congregation of Lewistown, as stated supply and pastor, thirty-nine years and three months. As the pastor of Lewistown exclusively, thirty years and nine months. In 1850 he was honored with the title of Doctor of Divinity by the college of Princeton, his Alma Mater. He was married to a daughter of the celebrated Dr. WITHERSPOON, by whom he had five sons and three daughters, all of whom survived him, except the eldest, who was a lieutenant in the regular army, and
THO! HUNTER, LITH. PHIL.
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REV. JAS.S.WOODS, D.D.
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was killed in one of the battles fought during the Mexican war. The next oldest son studied law, and became judge of the judicial district in which he resided, and died in the prime of life. Two other sons also studied law, and are now in the practice of their profession. The youngest son became a minister of the Gospel, and is now the accept- able pastor of the church in Mahanoy City, Lehigh county, Pa.
As a preacher, Dr. Woods may not be reckoned among the eloquent men of the day ; but he was plain, substantial and instructive. He sought after none of the flowers of rhetoric, or meretricious orna- ments, but taught the way of salvation in plain Saxon English, so that the plainest hearer might understand. He ventured on no nov- elties or speculations in theology; but the tried and proved doctrines of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, were his guides and helps in setting forth the doctrines of the Gospel. While he was firm and decided in his own views of truth, he was of enlarged charity with regard to those who might differ from him in some things, provided he saw in them the evidences of sincerity and piety. As a pastor he was faithful, and exceedingly pleasant in mingling among the people of his charge. And he was successful, as success ordinarily attends the labors of a faithful pastor. In looking over the statistics of a series of years, it will be seen that there was a gradual and healthy increase to the church, and in some years they were favored with special times of revival, when unusual numbers were added to the Lord and to the church.
As a man he doubtless had his faults or infirmities, but he had numerous and admirable excellencies of character, which overshad- owed all his natural defects. He was by nature impulsive, and at the same time open and undisguised in manifestations of approbation or disapprobation. In the former case, of course, he made no enemies ; but in the latter, he may have been sometimes hasty and impru- dent, so far as his own interests were concerned. But he was no selfish man, and seldom took into consideration how far his own interest might be involved in what he conceived to be a matter of duty. He hated everything that was hishonorable or mean, and if he spoke his disapprobation when cooler temperaments would have been silent, who will say that he did not err on the side of virtue? One characteristic of this venerable man was his generous and hospitable disposition. With the limited means at his disposal, as may be well inferred from the amount of salary promised in his original call, he practiced an unusual degree of hospitality. He was liberal and gener-
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ous, perhaps to a fault. Without knowing what additions may have been made to his means, from time to time, by the considerate kind- ness of his people, or what may have been his private resources, those who knew him may have been surprised that he could practice hospi- tality to such an extent, and at the same time accomplish the educa- tion of so large a family. As much as any modern minister, he filled up the character and qualifications of a true Christian bishop-" Not given to filthy lucre ; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate."
It only remains to speak of him as a Presbyter, associated with his brethren in the courts of the Church. In Presbytery he did not occupy much time in formal speeches; but his judgment in intricate and difficult cases was always sought for, and highly respected. One thing his brethren were always assured of-he had no secret or con- cealed object to accomplish in any case. His purpose, and the means to accomplish any object, were as apparent as the noonday sun. There was nothing like finesse or trick in all his composition. He was eminent for his conciliatory disposition; and in cases where men's passions were likely to be aroused, it was his habit "to pour oil upon the troubled waters." It is not known that he had any enemies- certainly not among his brethren, or good men generally.
As before stated, his death was sudden-no time allowed for death- bed experiences, or personal assurances for the satisfaction of friends. None were needed. The venerable ABRAHAM BOOTH once said, when conversing on the subject of happy deaths : "I pay more attention to people's lives than to their deaths."
THOF HUNTER, LITH. PHILA
REV. MATTHEW ALLISON.
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REV. MATTHEW ALLISON.
R EV. MATTHEW ALLISON was the youngest son of JOHN ALLI- SON and ELLEN JANE LAWSON ALLISON, of Windy Edge, Strat- haven, Lankshire, Scotland. He was born on the 28th day of July, A. D., 1794. He had one brother and two sisters, all older than himself; one sister now upwards of 87 years, survives him. A son of his older brother, GEORGE ALLISON, is his successor at Kilbarchan, and was baptized by his uncle in 1819. MATTHEW ALLISON was what the world understands as a self-made man. He was remarkably free from influence of friends or money for his means as a student and a minister. He was sent to a country school near the residence of his father when he was five years old. Not long after this he was sent to the parish school at Strathaven, where he received instruc- tions in both the English and Latin languages. The elder Mr. SIMP- SON, who was famed at that day for his classical attainments and for his success in training his pupils, presided over this school. Mr. ALLISON had the very great advantage of thus making a correct beginning. Nor were the advantages less as he advanced; for he went from this place to Glasgow in October, 1809, and entered the University there when he was 15 years of age. He graduated at the age of 19 in 1813. He then entered Divinity Hall, connected with the sam. institution, on which he attended four years more, and graduated i 1817. Thus at the age of 23 he had spent eight years at Glasgow University and Divinity Hall, (never missing a session or a day at the University,) and ten years at Strathaven; and all the money which he received that he did not honestly earn by his own labor, (teaching night schools and gentlemen's sons in a private way) was just £50 or $250.
Mr. ALLISON was licensed to preach the gospel in the same year in which he graduated, 1817, by the Relief Presbytery of Glasgow,
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and in May, 1818, he received a call to one of the most important churches connected with that Presbytery. He was ordained and installed pastor of the church of Kilbarchan, (about 12 miles from Glasgow,) on the 4th day of August, 1818. Here he spent a useful and happy period of his valuable life, remaining almost 23 years without a jar or misunderstanding to interrupt the pleasant har- mony which existed between pastor and people. After he had labored in the ministry at Kilbarchan for upwards of two years, he married Miss ELIZABETH KIRKWOOD, of Beith, October, 1820, at the age of 26 years. She died in the spring of 1822. JOHN ALLISON Was the only child of the first wife, and he died in Antigua at the age of 17. . In October, 1828, Mr. ALLISON married Miss AGNES GEMMELL. By her he had three sons and one daughter. He lost his second wife in January, 1863.
His love of civil liberty and his admiration of the government of the United States led him in May, 1841, to demit his charge at Kilbarchan, and to sever ties that had been cemented so strongly for upwards of 22 years, and come to this country. This demit- ting his charge at Kilbarchan, was much to the regret of the whole congregation. In less than three months after assigning his charge, he landed in New York, and in five months more was called to the Presbyterian church at Paterson, New Jersey. This was on the 30th day of December, 1841. His labors in Paterson were eminently successful but of short duration. The church was largely increased in numbers while he was there. Owing to the ill health of his family, and thinking that a return to the native air of old Scotland would be beneficial to them, lie resigned his charge at Paterson on the Ist day of May, 1843, and in June following, landed in Glasgow, where he remained nearly a year. Here he preached as opportunity was afforded, and although offers of settlement were made to him he never accepted a charge, longing all the time to return to his adopted country. In the spring of the following year, 1844, he came again to the United States, this time leaving his family behind in Scotland. In the fall of that year he came to Mifflintown and Lost Creek. He supplied these churches during the winter, and in the spring, March 26, 1845, he was unani- mously called to be their pastor, and continued pastor upwards of 27 years. He continued his ministration in the pulpit, showing the way to Heaven to his people, as long as God gave him strength of body to do it. and then he led the way, entering in before
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them on the Sth day of July, 1872, in the 78th year of his age, and the 55th year of his ministry.
Mr. ALLISON possessed a sound mind in a sound body. He was large, well-proportioned, muscular and very strong. When young, he could do as much work in the hay field as two or three com- mon men. He never by youthful vices, or improper indulgence in meats and drinks, injured that healthy and vigorous constitution which he inherited from his fathers. Mr. ALLISON's mental vigor was as remarkable as his physical. He had a wonderful tenacity of memory. He hardly ever forgot anything which he once knew. He was perfectly familiar with English history. He had an inti- mate acquaintance with the history of all the old families of England and Scotland, their relationship to one another, and everything per- taining to their social code; and he would talk about these things as one who knew them from his own everyday life. He was remarkably familiar with the Bible, and could tell the exact variation in the form of expressions of many parallel texts, and the chapter and verse where those texts were to be found. He memorized his sermons, which he wrote with a great deal of care, and this he would do by once or twice reading them over. He had a wonderful power of calling up at any time any event that had transpired, or any train of thought he may have had on any former occasion. His memory was tenacious with regard to men, names, countenances, events, dates, or anything to be remembered. His tenacity of memory did not at all interfere with his judgment. He seldom erred in his opinion of men and things. He was a safe counsellor, an excellent judge of human character, a fast and strong friend and a lenient foe if he could be foe to any man. He certainly never was an enemy in the common acceptance of that term.
He was strictly orthodox and particularly evangelical. His ser- mons were, therefore, sound and well calculated to comfort and edify the saint. They were logical, clear, concise; every word in its right place and not a superfluous word from beginning to end. His object seemed to be to give the mind of the Spirit in the text, prove the doctrine and enforce it. The Bible was his book. He was well acquainted with both the text and the different interpreta- tion of the text. He had, we may almost say, no library. Having had one and carefully read his books, his memory was such that he had little use for them and he sold them ; he purchased new books and read them; but was emphatically a thinker. Though he wrote
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his sermons carefully, yet when occasion required, he could speak well extemporaneously.
The spirituality of his mind was decided and unmistakable, although in this he did not excell many of his brethren. It was not of a demonstrative kind. His piety was by no means of an out- side showy nature, manifesting itself on particular occasions, having its ebb and flow like the sea; but was of a permanent kind, showing itself the same under all circumstances. What was a sufficient rea- son to move him at one time, would under similar circumstances move him at all times. His faith in God was the source of his con- victions, and by his convictions he was controlled and not by his emotions.
He tried to keep a conscience void of offense towards God and towards his fellow men. He might differ from them but would not disagree with his own conscience. To the admonitions of this he would adhere in matters small and great.
Mr. ALLISON was remarkable for his fluency, pathos, conciseness and comprehensiveness in prayer. His prayers were the utterance of the heart's desires and the appeals of a helpless, needy soul, to our Heavenly Father with filial confidence.
Childlike in his disposition, meek in his behavior, and charitable to others infirmities, he was always ready to give every one credit for all the good he could see in him. He was noted for punctuality ; never known to be late.
[This sketch of the life of Mr. ALLISON was prepared by his son. WILLIAM ALLISON, Esq., of Mifflin, Pa.]
REV. WILLIAM M. HALL.
THE subject of this memoir was born at Harrisburg on the 16th of February, A. D., 1801. He departed this life at Bedford, Pa., on the 28th of August, A. D., 1851. His family connections were of the most respectable character and standing. Of his early history we are not informed, but from his classical and other attainments, we infer that his academical training was mature, and his scholarship was highly respectable. He was educated for the legal profession, and his practice at the bar was pursued with characteristic energy and ardor, with great promise, and no small acceptance to the public. He then resided at Lewistown, Pa., and there became connected with the Pres- byterian church under the pastoral care of Rev. JAS. S. WOODS, D. D.
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