USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > History of the Presbytery of Washington : including a brief account of the planting of the Presbyterian church in Western Pennsylvania and parts adjacent, with sketches of pioneer ministers and ruling elders ; also sketches of later ministers and ruling elders > Part 17
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SAMUEL G. MCFARLAND, D.D., was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1830, a member of the church of Burgettstown, Graduate of Washington College, Pa., in 1857, and at the West- ern Theological Seminary in 1860. Licensed by Presbytery of Washington, 1859, ordained by same in 1860. He went the same year, under the Presbyterian Board, to Siam. For a number of years he was engaged successfully in the regular missionary work. In IS78 he became "Superintendent of English educa- tion for the Government of Siam." This educational work seemed to be the opening for an enlarged usefulness in the Master's cause, hence the transfer from the Board's to the Gov- ernment's service. In addition to his other labors he has pub- lished " Evidences of Christianity," "Compend of Church His- tory," and has translated "the Pentateuch, Minor Prophets and Confession of Faith " into the Siamese language.
MRS. JANE HAYS MCFARLAND, his wife, is a native of Wash- ington County, and was a member of the church of Miller's Run, and subsequently of the First Church of Washington. A graduate in 1853 of Washington Female Seminary. She is an enthusiastic and devoted laborer. No one can see and hear her without feeling her heart and life is devoted to Siam. In every- thing she seems to say : Siam is my country, its people are my people, and their salvation is the work of my life.
MRS. ELIZABETH EWING SPEER, wife of Rev. Wm. Speer, D.D., and daughter of Hon. J. H. Ewing, was a member of the church of Washington. Owing to Dr. Speer's feeble health, he did not return to China, where he had labored several years un- der the Presbyterian Board. They engaged in the first mission- ary labors of the church among the Chinese in California, for which Dr. Speer was fitted by his knowledge of the language. 'After this they were in the Home Missionary work in Minneso- ta until he was called to the secretaryship of the Board of Edu-
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cation. Her heart and life are devoted to the cause and to stimulating others to its furtherance.
REV. JOSEPH P. GRAHAM, son of Rev. John B. Graham, was born in 1847. Graduate of Washington and Jefferson College in 1869. Studied theology at Princeton, N. J., 1869-72. Was licensed by the Presbytery of Washington and ordained as an Evangelist in 1872. Went out the same year under the Pres- byterian Board to Kolapoor, India.
He is a man of excellent scholarship, sprightly mind, patient in labors and devoted to the work. The words of Henry Mar- tyn, the sainted missionary, spoken of himself are not inappro- priate to him. "I take whatever of learning, talents and time I have, and twining them in one wreath, lay it at the cross of my Saviour."
It may be stated in this connection that most of those who have gone from this presbytery to the missionary field ranked high as scholars in their college and seminary studies. Places of honor and usefulness opened to them in this country, but the Martyn- the Christ-spirit constrained them, and they chose the front of the battle for the Master's sake.
MRS. RACHEL KERR JOHNSON, daughter of Mr. David Kerr, was born in Hookstown, Pa., in 1837, a member of the Presby- terian Church of Hookstown and graduate of Steubenville Fe- male Seminary in 1857. She married Rev. Wm. F. Johnson, D.D., in 1860, and died in June, 1888. In 1860, under the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, they sailed for North- ern India. With the exception of a short time in this country, they continued in the field till 1884. Pending arrangements for the education of their children in the United States, they en- gaged in the Freedmen's work, having charge of the Biddle University, North Carolina, and were thus employed at the time of her death. The results of her life toils cannot be measured. Her faithful, tender and unselfish spirit was carried into the schools and Zenanas of India. She drew the women and chil- dren to herself only that she might lead them to Christ. She did her work well "as a good steward of the manifold grace of God." . In her visits to this land, before Female Missionary So- cieties and public assemblies, she was an effective pleader for
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missions. Her memory is treasured in many hearts at home and abroad. If she needed any proof of her abiding in her Saviour she had it in her death, which was occasioned by falling from a carriage. Though suffering great bodily pain, she was in full possession of her faculties, and gave precious testimony of her undoubting and peaceful trust in her Lord. "She rests."
Her eldest daughter, Miss Mary Johnson, at the time of her mother's death, was under appointment of the Foreign Board to labor in India, her native land.
REV. DAVID F. MCFARLAND was born in this county, in 1820. A member of the church of Cross Creek. Graduated at Wash- ington College in 1849, and at the Western Theological Semi- nary in 1851. Licensed by this presbytery in 1851. He was a pastor in the home work till 1866. That year he went as mis- sionary to the Spanish-speaking people of'Santa Fe, N. M., where he labored with great self-denial and usefulness till called from the service of earth to that of heaven.
After his decease his widow, Mrs. Amanda Reed McFarland, went under the Home Board to the Indian tribes in the terri- tory of Alaska. Encountering great difficulties and discourage- ments, she has made the beginning of a Christian civilized so- ciety, in opening schools and organizing churches. She has realized the truth of " Forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
MISS ELIZA DARE was born in Wheeling ; resident of Wash- ington, Pa., and member of First Presbyterian Church. She was married to the Rev. Edward Cornes in 1868. They were sent out by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions to Yoko- hama, Japan, "where they labored with marked ability and gratifying success." Their prospects of usefulness were unu- sually bright, but " the Lord had need of them." They, together with their eldest child, were killed, August, 1870, by the explo- sion of a boiler on the steamer " City of Jeddo." An infant son, three months old, was saved, who is now with his grand-parents Cornes in this country.
MRS. JULIA (DODGE) CAROTHERS, daughter of the Rev. Richard V. Dodge, D.D., pastor for many years of the Second Presbyte-
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rian Church of Wheeling and the Second Presbyterian Church of Washington, Pa., went with her husband, Rev. Christopher Carothers, under the Foreign Board, to Japan, several years since. Owing to her failing health, they soon returned to this country. She is the gifted author of several books on Japanese manners, customs and religion. Her attractive and instructing writings have greatly aided to inform our people on the pros- pects and wants of a nation, lately unknown, now rising into prominence.
MRS. LUCINDA (CROUCH) LEAMAN was born near Independence, Pa., within the bounds of Lower Buffalo Church. While attend- ing the Female Seminary at Washington, Pa., she was received on profession of faith into the First Presbyterian Church of that place. Soon afterward she gave herself to the Lord in the work of Foreign Missions, and, having completed her education at Wooster University, O., she went out under the care of the Foreign Board, in 1874, to China (unmarried). For many years she was a teacher in the Mission Schools in Canton. Zealous, wise and faithful, she won the confidence of the native children and women, and it may be said of her, few have done better or more successful work than she. After her marriage to the Rev. Charles Leaman, she was transferred to Nankin, her husband's field, where she now labors with the same fidelity and success.
MISS BELLE CALDWELL, member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wheeling, went out, under the Foreign Board, to Bankok, Siam, in 1879. She married the Rev. John N. Culbert- son, of the same mission. After two years of faithful service, owing to failing health, she returned, and is now in this country.
MRS. JENNIE (SHERRARD) EWING, daughter of Rev. John H. Sherrard, pastor of the church of Upper Ten Mile, a graduate of Washington Female Seminary, went out with her husband, Rev. J. C. R. Ewing, D.D., to India, in 1879, under the care of the Foreign Board. She is a real missionary. Teaching the chil- dren the knowledge of books, the women true home ways, in everything teaching Christ, she has brought light and joy to many hearts and lives. It is said of a celebrated English singer :
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"She preached in her singing, and by her singing led many to the cross." The same may be said of Mrs. Ewing. Her sweet, persuasive voice, full of the tenderness of the gospel, has given a charm and blessing to her missionary work and life.
REV. GEORGE W. POLLOCK was born within the bounds of the church of West Alexander. Graduated at Washington and Jef- ferson College in 1878 and at the Western Theological Seminary in 1881. Licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in 1880. Ordained by the same in ISSI. Married MISS MARY W. EWING, member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Washington, in 1881, and went to India, under the Foreign Board, the same year. Returned to this country in 1887. Just as they were getting fully prepared for their work, " the first fruits" already gathered, failing health compelled Mr. Pollock to return to this country. He is now in Colorado, under the Home Board. Their co-laborers bear testimony to their faithful and self-deny- ing labors.
REV. ARTHUR VERNON BRYAN, son of Rev. Edward D. and Sarah (Conger) Bryan, was born at Rye, Westchester County, N. Y., May 11, 1856. Graduated at the New Jersey College in 1878 and at the Western Theological Seminary in 1881. Licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in April, 1880, and ordained by the same April 26, 1882. Married, October 11, 1882, Mary M., daughter of Rev. A. H. Dashiell, at Lakewood, N. J. He went out under the Foreign Board, in November, 1882, to Japan, where he has continued to the present time, stationed at Hiroshima.
REV. WILLIAM H. LESTER, Jr., was born in 1856. Member of the church of West Alexander. Graduate of Amherst College, Mass., in 1878, and of Auburn Theological Seminary in 1881. Licensed by the Presbytery of Cayuga April 14, 1881, and ordained by the same April 12, IS82. Married MISS SARAH M. ANDERSON, member of the Presbyterian Church of Claysville, Pa., a graduate of Steubenville Female Seminary in 1881; and immediately following his ordination, went, under the Foreign Board, to Chili, South America, and is pastor of the Spanish Protestant Church in Santiago, Chili. Mrs. Sarah M. Lester died in July, 1884. She had just learned the language, and was
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full of enthusiasm for the work. The prospect of usefulness was bright; her hands were full of seed for the sowing, when she was called, " Come up hither." With the words,
"Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly,"
she went to be "forever with the Lord."
EDWARD ALEXANDER, M.D., a member of the church of the Forks of Wheeling, went out under the Foreign Board as Medi- cal Missionary to Persia, in 1882. He married, the same year, MISS GERTRUDE FARIS, daughter of the Rev. William B. Faris, deceased, who was licensed by the Presbytery of Washington. Their labors in hospital and school have been abundant and blessed.
REV. GEORGE S. HAYS was born in Washington County in 1861. Graduated at Washington and Jefferson College in 1882. and at the Western Theological Seminary in 1885. Licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in 1884. Ordained by the Pres- bytery of Mahoning in 1885. Holding a call to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of East Palestine, O., he became con- vinced his work for Christ was in heathen lands. He married MISS FANNIE C. CORBETT, daughter of the Rev. Hunter Corbett, D.D., in 1886, and went the same year, under the Foreign Board, to North China, where they are engaged in missionary work. Mrs. Hays was a graduate, in the class of 1885, of the Washing- ton Female Seminary.
MISS LILLIE WHITE, member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Washington. Married, in 1886, Rev. J. G. Touzeau, and went out the same year, under the Foreign Board, to Bogota, South America, where they now labor.
MISS ELLEN FLORENCE MCILVAINE, a member of the Presbyte- rian Church of Pigeon Creek, daughter of Ruling Elder R. Campbell McIlvaine, and granddaughter of Rev. James Sloan, D.D., deceased. Married, in 1887, Rev. J. C. Mechlin, and went out the same year, under the Foreign Board, to missionary work in Persia. Mrs. Mechlin was a graduate of Washington Female Seminary, in the class of 1884.
REV. WILLIAM B. HAMILTON was born in 1864. Graduate of
13
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Washington and Jefferson College in 1883, and of Allegheny and Princeton Theological Seminaries 1884-88. Licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in 1886. Ordained by the same in 1888, as an Evangelist for mission work in China. Married, May, 1888, MISS CLARA LINTON,* of Bellevernon, Pa., a graduate of Washington Female Seminary in 1885, who, during her semi- nary course, was received on profession of faith into the First Church of Washington. Their station is Chinanfu, capital of the province of Shantung, where they arrived in November, 1888.
Thus " the succession" continues. Some have fallen, ceased from their toils, while others have taken up their "mantles" and entered into their labors. Could the lives of these men and women and their struggles and victories on heathen soil be written, it would make one of the bright pages in Christian his- tory and arouse a stronger missionary spirit in all our churches.
Others may have gone to the foreign work from the bounds of this Presbytery whose names we have not been able to learn. Not a few names occur, also, of persons now foreign missionaries, who, during their college course at Washington, were identified with one or the other of the two churches there as transient communicants, Sunday-school teachers and constant worship- pers. Of such in more recent years are held in pleasant remem- brance Ewing and McCombs of India, Gault, Good and Robinson of Africa, Touzeau of South America, Boyce of Mexico, Aiken and Dunlap of Siam, and Mechlin of Persia. Those who have labored in the destitute places in this land, and have gone to the Freedmen in the South far outnumber those who went to the
* Mrs. Hamilton died at Chinanfu, January 10, ISS9. Though her previous con- dition of health from childhood had been good, and she was fully approved by com- petent physicians as a suitable person to engage in missionary work, she was stricken down by acute pulmonary disease only six weeks after arriving at the station assigned them in the interior of China. She seemed fitted for service, and eager to engage in it. She was bright, cheerful, intelligent and of a most saintly life. Her qualities of mind and heart bespoke for her a useful career. But the Master accepted the put- pose, without requiring more. Her death was quiet and painless, and she was happy and contented, remarking, " I shall soon be perfect. Oh, I am so glad." She ex- horted her husband to be more carnest than ever, and told him he " must do two people's work now. Her own and his." Mrs. Hamilton was a daughter of Mr. Robert J. Linton, a ruling elder of Bellevernon Church. She was a granddaughter of Rev. Giles Doolittle, an early member of the Synod of Pittsburgh.
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foreign field. The true self-denying missionary spirit belongs to them. Their difficulties and discouragements equal those who went " into all the world," and in honor they deserve a place beside those who went to heathen lands. Owing to the difficulty of tracing their life-work, it has not been attempted in this sketch.
This is only an imperfect glance of those who went forth in obedience to their Lord's command. Unlike the Crusaders, they did not go to recover the empty tomb of a risen Saviour from the spoiler, but to carry a living Christ and His gospel to the lost.
The marked feature in missions of this Centennial Anniversary is " Woman's work for Women." There have always been godly women in the Church. Paul mentions such by name, and com- mends their devotion and work for Christ. But since the begin- ning of the present century there has been developed an interest, a zeal and faith that has united Christian women in giving the Gospel to their benighted and suffering sisters in heathen lands, such as no hundred years since the days of Christ have wit- nessed.
This Presbytery has given her choicest daughters to the mis- sion work; and those who remained at home have been in heart and labors no less missionaries than those who went out.
In 1874, according to the recommendation of Presbytery, a committee met in reference to Presbyterial organization, but nothing definite was done till 1877. In May of that year these women met in the First Presbyterian Church of Wheeling and were regularly organized for work. They have met annually, often semi-annually, for prayer and conference how they might best advance Christ's kingdom in the world. Interest in missions has been awakened, increased efforts have been put forth, and success has attended their labors of love.
At the organization in 1877 three missionaries, nine scholar- ships and two Bible readers were supported by the bands and societies of the churches. The missionaries were Mrs. Z. P. Easton in Persia, Mrs. Mary Shaw in China, and Mrs. Rees Thackwell in India.
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After eleven years of devoted and blessed labor, Mrs. Shaw returned to this country, and owing to feeble health did not go back.
In 1887 six missionaries, thirteen scholarships, two Bible readers, and one native teacher were supported by the auxiliaries of the society.
The missionaries were, Mrs. Rees Thackwell, Mrs. J. C. R. Ewing and Miss J. R. Carleton, M.D., in India; Mrs. B. Labaree in Persia, Mrs. Fannie Corbett Hays in China, and Mrs. F. A. March in Syria.
Miss Dr. Carleton was educated in the Female Medical Col- lege in Philadelphia by the society. She is now their missionary in the hospitals and Zenanas, devoting herself to the spiritual and bodily needs of her sex in the land of her nativity.
At its organization the society was composed of twenty-three auxiliaries and about twenty "circles" and bands. It has an enrolled membership of 1974.
In the offerings of the society to the funds of the Board of Foreign Missions there has been a gradual increase from the beginning.
At the annual meeting April 1878, $1788.57 were reported; April 1888, $5572.38 were the society's contributions for foreign missionary work. In ten years ending 1888, $35,661.23 have been paid into the treasury of the Lord.
It is no exaggeration to say "it is a powerful and beneficent agency, pouring its multiplied and collected rills" in a swelling tide of blessing all over our missionary field. I quote from one of its reports : " There is scarcely a mission field or any form of labor on mission fields in which this society has not had a share. Itinerary work in China, Zenana visiting in India, medical and hospital work in Siam, Laos, Persia, Korea, and India have been done through their efforts and contributions." Their faith looks to the salvation of the world, and their works lie along the line of their faith.
We.notice " WOMAN'S WORK FOR WOMEN" in the HOME FIELD. No country presents a more important field for missionary
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work than our own. The wide regions of the West filling up with marvellous rapidity, with settlers from the old States and immigrants from Europe, make this work imperative and press- ing. The Macedonian cry from these destitute regions called into existence the Woman's Presbyterial Home Missionary So- ciety. It was organized March, 1883, in Washington, Pa. Though much younger than the society for Foreign Missions, it has all the machinery, of officers, auxiliaries and agencies for effective service of its older sister.
At its formation, in 1883, there were seven church societies.
In 1888 there were sixteen societies and thirteen circles and bands.
The women of many churches not organized into societies contribute to its funds.
1883. Money contributed through the treasurer of this so- ciety for home work was $135.22; in 1887, $1520.70; since the organization, $4912.22; value of boxes sent to missionaries in 1884 was $126.00; in 1888 value of boxes sent to Missionaries and Freedmen was $602.50; value of boxes from 1883 to ISSS was $1712.40.
The money has gone to the support of schools and teachers in Alaska, New Mexico, Utah and the Freedmen in the South.
The society has no missionaries or teachers directly under its own care. Its funds are sent to the Women's Home Board, in New York. There have gone from this presbytery Mrs. Anna (McKean) White, a member of the First Church in Washington, Pa., who taught one year in Utah.
MISS ANNIE RALSTON, a member of the church of West Alexander, went under the Freedmen's Board to the South in 1884. She has continued in this laborious, self-denying and loving service for Christ, and is now teaching in Virginia. At an earlier date, Miss Florence Bausman, of the First Church of Washington, rendered similar service.
The interest grows, and plans are enlarged year by year, to rescue the young in the South and West from ignorance, de- gradation and vice. A thankful feature of this centennial is " Woman's Work for Women " at home and abroad. Like the branches of a river, their waters unite, and flow in one streanı,
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"to make glad the city of our God." They give promise of a bright future.
The growth of the missionary spirit is, in a measure, indi- cated by the increase of the church's offerings to advance the Master's cause in the world. Before the organization of the Presbyterian Foreign Board, all money collected in the Presby- tery was placed in one column in the minutes of the assembly, under the head of " Missionary Fund."
The average contributions of the churches, as far as can be learned, before 1840, were about $1880 to the home and foreign work.
Beginning with 1840 the average annual contribution for ten years for the foreign work was, from 1840-50, $995; from 1850 -60, $1766; from 1860-70, $2330; from 1870-So, $4525; from 1880-88, $7140. This includes the collections in the churches, Sabbath-schools, societies, bands and partly bequests of de- ceased members The great increase has been since 1870, or since the formation of the "Presbyterial Foreign Missionary Society," and is a clear indication the church is bringing into line all her force to promote the Master's cause in the earth. Let the Divine command " Bring ye all the tithes into the store- house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith " be obeyed fully, and the promise " I will open you the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it" will be per- formed.
The one hundred years just closing are the marvel age in the world's history.
This country, at the beginning, extended but little beyond the Ohio River, now it reaches to the Pacific Ocean. It was then an infant among the nations; it is now the stalwart man. Discoveries have been made, inventions, educational and re- ligious facilities, everything that conduces to the true comfort and advancement of the people have developed without parallel -- but in nothing has there been so great progress as in the spirit and work of missions. In 1800 there was no evangelical denomination in the entire land organized for and engaged in foreign mission work. Under the impulse of the last com-
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mand, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," every church is girding herself for the salvation of the world. The world for Christ is the watchword. Let this he our prayer and labor, so before another one hundred years shall have passed, "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever."
" And this I know, though trouble-bound, No people need despair, Behind whom, on God's roll are found A hundred years of prayer."
VI. DECEASED RULING ELDERS.
BY REV. S. F. GRIER, REV. W. F. HAMILTON AND REV. A. B. LOWES.
PREFATORY NOTE .- In compliance with the wish of Rev. S. F. Grier, to whose patient industry and painstaking care Presbytery is indebted for most of the following sketches, but whose duties as pastor of a large church did not, in his judgment, allow him to devote to such labors all the time which they requ red, Messrs. Hamilton and Lowes were associated with him as assistants in this work, and the result of their joint endeavors is here put in connected form. The task executed by them has been one of great difficulty, owing to the scanty sources of information accessible. The great number of persons, also, who have served as elders in so many churches, and through so long a period, has increased the difficulty. In the nature of the case, this chapter in the Church's history could not be otherwise than fragmentary and incom- plete. A few names only are emphasized, while many others, no doubt equally worthy, are not. Whatever disappointment may be felt by any on this account is fully appreciated. Those who have labored at these sketches desire to have it said that, with all that has been accomplished by their joint endeavors, they feel them- selves to have but touched here and there on a vast field, which, if it had been taken in hand soon enough, would have been fruitful in interest, but the thorough explora- tion of which is now impossible .--- COM. OF PUB.
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