USA > Pennsylvania > Two centuries of the Church of the Brethren in western Pennsylvania, 1751-1950 > Part 53
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GALEN BROWN ROYER (September 8, 1862-June 4, 1951), a son of John Grove and Elizabeth (Reiff) Royer, was born at Lewisburg, Penn- sylvania. Galen grew to manhood in Ohio and Indiana, where his father was a schoolteacher. After teaching two terms of school, he entered Juniata College and graduated in the Normal English course in 1883. He was united in marriage to Anna Martha Miller in March 1885. They were the parents of four daughters and two sons.
To the development of missionary interest in the Church of the Brethren he devoted his energies from 1889 to 1917, as secretary of the General Mission Board and for a term as a member of the board.
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Galen Brown Royer and Wife
He made three trips to the foreign mission fields, the first in 1907 with Charles D. Bonsack, visiting the churches in Scandinavia and France. In 1910, accompanied by Mrs. Royer, he visited the same churches. In 1913 and 1914 he alone went to Scandinavia, then through Russia to
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China, where he and Brother H. C. Early visited the missions in China and then went on to India. During these years he found time to write a series of twelve Bible biographies for junior and intermediate chil- dren. He also wrote a mission-study book, Christian Heroism in Heathen Lands, and a history, Thirty-three Years of Missions. After taking further work at Juniata College, where he received the Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Divinity degrees, he devoted his later years to pastoral work, serving from 1925 to 1930 as pastor of the Pittsburgh church, and six years as pastor of the Morrellville church, Johnstown, retiring at the age of seventy-four. However, he continued to preach at the James Creek church, Huntingdon County, for a number of years. Brother Royer is one of those widely known church leaders whose biographies make up the book, Brethren Builders in Our Century.
Sister Royer was a worthy homemaker and wise counselor to her husband, and many people learned to know and love her. Many young persons sought her out for guidance and inspiration. Brother and Sister Royer spent their sunset years at "Hillside" near Huntingdon. Sister Royer died October 10, 1948. They are buried in the Huntingdon cemetery.
PAUL ZIMMERMAN RUMMEL (1897-) is a brother to William D. Rummel. He was baptized in 1913 and elected to the ministry in 1922. The York church ordained him to the eldership in 1947. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925 from Juniata College, a Master of Arts degree in 1931 from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Educa- tion degree in 1935 from Harvard University, and a Doctor of Philoso- phy degree in 1940 from Boston University. He was the principal of the Hooversville school for eight years and dean of York Junior College from 1941 to 1948. Since then he has been director of the psychological clinic of Millersville State Teachers College. His wife was Margaret L. Gnagey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gnagey. The Rummels have two daughters, Gretchen and Kathleen.
WILLIAM D. RUMMEL (September 16, 1893-) grew up in the Maple Spring congregation, his parents being John W. and Sadie (Zimmerman) Rummel. He was graduated from the Normal English department of Juniata College in 1917 and from the Rutgers Univer- sity Graduate School of Banking in 1939. After teaching in the public schools for six years, he entered the field of finance and was connected with the banking business for twenty-six years. He has been the assistant treasurer of the Hilman Coal and Coke Company since 1943. He was elected to the ministry on May 21, 1920, and was or- dained as an elder on May 10, 1928. He has served as interim pastor in the Hooversville, Maple Spring, and Pittsburgh churches. Cora E. Gashaw became his wife on May 21, 1919. They are the parents of four children: Sara Elaine Speicher, William David, Mary Jane Griffith, and John Austin. The family has been living in Pittsburgh the past several years.
(1) WILLIAM H. RUMMEL (March 28, 1873-) was born near the present town of Jerome. In January 1888, at the age of sixteen, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and was baptized; thereafter
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William H. Rummel and Wife
he was a regular and faithful attendant at all religious services. Brother Rummel was given such school privileges as circumstances permitted, but the requirements of a large family on a farm usually cut short his school term at both ends. In the winter of 1890 the family moved to the Eighth Ward of the city of Johnstown, and the sons yet at home who were old enough had to work at public works. It was then that William began working for the Cambria Steel Company (now known as the Bethlehem Steel Company). While living within the bounds of the Roxbury congregation, he became acquainted with Mary C. Beeghley, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Speicher) Beeghley of Maryland. They were united in marriage by Albert U. Berkley, on February 4, 1897. To this union were born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. Those having grown to maturity are: Arthur L., Laura B., Carman S., Virgil G. (deceased), Edna M., Ida Fern, and Hazel Alline. All of them and their families are faithful workers in the Church of the Brethren.
Brother Rummel took an active part in Sunday-school work, being superintendent as well as teacher at times. He was also a talented and efficient song leader. On October 24, 1899, he was elected a deacon in the West Johnstown congregation; on December 12, 1911, he was called to the ministry and about a year later was advanced to the second degree. He took his turn in supplying the pulpit in the Mor- rellville, Pleasant Hill, and Roxbury churches. In 1911 Brother Rummel began his work with the Westmont church, acting as superintendent, teacher, and song leader, and took his turn supplying the pulpits in the West Johnstown churches. He later became the part-time pastor of the Westmont church, supplying the pulpit or seeing that it was sup- plied. During this time the church was excavated and raised up and
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a Nero Heater was installed. On September 1, 1940, he accepted the part-time pastoral care of the Tire Hill charge. In 1942, because of ill-health and advancing age, he tendered his resignation but remained until September 1, 1942. At present, Brother Rummel and his wife are spending their time with the good folks at the Tire Hill church, contributing to the promotion of the Lord's work in that particular field.
(2) ARTHUR LEROY RUMMEL (January 23, 1898-) is the oldest son of Elder William Henry and Mary Catherine (Beeghley) Rummel. His parents moved from Johnstown to a farm when he was seven
Arthur Leroy Rummel and Wife
years of age. He attended several terms of teachers' summer normal school and received a certificate to teach school. Later he attended Juniata Academy, taking most of his work in the Bible department. He was united in marriage on April 20, 1919, with Ivy Geraldine Rager of Johnstown. To this union were born two sons and two daughters: Arthur Paul, Betty Jane, Violet May, and Donald Wayne. The children have united with the Church of the Brethren. He united with the church October 11, 1908, in the Roxbury church. His wife, formerly a member of the United Brethren Church, united with the Westmont Church of the Brethren on May 18, 1920. She has been a constant help and a loyal companion during the years. Brother Rummel was installed into the ministry on May 20, 1920, by the Westmont church. At the same service his father was ordained to the eldership. He was ordained to the eldership on September 10, 1931. He has served as pastor of the following churches: the Wilpen Italian mission and the Locust Grove, Tire Hill, Pleasant Hill, and Conemaugh congregations, near Johns- town. Most of his pastorates were on a part-time basis. He worked in the Carnegie-Illinois Steel mills sixteen years while serving as
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pastor. He has been active in the work of the district. He is a trustee of the Old Folks' Home. Many churches in the vicinity of Johnstown have chosen him as presiding elder. On July 1, 1947, Brother and Sister Rummel began the pastorate of the Natrona Heights church, where they still serve.
(3) DONALD WAYNE RUMMEL (December 4, 1928-), a son of the above, was licensed to the ministry in the Elgin church, Illinois, in the summer of 1951. He worked at the Brethren Publishing House from 1947 to 1950, and entered Manchester College in 1950. He married Helen Rumsey of Lima, Ohio, on August 25, 1951.
CHRISTIAN SCHMUCKER (May 8, 1801-1854) was a charter member of the Quemahoning congregation. His wife was Mary Ann Miller, a daughter of Abraham Miller. Church services were held regularly in their home for nine months, and all the worshipers were given a free dinner each Sunday, as were also the horses. He was ordained to the ministry at a love feast held in Elder Michael Forney's home on May 28, 1854. Many of his descendants are members of the Church of the Brethren.
(1) GEORGE SCHROCK (1816-January 25, 1894) was a grandson of Casper Schrock, who with his brother, John, settled in Brothersvalley about 1765. Christian, the father of George Schrock, was married to Franie Good. They cleared the farm later owned by Emanual L. Knepper. All this family were members of the German Baptist Brethren. George was married to Susan Horner in 1938. They had a son, Elder William Good, and a daughter, Rebecca, wife of Elder S. F. Rieman. For two years they lived in Westmoreland County, but retired to Brothersvalley, where he was called to the ministry in 1851. In 1865 his wife died, and he was later married to Sarah Horner. Brother Schrock was a good student. By constant reading and study he acquired a trained mind in spite of limited opportunities for formal schooling. He became an able preacher of the Word.
(2) WILLIAM G. SCHROCK (March 27, 1840-1929), a son of Elder George Schrock, was born while the family resided in Westmoreland County. After public school, William attended the Berlin Normal School six years and in turn taught in the public schools. Called to the ministry in 1880, he went to Juniata College to prepare for greater service in the pulpit. He was ordained as an elder in 1895. He was one of the pioneers in Sunday-school work in the Brothersvalley con- gregation, served on the District Home Mission Board, was district writ- ing clerk, and contributed others of his talents to the church in many ways. He always remained an ardent reader, possessing a private library of over one thousand copies. He enjoyed traveling, which he did extensively. In 1860 he married Rebecca, daughter of Elder D. P. Walker. They had one daughter, Emma, wife of E. L. Knepper and mother of Elder Lewis Knepper. Elder Galen K. Walker also found in them kind and loving foster parents.
JOHN C. SCHROCK (July 23, 1818-1893), a brother to Elder George, was born near Berlin. After his marriage to Lydia Saylor, they moved
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to a farm in Somerset Township in the Middle Creek congregation. There he was elected to the ministry when about forty years of age, and served the church in a quiet and unassuming manner for many years.
ARTHUR SCROGUM (August 7, 1897-) was reared on a farm adjoining the Martin Creek church in Southern Illinois. He is the son of Elder J. J. and Rebecca Scrogum. He attended Bethany Biblical Seminary
Arthur Scrogum and Wife
and Manchester College, graduating from the latter in 1921. Baptized at Fairfield in 1909, he was called to the ministry at Hart, Michigan, in 1920. He served as pastor of Cedar Creek church in Indiana during his senior year at Manchester and then accepted a position as high school teacher at Accident, Maryland, and part-time pastor of the Bear Creek church near Accident. His service in the Accident church and com- munity continued for twenty-three years, during which time he was also a leader in all phases of the work of the Western Maryland Dis- trict. While he was in college, Arthur met Marie Coblentz of Peru, Indiana, to whom he was married on August 17, 1921. They have two daughters: Betty, who is married to Donald Clague, dean of students at Bridgewater College; and Ruth, wife of Herbert Hogan, history pro- fessor at La Verne College. Marie has been a valuable assistant to her husband in his ministry, serving as counselor, as music director, as Sunday-school teacher, and as children's director. Arthur and Marie have served the Cumberland church in the full-time ministry since 1944. They were ordained to the eldership at Accident in 1922.
ISAAC SECRIST (February 6, 1844-September 16, 1893) was a son of John and Esther Secrist, who were among the builders of the church in Armstrong County. Isaac was united in marriage with Sallie Ann
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Whitacre on May 17, 1866. An only son died in infancy. About 1861 they moved to Indiana County, where he was engaged in the harness and shoemaking business. On June 23, 1882, he was elected to the ministry, and was advanced on June 18, 1883. He worked in the Manor congregation until 1890, when he returned to Armstrong County to take charge of the Cowanshannock congregation as its pastor. On March 13, 1893, he removed again to the Manor church, also helping with the work at Crooked Creek, Purchase Line, and old Manor. The labor and sacrifice of some of the old leaders, among them Brother Secrist, is unexcelled in our day. Blough wrote of him, "A short time before his death he walked to the old Manor church, a distance of eight miles, to preach and teach a Sunday school class of twelve. He also had a class at Crooked Creek, and in order to teach it in the afternoon he walked back without dinner. He had not much more than begun his best min- isterial work when the Master called him up higher. He is not known to have made a disappointment. The weather was all right at all times. Sunday school was his specialty."
DORSEY G. SEESE (January 16, 1891-) is the son of William and Annie (Dietz) Seese, beginning his life near Scalp Level. Finishing public school before high schools were established, he continued his education at California State Normal and then completed the academic course at Juniata College with the distinction of completing a four-year course in one year and two summer terms. He also did work at Penn State and Indiana State Teachers College. He was graduated from Juniata College in 1927 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Educa- tion. In 1934 he was awarded the Master of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Specializing in public school administration, which became his chosen field of service, he later completed most of the graduate work leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in edu- cation in the same institution. Brother Seese served as principal of the Nanty Glo and Franklin Borough high schools for twenty-six years, and at present is serving his second term as principal of the Franklin Conemaugh Township Joint Junior Senior High School. In recognition of his outstanding work with boys he has been made an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club of the city of Johnstown. At the age of sixteen Dorsey was baptized in the Scalp Level church. In June 1916 he was elected to the ministry and was ordained as an elder on October 22, 1947. He has served the church in many offices; as Sunday-school superintendent, as teacher, as musician, and as supply minister. At present he is elder of the Roxbury church. On June 3, 1925, he was married to Verna Statler, daughter of Lewis and Ellen (Seese) Statler. They are the parents of a quartet of girls.
ALICE DOROTHY SELL was a daughter of William and Augusta (LaDuc) Lehmann of Los Angeles, California. She was graduated from the preparatory course of Mount Morris College in 1912 and has studied at the Berean Bible School and La Verne College, California. In 1934 she received a Bachelor of Sacred Literature degree from Bethany Biblical Seminary. She united with the church in the Mount Morris congregation in 1911. Planning to go to the mission field, she took
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training in the Good Samaritan and Pacific hospitals in Los Angeles from 1913 to 1916, but failing health compelled her to discontinue the course. The Hollidaysburg congregation called her to the ministry October 5, 1924. Since 1928 she has been permanently licensed and has assisted her husband, Walter C. Sell, in his pastorates and also in revival meetings.
Alice Dorothy and Walter Cecil Sell
WALTER CECIL SELL (March 29, 1895-) is the fourth child of Albert and Della (Stewart) Sell of Ponca City, Oklahoma. After the death of his wife in 1897, the father with the family moved to Fredonia, Kansas. Going to California in 1916, Walter was graduated from the La Verne College preparatory department in 1921, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Morris College, and on December 5, 1933, was graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Bethany Bib- lical Seminary. Since that he has studied at Pittsburgh Xenia Theo- logical Seminary. He has held pastorates in Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, his last three being six and one-half years at Center Hill, six years at Mount Pleasant and Connellsville, and two years at the Farmington-Bethel and Wharton Furnace churches. About two years ago he became affiliated with the Evangelical United Brethren Church, for whom he now serves as pastor. On April 17, 1917, he was united in marriage with Alice D. Lehmann. Two children were born to them: Ruth, wife of Richard Overly; and John Paul, deceased. Brother Sell united with the church in Fredonia, Kansas, in 1910. The First church, Los Angeles, California, called him to the ministry on August 1, 1917. He was ordained as an elder on October 27, 1938. He has served
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two years as president of the Westmoreland County Sabbath School Association and has held evangelistic meetings in many states.
WILLIAM SEVITS (1812-1889) was a man of deep faith and consecra- tion, giving his time and concern to the old Berlin church, his home congregation. A son of Benjamin and Catharine Sevits of Stonycreek Township, he was married to Barbara Miller about 1835. Later, prob- ably in the fifties, he was called to be a minister, and was ordained as an elder in 1880. He was a close friend and co-worker of Elder Jacob Blough, beside whom, at Elder Sevits' request, he is buried in the Blough-Forney burying plot.
CHARLES K. SHAFFER (June 3, 1887-), son of Elias and Jane (Cable) Shaffer, was born in Shade Township, Somerset County. His occupations have been farming, coal mining, and lumbering. He was elected to the ministry and ordained to the eldership by the Shade Creek con- gregation, and served as presiding elder of that congregation from 1944 to 1948. In 1916 he was married to Mary E. Lohr, and to this union five children were given: Ruth, Edna, Alice, Paul, and Warren. Sister Shaffer died on March 29, 1924.
D. DAVID SHAFFER (November 30, 1901-), son of Elias and Chris- tina Shaffer, was born in Shade Township, Somerset County. The Shade Creek congregation elected him to the ministry and ordained him to the eldership. He has followed the occupations of teaching, farming, and photography. On January 22, 1926, he was united in marriage to Iva Cable. Four children blessed this union: Robert, Zane, Shirley, and Marlin.
DANIEL D. SHAFFER (February 8, 1868-December 6, 1900) spent a short but fruitful life in the service of the church. His parents were David J. and Rachel (Holsopple) Shaffer, who lived where the town of Windber now stands. On May 7, 1889, he was married to Marilla Grush. They had six children. Shortly after their marriage they united with the church. In 1893 he was called to the ministry, serving com- mendably in the pulpit and in personal evangelism until he met with an accident as he worked at the carpentry trade. This mishap eventu- ated in his death.
JOSEPH J. SHAFFER (1873-February 15, 1950) was reared on a farm in Shade Township, Somerset County, his parents being Hiram and Frances (Berkebile) Shaffer. At the age of fourteen, he united with the church. On July 4, 1893, he was called to the ministry in the Shade Creek congregation. He was graduated from the Normal English course at Juniata College in 1896. In 1898 he became the first pastor of the Coventry church. The following two years he served as principal of the Windber schools, during which time he was married to Clara Grace Rieman, daughter of Elder S. F. Rieman of Brothersvalley. From March 2, 1907, to April 6, 1909, he was the first pastor of the Shade Creek congregation, after which they moved to a farm near Berlin. In 1913 Sister Shaffer passed away leaving six children. Some time later he was married to her sister, Elizabeth, Brother Shaffer served
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on several district committees. The family moved to Hollidaysburg about 1920, where he remained until his death.
LEWIS G. SHAFFER (April 11, 1877-March 28, 1949) was a son of Gillian and Carolina (Berkey) Shaffer. His mother was a daughter of Elder Joseph Berkey. His life was centered around religious and educational work. Both were begun in very early manhood and con- tinued with vigor during a lifetime marked with service. In 1888 he was baptized. On June 19, 1900, he was elected to the ministry in the Shade Creek congregation. For several years he shared with other ministers of the Shade Creek congregation in filling the pulpits of the home congregation. Later, in connection with his principalship in the Johnstown schools, he served the Windber church for nearly three years. For many years thereafter, Brother Shaffer was often called upon as a substitute in the district churches. His active church work included teaching of men's Bible classes, participation in the church choir, and long-time service in official capacities in the church. He was the first pupil to graduate from the common schools of Paint Township, Somer- set County, graduating in 1894. Later he was graduated from Indiana State Normal School in 1899 with honor. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1925 and a Master of Arts degree in 1929 from the University of Pittsburgh. He served as teacher or principal in Windber, Paint Township, and Walnut Grove (then a part of Stonycreek Town- ship). In 1904 he entered the Johnstown school system, serving there in various schools, mostly in the capacity of principal, until his re- tirement in 1939. During his forty-four years of educational work, Professor Shaffer never missed a day of school. His influence was far- reaching in the education of youth. He also taught several terms of normal (select school) for teachers and was considered a capable teacher. Brother Shaffer married Addie Hoffman, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Kaufman) Hoffman, on March 30, 1902. She died June 13, 1904. His second marriage was to Daisy M. Hoffman, a sister of his first wife, on June 2, 1907. To this union six children were born: Ruby, Howard, Lewis G., Jr. (now deceased), Garnet, Richard, and Daisy.
JOSEPH SEIBERT SHELLY (December 4, 1912-), a son of Robert and Huldah (Seibert) Shelly, was born in Lehigh County. He was gradu- ated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1934, and from Penn State with a Master of Science degree in 1949. He taught in Stony Creek High School, Shanksville, four years, and went to Shippensburg High School in 1947. In January 1949 he went to Mc- Pherson College to establish a Rural Life Department. In 1950 he went to the University of Illinois as a graduate assistant and worked toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree. In June 1951 he went to Wheeling, West Virginia, as extension specialist in consumer education and mar- keting for the University of West Virginia. As president of men's work at Brothersvalley, he sponsored a Lord's-acre project which netted about $900.00 one summer. He was president of the District Men's Work three years, was elected to the National Council of Men's Work in 1945, and in 1946 was chosen president of the council. While in our district he created the Seeds of Goodwill project (named such by Mrs.
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Shelly), which became popular in other denominations as well as in our Brotherhood. He was married to Edith Rupert on November 25, 1937. They have one daughter, Carol Ann.
NOAH M. SHIDELER (September 22, 1889-), a son of Jacob H. and Sarah (Paul) Shideler, was born in Huntington County, Indiana. He was married to Hazel Mae Crull in March 1912. His education includes studies leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Manchester College; Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Theology, Bethany Biblical Seminary; Master of Arts, Northwestern University. Elected to the ministry in 1910, he was advanced in 1912 and ordained as an elder in 1921. He taught three terms in the Indiana public schools and for two years was principal of Hebron Seminary, Nokesville, Virginia. As a pastor Brother Shideler has served these churches: Little Walnut, New Hope, and Rossville, Indiana; First, Chicago, Illinois; Pittsburgh, 1931- 1940; Ninth Street, Roanoke, Virginia, 1940-1945. His present occupa- tion is that of head proofreader at the Brethren Publishing House, Elgin, Illinois. Brother and Sister Shideler are the parents of three children.
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