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Cutl^erai^ Biodrapf^ies;
OR,
Historical Notices of Over Three Hundred and Fifty Leading Men
OF THE
American Lutheran Church,
From its Establishment to the Year 1890.
WITH A ^^.
Historical Introduction and Numerous Portrait Engravings.
REV. J. C. JENSSON,
Pastor of the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Milwaukee, Wis.
"ReTieinuer them who have the rule over you, who have sooken unto you the word if God; whcjse faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and tu-day, and forever'' — PaITL.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by
REV. J. C. JENSSON,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Press of A. Huulkamp & Son, Milwaukee, Wis.
"©EtsieATiON-
TO THE
GOOD BRETHREN AVHO WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN THE HAND OF
GOD IN BRINGING ABOUT THE GLORIOUS UNION OF THE
NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCHES, CONSUMMATED
AT MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., JUNE THIRTEENTH,
EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND NINETY, THIS
WORK IS MOST RESPECTFULLY
DEDICATED BY THE
AUTHOR.
EEV. HENEY MELCHIOE MUHLENBEKG, D.D.
PATHIAROH OF AMEBIC AN LUTHEEANISM.
'Preface
'"^N offering this galaxy of American Lutheran Divines to the ^jnljlic, the
. I author deems it proper to make a few prefatory remarks. In three words
its title plainly tells what it contains. It gives outlines, sketches, and
delineations of a Inrge number of the more prominent standard bearers in onr
American Lutheran Church, both living and deceased.
In its arrangement the alphabetical order has been adopted.
As to its object, little needs to be said. With the author, at least, it is the spontaneous result of a long-felt want. Often has it happened that he was asked to give a brief account of some prominent man in our Church, wdien he was obliged to make the humiliating response, that, beyond his name, he knew but little about him; nor did he know of any published work where such information could be had. To serve the interests of our Church by supplying this want lias, there- fore, been the chief object of the author in the publication of this book.
As a manual of reference in the Lutheran family it cannot fail to awaken more interest in the reading of the many ably edited periodicals of our Church. Every reading Lutheran, who is at all interested in the general work of the Lutheran Church, and who has taken some pains to keep himself informed, both as to her inner life and outward development, by a regular perusal of some of her periodicals, knows by personal experience, that he has always read with greater interest such articles of whose author he happened to have some knowledge. Thus it has often happened that an article which was read with more or less flagging interest, was re-read with the closest attention, when the reader discovered that he had some kowledge of its author. Just as our interest in conversation is gauged by our knowledge of, or intimacy with, the person with
vi. AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
whom we speak, so is also, in a similar proportion, our interest in reading ganged by onr knowledge of the person who speaks to us through the columns of the church paper.
We live in an age Avhen the press wields a marvelous influence both for good and for evil. Every phase of poisonous literature, from the heart- corrupting novel to the faith-destroying "Robert Elsmere", finds its way to almost every home in the land. Nor do the religious sects and fanatics, by which our country is overrun, fail to employ this modern facility for dissemin- ating their unwholesome productions. An endless medley of confusing ideas and doctrines are scattered broadcast over the land to unsettle the better prin- ciples of our people. In view of this increasing deluge of nineteenth century literature, the time has manifestly ccme when eveiy man and wcman in our Lutheran Zion, who has the welfare of the Church of the Reformation at heart, should put forth a more vigorous elfort than ever before, to counter-balance this influence, and endeavor to crowd out this confusing and corrupting stuff from among onr people, by j)lacing into their hands the clean, wholesome, elevating, and christianizing papers and periodicals of our Church, of which there is made such ample provision in all languages.
The good effect of such a general effort along the entire line (^f American Lutheranism can scarcely be calculated. The people would become better informed in regard to their church, and the consequence would be that they would also become more devoted and loyal members of her. To love our Lutheran Church, she must be known; and to know lier correctly, her doctrines and principles must be studied. It folloAvs, therefore, that our first effort must be to bring about a more general and considerate attention to the great fundamental principles of our Church among our Auierican Lutheran people, in order to secure for her the attachment and following that she deserves. The chief object of this volume is to do something tow^ard securing this general interest and attention; and if it succeeds in helping to create more interest in the home study of our American Lutheran Literature, by introducing to the Lutheran families some of the great and good men of our grand old Church, such as the editors of her periodicals, the authors of her books, her leading educators, and her more successful preachers, pastors, and pioneers, its j)^^blication has not been in vain.
AMEBICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES. vii.
While the author tenders his sincere thanks to the many brethren who have encouraged and assisted him in this work, he apprehends that the book may not fully meet the expectations of those who have so kindly encouraged its publication. It is a matter of regret to the author that he has been unable to make this volume more complete. Despite repeated and earnest efforts to secure the sketches of a considerable number of educators and divines, who have not received a mention in this book, he has unfortunately been compelled to drop their names for want of the necessary information. In a number of cases the author's requests for auto-biographical sketches have been persistently, though courteously, declined, chiefly on the ground that such publicity did not meet their idea of propriety, savoring, as they thought, too much of vanity. It is also more than probable that the critical reader will discover inaccuracies, which might not have occurred, had the work been done by a more competent hand. Especially does the author regret the unavoidable disproportionateness of a considerable number of the sketches it contains. While some subjects have been allotted several pages, a few of the most prominent have barely received mention. Although this is quite unfortunate, the author hopes to be exonerated from any blame on that ground, having made all reasonable efforts to give more complete accounts of some whose biographies are mere statements of the most important events in their history. Since the compilation of this work, he has, m.ore than ever before, been impressed with the fact that the men of the most genuine greatness, and whose devotion and labor have given them merited fame in the Church, are generally the most averse to the publication, especially while they live, of their biographies. This will account for the dis- proportionate space allotted in this book to some of the foremost subjects.
Among the many brethren who have rendered the author valuable assistance in the compilation of this volume,^ — to all of whom he hereby expresses his grateful acknowledgment, — he is especially under obligations to the Rev. F.W. E. Peschau, A.M , of Wilmington, N.C., who has taken a special interest in the work, and furnished a number of carefully prepared sketches, the most of which would probably not have appeared, had it not been for his very cordial and persevering assistance. The highly interesting, historical, and statistical introduction, has been specially prepared for this work by the Rev. J. E. Bushnell, A. M., of Ro- anoke, Va. His acknowledgment is also due to his friends and co-laborers,
yiii. AMEBIC AN LUIHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
the Kev. W. K. Frick, A. M., Pastor of the "English Lutheran Church of the Redeemer," Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the Rev. O. H. Lee, Pastor of "Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church," Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the Rev. J. H. Schlerf, Pastor of "Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheian Church," Milwaukee, Wisconsin; also the Rev. M. Sheeleigh, D. D., of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. To the Rev. Sylvanus? Stall, of Baltimore, Md., he is indebted for the free use of a con- siderable number of cuts. The Rev. R. Anderson, of Brooklyn, N. Y., author of "History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;" Rev. J. Nicum, of Rochester, N. Y., author of "History of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of the State of New York;" and Rev. Prof. E. J. Wolf, D.D., of Gettysburg, Pa., author of "The Lutherans in America," have rendered him invaluable assistance, both through their great historic works, and by personal communications. To the Rev. J. G. Morris, D. D., L L. D., of Baltimore, Md. and Rev. C. A. PCay, D. D., of Gettysburg, Pa., he is indebted for the loan of a number of photographs and engravings, granted from the collection of the "Lutheran Historical Society", of Gettysburg, Pa. For financial aid in the publication of this work the author is under obligations to his friends and par- ishioners, Mr. P. H. McCarty, of the "P. H. McCarty Lumber Co.", and Mr. T. E. Eriksen, superintendent of the "Island Sash and Door Co."
In brief, the author begs to thank all the brethren wiio have in any way assisted or encouraged him in the preparation of this work.
May the God of our Lutheran standard bearers add His blessing to this humble effort, that it may prove a benediction to our Church, and stimulate her members to a more diligent study of her literature, and to the emulation of the zeal and devotion of the eminently godly and self-denying men to w^bom this volume introduces them. This is the earnest desire and fervent prayer of the author.
J. C. JENSSON.
Milwaukee, All Saints Day, 1890
i^lMistoriGal © Intro flaGtioii.l^
I HE wonderful growth of the Church naturally commands a corresponding -^ recognition of the ministry. With over five thousand pastors and teachers in the congregational and educational work, the Lutheran ministry is exerting a formative influence upon the religious life of our great Republic.
The dark days between the first settlement of Lutherans in 1621* and the arrival of the patriarch Muhlenberg in 1742 were mainly marked by ecclesiastical absorption and political oppression. Through the sweep of a whole century we could not muster at any one time a dozen Lutheran ministers in the colonies. The spiritual aeal of John Campanius, the first protestant minister to the Indians was shown in the translation of Luther's Catechism for this pioneer service in 1642. It was printed in Stockholm, and was the first publication in the Indian tongue, except Elliot's Bible. Campanius and others distinguished themselves for devotion to the faith and suffering amid false brethren.
The formation of the "Ministerium of Pennsylvania" in 1748 begins the firm establishment of the Lutheran Church in America, when we had only 11 ordained ministers, 33 congregations and an estimated membership of 60,000, scattered over several states and speaking various tongues. The first church in Philadelphia was dedicated at this date; the first printed edition of the Catechism was issued from Franklin's press the same year. The first [native minister (Christian Streit) was born the following year. The growth of our ministry during the past three centuries has been remarkable and is a most suggestive fact, when we consider the moral and, spiritual force of such an educated body of representative men. In 1690 we had 3 ministers. In 1790 the estimated number was 50. In 1890 our official reports give us 4,612 regularly ordained ministers, with an additicmal force of fully one thousand consecrated teachers engaged in the schools and charitable institutions of the church.
* 1623 is the date given by some.
2
X. AMEEICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
The organization of the first general body in 1820 marks the second era. The growth of the church from that time is an inspiration to all who study the historic record. Within the memory of many of our ecclesiastical leaders the existence of the Lutheran Church in this country was once a struggle against the flood-tide of religious fanaticism. .The destruction of evangelical and churchly ministrations was experienced along all the border lines. Fifty years ago we had hardly 150,000 communicants, and only a handful of educational and charitable] institutions, and one religious paper. On the other hand, the Methodists had 1,230,069 members, the Baptists 831,035, and -the Presbyterians 451,239. We may thus see at a glance the relative disadvantages under which the ministers of our church labored duriug this favorable period, to say nothing of pioneer struggles. Now our official reports excite public admiration, and the biographical sketches of our efficient ministers cannot fail to secure a general appreciation.
In his valuable history,* Dr. Wolf says: "One of the most laudable features of Lutheran educational work is the care of the orphans. By no other sign does she more clearly testify that she has the spirit of God "in whom the father- less find mercy." When we recall the instrumentalities by which the Lutheran Church came into organic being in America, it may be said that she had her birth in an Orphan House. That glorious institution at Halle communicated the breath of life to the unorganized mass ready to perish on these shores; and from that same fountain the Church was nursed for fifty years. The great preachers of that period were graduates of that orphanage. It is not surprising therefore to read that one feature marked all the early Lutheran preachers: their attention to the young, the poor, the sick, and especially the widows and orphans." With 57 institutions for the systematic care of the orphan, the stranger, and unfortunate, and all, save one, established within the past fifty years, the record of our Church for practical Christian charity must cheer any loyal heart. Like many other important trusts these eleemosynary enterprises experienced a melancholy neglect for a season, but the revival of a faith that works by love, and a more intelligent appreciation of our historic church life, have given a new impulse to this humane and godly work. The establishment of the Deaconess' Mother House at Philadelphia, in connection with the renowned German Hospital, under the patronage of that distinguished prince of Lutheran philanthropists,
* "Lntherans in America," p. 4<S+.
AMEKICAN LUTHEKAN BI0GKAPHIE8. xi.
Mr. Jolm D. Laukenau is a foretaste of the better day. "With 26 theological schools, 36 colleges and seminaries, 37 academies, and 1,000 parochial schools, the spiritual influence of the Lutheran Church becomes an important factor in the evangelical growth of this country.
The polyglot and international lil:e of the Lutheran population in America makes it an interesting item in the study and solution of vexed social questions. False views of the way of Salvation have prejudiced thousands against our Church, who might have been blessed and useful under our evangelical care, and within reach of the means of grace. The Lutheran Church has always held foL-th an open Bible as the only rule and standard according to which at once all teaching and teachers should be esteemed and judged (Formula Concordiae). She honors Christ as the ouly living Head — follows no spirit save Him who speaks according to the revealed Word, leading the believer into "all the truth." She is lo3^al to every historic confession of the faith as witnessing to the manner and to the places in which the teachings of Holy Scripture were preserved, observing with equal faithfulness the written and the sacramental word.
Despite national and local diversities— enjoyed under the liberty of the Gospel — there is a substantial agreement in all fundamental matters of faith and usage. Union in love and labor is the poj)ular demand of our one million com- municants, who constitute the court of final appeal under the synodical system. Thirty years ago, Avhile the church was yet represented by the one general body, my grand-father — a graduate of the first class of the Gettysburg Seminary, — pleaded with voice and pen for the organic union of our whole American Church. The spirit of love and fellowship fled before the rage of internecine strife. Those who had met as brothers in the name of the Prince of Peace, met as enemies in battle array. The songs of Zion were silenced by the trumpet of fratricidal war. Yet the morning cometh. The union of the Scandinavians* is the promise of closer fellowship for the German and English churches, and a more general co-operation is being promoted, notwithstanding linguistic and geographical barriers. Commercial and social intercourse has solved many of our ecclesiastical problems. Some appreciation of our linguistic and national features may be realized by a glance at the list oi our current publica- tions. Since 1831 our religious periodicals have increased from one small paper {Lutheran Observer) to 48 English publications, 51 German, 15 Norwegian, 16
* This union was effected aC Minneapolis, Mien , June 13, 1890.
xii. AMEKICAN LUTHERAN BIOGiiAPHIES.
Swedish, 4 Danish, 1 Icelaudic, 3 Finnish, and 2 French, to say nothing of the imported publications in various European tongues. Synodical and personal individuality is preserved; j^et there is one mind and one spirit for the thousands who speak regularly through the polyglot channels of the Lutheran publications, and sectarianism has never been known among us. The latest statistics show that, of the Lutherans in all lands, 82,000,000 speak German, 5,300,000 Swedish, 2,500,000 Norwegian, 2,300,000 Danish, 2,048,000 Finnish, 1,250,000 English, 1,113,000 Hungarian, and that in every other civilized tongue she is well repre- sented, numbering in the world 28,406 educated ministers, 38,381 church edi- fices, and 50,061,280 baptized members.
Reviewing the toil and sacrifices of the early years, with the glory, and riches, and power of the United Church of the future in reach of our faith and hope, w^e should meet the issue like men and Christians. The grand achieve- ments of our fathers should encourage us to render a more glorious service amid the golden opportunities of our present advantages for personal and synodical co-operation. The love of Christ, abounding along the highway of progress, along natural lines, should bind us who seek the more important ends of spirit- ual advancement closer than railroad and telegraph systems, the promoters of commercial and industrial combinations. Choose each man what best becomes a loyal Lutheran! For my part, I seek union in love and labor upon the honorable terms of faithfulness to every Scriptural mark of our ecclesiastical identity, so as to promote charity and quietness in making provision for outward uniformity in worship, and for proper governmental authority in our educational, missionary, and publication enterprises.
The Germans and Scandinavians, who compose over two-thirds of the American Lutheran Church, are doing as grand a work as the English-speaking Christians of any denomination, and this claim needs to be more generally recognized. The Mother Church of the Reformation deserves a front rank in the evangelical work of this Protestant country. Cardinal Gibbons has scattered a book broadcast, in which he seeks to show, by an ingeniously constructed table, that the Protestants put Luther and others in the place of Jesus Christ, as the founder of the Church. The Episcopalian bishops take a more kindly view and recognize our fellowship with Christ, while they deny our Apostolic succession in the ministerial service. The Baptists repudiate our church membership, and claim that neither the Lord Jesus nor his Apostles would
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES. xiii.
admit us to the Holy Sapper, if they were to found the Church anew. The Methodists eschew our system of educational religion, and, despite the fact, that Lutherans everywhere constantly and publicly confess their faith in the Holy Spirit, our teaching on this important subject is ignored and practically re- jected. It is not uncommon to hear their preachers extolling a system of work- righteousness and declaring that a man must save himself. Whereas, the Lutherans are taught from their childhood to answer: "I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him; but the Holy Ghost has called me in the true faith; in like manner as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith; in which Christian Church He daily forgives abundantly all my sins and the sins of all believers." The dis- position to ignore the teachings of our church is not confined to the masses, many of whom iiave been led to suppose that "the Germans are a nation of illiterate infidels"; but men in high ecclesiastical position need someone to teach them the "first principles of the oracles of God." At the great inter- national Sunday School Convention in Pittsburgh, Bishop Vincent — amid much popular applause — reviewed the strength and weakness of the historic Churches in their rise and progress; but the most suggestive fact was^ that in the full length of his labored discussion no place was found for the old Mother Church of Protestantism, and both her historical existence and the sweep of her ec- clesiastical influence was completely ignored. Prominent delegates noticed the oversight and suggested to me that the Bishop could not notice all the many denominations. Yet, surely such an experienced speaker should not forget the Church of the Reformation in a historical survey of the ecclesiastical world, when his c^wn mother was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. A certain authorized publication, at the close of an extended sum- mary, fails to give our statistical report, after placing the Presbyte- rians in the lead, saying for our supposed comfort (p. 240): "If you
add the Lutherans who are nearer to Presbyterianism than they
are to Episcopacy or Independency, we have a population of fifty-five out of one hundred and seven millions of Protestants, or an actual majority of the Protestants of the world."* These statements are made with the best of good will, and in the catholic spirit of a true Christian charity. Men in com-
*''History of Presbyterianism."
XIV.
AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
mercial circles advocate liberality; yet, when they come to estimate their proxies and count their suflPrages, some regard for the actual ratio of facts is evidently demanded, lest the tail should wag the dog.
For the information of all who desire the facts, the following carefully pre- pared summary of Lutheran statistics, published recently by Secretary Lenk- er for the Immigrant Society, will be of service:
|
Ministers. |
Churches. |
Baptized Members. |
|
|
Eu rope Asia |
22,980 203 314 132 4,710 47 20 |
29,644 142 237 310 7,964 61 23 |
43,133,096 90,969 |
|
A f rica . . . . , |
103,821 |
||
|
Oceanica |
125,794 |
||
|
North America Soiith America |
6,511,500 95,500 |
||
|
Jewish M issions |
|||
|
Total in the world |
28,406 |
38,381 |
50,061,280 |
Many of us have the blood of two empires in our veins. We have put the teachiugs and faith of the Fatherland into our English tougue. Thousands of our people speak and write fluently in two and three languages, and use the English with an intelligent regard for American tendencies of thought. If Prof. Freeman, of Oxford, can protest, with any show of rtasou, against our calling the British subjects foreigners, how much more should Americans everywhere protest against the miserable prejudice which calls our own natural- ized Scandinavian and German citizens "foreign elements in society." The moral intiuence of the Scandinavian Lutherans saved North Dakota from the blighting incubus of the lottery and saloon schemers; and may God forbid that these loyal fellow-citizens should ever be esteemed as less American because they speak several languages in place of one, and combine the virtues and piety of model Lutheran kingdoms with the thrift and industry of our new Republic. In Europe, as in America, the Scandinavians possess the elements of the highest civilization. Speaking from the standpoint of personal visitation and study of real life in the land of universal Lutlieranism, honest men of every creed, like Dr. Hamma, write down the Norwegians as the ideal people of the world, and the Swedes and Danes as next in rank for all the cardinal virtues of a true civilization. Is the Scotch-Irish, or any other European blood, less foreign than the German and Scandinavian? Sliall the scholars of this country obtain their religious, scientific, and literary culture at the renowned German Universities ?
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES. xv.
Shall the Christian charities of the world receive their inspiration from Halle and Kaiserswerth, and America not love and honor the Fatherland? A gracious God hath not ignored the German Reformation and its final victoiies under the heroic leadership of Gustavus Adolphus, who sealed our liberties with royal Swedish blood in Jesus' name. Protestant principles, dearer than life to our fathers, are being translated freely into the English language. The scientific and theological truth of Germany has largely influenced and formed the scholarship of America, and we may reasonably expect good results from the personal life of this educated people in the active fellowship of daily intercourse. Our thrifty and virtuous German and Scandinavian Christians have grasped the jeweled Crown of Northern Europe to enrich and honor the land of their adoption — in the social and commercial progress of our Western Republic. Such Christians — and they constitute the truly representative element from a religious standpoint — have a lawful and abiding place in the evangelical work of the American Churches.
May the true union of all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity and truth soon come, when the one Holy, Christian, Catholic, and Apostolic Church can joyfully use a common order of worship, unite in the Scriptural Confession of faith, and labor together in love for the salvation of the world. "For the ob- taining of this faith, the ministry of preaching; the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted." — Conf. Aug., Art. V. Those who serve in the holy office of pastor or bishop, are worthy of double honor, and should ever be esteemed highly in love for their work's sake. They deserve a good report from those who are without, and should especially command the greatest possible confidence, respect, and love from a Christian public. While we recognize the universal priesthood of believers, every man is not called to the ofiice of the ministry; but all are called to support and honor this work. Bearing historically the name "Evangelical Lutheran," we joyfully embrace the Holy Gospel, which gives us Christ the Savior; and are not ashamed (2 Tim. 1: 8) of the heroic preacher whom God set forth as a fearless witness of the truth in a benighted age, Christianity puts a consecrated personality above all forms of ecclesiastical polity. The enlightened worker is more than a mere method of work. We follow Paul, or Luther, even as they follow Christ. 1 Cor. xi, 1; ITh. i, 6; Heb. 6, 12.
The educational feature is a distinctive idea with the Lutheran Church in
xvi. AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGKAPHIES.
America and Europe, and our average pastors and teachers begin where many . of other denominations end. Among our ministers we have hundreds of highly- educated pastors and teachers doing a grand, gloTious, and efficient service for the moral and spiritual elevation of society. Many of these true teachers will go down to their graves in some neglected church-yard, where no costly marble will tell to the rising generations of their toil and self-denial. The ministry of the Gospel rises above the praise and honors of men; yet one word of cheer to the living is worth a dozen funeral sermons, or a whole book full of praise after the worker is dead.
The following biographical sketches of the pastors and teachers who have obtained a good report among us is the assurance of things hoped for, and the promise of a more successful work at home and abroad. This valuable pub- lication which I have the honor to introduce, cannot fail to interest and instruct the general public, and by the wide circulation, which it so richly deserves, prove a spiritual blessing to the Church and her devoted ministry. A careful review of the consecrated lives memorialized in this timely record will be a helpful inspiration. The author has aimed at completeness with little regard for the labor and expense incident to his task. Many have cheered his heart by a generous and prompt response. Some, for reasons best understood by themselves, have failed to evince any interest or appreciation, and this often ex- plains the omission of sketches which would have been read with great interest. In a few cases extra attention to the territory secured a general representation. As a reference book of American Lutheran Biographies, this book meets a felt want. It will make about 700 pages with some 350 sketches and numerous engravings, prepared at great expense. Pastors, teachers, and the public gener- ally will find this record of our church -leaders a useful hand-book, richly de- serving prompt and wide circulation. Following the writer to the Hebrews, we should be especially cheered by the labors of our fathers in the faith:
"Therefore, let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endnred the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb. 12, 1-2.
John Eichelberger Bushnell.
Roanoke, Va., Reformation Day, 1890.
JffigriGaD latkraD liograpEies.
KEY. ISKAEL ACEELIUS, Provost.
"An interesting personal notice is given of Acrelius by one of the most distin- gnished of his contemporaries in Ameri- ca. Dr. William Smith, at that time Provost of the Philadelphia Academy, and who subsequently took so active a part in the American Revolution. In a letter to Dr. Seeker, at that time ( Nov. 1st, 1756, ) Bishop of Oxford, but subse- quently Archbishop of Canterbury, he says: "The bearer of this is the Rev. Mr. Israel Acrelius, a learned Swede, who has been several years commissary to the Swedish congregations on the Delaware, and now returns to considera- ble preferment in his own country as a reward of his faithful labors. He is well entitled to the honor of your Lord- 3
ship's notice, and knows the state of all the Missions in the province perfectly
well He has often preached in
English, and made use of our service. " — Introduction to Acrelius, His- tory of New Sweden, p. xxvi.
Acrelius has written a "History of New Sweden," published by the "His- torical Society of Pennsylvania," in 1874. With special reference to this work. Dr. Wm. M- Reynolds says in his introduc- tion: "It is somewhat remarkable that Acrelius' labors as a historian, and es- pecially as a church historian, has been so little recognized either in his own country or abroad. The only notice we find of him among church historians is in Skarstedt's "Manual of Swedish
18
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
Church History," p. 196, where we have an account of his controversy with Al- nander, in 1761, in regard to the doc- trinal relation of the Church of England and of Sweden to each other; but no ref- erence either to his residence in Ameri- ca or his work in New Sweden. Even Dr. Rudelbach, who devotes the fifth number of his "Christian Biography" to an extensive sketch of Bishop Svedberg, in which his connection with the Amer- ican Mission is particularly noticed, makes no mention of this work, in which Svedberg' s missionary zeal is so amply illustrated. We infer from this that but a small edition of the work was print- ed, and that it had a very limited circula- tion, which is further confirmed by the fact that so few copies are now to be found either in this country or in Sweden. Acrelius lived over thirty years after his return. to his native land, dying in the year 1800, at the patriarchal age of eighty-six."
From Dr. W. J. Mann's "Life and Times of H. M. Muhlenberg," we quote the following:
"During the summer of 1750 the Rev. Israel Acrelius, of Sweden, pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Christina, (Wilmington, Del.,) and Provost of the Swedish Lutheran pastors of the Swed- ish congregations on the Delaware, ar- rived on the field of his future labors. In this ofiice as Provost he had as his
predecessor the Rev. John Sandin ,
who died in August of the year 1748. The office had been instituted by the ad- vice of Archbishop Jacob Berzelius, of Sweden, who had the Swedish churches in America under his supervision by a royal decree of January, 1747, to pre- vent irregularities caused in some of them by Moravian intrusion and other disturbing elements. Acrelius was ap- pointed provost May 29, 1749. He was intended at first as pastor for Raccoon
and Pennsneck, N. J., but information of Tranberg's death having been re- ceived, he was at once transferred to Christina, and left Stockholm July 20, arriving at Philadelphia November 6, 1749, in company with Rev. Eric Unan- der, appointed to serve at Raccoon and
Pennsneck In 1752, Acrelius
was recalled, and ordered, before leaving, to appoint Parlin provost, provided no special order should have come from Sweden. Acrelius' departure was delay- ed until 1756 Following his
literary tastes, he assiduously collected, during his sojourn in Pennsylvania, the material for his History of New Sweden, which work he wrote after his return to his native land, and thereby erected for himself a lasting monument. He was a man of much practical tact, ample in- formation, solid and sober religious con- victions, and sound judgment. Before coming to America he had served as chaplain in the Swedish navy. After his return to Sweden he served the church of his country through many years, as provost and pastor at Fellings- bro, diocese of Westeraas.
Muhlenberg introdoces in his diary ( in the year 1784, Oct. 20, ) a letter addressed to him, under date June 15, 1784 .... wherein it is stated that at that time Acrelius was almost totally blind and un- able to do any work He had
an accurate knowledge of the German language, and sometimes preached like- wise in the English.
The following is taken from • Acrelius' History of New Sweden, p. 311-12: "At the meeting in Germantown, in the year 1751, the Provost (Acrelius) de- livered a sliort oration in Latin, on " The Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.'* At the request of the German ministers at the meeting in New Providence, in the year 1753, he prepared in Latin, a narrative on ^'The Origin and Progress of
AMEEICAN LUTHEKAN BIOGRAPHIES.
19
the German Evangelical Congregations in Pennsylvania and the Adjacent Countries." This was presented to the government in Philadelphia, as also to the trustees of the Free School which had lately been established there. In all official trans- actions he w^as not only treated affec- tionately by his beloved brethren in the faith as a faithful adviser, but also hon- ored as a presiding officer." I The first four years, in succession, he j had to undergo severe intermittent fe- : vers, which every year trouble the in- 1 habitants of the country. The numer- \ ous official duties, which every year, even among the English population, increased the more, the more he became acquaint- ed with them, and which could not be performed without constant traveling I over the country, gave him reason to , think that his strength w-ould not con- ! tinue to be sufficient for this work. He \ therefore requested his bishop to re- ; lieve him as early as possible, and was i assured that this should be accorded as ■ soon as proper advancement could be | found for him at home. Nevertheless, ■ this w^as delayed for several more years un- ! til February, 1756, when the recall home, i granted by His Most Gracious Majesty ' (Frederick Adolph), together with a grant of one thousand dollars silver, for ; his traveling expenses from the same Gracious Sovereign, came to hand. Hereupon he was allowed to take his ; departure whenever he thought proper, and in the meantime Mr. John Abr. ' Lidenius, Pastor Extraordinary, might ; be appointed Vice-Pastor, and the Rev. !
Mr. Parlin Vice-Provost, in his place, until the receipt of further orders. But as he found that in so free a land it was not safe to leave the congregations upon this footing, he delayed his departure until the arrival of the Royal commissioners, whereby Mr. Parlin, the pastor of Wica- coa, was appointed Provost for all the congregations, and Mr. Eric Unander, pastor in Raccoon and Pennsneck, to be pastor in Christina, and the Pastor Ex- traordinary, Mr. John Abr. Lidenius, as pastor in Raccoon and Pennsneck. It was also thus settled what Avas to be done by the Minister Extraordinary, Mr. Peter Nordenlind, upon his arrival, in the month of September, which filled up the number of the Ministers.
After he had set all this in order, he could resign and joyfully take his de- parture, which he did with a sermon at Christina, Dom., p. xvi Tr. ( sixteenth Sun- day after Trinity), but not without mu- tual tears. From the beginning, his hearers had embraced him wdth so much love, that the separation was wath equal regret. Thereupon he delivered a fare- w^ell sermon in six different places where he had frequently held divine service, to which the people followed him from one place to another, in great numbers, sor- rowing most of all, that they should nev- er more behold his face. His departure took place on the 9th of November, 1756. After his arrival at home he was, by the Supreme Consistory, through a special grace of the king, appointed to the pas- torate of Fellingsbro, in the diocese of Westeraas.
"X^.,
20
AMEBIC AN LUIHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
EEV. EEINHOLD ADELBEEG.
Eev. Eeinhold Adelberg, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran St. Peter's Church at Milwaukee, Wis,, was born Nov. 9th, 1835, at Arnstadt, Germany. His par- ents were Gunther and Pauline Adel- berg. He received his classical educa- tion at the Gymnasium in his native place, and his theological training at Hartwick Seminary, near Cooperstown, Otsego county. New York.
He came to America in 1855. Hav- ing finished his course at Hartwick Sem- inary, he was called by the Mission Committee of the New York Ministerium to take up the Home-Mission work at Saugerties, N. Y. In 1859 a brick church was bought at this place, from the German Methodists, for $650.00. Having served this charge for two years, he accepted a call from the Second Ger- man Lutheran Church in Albany, N. Y., in October, 1861, where he remained for eight years. In 1864, he was elected
German secretary of the New York Min- isterium, and at the convention of this body, held in his own church at Albany, Aug. 31st to Sept. 5th, 1867, he was elected president of the Ministerium. succeeding Dr. H. N. Pohlman in that office. This position he held for two years, Dr. G. F. Krotel being his succes- sor, in 1869. Eev. Adelberg' s labors at Albany were signally blessed, the com- municant membership of his church having increased from 260 in 1862, to 430 in 1864. In 1863 he was nominated by the New York Synod as professor at the Hartwick Seminary, which, however, he declined to accept, preferring to remain with his congregation in Albany. Dur- ing the latter part of June, 1869, Eev. Adelberg accepted a call from a congre- gation in Watertown, Wis., which belonged to the Wisconsin Synod. He served the congregation at Watertown for four years. In June, 1873, he ac-
AMERICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGRAPHIES.
21
ceptecl a call from the Evangelical Lu- theran St. Peter's Church, at Milwaukee, Wis. , where he has labored with marked success for the last seventeen years. In 1885 his congregation built a beautiful thirty-five thousand dollar church, the old one having become too small. His congregation maintains a flourishing parochial school with a general attend-
ance of about 350 children. Rev. Adel- berg has for a number of years, been Vice President of the Wisconsin Synod, has been treasurer of its institutions for sixteen years, and for six years editor of the "Gemeinde Blatt." In 1859 he mar- ried Miss Julia M. Miller, a daughter of Rev. Geo. B. Miller, D.D., Professor of Theology, at Hartwick Seminary, N. Y.
REY. LUTHER E. ALBERT, D.U.
One of the most able and distiDguish- ed clergymen of the General Synod of the Lutheran Church, is Rev. L. E. Albert, D.D., of Germantown, Philadel- phia. He was born in Berlin, Adams Co., Penn., March 7, 1828. Like so many distinguished men of the church, he is the son of a clergyman, Rev. John Jacob Albert, who was a man of more than or- dinary mould, and rich piety. The son was sent to Pennsylvania College, Get- tysburg, where he was graduated in 1847. He immediately continued his course in the seminary there, and enter- ed the ministry in 1849. After some preliminary w^ork, in 1851, he took charge of Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he is still the beloved pastor. After thirty nine years service, in 1867 his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of D. D.
He has been repeatedly honored by his syDodwith various important offices such as, trustee of college; director of theo- logical seminary; member and president of publication board; president of the Pastor's Aid Society. He was elected Professor in the Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, but declined in favor of the pastorate. He has contributed sev- eral articles of ability to the Review and Quarterly.
He is an able sermonizer and preach- •er, noted for his clear, strong, and lov- able utterances. He is rarely winning in social and pastoral qualities. He is a man of even temperament, excellent judgm^ent, and far-seeing sagacity. He is well read and abreast of the day. In all, he is a leader in the church.
REY. CHARLES STANLEY ALBERT, D.D.
Among the younger men in the Gen- eral Synod, few have attained to such prominence and influence in the church as Rev. Chas. Stanley Albert, D. D., of Baltimore, Md. He was born August 17th, 1847, in Hanover, Pa., where hit? father, Rev. John Jacob Albert, at that
time had charge of a large Lutheran pastorate. His collegiate course was taken at Pennsylvania College, Gettys- burg, Pa., where he graduated in 1867 with the first honors of his class. He then entered the Theological Seminary of the old Pennsylvania Synod, at Phil-
22
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
adelphia, Penn., from which he grad- uated in 1870. He began his active ministry the same year, in Lancaster, Pa., where he became an assistant to Dr. Greenwald, pastor of Old Trinity Church, and had the charge of one of the missions of that congregation. Daring this time he was connected with the old Pennsylvania Synod of the Gen- eral Council. In 1872 he was called to the pastorate of the Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Pa., where he labored with great success and ever-growing influ- ence and popularity until 1881. This church being in connection with the West Pennsylvania Synod, of the Gen- eral Synod, Mr. Albert transferred his membership to that body, and has since remained in connection with the Gener- al Synod. In 1887 he was called to the pastorate of St. Mark's church, of Balti- more, Md., to succeed Dr. Charles A. Stork, who had been elected as Profess- or of Dogmatic Theology in the Semi- nary at Gettysburg, Pa. Here Dr. Al- bert still remains at this writing (1890), and the continued growth and development of this large and influen- tial congregation proves that they made no mistake in selecting him to follow the great and good men, father and son, who had served there so succcessfully the previous quarter of a century.
From the beginning of his minisiry, the church has recognized and appre- ciated the unusual abilities and faithful earnest spirit of Mr. Albert. In 1887 he'received the degree of Doctor of Di-
vinity from his Alma Mater, and he has been called to many positions of honor and responsibility. He has several times been a delegate to the Gener- al Synod. In 1784 he was elected a director of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from the West Pennsyl- vania Synod, and in 1881 was made President of the Board. In the same year he was appointed a member of the Board of Home Missions, by the Gen- eral Synod, and since 1883 he has been the President of the same Board. He has also served on some of the most im- portant committees of the General Synod, and is now a member of the Gen- eral Synod's Committee to prepare a development of Luther's Smaller Cate- chism, for the use of the churches. In 1886 he was elected President of Penn- sylvania College, but declined, prefer- ring to remain in the pastoral work. He has also been a frequent contributor to the Church Reviews.
As a thinker. Dr. Albert is clear, logical and convincing. As a preacher, he is direct, forcible, and eminently in- structive. Well read in theology and in general literature, and thoroughly abreast of the times, his utterances in the pulpit and through the press ever command an interested hearing or read- ing, and have a most convincing effect, while in the counsels of the church he has for years been recognized as at once strongly aggressive, sound- ly conservative, and eminently wise and safe.
REV. C. ALBRECHT.
Rev. C. Albrecht was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, March 10, 1824, and was 62. years, 10 months and 12 days
old when called to his eternal reward. When in his ninth year his parents emi- grated to America, settling at Tiffin, O..
AMERICAN LIJTHEARN BIOGRAPHIES.
23
His collegiate and theological education was received at Capital University, Co- lumbus, Ohio. The latter under the supervision of Dr. C. F. Schaeffer, of blessed memory. He graduated in 1843, when not quite twenty years of age, and at once entered upon the active duties of the ministry. He served congrega- tions in Fairfield, Pickaway and Perry counties, Ohio, spending seventeen years among the several charges. In 1859 he took charge of the congregation in Cir- cleville, but, after serving them six months, resigned and accepted a call to the Miamisburg charge, then composed of five congregations, entering upon his pastoral office April 1, 1860.
The charge was afterwards subdivided, and he retained the congregations at Miamisburg and Ellerton. In 1883 the charge was again subdivided, and he took pastoral oversight of the one at Ellerton, the congregation there having built him a beautiful and comfortable parsonage. And here in the midst of his usefulness, God saw best to call him to eternal rest, after having served the Church forty -four years.
Rev. Albrecht was a faithful and de- voted pastor, winning the love and es- teem of his people; he was a true preach- er of the Word, and his sermons were models of thought, labor, and devotion to his work of saving souls.
He was also full of zeal for the mate- rial prosperity of the Church. There was hardly a charge that he served where he did not leave a monument to his labors in this direction, in the shape of a new parsonage or church edifice or, as at Miamisburg and Ellerton, both.
In the general work of the Church he also took an active part. He was one of tJiR founders of the Evangelical Lutheran District Synod of Ohio, to which he be- longed, and was its president during the first four years of its existence. He, also,
took an active part in the formation of the General Council, being elected a delegate to the first three Conventions.
He was twice married; first to Miss Conrad, while at Amanda, who lived but a few^ years, leaving him a son. He was married the second time in 1851 to Miss Julia Wagenhals, daughter of the late Father J. Wagenhals, one of the pio- neers in the Lutheran ministry in this state, and she, w^ith her four sons and three daughters, still survive to mourn his sudden departure from among them.
Rev. Albrecht, while still pastor at Miamisburg, met with an accident which resulted in the dislocation of his left shoulder, and from which he never fully recovered. He was still active and vig- orous, however, and after the separation ! of the charge in 1883, took the pastorate of the congregation at Ellerton, and en- . tered with zeal and earnestness upon the I work there. 'In the fall of that year, in I the midst of the Jubilee services, he was , stricken with paralysis, which for a ^ short time partly disabled him, the stroke falling upon the left side, already weakened by the fall of a few years be- fore. But he gradually recovered from its effects, and under his pastoral labors, his congregation steadily increased in membership, until the old church be- came too small, and it was determined to erect a new and larger one.
A separation then took place — it be- ing a Union church — the Reformed buying the old edifice, and the Luther- ans starting upon the work of erecting a new one. The corner-stone was laid and it was expected to get the church under roof before winter set in. But the contractors for the brick work failed to keep their promises, and so the building stood open and exposed to the rains and snows of that time of the year. This was a source of much vexation to pastor Albrecht but, in as even a frame
24
AMEBICAK LUTHEBAN BIOGEAPHIES.
of mind as could be expected, he kept on with his work, looking forward with eagerness to the resumption of opera- tions in the early spring.
All sudden and unexpected, therefore, came his death. He had been suffering for a few days with what seemed a slight cold, but no one dreamed of fatal results. On Saturday afternoon, Janu- ary 22d, he went to the post office for his mail. He felt very weak on his way back home, and sat down at the new church to rest. After chatting a few moments with a member, who was work- ing there, he started for the parsonage. He took but a few steps when he fell to the ground. Those near ran to his aid and found him conscious, but in great pain. He was borne home, where he lingered a couple of hours, steadily growing weaker until death eased his sufferings, and the laborer had entered upon his reward.
His funeral took place the following Wednesday, and, in spite of a bluster- ing snow-storm, the whole congregation gathered to pay the last tribute to his memory. Large numbers were present from the neighboring towns, especially from Miamisburg, where he had preached so many years. Be vs. Mech- ling, Poorman, Brown, Bowman, Al- brecht and Seibert of the Lutheran Church, and Bevs. Dr. Beiter, Dr. Herr-
man and Williard of the Beformed Church, were present and took part in the service. Bev. S. AVagenhals, of Ft. Wayne, a brother-in-law of the deceased, was present with the bereaved family. The choir of the Lutheran church at German town, by request, had charge of the musical part of the service. Bev. A. E. Seibert, the pastor of the same church, spoke a few earnest words from Psalms cxii, 6, urging all to keep "in everlasting remembrance" the life and labors of the departed pastor, after which Bev. G. W. Mechling, of Lancas- ter, Ohio, read the obituary of the de- ceased, closing with a fervent exhorta- tion in German, from Hebrews xiii, 7, that their remembrance of him who was so suddenly taken from them, should be a following of his faith, and a walking in the way he had set before them, by his life and teaching.
After the close of the service in the church, his body was reverently laid to rest under the shadow of the new church he had labored so earnestly to have erected, and to whose completion he had looked forward anxiously and yet lov- ingly, which now is a more fitting mon- ument to his memory than shaft of mar- ble or granite; and yetl'more enduring than either, will be the everlasting re- membrance of his life and labors — Workman.
BEV. NICODEMUS ALDBICH.
Bev. Nicodemus Aldrich, son of Bob- ert and Ann H. (Lebby) Aldrich, was born at Charleston, S. C, Jan. 14th, 1816. He prepared for college in the South Carolina Society School, at Charleston. His Theological studies
were pursued under Dr. Barnwell, of the Episcopal church, and were completed in 1840. He was licensed in 1840, by Rev. John Bachmann, D. D., and or- dained in November, 1841, by the Synod of South Carolina. His first charge
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
25
was at Savannah, Ga., 1841-47. From ' this time until 1854, he was compelled | to rest from active pastoral work, when ' he was elected Principal of the Acade- my for Young Ladies, at Edgefield, S. j C. In 1856 he was appointed General | Agent of South Carolina for the Ameri- can Tract Society, which position he filled until appointed Agent for the Newberry College, in 1859. He remain- ed in this capacity until the opening of the rebellion. Mr. Aldrich served dur- ing the war as Chaplain of the First S. C. Regiment. In 1855 he accepted a call to Charlotte, N. C, in connection with which he taught a parochial school.
His third charge was at Vandalia, 111., 1874-77. In 1877 he accepted a call from King's Mountain, N. C, and some years later to Giles county, Va., where he remained two years, after which he returned to North Carolina. In 1884 he went to Baltimore, where he remained until his death. He was editor of the "Southern Lutheran" and the "Evan- gelical Lutheran." He was married Nov. 1st, 1838, at Charleston, S. C , to Elizabeth Stroebel, who, with two sons, survived him. He died June 3d, 1866, of apoplexy, aged 70 years, 4 months and 11 days, and was buried at Char- lotte, N. C— Stall.
REV. PAUL ANDERSEN,
Whose full name is Paul Andersen Nor- , piously brought up, so that it can be
land, was born in Yang, Yalders, Nor- way, August 24th, 1821. As he had pious parents, and especially his mother being a gentle, earnest God-fearing Chris-
truthfully said of him what we read about Timothy, (2 Tim. 3, 15) "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee
tian woman, he was from his childhood j wise unto salvation through faith which 4
26
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
is in Christ Jesus." In his early youth his heart was drawn to the Lord, so that he learned to know and love his Savior. But it was more especially when preparing for confirmation by the eminent Pastor Halvorsen, of Skjold, that the truth of God's word made a lasting impression on his heart. When he arrived in New York, a pious man came to him and presented him with a tract, which made a serious impression on his mind just at his entrance into the new world. It can truly be said of him that from his youth he grew in grace and knowledge of the truth.
It has been asserted that he was con- verted by EllingEielsen, but this is not so. Andersen had been in this country for some time before he met and became acquainted withEielsen. When he came to Chicago he met his friend and ac- quaintance from Norway, Andreas Scheie, who then held devotional meet- ings ar>.ong the emigrants from Norway, and here their old friendship was renewed, which lasted until the end of Scheie's life. Soon after Andersen also became acquainted with a friend and brother, Rev. O. Andrew- son, and between them a life- long friend- ship was established.
While Andersen was yet young his parents removed from Valders to Skjoldg, near Stavanger. His father died soon after. Andersen then entered the ser- vice of the rich and esteemed Sheriff Egesdahl, where he soon was promoted from watching the sheep to office work. He also enjoyed the instructions of a tu- tor engaged to educate the sheriff's own children. Andersen's ardent desire to gain knowledge, a gift he possessed from childhood, received encouragement, and here was laid the foundation to his future education. Andersen felt a strong desire to be educated for the ministry. Assistance was promised him
to attend the University of Christiania, but the promises were never fulfilled on account of sickness and other untoward circumstances in the family of the bailiff.
P. Andersen remained with Egesdahl about ten years. There he acquired, among other useful knowledge, a knowl- edge of English, so that when he came to America, in 1843, he was able to read and write the English language. A short time after his arrival he became acquainted with an American minister, Lemuel Hall, residing in Geneva, Wis. By him he was advised and encouraged to enter Beloit College, at that time just commenced. It has been asserted that "Elling Eielsen encouraged this hope- ful young man to study," but this is not true; on the contrary, Eielsen sought to discourage him, and told him that it was dangerous for one that studies to be preserved in tlie simplicity of Chris- tianity, and much more of the same stuff.
When he entered college, it was told the young Paul Andersen Norland that his Norwegian name was too long, and that he ought to drop "Norland" and only retain Paul Andersen. He was in- duced to do this, but has since regretted that he did not retain the beautiful name of his fathers. He has, neverthe- less, not seen his way clear to change his name, as he was generally known by the name Paul Andersen. His children, however, who are all grown up, have legally adopted the name Norland. In 1847 he was appointed to translate and have printed in the Norwegian language the State Constitution of Illinois. In 1854 he was called upon by the Govern- ment at Washington to translate the United States Constitution into the Nor- wegian language.
On a call from the Norwegian people residing in Chicago, P. Andersen visited them on the 6th of January, 1848, to, if possible, unite them in an organized
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
27
Lutheran congregatioD. His old friend, Even Heg, father of Col. Hans Heg, went with him to Chicago and led the singing in the divine services. The first Norwegian Lutheran congregation in Chicago was organized February 14, 1848, and P. Andersen was unanimously elected pastor. So soon as navigation opened on the lakes he took a steamer for Buffalo, and thence to Schoharie, near Albany, New York, there, at the annual meeting of Synod, to be exam- ined and ordained to the holy minis- terial office. At that time there was no English Lutheran Synod in the West- ern states known to P. Andersen and his friends. In the first part of June, 1848, after a satisfactory examination, he was ordained and hastened back to Chicago, where he, with much zeal, be- gan his pastoral duties. He was the first Scandinavian Lutheran minister in this country who introduced regular English services in his congregation — placing the English on an equal footing with the Norwegian — and also estab- lishing the first Sunday school among our people, which was also in English. By this course he gained the confidence and co-operation of the young people. Old and young gathered around him, and the blessings of God rested on pas- tor and congregation, so that in unity and love they worked in harmony to build up the kingdom of God and pro- moted the salvation of souls. The con- gregation increased year by year and became the largest city congregation among our people in this country.
By mutual sacrifices from pastor and people, a very roomy and well-arranged church was erected on Superior street. In the beginning it was used by the Norwegian congregation only, but after awhile, when several Swedish families united with it, and it became evident that the Swedes needed a pastor of their ]
own. Pastor Andersen advised them to unite in the organization of a Swedish Lutheran congregation. When the Sw^edes, by Pastor Andersen's efforts, had become a congregation, they called Erl. Carlson as their pastor. The Swe- dish congregation used the Norwegian church on Superior street for their ser- vices, and the pastors, Andersen and Carlson, labored together in harmony and brotherly love. When, however, both congregations, especially the Nor- wegian, increased very rapidly, so that the church became too small, the Nor- wegian congregation sold the church to the Swedish sister congregation. Pas- tor Andersen's people bought lots on the corner of Erie and Franklin streets, and proceeded at once with the erection of a large brick church, the cost of which was about S18,000. As many of the members were laborers in rather straightened circumstances, they were not able, with all their exertions and sacrifices, to complete the church with their own limited means. Pastor Andersen went to the Eastern states, and collecetd money among Lutherans for the erection of a church. He was successful in his efforts, and collected in the Eastern states, about $4,000. The church was erected and finished, and for many years it was the largest and most conveniently arranged church among the Norwegian Lutherans in America. Pastor Andersen labored continuously in Chicago for a period of thirteen yeare. He preached often, instructed the young people in the word of God, visited the sick and dying, helped the poor and needy, assisted his Norwegian country people to get work, and labored inces- santly to_^relieve temporal and spiritual distress. Very often he had to labor by night and day, in order to help and bring relief to his own people and others in their distress and misery.
28
AMEEICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGKAPHIES.
When the cholera and other contagious diseases prevailed in Chicago, Pastor Andersen was continually at work to procure doctors and medicine for the sick, find shelter for strangers, and get decent and Christian burial for the many that died. All this incessant labor in and outside of his own congregation, his many journeys to different settlements to preach, ^etc, etc., all this continual toil and labor, caused his otherwise strong constitution by degrees, to fail. In order to res:ain his health — if possi- ble— he asked his congregation to grant him a vacation for a year, to visit Nor- way. Here he remained one year. He returned, seemingly cured, but when he again commenced his pastoral duties, his throat difficulty commenced anew. He therefore felt himself under the ne- cessity, for a time, to resign his pastoral labors, and seek rest in private avoca- tions. He removed to Norway, and re- mained there a few years. But his children did not enjoy life in Norway, and were longing to return to America, wherefore he returned to his old home in Chicago. He believed that on account of his throat difficulty, which he feared would again appear if he should resume public min- istrations, that it would not be prudent to again take up the loved labor. He preached, however, while he resided in Norway, and in this country, as often as he was requested to do so, and his health would permit. The Lord, in his al- wise providence, willed it, however, that he should resume the public ministry. In 1876 he received and accepted a call to the Scandinavian Lutheran Congre- gation in Milwaukee. Here he labored successfully for eight years, and was be- loved and respected by old and young. Pastor, and afterwards Professor, L. P. Esbjorn, was the first Swedish Lu- theran pastor who came to this country to preach the word of God to his coun-
trymen, and gather them into Lutheran congregations. Between this pious and orthodox man, and Pastor Andersen, a band of unions and mutual confidence was established as soon as they became acquainted, and they labored together for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. By their united efforts Kev. E. Carlson was called to Chicago, and T. N. Hasselquist to Galesburg. These, the oldest pastors of the Swedish Luth- eran Church, and Pastor Paul Andersen always stood in the most intimate union of faith and love. In the confcbsional struggle, which had to be maintained during the latter years that they were connected with the Synod of Northern Illinois against unscriptural and un- Lutheran Doctrines, Andersen had gen- erally to take the lead, as he was the on- ly Scandinavian minister in the Synod who had a proper command of the Eng- lish language, but all the other Swedish and Norwegian pastors, especially L. P. Esbjorn and F. N. Hasselquist and Er- land Carlson, stood firmly by him in the defense of the Lutheran Confession. At the meeting in Cedarville, 111., Sept. 2^0ct 4, 1857, Eev. Andersen was elect- ed president of the Northern Illinois Synod.
As already stated. Pastor Andersen labored for the erection of two church- es while he was pastor in Chicago. He also gathered the first Swedish Luther- an congregation in Chicago, and was in- strumental in saving our Swedish breth- ren from the proselytism of the Epis- copalians and Methodists. His Swedish and Norwegian brethren have, for this, and foi his confessional steadfastness, expressed publicly their acknowledge- ment and grateful thanks.
The many poor and needy which he has assisted in times of trouble and dis- tress, the many widows and orphans which have been comforted by him in
AMEEICAN LUTHEKAN BIOGEAPHIES.
29
their helplessness, have not forgotten to thank God for the timely help recdered them in the name of God, through the instrumentality of Pastor Andersen. During the prevalence of cholera in Chi- cago, he took a number of Norwegian children, at two different times, to the Lutheran Orphanage at Pittsburgh, Pa. Those he brought there the first time he went there were the first orphans brought to that institution. He ac- knowledged and confessed always, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to ac- complish anything, as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who al- so made us able ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the spirit. — 2 Cor., iii, 5-6.
His scriptural, instructive and ear- nest sermons always attracted a large number of hearers around his pulpit; and we may rejoice in the hope that the truths he presented were, and will yet
continue to be, a means of admonition and guidance for many yet alive, and that on the great day he will meet many among the great multitude of the re- deemed and saved, who, by his instru- mentality in the hand of God, were led unto eternal salvation.
He has taken an active part in church work amoiig us from the very begin- ning, and has taken his part in promot- ing the welfare of our people and to build up the Kingdom of God among us. On account of old age and poor health Pastor Andersen resigned the congre- gation in Milwaukee. He preaches yet, however, sometimes in English and sometimes in the Norwegian languages, when he is requested to do so and his health permits. It is our hope that the Lord will add many years yet to his useful life for the glory of God, the well-being and blessing of his family and many friends. — H.
KEY. EASMUS ANDEESEN.
Eev. Easmus Andersen was born in Yedelshave, Asperup parish, by Middle- fart, Denmark. His parents were An- ders Easmussen and Maren Jorgensen. Of their four children, Easmus was the youngest. They were in limited circum- stances, had only one house on a small parcel of land. The father was a tailor, and like many of similar circumstances in Denmark, they had only enough to supply their daily wants, wherefore they could not afford to let their son follow his inclination to study, no matter how willing they were. From earliest child- hood the son loved to read. He was al- ways imbued with this love; both when he was home and when he was watching his parents' cow, he always had a book in his hand. The Holy Spirit was op-
erative in the child's heart, and the thought to work for the promotion of the kingdom of God early entered the child's mind, whereupon it was his con- stant wish that it might be possible for him to enter a school, and thereafter to go out as a missionary. The minister, Melbye, lent books to the boy so fond of reading, and he read with special interest "Melbye' s Narratives from Church History." Likewise he sought to obtain the Missionary reports and Missionary publications. J I These still more filled his heart with a living desire to work for the kingdom of God. Es- pecially when he read of some poor boy that, in spite of his poverty, had suc- ceeded in finishing a course of study, he wished and prayed from his heart, that
30
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the Lord would likewise make this pos- sible for him, and henceforth he always looked to the hour when he might depart from the Fatherland and go out with the glad tidings. A little incident from his childhood is here cited: In the Middle- fart country Christian life was manifest- ed to a great degree, especially from the earlier Fyenske revival days; the be- lievers assembled in private houses, where some lay preacher "would preach the word. These preachers were partly from the revival days; at times a preach- er was sent to them from the Moravian congregation in Christiansfeldt. On the second day of Christmas was to be a meeting on the field of Kustrup; the Danish missionary-school in Copen- hagen was just about to be opened, and
T. Andersen, the son in the house, was admitted as the first pupil of the school. It was the first religious meeting that he ever attended. When he came the lady of the house spake these words to him: "It is indeed you that wishes to become a missionary;" and the son, T. Andersen, said: "Come hither and sit by me, also I will be a missionary."
After the meeting it was said to him : "Is it possible that you can feel inclined to go so far away?" While the mouth as yet hardly dared to express it, an un- qualified "yea" was given in the depth of the heart. In his mind and in his thoughts he went far away from the Fatherland to work as a missionary. The missionary idea and the call to be a mis- sionary had now taken definite shape in
AMEEICAN LUTHEKAN BIOGEAPHIES.
31
his mind. But in what mission he should work was not as yet so clear. The Lord in his wise providence caused T. Ander- sen to be among the first missionaries that were sent from the Danish mission to the East Indies in order to re-com- mence the old mission, and he became its real founder, and of the American mission R. Andersen was the first one sent by us to take up the - work among the Danes in America.
This was the call in boyhood to be a missionary; thereupon he was prepared for confirmation by Eev. M. Melbye. This was a blessed time which, through the help of God, he will never forget. Rev. Melbye sought to lead the catechu- mens to Jesus, and wished that they once might give him the testimony the disciples of John gave, namely that he did no miracles, but all things, that he spake of Jesus were true ( John 10, 41 ) ; so that they could speak from their own experience and say, like the Samaritans to the woman: Now we believe not be- cause of thy saying, for we have heard him ourselves (John 4,42). After being- confirmed he desired to enter a seminary, l)ut he lacked the necessary means. He was led into other connections, and as it did not seem possible to attain anything else he took up manual labor. There- upon the Lord tried him by a long and protracted sickness, but this was also led by the hand of a loving Father and Saviour. After having recovered he was appointed to be an assistant teacher of the lower classes in the common school, and afterward he was engaged likewise in a free-school.
At this time he was informed of the missions already begim among the Scan- dinavian seamen in foreign parts, and es- pecially of the Norwegian seamen-min- ister's work, and thereby a definite idea entered his mind to begin a mission
I among the Danish seamen, and among the Danes in America. He inquired of a friend whether ministers or mission- aries were sent to America. The friend knew nothing about this. The constant idea was to begin a mission among sea- men and Danes in foreign lands, but as only ministers, or candidates that had passed examination at the University of Copenhagen, were sent out on such mis- sions the idea could not be realized. He now thought of serving the heathen mis- sion but he was hindered from making an application to this effect by those conversing with him on this subject. The ways of the Lord are wonderful; and the Lord led him in wonderful ways. Since it was not possible to enter some school he had to stop teaching; and he had to begin with something else. He came to Odense, where he worked; the evening hours he spent in attending an evening school, which was conducted by three of the pastors of the city, three teachers, two theological candidates and two law candidates.
At that time Dean J. Victor Block re- signed his office in order to go out as a missionary among the Mohammedans. His plan was to go to Athens or to Con- stantinople and work to get a Northern Union Mission,, and to see if a union could be effected with the Greeks. This missionary thought pleased him ( Ander- sen), especially since there would be opportunity to work among Northern seamen, in some Greek or Turkish port and he applied to Dean Block. But this mission lasted only till Block had made a journey to Greece; whereujjon he sought to be reinstated in office. But now he read an article in Den indre Mis- sionstidende of 1867. The article was signed with the anonymous name "Mon- itor," and urged the necessity of doing something for the Danes in America.
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AMEEICAN LUTHEKAN BIOGEAPHIES.
Hencefortli it was plain to him that the Lord had called him to work among the Danes in America.
But as yet there was no one that worked for this mission, wherefore he did not know to whom he shonld apply. Dean J. Yahl had before spoken in favor of the seamen's cause, and he applied to him, and at the same time wrote an arti- cle: "The Danes in America," which was printed in Dean Yahl's paper, Al- mindelig KirJietidende, No. 25, 1868. Dean Vahl referred him to the school in Rys- linge, where he could obtain efficient help and Christian guidance from Eev. John Clausen. At first Andersen had a conversation about the matter with Eev. J. Moeller, in Odense, and he receive(j him with fatherly love. After having conversed with Eev. Clausen he, by the help of Eev. Moeller and believing friends, on the 8th of May, 1869, entered the school in Eyslinge. He attended this school two years and took private lessons besides. By the assistance of the Pastors Moeller and Clausen, and also at Faro Academy, he prepared him- self for the mission in America, even before any society was organized with this end in view. "The Church Union for the bishopric of Fyen" had at its meeting in 1868 thought of beginning a mission in America. In October, 1869, "The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Danes in North America" was organized. The Pastors J. C. Moeller and J. Clausen were the lead- ing men in this mission. In the spring of 1871 the first missionaries were to be sent out; those sent were Pastor A. C. L. Grove Easmussen, now pastor in Den- mark, Pastor A. L. Nelsen, and mission- ary E. Andersen. On the 31st of May they sailed from Hamburg on the steam- ship Thuringia, arriving at New York on the 13th of June. After a couple of days stay in that city they went to
Chicago, having started out to begin a mission that was entirely new to Den- mark,— the mission among the Danes in America. The Lord soon saw fit through sickness to try Brother Andersen. On the 22d of June he had to be sent to the small-pox hospital in Chicago. While in the hospital he received a letter from Eev. Adam Dan, who a few days pre- vious had arrived at Eacine, Wis., hav- ing accepted a call from the Danish con- gregation there. Having recovered from his sickness he went to Eacine July 26, (Grove Easmusssen and Nelson had gone back to the mother country). While in Eacine he received a letter from Eev. Mueller Eggen, advising him to enter the seminary of the Norwegian- Danish Conference. He accordingly went to see Eev. Mueller Eggen. After having enjoyed the kind hospitality of Eev. Mueller Eggen, on Eock Prairie, he, on Sept. 15th, entered Augsburg Theological Seminary at Marshall, Wis. Acting according to the recommenda- tion and advice of Prof. Wenaas he spent his Christmas vacation in Wau- paca, Wis. On the second day of Christmas the Danish Evangelical Luth- eran congregation of that city called him as its pastor, and on Dec. 30th he received the call. After the vacation he again went to Augsburg Seminary and remained there till Pentecost, when he passed examination. He thereupon went to Waupaca, Wis.
Since the Society wished to work in- dependently among the Danes in Amer- ica, Andersen, as their missionary, could not, as he first intended, remain in the "Conference." It is to be deplored that afterward dissensions arose between the Danish Mission and the Conference, in which both sides were to blame. How- ever, the Lord has caused all this to work together for the good, and He whose will is that his children should be
AMEBICAN LUTHEBAN BIOGBAPHIES.
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one, and that his disciples should be known by their brotherly love, has more and more enabled the Lutheran church to work together in love.
June 26, 1872, Andersen was ordained to the holy ministry by Bev. A. S. Nielsen. The two other Danish ministers, Adam Dan, who had been called from Jerusa- lem by the Danish congregation in Ba- cine, and Bev. Thomsen, who formerly had been missionary in the East Indies, and who of his own accord had sailed to America and become a minister of the gospel in Indianapolis, Ind., were like- wise present and assisted at the ordina- tion. Andersen preached, his text being I Cor. ii, 1 2. At the ordination four Danish ministers were present, and this was the first Danish church meeting and ordination in America, and it was the beginning of a Danish church union. On the 8th and 9th of September the pastors Dan and Andersen held a meet- ing in Neenah, Wis., where "Our Savior's Danish Lutheran" congregation was organized. The Danes had former- ly belonged to the '•Conference" congre- gation, but the union was dissolved in a friendly and l:>rotherly manner. At the same time the Danish ministers and con- gregations were organized as a union, under the name, ''Kirkelig Missionfor- ening." Soon Dan, Andersen and several laymen commenced to publish the "Kirk- elig Samler," as the organ of the Mission Union. Bev. Thomsen, who was ab- sent, c(mnected himself with it after- ward.
On the day of Pentecost, Juiie 1, 1873, Andersen laid the corner stone to the new church in AVaupaca, ''The Church of the Holy Ghost." He likewise suc- ceeded in building a church in Neenah, "Our Savior's Church," which was ded- icated Oct. 12th, 1873, by Bev. J. A. Heiberg, of Chicago, who, a short time previous, was sent out by the Society.
He was ordained by the pastor of the church, A. Dan, and A. C. Jacobsen, of the Conference. Heiberg was at the same time chosen a member of the direc- tory of the Church Mission Union, and the next year he was elected president.
The Society sent out more ministers, so that the small Danish Church Mis- sion Union made commendable pro- gress. Bev. A. L. J. Soholm accepted a call from Perth Amboy, N. J., and Bev. H. Bosenstand became tlie pas- tor of a congregation in Manistee, Mich. In June two more co-labor- ers were expected from the Society in Denmark. J. Pedersen and O. L. Kirkeberg were ordained by Bev. A. L. P. Soeholm in the Trinity Church, Chi- cago, on the 25th of June, 1874. On June 26, 1874, Mr. Andersen was mar- ried to Miss Dorthea Elsabeth Thom- sen, in the Trinity Church, Chicago, the Bev. Heiberg performing the cere- mony. Mrs. Andersen had served three years at the Deaconess' institute in Co- penhagen. A meeting was thereupon held in Bacine, Wis., where the name of the Society was changed to "The Dan- ish Evangelical Lutheran Church of xlmerica."
Bev. Andersen labored also among the Danes in the vicinity of Waupaca. He organized the Danish Lazarus congre- gation in Pine Biver, and besides, served several other small missionary congre- gations. There he continued the work until 1878, when he received a call from St. Stephen's congregation, at Perth Am- boy, N. J., and adjacent c(uigregations. In connection with this he was also to serve as immigrant missionary in Castle Garden, N. Y. Bev. Andersen and his wife now departed from the congrega- tion where they had spent so many hap- py days. The remains of their only child, a little girl, rests in the grave yard at Waupaca.
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
On the day of Pentecost, the 9th of June, 1878, he preached his first sermon in St. Stephen's Church, in Perth Am- boy, N. J. A large field lay before him, since he was the only Danish minister of the Gospel in the Eastern states. It was especially the seamen and the im- migrant mission that attracted him to New York. He was too far away to take proper care of this mission. As yet he had not preached either in Brook- lyn or in New York, bnt Wednesday, Jiily 10th, he succeeded in making a be- ginning. On Sept. 13th, he removed from Perth Amboy to Brooklyn. This was a gain to the Immigrant Mission, but a loss to the congregation in Perth Amboy. Mr. Andersen was now con- nected with the Danish Seamen's Mis- sion, and as its pastor, received support from it. He had to make missionary journeys to the Danes scattered in dif- ferent states. He served a congregation at Lansingburgh, N. Y.
The Seamen's mission was first begun in a hall called "Augsburg Chapel," cor- ner of Twenty-second Street and Third Avenue, Brooklyn, and also at St. John's German Lutheran Church, Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
In the beginning of 1881, Andersen and wife made a trip to Denmark, by the steamship ThingTalla. He traveled a great deal in Denmark and spoke the cause of the American mission ; especial- ly did he speak in favor of Emigrant and Seamen's Missions and called the attention to the necessity of beginning a Danish mission among the Mormons in Utah. He preached in several church- es in Sjalland, Fyen and Jylland. Strengthened by the Christian associa- tions and the love of the saints, they again sailed back to America by the Thingvalla, on May 17th, 1881.
In the beginning of 1881 brighter times dawned upon the Danish Mission.
The house No. 193 Ninth Street, Brook- lyn, was rented for the public services of the congregation and mission. Several lent their aid, especially does the gener- al agent of the Thingvalla line, L. C. Petersen, deserve special mention in this connection. The lower story was remodeled into a church and the upper story into a parsonage.
Quinquagesima Sunday, Feb. 4, 1883, Andersen dedicated ''Our Savior's Dan- ish Lutheran church," and on the 17th of April, 1883, the congregation was or- ganized. It was now possible to have divine services every Sunday and also every Thursday evening, as he had an assistant in Rev. Lilleso, who afterwards resided in L^nsingburg, N. Y.
In Denmark a "Danish Comitee" was appointed, of which grocer Christian Moller Andersen, of Copenhagen, was appointed cashier, to purchase the two houses, 193 and 195 Ninth street. These houses were very convenient, and on the 29th of June, 1886, the church and the house. No. 195, was purchased for the sum of $7,500. This, however, incurred a debt of $4,000. The house, No. 195, was afterwards added to the parsonage.
Sunday, the 29th of January, 1888, the St. Stephen's Danish Lutheran church, in Perth Amboy, was dedicated by Rev. Andersen, assisted by a numbei* of other brethren.
In the fall of 1888 still another co- laborer came to the Eastern states, namely: Rev. J. H. Poulsen, the mis- sionary of the General Council to India. He accepted a call from Portland, Maine, and in 1889 the Rev. P. Eriksen arrived from Denmark and accepted a call from Boston.
The little Danish church has, during its brief existence, proved to be a source of blessing to many, and has been attend- ed by a diversity of hearers. The little chapel is now too small. But in a city
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
35
like New York it is no easy matter to procure a roomy and convenient church. The Danes are so scattered and every- thing is so high. Yet the Lord has helped and blessed the church, so that it can soon l)e enlarged. The Danish minister residing in Washing- ton, Count C. W. Sponneck, R. of D., had his little son baptized in the church and has not only taken part in its ser- vices, as also the Countess, but also made an application to the Danish govern- ment to help to enlarge the church, and, owing to the application of the Baron, the church has received 8,000 crowns, about $2,116.40.
Andersen has also devoted some time to literary w^orks. He has given to the public several pamphlets pertaining to
the church and mission, and also sermons and dissertations on church topics. He has written articles for a number of papers in Denmark and America.
He has published the following works in book form: "The Old Northmen's Voyage to America;" "From the Visit to Old Denmark;" "The Immigrant's Mis- sion," published both in Denmark and America, and "Israel's Mission in New York." His chief work is the "History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, from its Beginning up to the Present Time."
Rev. Andersen belongs to the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ameri- ca, but receives aid also from Denmark. He is the pastor of the Seamen's Mission, New York.
REV. OLE ANDREAVSON.
Rev. Ole Andrewson was born in Hjertdahl's parish, Telemarken, Norway, March 2, 1818. His parents were An- ders ToUevsen and Engebor. The par- ents being poor, with many children to support, young Ole hired out as shep- herd-boy at an early age. Being highly talented, however, he was soon advised to enter some institution of learning for the purpose of qualifying himself for teaching. He accordingly entered Hvid- eseid's Seminary, from which he was graduated in due time, having finished the regular course. After his graduation he taught a parochial school for some three years. In 1841 he came to Amer- ica and settled in Racine county. Wis., where he remained about three years. It was in 1842 that the great purpose of giving himself wholly to the Master's service w^as conceived in his heart. To maintain himself he at first worked on a
farm, but while thus engaged he also improved every opportunity to preach the word of God to his poor countrymen, who were then "as sheep without a shep- herd." He soon gave himself entirely to this work, traveling from place to place preaching the gospel in the Nor- wegian settlements in Illinois and Wis- consin. This Christian pioneer and missionary work he followed for about four years.
On the 8th of June, 1843, he was mar- ried to Miss Ragnhild Paulsen, with whom he had eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom one son'died in infancy. In the fall of 1844 he moved with his family to Jefferson Prairie, Wis- consin, where he settled on a piece of land, at the same time ministering to the spiritual wants of his countrymen who had settled there.
In 1846 he was called as pastor by a
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AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGKAPHIES.
■)^i'^ ^%'iifi^W^
number of Norwegians at Mission Point, La Salle Co., 111. Having accepted this call, and moved there in 1847, he suc- ceeded in organizing congregations at Leland, Fox Eiver, and Lisbon, all of which he served with the means of grace until 1851. He, however, met with much determined opposition from the Mor- mons, Baptists, Methodists, and even Quakers, who had already succeeded, in a measure, to alienate quite a number of the early Norwegian settlers from the Church.
In 1851 he accepted a call from Wis- consin, where he organized the congre- gations at Eacine, Milwaukee, and Mus- kego, continuing faithfully to serve them for two years.
In 1853 he was again called to take charge of the Fox Eiver congregation in Illinois, which he accepted and served, in connection with other churches, until 1856, when he accepted a call from the Ev. Luth. Church at Clinton, Wis. At
this place he continued to labor with re- markable faithfulness and great accept- ance for nearly thirty years, serving also other congregations at Muskego, Queen Ann Prairie, Wis., and Leland, 111.
In 1880, on the resignation of the Eev. O. J. Hatlestad, as president of the Nor- wegian Augustana Synod, Eev. Andrew- son w^as elected president of that body, in which capacity he served with faith- fulness to the day of his death.
He departed this life Feb. 23, 1885, aged 66 years, 11 months and 22 days. His end was peace. He died in the full assurance of faith in the Saviour, whom he faithfully served in the gospel minis- try for over forty years. A sorrowing wife and ten children remain to mourn their great loss.
His funeral took place on Sunday, March 1, 1885, and was attended by a large concourse of people. Sympathiz- ing friends from Leland, Chicago, Mil- waukee, Muskego, and other places,
AMEKICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
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were in attendance to the number of about eight hundred. The Rev. G. Ras- mnssen, pastor of the Norwegian Synod's congregation near Clinton, spoke words of consolation to the bereaved family and friends in the house of the departed. In the church Rev. Omland, of the Con- ference, read the Scripture lessons, and offered prayer. The Rev. O. J. Hat- lestad, by the request of the departed on his death-bed, preached the funeral ser- mon in Norwegian, from Phillipians 1, 6. At its close the Rev. E. G. Lund, of Mil- waukee, delivered an appropriate and touching funeral discourse, in English, from Psalm 116, 15.
The Church in which our departed
friend had so often preached the word of God [w^as draped in deep mourning. The congregation bore all the funeral expenses. It was a very solemn time, and will long be remembered by all present.
Rev. O. Andrewson was a hrm believer and a strong defender of the doctrines of the Bible as taught in our precious Confessions. He was a good preacher and a faithful pastor, beloved by all who made his acquaintance. He was also a most laborious worker, made many long missionary journeys, and was a faithful and competent presiding officer.
He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him !
REV. JOHN GEORGE ANSPACH.
Rev. John George Anspach was born in Peun's Valley, Centre county, Pa., on the 13th day of September, 1801. His father's name was John Anspach and his mother's maiden name was Catherine Rein hart. Their marriage
was celebrated early in the year 1800. Rev. Anspach's grandfather was John Adam Anspach, wlio was the oldest and at the time only surviving brother of Major Anspach, who served under La- fayette in the war of the American
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AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGRAPHIES.
Revolution. These brothers emigrated from the city of Aospach, in Germany, where their parents resided, to this country about the year 1780. They were honorably descended, and the name of the family is associated with the leading events of their times in the history of Franconia. John Anspach died in the spring of 1864. His wife Catherine had died almost forty-seven years before, in the fall of 1817. They "died in the faith," the wife and mother being es- pecially devout.
Rev. John George was the oldest of eleven children — five sons and six daughters. One of these, a daughter, died in infancy. The others grew to manhood and womanhood. The first of the ten to die was the third to ttie last child and the youngest son. Rev. F. R. Anspach, who departed this life in the 53d year of his age. Since then three of the sisters and all of the brothers have died, leaving of the original family 4wo sisters — one Mrs. Elizabeth Murray and one Mrs. Catherine Landis, resid- ing in Philadelphia.
In early life Rev. iVnspach was bap- tized by Rev. Elgen, and later in life he was confirmed by the same person. To the end of his days he was accustomed to refer to him in terms of admiration and gratitude. From very tender years, until he had passed his majority, he worked upon the home farm, besides cultivating the cleared soil, clearing soil for cultivation. Many trees did he as- sist in felling and many a day stood knee deep in snow, converting timber into boards and shingles. During the winter months he attended a country school — as from labor upon the farm he could be spared. He was twenty-four to twenty-five years of age when he quitted the plow and began to study privately with Rev. Abele, successor of Father Elgen in Penn's Yalley, with a
view to entering the then newly estab- lished Theological Seminary at Gettys- burg, Pa., and subsequently the Chris- tian ministry. Rev. Daniel Moser, who died years ago at Pine Grove Mills, studied with him. Two or three years he continued under the tutelage of Rev. Abele and as long a period pursued his studies at Gettysburg. He was one of the first class of graduates from that now famous "school of the prophets."
He was licensed to preach by the West Pennsylvania Synod at its annual con- vention in Greencastle, in 1830. For a while after his licensure and during his vacations he wrought in the interest of the American Tract Society, collecting money and establishing branch organiza- tions in the lower counties of the state. A part of the time he was engaged in soliciting subscribers for a Lutheran magazine then published. In both un- dertakings the records show him to have been quite successful. During his last illness, among many other pleasant ejaculations that escaped his lips was this: "I must preach up the Tulpehock- en at 7 to-night." He did preach up the Tulpehocken in Berke county sixty years ago. while employed as stated.
He was called to the Mifilinburg pas- torate in the early part of 1831. and on the 8th of May. the same year, began his ministry in Mifilinburg. in the old St. Elias church, and also in the Bufi^alo, now Dreisbach's church. A week later he preached for the first time as pastor in Lewisburg, on the 12th of June at White Deer, and the 19th of June at Laurelton. Subsequently he preached regTilarly in New Berlin, at Ray's or St. Peter's, and the Union church, and many years later organized a congregation, built a church, and preached at Cowan.
Fifty-three years he was occupied with the work of the ministry, and all these years without change of pastorate. What
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
39
was originally one charge or parish has become five self-sustaining charges. It is a remarkable fact that for a year and more, previous to his retirement from the pulpit, there was not in any one of | the congregations served by him a liv- j ing soul who was a member of any of i them when he began to preach, except I one old lady in the AYhite Deer congre- 1 gation. In this half century and more, i he was instrumental in the erection of nine new churches, the projects being ! inaugurated and the necessary funds \ largely collected by him. In and out of his field he laid, or assisted in laying, the corner stones of twenty-eight churches — officiated at the dedication of an equal number — the first one being in Northumberland county, charge of Jere- miah Schindel, in May, 1832; the last one in Union county, Ray's or St. Peter's church, March 30, 1834.
Rev. Anspach was devoted to the work of the Church — among ministers and layjnen noted for promptitude and zeal. In his entire ministry only three regular conventions of the Synod were missed by him, and these on account of illness. He was present last at the convention held in Mifflinburg in 1887, although then too feeble to appear unsupported. His attendance upon the more frequent meetings of the conference was equally marked. Appointed to directorship in the boards of our institutions, he never failed in his attendance upon their stated meetings.
"There was one thing" writes his son,
"for which I always admired my father (many things for which I loved him), and that one thing was his respect for truth. I never knew him to exaggerate a hair's breadth from actual fact. When he related a thing which was seen by both of us, it was always precisely as it occurred. There was no over-portraiture — it was not underdrawn. There are few men who do not unwittingly embel- lish— represent a thing slightly greater or less than it actually is. He did not. When he narrated a thing as- hav- ing occurred in his early or his later life, no matter how remarkable or wonderful it was, I always felt that it was just as he declared it. Inti- mately associated with him for six years in the work of the ministry, and for many years enjoying the comforts of the home he provided for us, I never knew him to say a word, do a deed, or act a part in the least inconsistent with his high and holy life."
Rev. Anspach was married twice. His first wife's maiden name was Susan Wolf, daughter of Abraham and Rebec- ca Wolf, of Hamburg. His second wife's maiden name was Susanna Schoch, of New Berlin. By the first marriage there were two children—Luther Wolf and John Melanchthon. By the second three chil- dren— Amanda Civilla, William Gilbert and Jennie Elizabeth.
This venerable minister of the Luther- an church died at Mifflinburg, Pa., on the 8th of February, 1889, at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 25 days.
40
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
REV. FREDERICK R. ANSPACH, D.D.
Rev. Frederick R. Anspacli, D. D., was born in Potter township, Centre Co., Pa., in the month of Janiiary, 1815. His parent's names were John and Catharine R. Anspach. Concerning his childhood he himself has written as follows: "Hav- ing lost my mother while not more than twelve or eighteen months old, I was deprived of that tender care and those sweet maternal influences, so es- sential to the development of the youth- ful mind. I enjoyed all the facilities of education which the neighborhood af- forded, but these were few and limited. When I was twenty years of age I left home, and, after traveling for some time, repaired to Mifflinburg, Union Co., (his brother, John George Anspach, was pas- tor of Lutheran congregations in this place and vicinity, and gave him a home ), and entered upon a course of classical studies under Rev. Mr. Todd, an old- school Presbyterian minister. During the year I spent in his academy I com- menced Latin grammar and committed it to memory in four weeks, read ^sop's Fables, Cseser, Yirgil's ^Eneid, six books." In 1835 he entered freshman class in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., and graduated therefrom in 1833. With reference to this class and his school days he has left these observation^: "My classmates had enjoyed far superior ad- vantages. When I heard them read es- says and debates I was much discour- aged, and never hoped to be able to cope with any of them. I applied myself energetically. After a year had elapsed I found that I was able to discuss a question satisfactorily. Always extreme- ly diffident, I had no confidence in my- self, and never aspired to any of the honors which the literary societies be-
stow upon their members. In the soph- omore year I was chosen debater for the society to which I belonged. This made a favorable impression on my mind; it gave me confidence, for I judged thus: that if the members of our literary soci- ety confided their reputation to me, as their representative, it was fair to pre- sume that they believed I was able to sustain the same. Although my effort may have been very humble, it inspired me with more confidence, and from that period I began to hope I might some day make an acceptable preacher of the gospel. In the following year I was chosen as speaker in the public contest, and at the close of my senior year was accorded the valedictory of the class. My college life was pleasant, my class- mates were noble youths, and we formed friendships that will last forever."
In 1839 the subject of this sketch en- tered the Theological Seminary at Get- tysburg, and graduated therefrom in 1841. He was licensed to preach the gospel that same year. In this same year he took charge of Barren Hill and White- marsh, in Montgomery county. Pa., and continued pastor of the Lutheran con- gregations here until 1850. Yery often did we hear him tell of the joys and comforts of this pastorate. In 1850 he went to Hagerstown, Md., and was pas- tor of St. John's Lutheran congrega- tion at that place until 1854. His min- istry here was likewise pleasant. While he remained in Hagerstown he took great interest in founding the Female Seminary," still located in that place. Many public addresses did he make on higher, than then customary, education for young women. From Hagerstown he removed to Baltimore, where he be-
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
41
came associated with Rev. Geo. Diehl in the publication of the Lutheran Ob- server. This was in '55 or '56. He re- sided in Baltimore from 1857 to 1861. In this latter year he retired from active work and removed to Westburg, Anne Arundel Co., Md. He was in the habit of passing a great portion of the winter in Baltimore, where he died on the 16th of September, 1867. Rev. Dr. McCron, an old and staunch friend, who was with him at his death, wrote concerning it: *'His end was peace."
Rev. Dr. Anspach was twice married. The name of his first wife was Miss Lilly Rhinehardt, of Shepherdstown, Ya., and beside her in the cemetery of that village his remains sleep. His second wife was Mrs. Susan M. Gale, of West River, Md. Both these ladies were of rare and charming character, and in his domestic relations he was among the happiest of men. One child survives from the first marriage, and two from the second; and they sustain to each other cordial relations.
Rev. Dr. Anspach was the author of a number of publications. In 1852 he published a discourse on the ''Life and
Character of Henry Clay." In 1853 a discourse delivered before the Maryland Synod on "Systematic Beneficence." In 1854, "Sepulchres of Our Departed." In 1855, "Sons of the Sires." In 1857, "The Two Pilgrims." Quite a number of other publications were the product of his pen. He received the degree of D. D. from Franklin and Marshall Col- lege, Lancaster, Pa., in 1857.
He was among the ablest, noblest, and most amiable of Lutheran pastors. His disposition was something beautiful to behold. It was like a calm, unclouded summer day. He was always bright, sensitive to insult and injury, and won- derfully considerate of the comfort and happiness of others. AVhen he resided at AYestburg he preached on Simday evenings to the slaves of his own and adjoining plantations, and these slaves loved him with sincerest devotion. Among his own, he had five or seven who led in public prayer, and it was a joy to hear them pour out their heart to God. We were audience to this on the occasion of a visit to him in 1864, when we preached for him.
"The memory of the just is blest."
— A Friend.
REY. JOHN M. ANSPACH, D.D.
Rev. John Melanchthon Anspach, D. D.,Pastorof Christ Lutheran Church, Easton, Pa., was born on the 13th day of January, 1841, in Mifflinburg, Union Co., a pleasant village of 1200 inhabi- tants, situated nine miles west of the west branch of the Susquehanna river. His father was Rev. John George Anspach, who for fifty-three years served congre- gations in Buffalo Yalley, same county, never having changed his field of labor, (his original parish having divided and 6
sub-divided until, what was once one, is now six self-supporting charges.) His mother was Miss Susan AYolf, who died when he was a child of less than two years of age. Both parents were pious from childhood, and members of the Lutheran churcli. His father was edu- cated at Gettysburg under Rev. Dr. J. G. Sell mucker. His mother was a woman of sweet and gentle spirit, re- fined, educated, and accomplished. She died at the early age of 29 years. Among
42
AMEBICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGKAPHIES.
his relatives was the Eev. F. K. Anspach, D., D., who died in 1867, who was the author of several most readable works, pastor of the Lutheran church at Barren Hill and Hagerstown, and for years as- sociated with Bev. Geo. Diehl in the editorship of the Lutheran Observer.
The subject of this sketch was bap- tized in infancy by Bev. Erlenmeyer, for many years pastor of the church in and churches around Freeburg, Sny- der Co., Pa. At the age of fourteen he was confirmed by his father, in the old St, Elias Lutheran and Beformed church, at Mifflinburg, and became a member of the congregation of this place. He was prepared for college at the Mifilinburg Academy, an institution which fitted youths'for the higher branches of study. In 1857 he entered the freshman class, Wittenburg College, Springfield,0., Bev. Samuel Sprecher, D. D.,LL. D., Presi- dent, graduating in 1861. He stood third in a class of nine^ he being Eng- lish salutatorian. The Latin salutatory and valedictory were had by Bev. J. O. Haigh and Mr. Joseph H. King. The latter was a specially hard student, and went to his grave before September of the year of his graduation. Among his classmates were Bev. Dr. Helwig (after- wards president of Wittenberg College), Bev. Dr. Hamma, Bev. S. Huper, and Bev. A. C. Felker. After leaving Wit- tenberg College, he went to Selinsgrove and pursued his theological studies there, under Bevs. Drs. B. Kurtz, H. Ziegler, and P. Born. He was licensed to preach in 1862 and ordained a minis- ter of the Gospel of our Lord, one year later, in 1863. During these, years, and up to 1868, he was associated with his father, his father preaching German and he English in the same field.
In Feb., 1868, he received a call from Trinity Lutheran Church, Danville, Pa., and entered a month later upon the
work of that parish. Five years h© la- bored among this people, and they were five of the most pleasant years of his life. A spell of ague, which greatly en- feebled him and threatened to wholly unfit him for pastoral work, led him to look about for another field of labor. He wrote to Bev. Samuel Domer, D. D., now of Washington, D. C, then of Beading, entreating his offices in his be- half. He was answered immediately to this effect: 'T have resigned my charge, come on and preach for me, and if you are acceptable you may be my suc- cessor. He went, preached, was elected, and in June, 1872, began his ministry to St. Matthew's Luther- an Church of that city. The cor- diality with which he was received made him feel at home from the start, and the constant and faithful co-operation of Mrs. Esther G. Otto, of Dr. and Mrs. Diller Luther, of Hon. and Mrs. J. S. Linngood, of Mrs. Amanda Ladd, Mr. Edward Scull, Hon. S. E. Anoma, and others, under God, made his ministry successful, blessed, peaceful, — replete with golden memories.
An unsolicited, and wholly unexpect- ed, call to Christ Lutheran Church, Easton, Pa., was received in September, 1877. Although he had no desire, and no occasion, to leave Beading, he was impressed with the conviction that it was his duty. He resigned accordingly, accepted the call to Easton, where he has been since.
In the winter of 1880 he delivered a series of lectures on the general subject of "Thieves of Homes, or Habits that Impoverish," which, at the earnest so- licitation of friends, were published in book form. The book was well received. He is also the author of a work just is- sued by the house of Funk & AVagnalls, New York, entitled, "Divine Bod and Staff in Death, or Consolatory Thoughts
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
43
for the Dying aud Bereaved." He is serving his third term as English secre- tary of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. He was married on the 27th day of June, 1865, to Miss Lydia Catherine Bucher, daughter of Rev. J. C. Bucher, D.D., of the Reformed Church. The wife of his bosom is still spared to him, while two sons . and one daughter com- prise with them the happy domestic circle. One dearly beloved daughter
went to her heavenly home on the 21st of February, 1879. It is the only shadow that overhangs their household, and hope, like stars, bestuds the darkened skies.
Rev. Mr. Anspach received his degree of D. D. from the Missionary Institute, Selinsgrove, Pa., now in charge of his most competent, learned, and pious in- structors. Rev. Drs. P. Born and J. R. Dimm.
REV. FREDERICK W. M. ARENDT.
Rev. Frederick William M. Arendt, son of Frederick John and Rebecca Ju- liana (Thieman) Arendt, was born at Potsdam, J'russia, September 1, 1839. He prepared for college at Rev. F. Brunn's Institution, at Steeden, Wis- baden, Germany. In 1863 he came to America, and entered the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary, at St. Louis, Mo., graduating in 1864. On July 6th of the same year he was ordained by Rev. E. Roeder. His successive charges were as
follows: at Middleton, Canada West, 1864-8; Rainham, Ontario, four years; Ridgway, Michigan, for half a year; and, finally, at Eraser, Macomb Co., Michigan.
Mr. Arendt was married to Miss Mary M. Roeth, Nov. 2, 1864, with whom he had three sons and three daughters. He died of tumor Aug. 31, 1884, aged 44 years, 11 months and 21 days. He was buried in the St. John cemetery, at Eraser, Macomb Co., Mich.
REV. B. A. ARENSIUS
Rev. Arensius came from Holland and entered upon his duties as Fabricius's successor at New York, in 1674. He labored with great success among his countrymen, the Hollanders, in New York. His full name was Bernardus Antonius Arensius. He is described as "a gentle personage, and of a very agree- able behavior," the exact reverse of his predecessor. It is not known by whose authority he was sent across, nor is the date of his arrival settled, but as the same order of Governor Lovelace which
granted permission to Fabricius to preach his farewell sermon empowered him also "to install the new-come minis- ter, according to the custom used by those of their religion," he must pre- sumably have arrived shortly before that date.
He served the congregation at Albany as well as the one at New York. But his career was of that peaceable, noise- less tenor which seldom attracts the at- tention of the historian, and hence but few notices of this servant of God ap-
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AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BI0GKAPHIE8.
pear in tho contemporary records. Governor Dougan's report of the state of the province, April 13, 1687, men- tions a Dutch Lutheran amojig the min- isters then living in New York, and the editor of the Historical documents, III., page 415, speaks in a note of Kev. Ber- nardus Arensius who "succeeded Domi- nie Fabricius and was minister of the Church in 1688."
AVhat the membership of his two con- gregations numbered is nowhere report- ed, but from a letter dated September 28, 1715, and written by one of his suc- cessors, Rev. Justus Falckner, we learn that at that time four small congrega- tions existed in the province of New York, "and all these four consist in all
c>f about one hundred constant commun- icants, besides strangers going and com- ing in the city of New York.'' The sec- ond church was erected in 1684, on the corner of Broadway and Rector street, on the lot which had been allotted for this purpose by Governor Colve, in lieu of the one on which the first Church had stood without the wall.
How long Pastor Arensius continued to live and minister to these congrega- tions has not, up to this time, been ascer- tained, but as there is no trace of the presence of any other Lutheran minis- ter in the province prior to the year 1700, it is probable that he continued until about the close of the century. — Wolf.
REY. HORACE G. B. ARTMAN
Rev. Horace Greeley Bockeustoss Art- man was born in Zionsville, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where his parents were members of Z^on's church. The Erdmans and Artmans have long been well known as active and honored mem- bers of our churches in Lehigh county, and warm supporters of her institutions and work. In early youth, his parents removed to Philadelphia, and became members of St. Mark's church, in which he grew up and was confirmed by Rev. J. A. Kunkleman, D. D.
In June, 1876, being then in his nine- teenth year, he graduated from the Philadelphia Boy's Central High School, taking the fourth honor of his class. The following winter was spent in pri- vate teaching at the Blind Institute, and at studying Greek, which was not taught at the high school. He gradu- ated from the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1877, and from the Theological Seminary of Philadelphia in 1880.
Mr. Artman, before entering the sem- inary, was a most active member of St. Mark's Church, where his energy and enthusiastic interest found ample field for exercise in the Young Men's Sc ciety of the congregation He was associate editor, with Rev. C. C. F. Haas, of the 5^. Mark's Journal. He made many friends among his seminary associates, and when, at graduation in 1880, his in- tention became known to go as a mis- sionary to India, it was felt that new life and interest would be aroused in the work. The sequel has shown how well placed was the confidence all had in his willingness and capacity to labor in word and work. The important educa- tional interests were at once taken in hand and reorganized, and, if we mis- take not, the first fruits of his zeal was Mr. Frederick J. McCready, who, at his solicitation, consented to come to Amer- ica to be educated for the mission work. — Workman.
Rev. H. G. B. Artman.
Page 44.
Rev. S. Aughey, Ph. D., LL.D.
Page 45.
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
45
Mr. Artman was ordained for the work of missioDs at Lancaster, Pa., May 26, 1880. He was married to Miss Lizzie M. Vaux on Thursday evening, June 8, 1880, at St. Mark's Church, Philadel- phia, the Rev. S. Laird, D. D., officiat- ing. Mr. Artman and his wife left for India July 7, arriving at Rajamundry in the fall.
Mr. Artman was the first missionary born and raised in this country whom the General Council has thus far been able to send out. He died at Rajamun- dry, India, Thursday, Sept. 18, 1884, from the effects of malarious fever, con- tracted in the Rumpa country, while out on mission work there, aged 26 years, 11 months and 25 days. He was a most zealous and hard-working missionary, and very popular in his district. Dur-
ing the five years that Mr. Artman la- bored in the Godavery district, he helped to establish the Hindu High School, educating up to the matricula- tion standard; he opened a school for Mohammedan girls and boys — a Sunday school for Christians — a Zenana class for the well-to-do people, and a caste girls' school for the middle classes of Hindus. He worked with considerable success on behalf of the mission at Dow- laishweram. He always had some good work in hand, and the result of his la- bors in the Godavery will live in the memory of the people.
The remains of Mr. Artman were in- terred in the Lutheran cemetery, at Rajamundry, Sept. 18, 1881, Rev. Diet- rich officiating in English, and Rev. Poulsen in Telugu.
REV. S. AUGHEY, Ph.D., LL.D.
There is no greater scientist in the United States, than R^v. Prof. S. Aug- hey. Ph. D., LL.D. Any church and any land can be proud to have such a learned and yet humble man in its fold. A genius in intelligence and possessing the genius of unrelenting perseverance and industry, he has placed his name among the nation's dignitaries and grandest scholars. The history of his eventful life and interesting career, give us an idea of the man, and the records of his unremitting labors show us his ability and greatness, for he is great in his abilities, and in his abilities there is greatness.
Dr. Aughey is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Aughey, and was born Feb. 8, 1831, in Milford township, Juniata Co., Penn. He labored on his father's farm
until he was old enough to teach school. At the age of 20, in 1851, he was sent to Gettysburg College, where he entered the preparatory department and passed through the college and Theological Seminary. In 1858 he entered the min- istry and preached at Chester Springs, Pa., 1858-9; Lionville, Pa., 1859-62; Plainsville, Pa., 1862-3; Duncannon, Pa., 1863-5. From Pennsylvania he moved west to Nebraska, preached awhile, we believe, in Dakota City, Ne- braska, until 1867, when he devoted him- self exclusively to scientific work.
He is not gifted as an orator, but the eloquence of matter in his discourses, addresses and lectures, show a master- mind of the loftiest character. There is in all his public efforts, a system, a polish, a profundity of learning, a cor-
46
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
rectness and therefore authoritativeness that interests and instructs and makes him a welcome speaker. He was an earnest, faithful, conscientious, pains- taking pastor, whilst laboring in the ministry, and wherever he lived and la- bored, he won and kept the esteem of the community for his fidelity to God, his church, his duties, and his people. Inclined from early life to study nature, and a love for teaching its wonders and mysteries, the desire to become a scien- tist grew and grew, until it became the all-absorbing idea of his lifa He could be frequently seen, armed with the scientist's equipments, microscope, ham- mer, lenses, etc., to study nature, in for- est and field, on hills and in vales, along rivers and brooks.
Having become so much interested in his studies and so proficient in analysis, and well-informed in science, as to be- come recognized as a scientist wherever he went, and having by lectures, ad- dresses, etc., made himself an authority on scientific subjects, he was, in 1871, elected Professor of Natural Science in the University of Nebraska. It was a happy choice. He most eminently suited the place, and the place suited him, as he could realize the cherished desires and hopes of his life. This hon- ored position he has held for many years, and he has honored himself, the univer- sity and the state, by the eminent ser- vices rendered. To him belongs the high honor of having performed the dif- ficult and trying task of classifying the birds of the northwest, and of writing up a catalogue of flora, etc., in some of the great Western States. He has been a pioneer in Western science, showing the acumen, learning of a man even su- perior to his surroundings and therefore eminently qualified to do the great Work spoken of. The government recogniz- ing his proficiency and skill, made him a
member of the U. S. Entomological Commission in 1877. He delivered the Nebraska State address at the U. S. Centennial, in Philadelphia, in 1876. In 1881, he was made by the govern- ment a U. S. Artesian Well Commission- er. To show how he has been honored, we mention the following facts: He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, also of the Buffalo, N. Y., Academy of Science. He is president of the Nebraska Acade- my of Science, and secretary of the Ne- braska Historical Society.
Three different institutes have confer- red the honorary degree of Ph. D. upon him, namely, the University of Ohio, in 1874; Wittenberg College, in 1875, and Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, in 1876. In 1878 Wittenberg College be- stowed upon him the degree of LL. D. Surely but few, very few, men are thus honored.
He is a prolific writer and if all his newspaper and magazine articles were published, it would make quite a library. He has published the following:
Renovation of Politics, sermon. 1861; Geology of Nebraska, address, 1872; Superficial Deposits of Nebraska, Hay- den Survey, 1874; Catalogue of the Flora of Nebraska, 1875; Catalogue of the Land and Fresh Water Shells of Ne- braska, Hay den Survey, 1876; Material Resources of Nebraska, 1877; Food of the Birds of Nebraska and Formal List, Publication in Governm ent Report, 1878 ; History of Nebraska, 1878; Physical Geography and Geology of Nebraska, pp. 326, 1880; The Ideas and the Men that Created the University of Nebras- ka, 1881; Geological Report on Sho- shone and Beaver Oil Regions of Wyo- ming, 1880; Geological Report on all the Wyoming Oil Basins, 1881; Luther- an Population in Nebraska; Lutheran Quarterly, YIII, 382; Report of U. S
AMERICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
47
Artesian Well Commission (Augliey and White), 1882; Genesis of the Rocky Mountains, 1882.
It is impossible in a sketch like this, which is but an epitome of his life's la- bors, to give any adequate idea of the man, his make-up, his talents, the many interesting incidents it has had, the wide-spread influence he has exerted, the extended power he has wielded, his communications with the greatest men of our land, and the greatest scientists of Germany and Europe, who glean from the wide fields of his varied ex- periences and observations. We hope an abler pen will some day give us a full biography of him. We have seen him and heard him. He has been our guest and we his, and so from across the track of the fleeting years we pay this tribute to our great friend, whom we will ad- mire while he lives, and honor and revere when he is gone, while with us life will last.
Let the Lutheran church ever be proud of this giant in science, who is, has been, and will be, for all time to come, considered the first great scientist of the Northwest, and who has, as such, done a work that f ature generations will thank him for. The illustrious trio of Lutheran clerical scientists. Rev. John Bachman, D. D., LL. D , of Charleston, S. C, Rev. Prof. J. B. Davis, D.D., of Vir- ginia and North Carolina, and Rev. Prof. S. Aughey, Ph.D.,LL.D., with whose life work we have often come in contact, have in their way rendered the Lutheran church a service and given her a prominence, whose value only fu- ture generations and the careful student of history will know how to prize and appreciate.
"Fn life or death no evil can befall The pure in heart ; Their pains and griefs but serve As trials here, while at the gate of death God's ang<^ls stand and watch their coming steps, To lead them on to endless peace in Heaven."
-P. W. E. P.
REV. JOHN BACHMAN, D.D, LL.D, Ph.D.
Dr. Bachman was descended from an old German family, although his first American ancestor came from Switzer- land to this country as the private sec- retary to William Penn. During his j childhood he knew nothing of the Ger- ! man language, but in after life he spoke \ and wrote German with great fluency. 1 Dr. Bachman first acquired his knowl- edge of German at college, and after- : ward made himself master of that and \ other modern languages during his visit to Euroi)e.
His father, like other farmers around him in those days, was a slave-holder, and to the last year of his long life Dr.
Bachman took occasion, from time to time, as opportunity offered, to make in- quiry concerning the fate of the negroes w^ho were the companions of his tender years. He has often been heard to speak of those former bondmen and lament the fate that had befallen them.
Dr. Bachman received a liberal educa- tion, and at the early age of twenty- three was licensed by the Lutheran Syn- od of New York, having been previously elected pastor of three congregations in the vicinity of his own neighborhood in Rensselaer county, New York, where it was then his expectation to spend the re- mainder of his days among the friends
48
AMEKICAN LUTHEKAN BIOGEAPHIES.
^S-
EEV. JOHN BACHMAN, D.D., LL. D., PH.D.
and relatives of his boyhood and early yonth. A hemorrhage of the lungs, however, with which he had been at- tacked while in college, was making a fearful inroad on his health, and he was advised by his physicians to seek relief in a more southern climate. About this time a call was sent from the Lutheran church in Charleston, S. C, to the presi- dent of the Synod of New York, Dr. Quitman, with a request that he should recommend some clergyman who might be adapted to this field of labor. Dr. Quitman and Dr. Mayer, of Philadel- phia, therefore proposed Mr. Bachman's name to the congregation in Charleston. A call was immediately sent inviting him to become their pastor. After con- sultation with his family and congrega- tion, he obtained a leave of absence for nine months, the hope being expressed that during that time his health would become sufiiciently restored to enable him to return and resume his ministerial labors at the north. The Lutheran Church had then scarcely an existence
in the Southern states, and as there was no Lutheran Synod here, an extra meet- ing of the Synod of New York was con- vened in December, 1814, at Ehinebeck, for the purpose of ordaining him. The ordination services were performed by Dr. Quitman and the other officers of synod in the Lutheran church at Ehine- beckj and, without returning home, the young clergyman proceeded on his way to Charleston, where he arrived on the 10th of January, 1815. A meeting of the vestry of the church took place on the 12th, two days afterward, and the charge of the congregation was in due form committed to his trust. On Jan. 10th, the day of his arrival, he attended the first funeral, and on the 16th per- formed the first baptismal service of his ministry in Charleston.
The congregation then worshipped in a small wooden building situated in the rear of the site of the present church. It was an antiquated building of pecul- iar construction, resembling some of the old churches in the rural districts of
AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGBAPHIES.
49
Germany, and had been erected previous to the Revolutionary War. The congre- gation was composed of Germans, who, during the stormy season of the Revolu- tion, had been the strenuous advocates and defenders of the rights of their adopted country. Its pastors, from 1771 to 1815, when Dr. Bachman was called to the charge of the congregation, were Rev. F. Daser, Rev. Mr. Martin (who was driven from the church by the Brit- ish officials in consequence of his refus- al to pray for the king), Rev. John C. Faber, Rev. Charles Faber, and Rev. Mr. Streit. Dr. Bachman entered upon the pastoral duties of his new charge amid gloomy and discouraging surround- ings in the temporal condition of the congregation, but brought to the work a fervent spirit of Christian zeal and the robust energy of mental character, which always characterized him; and he had the pleasure, during his long pas- torate, of seeing his church rapidly built up in numbers and efficiency, two sister churches of the same denomination es- tablished in the community, and a Lu- theran Synod, a Theological Seminary, and a flourishing Lutheran College es- tablished in the state. He stood amid the revolution of the changing years, and saw the brethren who welcomed hiin upon his arrival in Charleston, and were his companions in the early history of the Lutheran Church in Charleston, falling by death on every side, until at last, at the close of his eventful life, he was the one connecting link between the past and present, and surrounded only by the children of his former friends, down to the fourth generation, whom he had come to look upon as the children of his heart as well as the mem- bers of his spiritual flock.
In 1835, Dr. Bachman, then in his forty-fifth year, received the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In the autumn of
7
1837, the devoted pastor's health again broke down under . the arduous labors which devolved upon him, and which included the preaching of three sermons every Sunday, sometimes in English and sometimes in German; and his con- gregation feeling a profound interest in the preservation of his life and the re- storation of his enfeebled health, unani- mously requested him to take a respite from his labors. He accordingly left his home and people in 1838, believing, as he said, that he had looked upon the land of his nativity for the last time, and that he was destined to breathe his last among strangers in a foreign land. He was absent eight months, during which time he traversed nearly the whole of Europe, and received on all hands such cordial welcome, apprecia- tion and hospitality, such manifestations of respect, admiration and fraternal re- gard as his eminent scholastic and scien- tific attainments, his sturdy piety, and his pure and blameless life commanded. He returned in January, 1839, his health considerably improved, but still feeble, for which reason an assistant minister was employed by the congregation, who relieved the pastor of a large portion of his work until his health was announced once more restored.
To Dr. Bachman is due much of the credit of reorganizing and re-establishing the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Georgia. In the winter of 1823-24 he went to Savannah, where he was instru- mental in infusing new life into the Lu- therans of that city. There were at that time the remnants of two Lutheran con- gregations in the entire state of Georgia. The church at Savannah had been burnt down in 1797; the congregation at Charleston had contributed $500 toward rebuilding it, but nothing was done to- ward keeping up the congregation. It had no pastor and gradually became dis-
50
AMEBIGAN LUTHEEAN BIOGEAPHlES.
organized. The small building wliich had been erected was occnpied as a Sun- day school by another denomination. Dr. Bachman's visit was not a moment too soon; a few more years of neglect, says Dr. Bernheim in his history of the Lutheran Church, would haA^e extin- guished the name of Lutheranism in Savannah. By means of his well direct- ed and energetic labors, a congregation was at once organized, and in about a month's time was tiirned over to the pastoral care of the Kev. S. A. Mealy, who had been raised up in the Luther- an Church at Charleston, and whose theological training had been received from Dr. Bachman. From that time the Lutheran Church in Savannah con- tinued to prosper, under the efficient labors of a succession of devoted pastors. Having completed his good work in Savannah, he now turned his attention to the church at Ebenezer, the aged pas- tor of which was fast sinking into the grave. By his judicious labors, a son of Dr. Bergmann, who had taken a license to preach the gospel under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, was induced to rejoin the Lutheran Church, and be- ing subsequently ordained at the newly organized Synod of South Carolina, which met in Lexington district, on the 18th of November, 1824, returned to Ebenezer and became the esteemed pas- tor of the Church in which his aged father, now dead, had labored so zealous- ly and so faithfully.
Dr. Bachman was married January 23, 1816, to Miss Harriet Martin, who died in 1838. In 1848 he married Miss Maria Martin, a sister of his first wife, who died in December, 1863. He has had fourteen children, of whom five died young, four died grown, and five are now alive. His two eldest daughters married the two only sons of Audubon, the naturalist. They died,
one without issue, the other (Mrs. John Audubon) left two daughters, of whom one is now living in West Chester coun- ty, New York (Mrs. Delancy Williams), with three children. The other, Harriet Audubon, is now living with her aged grandmother (wife of the naturalist), in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Bachman took no part in politics. He abhorred from his very soul that hybrid in professional life, "a political parson." But he was an ardent lover of his country, and at no time indifferent to her welfare. He took the most active interest in the political events which pre- ceded the late war. A friend happened to be with Dr. Bachman on the fast day appointed by Gov. Gist, soon after the election of President Lincoln in 1860. The conversation was about Dr. Darwin's "Origin of Species," then but recently published. Dr. Bachman mentioned that thirty years before he had met the young Charles Darwin in England, just after his return from a cruise on H. M. Ship "Beagle," and there Darwin had told him that he had foresworn science, and thenceforth was going to give him- self to the service of the church, and he would not rest satisfied until he should be made a bishop. While giving these reminiscences, the venerable doc- tor brightened up with the reflection of the glow of youth that illumined his mind as he was retracing the incidents of earlier years. All at once he broke off abruptly, and, with countenance over- cast with gloom, said: "My mind is not upon these things. I have this day done the saddest act of mylife;Ihavepreached a sermon against the Union, and uphold- ing the secession movement of our peo- ple. My father fought in the Revolu- tionary War. I was taught from earliest childhood to venerate my country's flag." Then walking to the window, and point- ing to the United States flag on the Ar-
AMEKICAN LUTHEKAN BIOGEAPHIES.
51
senal building, he said: "Many and many a time have I looked npon that flag with pride. It grieves me that I can do so no more. I love the Union, but I miist ,^o with my people." Tears were in the old man's eyes as he said this. And faithfully and nobly did he redeem his promise of going with his people. Soon after the commencement of the war he organized a society for the relief of wounded soldiers, and until near the close of the war he was unwear- ied in his efforts to collect funds, pro- visions, clothing, etc., for this purpose. Although seventy-five years old then, he spared not himself or his waning strength, but made many fatiguing journeys to Virginia to carry comfort and suc- cor to those who needed his ministra- tions. It is needless to say that his ef- forts were crowned with the greatest success.
After the evacuation of Charleston, and the abandonment of the sea coast of South Carolina became certain, Dr. Bachman accepted the invitation of a friend in the northern part of the state, and sought shelter under the hospitable roof of General Cash, near Cheraw. But the hope of safety proved fallacious. Chesterfield county, as is well known, was visited by Sherman's host. Dr. Bachman, doubtless mistaken for the owner of the house, was beaten by the brutal soldiery, because he would not re- veal "where the treasure was hid." It is the opinion of many that this beating- was the cause of the disease which soon after befell him.
The close of the war found him a mere wreck of his former self. In com- mon with nearly all his fellow-citizens he lost the greater part of his property; his library, a large collection of valuable works on natural science, theology and general literature, the laborious collec- tion of over three score years, fell a prey
to the flames when Columbia was burned. He was prostrated with paralysis several years ago, and his life despaired of by his friends ; but thanks to an iron consti- tution, he rallied again and again. He preached but rarely, but continued more or less to attend to his duties until about January, 1869, when the Kev. W. W. H . . . . assistant pastor, was engaged. From this date, with but one or two ex- ceptions, he ceased from the church ministrations. Mr. Honour officiated imtil February, 1872, when the Eev. Mr. Dosh took charge of the church. Dr. Bachman, however, generally partici- pated in any important public occasion, as, for instance, in the laying of the cor- ner stone of the German church on King street, and again at the consecration of the church five years afterwards.
Dr. Bachman was first of all, and above all things, a pious, devoted Chris- tian pastor, and it was this field which commanded the most earnest efforts of his active mind and occupied the first place in his great heart. But he was al ■ so eminent as a savant and an author, and in these capacities his name will live as long as the literature of the Eng- lish language retains a history. He was an ardent devotee of nature, never more at home than when out of doors. He loved nature in all her forms, and was fond of field sports, fishing, boating, and indeed of all healthy and manly ex- ercises. Gardening was one of his favor- ite recreations, and he took a pride in its. pursuit. It was this love of nature, doubtless, which early gave a bent to his studies; and to become a naturalist soon came to be his great ambition. It is not necessary to state that he never allowed his scientific tastes or pursuits to interfere in any manner with the du- ties of his sacred calling, but all his leis- ure, and that time which others give to the social amenities, was devoted by him
52
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
to the study of nature. In forming an estimate of his acquirements and the vast labor achieved by him, it must be borne in mind that in him was exhibited one of the finest specimens of German in- dustry. Of a strong frame, habitually in robust health, at least during the former half of his life, and possessed of a rare buoyancy of spirit, he could work with great rapidity, while his well-train- ed mind, sound judgment, and retentive
memory still further facilitated his self
imposed tasks. Nor was he an amateur ! his strictly scientific publications.
in science. He was thorough in all he i had passed his three-score years
England, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark, tes- tified their appreciation of his services by their letters, and with many he main- tained a correspondence to his latest years. The great Alexander Yon Hum- boldt was one of his warmest friends, and when, in 1850, he published his treatise on the ''Unity of the Human Race," he dedicated it to his friend, the greatest of German physicists. The work just named was among the last of
He dis-
undertook, and shunned no labor to claimed any further ambition in the re- make himself master of his subject, public of letters, and expressed a deter- With this view, he studied anatomy mination to devote the remainder of his carefully, dissecting every animal he | life to his pastoral duties. But the
studied or described. Comparative an- atomy was his favorite subject, and in this he achieved great results. Botany, mineralogy, and geology at different times claimed more or less of his atten-
question of the unity or plurality of ori- gin of the human race having become one of the controveisies of the day, and from its nature, inferentially at least, partaking somewhat of a theological
tion, but the study of animal nature was | character, Dr. Bachman was drawn into his preference, and zoology came to be | the arena, and once in, he bent all the his specialty. Not to mention the in- | energies of his well-stored mind to the
numerable monograms touching upon questions in his branch, he published jointly with Audubon, "The Quadrupeds
demonstration of the truth of his side
of the controversy — the unity of origin.
Although a great devotee of science,
of North America," to this day the finest this study was, as we have stated, second
ary with Dr. Bachman, and whenever modern science seemed to clash with revelation, as has happened very fre- quently in the controversies during the present century, as new discoveries have been made, from time to time, in geolo- gy, chronology or ethology. Dr. Bach- man arrayed himself on the side of re- ligious orthodoxy, and in every conflict proved a tower of strength.
Besides these works, most of which are far more scientific than theological, and altogether polemical or combative, Dr. Bachman furnished from time to was elected to membership in almost | time a great number of essays, reviews, every scientific association on the habit- ' sermons, editorials, and articles in the ual globe. ^The magnates of science in j various periodicals of the day. From
work upon the subject that has appeared in this country. Mr. Audubon furnished the designs and Mr. Bachman the text. He also gave Mr. Audubon great assist- ance in his celebrated work on ''The Birds of North America." These labors introduced him to the entire world of science, and he everywhere found most gratifying recognition. Honors came pouring in thick and fast. He received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Berlin in 1838, and that of Doctor of Laws from the South Carolina College at Columbia about the same time. He
AMEKICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
53
1835 to 1840, he wrote a great deal for the editorial columns of the Southern Agricul- tural Journal. At another time he de- livered and published a sermon against duelling; and besides all these works which have seen the light, he had sever- al scientific works, which wxre nearly ready for publication, destroyed at the burning of Columbia in February, 1865.
Dr. Bachman was pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, at Charleston, all his life. He was truly a great Lutheran leader, and the most prominent Lutheran in all that region of the South. He was a natural-born scientist, and in his ow^n special department he doubtless had no equal in America. Dr. Bachman died at his residence, in Charleston, in Feb- ruary, 1874, in the 85th year of his age.
For further information about this in- teresting man the reader is referred to a volume containing the Letters and Me- moirs of His Life, 436 pp., published by Walker, Evans & Cogswell Co., Char- leston, S. C. (1888).
His published works are : The Quad-
rupeds of America, six vols. ; The Doc- trine of the Unity of the Human Kace; A Notice of Nott and Glidden's Types of Mankind; An Examination of Agas- siz's Natural Provinces of the Animal World; An Examination of the Charac- teristics of Genera and Species; Cata- logue of the Phsenogamous Plants and Ferns of South Carolina; Experiments on the Habits of Vultures; Monograph of the Genus Sciurus; The Changes in the Colors of Feathers in Birds and of Hair in Animals; The Introduction and Propagation of Fresh Water Fish ; Con- troversy with Dr. Morton on Hybridity; Funeral Discourse of Rev. J.G. Schwartz; Horticultural Address; Sermon on the Doctrines and Discipline of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church; Temperance Address; Agricultural Survey of South Carolina; Synodical Discourse on the Ministry; Discourse, Forty- third Anni- versary of his Ministry in Charleston; Christian Ministry; Luther and the Beformation; An Inquiry. He has also contributed numerous articles to various journals and periodicals. — Morris.
EEV. JOHN BADING.
Rev. John Bading, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran St John's Church of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was born No- vember 24, 1824, in Rixdorf, near Berlin, Prussia. His classical and theological education was received in the Mission Seminary at Berlin and Hermansburg, Hanover. He was sent to this country by the Evangelical Society of Langen- bere:, Barmen, and Elberfeld, and was ordained to the gospel ministry on October 6, 1853. whereupon he emi- grated to America, arriving here in July of that year. His first charge was at
Calumet, Michigan, where he remained sixteen months, after which he accepted a charge at Theresa, Dodge county, AVis- consin. Having served this charge very successfully for five and a half years, he was called to Watertown, Wisconsin, where he labored from 1860 to October, 1868, when he was called to his present charge at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has been pastor at this place for about tweniy-two years.
Mr. Bading was married January 22, 1854, to Miss Dorothea Ehlers, of Brook- lyn, N. Y. They have had nine children, four of whom died; those remaining
54
AMEEICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
are living in Milwaukee. Dorothea is the wife of Eev. E. Notz, Pro- fessor in the Evangelical Lutheran Sem- inary at Milwaukee.
In 1860 Eev. Bading was elected pres- ident of the Synod of Wisconsin and other states, and was re-elected in 1862. In 1863 he was sent to Europe as agent for the Northwestern University, at
Watertown, Wisconsin. Since 1867 he has been president of his synod. He is also president of the board of trustees of the Northwestern University at Watertown, and of the Theological Sem- inary at Milwaukee. Eev. Bading is a vigorous worker, a competent official, and a leader in our American Lutheran Church. — History of Milwaukee.
EEV. JOHN CHEISTOPHEE BAKEE, D.D.
John Christopher Baker was born in Philadelphia, May 7th, 1792, and in 1802 he was placed by his guardian at Nazar- eth Hall, a seminary of the Moravian church, where he remained five years.
In the year 1807 he was received as a member of Zion's church, Philadelphia, by Eev. John F. Schmidt. On leaving the seminary at Nazareth, in 1807, he soon after repaired to Lebanon, Pa., for the purpose of pursuing his theologi- cal studies under the direction of Eev. Dr. Lochman
In the year 1811 he was set apart to the work of the ministry by the Synod of Pennsylvania, with which body he remained connected until his death. He immediately received a call as an as- sistant minister of the German Luther- an congregations of Philadelphia, which he accepted, and at once entered upon . the duties of his appointment,
In the following year he accepted a unanimous call to the pastoral charge of the church in Germantown.
Almost at the very commencement of his career the English language was in- troduced into the services of the sanc- tuary, and, although the measure at first encountered opposition, its adoption was fraught with important advantages to
the interests of the church In the
year 1818, under his auspices, the large
new church edifice was erected, which still stands as a monument of the zeal
and activity of the pastor His re-
markable faithfulness with respect to pastoral visiting, for which he was al- ways distinguished, had its beginning here. Starting at the Eising-Sun vil- lage, his visits and labors included Nice- town, Germantown, Chestnut -Hill, Bar- ren-Hill, Manayunk, Eoxborough and Frankfort. Although it was no easy task to perform all this, yet, to say that he personally called upon every person in the long range, who belonged to or visited his churches, and that not only once or occasionally, but frequently and regularly, is stating only the simple truth, without any exaggeration. An amusing incident in reference to the Doctor at this period of his ministry is remembered, in which there was a dis- play of more physical courage than many of his friends supposed he possessed. The great turnpike road leading from Germantown to Philadelphia was infest- ed by robbers, who made it their busi- ness to stop and plunder market- wagons at the hill just below the village, which was, at the time, a dark, deep and nar- row defile. One evening he reached^ the spot on his way to fill a preaching ap- pointment at Nicetown, and fouud; the road blocked up by eight or nine farmers'
AMEBICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
55
vehicles, the drivers of which were afraid to venture into the dangerous part of the road, lest an attack should be made upon them, and were eagerly wait- ing for some one to take the lead. This was finally done by the subject of our narrative driving in advance in his gig, followed by the courageous crowd. They ; all passed on without any hostile en- counter
In January, 1828, as successor to the Rev. Dr. Endress, he assumed i the pastoral care of the church at Lan- caster. Here he labored with unwearied assiduity for twenty-five years. He in- troduced into his church the Sunday School system, which was yet a compar- atively new thing in our country. For many "years he served as President of the Board of Trustees of Franklin Col- lege, and as a Director of the Public Schools. He was fond of examining the children, and threw into the work his whole soul. His visitations to the schools were frequent and systematic. He set apart one day every week to this business, and always entered the school- room so kindly with the familiar smile of a father, that he was ever a welcome and grateful visitor to both teachers and pupils. "I was ofteu amused when a visitor at his house," says one who was intimate in the family, "to see little boys and girls come in for the purpose of hav- ing the Doctor write an excuse for the previous day's absence, or for permission to come home before school hours were over; these requests were never refused, but attended to on the spot; no matter who was present, or in what he was en- gaged, whether at his meal, or just ready to leave the house, the little fellows were never put off."
vSo heavy and incessant were the drafts that had been made upon Dr. Baker, that his physical constitution, naturally vigorous, began at length to
yield. His health became impaired un- der the pressure of his manifold duties, and he concluded that it was advisable to resign the large field of labor that had long claimed his unwearied atten- tion. He accordingly preached his val- edictory discourse, January 30th, 1853, and removed to Philadelphia; but as he could not endure being idle, he was will- ing to take charge of a small Mission church in the northern part of the city.
He died in May, 1859, aged sixty-eight years. His dying testimony was all of the most satisfactory and consolatory character. His children, whom he ten- derly loved, and by whose presence and attentions he was soothed, he fervently commended "to the care and covenant- keeping of his Heavenly Father," and earnestly urged them to "abound in love and glory to God." On one occasion when asked if he was comfortable, he replied, "I might be more so," but add- ed, "We count them happy that endure." The afternoon previous to his death, when apparently much distressed by dif- ficulty of breathing, one of his children remarked, "Jesus said. My grace is suf- ficient for thee!" With a smile, he re- plied: "Yes! Oh! I hope"— but he could say no more
In looking at Dr. Baker's character, the first thing that strikes us is the ear- nestness and enthusiastic ardor with which he took hold of every subject that engaged his attention. He was scrupu- lously conscientious in fulfilling every known obligation, and labored with in- defatigable zeal, untiring activity and self-sacrificing industry, constantly illus- trating in his life the Savior's motto, "I must work while it is day; the night Cometh when no man can work!" He was emphatically a working man, bat- tling on in the good cause to which he had consecrated his powers year after year, through good and through evil re-
56
AMEBICAN LUTHEEAN BI0GEAPHIE8.
port, in season and out of season, emi- nently stri^dng to be useful to his fellow men. Bishop Reink, of the Moravian Church, who was, for a time, his col- league at Lancaster, once attempted to remonstrate with him in reference to his course, but without effect. "It was the Doctor's custom," says the bishop, "to preach three times every Sabbath. I, therefore, took the liberty one day of reasoning with him on the propriety and necessity of diminishing these excessive labors, inasmuch as they would, if con- tinued, break down his constitution be- fore the time. But in reply he became quite warm and animated, and, hastily rising from his seat, pacing up and down the room, and throwing his long arms lustily around him, exclaimed, "No, I tell you, my dear brother, I must work while it is called to-day ! I must spend and be spent in the cause of my blessed
Master!"
Nothing could deter him from a mis- sion of love and piety. Indisposition never interfered with the performance of any pastoral obligation. Physical in- firmities were never presented as a plea for the neglect of duty. He was known I to drive miles in storms, through rain | and snow, to hold a meeting for prayer | or to attend to the ordinary services of the Lord's Day, when no one of all the congregation, not even the sexton, ven- tured out of doors. He had no sympa- thy with those who found it too hot or too cold or too stormy to attend church. He could go to preach, why not they to listen? He would notice those who were absent from the exercises of the sanctuary and invariably called on them the following day, and inquired into the cause of their absence. The marriages he solemnized, the baptisms and funeral services he performed, are, perhaps, without a parallel in the history of any pastor. The Doctor also took a deep in-
terest in the religious instruction of the children of the church, and, in addition to three services on the Lord's Day, whilst settled at Lancaster, he also at- tended the Sunday School. He also had a Bible class, composed of the teachers and older scholars, which he met weekly, and imparted careful in- struction in the lesson for the succeed- ing Sabbath. In addition, during the week, two evenings were generally spent in lecturing, and sometimes, when he had classes of catechumens, which were formed regularly twice every year, four evenings were devoted to pub- lic services for the benefit of his people. The work never seemed to him
irksome As a preacher Dr. Baker
was plain, practical and edifying. He adhered closely to the text, and present- ed a simple exposition of God's word, a clear and full exhibition of the way of life. "Under his impressive and per- suasive appeals," says one who often heard him preach, "I have often seen the entire audience melted into tears." He never introduced anything flippant or irrelevant into the pulpit. In his preparations for the pulpit he was very laborious, particularly at that period of his ministry when he was in the habit of committing his sermons to memory. His texts were usually selected on Sun- day night, after his return from the church, and the preparation was pro- tracted till the close of the week; so that, in connection with the toil to which be submitted, he was often heard to say, ''I have no pleasure of my life." He was familiar with the best German and English writers in theology, and was regarded as well read in the sub- stantial literature of the day. The Bi- ble was, however, the book which he carefully and faithfully studied. He also had some skill as a musician. He play- ed very creditably upon the piano. He
AMEEICAN LUTHERAN BIOGRAPHIES.
57
often played dnefcs with his daughters, and one of them received her entire mu- sical instruction from him. He seldom wrote for the press. The only discourse he ever furnished for publication is a sermon on the death of Rev. Dr. Fred-
erick D. Schaeffer. The Doctorate of Divinity was conferred upon him by La- fayette College in 1837 He was a
leading member of the Synod of Penn- sylvania, and his power was felt among the members in private and on the floor in Synod. — Morris.
REY. DR. BANSEMER.
R3V. Dr. Bansemer was ordained in 1842 by the South Carolina Synod. He served as pastor in Barnwell, S. C, Wal- halla, S. C, Augusta and Savannah, Ga., and lastly at Jacksonville, Fla. The title of D. D. was given him in 1882, by North Carolina College, whose Presi- dent he had been for a few years, begin- ning with 1868.
He died at Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, February 3, 1889. On Tuesday, Febru- ary 5, he was buried, Rev. W. S. Bow- man, D. D., of Savannah, Ga., and Rev. F. AV. E. Peschau, of Wilmington, N. C,
officiating. The church was draped in emblems of mourning.
He was a fine scholar. He labored in Jacksonville from November, 1877, until the time of his death. Daring the sum- mer of 1880 he remained faitlifally at his post in all the scourge of yellow fever, until he himself became sick. He was a German by birth, and preached both English and German acceptably. He was never married. He was a good man, and did a good work, and we can but say ^^ Requiescat in pace." — Workman.
REV. JOSEPH H. BARCLAY, D. D.
Dr. Barclay was born in Baltimore, Md., April 1st, 1834. His parents were Hugh and Elizabeth Barclay. His fa- tlu^r was the son of an English 'squire, residing in Ireland, and a descendant of tlie old English family of Barclays. His mother was a native of Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. Dr. Bar- clay's father emigrated to America and settled in Baltimore over seventy years ago. Owing to financial misfortune and ill-health, he was prevented from giving his son the liberal education he himself possessed, but he aided him in laying its foundation. Although deprived of
8
college privileges, the subject of this sketch was able, through self-discipline, to enter and pass the examination of the graduating class of 1856, entering a course preparatory to the miristry in the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His mother was a most devoted Christian, and to her influence he attributes his conver- sion and entrance into the ministiy. His first charge was at Williamsport, Md., where he remained but sixteen months, owing to the malarial climate and his impaired health, resulting from typhoid fever. He subsequently settled
58
AMEKICAN LUTHEBAN BIOGKAPHIES.
for six years at Red Hook, N. Y., near the Hudson Eiver, after which he re- moved to Easton, Pa., where, although beginning with but eighteen members and twenty-three Sunday-school schol- ars, he was instrumental, within two , years, in securing an elegant church ed- ifice, and during his five years' ministry there the membership of the church was increased to 275, and the Sunday- school to 300. In 1872 he went to Bal- timore, his former home, as the succes- sor of the celebrated pulpit orator, Eev. Dr. McCron. The church on Lexington street having been entirely destroyed by fire in 1873, Dr. Barclay inaugurated and gave directions to the undertaking which resulted in the erection of the magnificent marble structure on the cor- ner of Fremont and Lanvale streets, erected at a cost of $150,000. It is (1879) the most elegant house of wor- ship of the Lutheran denomination in this country, and contains one of the finest organs in the city of Baltimore. Its buautiful memorial windows are a very attractive feature and afford an in- teresting study to the visitor. Notwith- standing the discouragements resulting from the general depression of business throughout the country, most of the debt incurred in the erection of this church has been liquidated, and the work is in a very prosperous condition. As a result of his five years' labor in Baltimore, Dr. Barclay has seen the membership of his church more than doubled in numerical strength, and that of the Sunday-school more than trebled. His present congregation (1879) is the largest of any church of his denomina- tion in the city of Baltimore, or state of Maryland, and embraces many of the
most prominent business men of Balti- more, as also a number distinguished for literary culture. He has always been an earnest and continuous worker in the Sunday-school. His manner of preaching is illustrative and analytical, his thoughts being clearly and briefly expressed, and his delivery earnest and impressive.
While pastor of the church at Easton, Pa., he made an extended tour through Europe, Egypt and Palestine, and his notes of travel have been embodied in several interesting lectures, which have been well received in various cities. His title of Doctor of Divinity was con- ferred upon him by Roanoke College, of Virginia. He has occupied positions on the Board of Foreign Missions, and was for some time president of the Chil- dren's Foreign Missionary Society, which he originated, and which is the only society of the kind in the Chris- tian Church. It embraces over 700 schools, and has for its object the sup- port of missionaries in India, and the care and Christian culture of heathen children. Thus far the society has been eminently successful. During his min- istry Dr. Barclay has been instrumental in building five church edifices, and his labors have generally been at- tended with the most gratifying results. He married, April 27, 1856, Miss Martha Jenison, daughter of Josh- ua Jenison, of York, Pa. She died Sep- tember 15, 1877. Five children were the fruits of this union, all of whom are living. On January 9, 1879, Dr. Barclay married Miss Louisa B. Super, daughter of Mr. Frederick Super of Baltimore. — Biog. Cycl. of Md.
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REV. SAMUEL BACON BARNITZ.
Rev. Samuel Bacon Barnitz, West- ern Secretary of the Board of Home Missions of the General Synod, Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, was born in York, Pennsylvania, May 12th, 1838. In 1858 he entered Pennsylvania Col- lege, but on account of ill health was obliged to give up a full college course. In 1859, by a unanimous vote of the fac- ulty, he was admitted to the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Penn., and completed the full seminary course.
In the early part ot 1862 he assisted the Rev. George G. Butler, D. D., in the hospitals in and around Washing- ton, D. C, ministering to the sick and wounded soldiers of the Union army. In June, 1863, Mr. Barnitz was called to a Southern Mission at Wheel- ing, W. Va. *'His labors in this city were varied, and continued for a score of years, during which time he succeed- ed in building up a flourishing church, the largest Sunday-school in the state of West Virginia, and established a home for orphans and destitute children, set- ting on foot also, plans for the founding of a Protestant hospital." From 1862 to
the close of the Civil war, Mr. Barnitz was secretary of the West Virginia branch of the United States Commission, giving much thought to the improve- ment of the condition of soldiers in the field and hospitals. In the city of Wheeling and surroundings, his influ- ence was wide and effective, and his character and ability acknowledged by Christians of all denominations, so that his departure from Wheeling was an occasion of very great and general re- gret. He has been called to many posi- tions of trust and responsibility, both in and out of his own church. For twenty years Mr. Barnitz was a member of the International Sunday-school Executive Committee, and took a leading part in the formation of the committee for In- ternational Bible Lessons. He was al- so a member of the committee which prepared the Evangelical test for Young Men's Christian Associations. As a member of the Board of Publication, he was active in establishing the Augsburg Teacher and Sunday-school Lessons, and for a number of years edited the news department of the Teacher. When the
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paper for the junior and infants' depart- ments of the Sunday-schools was estab- lished, Mr. Barnitz became its editor. He is especially gifted in preaching to children, and has addressed greater audiences of children than any one min- ister of the Lutheran church.
In September, 1881, Barnitz was call- ed to the position of Western Secretary of the Board of Home Missions, in which he has had marked success. At the time of entering upon this work, the General Synod had few missions west of Omaha, Neb. Nine years have witness- ed the extension of the same to the Pa- cific coast, and an improvement on the
western territory which is quite marked. Mr. Barnitz has taken a vigorous part in the organization of the Board of Ed- ucation, and the establishmeat of Mid- land College at Atchison, Kan,, and was called to the presidency of the college, I but declined, believing that he wjis bet- ter adapted to Mission work than to that of a college presidency. He is "a man of undoubted ability, strong and posi- tive convictions, and fearlessness in maintaining them, a loving spirit, and a true friend to everyone."
He is a constant contributor to the pa- pers and periodicals of the church and an indefatigable and intense worker.
REY. PROF. EDWARD F. BARTHOLOMEW, D.D.
Rev. Prof. Edward F. Bartholomew, D. D., son of William and Susan F. Bartholomew, was born near Sundbury, Penn., March 24, 1846. His parents were in humble circumstances. He is the youngest of a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are now living. The parental stock was noted for a more than ordinary longevity, some having reached the ripe old age of ninety-three years. His early years were passed on the farm until his father's death in 1861. During his boyhood he received the rud- iments of a common school education.
The two years following his father's death he spent at different kinds of em- ployment, working sometimes on the farm and sometimes at the carpenter's trade with two elder brothers, but hav- ing no definite purpose. In the autumn of 1863 he began a course of study in Freeburg Academy, Freeburg, Penn., then under the charge of Prof. Daniel S. Boyer. This was an important step in his life, for here influences were brought to bear upon him which shaped
his life in the direction of good. Two men especially, he holds in grateful re- membrance as being instruments in the hand of God to lead him in the right way. One of these was Professor Boy- er, a good man and an excellent teacher, who communicated his own earnest and enthusiastic spirit to his students. The other was Rev. C. G. Eilenmeyer, a godly and faithful pastor, who was far more concerned about the welfare of his flock than about worldly honors. He was a man of quiet, unostentatious life, always about his Father's business, pa- tiently and faithfully doing his daily duti.es, caring more for the approval of God than the applause of men.
No mortal can rightly estimate the ex- tent and power of a Godly pastor's in- fluence upon the lives of those by whom he is surrounded. There are moments of crisis in the lives of all young people when everything depends on a word or a single act on the part of those who are leaders in a community. Such a crisis occurred in the experience of the sub-
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ject of this sketch. It was at the be- giiiniug of his academic life; he had started on a venture, the issue of which he could not see; he had no means of his own, neither friends to aid or advise him; he was, moreover, just then pass- ing through a deep religious experience, the full significance of which he did not understand; for the first time in his life he was wrestling with the question as to what his mission on earth might be. But the way was dark and beset wdth apparently insuperable difficulties; the young man was thoroughly discouraged and on the point of despair; it was his purpose to quit school forever. In this frame of mind he came one day to his private tutor. Father Erlenmeyer, to re- cite his Latin lesson. After the lesson was recited, the young man tarried to tell his teacher how he felt and what conclusion he had arrived at. Father Erlenmeyer listened attentively to the dolt^ful story, and then fixing upon the youth his large, open eyes, from which beamed only love and solemn earnest- ness, he replied: "Where there is a will there is a way." The youth had often heard this familiar adage, but it had never touched his soul as on this oc- casion. It was as a message spoken from heaven, and made an impression never to Ije forgotten. It was a simple utterance that this godly pastor and faithful teacher spoke to the desponding young student, but it inspired confidence in his own gifts, trust in the grace of Gotl, and courage to do his present duty; it proved a gracious word of the Lord, a very talisman throughout his lor.g struggle with poverty afld hard- ship to prepare himself for the work of the Mastei-, as well as throughout his subsequent professional life. Father Erlenmeyer has long since gone to his reward, but the good he did by a single utterance lives and multiplies a thousand
fold in the work of the pupil whom he influenced for good. His works do fol- low him. This incident is recorded here in the hope that it may prove a message from God to some other timid and desponding soul, as to the subject of this sketch.
The years from 1863 to 1866 were marked by a variety of experiences in the life of the young student He con- tinued his studies in the aforesaid academy with great irregularity. He taught Several terms of public school during the winter season, and in sum- mer time he engaged in various kinds of employment, thus making his own way at school. In the fall and winter terms of 1865 he was appointed assistant teacher in Freeburg xlcademy, then under the charge of Prof. N. D. Van Dyke. This promotion was a most im- portant event, as it was the chief factor in shaping his subsequent career as teacher in the work of higher education. His success in this office was quite flattering, and greatly encouraged him. Duriiig this winter he also attended catechetical instruction under Father Erlenmeyer, by whom he was confirmed at Rowe's Church, near Selinsgrove, on the 24th of March, 1866, being the anniversary of his natural birth. Dur- ing this winter he also fully resolved to consecrate himself to the work of the Gospel ministry, and entered upon the work of preparation in solemn earnest- ness. This period from 1863 to 1866 was doubtless the most important period in his life, inasmuch as it was the formative period in respect to both his personal character and his professional career. On Monday, April 16, 1868, he entered the Missionary Institute at Selinsgrove, Penn., under the principal- ship of Rev. P. Born. In this school he continued his prej^aration for college with but slight interruption till the
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close of the spring term of 1868. Du - ing the summer of this year he worked for the American Tract Society as col- porteur in Berks County. The experi- ence gained in this vocation proved of great value in the years to come. In the fall of 1868 he entered the Sopho- more class of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa., under the presidency of Dr. Valentine. From this institution he graduated in June, 1871, having re- ceived the second honor in his class, and the Latin Salutatory as an addition- al mark of proficiency in his college work. In the autumn of the same year he received an appointment as principal in a Presbyterian Academy located at Clark City, Mo. In the following spring he returned to Pennsylvania, visiting on his way Niagara Falls and his friend and classmate Eobert Kline, at Union Seminary, New York City. On the 11th of July, 1872, he was married to Kate L., daughter of Henry and Catherine Fasold, of PI am Creek Valley, near Sunbury, Pa. A few days later he started with his bride for Missouri. Early in the fall of 1872 he resigned his position in Clark City Academy to accept the principalship of the High School at Kohoka, Mo. Here he labored till the spring of 1874, when he accepted a call to the chair of Natural and Physical Sciences in Carthage College, Carthage, 111., which position he held till 1883. Having in the meantime pursued a course of theo- logical studies privately, he was ordained to the Gospel ministry in the Synod of Central Illinois, then in session at Washington, 111. From this time on he performed the duties of both teacher and preacher. Together with his col- leagues of the college he supplied the Lutheran pulpit of Carthage. At dif- ferent times he also served the West Point and Macomb pastorates as pastor.
In the summer of 1883 he resigned his chair in Carthage College, and on the first of August started on a trip to the Sandwich Islands, by way of San Fran- cisco, in the interest of the estate of his brother-in-law. Prof. Philip M. Fasold, who had recently died at Kilama, on the Island of Kani. This long and eventful trip was successfully made, and he returned to his home in the early part of the following October. Soon after his return he accepted a call to the chair of English Literature at Mt. Morris College, Mt. Morris, 111., and in May of the following year he was called to the presidency of Carthage College. He. accepted this call, and immediately entered upon the duties of this re- sponsible position. This institution had recently met with a series of great misfortunes, which now seriously threatened its very existence. In the darkest days in the history of the col- lege which he had served so long as professor, and which he loved so well, at a time when enemies plotted for its destructien and friends deserted it, a time when there seemed no hope of survival, this call came to him as a call direct from God. Obedient to the voice of Providence and trusting in the guidance of God, he undertook the mis- sion of saving the college from dissolu- tion and the Lutheran Church in the West from disgj-ace. By hard work, by struggles, self-denials, and trials, of which the world will never know any- thing, and by the manifest blessing of God, the college was saved and started on a new career of usefulness. For three long, toilful, anxious years he continued at the post of duty, under circumstances most adverse and dis- heartening, never doubting the right- eousness of the cause and its ultimate triumph. In the summer of 1888, con- vinced that the college was now out of
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clanger and could be safely left to other hands, and also having the conscious- ness that the specific mission for which he had been called to this work had been accomplished, he resigned the presidency to accept a call to the chair of English Literature and Philosophy in Augustana College, Rock Island, 111. The Board of Trustees, having been notified of his resignation, assembled in special session, and, after having adopted highly complimentary resolu-
tions concerning Prof. Bartholomew's work in Carthage College, accepted his resignation; and as a further mark of their appreciation of his services con- ferred on him the honorary title of D. I). Thus ends his career in Carthage College, which he served as professor and president for fourteen years. In September, 1888, he entered upon the duties of his new field of labor in Augustana College, where he still remains.
HENRY LEWIS BAUGHER, Sr., D.D.
Henry Louis Baugher was born in Abbottstown, Adams County, Pa., in 1804. His preparation for college life he received at the Gettysburg Academy, then under the oare of Rev. Dr. Mc- Conaughy. He was graduated at Dickinson College in 1826, and entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton the same year. Subsequently, he be- came a student in the Seminary at Get- tysburg. He was licensed to preach by the West Pennsylvania Synod in 1828. In 1829 he joined the Synod of Mary- land and Virginia, and soon after be- came pastor of the church at Boonsboro, which was the only pastoral charge he ever had, except his connection with the college church at Gettysburg for sever- al years.
Hf^ was called to Gettysburg in April, 1851, as classical teacher in the place of Rev. D. Jacobs, deceased, in the Gettys- burg Gymnasium.
When Pennsylvania College was char- tered, in 1882, Mr. Baugher was elected to the chair of Greek and Belles Lettres. This position he filled \mtil the fall of 1850, when he was elected to the Presi- dency. He held this office nearly eight-
een years. He died just as the senior year closed, April 14th, 1868. He was confined to his chamber only about a week, but his health had been declining for a year or two before.
His strong will continued to the last, and he thought he would recover his health, even on the morning of the day on which he died. When told of the opinion of the physicians, he replied: "The Lord's will be done."
Mr. Baugher received the degree of D. D. from Dickinson college in 1848, to which his name was proposed by a per- son who he never suspected would ren- der such a service to him.
One of my correspondents writes: "Dr. Baugher was a good man, and want- ed to do good. He was very much in- terested in the college, and earnestly labored to advance its welfare. If his prejudices had been less strong, and his character less impulsive, he would, no doubt, have been more useful and more generally beloved by those who were brought in contact with him. He labored faithfully, and I often think of him now as resting. If he were now living, he would worry over matters
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which, after all, are of very little im- portance."
Dr. Baugher was a general reader, but his favorite reading, as it should be with all divines, was his Greek Testa- ment. Homer was also read for recrea- tion. His daily habit was, an hour be- fore breakfast in private prayer and med- itation, and nearly an hour with his Greek Testament. After breakfast, study or college work all day.
After his graduation, he intended to study law with Frank Key, of Washing- ton, but he began to think that if he did that it might endanger his spiritual welfare. His mother had made it a con- stant prayer that God would direct her youngest son to the ministry, and her prayer was heard.
He was a diligent writer of sermons, and one of his sons tells me that "he had stacks of them."
Dr. Baugher was a severe and exem- plary moralist. He never sanctioned among clergymen and Christian people what many regarded as innocent amuse- ments, such as chess or chequers, and I doubt whether he would now sanction croquet, which has since become a popu- lar clerical amusement.
He was a puritanic observer of what he called the Sabbath, and severely tem- perate in all things.
He was regarded by some as stern, or what is called ''abrupt," and there is no doubt that he was an unsparing critic. Hence, he was not liked by some who did not intimately know him. He was, per- haps, a little too free in expressing his sen- timents; he never disguised his opinion on any subject; he despised duplicity of every kind; and, on all measures and subjects, you could easily find out what he thought, if you wanted to know.
When he was elected President of the college, I was appointed to go to his house and inform him, and to receive
his answer. He scarcely gave me time to announce my message before he abruptly replied: "I will not aeeept it.'' He had taken no time to deliberate, and I knew his manner too well to believe that this would be his final determina- tion. He subsequently accepted the call, and presided over the college for nearly eighteen years with distinguished success.
He had administrative talent of the first class. As a disciplinarian he was stern, yet kindly considerate of the in- firmities and temptations of youns: men.
He never aimed at authorship of the highest character, but his published sermons, baccalaureate addresses, Re- view and Ohserver articles, are forcibly written and display an uncommon share of solid, good sense, without any rhetor- ical flourishes of style or affectation of what some call fine writing.
His Presbyterian training influenced the character of his theology, although he was in no proper sense a Calvin ist.
In the pulpit he was instructive, solid, evangelical, and yet plain, and some- times rising to impressive earnestness. He continued all his life to be a close reader of his sermons and this detracted somewhat from his freedom of speech and the natural impulses of his disposi- tion. If he had always preached as he spoke on the floor of the Synod or of other deliberati\re bodies, he would have been one of our most impressive pulpit orators.
Dr. Baugher had a vein of satire in his mental composition which, if culti- vated and exercised, would have acquired him. reputation as a writer, as well as more enemies than he had. It is known to very few of us that he was the writer of an article in The Lutheran, entitled "The Lion Hunter," which gave serious offense in Gettysburg, and which was severely denounced by such amiable
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men even as Dr. Krantli; but nobody knew that the author was one of their own residents, and who, with a grim sat- isfaction, heard himself and his piece fiercely abused. He had projected a series ot similar articles, but he conclu- ded to abandon the idea of publishing them.
Dr. Baugher's hospitality was un- bounded, and thouu:h he had the name
of being stern and too outspoken in his views of men and things, yet he had a kind and forgiving heart. His'conversa- tion among his friends was interesting and instructive, and his manner among strangers bland and courteous.
He died regretted by a large circle of friends, and in his death the church and the college sustained an irreparable loss.
:©.
REV. HENRY LEWIS BAUGHER, Jr., D.D.
Henry Lewis Baugher, D. D., son of Henry I-. Baugher, D. D., second presi- dent of Pennsylvania College, and Clara Mary (Brooks), and great-grandson of Rev. John George Baugher, one of the first Lutheran ministers who came to this country from Germany. He was educated at Gettysburg in college and Theological Seminary, with a supple- mented course at Andover (Mass. ) The- ological Seminary. 9
Dr. Baugher was ordained by the West Pennsylvania Synod and was asso- ciate pastor in the Wheeling, W. Va., Mission until the summer of 1861. In this time he was called as instructor, by Augustana College, then located at Pax- ton, 111. Declining this for the pastor- ate, he became pastor of the Church of the Holy Trinity, at Norristown, Pa., in connection with the Pennsylvania Ministerium. He resigned this charge
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in the snminer of 1867, and went on a six months' tour to Europe. On his return he was called, in the spring of '68, to the Ebenezer Church, in Indianapolis, Ind., in connection with the Olive Branch Synod. Shortly after he accept- ed a call from Pennsylvania College to the Pearson Professorship of the Greek Language and Literature, and entered on his duties at Gettysburg in January, 1869. In 1880 he resigned his position and accepted a call to the Immanuel Church in Omaha, in connection with the Synod of Nebraska. He continued here only a year and returned again to his residence at Gettysburg. During the winter of 1883 he temporarily filled the Greek chair at Harvard University at Washington, D. C, and at a special meeting of its board of trustees the chair of Political Economy and the German Language was created, Dr. Bagley unanimously elected to it and urged to accept. But meanwhile the trustees of Pennsylvania College re-elect- ed him to its Greek department. He accepted this, in which place he still con- tinues.
From 1869 to 1873 he supplied the chair of New Testament Exegesis in the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and during the year 1883-4 supplied the chair of Systematic Theology in the same institution.
Since 1874 he prepared the Comments and Lesson Leaves in the Augsburg series of Bible Lessons, based on the "International Sunday School Lessons," and has been editor of "The Augsburg Sunday School Teacher" since 1875, these periodicals belonging to and issued by the Lutheran Publication Society." He was made a member of the Inter- national Sunday School Committee by the convention at Atlanta, Ga., in 1878, and has served on this committee two periods of seven years each.
In 1880 Pennsylvania College con- ferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In 1872 he was married to Miss Ida Smith, of York, Pa. Dr. Baugher's pen has been constantly used for the interests of the Church in the newspapers, the Evangelical Eeview, the Lutheran Quarterly, and the periodicals edited by him.
EEV. WILLIAM M. BAUM, D.D.
On the old turnpike between Philadel- phia and Beading, about eight miles south of the latter city, is a village put down on the maps as Exeter, but famil- iarly known to this day as Baumistown, after its founder, Dr. John C. Baram.
After some years of successful prac- tice as a physician in that locality, Dr. Baum removed to Beading where he es- tal)lislied himself for life. Three of his sons entered the medical profession. Dr. Charles Baum lived and died in Roadhig. Dr. William J. C. Baum re- moved to Louisville, Ky., where he ended
his days. Dr. John E. Baum began his medical career in Oley, about ten miles east of Beading, where he continued for about two years, when he removed to Earlville, but little more than two miles distant, where he remained for several years when he finally purchased a farm and settled permanently in Amity.
These three points are within a radius of about two miles, making it but a sin- gle community within which his entire professional life was passed.
During the family residence in Earl- ville, January 25, 1825, the subject of
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this memoir was born. Both father and mother were members of the Lutheran church and were noted for their strict integrity and earnest personal piety. They were the devoted friends and par- ishioners of Eev. Conrad Miller, who was for many years their only and be- loved pastor and from him their son re- ceived the middle letter of his name, having been baptized William Miller Baum.
The lessons and example of Christian parents, supplemented by beautiful influ- ences in the Church and school, and quickened by the work of the Holy Spir- it, resulted in an early acceptance of the service of Christ and the ministry as a profession. Preparation for college was made in the neighborhood schools and Reading Academy. Pennsylvania Col- lege, Gettysburg, Pa., was entered in 1842, and passing through the entire course, graduation was reached in 1846. During this period, whilst yet a Fresh- man, Mr. Baum was received into mem- bership in the College Church by con- firmation, administered by the pastor. Rev. H. L. Baugher, D.D.
The Theological Seminary at Gettys- burg was entered immediately after graduation in College, and the prescribed course pursued, which was followed by entrance into the ministry of the Luther- an churchj being licensed to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments by the Synod of West Pennsylvania, in session at East Berlin, Adams Co., Pa., in September, 1838. Upon leaving the Theological Seminary, Mr. Baum had accepted an appointment from the Trus- tees of Pennsylvania College, as tutor in his Alma Mater, but during a visit to a friend and relative in Middletown, Dauphin Co., Pa., he was asked to occu- py the vacant pulpit of the old St. Pe- ter's Church of that i^lace, and was im- mediately invited to become its pastor.
This could not be accepted in conse- quence of the engagement in Pennsyl- vania College. The Church council, however, addressed an earnest appeal to the authorities of the college asking for the release of Mr. Baum, which was granted, whereupon he accepted their call and entered upon his first pastoral charge in November, 1848. In this pas- torate he continued for four years, dur- ing which time the old and venerable edifice was remodeled and the member- ship doubled. In the year 1851, Mr. Baum was married to Miss Maria L. Croll, of Middleton.
In November, 1852, Mr. Baum accept- ed a call to become pastor of St. Peter's, Barren Hill, Montgomery Co., Pa., and remained until April, 1858. During this time he made an effort, which was en- tirely successful, for the liquidation of a troublesome encumbrance against the congregation. Various improvements and additions to the church property were consummated during this time. The charge was lifted to a good degree of financial and numerical prosperity.
From Barren Hill, Mr. Baum removed to Winchester, Va., April, 1858, where he labored with enthusiasm and much encouragement until the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861. Declining to adopt the policy of Secession from the Nation- al Government, removal from Winches- ter became a reluctant necessity. Not- withstanding diversity of views upon state questions, there continues to this day the most cordial and intimate rela- tion between the surviving members of the church and their former pastor.
With Jan. 1st, 1862, Mr. Baum com- menced his ministry in York, Pa., as pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Notwithstanding the distractions and de- pletions of the Civil War then in progress, the congregation increased in numbers and strengthened
m
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purpose, so as to resolve upon the re- moval of the existing church building and the reconstruction of it upon an en- larged and improved design. This work, involving large expenditure of effort and money,' resulted most happily and advan- tageously for the congregation and has given it a deserved prominence among its sister churches. St Paul's has stead- ily advanced in numbers and influence and gives promise of increasing activity and usefulness.
Mr. Baum remained in charge of St, Paul's until March, 1871. He then fol- lowed Rev. E. W. Hutter, D.D., as pas- tor of St. Matthew's, Philadelphia, Pa. The church was at that time located on New Street, below Fourth, and failed in many respects to meet the needs of the congregation. Movements were at once inaugurated looking to an early removal to a more eligible location. Af- ter considerable search, purchase was made of the lot on the northwest corner of Broad and Mi Vernon streets, 100 by 150 feet, for $47,000. Work thereon was commenced immediately and a chap- el of marble, fifty by eighty-seven feet, and a parsonage of brick and sandstone trimmings were ready for dedication and occupation in April, 1876. The completion of the main edifice was not undertaken until 1889, and is only now (July, 1890) approaching completion. It will be a structure 75 by 100 feet, of imposing design and elaborate finish. The funds necessary for its erection has been subscribed and are being paid with unusual liberality and spirit by the con- gregation. Honorable mention of the Ladies' Guild is due, from which a con- tribution of ten thousand dollars is in waiting to be paid whenever needed. When completed the property of St. Matthew's will rank with the very best of the churches of Philadelphia. Not- withstanding the outlay of so princely a
sum upon its own congregational ap- pointments, St. Matthew's has stood abreast with the strongest and most lib- eral of its sister churches in the work of general benevolence and Christian char- ity.
Having removed to Philadelphia in 1874, Mr. Baum is now well advanced in the seventeenth year of his pastorship of St. Matthew's. The most cordial re- lations exist between pastor and church and entire peace and harmony prevail throughout the membership. The out- look for the future, with a gracious Providence, is promising and cheering.
Mr. Baum has been ever deeply con- cerned and closely identified with the Literary Institutions and General Boards of the General Synod with which body he has remained in ecclesiastical fellow- ship. For many years he has been a Trustee of Pennsylvania College and a director of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Two of his sons have fol- lowed their father into the ministry of the Lutheran Church.
Rev. J. CroU Baum labored very zeal- ously and successfully at Trenton, N. J., and Canajoharie, N. Y., until failing health compelled retirement. He died in Philadelphia, Oct. 28, 1886.
Rev. W. M. Baum, Jr., occupied the pulpit of the Central ( Lutheran ) Church at Phoenixville, Pa., until the resigna- tion of his brother at Canajoharie, when he was asked to follow him and has since been in faithful service in that church.
Mr. Baum has another son, Charles Baum, M. D., graduate of Pennsylvania College and of the Medical Department of the University of Philadelphia. He has been in the practice of medicine in Philadelphia for some years, being also intimately connected with the staff of the Pennsylvania Hospital, but is at present absent in Europe upon a professional
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tour, being the private physician of a lady of large fortune who is traveling for her health and recreation.
A younger son is a sophomore in
Pennsylvania College, and still another is in course of preparation for college. Three daughters still remain at home to complete the family circle.
KEV. PEOF. J. A. BAUMAN.
Kev. Prof. J. A. Bauman was born at South Easton, Pa., on the 21st of Sep- tember, 1847. His parents were John Martin Bauman and Martha, born Kuns- man. They were both members of the Lutheran Church, his mother being es- pecially devout and faithful in her at- tendance upon divine worship. Prof. Bauman was educated up to his seven- teenth year in the public schools, first four school years at Bittersville, Pa., the rest of them at Applebachsville, Pa. Dur- ing the time of his public school attend- ance he lived with an uncle and aunt, Tobias Sterner and his wife, Sarah Ann. He then taught school for five winters and thereby obtained money enough to carry him through the preparatory course. While at college and at the Seminary he received financial aid from the Pennsylvania Ministerium. He graduated with first honors from Muh- lenberg College in 1873, and from the Philadelphia Seminary in 1876. In 1876 he was married to Miss Irene E. Smith, who died April 19, 1877. He was a^'ain married in 1884 to Miss Lizzie
Kiefer. Prof. Bauman was ordained in June, 1876, by the Pennsylvania Minis- terium, of which body he is a member. Immediately after his ordination he la- bored in Westmoreland county for a lit- tle over one year, having charge of the congregations, and preaching in both German and English. After the death of his first wife he accepted a call to the vice-principalship of the Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown, Pa., in which capacity and that of Professor of Math- ematics he served four years. He then accepted a call to Gustavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter, Minnesota, a Swe- dish-English institution, where he taught English Beading, Ehetoric and Litera- ture, German and Latin for four years. He was then called to the Professorship of the Natural and Applied Sciences, at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., which position he still holds. In preach- ing Prof. Bauman makes his subject clear and enforces its lessons with ear- nestness; in teaching it is his constant effort to get the student to do his own thinking.
REV. WILLIAM BEATES.
Bev. Wm. Beates was born in Phila- delphia, June 14, 1777, whilst the city was in possession of the British. In af- ter life he often spoke with deep inter- est of the thrilling scenes which trans-
pired during the days of his childhood, of the alieniations and bitterness among neighbors, and of the zeal and earnest- ness with which even the boys would re- spectively espouse the interest of the
70
AMEEICAN LUTHEEAN BIOGEAPHIES.
two parties. Long after peace was de- clared, England still had her warm advo- cates in this "land of the free and home of the brave." He vividly remembered how a Tory, in the vicinity of his father's residence, would take him by the hair, and, as he attempted to escape his firm grasp, would pull out large bunches, be- cause the patriotic lad, in the buoyancy of his spirits and in bold defiance, would lustily cry : "Hurrah for General Wash- ington!" "Hurrah for the Continental : Congress!" He had very distinct recol- lections of the appearance of Washing- ton, whose residence in Philadelphia was, for a season, on Market street, above Fifth, just opposite the house of his father. He frequently saw him as he daily rode out on his gray war horse with bright hoofs, polished with shoe blacking, as was the fashion in those days.
He was a youth of steady, industrious habits, free from vicious tendencies, al- though indifferent and careless on the subject of religion. He was reared un- der Christian influences, and regularly attended the services of the sanctuary in the German churches, then under the pastoral care of Drs. Helmuth and Schmidt. In his sixteenth year his at- tention to the truth was arrested and a concern for the salvation of his soul awakened under circumstances very pe- culiar. He was returning from Zion's Church, where Dr. Helmuth had deliver- ed a most solemn discourse on the mir- aculous restoration of the paralytic. He had listened with earnest attention, as was his custom, to the eloquent preach- er; yet the sermon seemed to have made no deeper impression than on previous occasions. But as he was in the act of crossing Arch street homeward, he im- agined that he heard a voice, in the most emphatic tones, saying to him: "You shall never enter that church asrain as
you now are." The words continued to ring in his ears — he could not divest his mind of the impression. It was in the year 1793, when yellow fever was so fearfully raging in Philadelphia, and thousands were the daily victims of its ruthless ravages. No one left home without carrying with him camphor, am- monia, or some disinfectant, as a safe- guard from the dreaded pestilence. He had with him, on this occasion, a sponge saturated with lavender, which he im- mediately applied to his nostrils, and with great trepidation were his steps ac- celerated. As he reached the Market House he sought shelter beneath its roof; but, just as his home was in sight he encountered a hearse. A cold shud- der passed over his frame; the whole at- mosphere seemed impregnated with death. Breathless, he rushed into the house, and soon the little family, uncon- scious of what was agitating his youth- ful breast, were gathered round the table where was spread the simple but sub- stantial meal. It had not for him, how- ever, on this occasion, the usual zest; his appetite had gone. He longed for soli- tude; butwhither couldhe flee? "Hell," he says, "seemed to be getting fast hold of me, and I was filled with indescribable misery." He retired to the shop — it was Sunday — that he might be alone. In his mental distress, he thought he again heard the voice, which had pre- viously addressed him, saying: "Look within!" "The wages of sin is death!" "These you are now reaping!" His eyes are partially opened. He is awakened to a sense of his danger and his guilt. He now realizes, as he never before had, his true spiritual condition. He begins to feel how odious a thing sin is, and how ruinous are its consequences. The scriptural injunction, "Seek the Lord," appeared to sound in his ears, as if utter- ed by a human voice. The prompt in-
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quiry was: "How?" The reply came: "By prayer." "I immediately fell upon my knees," lie says, "and commenced with the only prayer I knew, 'Our Father;' but ere I had finished my tongue seemed loosened, my lips were unsealed, and for full an hour I con- tinued in earnest supplication at the mercy-seat, pleading with God for the forgiveness of my sins." His supplica- tions were not long unanswered. He thought he heard the same voice saying: "Thy sins are forgiven thee!" He now enjoyed peace of mind — that peace which passeth knowledge. He hastened in the afternoon to God's house, with de- vout gratitude, "no longer a child of hell," to use his own language, "but an heir of heaven." His spiritual enjoy- ment, however, was not unalloyed. Sor- row was sometimes mingled with his cup of happiness. He had his difficulties, his trials, and his fears.
Dr. Helmuth, some time after, on be- coming acquainted with the change that had taken place in the young man's re- ligious views, urged him to unite in the exercises of the "Mosheim Society," an association connected with the church, designed to proniote the mental and spiritual improvement of its members. The theological students connected with the seminary belonged to this Society. The exercises consisted of singing and prayer, and the reading and. exposition of the Scriptures, and the discussion of questions on religious topics. Commit- tees were appointed at these meetings to assist in the Sunday Schools of the church in the city and vicinity. He was also a teacher in the church Sunday School, and frequently opened and closed the services with a prayer. On one of these occasions his pastor, being present, for the first time suggested to him the subject of the Christian ministry. "William," said he, "you must preach
the Gospel." "I? No! If the Lord needs workmen, He has many more wor- thy to do His work. I cannot." "You do not know," answered Dr. Helmuth; "the Lord chooses His workmen, and He knows best." "True," says the young man; "but how could I preach? In one half hour I could tell all I know, and what then?" "William," replied the ven- erable doctor, "your head is now like an apothecary shop, upside down; all that is required to be done is to set the materials in order."
A noted infidel happened to visit his father, and, turning to the young man, very much to the surprise of the family,