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I. FROU CHIIDHOOD INTO AOOLEOOENGE

The personal testimonay of an exemplary person, one who was more than an ordin-ary Christian, suggeets a transition period in the lives of growing youth. "When Iwas a ohild, I spoke like a child, I thought like a ohild, I reasoned like a child;when I beoame a man; I gave up childish w8.1EJ.jJ- He might as well have said, "When Icame into the adolescence period of my youth there was more work and less time forplay." At least, that was the way we Whisler youngsters found it.

Pa always did the milking while the older boys fed, curried and harnessed thehorses for work in the fields. Weyounger brothers generally fed the cattle and thesheep. Because Pa generally did the dairy duties, he also fed the chickens and slop-ped the pigs. We oan hardly imagine mother milking a cow, or even carrying a milkpail, but we can readily visualize an apprentice or two by her side, in the 0001morning hours, with tools in hand, following the path leading to either the gardenor truck patoh. Mother loved the garden and she cheerfully ar..d wisely deli gated thegeneral housework to the girls. Those recipes they followed under motherUs direotionfor baking and cooking have not been improved upon by modern domestic science.

I do remember that Harriet had a very great disappointment with one of her firstefforts at making bread. Mother had gone to Dayton, and on the usual bake-day morn-ing, Harriet started the usual bread making routine. All the ingredients were in,and the kneadings had been properly done; but for some unknown reason, her loaveswould not rise. After trying every conceivable way for action with no response, she puther loaves in the oven, leaving them bake the required 40 minutes. About this timewe boys came in from the barn, and Harriet told her dilemma; she said, "Take thisbread out and feed it to the chickens. II In the hope of making it digestable, on theway, we stopped in the woodshed; laid the loaves on a block, hacking them with an ax,finding them heavy and soggy like wet leather. This failure at a first effmrt onlyproved a stepping stone to real success~ For in geod cooking, baking, and immaculatehousekeeping, Harriet became first class.

On week-end cleaning days, when we boys would be doing barn and pig pen chores,our sisters would be making everything spic and span in the house. We could dependon it, they would be watching out of the kitchen window to see us coming, ready tosound the alarm: IIDontt you dare come in over this porch with dirty bootst"

On weekends when Saturday evening B.ndSunday Church services were held at Chest-nut Grove, we would have a special incentive to do our chores extra well; because onthese occasions, our home would become "A House of Hospit'llit~T". When the Churchservices were at Pleasant Grove, the homes of the Church offioials, Deacon JacobHoover, Elder B.F.Hoover and the John Kohler Home, would be the "House of Hospitality".These were oocasions of mutual enjoyment, although we wonder now, how our mothersstood up so courage6uely under the strain of it.

The fact that Pa Whisler was a warm-hearted, hospitable "Prea.cher l1an" who wasnot a.shamed of his family, were factors conducive to giving his children the pleasuresand the advantages of aoquaintance with the diversified types of his minister friends.

One never-to-be-forgotten weekend for the people of the Chestnut Grove communitywas when the Rev. Jacob Frederick Eisehhower of Abilene, Kansas, was guest speaker atthe church services. Howdifferently would everyone have behaved that day, had weknow'Ilback in the preacher 1s homewas his little toddler grandson, Dwight D. Eisen-hower, destined to became a distinguished }~itary General, whose name would some daybe a household word allover the globe, and ultimately that he would be the Presidentof the United States. Had they known all this, the young people undoubtedly wouldhave listened more attentively to the enthusiastically delivered sermon, and havethought and said less about the preacher's broken Dutch brogue. The pulpit scene ofthat day, and its effect on us, may be better visualized if thought of in terms of oneof the preacher's grandson's memory of him. "WhenI was a boy, we lived on SouthSecond Street in Abilene, Kansas, and Grandad lived right across the alley.. Grandadwas a German. He wore an underbeard, with his lips shaved clean, and talked with abroken Pennsylvania Dutch brogue." M1Grandad later on came to live with us on S.Fourth Street, where he finally died. In fact, Dad built two rooms that are on the

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east side of the house in order that he might have a place to stay. So I rememberhim quite well. I remember Dad and my Granddad always talked German to one another."

(The quotation is that of Edgar Eisenhower, the President's older brother).

Of course, Brother Eisenhower would be the Whilser family's after-church guest,probably to repay a visit Brother Whisler had paid him when only a few yeats ago,while on a home-seeker'lsexcursion in western Kansas, he stopped over in Abilene tovisit his Zook cousins and his minister friends.

It was a mutual ploasure to both the guest and his hostess that day that in theirvisit they too could converse in German. But had Hother known all as to the distinc-tion of our guest, she would have thought more than twice before she suggested to himthe name of a refined spinster in the congregation, whom she thought would make a goodhousekeeper for a man who was looking for cn~. (Our guest was at this time in hismiddle sixties,a widower..He was good looking, well-groomed elderly man, keepinghis clothes well dusted a.~dhis boots sh~ned.) This may have prompted Mother~ssuggestion; but the fact that he lived single many years and never married againvindicated his motive for personal tidiness. Otherwise, Aunt Ann Hursh might havebeen our Presidentts Step-grandmctheri

It is easy to imaginesome of the subjectsof conversation between these preacherbrothers that day. For one thing, about this time Father had been elected to thesuperintend~ncy of the newly organized Chestnut Grove S.S., and he would be eagerly~ooking for council in the matters pertaining to the discharge of his office. Thentoo, rumors were coming from the west that an unusual wave of spiritual revival wasbeing experienced by the Brethren Churches in Kansas. Father would undoubtedly makesincere inquiries as to the cause and effect of this, and we can imagine him saying,"We have dire need of IIspiritual revival here, too."

After a refreshing night's rest, family worship at which our guest read theScripture and led the prayer, and mother and the girls had served breakfast. Fatherexplained that a few elderly couples who were absent from the Sunday services shouldbe visited. But he went on to say, "I am busy on the farm today and cannot go. Wewill hitch up to the top buggy, and George,who knows where the people live, will takeyou.fI According to the directions, we were to got to Mose Gipes in good time fordinner, and stop at Nathan Steigerwalds on our return in the afternoon.

The Steigerwald home was directly across the road from BartonCs Chapel, now theParadise Hill Ev. United Brethren Church. Gipes had IInice little farm with fruitorchards well kept up on the summit of the Paradise Hill COlrmunity. In keeping withthis ideal location, the Gipe home was physically a miniature garden of Eden. Thehouse and barn properly pa.inted; the fences and out-buildings whitewashed; and there

were flowers and shrubbery of many varieties, a most inviting harbor for singing

birds. There was always a pet dog, several well-kept cats, and generally some kittens,but no children. Tillie and Mose were the lone inha.bitants.

There was much to talk about along the way; go:.f.ngby the "Gmey House" sight inthe woods; observations abou'" the Stouer brothers' primitive telephone line, connect-iPg their workshops, a half-mile distance apart; our new brick school house, calledAlbert!s School, because the first one in the district, a log structure, was sonamed because it was built on our Gr. Grandfather George AlbertYs homestead. It stoodin a gully of the woodland younder, where we may still see the boulders that were

corner-stonesof its foundation. The little barn, with faded red color across thefield to the west, was the second school house, where our older brothers and sisters

first went to school. There would be something to say about the old Chapel, paintedwhite with green shutters. You wouldn't even imagine that it too was a log structurebuilt in 1859, and dedicated to be known as 11Cotnel~ts Meeting House". It was thechurch to which my mother went as a girl, and to which she sent us to Sunday Schoolin our childhood.

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Wemay have had occasion to stopQy the roadside and cut a sapling switch, aswe frequently did when driving a clumsy farm horse. Althout it was a surprise visit,Bro. Gipe gave us a cordial welcome. He had some difficulty making Sr. Gipe understandwho the stranger was. She was very aure she had never heard of him, and questionedthe propriety of having visitors sent to them on wash day. Our visit proceeded withour host and the call for dinner came timely. The menu consisted of a platter offried sausage vi 11hsU'Qhaooessories as make a substantial wash-day dinner when ahousekeeper has no time to fuss with luxuries. The visit at Gipes was so novel andenjoyable that the Junior guest had a lapse of memory on the homewardtrip and duringthe call at Steigerwalts, if it was made.

It seems rather coincidental that in our adolescent years, our parents and theirchurch contemporariee:werJ in their thinking on church policy, passing through atransitional period too. Prior to this day, they had no Sunday School. The churchservices were held Saturday evenings, and Sunday, alternately at two churches. Thebig event of the year, to all, yeung and old, was the annual Spring Barn Love Feast,held on a Saturday and Sunday, late in Mayor early in June. Also, after the harvestwas all gathered into the barn, and before it '\-las thrashed, a l'Harvest Home" Servicewas held on a Saturday afternoon on the vacant barn floor. Of all traditional prac-tice, this was a most suitable one. .

All the members of the ohurch who had bank barns and large houses took turns inentertaining the Spring Love Feast. Besides the very large attendance by local people,delegations .of church folks came from other districts, from Wayne and Stark Counties,from Southern Ohio and Northern Indiana. Amongthese visitors there would generallybe at least two or three ministers who would serve as guest speakers.

The last Love Feast at the John Kohler home was held in the early l8901s.The delegation of distinguished visitors for the ocoasion came from Nappanee, Ind.;Strange as it may seem, a group of boys Whousually sat listlessly in the S. compart-~ent of the sanctuary, had their attention arrested by the heartfelt testimony givenby Miss Annie Kaufman, a Free Methodist lady. The thing that registered with themwas when she said, i!Whenwe get to the pearly gates of Heaven, I am very sure we will~ot be asked questions as to what chQrch we belonged to; as a passport for our ad-mission.lt (Of oourse, no child in whose mind the testimony registered, would, aftermore than 60 years make claims of making a verbatim statement. For conscience sake,we would like to say this applies generally to the quotations found throughout thismanuscript. GEW) .

The date of the last BarnLove Feast at the Samuil Whisler homewas Whit-Sunday,1895. The date is readily fixed, because of a conversation overheard between threeelderly ladies, in their exohange of Sunday morning greetings, when they met on thepath leading from the house to the barn. The one Sister meeting the two, said "Goodmorning, sistersi1 to which the reply came with the expression, "This is a very specialSunday morning, it is Whit-Sundaylf. Two of these ladies, we think of as being ourmother'ls cousins, of whomwe children spoke as Aunt Nancy Kohler and her sister, AuntMary Landis. The other's name we could only guess, but of these we are Ctuite sure.

Another remark we heard that registered with us, was a complimentary remark madeby a. young Sister from S. Ohio, while a group was assembled around the pump. Shesimply said, "Bro. Whisler has a very nice family".

The distinguished guest minister was Dr~ WoO. Baker, who besides his officialchurch duties, served his community as a physician at Louisville, Ohio. Dr. Bakerwas father's senior by several years, and a confidential friend and advisor. Hewas an able expositor of the Bible. His delivery was with cool candor that readilyarrested the attention of both old and young. \.Thereas we were only teen agers, andare after so long a time unable to recall what the preacher said, the wholesome effectis a cherished memory.

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For several weeks in advance of the Love Feast, all members of the hostess familywould have additional jobs to do, getting everything in first class order for the

approaching great event. The fences around the premises, the several out-buildings,

the trunks of fruit trees, even the cobble stones that garnished the flower beds, and

the graveled walks would get a fresh white-washing. The barn and barnyard would

necessarily undergo more than an ordinary renovation. In the house, the IIget-readyll

duties would be considerably modified, because the general spring cleaning had recent-ly been done.

The Thursday before the big meeting would be publically announced as IIPreparation

Day II; the able-bodied of the church group would come in goodly number, making what

otherwise would have been a grievsome burden, a day of fellowship and sodial enjoyment.Filling the straw ticks and the pillow bolsters at the straw" stack; and helpingtomake up the beds on the floors of a;J.Lthe available house space were tasks, when to ". p

young people work was only play.

On Friday the day before the meeting, our mothers and their daughters baked bread,

snitz pies and cookies in great quantities. There were other matters about which it

was necessB-~ to have a definite understanding. Unless some brother had volunteered

to feed and have ready a fatted steer, the Deacon brethren would need to look aroundto find such a creaturti..

There necessarily was some understanding as to who would meet a passenger train

at the Mansfield Penna. R.R. Station, also No. 16 on the Erie R.R. at Pavonia, Friday

at 3 p.m. And more important, to appoint ushers for a modern church, there must beprovision for hostlers to unhitch, stable and feed the horses of the brethren who came

from a distance; also todirect the general traffio to safe hitching places, here,

there and everywhere. Usually the sons of mature years, who were familiar with the

premises would serve as Chiefs of the Hostlers. At Kohlers, it would be Jacob and

John. At Whislers, David ar.d Albert. At Rolands, Curtis and his ohoice of helpers,and of courst at Bishop Hoover:s, it would be Marion and Dan.

The general plan for servj.ng was simplifiedas much as possible. Everythingpreviously prepared for serving meals short-order, excepting hot coffee and soup at

the Saturday Supper. We were direoted to take our places orderly at the tables, and

always sing a verse of grateful praise and give thanks before eating. At the end

of the meal, we would again sing the verse of a hymn, and give thanks before leavingthe table.

The barns presented a picture of awe-inspiring baautJr when, during the twilightevening hours, our Christian parents with those of common faith gathered around two

long tables, draped in white, and adorned with flickering tallow candles. Ready to

observe the ordinance of feet washing, and the Holy Communion as nearly as they could

in Apostolicorder, accordingto their understanding. Large crowds of spectators satin the adjoining spaces of the barn, and stood around the opem bQI'n doors in the dimlight of lanterns. Those of us who as childrenand young people shared these LoveFeast experiences, feel a sense of gratitudethat we were born in time for them.

It may not be the most significantpersonalexperience, to relate something thathappenedin connection with the last barn meeting at our home. It was in the dis-charge of a duty that followedevery ~~ch meeting before another could be enjoyed.The matter of seeingto it that the general equipment, consisting of portable tables,benches and lumber for benches, and the big red chest stored chuck-full of tin andchina-ware fer table service, be cared for by whoever had the honor of the last meet-ing and be delivered in ample time at the place of the next meeting. It was a niceearly spring Saturday morning in 1896 when Father said, IIGeorge, we will place thewagon with the hay rack conveniently for loading the Love Feast things, so rightafter dinner, you can get off with them to Bro. Ben Hoovers. Accordingly, the sug-gested plans were carried outo It made quite a load of promiscuous things whenplaced on this primitive moving van. There was not too comfortable and safe a placefor the driver to sit, and the locking facilities were not such as could be easilyhandled by an inexpert driver either. Anyhow, when the last word of instruction had

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been given, the driver was helped on the wagon and told to "drive on". It was nec-essary to make a short turn on the bank leading down-grade to the open gate at thecorner of the barn, and things just went wrong. We lost control of the situation,the back wheel hit the unmovable gate post, and "bang" went the coupling pole. Therewas too much excitement to take special notice of all that was said. Fortunately,there was another wagon whose coupling could, with considerable labor, replace thebroken one, which it did. The precarious journey was finally safely made; but whenlate in the afternoon we reaohed our six-mile destination, an electrio storm came upand there seemed no alternative but to aooept, the warm hospitality of the Hooverhome for the night. Arriving home under olear skies at an early hour Sunday morning,Father explained apanogetically that he had passed a worried night. After the hourhad passed \lhen he expeoted my return, with lighted lantern ar.d on foot he had gonea long way to meet me, but finally deoided that because of the storm George mush h!lvedecided to stay overnight. And so thru the dense darkness of the night, he wendedhis way back home. Only a very brief- heart-to-hea:-t interview in the morning wasnecessa.~ to set everything right, so that Preaoher Father and awkwardson couldface each other with good e~nscienoe in the Sunday church servioe.

This IS9£>Barn meeting at Bof,,HooiTers, w.d the one following spring at the FrankHershey home, on the Brindle Farm, joining us on the South were, excepting the one inconnection with the General Conferenoe in Pavonia in 1915, the last Barn Meetingsheld in our community. Now a traditional practioe that had it!s origin with the be-ginning of the brotherhood in Lancaster County as early as 1784., gave way to a grow-ing sentiment, that since now they had meeting houses, Love Feasts, as well as otherservices, could be held there with lUuohless labor and as much to the honor and Gloryof God.

There was another consideration in this conneotion. The novelty of Saturdaynight barn meetings was inoreasingly drawing larger crowds of curious spectators,some of whomwere row:dies whose behavior at times was so bad that unless there was apolice force to maintain order, very unexpeoted things might happen. An exampe ofthis was on an oocasion, when at Smithville, a group of YOIJ!lgpeople on their returnfrom a Barn Meeting conducted by The Church of the Brethren, there was a shootingaffair in which a yonng womanwas fatally shot. That was the last such meet::i.ngforthat comnunity, and undoubtedly it's influenoe helped to olinoh the decision unfav-orable to their oontinuenoe in ours.

In this conneotion, we might note a similar situation faoing our preaoher Fathers!relative to the traditional practioe of having Saturday night church services. Sinoethere was little going on in those days to engage the time and interest of youngpeople over week-ends, the Saturday evening churoh services, which Benjamin Hoover,Daniel Kohler and Samuel Whisler did the preaching, d,rew large crowds of young people,many of whomwere their own sons and daqtlters. It seemed a very suitable plaoe whereJim could meet Joan and keep his Saturday night date \1ith here. This presented asocial situation characteristio of the horse and buggy days; and one that gave thepreachers ocoasion to wonder whether the methods they were using were best adapted torender the Christian service which was their obj ecti ve. Furthermore, the se Saturdaynight church services were also drawing groups of ruffians, sometimes intoxicated,whowould sit in the back seats and spit tobacco juioe on the floor, a gagging stenchfor the janitor whose duty it was to have the sanctuary olean and respectable for theworshipers at the Sunday Morning service. It was one of the many things that weregraciously forgiven, but not entirely forgotten, when at the dismissal of an eveningservice, a fellow notorious for his profanitys nearly got outside the church door whenhe gave a whoop at the top of his '\j:Jice , "Hurrah for Jeff Davis!". The echo hadhardly resounded when Preacher SamWhisler oaught the offender by the arm, remindinghim of his whereabouts and of the seriousness of his misdemeanor. The admonitionproved to be at least one Barmon that did some good. It was noticeable ever afterthat this fellow very carefully guarded his speeoh when he }mew Sam Whisler was inhearing distance. Mention of these things is certainly not meant to be a reflection

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generation who were su.bjected to hearing how good young people were in other days,in comparison with the present generation.

Tha t familiar adage, "Itis an ill-wind that blows no one good" is true. In our

case, the Saturday evening service proved to be an occasion where boys could meet

their boy-friends, and in some cases, as in ours the opportunity for getting so well

acquainted that at first what was a casual acquaintanceship grew to be a warm friend-ship. I was always very happy to have Emerson Kohler as my guest. I could feel at

perfect ease in bringing him into the home, without the least concern that my sister

might embarrass me by actin~ the Tomboy. And there was no occasion to fear that I

might be subjected to listening to obscene stories, profane or vulgar language.On these occasions, Emersen had every opportu~ity to make observations of

Harrietts character and ability..and Harriet, in cool candor, got the full view of

her bDother~ s boy friend a boy friend who could act the part of a perfect gentleman.

The friendship between E~erson and me became so intimate that we really felt

complimented when upon our IITrj.valsomewhere, we overheard the thoughtful remark,"Here come s David and J ona thEll11'i.

Younger than most of the boys~ Emerson had the distinction of owning a rubber-

tired top-buggy and a lightweight good trotter as a driver. One time, Emerson and

Harriet accompanied by Agnes Roland and me on an Easter Sunday Night attended aCommunion Service at the Ashland College. Arriving in Ashland at an early hour wecalled at Emerson!!s Uncle Amos Kohler's and were served lunch by his Aunt Allice.

On another occasion in Emerson£s nifty outfit, together we drove to Massillon

for a weekend with our friends, Dreve, Frank and Archie Smith, whose home was the

meeting place of a Barn Love Feast. The forty mile ride on a fair Friday afternoon

was a glorious outing for two lads, neither of whom hadever been very far away from

home before. The highlight of this trip was a half-way stop on the Sunday afternoon

:beturn trip, at the Ephraim Horst country home near Smithville. We had met this very

fine elderly gentlemen, and his two daughters, Eheiori and Lucy, at the meElltingwe

attended, and we accepted their very generous invitation to stop over with them for

a nightf s rest on our way home. Inc:ismentalJ.:r,this was my first visit to the Horst

home and my opportunity to get acquainted with the family - The little brother andsister - John and Jennie, were very attractive and interesting. On leaving in the

morning, the daughters thoughtfully supplied us with a lunch of ham sandwiches, all

of which had a very desirable effect. Emerson never paid a second visit to the Horst

home, although he commented on Lucy being a nice yoUng lady. As for myself, this was

the first of frequent subsequent visits, however, hereafter the trips were made aloneby train.

Every year of thC\se gay l890~ s was a very eventful one. * As Lee Mero has so

understandingly pictured them in his "Christmas of Fifty Years Ago" - ''When young

ladies loved to make divinity fudge"; "And all the popcorn strung for trees would

probably reach from here to there Ii;tlWhen tum ing the ice-cream freezer wasn ~t so badif you got to lick the dasherH; "When miliners thought that plumes did everything to

a ladies hat and young men thought that derbies were tops"; "if company was expected

to come a new wash stand was bought for the spare bedroom"-"When a lovely 12 buttonpair of shoes could be bought for $3. 50n.

*Lee Mero evidently was there wearing a derby and a choking high collar, as

all young men did or else they were not in style.

The days when youth activities were diversified, because what was going on inthe church, the public schools organized literary societies, held spelling contests,box socials and strawberry festivals. Besides all this the circus came to town at

least once a year, and there was the Ashland County Free Fair, where boys and girls

who were old enough to take care of themselves could go.

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and William McKinley, in those years the Whisler family too t in their humble sphere,were..making family h1stvry.

When lifr. Thomas W. Grady onoe visited the White House at Washington he exclaimed,"This is the home of my na'/iionl'i. He later returned to Georgia and moved about amongthe homes of the people of his statec He then said, "The White House is not the homeof the nation - but here in the humble homes where there is love, contentment, rever-ence and service 1 I find the home of my nation 11. }.ft-e Grady might have said even asmuch as that had he visited the humble Samuel Whisler home.

At least should such a visit be made by anyone at Christmas time or for thatmatter, on any holiday, he would have shared \Iith the family the fact that turkeywas the favorite bird then as now. The after-dinner conversation would include adiscussion on the world of trouble the Britains are having in their effort to subjectthe Dutch Boer subjeets of South Africa" Mother would probably interr~pt by relatingsomething she read in the Christian Herald of the perils of the Christian Mission~'iesin Ohina, due to the Boxer Rebellion.. But of all things nothing that was taking placein the world was effeoting us, the younger set, quite so much as the procedures ~f ourolder sisters and brothers" Our Oldest Sister had married a man who was preparingfor the medical professiono David and f~bert were breaking their broncos to be driv-en in their own top buggies. Suaie was receiving occasional Saturday evening callers.It was beginning to dawn on us that the trend of events, unwelcome as they seemed tobe, ere long would leave household leadership and the heavier farm work rest on young-er shoulders!1

This was the era of family history when in the dayse.nd years of Pa and Ma Whis-ler, they began to be called Grandpa and Grandma. A little reminiscence of tiamilyhistory as given by Aunt Katherine in response to our solicitation, is worthy ourtimely appreciation here. "Vernon Thlerson Van Tilburg was born on ThankE.g;.ving DayNovember27, 1890. He was a fair haired, blue eyed lovable baby. He stayed with usfor almost six years. He started to school in the fall of 1895. He also loved to goto S,S. and would remember much that was taught there.

But O!le sad day he came home from School with a fever and symptoms of croup. Hebecame very ill, and Dr. Rosberry of Olivesburg and Dr. Moon of -Ashlandwere calledfor conmutation. Everything tried and suggested was of no avail, and in spite ofeverything that was done he grew steadily worse.. On the lorning of the tenth day,there was a ohange. He was no longer struggli.ng for breath, but just lying limp inour arms, with beads of persperation on his little face. Lr. r100n was with us, andtold us that it would soon be over. Just one more gasp and the Angels carried himaway. His last words were, tLay me down, Papa, Lay me down and Pray the Lord.".

"Ruth Van Tilburg was born at 11:30, August 16 1892, in the room which is nowher cousin'Evelyn~s kitchen. Dr... Roseberry was the attending physician, and Mother'sdear old neighbor Hannah Hiller assisted him. Hother got the things needed for thefirst bath of the new-born babe ready, and together they accomplished the feat ofwashing and oiling. The reason for my being back home at the time was that Charleywa.s convalescing from a vel7 serious attack of Typhoid fever. This left him in sucha weakened condition that he could not cont'~ue with his studies, so we stayed homefor some time, returnij,'lg to Cleveland late in September for him to take up his Medic-al College again. II (These events with their addending eircumstances left indeliblyinscribed impressions upon the memori&s of we childre:Qe The picture of Father carryingUncle Charley, a mere skeleton lying on his shoulder, from the buggy into the house,the day of his arrival from Clevelal1d, is as vivid a memory as if it had occurredonly yesterday.)

The new Paradise Hill United Brethren Church was buil~ dkring the summer of 1895,and dedicated January 5, 1896. This event and itts associations were of very vitalinterest to us, too. The cld church building kna.rn to us as the Chapel, a very plain36 - by -36 square log structure was the place of sacred memory where we first at-tenG1i.edSunday School. Here, under the teaching of Miss l1ary Wolf, we listened with

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rapt interest to the sweeteststory that was ever told. The story of the Christ Childwho was born in Bethlehem in Judea. If it could be my happy pTivilege to return tothose days, and serve at a Chapel Servioe as an Usher, I amverysureI wouldreoognizemany of the people whomI would greet at the door, and would not blunder serious~ inescorting some of the elderly ones to the pew in whioh they felt most oomfortableo Ikno~ Peter Bal~ would prefer to sit in the front seat in the Amencorner. Hisbrot~~r Benjamin would also want a nearby seat. ¥:. HenryPifermightprefera littlelessconspiouous lacation, yet within our hearing of his deep base 'loioe should he say"Amen" to something the pzoeacher said.. We always noticed fili-. Pifer or the uniquenessof his winter dress. He was a portly man to such proportions that he had difficultyin fitting an overooat , so for Sunday Dress, Indian fashion he wore a shawl or blank-et.

A ve~ '.mpressiwe thing to us in those days at the Chapel was the mus~.c of thelittle melodiaDo~wh:tch stood aOtt:1e center$) immediately in front of the pulpit" MiasAgnes!.\Bally,later Mrs. Jamas Stoner tlaS the organist usua.lly. She felt very embar-rassed one time, having forgotten to takeoff her apron before comingto ohurch. Theonly sermon of which I rememberthe text, and some of the message, was the one preachedby the Rev. William Clarke, in the new c!1urch. The text was, "As the beart panteth af-ter the water brooks, so pante~hmy soul after thee, C God." The Rev. Clark was atalented little Eng1isman, as was also his predecessor, Rev. Wm.Williamson. Besidesthese two, other ministers whomwe rememberwee Eld. D~ W. Sprinkle, J.G.Baldwin,and W. S. Coder. Should we indetailmakea record of all the happy associationswith1;hepeople of the Paradise Hill COJlDll'.Ulity,our school chums and their Godly parents,our School Teaohers and their untiringpatienoeand servioe, all the Libraries of Ash-land County could not contain the books that should be written.

The wi!lter months of 1895-96 were a period of time when Father and his associateministers reaped a great harvest from their years of prayerfUl seed-sowing. Accordingto previous plans a seriesof revivalmeetingswere held in Decemberin the PleasantGrove ohuroh, Bishop John Ho Smith of Smithvil1e served as evangelist. The effortswere rewarded, in that 12 Ol'"15 young people responded be the Gospel message, and weregiven the Right Hand of Fellowship, by their happy parents on the closing night of theservice. (Susie and I were in this group).

Later in the winter, beginningin Januaryand contir.uinginto the middle of Feb.with the ministry of Bishop John A~ Stump of Nappanee, Ind. nightly meetings were heldat ChestnutGrDve. This proved to be onJ~ the spreading of the revival fires that hadalready been kindled, and they burned wi.~h such Spiritual radiance that by the close ofthe second meeting, the number of converts had been more than fifty. Again on the lastnight of the meeting, those who had professed, made confession of faith by going fo~ward for the receiving of the right hand of fellowship, by the church. (David, Albertand Harriet were among this group). During the weeks of this second meeting at thepersistant request of some of the converts, two baptismal services were held.

It was during a service late in the week, when Hr. Frank Hershey, who by meritof his exempliary life and kl'loW..edge of the Bible, though not a member of the church,was serving as S.~.Supt., got up in the ttestimonymeeting, deolaring his readiness toreoeive baptism if the churoh was ready to receive him upon the Confessionof his Faith- Immediately his oldest daughter Mirty who was the recognized leader among the youngpeople, decided to accompany her FatherinBaptism, and on the following Sunday winterday, these two were baptized in the Keever creek, immediately north of the bridge.

Only a week or two later in the same series of meetings the church had on theirhands the applications of 13 young people, WhDwere wanting to be baptized. It was awinter day, too, in Feb. 1896, when usually the SD.OWhad begun to thaw, but this dayit was still with us to the extent that slElighing was very good. The most unique feat-ure of the preparatory service at the churoh was when a peculiar character whomwe knowas Mark Peters got up SL~draised the questionas to the fitnessof these young people totake this very important step. I do not remember what objections were raised, or whetheror not the congregation sung him down~ I only remember the order Df service continuedand conoluded, and believe it or not, by the time we were being lei' into the chilly

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waters of Whisler's Creek, over there was Mark Peters in his broad brimmed hat, am-bushed in the willows, taking in the ceremony, about the propriety of which he was indoubt.

The current of the creek was swift that day. Favorable to the two officiatingministers, Bishops Hoover and Stump, a fallen log lying across the pool from shoreto shore, served to aid the ministers in keeping to their side without interferancewith each other's movements. (Some of the author's associates of that day say theydo not remember the log that assisted the officiating minister's keep their poise.This may be another case where imagination has come to the assistance of memory - any-how, it would have served a good purpose there!) . .

After the ceremoney, we were each wrapped in bla.."1kets, helped into the bob-sled sready to take us home for a change of garments. Th~se baptized sere: Ella and FrantieHoover; Sadie and Issie Hoover, Hary and l'fartin Ohl, Agnes Roland, Allen Yeater, MaryHershey, A.lbert, Susie ~ Harriet p...ndGeorge \f.'1.isler» Harrtet was the youngest girl andmother suggested her waiting for w!U'reerwee.theI', but she seemed fully }!arsuaded as toher being able for the oooaslon ~dth all its requirementso Not one of us sufferedany bad effects from the expo8u:'e, hO~1ever, with increasing years, I believe wewould give unanimous voice tavor~hle of indoors for winter baptisms.

As I remember, there were no ~1.gh.ep!'es3"'l:reemotional appeals in these revivalmeetings. A simple gospel message, closing with the tender pleadings of warm-heartedministers, readily brought penitents to bow at the mourners bench, which fo!' years hadstood in front of the pulpit stand, mutely beckotling for sinners to come and find rest,yet had hardly had its christening with the tears of the penitent.

It would be fairer to all concerned to say that prior to this the mourners; benchwas not a much-used method of evangelism. These meetings were not the first, neitherwere they the last efforts that were very graciously rewarded with results. ElderAbram 1!lJ.glehad ministered in a revival at Pleasant Grove in which there were about ascore of persons professed conversion, some of whombecame the oharter members of theCrider Memorial Church, organized a few years later. Later revivals at Chestnut Grovewith the minist.ry of Elder Isaac Trumpand Bishop J 0 R. Zook are remembered for theirconstructive influence, and of oourse still others down the line of years, after ourleaving home community. I recall a glowing report reoei7ed by letter from SisterHarriet while we were stationed in Buffalo, of a gracious revival in which the churchexperienced the unifying work of the HoJy Spirit. In a most interesting way, she toldin detail the overwhelming convincing evidences that people whomwe had not consideredas friendly with each other, as they should be, were now seen by their obverving neigh-bors, waving handkerchief greetings to each other at great distances.

In these revivals, Bishop Hoover and Father were very happy, and they were learn-ing much as to the cause and effect of revivals when it is really the work of theHoly Spirit. As to effect in the community - they broke up a drinking ring aboutwhich we used to hear too muohp and some of the men whose Fathers had been ministers,and whose wives were devout Christians, were reached and beoame deacons and leadersin the churoho In this cormection, several familiar names could be mentioned. At abaptismal servioe in May, following the revival of 1896, Henry and Grace Steigerwaldwho a few years 18ter were drafted b,y the Foreign Mission Board, for the position ofleadership in the South Af:::-ican}1ission, were ameng the 22 candidates.

A little reminiscence on the things of which we think as the oause faotors ofthese revivals will serve as a lead to other things necessarily to be a part of thisstory. These oause factors may be logi~ally presented under the hee.dings of -FirstCause and Seconda.'7 Oacasaso

Asto first cause, we would give much credit to the Sunday School. We occasionallywould hear our older brot~er D. B. discuss with Father on the fact that his church waswanting in activities adapted to inte~est yov~g people. These arguments, the facts ofwhich were self-evident, undoubtedly had veight in the matter of awakening an interestresulting in the organization of the Sunday School. That the revivals in which thehearts of the young were so generally won for Christ and the Church followed so soon

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-lO-in the wake of this organization clearly indicates it's adaptibility to engage theinterest of youth.

Then there were providential circumstances of which we think of as secondarycauses. The death of our little nephew Vernon Van Tilburg had deeply wounded andtendered the hearts of we children. T"ne older young people were very much effected in '

losing b~Tdeath, from their circle, several very popular youths. In this coma ctionwe tM.nk especially of Flo:renceHershey, whose death occured on Sept. 25, 1895. Flor-ence \>las one of Susiets chums, needless to say all the community shared deeply theloss and sorrow of the Hershey family. Another deeply-felt sorrow was shared inthe community by the passing of our cousinElizabeth Hiller, also a very popularY01.1ngperson.

There was also a seoondary cause of spiritual revival of which we think as thesocial one - Tactfully, Biohop B~F.Hooverhad L~vited a very fine group of young peoplefrom Canada to be his 1895 ChristmasHoliday guests. They came a delegation of six,and readily made friendshipswith the Yenkees- And they threw their influenoe withthe ministers in their endeavor to reaoh the young people. They were all membe~scfthe Canadian Tunker Church; D"B"'18Steaching the Pifer School at this time and theCanadian delegation had in their number a'youngschool teacher, SolomanC1L~enhaga.These young pal~agogueg, the Canadia.'1a:ld Yay'keegot into some heated arguments as towho won the decisive battles ~~ the Wars whioh won our natiol1al freedom.

But that two young fellows from Dayton, William Boyer and Willie Bets should maketheir appearance on the scene at this particular time~ is from the social point ofview, even more meritoricne of mention beoause of what came out of it. To what ex-tent their presence ,,,as added fuel to the revival fires might be difficult to say,but at least the reports of tae good meetings which were in progress at the PleasantGrove church was the excuse given for their coming to share the blessing over theChristmas Holidays.

A little episode in whioh Sister Susie pictures her little sister Harriet asfiguring in one of her oourtships is interesting as Susierelatesit:"Will often speaksof his firsttrip to our house from the Pleasant Grove Church.Harriet and I were in the meeting that night, and I well remember we both wore whitefascinatora like the girls wore those days. I had met Will a year before when FrantieHoover and I aocompanied Father to a Donnelsville meetir.g to whioh Will came fromDayton. 111first sight of him was when I sa'" him riding on the entrance steps of ahack. I asked Frantie, tWhois that fello\o1wearing the derby, on the steps of thathack?- Frantie replied, I:That is Willie Boyer from Dayton';. That was the first timeI saw Will. It

Will beoame "lhite interested in me and for some time we corresponded. But i hadquit writing to him, I beins six years younger or nearly so. As a matter of fact,I was not quite willing to give up all others for him which would have been far betterif I had. At this time I was going with George Swineford and George was a very niceboy in every way, and I thought quite well of him. But he was of another churoh andFather was not so favorable for that reseon. So you can understand why I sort ofheld Will off. Wnenhe came froi:!lMansfield to Pleasant Grove that day, he had almostgiven up hope of renewing our friendship. But what I wanted to say,... this was Fridayevening and we imnited Will and his friend Willie Bets to go homewith us. I rodewith Dave in the top-buggy, leaving Will to sit on the back seat of the spring-wagonwith my littlesisterHarriet. The best he could do for the time being. Will oftenspeaks of this, as Harriet was very interesting to him and he has never forgottenthat ride." (There is rllors to this story - the gist of which is that the favor Willfound with D.B. he won the daYoGEW)

In the days and weeks and months that followed, the mailwouldbringbulgingbigletters for Susie from Dayton &"ld"Ie would be less perplexed about the length of timeit took her to read them, seeing the size of the stationary, and getting a glimpseotthe finenessof the hand\~itingthatoovered these pages.

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-U-On a later trip in the Spring, WiU brought his sister Elsie as a guest to our

home. VIe all readily beoame acquainted with this lovely city lady who was destinedto become in-Ia\oledto our Whis1er clan. Aunt Elsi9, as we now think of her, has

most graciously consented to give us a brief sketch of their double-wedding, a very

outstanding red-letter day in the Whisler family history.

ItDav~.d Brubaker ~.Jhisler - Elsie A. Boyer and Susie Whisler - William H. Boyer,

were married in a double-wedding ceremony at 6 olclock P~l'{.,December 24, 1896, at

the Whisler home near .ishland, Ohio. The ceremony was perfozmed by the Rev. Benj.

F, Hoover, in the presence of all the members of the family, and a few relatives andinvited friends.

A turkey wedding supper was served to 25 guests.. After +'he supper we all went

to church at Ohestnut Grove in a big bob-sled. The sled upset and we all feU into

a big snowdrift. No ha!'JD.'VIasdone, we all arrived :!.n good shape, and in t1!ne forthe servioeo The Whisler family being quite wUrJknown, and as the weddi:1g 'w-as

~ ra:..her unusual, after the church se:rvice wa.sover "'~ewere showered with cong:ratula-tions. Will and Susie remained at theWhislerhomeabouta weekand thencametoDayton to make their home there. D.B.. fJiniamd his termat teaching the Andersonschool. After school closed in tl1e spr1ng, we CaIneto my home hel'e in Dayton.

sl Elsie Boyer W1:.istler

It is genera.1ly true when a weary pilgrim needs a lift on the journey of an un-finished trek, a good Samaritan comes along to help. This time the good Samaritanis Jarmora, whose name the cousins will all readily recognize" With her motheris storyof the double wedding, 11arjora haa attached a poatscript with thoughtful sentimentsof appreciation of our effort, which serves as an incentive for the cdntinuance ofour story s "P.S. It is tI'1:.ethat much of our personality willbe lost to thegeneration to come if we do not record the facts. I talked over your happy proposalwith Mother, and she in turn talked with Aunt Susie and Uncle Will - I assure youthey got a great kick out of re-living those lovely days in their joint past. Yousee, Mothtjr and Uncle Will Boyer (Brother and sister) married David B. and SusanWhistler (also brother and sister). The wedding of Susie and Will had been planned,guests invited, etc. and Elsie and David were to be attendants. However, unknownto any but the minister and the pare!lts of Elsie and David, after the first ceremonya second was performed, joining Elsie al1d David - amid Breat expressions of surpriseand delight~" . . ... Marjora, Cincinnati, Ohio, July 15, 1952

Should the question ever be raised, Howdid the Whisler family ever get splitup into two tribes: i.e., geographically speaking, for in modeJn times the descend-ants are almost equally divided in numbers bet"Teen the t1ners of the soil in theBlackfork Valley and their citified white collared brothers and cousins doing di-versified kind of jobs in the City of Dayton, and other cities of their dispersion?

Our older brother David whom we always called DeB. must bear the credit or theblame for this. It was he who by his response to the lure of the business worldstarted the ball rolling" After his marriageD.B. became establishedin businessin Dayton,where he also saw opportunities for his younger brothers, nephews andnieces. And his'big-hearted unselfishness p:rompted the use of influenoe. Here Tracy,Charley, Howard, Ruth VanTilburg and her sister Mar;.on should be allowed to speak.We know their personal testimonies of appreciation would be of great interest, yetit might lead our story far afield from its original purpose that we might find itdiffioult to get "back on the beamnil

For personal sentimental reasons, I wouldliketo giveproof evidence that al-though my brother D.B. did not use influence to lure me to the Clty of Dayton,weneve~ got so far away as to be beyond the reach of his brotherly concern for our

health and happiness.. It was D.U., Father and a good friend Deacon Jaoob Hoover, whoupon their hearingof our decisionto migrate to Saskatchewa.~, each volunteered toadvance a loan of t200.00, interest free, for financing cur homesteading adventure.(1911-1914). These were interest-free loans and I believe that D.13. suggestedthebright idea.

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-12-But more memorable an aot of generosity was a Christmas letter whioh reached

our shaok on the prairie (at a time of year when the temperature m~ drop to 50 or

60 degrees below zero) ..with a oheok for $25.00. The note of explanation simply

read, ftJust a little remembranoe to make sure that you are not without smoking

tobaooo these winter days. II- signed DoB.

When they heard of our return to Buffalo, N.Y., to resume the duties of the

Mission Church pastorate in the Winter of 1914, D.B. and Elsie sent for Aunt Effiea very nioe full-length plush ooat, and for me a heavy overcoat, really the best one

I had ever worn, for whioh the tEQ,lor who made some alterations offered me $50.00.And that was a high prioe for a garment in those daysl It may be that these fine

gannents proved to be warmer than was neoessary in the Dayton olumate, but they

oertainly gave us muoh oomfort, when exposed to the rough Lake Erie winds as we hadthem in Buffalo.

It was a never-to-be-forgotten week-end in the summer o:f1915 when DoB. and his

family, with your Grandpa Whisler, visited us in Buffalo. Even more exoi ting than thevisit to Niagara Falls was the joy-ride when on Sunday afternoon, Grandpa, our little

family of three and D.B.'s four, on board the big three-seated Cadillao, rode from

Buffalo, N.Y., baok to the old Ohio family home to reoeive the greetings of weloome

from our brothers and sisters, Albert, Harriet and their families.

When reoently we saw on retirement a 1912 model Cadillao in Cullen Park, Dayton

Ohio, it seemed amost unbelievable that our joy-ride of so long ago was in one like

that, but it was jgst like that!

D.Bts interest in his younger brothers dates baok to our ohildhood. As longas he was at home with us, he \olaSthe family barber. If he was out of reaoh, when

we needed a hairout badly, we \Teratto Frank Keever, and that wasn't so good. It oost

us a dime, whereas D.B.'s jobs oost us nothing" and besides a neat hair out, he gave

us a lot of good advioe. He told us, among other things of great importanoe, that for

a good shampoo, there was nothing as good as Grandpa r s Tar Soap. To hie oredit may bethe faot that some of his brothers are not bald-headed -- irrespeotive of the faot

that the shingles on the roof are bleaohing!

A little home-spun verse of whioh your Aunt Epheori is the author very fitting-

ly refleots the novelties of our pioneering experienoes in Saskatohewan.

PRAIRIELiving in a lonely shaok

Out on the Prairie wide,

In the far off west of Saskatohewan,

Three lonely settlers bide.

Their name is Whisler and they oan Whistle

The praise of God eaoh day,

For He has spoken peaoe to their soulsAnd sends them on their way.

They toil and struggle day by dayA livelihood to make -

Out on the great prairie unturned

Sinoe God existanoe spake.

Very early in the morning

Father from his slumber wakes,Takes a stroll and seeks the oxen

That thrive on prairie grass.

The faithful oxen are commended If a man is meak and lowlyEven ~n Godts Holy word, He will do the wisest thingWhere the Proverbs speak so highly Drive the oxen gently,slowlyOf the great inoreasethey bring. For they are the poor man's friend.

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-13-Our oxen team presented a splendid objeot lesson for oharaoter study. In

physique, faoial expression and disposition, they differed as muoh as 4 men of diff-erent raoe and nationalities. Whereas Hippo was gentle and trusting, his mate Fredwas tricky, sometimes disappointing and mean. They were alike in color, a dark red.Hippo had very short legs, blocky body, short tail and eyes that seemed to expresshuman understanding. He was always the lead ox, when hitched up. His mate, a bigheavy weight beef type, took the lead when they strayed too far away. Harry and Mikewere a kind of Texas long-horn type. Harry was the tallest. At his rump, he stoodas high as his master. He was lanky, long-horned and looked much like a reindeer.He had a tail that nearly trailed the ground. His color was a brownish red, but hewas a trusty boy too. Hitched with Mike, Harry always worked the lead. l1ike wasa read and white spotted oxen. He was best to carry the light end of the load, andwhen all were hitched together, side by side, as they generally were, Mike was onthe far-side. But all j.n all, they must b61vethe compliment of giving very goodcooperation. Their efficiency gave them a good reputation among their neighbors,and brought the sure increase of which the Proverb speaks.

Frances Kohler Dohner has frequently made mention of how deeply interested theywere as a family in hearing her Inothcr read letters she received from Saskatchewanin reply to those she had written us. During the summer months of 1913, whileGrandfather Whisler was paying his prairie children an extended visit, a pen pictureof Grandad going down the path toward the windless-well, the back of his head drapedwith a red handkerchief, an effort to keep a cloud of mosquitoes, buzzing about hishead, from lighting on his neck would undoubtedly hold Paul's interest, then a four-year old.

Because Frances and Dorcas were so near the same age, experiences in whichDorcas figured in the picture would of course hold the attention of all the children.For example, it was in the fall of the year when the air was already quite frisky,and our whole family, including our team of four oxen, Hippo, Fred, Harry and Mike,were working with a threshing outfit. Dorcas had ran along with me to the wateringplace with Hippo and Fred, they were the muley team. Hippo interhited his name be-cause his plwsique was strikingly that of a hippopotamus, and as gentle and good-natured as a lamb. And in order to drink at this particular watering place, whichwas a tank shaped dug-out in the earth, Hippo and Fred had to kneel to reach thewater. This amused and interested Dorcas, to the extent that she knelt beside }~ppoto watch, leaned too far, lost her balance and fell in. Without difficulty I fishedher out and hurriedly took her to mother in the cook-coach. It was a frosty morning,and excitedly Mother said, iYWhy,Dorcas, did you do that?1i Promptly came the reply,"Mother, I would rather fall into cold water than hot water."

Another little experience with Dorcas which her mother relates. It was May the24th; Throughout the British Dominion, a national holiday designated as l'VictoriaDay", and patriotically observed. We lived in sight of a big farming tract, wherethe work was being done with tractor machinery, but on the morning of this day, allwas quiet. Dorcas asked her mother, "Whyare they not working over there thismorning?" Mother replied, II" because today is the QueenIs Birthday". In quick re-ply Doroas asked, "Whydid they work &nMYbirthday?",

One of D.B's grave concerns to which he brought all the influence he couldmuster to bear on those concerned, was to keep the old Whisler family home in theWhisler family. We have heard his logical arguments, based on the premis, that thisspot, so sacred to all of us for historic associations, must:not ever cease to be a"Mekka" to qhich members of the family may, from time to time, make pilgrimageswhere in contemplation of land marks of sacred memory we may relive the happyexperiences of other days.

Whatever the cost to him, the challenge of these appeals by D.B. may havemeant, it. was Albert and his family who proved to be the key to the situation whenbecause of advancing age, and motherts failing health it became necessary for thecares ana responsibilities of the farm to pass over onto younger shoulders.

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-14-In the se transactions and those transpiring in more recent years D.B!s dream of a"Mekka" are realized by us who survive, even though he is no longer with us. Whenoccasionally through the years we have had the pleasure of meeting members ofAlbert's family, especia.lly his sons, Howard or l-'iarshal and heard them say, "Itvebeen back to the farm", we have understood what they were thinking about. Whoknows, but some day, Freddie, Me.rvin, Blake or Darryl Hafeld, sons of the sixthgeneration will using the familiar phrase, IfI've been back to the Farm,t7 buthere's hoping at least one of them will prove not to be a deserter.

FARMERSI watched the farmers in the fields

And marvel secretlyThey are so very calm and sure

They have such dignity.

They know such simple things so well,(They learn them fram the soil)

They find a steady brown contentWhere some find none at all.

And all their quarrelings with GodAre soon made up again;

They grant forgiveness when He sendsHis silver, tardy rain.

George E. Whisler25 Hanby St.Buffalo, N.Y.

Dear Ohildren:

Their pleasure is so grave and fullWhen gathered crops are trim,

You know they think their work was doneIn partnership with Him.

-by William Alexander Percy.

Ashland, OhioMarch 21, 1907

This is Thursday evening, eight o~clock, and Pa and Charley aresitting here reading the newspaper, and I will improve my time writing to you andtelling you all the news of home and community.

I am.glad I can say we are well, hope you are enjoying the same greatblessing.

Our state council is now in the past. It has been at Chestnut Grove, the15 and 16 of March. Everything went off peacably. Those that were here from adistance; from Dayton, Harvey Miller, SaInie Cassel; from Springfield, J. Wingertand Linkey and his wife; Willie l-'Iyers, John Smith, Ezra Holer, Davie Rohrer, fromStark. There was a meeting in the evening, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.Ben Hoover is delegate to go to conference.

Hattie was at homeover the council. She went along over with EmersonSunday afternoon. Emerson, John Winger, Albert W'nislers were here for dinnerSunday. Winger took the train from here Nonday morning.

Harvey Miller:s father-in-law, Jerry Hoke was buried last week. He diedsudden. They found him dead in bed.

We have been having bad luck here this week, and yet we oannot be thankfulenough that it is not worse thau it is, not near as bad as it might be. Tuesdayevening about 5 o'clook there was a heavy rain going south and also thunder andlightning here, and the lightning struck our barn again. The other end it hadstruok the other time. It killed Albert's best horse, the one he called May. FrankKeever was painting here that afternoon and had just started home. He met Pa

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--15-between the barn and the hog stable and they stopped and talked. I was in the

kitchen looking out the window. I saw them standing, talking together when itstruck. Then Pa and Frank both ran to the barn. I went over quick and told Edith

that I think the lightning struck the barn, because Frank and Pa ran so to the barn.

Edith started to go out then she saw Pa motion that we should come out. She told me,

"Pa motioned for us to come." I said, "I can!t go," . I thought maybe Albert and

Charley were in the barn. Edith called to me than that the horse was killed,Albert and Charley were in the sugar camp at the time it happened. If they had not

been there they would likely have been in the stables as it was just feeding time.

Pa had just came away from the barn. Pa ran up in the barn first. Hethought the barn was burning. When he passed the horse stable he heard the

horses moaning. He told Frank to look about the horses~ Frank said the horse that

was struck had fallen down and was struggling, but was dead in a short time..

They think the other horse next to l~y was knocked down but had got up before they

came in. The horses were all in the same stable and they were so scared they didnot know what to do with them.

Frank and Pa saw the smoke come down on the side of the barn. The barn is

not damaged as much as it was the other time it was struck. It is split andsplintered from the roof down as far as there are boards.

I did not see it inside. I don!t know how it looks there. They cou1d see

where it struck the horse the hair was singed off of the hind leg, and of one of

her front legs. The horse was standing straight inside where the stroke came down.

It is strange that it did not hurt the other horses and the other cattle was all in

the barn yard.It was a close call for Pa and Frank so we cannot be thankful enough that

none of the men were in the barn when it happened.

Howard and Susie took it very hard for their horse. Susie would ride her

to the watering trough still. filbert did not worry very much - He said, ''He is

satisfied that it only said at the barn, that there was none of the family killed."

He has his stock insured. Hen Roland, Samuel Baum, and Gipe and John Eby was hereWednesday. They valued her at ()225.00. I do not know if he will get that much

now or how they have it. Horses are high now. I was surprised at that Kernal and

Verd sold for. Verd sold for 95 dollars. I had told you 80. (Recent sale.)

Albert and Charley and Mr. Derr, the man that lives on George Ohl's farm

skinned May. He thinks he will get three dollars for the hide.When Howard came home from school and saw the hide he went and laid his head

and took another crying spell. Edith said he did not cat any supper he felt sobad about it.

Albert has the sugar camp open. Pa stir~ed off nearly two gallons molassestoday. The camp does not do very good and he has only 40 or 50 tees open.

Jack Hoovers had sale today. Lonie Shelhaus is going to farm for them. Ira

is still a very siok boy. The last we heard was at the council. Shelhous was there

on Friday. He said he did not think he could live any length of time. Hauda Houts

stayed up with Ira one night last week. She told me that Ira said to her, '~ow

if I go to sleep don't wake me, may be I will be with Jesus when I get awake."

He is so anxious, and willing to go. We would have to feel glad to hear that he

was relieved from his suffering. They say he just suffers wonderful, and he isjust as poor as he can get. I feel sorry for him and for all of them.

Bessie Groff Miller has a baby, a little boy. They say he is getting along

all right now. Ed Melchings have a little boy born Tuesday afternoon.

Howard received the paper you sent him and we all read the good news of

Torreyfs good meetings. Hope it will last with them that have made a start. Theyare having meetings at Haysville now. Kate said }fuTian came out one evening.

Well the rest have all gone to bed and it is nearly eleven o'clock, so I think I

would better go too.

Unke Jake Burns is quite s~ck,is in town with Ed. Dan Burns moved in WillHersheys house yesterday, where rank Hillers used to live, in the lower house.

-16-Uncle Jake soad his property to Tom Aws.

This is Friday morning and Po. and Albert are going to Ashland. iIlbert is

going to a horse sale. Po. is going along, he will go to see Uncle Jake Burns.

Charley is in the sugar camp; boiling water. Charley will commence to workfor Emerson, I think the middle of next week. He seems to like to go and I am

glad he is not so far away. He can oome home every Sunc1ay.

I think Hattie will go to house keeping soon. Then she will have a chance

to learn man.r things that she did not learn yet. I think she will have plenty to

do, but Hattie is very anxious to work and likes to make money, and farmers allknow how to make lots of it.

Hattie was a good girl at home and she will be a good housekeeper for

Emerson. But she will miss mother and mother will miss her. But my work will not

be so muoh any more. I think me and Po.will be able to do it as long as it lasts.,we do not know how long it will be.

Well I must close for this time. I have my troubles and trials to go through

in myoId days. I hope you are all well and happy. May God bless you and keep youin His care, let come what will.

I send my Love to you all.Mother - Fare-well

P.S. Jesse Wenger and wife and Mary Hisey expeot to go to l~rica. I don't knowhow soon. Hoovers don't like it that they want to go.

Write soon. Good - bye.

Note This letter is an exact copy of the originalwrittenby mother. Itwill be appreciated as a sample of the newsy letters whereby she kept themembers of the family who had left the community oonversant with what wasgoing on at home. It presents a very colorful picture of what was transpir-ing at this particular time. Father and mother had retired, sold theirfarming equipment at the recent sale. Albert's had moved home to resume the

obligations of the farm. Howard was 10, and Susie past six and in her firstschool year. GEW

- * - Abilene, Kansas, December 30, 1951To the Kins folks at Dayton,

addressed to Charley.

You will be interested to know that our Church service today was conducted

as the "Jubilee Anniversary" of my ministry. I have through the years remembered

the last Sunday in 1901 as the inaugural day of my ministry.

It was some time during the fall months, that the church had drafted me, as

their choice to fill the vacancy left by Henry Steigerwald's being drafted by theForeign Mission Board for the superintendancy of it's missions in S. Africa.

Following this Bishop B. F. Hoover was very persistent in having me leave myaccustomed place in the congregation and sit with Father and him on the long bench

behind the long pulpit stand; and furthermore, that I take active part in the .

services; such as laeding in prayer and some times saying a few words approvingly of

their sermons. Twice in the meanwhile they had ask me to make adventures in preach-

ing. I believe on one of these occasions they had left me alone with the service.

With my efforts on these occasions I was mortified; making the discovery that

preaohing was something more than getting up and o~en your mouth, and the Lord

would fill it, and whatever that "something more" might be this boy hadn't found

it, and bis predioament was not a very happy one.

About this time revival meetings were going on in the United Brethren Churchin Mifflin, and Harriet and I were attending them with considerable interest.

One night at the close of the service the Pastor Evangelist, William Coder called

me aside and said,"George I understand you are taking up the ministry". Aftersaying other things as to how pleased he was to know this he went on to say," Now

at Christmas time I am going home to f.kron to visit my mother, and on Christmas

Sunday I would like for you to fill the appointment at the Paradise Hill Church."

To me that was a breath taking thing even to think about; that I should get up

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-17-before C. Anna Winter, Cally Bally, and maybe Seth Gongerwer, and other of my schoolteachers; and George Gorz, my mischief school mate, and the gang of boys whosereputation was not too praise worttw. I said "Brother COder, it seems you areasking a good bit of me." "Yes, I know I am, but you pray about it and bring youranswer." And so I did 1P.th the result of seeing only one honoranle way out of itto go with the purpose of making an effort, survive or perish, ewim or sink. Atthe earliest convenience the decision was conveighed to Rev. Coder, and then hesaid, "lilld in the afternoon of the same day, I want you to fill the appointmentin the Crider Memorial Church"; to this I consented.

Father and Mother had gone to Dayton for the Christmas holidays with Sueieand Dave and their families, so I hadn't even a chance to ask for Father's advice,and seemingly they got home so late at the weekend, that he hadn't even got a clearunderstanding of what was going on. So on Sunday morning while I was hitching uplIold Nellie" to the top buggy, Father came on the scene and the conversationproceeded as follows. "George, are you going to Paradise this morning?" "Yes,Father, Bro. Coder has gone to Akron to spend the holidays with his Mother, and hehas ask me to fill his appointments today." Father questioned, "Where is BenjaminBally?" (Benjamin Bally was the local assistant minister) I said, "I don't know, butI suppose he will be there." Then Father said, "If Benjamin is there I don't believeI would undertake it if I were you, George. " A too pertinent reply from me as Iremember was the last word, "Bro. Coder has invited me to fill these appointmentstoday, and no matter who is there, I am going." (By this time by Harriet'ssupport and much prayer I had gathered sufficient self reliance that I would haveas happily taken orders to go to Washington, D.C. for an interview with PresidentTheodore Roosevelt as I was to go to Paradise Hill and Crider Hemorial Church that day.;

And so like David with his five smooth stones in his bag for his sling, Iwent to meet ry Goliath - Harriet and her friend Albert Donner accompanying me,and we got along in a way that was a surprise to ourselves.

We oame into the ohuroh just as the Sunday School was dismissed by Mr. AbramNewsbaum, the superintendent. Wewere just comfortable seated when BenjaminBallyand his good wife Mary came downthe isle and took the seat right in front of us.Immediately at dismissal, Brother Bally turned around and greeted each of us with ahearty hand shake. I ask him- "Do you know the arrangements Bro. Coder has made forthis morning's servioe?" (I had charged Rev. Coder that no announoement should bemade as to who would be the speaker that morning.) He said a hearty -"Yes, and Iam so glad you are here." "Bro. Bally will you go with JUeto the puppit?" againthe hearty reply was, "Yes, I am very glad to go with you. II

To make the long story short, we opened the servioe with the usual prelimi-naries, I ask Bro. Bally to lead the opening prayer While the oongregation kneltas was the oustom in the morning service. It really seemed that Elijah who carriedthe keys that could open or lock the windows of heaven was by my side. I was asconscious of the Divine presenoe, as I was of the people in the congregation, onlytho consciousness of the Divine presence was an inner Spiritual consciousness whichwords can not express. We arose from our knees, sang another hymn, and I read myscripture text, John 14:16, 17, and gave my simple message with as much ease andpleasure as I would have discussed with Mother on some familiar subject. We camefrom the services of that day feeling that the Goliath whomwe had met on the battlefield had been slain, and all the events of the day were such as seem to warrent thefixing the day as the beginning of my ministry.

I served with Father and Bishop Hoover on probation for six months before Ireceived my ordination. These reminiscences, with a simple exegesis of the textrefered to were main features of our Anniversary Jubilee service this morning.11ladies duet sang, IIBlowYe the Trumpets Blow," also the congregation sang,IIAmazingGrace. II Effie had placed my "Oasus in the Desert ", a porch box shaped con-tainer with cactus variety of plants, on the piano, and several potted poinsettasand begonias in suitable places, helped to beautify our service. A layman from thecongregation made a nice speech of appreciation of the 24 years of our pastoralservice with the Abilene Churoh. I thought of all the members of our Father's familyand because most of the circumstances related occured in the old home community, sosacred and dear to us, I wished you could all have been present. "Georgd."

-18-

Dayton, OhioHaroh 2, 1952.

Dear George and Effie:

I feel that you have launched on a very interesting under-taking in attempting a biograpny of Sister Harriet. There is not a lot thatI can contribute in the way of outstanding incidents.

We were fairly close to each other in age and played together. I do remember

the time we were playing in the loft of the woodshed, jumping across a three footopening. We both had more reckless courage than judgment. Harriet in making onejump engaged the timbers overhead and fell in a heap on a woodpile below. She wascarried into the house and put tQ bed for a few days. She was about 7 years of age.

It is not a very importantthing to remember, but one time when ahe had beento town and had saved possibly 5~ or 10~ and came home with quite a sack full ofassorted candy, - all of which she had saved to share with the rest of the candyhungry kids. We were all kids then ranging in ages from about three years up tosixteen. Her generosity and thoughtfulness for others was always in evidence,evenat an early age.

I will never forget her disappointmentwhen she got interested in whatwassupposedto be a set of chinawareof 50 pieces, to cost $1.00. This was a fakead, but she sent her dollar. After someweeks of expectancy,she receiveda cardfrom the ExpressOffice that there was a shipment for her. She thought father oughtto go in the spring wagon to be sure he would have room. It was quite a large box,but rather light for its size. When opened, except for the excelsior, it containedexactly three pieces, sugar bowl, cream pitcher and tea-pot. We all had a goodlaugh, Harriet with the rest of us.

Harriet always received good grades in school -- was intelligent above many ofher schoolmates. When it was decided to let me go to Ashland College and pay myway in part by working,Harrietwas very anxious to go also, and it was with con-siderable disappointment that it did not seem possible to send her. She showed adecided taste for music and some pressure was brought on Father to buy a piano.However, after feeding and clothing eight living children, with a few crop failuresand hail storms to cancel out his meager returns from the farm, there was not much

left with which to buy a piano.There is not much more that I can add. We hadexcept enough to keep thingsfrom gettingdull

*' * *' * *' * *

some differ~nces,and ITonotonous.Very Sincerely,

S/ Tracy* *

not Dany quarrels

February 29, 1952

;.ltr Dear Bro.:

As you know, I was a most youthful and irresponsible child during the dayswhen sisterHarriet lived at home. I am sure that some of her expmrience in rearinga family of her own so successfully should be att7ibuted to her efforts in persuad-ing me to seek the way I should go - or else. The or else, of course, most likelywould have been Father. He had a way of practicing applied science, and it usuallywas appliedwhere it would do the most good. I think motherts tears perhaps hurtmore.

On a more seriousvein - I do recall Harrietts devotion to the responsibilitiesof the home. I cannot say whether she or mother took the lead. Looking back itseems that they were a team, each well aware of individualresponsibilitiesand noreminders necessary in carrying them out.

This would apply to the kitchenas well as to all other parts of the home.Harriet, nor mother, held any compromise with dirt of any sort; nor did they permitany untidyness nor dissarrayof furnitureor furnishingsto go unattended for somuch as a moment.

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There is rich recolloctionof tho very fine sweet buns, the rich tapioca,

unequaled lemon pies lllld similar delicacies ,,1hich regularly appeared on the suppertable and were such a delight at the end of a long, busy and tiring day in thefields. Cooking was done in the summer kitchen. In the winter kitchen of the mainpart of the home, shadeswere drawn to shut out sone of the burning hoat and everyeffort was made to serve those tenpting meals in the most comfortable and enjoyableatmosphere. Flies, of course, existed. They didntt exist long when lfurriet tookup arms. If they lingered for 0. moment, from then on they'd no longer fly. Or,sensing danger, if they flew, their flight was facilitated by Harriet on their heels.

Whowas the leader in the fine art of cooking and housekeeping? Was it Harrietor was it Mother? Letts acknowledge that it was mother and that Harriet was as apta student as she ever had.

Harriet was progressive. She was interested in things which were new. If apeddler showed up with sonething such as a stereoscope, with a hundred pictures ofthrilling scenes and events in other parts of the world, Harriet was interested be-cause she knew that the world was quite a bit larger than the 160 acres whichat thattime constituted the farm. She bought the outfit, too, and I think with her ownmoney. Where did she get the noney? I donft know! 1100did she buy the cheapestoutfit? No, it was the best, with an a1\11T1inumhood all velvet lined and engravedwith intri~uing designs. I think artistry, and the love of nice things, existedin her soul.

Did you find an ordinary kerosene lamp in the "par lor" ? No, it was a bigcolorful lamp, with decorated bowl shade. .'.nd other things just like that. Evengood bait was considered none too good for any unwary beau. Howvery nicely thesequalities blended with the very similar ones of Emerson when he came along - spiritedhorse, shiny buggy - ideas and ideals which soon blossomed into a courtship and alove which the end of life itself did not end.

One thingI seemneverto have completely overlooked is Harriet's participationor colabboration with mother in trying to solve a perplexing tendency of my own.Once in a great while, the bed sheets had to be hung out on the line early in themorning, permitting them to dry slightly before being thrown into the basket fornext week's wash. '\rJberevar they got the idea, I do not know. ~\ll I remember isthat one or the other cameupwith the notion that hard :rier' chicken giblets couldbe administered into the diet as a counter-irritant to nr.t:.lr0's tendencies. It wasa joint enterprise, which didn't work, regardless of :I~rriet's solicitc~a attitudein observing possible results.

Again, in the more serious thoughts. Howcan one really forget the love anddevotion bestowed upon father after mother's death. I can most clearly envisionHarriet's once-a-week arrival, in the buggy drawn by iJ.unt ihm' s smallish horsewhose name I nowforget.Thatwas a big day for Father, for it meant a thoroughhouse cleaning and a restoring of general order. It also meant some staple item ofdiet, or somedelicacy to add to the somewhlrtmeager iteaa of food which fatherusually was content.

Here perhaps is the real index to the character which was hers. For by this timethere were littlefolks in her own home, and the giving of time andattention inother directions meant an added outpouring of em.T~ics which perhaps might wellhave been used in caring for her immediate family. But father was regarded as apartofherresponsibilityand to ne it seems safe to saythatno responsibilitywas ever evaded by Harriet.

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During the two sunnners when I was supposedto work for Emerson, and sometimesdid, Harriet have as much thought and attention to trying to make me feel at homeand a part of the family as she did to her own. l\nd I think I felt just that way,too, for I am sure that when the subsequent unhappy events of thefamilybegantounfold, no sorrows were any keaner than my.. own.

Charles

-20-11iiJORA SHtlNK WHISLER

1) l.unt Harriet was a great favorite of my F..,ther; he named his second daughterfor her.

2) Weremember that she was small like Grandma.1t1hisler. She was quick in hermovemonts, efficient in her home management, fast moving and always busy. Adefinite personality, but gentle of voice. She was artistic, as evidenced byher use of color in her home, and taste in her dress, (even though plain) andthat of her children. .h.gressive, but always in a controlled manner and a loverof fun. She was a wonderful cook - especially her white cakes. She had a. beau-tiful handwriting, with birds, etc., decorating her letters.

Hajora.* * * * * * * * *

MEl{ORIES-by Rozella Boyer Herr

The mournful but beautiful song of the raindove was the usual thing, coming fromthe direction of the big trees as one faces the garden looking toward the creek.I can hear it yet, with a strange pull as I remember. The visits I made to see myl.unt whomI loved dearly, were full of joy and new experiences; a couple of them ex-tending perhaps over half the sumr.1er.

The first one however, I think was not that long. Unfortunately, it culminated justbefore Frances was born, maybe just the day before, and I think my little girl heart(probably about five years old) was unspeakably spited to think that I had come awayjust too soon. I can rOT!lember,though I did not know the cause, how worried GrandmaWhisler was, as she held a sweet smelling shrub in her hand, and they told her thatHattie would be all right. Then the exciting word came that l!.unt Hattie had a littlebaby. Wemade two visits while she was in bed, and I was as happy as a little girlcould be. It seemed to me that the baby's tiny ear had doubled its size in the oneweek's time. The mother was cheerful and happy, and she said concerning a spot ofnew wall paper above her, that she had something bright to look at while she lay inbed. During my visit before the baby came, they took me along to Mansfield, and ingeneral, showed me quite a good time; but i\.unt Hattie's discipline was firm. We hadgone upstairs to go to bed one night and from somewhere some nuts had been broughtout. I liked them very much, and wanted to eat more and more. Uncle Emerson wantedto let the 1'Honey" have them, but she, after I had eaten i-lhat she felt was enough,would not yield to his entreaties or mine, to give me :lore.

When Frances was two and Paul just a baby, they came to visit us. It was a surprisevisit, and I, a first grader, baby lover, WRSsurprised upon arrival home from schoolto find these two babies (parents hidden) and I can see them yet as W6were asked toguess who they \-Tere. Frances' ahir was black and straight and Paul didn't have any.She would say, very slowly, "Where is my Mamma1" and he just took everything in.That was such a happy visit. I still remember the feel of it.

The next time they came was when Paul was big enough to talk, scarcely four I suppose,and Frances was a very quiet little lady. l~unt Hattie had a good sense of humor andenjoyed to tell, as we greatly enjoyed to hear, how Paul thought that the Union Sta-tion was the mission, and prepared to stay there upon his arrival. She also told us,with a characteristic little laugh, that on the train coming to Dayton, Paul lookedup at a man who was standing there and said to him, "11y, but you-3.re a big man". AuntHattie tried to hush him, and Paul, in an effort to fix things up said loudly, "Imean you have a big head".When Hary was a sweet smiling baby about a year old, a joy to her mother and to usall, and Paul and Frances as interesting as two children could possibly be, at leastto me, I had a long visit with the family. Then I was old enough to be conscious ofsome of my dear Aunt's good qualities. Management and order are what made it possiblefor her to lick the work and keep t:'.head. She did not have an extremely fast gait,

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but it was "thinking what she was going to do next" that got her ahead. One one of

my visits, she told me that her seWing was done for about a year ahead. .Alrea.dy

she had begun to teach the children to run errands for her, espeoially to the cellar,

the outside entrance being on the opposite side of the house from the summer kitchen.

Thus, she saved herself a good many steps. I must have used a foamier toothpaste,

or something, as the children were fascinatad with my teeth brushing process. Manyother interesting thingk filled up the time such as trips to the falls, learning tomilk, and church services. We had much interesting conversation, and I can see

baby Mary's sweet little smile as 1£ it were the last month.

jlunt Ann was a member of the family. Though sometimes dear Aunt Hattie felt the

weight of this a little, and she was only an "aunt-in-law" to her, she told me how

she felt that it was her God-given duty to care for her and she did it cheerfully.

She was a very good cook and in those days when starch was used much more freely

in white shirts than now, it was one of her accomplishments to be able to iron a

white shirt in 10 minutes. She said, ItIknow I am not pretty, but I hope that I

am not homely enough to draw attention It .. She was nice enough looking, though. Imy-

way, when one knows a personzs \-TOrththat is what he sees, and so it was with me.

Aunt Hattie found time to do things. She was a beautiful writer and composer. Herletters were satisfying and detailed, and she took time to write to me, not justremember me in my mother I s letters. Once she sent me a picture of John Samuel whenhe was three months old and in her letter said, ItHe is such a nice warm littlebundle."

Then never to be forgotten is the sight of the Kohler car speeding up the road fromFive Points to the church, going almost from ditch to ditch with Paul alone in itbehind the steering wheel! I think that he might have been about ten years old,and it seems as though he must have decided that it was high time for him to puthis knowledge of driving into practice, but without consulting his parents.

During my final visit, just before my marriage, she gave me hel}6ful advice on var-ious lines and helped me to choose my long linen tablecloth. "Don't be too con-scientous about mending," she said. "Your time is worth something." r/lost certainlyshe didn't mean I shouldnl1t mend. Then she said not to pull everything out fromthe wall every time but do that every three weeks, and in between, not spend thatmuch time.. Everyone knows she kept her house beautifully clean. She deeply lovedher children, and by this time had trained them to be of real help to her. Francesand Paul could carry though a dish washing successfully as well as to continue torun errands. Though mother of five, she was not too busy to enjoy her children andenjoy the cute things they did. Someone had shot a crow and brought it to the house.She was interested in Harold's reaction and told us that he (then just beginning toput sentences together) said, as he laid it on the cistern stones, "There I laid itup decent. 11

Sweetest and best of all, that which made her what she was, was her beautiful Christ-ian life. She had been converted young and later Had sought and found that ItDeeper"life that the Christian needs. She lived a truly earnest, conscientous, faithfullife. It was during this visit that I got a glimpse of her concern for her family.Howtruly she wanted them, as well as herself,to honestly follow the Lord. She

was granted the great joy of seeingher two oldest childrenconverted. The otherthree were too young them to underst£1nd. But she would have been made happy since,for every time her children prayed. lfaybe the Im.gels told her. Her worth cannotbe measured, but it was her obedience to Christ that made her what she was. When inprayer in church or elsewhere, I can hear as it it were yesterday, her earnest san-ction in a loudly whispered, slowly spoken, ItYeslt many times during the prayer,and her soul was in it.

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Much of her Spiritual strength was gained by secret prayer. That she had sacredperiods of secret prayer can be gathered from a little happening about which shetold me. It also gives a picture of her beautfful understanding way, of dealingwith her children. That she wore a pure white prayer covering on her head is prob-ably remembered by all, but the consistent way in which her sincere and faithfulChristian life adorned it, cannot really be put into words. Neither can the inflect-ions in her voice (at places almost a whisper) when she told me this simple but re-vealing little story. Frances was about four, I believe. "One day Frances asked mefor one of my coverings to put on." She told me in a manner that expressed at thesame time both pleasure and an eagerness to give the right encouragement. "Whydoyou want a covering2" I can almost now hear her. Then with a feeling, she repeatedher child's words, "I want to praytl. "And I gave it to her", she said. Then Paul,whoIs eyes just twinkled with earnestness, said that he wanted a covering. With thatlittle laugh that was all her own, which did not destroy the tenderness of her nar-ra ti ve , she asked him ''Whydo you want one?" and she retold to me he said, "I wantto pray".

As I left the dear old home with its winding stair up which I had so often climbed,the spring and beautiful lawn and tall maple trees up through whose leaves I hadlooked while lying on the hammock, holding one of the babies or perhaps while sheand I had discussed the Sunday School lesson together (one I remember more clearly,"NowI see through a glass darkly but then face to face".) and the spacious lovelyfront porch, the fascinating old-fashioned cistern pump and all the other thingsthat had become dear to me, and especially the family had become so dear to me; Idid not know that only at my wedding would I see her again. r.Wintended husbandbrought my parents along when it was necessary for me to go home and dear Aunt Hattiemade good ice cream for all of us, and we had a happy evening before my departure.As a parting gift she brought out a beautiful little embroidered linen towel to addto my hope chest.

At my wedding, she and uncle Emerson Were interested and happy witnesses and Francesand Paul helped serve refreshments to the guests. They had brought with them agallon of cream for the hot chocolate, for which they would not accept pay, andtheir gift to us was a Pyrex pie dish in a metal frame, which I still cherish.I remember our affectionate farewell as they started for 1:1o=ein the morning.

God does all things well. She had lived a life of use:ulness and had done well.She lives on and on in the hearts of those who knew her best.

The brook sang, the cattle lo-ed, the doves cooed; the big old-fashioned home stoodboth beautiful and charming, feathered out on the inside by an artist housekeeper.

,. The little birds were in the nest and the father close by. But the mother who hadso tenderly cared for her young and had had every ooncern for them, was no longerthere. She had heard the call of the Heavenly Father who had said, 1fLeave the oareof your mate and the little ones in my hands, and come to Me. Your work is finish-ed; you have done well. Iwill care for them, and if they will heed my call, willtenderly bring them to l-lyself at last. It She answered with a brave, "I will", andher work, her aspirations, her prayers, are gently laid in the hands of her darlingfamily to finish.

"Farewell It she would say, ''Meet rle there."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The following verses written in loving remembrance of HarrietWhisler Kohler appeared in the columns of the EvangelicalViE:itor, February 15, 1926:

IN l1EMOBIAM

Goodbye, dear one, your eyes are closed in peacefulre st,

Your loving hand s are quiet on your breast;But those you've left behind shall always miss you so,Though comforted to know you were prepared to go.

The sun less brightly seems to shine since you aregone,

And e'en the birds about your door seem all forlorn;Your little ones shall call your name and we shall weep;But God above bas given His O\m beloved sleep.

Farewell, dear one, we'll sorely miss you when we meet,Your welcoming sweet smile, your eager kiss to greet,Your kindly outstretched hand, your loving words of cheer,Oh memories of you shall bring a smile, a. tear.

Your ship has sailed its ocean, stood the test,And at the sunset safely reached the vale of rest,lUld as the twilights fall and shadows creep,Howbeautiful the thought: He's givenHis beloved sleep.

Composed by her niece,Mt-s. Ruth Ja.cobsDaytcn, Ohio

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-24-Dl.TACOl~ILEDCONCERNINGF.:J.fiLY HISTORYOF BRUBI.KER- HHISLER

as of December 1955, by George Edward \-1hialer

Samuel Whisler, son of David and Martha Gilbert Whisler, was born near Canton, OhioJJune 17, 1844. He had a twin sister Katherine. He died in the home of his daughterSusie, at Dayton, Ohio, January 28, 1926.....

Was married to Susan Brubaker, daughter of Peter and Katherine lubert Brubaker,January 7 J 1869. Susan was born February 27, 1846. She died at the home in whichshe was born, August 31, 1908... Tbe only home in which she had ever lived.

Father's mother died when he was two years old. Thus early in life, sorrow andprivation became his lot. His older brother Daniel was killed at the battle ofimteitarJ. in the civil war. 1. short time later, Samuel, then a boy of nineteen,enlisted as a private in Co. K, l78th Ohio Infantry, and served with his companyto the end of the war.

Samuel anct Susan established their home a.t the Brubaker homestead which was maintain-ed until the time of his death. In 1874, before the Chestnut Grove church was built,Samuel and his wife Susan were received into the Brethren in Christ Church, in ameeting held at the Burns School house, and were subsequently baptized in the Black-fork near the ~!ins.ter bridge. A few years la.ter the church group chose him to serveas associate minister with Benjamin F. Hoover, filling vacancies left by Samuelrsfatherts death in 1877, and the death of his contemporary minister, John Brubaker,in 1878.

luthouth in the matter of formal education he was not highly privileged, for 40years Samuel Whisler served his church as a minister, labored humbly and faithfullyin his Masterfs vineyard to the end. He loved his brethren, and in his church re-lationships, he realized his highest ideals.

Samuel and Susan Brubaker Whisler were the parents of seven sons and three daughters.l..t the date of his passing, there were twenty-one grandchildren and eight great-grand children. J:..tribute to his memory at the memorial services conducted at theChestnut Grove church, by his life-long friend, Bishop B. F. Hoover, and BishopsO.B.Ulery and H. L. Dohner, WgSrea0.. -

"Samuel l.Jhisler - faithful aId devoted soldier of the cross,today it is daid of thee that he was but now he is not.Beloved father, honored and trusted neighbor and friendwe have bid thee farewell, an(~ gratefully accept from tl\Yfruitful life the rich heritage of gocx:lthat perisheth not".

Note: John Brubaker, Jr., was a contemporary minister with our grandfather David\\Thisler, Sr.; He 'Wasour mother!s uncle by marriage, born Dec. 8, 1792 - diedJune 9, 1878. }VT.arriedfirst, Grandfattt:r Peter Brubakerst sister, Elizabeth.1-1arried a second time, lmna Barr, 'Whomwe knew as f.unt Peggie - John Brubaker'schildren by his first marriage 'Were- Nancy Kohler, Nary Eby Landis, FannieHout, and Elizabeth Hoover.

Peter Brubaker, brother of John, first deacon of the Ashland Co. Brethren in ChristChurch, also uncle of our mother by marriage, born Feb. 23, 1795, died 1879, aged84 years. l1arried grandfather ?Brubaker%s sister Mary (or Hagc1a1ena) 'Whodied 1869aged 71 years. The children of Peter and Mary Brubaker, double cousins of the JohnBrubaker children were: Susan Roland, Molly Roland, John W. Brubaker, ElizabethSteigertrla!Ct, Naria Gangwer, Fannie Barr, Benjamin F. Brubaker, Nanc;9'Ste.uffer,Lydia and Christian Brubaker.

I. THEF~1MILYOF OIWiLESmD KATHERINEVJ~ TILBUEG -25-

Charles Glessner Van Tilburg Katherine Whisler,was born Sept. 23, 1865 married December, 1888

died April 30, 19.32 Born, November 12, 1869

For two years after their marriage, Oharley continued farming for bis father, attbe same time studying for tbe medical profession under the guidance of bis personalfriend, Dr. Rasberry of OlivesbUrg. When relieved of the farm, he took the threeyer course, then required at the Homepatby School of Medicine, Cleveland. Attergraduation he took bis internship with Dr. Roseberry in Olivesburg. He then answer-ed the call for the service of a young Doctor at Haysville, to which he respomedand where he served untiringly through the remaining years.

Charles and Katherine were the parents of a son and three daughters -Vernon &nerson -Born on Tbanksgi ving Day, Nove1l1ber27, 1890 0

Died in Haysville, Ohio, November 29, 1895.Ruth IlDn-Born on the \oJhis1er homestead, l1Ugust 16, 1893.Harion ilr1ene -Bern on New Year's Day, Jane 1, 1899.Hary Katherine -Bom June 10, 1903; Died August 21, 1936.

Following the lure of their FatherVs footprints, the three VanTilburg daughterschose humanitarian vocations. Ruth and Y\Btherine chose the nursing profession.Harion Arlene has a splendid record of service at "Barney Convalescent Hospital"for physically hamicapped children, Dayton, Ohio.

Marion and her mother have their home with Ruth, 1308 Grand ilvenue, Dayton, Ohio.It is nothing to be wondered at to hear Ruth say, liJ10ther has always maintained acheerful spirit and is a wonderful person to have around. The grandchildren, thegreats, and the in-laws adore her. She is fGrandma TilJ.y' to everyone.

* * * * * * * * * *

THE FIMILY OF JtJ.1ES 1m> RUTH J ilCOBS

James Hadison Harrison Jacobsborn Januer,y 28, l8?7died April 10, 1944James was an engineer, for many years \lOrked \.1.th the \-iright Brothers.

There are five sons and one daughter in the Jacobs =aI:1il:~"

1. Robert Barolc1, born Jan. 3, 191.5- Harried Hope Lopez; they are the parentsof a daughter and a son:

Alexis f1nn-Born March15, 1946Robert is an Electrical Engineer.

2. Russel Lowell Jacobs - Born May 3, 1916. Married Juanita Niller.Russel served in the U0S.Navy. He also is an electrical engineer.

3. James Wilber, ..born October 21, 1918.Served in the UoS.NaVYe It is an Electrical EngineereThree sona:-- KennethLey - Born August16, 1941;

James Richard, Born October 7, 1943; Randall Allan -Born April 4, 19474. Orville Wright - bom December 31, 1919. Married Geneerl Rodway.

'I'hey have a dt\ugbter -Kristine Ann, born October 13, 1947.Orville, too, is an electrical engineer.

5. John Charles, born October 2l, 1924. Wife's maiden name was Mary Ann 14attis.Mary lum and Charles have two daughters, Karen l£Dnc, born Dec. 7, 1950;

Karilon Lee, born March 2, 1954.John Charles was a Paratrooper in U.S..i1rmy. Since the war, he has become anelectrical engineero

married Ruth Ann Van TilburgBorn oilugust 16, 1893

Jay linthony - Born April 18, 1950.

J

(cant 'd)

-26-6. Ruth 4'UmJacobs, born January 20, 1921. She is the wit'e of Joseph Paul Zabor-

owski, a baker by trade. He served in the U. S. Navy. They are the parentsot' three daughters and one son:

Kathryn Louise, Born }.~rch 4, 1940Carol Sue, Born July 29, 1944

Joyce ium, Born June 26, 1942Joseph Paul, Born October 12, 1947.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

II. THEF/Ha,Y OF DAVIDBRUBl~KER.taIDELSIE BOYERWHISIER

David B. Whisler married Elsie Boyer, December 1896Born I January 14, 1873 born: December 27, 1877Died: November 28, 1930

For several years prior to ''D.B. IS" marriage, he taught in the public schools. Inhis late teen years, he took Teacheris Training at t1shland College and later taughtin the Pifer and Anderson School distriots.

"\-

During his business career at Dayton, he was rather outstanding as a Patent Attorney,and engaged in a number of sizeable manufacturing adventures. His contribution tothem hating undoubtedly reflected in their ultimate growth and success -Ohmer'sFare Register Co., for example. (Foregoing is a paraphrase of a statement by hisnephew Howard).

David B. and Elsie Whisler are the parents of two daughters:

Marjora J., Born July 7, 1899 Harriet W., born February 2, 1902

Majora J. married Spencer Shank. They have a long term of service with the Univer-sity of Cinoinnati. Spencer at present is in oharge of' the Soldier Personnel, hav-ing duties which necessitated his being in London aiur1ng the time of' its being bom-barded and shelled by the GermanS.during World War II. By narrow escape, he camethrough, for which ve are deeply thanktul.II quotation from a letter written by Spencer while on vacation in the hills of' Ken-tucky, will serve to put all the cousins at ease as to Majora's well-being: rYajorais all Whisler, very little BoyerP I can give no better d6scription nor name abetter lady. We plow, sow, cultivate and reap -not the fields raw in Nature butthe constructed fields of these modem cliff-dwellers. I wonder how wise todaylsman is to have removed himself so far from fresh-turned saC: and furrow?Majoralls position with the Unj.versity of Cincinnati ~s ~hat of Secretary of' theSchool of Music.

Harriet W. Whisler married TomBradrick, Sept. 4, 1926. Tomis engaged in teachingand personnel work at Frigidaire. They have a son TommyJr., employed at WrightField. Tomm;yis a University of Cincinnati graduate. He married Mary Hildreth,August 24, 1952. Their first child, David, is past two years of' age. He has a babysister Jane i~. The TomBradrick home is at 2ll West Parkwood Dr., Dayton, Ohio.

During the years of Aunt Elsie' s widowhood, she had her home with the Bradrick family.liD.affliction causing the loss of speech and other physical handicaps has laid onher a heavy cross to bear. In her case , it seems to have resulted in bringing outthe glow of' her Christian oharacter. This is refleoted in a few sentences in arecent letter from Tracy: "Aunt Elsie remains as usual. Seems to be in excellenthealth except lacking the faculty of speech. Is always cheerfUl and always gladto see USe She seems to leave everyone happy that calls on her, and does not lookfor, or apparently care for, any ~athytf.)

-Zl-THE FAMILY OF ALBERT AND EDITH OHL~lHISIER

Samuel Albert, third son of Samuel and married Edith Fay Ohl, youngest daughterSusan Brubaker Whisler, was born Nov. of George and Susan Conn Ohl in29, 1874. He was a life resident of 1897. Fdith Fay was born Aprill!.Shland County_ Passed away at the 17, 1879 and passed awayfamily homestead, Nov. 27, 1950. May 11, 1933.

.lUbert and Edith are the parents of two sons and two daughters.

Howard Obl, born March 12, 1898 Susie }.8y, born May 26, 1901Marshall Kenneth, born Sept.. 13, 1912 Evelyn Janet, born June 3rd, 1917

l.a) Howard married Hazel Opel Dugen, daughter of Mrs. N. Dugen of W1nf1ild, Kansas.Howard and Opel are the parents of a son and daughter? David Brubaker Whisler,born Feb. 5, 1928, passed away at Fort Worth Texas, f~ug.. 28, 1948.. l~t the timeof his death Dav1.dwas an electrical engineering student and an ROTCcadet atTeEas A & MCollege. A very lovely tribute to his memory was expressed by hisparents fonowing their unexpected experience. l'Weare happy to have given ~ckto the l.J.mighty one who was loveable, clean in body and mind, and as ourfrieJXl s would say, iA fine boy am young Gentlemen!. nHoward has an outstanding record of service rendered in World Wars I and II.During War I he was a member of Co. E. 146th Inf.. 37th Division (Ohio NationalGuard) and was discharged as a Corporal. He received a Purple Heart decorationfor a gas wound. In World War n Howard was in the U.S.II..Force as a commission-ed officer and is now a l.fajor in the UoS.Air Forces Rese:-ves.

b) Norma.Nanette, daughter of Howard and Hazel Dugan Whisler was born June 12, 1929.Married Leslie Hartwell Spelling nI. They have a son, Leslie Hartwell IV, bornOct. n, 1953. And a second son, David Whisler Spelling, arrived in Tokyo, JapanJan. ?8, 1956. The Spelling family are in Japan with the U.S.A1r Forces.

For a number of years Howard has been with the R.C.1Ulen Business Machines, !nc.until recently was their dealer in Fort Worth, Tems. At present he is with theFactory organization in Grand Rapids, serving as manager of their Cash Register Div.Howard and Peggie have set up their new home in the city of Holland on Lake lti.ch.The city of 30,000 is almost 100% Hollanders. Should any of the relatives wantwooden shoes, they will be ver-J pleased to f'ill our orders, so Howard has told us.

II. Susie May, daughter of lubert and Fdith Ohl ~lbis1er, married John Henry Kah1;J .H. was born Sept. 11, 1898. . For a number of years, Susie and John were custodiansof the Ashland Co.. tHane for the Aged". At the present time they ow and operatethe Motel, know as Kaht's Tourist Court, on Mounted Rd. S.If., of Ashland, Ohio.

a) Susie and John have two sons, Richard Blair, born Oct. 30, 1925. Richard marriedPhyllis Long in March, 19460 Richard did service in World War II. He was in the ..Navy, a crewman aboard an LST during several Pacific Island Invasions. Blair and

JPhyllis live on a farm near Sshland. They have two children, DouJJ].asBlair, bornMay 17, 1947 and Daw, born December 15, 1952.b) Victor Eugene, second son of Susue and John Kahl, was born September 23, 1928.Victor married MarciUa Fay Fugent, in 1948. During World War II, he served in theU. S. Marines.. Atter a year of combat service in Korea, he was assigned to theChaplainvs Cc:,:'ps, and was tho Batallion Cbaplain!ts Assistant. They ]J)ve on a farmnear Hayesville, Ohio.

III. lvfarshall Kenneth, son of Albert and Edith Whisler, married Marguerite Eliza-beth Dorren, 1939. They have a daughter, Kay Elizabeth, born Nov.. 9, 1941. Theirhome is in Nadia, Ohio. l-farsball is employed by the ~1edina Farm Bureau (?) .

-2:1-

THE FAMILY OF ALBERT AND EDITH OHL ~lHISIER

Samuel Albert, third son of Samuel and married Edith Fay Ohl, youngest daughterSusan Brubaker Whisler, was born Nov. of George and Susan Conn Ohl in29, 1874. He was a life resident of 1897. Edith Fay was born AprilAshland County. Passed away at the 17, 1879 and passed awayfamily homestead, Nov. 27, 1950. May 11, 1933.

Albert aDd Edith are the parents of two sons and two daughters.

Howard Obl, born March 12, 1898 Susie )hy, born ~ 26, 1901Marshall Kenneth, born Sept" 13, 1912 Evelyn Janet, born June 3rd, 1917

l.a) Howard married Hazel Opel Dugen, daughter of Mrs. N. Dugen of Winf'JAld, Kansas.Howard and Opel are the parents of a son and daughter; David Brubaker Whisler,born Feb. 5, 1928, passed away at Fort Worth Texas, f1Ug"28, 1948.. l~t the timeof his death David was an electrical engineering student and an ROTCcadet atTe£as A & MCollege. li. very lovely tribute to his memory was expressed by hisparents fonowing their unexpected experience. "Weare happy to have gi ven ~ckto the IJ.mighty one who was loveable, clean in body and mind, and as ourfrieJX1s woWd say, i1~fine boy and young Gentlemen!."Howard has an outstanding record of service rendered in WOrld Wars I and II.During War I he was a member of Co. E. 146th Info 37th Division (Ohio NationalGuard) and was discharged as a Corporal. He received a Purple Heart decorationfor a gas wound. In World War n Howard ws in the U.S.II..Force as a commission-ed officer and is now a l.fajor in the UoS.Air Forces Rese:oves.

b) Norma Nanette, daughter of Howard and Hazel Dugan Whisler ws born June 12, 1929.Married Leslie Hartwell Spelling nI. Tbey have a son, Leslie Hartwell rl, bornOct. 11, 1953. And a second son, David Whisler Spelling, arrived in Tokyo, JapanJan. ?8, 1956. The Spelling family are in Japan with the U.S.Air Forces.

For a number of years Howard has been with the R.C.1J.len Business Machines, Inc.until recently ws their dealer in Fort Worth, Texas. lit present he is with theFactory organization in Grand Rapids, serving as manager of their Cash Register Div.Howard and Peggie have set up their new home in the city of Holland on Lake J.f1ch.The city of 30,000 is almost 100% Hollanders. Should any of the relatives wantwooden shoes, they will be veri pleased to till our order-s, so Howard has told us.

II. Susie May, daughter of Albert and Edith Ohl ~1bisler, married John Henry Kah1;J .H. was born Sept. 11, 1898. For a. number of years, Susie and John were custodiansof the Ashland Co. tHomefor the liged". At the present time they ow and operatethe Motel, known as Kaht fs Tourist Court, on Mounted Rd. S. 1t., of Ashland, Ohio.

a) Susie and John have two sons, Richard Blair, born Oct. 30, 1925. Richard marriedPhyllis Long in March, 1946" Richard did service in World War II. He was in theNavy, a crewman aboard an LST during several Pacific Island Invasions. Blair and

JPhyllis live on a farm near Sshland. They have two children, DouJJ].asBlair, bornMay 17, 1947 and Dawn, born December 15, 1952.b) Victor Eugene, second son of Susue and John Kahl, was born September 23, 1928.Victor married Marcilla Fay Fugent, in 1948. During World War II, he served in theU. S. Marines.. Atter a year of combat service in Korea, he was assigned to theChaplainvs Cc,:,:'ps,and was tho Batallion Chap1ain!Js Assistant. They li>ve on a farmnear Hayesville, Ohio.

III. Harshall Kenneth, son of Albert and Edith Whisler, married Marguerite Eliza-beth Dorren, 1939. They have a daughter, Kay Elizabeth, born Nov. 9, 1941. Theirhome is in lIadia, Ohio. Harshall is employed by the 11edina Farm Bureau (?) .

-27-THE FAMILY OF ALBERT AND EDITH OHL ~lHISIER

Samuel Albert, third son of Samuel and married Edith Fay Ohl, youngest daughterSusan Brubaker Whisler, was born Nov. of George and Susan Conn Ohl in29, 1874. He was a lite resident of 1897. Edith Fay was born AprilAshland County. Passed away at the 17, 1879 and passed awayfamily homestead, Nov. 27, 1950. May ll, 1933.

Albert aDd Edith are the parents of two sons aDd two daughters.

Howard Ohl, born March 12, 1898 Susie May, born May 26, 1901Marshall Kenneth, born Sept.. 13, 1912 Evelyn Janet, born June 3rd, 1917

l.a) Howard married Hazel Opel Dugen, daughter of Mrs. N. Dugen of Winf14ld, Kansas.Howard and Opel are the parents of a son and daughter; David Brubaker Whisler,born Feb. 5, 1928, passed away at Fort Worth Texas, [tug. 28, 1948. l~t the timeof his death Davtd was an electrical engineering student and an ROTCcadet atTexas A & MCollege. A very lovely tribute to his memory was expressed by hisparents fonowing their unexpected experience. "Weare happy to have given ~ckto the lilinighty one who was loveable, clean in body and mind, and as ourfrielXl s wou1d say, iL fine boy and young Gentlemen!. nHoward has an outstanding record of service rendered in World Wars I and II.During War I he was a member of Co. E. 146th Into 37th Division (Ohio NationalGuard) and was discharged as a Corporal. He received a Purple Heart decorationfor a gas wound. In Wor1d War II Howard was in the U.S.II..Force as a commission-ed officer and is now a l1ajor in the UoS.Air Forces ResetVes.

b) Norma Nanette, daughter of Howard and Hazel Dugan Whisler was born June 12, 1929.Married Leslie Hartwell Spelling III. Tbey have a son, Leslie Hartwell IV, bornOct. 11, 1953. And a second son, David Whisler Spelling, arrived in Tokyo, JapanJan. ?8, 1956. The Spelling family are in Japan with the U.S.Air Forces.

For a number of years Howard has been with the R.C.1J.len Business Machines, Inc.until recently was their dealer in Fort Worth, Texas. At present he is with theFactory organization in Grand Rapids, serving as manager of their Cash Register Div.Howard and Peggie have set up their new home in the city of Holland on Lake 1.f1ch.The city of 30,000 is almost 100% Hollanders. Should any of the relatives wantwooden shoes, they will be veri pleased to till our order's, so Howard has told us.

II. Susie May, daughter of Albert and Edith Ob! ~1hisler, married John Henry Kahl;J .H. was born Sept. 11, 1898. For a number of years, Susie and John were custodiansof the Ashland Co. 'Home for the ligedn. At the present time they ow and operatethe Motel, know as Kaht's Tourist Court, on Mounted Rd. s. "., of Ashland, Ohio.

a) Susie and John have two sons, Richard Blair, born Oct. 30, 1925. Richard marriedPhyllis Long in March, 19460 Richard did service in World War II. He was in theNavy, a crewman aboard an LST during several Pacific Island Invasions. Blair and

JPhyllis live on a farm near Sshland. They have two children, DouJJ].asBlair, bornMay 17, 1947 and Daw, born December 15, 1952.b) Victor Eugene, second son of Susue and John Kahl, was born September 23, 1928.Victor married Marcilla Fay Fugent. in 1948. During World War II, he served in theU. S. Marines.,. Atter a year of combat service in Korea, he was assigned to theChaplainvs Cc,;.:'ps,and was tho Batillion Chaplain's Assistant. They libve on a farmnear Hayesville, Ohio.

III. lvfarshall Kenneth, son of Albert and Edith Whisler, married Marguerite Eliza-beth Dorren, 1939. They have a daughter, Kay Elizabeth, born Nov. 9, 1941. Theirhome is in Uadia, Ohio. Harshall 1s employed by the }1edina Farm Bureau (?) .

Eveqn, youngest daughter of iJ.bert and Fdith t-1b1sler, is the wife of James JuliusRafeld. James is the son of the Rev. and Urs. U. W. Rafeld of the Evang. E.U.B.Church. Evelyn and James are the present owners and operators of the Brubaker-Whisler family homestead, around which the sentiments of this family histor.v rotates.There are seven children in the Rateld tamily.

Frederick James, born Feb. 1, 1940 Patricia Blaine, born llUg. 31, 1941Marvin Kenneth, born Oct. 15, 1944 Karren Lou andBlake Eugene, born Jan. 21, 1951 Sharron Slle born Har. I., 1948DarJ"11 Linn, born JUDY1, 1951..

(Juas, Alasn Times are no more as they used to be! When we were school children,we had to walk to and from our district country school, through all kinds 01' weather.Perchance, we went to High School or College, we either paid our board in a dormitoryor kept bachelor's hall with fellow-students. Because unimproved roads made the idea01' a da11y 12 mile trip entirely out of the question. Today, the school bus stopsat the pupil!s home, carries them comtortably to a city or consolidated school, andreturns them to their homes :lJnmec1latelywhen school is out. But we are reallyhappy to have it so, so long as we know the young people are making a splemid con-tribution to the work of their church and C01J]IJIJ]trlty, as in this case we know theyare doing in the Paradise Hill community. GEW)

* * * * * * * * * *

THE WfT.T."(/\}.{AND SUShN BOIER FJu'iILY

William H. Boyer, born December 24, 1871Married, Decsnber 24, 1896 ... 0.. toEmployed at Barney and Smith Car Works,Dayton, 1899 -1907. Lived on the tarmnear Englewood, 1908-1912. Hoved to Day-ton, March 28, 1912, to start Dayton Brethren In Christ J.jission. Retired tromSuperintendency of !>fission in June, 191.6. Number of funerals conducted to date:1295.Children: A daughter and two sons, Clarence, Rozella and Samuel.1. Clarence William Boyer, bom Easter Sunday, April 2, 1899 at 29 Idverdale St.,Dayton. Harried April 2, 1921., to Ethel French. She was also born on Easter Sun.,April 2, 1899, a.t Lakeview Ohio.Business: operated under names of C.W.Boyer Co. and the 1.-1 Typewriter Co.Religious and general merchandise is handled, both local and mail order. HomeandBusiness address, 2223 N. Main St., Dayton, Ohio. Children: three, William, Ernestand Paul.

a) William Elias Boyer, bom June 10, 1925, at Nappanee Indiana. Narrled June 5,1948to Esther Tyson, born May 1, 1927 at Creamery, Penna. Homeaddress, 791. E. NinthSt. Upland, Calif. Employment, Teacher at Upland College, Upland Cal. Children,two, Caila Kay, born Jan. 29, 1952, Highland, Ill.

Jeffrey Lynn, born Nov. 12, 1951., at Upland, Calif.b) Ernest Ieroy Boyer, born Sept. 13, 1928, at Dayton, Ohio. Harried Sept. 13,1950

to Kathryn Tyson, born Oct. 16, 1928 at Creamery, Penna. Homeaddress: 1J)4 NinthAve., Upland, Calif. &nployment, Teacher at Upland College, (On leave at pres-ent studying at University of Southem California). Three children, ErnestLeroy Boyer, Jr., born June 21, 1951, Orlando, Fla.; Beverly Kay Boyer, bornOct. 19, 1952; Upland, Calif.; Craig Ju.an Boyer, born June 8, 1955, Upland Cal.

c) Paul Samuel Boyer, born .August 2, 1935, Dayton, Ohio. Present employment, Officeof Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Work Oamps, Paris, France.(This office is related to UNEOOOunder the United Nations. Its purpose is tohelp promote, organize, and con-elate relief, rehabilitation and welfare effortsby means of voluntary "work camps" in various countries where such help is needed.

(conttd)

Susanna Whisler, born Oct. 8, 1~7died in Good Samaritan Hospital,Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1955.

-29-c) Paul Samuel Boyer, (continued)

and to cooperate with the various agencies which are directly sponsoring suohwork. In this employment Paul is \10rk1ng under an I-W Selective Servioe C1assi-fioation given to COboys in lieu of military service.)

II. AlmaRozeUa Boyer - Born Nov. 25, 1901, at Little York, near Englewood,Ohio.Married January 1, 1925, to Ohmer U. P.err, born Feb. 4, 1896, near Englewood, Ohio.Homeaddress, R.R 1, Clayton, Ohio. Employlt~nt: Rozella, housewife; Ohmer, pastorof Fairview Brethren in Christ Church, and proprietor of Fairview Nursery Gardens.Children, tour, Samuel Lee, Graoe Susanna, Ruth Priscilla., Paul Boyer Herr.

a) Samuel Lee Herr -Born Sept. 21, 1927, near Englewood, Ohio. l.farried Aug. 12, 1949to Evelyn Raser, who was born Apr. 26, 1925, at Dallas Center, leva. Homeaddress,793 Ashland ilvenue, Buffalo, NewYork. Present activity includes in preparation atUniversity of Buffalo, to resume teaching. Children, Jay Nelson, born Apr. 19, 1953at Buftalo, and David Norman, born Nov. 17, 1954, also at Buffalo.b) Graoe Susanna Herr -born Oct. 7, 1932, near Englewood, Ohio. Married Feb. 26,1955to .Frl!ld.1Ioiilond, Who1tU£BlbQrnMarch 10, 1927 near Reading, Penna. HODeaddress,Bu1awyo Outstations P ..B., 101 M, Bulawayo, S. Rhodesia, South Mrioa. They areMissionaries there. Gb11dren, Philip Charles, born in Afrioa, Dec. 24, 1955.

0) Ruth Priscilla Herr -born Sept. 19, 1934, near Englewood, Ohio. Is a student atGreenville College, Greenvil1e, Illinois.

d) Paul Boyer Herr, Born April 10, 1939, near Englewood, Ohio. Senior at RandolphHigh School.

III. SliMUELELIAS BOIER - Son of W.H. and Susie Boyer, born April 13, 1904, anddied October 21, 1906.

MEM>RIAL

The loss and aorrow occasioned by the very reoent passing of loved ones, fromtwo f'amily oirc1es, is shared deeply by the entire relationship. It has been trulysaid, "THEBESTM1!IMORIld,WE LEINEWHEN WETAKEOURDEPlJiTUREOUTOF THIS WORLD,ISTHECHERISHEDl1EMORYOFLOVEDONESOF THELIFE WERlWELIVED". Words seem inade-quate to express what we f'eel in this connection"

J.~sa permanent memorial to the exempliary Christir..Il l:.;'~ of Susie Whisler Boyer,the spiritual radiance and \Tar..1th\vh1.chwas felt in all :-.e~relationships, we makea record of the poem \4"i tten by Rozella cn the morning of the services held inloving remembranoe of' her mother.

It's evening and time to come homeYou have labored and done your best

The sun has been fierce in the whiteharvest field

Come home rrq daughter, and rest.

The sheaves are perishing f'astYour heart was wrought with pain

You felt my boundless conoernTo bring in the perishing grain.

~~ passionate love you boreThe lambs you helped me to find

The sheep are lost on hill and plainYou sought them, they are mine.

I want you in heaven with me,Your work some other should take;

viith meaning should answer, "Here,Lord, send meIt

I'll do it for Jesus' sake.

The heart ties I sever will bleedThe loss will be great and deep

But I will heal and comfort and blessIf they will my oomfort seek.

Inn f'ill with rest and oontentThe empty lonely ache

Of' husband, ohild and friendThe heart I have oaused to break.

So trust me you ones who remainIfy plan is perfeot and right

I never make a mistake,It always leads to the light.

J

THE FANILY OF GEORGElJID EPHEORI HORSTWHIsrER

Forsaking the routine followed in making the other charts of the Whisler family,we will aim at placing ourselves into the picture by quoting clippings which we findin our files, from our Abllene Daily, "The Refiector-Chron1cle".

"Dorcas lm.y Whisler was born in Buffalo, N.Y., llprll 18, 1908. Her childhood, ex-cepting three years while the family sojourned in Saskatchwan Canada, was spenthappily in the environment of the Buffalo Brethren in Christ Mission Church. Dorcascame to Abilene with her parents in 1920. She was a graduate of the AHS, with theclass of 1926, and was graduated from the College of Emporia with an A.B. Degreein 1932. She spend a few years teaching school -one year in the Missionary TrainingSchool at 'labor, Iowa.

In 1934, Dorcas accompanied her parents to Southern California, where for nearlyseven years she was a co-wo:.-kerwith tham in the Lincoln Acres CommunityChurch.She returned to Ilbilene in failing health in 1941.. The final call came Thursday,Nay4, 1944."

-3Q-

GOLDENWEDDING.lNNIVERSARY

"The fiftieth wedding anniversal'1 of Rev. and }.~s. G.. Eo Whisler was observed NewYear's Day, with open house at their home on North Cedar.

The gold designed guest book, the gift of the Ilbilene Uinisterial Association, wasin charge of Miss Elsie BrooR:s, and Miss Rachel Fisher. More than 180 guests, in-cluding sixteen ministers of eight denominations, were present. Dr. Fuller Berg-stresser of the Trinity Lutheran Church conducted a devotional period in the afternoon.The Rev. Paul L. Snyder, pastor of the Brethren in Christ Church, offered prayerduring the evening visiting hours.

The serving table was covered with a lace cloth and was centered with an arrange-ment of yellow roses and acasia in e gold bowl, and lighted tapers. Servirl~ was bythe womenof the Brethren in Christ Church, assisted by neighbors of the auiversarycouple, 1oft-s. Kate Nutt, Mrs. J DV.Hatter , am Mrs. Frank Johnson - ---

Mr. and }fJl's. Whisler were married in a quiet ceremony at high noon ChristmasDay, 1903, at the home of the bride::s parents, Nr. and l>irso Ephraim R. Horst atSmithfille, Ohio.. Mr. Whisler's parents were the Rev. arld HI's. Samuel Whisler ofAshland, OhioD

The Bride's pastor, the ltev. John H. Snith, offered prayer and read the marriageritual then used by the Brethren in Christ church. l/JT. t-lhisler had been ordained tothe ministry prior to their marriage.. His first pastorage following their marriagewas at the Brethren Mission Church in Buffalo, New York.. Their association thereincluded three years of pioneering in Saskatche"1a!1.

}fJT.and Mrs. ~lh1sler came to Abilene in 1920. On Sw:Iday, Dec. 30, 1951, thelocal congregation conducted it Us morning service as the Jubilee llnniversary of thepastor's ministry, giving reoognition of the 25 years of service to the church and

Jto the community. During that time, a seven-year furlough ws spent in San Diego,California. Since retirement on Sept. 1, 1952, the Whis1ers have continued to maketheir home in Jlbilene n.

With appreciation to the Editor of hlumni News items in the December, 1955,Bulletin of Ashland College, as a side-light to other matters said about myself, Iquote: "George E. Rhisler, 1899 -1901) of 1010 N. Cedar, j\bUene Kansas, on Dec.30, 1951, observed the GoMen Jubilee Anniversary of his ministry. He served asPastor 25 years in the church of President Eisenhowerlts childhood. He has beenraised to the rank of Pastor Emeritus, quote: ''If it is true as I have heard itsaid that 'life begins at SO' I might choose to come back to Ashland College andfinish my formal education. I occasionally have very happy dreams about doing this"......

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HARRIETISABELIE, daughter ofSamuel and Susan Whisler,October 25, 1906. Harriet wasborn August 29, 1882, and diedOctober 3, 1925.

THE FAMILY OF EMEROONAND HARRIET KOHLER

ENERSONDANIEL, son of John and lfaryHursh Kohler, was born April 29, 1880.He was a life resident of RicbJ.p.ndCo.,died at the family homestead where hehad lived all his life, Nov. 26, 1955

Emerson and Harriet were the parents of two daughters and three sons:

Frances M., born Uay 24, 1908 Paul Whisler, born July 13, 1909(Victoria Day)

Mary Katherine, born };Jay17, 1915 John Samuel, born Jan. 8, 1918Harold Emerson, born January 8, 1920.

a) Frances married Dale lie Dohner, son of the Rev. and Hrso 1-1..L. Domer, 1929.their faIllily consists of three daughters and one son.

Harriet Isabelle, born Nov. 4, 1936, a sophomore in Hessiah Conege.Sandra Kay, born May 5, 1938. Dale 1.f. Jr., born April 16, 1940Miriam Lois, born Sept" 26, 1943

Frances and Dale ow and operate the historical Peter Brubaker farm. It seemscoincidental that this family representing the sixth and the seventh generationdescendents of the ancestors who bought the five farms from the U. S. Governmentshould be the owners after so long a time. The spacious typical PennsylvaniaDutch brick house, built by Uncle Peter Brubaker, Godts Acre, (the cemetary) onthe N.W. Corner which was a donation by Uncle Peter~ are among the old landmarks.Dale is in Uncle Peter's succession, too, in that he is a Deacon in the ChestnutGrove churoh.

b) Paul W. Kobler, married Geraldine Raney, August 29, 1937.Paul and Jerry have one daughter and two sons,

Meli1'Jda, born Maroh 15, 194Q a junior in high school;Bruce Raney, born April 15~ 1943, in seventh grade of school;Ted Baney, born May 16, 1950, in kindergarten.

Paul taught school for four years, and worked for the l'lestinghouse Corp. for10 years. He is now vice ~resident of an advertising ~g9ncy. The familyhome is at 666 King Avenue, in Yarion, Ohio.

c) Mary Katherine Kobler, married John \1. ~1inger, in 1939. Mary and John havesix children, three sons and three daughters.

Louise Ann, born Dec. 9, 1940; Roger Kobler, born Sept. 'Z1, 1942;John William, Jr., born Har. 18, 1945 David Charles, born August 10, 1948Mary Katherine and 1-1artha Jane -Born Sept. 4, 1952- (at 1:50 A.M. and 1:58 A.H.)

'!be Wingers are the present owners of the historic Elder John Brubaker homestead.It has come dow to them through the direct ancestral succession. The spacious col-onial brick house built by the great-great grandfather, a corresponding bank barn,the rippling clear water creek and water falls, (a miniature Niagara where the BoyScouts have their pemanent camp). .and the artesian spring from whose sparklingwaters seven generations have in the heat of summer days, quenched their thirst amongthe landmarks of cherished memory. The water-powered grist mill which stood directlynorth of the house, within easy hearing of the kitchen door, has long since ceasedits custom grinding. The deep scars left on Mother Earth's face by the mill race,through which the water flowed, keeping the wheels revolving is an that remains asa memorial to this type of milling industry. l1I1dthe sound of the gurgling watershas given place to the humming of the elect1'1c motor.

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d) John Samuel Kohler, married 1101mal'~a:yRohrer, (1941); they are the parents offour daughters:

Shirley lmn, born 1~arch 30, 1943 Janette Fay, born July 24, 1946;Barbara Elsie, born Aug. U, 1948 Rebecca Elaine, born i~ug. 3, 1951.

John in 1950 bought the farm which originally was the Elder Christian Hohland farm,with a history very similar to that of those owned by other Brubaker descendents.Christian Roland vas uncle Peter Brubaker's son-in-law, and this farm was alsopurchased from the government, at a later date than the original ones referred too,but while buying was still good. It too, had a rather commodious log house, originallywhich in late years gave place to a new nine room house with modern conveniences.The farm bas never been owed by anyone who was not a Brubaker descendent.

Besides the mnagement of the farm (Raising beef cattle, etc.) John is employedat Westinghouse Electric Corp., r'fansfield, Ohio. Furthermore he travels with hismusical family over week ends. The "Singing Kohler Sisters", as they are known havebeen singing 3 part harmony since Barbara was 3 years old. Beeky joined the 3 girlsat the age of 3 and since then they sing 4 part harmony making a quartette.

These girls have been invited to sing regularly over the local radio station;they have appeared on TV in two states.. They respons to calls from clubs, Youthfor Christ Rallys, revivals, and the family gives leadership to the musical program ofthe local church.

When the Kohler family troup go on singing excursions, the passenger car ishitched to the trailor, well loaded with equipment, electric Hammondorgan, vibraharp,pUblic address system, and the smaller instruments used in giving their programs.

The Baptist Film Companyof Wheaton, illinois bas released a film, based ona true story entitled "Old Jenkins. It It features the four Kohler sisters, prayingand singing for a grouchy old neighbor, resulting in his conversion.

e) Harolr:l Emerson, the youngest son of Emerson and Harriet Kohler married toDaphine iume Christi, 1945. They have three children.

Debora lam, born December 1, 1948Susan Elizabeth, born December 28, 1950Peter Christi, born July 15, 1954.

Harold is engineer salesman for General Electr:.c Gorporation, Toledo, Ohio.The family l)ome is 122' E. Harl'ison St., Maunee, Ohio.

In cherished memory of their parents, the Emerson Kohler family chose as a memo-rial at the time of their Fatherts recent passing the poem "They Softly Walk" byHugh Hobert err.

They are not gone who passBeyond the clasp of handOut from the strong embrace..They are but come so closeWeneed not grope with hands,Nor look to see, nor tryTo catch the sound of feet.They have put off their shoesSoftly to walk bydayWithin our thoughts to treadOur dream-led paths of sleepQ

They are not lost who findThe sunset gate, the goalOf all their faithtul years,Not lost are they who reach,

The summit of their climbThe peak above the cloudsAnd storms. They are not lostWho find the light of sun1U1dstars, and God.

They are not dead who liveIn hearts they leave behind..In those whomthey have blessedThey live a life again.l.nd shall live through the yearsEternal life and growEach day more beautifulAs time declares their good,Forgets the rest, and provesTheir Immortality.

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-33-THE Flaf.1ILY OF TRACYAND ETHEL LINN WHIStER

Tracy Gilbert Whisler first opened his He gave his pledge of fidelity to:eyes to the light of day, Sept. 15, 1884 Ethel Linn, a college classmate, October

30, 1911. Ethel is the daughter of Lorrenand Uary Linn. Her birtblate is July 10,

1887.

~s for Tracy, I would say, he is largely Whisler, not much Brubaker -That JIIB¥ac-oount for more favoritism being show him U1 the matter of forsaking the plov aboutSeptember first, when Founder's Hall bell mcle its appealing ohallenge to thefarmer's sons in the surrounding oommunity.Tracy did preparatory training in Ashland Ool1ege~ graduating with the class of 1906.His graduation from the George Williams Ohioago sohool in 1917, paved the vay forhis employment as a General D~ll Seoretary, at l.drian Hicbigan and Freeport, nl.When the U.S. became actively involved in \.forld t.far I, he obtained leave of absencefrom Yl~A secretarial duties for service in England and France, supervising enter-taiDment, athe1etics and canteen for the benefit of liFEG This was an uncomissionedassignment. The responsibilities corresponding with that of Oommission of Oaptainrank during World War II.Ethel graduated in Musio at Ohio Wesleyan in 1909. Tutoring in classes of instru-mental music and singing with various Dayton religious groups have been among heractivities.

Tracy am Ethel Is son Harold Linn IS birtbdate is l.fay 8, 1920.Harold was a volunteer in the U.S.Air force from 1941-45. He ws stationed atvarious points in the U.S., embarking for overseas from Southern Oalifornia. Hisstations overseas were in Oasablanca, French Morocco, Southern Italy, and then byvarious advances, finally stationed in and about Rome, where he kept vigil untilthe close of the war. At present Harold is in the Procurement Divison, Wright..Field,stationed at Mather Depot, at Shelby, Chio.

Tracyis secular activities are those of a Real Estate Broker.Their home is at 239 Sandalwood Drive, Dayton, Ohio.

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THE Fl1NILY OF OHlJUES AND MABELWHISLER

Oharles Olayton Whislerborn Sept. 5, 1890

married Nabel Hargaret KohlerBorn Oct. 29, 1891

Married in September, 1911, the romance had its beginnings with a casual acquaintancewhen the children were classmates in the Hiller District School. It made greatstrides when Oharley was selected as valedictorian of his class at the graduating

Jexercises, where the Boxwell Oertificates were awarded. Tbe Boxwell certificatewas in those days, the neoessary oredentiaJ.s for entrance into the Ashland Conegeclasses. (As to any tIJ1I1estionas to the possibility of such distinction -may theanswer not be found, at least in part - in the fact that these graduation exerciseswere held in the St. LukeUs Lutheran Church in Hiftlin of which Mabel and all herfamily were members at this time).

The occasions for more frequent associations presented themselves in the OonegeOlass rooms and on the Oampus. Yet these distractions did not prevent Mabel's ob-taining her teaoher's oertificate, enabling her to return to the roadside countryschool as Master of Ceremonies. Fram this position of distinctive service sherespomed to the oall or Lohengrin Is Wedding lmch, which ws aminating from Dayton,Ohio.

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A quotation froma letterof Charlie's serves to ascertain the trend of eventsin subsequent times. "Brother D.B. advised that I should enter the "Hiami-JaoobsBusiness College" in Dayton; in which school my training in typing, shorthand andbusiness English, provided the spring-board from which it later became possibleto acquire, clothe, house and nourish a family cooperative~ with a school matewho through the years has been an indispensible help and l1mitless inSJiiration.

Charley's employment: General Motors Corporation, 17 years.D~on Process Engravers, 21 years.

Family Home.. 206 \olest Hudson Avenue, D~on, OhioChildren: Marguerite Elizabeth, James Stewart Glasgow

Born Hay 24, 1914 married Born Sept. 4, 1914(Victoria Day) Sept. 1939 Restaurant owner.

Marguerite attended College in Rochester, N.Y. The financial depression of 1932-33the cause of the family's return to Dayton, interrupted her studies. She graduatedfrom the University of Cincinnati, in 1937.Family home is at 325 Pinegrove Avenue, Rochester, New York.Children: Susan Elizabeth, Born July 31, 1942.

Mary Angeline, born Sept. 29, 1943Laurie Jean born June 2.3, 1950.

b) Martha Louise married Harry Luther Perkins in 1937.born July 11, 1916 Born Oct. 28, 1917

Salesman of heavy construction equipt.Martha graduated from the DHSduring depression times.Family home is at no Marathon l~venue, Dayton, Ohio.Children: Peggie Louise, Born Dec. 20, 1937

Charlotte Ann, born Apr. 23, 19J.4Berry Frederick, born Hay 7, 1950

III. Charles Clayton II - Ma.'"ried Hazel 11arie Ratting, in 1947Born Sept. 18, 1923 Born liugust 17, 1922

Charles is a graduate of Mechanical Engineer University.He is employed by Frigidaire Div., General Notors Gorp., as a Research Engineer.Family home: 1749 AcadelI\YPlace, Dayton 6, Ohio.Children: Charles Clayton III -born Feb. 29, 1948 (Leap Year's Day)

l11ice Marie, born Oct. '2:1, 1952

IV.. SuSSllne Ko}-.~er married Charles Robert Wertz, in 1952Born June 1, 1929 born Dec. 4, 1929

Director of Sales Education TrainingEgry Register Company.

Favorable to Susanne, the financial depression had subsided before her gradu-ation from High school. She graduated from the Bowling Green University, 1951,as a speech and hearing therapist. For two years after graduation, SUsannewas engaged in speach and hearing therapy in the public schools of Troy, Ohio.Here again, the loudly riDging wedding bells interrur.t~d an interesting andpromising career, to one as equ.ally interesting am promising as the mother oftwo.....

Daniel Whisler - born i\pril 22, 1954Jane l1nn, - born f~y 28, 1955.

Family Homeis at n6 E. Norman Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.

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As the torward in "Part One" ot our t81Dil1'story will show, we are sincere1ygrateful to relatives and triends £rom whom,by oorrespondence we have reoeived helpin the way of memoryrefreshers; also, in this correspondence several oharactersketches have been oontributed, which with other material we use as an appendix tothis manuscript. Each one ot these serve the good purpose ot what vas the originalmotive in writing this "Hamori" - not only to give wider circulation to availablerecords of our ancestry and famil;V history, but also that some knowledge ot thepersonalities of those who are no more with us may not be lost.

It is also true that in some cases, imagination D18.7hav.e oome to the aid ofmemory in whioh cases, stories as told are true, although some of the details arebased on ciroumstancial evidence. -

A CORRECTION AND .APOLOGY

It would be a very great pleasure to me to meet aU the people whose namesappear in the tore going :records. At such meeting, many "thank you's" \lould be inorder, and some apologies with explanations among others... our great-great..-grand-father would be entitled to know how come his name is the missing link in theBrubaker ancestral line, as recorded on page one ot Part I ot our F~ B1stOlT.It was an unintentional oversight for ~hich we beg pardon. Corrected, it shouldread:-

nm. Benjamin Brubaker, Sr., son of Bauns (Henery) and Elizabeth, was born inLancaster Co., Pa., married in April, 1765, died in 1790.

IV. Benjamin Brubaker, Jr., son ot Benjamin Sr., vas born Jan. 13, 1766, inHempf'ie1dTownship, Lancaster, Pa.; married about 1792; came to AshlandCount;vOhio about 1823 to 1824, and purchased five farms trom the UnitadStates Government, three of' which are still the prized ownership of hisdescendents. II

(A sufficient reason for this apology - GEW)

A. a final word to aU of' you to whomthis humble effort ms:ybe of interest -I have thoroughly enjoyed these associations, mostly by correspondence and a fewpersonal oontacts; and I find in my f'iles a verse of' sacred literature, which veryadequately expresses my adieu:

"Though I have much (more) to 101rite to you, I would rather not use(any more) paper and ink, but I hope to come to see you am talkwith you f'ace to face, so that our joy may be complete."

II John 12.

Borrowing Aunt Katherine Van Tilburg'e familiar phrase:

"SOENDSTHISTRUEEPIOODEANDALL IS WELLI"

George S. WhislerAbilene Kansas

April 3, 1956

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