Rev. John Pence Obituary

[Obituary and Biography of Rev. John Pence: Christian World(Dayton, Ohio), Thursday, May 10, 1883]

Rev. John Pence

The pioneer fathers in the ministry of the Reformed Church in the "West," one by one, are passing away, and, already "faint and few," they soon will have gone from among us to their eternal reward. They experienced privations and endured hardships, but labored faithfully and perseveringly in the Master's service, and accomplished a good foundation work. We live upon the results of their labors, travel over the beaten paths of their earlier footsteps, and enjoy the inheritance bequeathed to us bu their self-denying efforts; and our sense of obligation and affection should inspire us to kindly remembrance of their Christian virtues and their work in the Lord.

Rev. John Pence (written originally Bentz), son of Henry Pence, and his wife Catharine, whose maiden name was Manger, was born in Rockingham County, Va., December 13th, 1799. He descended from Christian parents,(1) his father being a member of the Lutheran Church, and his mother of the Reformed Church. He was consecrated to the Lord by baptism in the Peaked Mountain Church, July 2nd, 1800, by Rev. John Brown. About 1810 his parents removed to Warren Co., O., and settled in the vicinity of Springboro, where he spent the next ten years of his life with his parents in farming.

From early life he was tenderhearted and susceptible of serious impressions, being of a sympathetic nature and easily moved to tears, and as early as in his fifteenth year he became religiously inclined, and deeply exercised about his soul's salvation. Feeling that he was a sinner in the sight of God, he sought the Lord with a believing heart, and after much spiritual conflict, he realized the pardoning favor of God, and was enabled to rejoice in the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. And having attended a course of catechetical instruction, with fifteen other young persons, and making public profession of religion through faith in the savior, he with the other catechumens, was received by confirmation into full communion with the Reformed Church, in the old log church of the Salem (now Springboro) congregation in June, 1817, by Rev,. Thomas Winters.

Soon after his conversion he became impressed with the idea of being called to preach the gospel of grace and salvation to his fellow men. These impressions became gradually deepened and strengthened, especially so after he had publicly consecrated himself to the service of God, and regularly united with the church. But, as in the case of many worthy and pious young men, he could see no way open to secure the necessary preparations for the sacred and responsible office of the gospel ministry. He lacked pecuniary means as well as a proper preparatory education; and no kind friend appeared proffer assistance, or speak a word of encouragement. The Lord, however, had a work for him to do, and gradually opened the way, and enabled him in due time to become an ambassador for Christ. During the interval of about three years between his union with the church and his entering upon a course of study, nothing specially transpired, as he continued to labor on the farm until he was over twenty-one years of age.

His early educational advantages were meager and unsatisfactory. The first winter after settling in Ohio, his father taught him the German alphabet, and in about two or three months he had progressed so far in the German language as to be able to master "common easy reading." In the following spring he started to an English school taught in the neighborhood. He whole of his primary or preparative education was received in the common schools, as they then existed in the State of Ohio, under five or six different teachers. This course of education, confined to three or four months in a year, extended in the aggregate to scarcely two years. Meanwhile, as opportunity offered, he read good and useful books, and especially the Bible in which he became well versed.

With this preparatory training, under the divine blessing, he commenced his theological studies(2) on the 21st of May, 1821, with Rev. Thomas Winters, at Germantown, O., and continued them about three years with commendable zeal and success. During this time he also pursued (to a limited extent) some historical and scientific studies. At the end of eighteen months, because of a want of means, he was compelled to teach a common school for three months, near Schleiffer's Church, five miles north of Germantown. In the spring of 1823 his parents removed from Warren County to a farm in the vicinity of Schleiffer's Church. This proved a pecuniary advantage to him, as he could again board at home, and was thus enabled to fully resume his studies, reciting once a week to his preceptor, at Germantown, until in May, 1824.

Having completed his allotted studies, and receiving a call from the Union charge, he traveled in June about 200 miles on horseback to New Philadelphia, O., to attend the annual meeting of the Ohio Classis, which was there on the 14th of June, officially merged into the Ohio Synod of the Reformed Church; and on making application to the Synod he was examined, licensed and ordained(3) on the 15th of June, 1824, in connection with David Winters and Jacob Descombes. These were the first young men who received ordination by authority of the Ohio Synod.

Now, being clothed with the functions of the gospel ministry, and conscious of the responsibility of the sacred office, he entered upon his pioneer work with zeal and devotion, and soon became "abundant in labors." His first field of labor was the Union charge within the present limits of Miami Classis, consisting of three congregations, namely, Frieden's (now Mt. Pisgah at Lawrenceville) in Clark Co., Salem in Champaign County, and Stillwater in Montgomery County. In the winter of 1824-25 he organized a new congregation near Hyattsville, in Miami County, known as Worman's, until in 1845 when it was called Emanuel's. These four congregations properly constituted the Union charge, though occasionally including one or two others for a few years, but his missionary operations extended to other points, which, in course of time, grew into congregations. Between 1830 and 1834 he commenced preaching in Shelby County north of Sidney, and has to travel forty miles every four weeks in going thither. In 1835 he began to serve the New Providence congregation, continuing his pastorate three years, and also had to travel forty miles every four weeks to meet his appointments. He also preached at some other points, and his labors ultimately extended over five counties. Thus, in connection with his regular charge, he operated a large mission field, and out of his charge in the broader sense, and on the territory he originally traveled and seeded, gradually grew the St. Paris, the Port Jefferson and the Salem charges.

His pastorate in the Union charge continued from 1824 to 1847, a period of about twenty-three years, and during the period, being full of vigor and energy, he achieved the best results of his ministry, as his reported statistics show, viz: Baptisms, 1,165; confirmations, 407; communions, 4,357; and funerals, 266.

In 1826, during his pastorate in the Union charge, he was appointed as the first missionary of the Ohio Synod, and during that and the three succeeding years, he made an exploring tour through southern Indiana, visiting different points, preaching the gospel to he destitute, administering the ordinance of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and imparting instruction, consolation and encouragement to the "scattered flock of Israel."

From 1847 to 1850 he was without a charge, but meanwhile acted as a Bible colporter, canvassing four townships in Clark and Miami Counties, O., preaching occasionally, and making several brief missionary tours to Indiana.

From 1850 to 1851 he served or supplied the Second Reformed Church of Tiffin(4) , the congregations at Caroline (Baseline) and McCutchenville, and the Salem congregation, about four miles from Fremont.

From 1851 to 1853 he had no charge, but was part of the time engaged in Bible and missionary work.

In the spring of 1853 he accepted a call to the Basil charge, in Fairfield County, Ohio, but in consequence of impaired health resigned at the end of one year.

From 1854 o 1860 he was without a charge, being for several years more or less ill, but subsequently did some Bible and missionary work.

In 1860 he organized two congregations(5) in Randolph County, Indiana, and served them two years, or until in 1862. This was his last charge, but during the interim of twenty-one years (1862-83), he was not secluded nor inactive, nor did he lose interest in the church and spiritual things; but he generally, on Sabbath, united in the service of he sanctuary and Sunday-school, occasionally preaching and assisting at communions, regularly at classis and not infrequently at synod.

The reminiscences and incidents of his early ministry, had they been more fully preserved on record, would now be read with thrilling interest, and lead to a better understanding of the privations, hardships, and inconveniences he endured in his pioneer work. He had to encounter not only moral, but also natural difficulties and obstacles in the form of bad roads, swollen streams, inclement weather and threatening dangers. A few of these are here noted:

1. On his first missionary tour in September, 1826, to Indiana, he passed along down the Ohio River to the Falls above Louisville, and having been instructed to visit Brunnerstown, (now Jeffersonville), in Kentucky, he was necessitated to cross the river just above the Falls in a frail ferry boat, while the water was deep with a strong current. The undertaking was regarded as a very perilous one, but under divine protection he safely reached the opposite shore and engaged in his assigned work.

2. In the latter part of the month of May, 1828, he arranged to attend the meeting of the Ohio Synod at Canton, Ohio, and on a certain day after dinner started on his way towards Springfield. When about four miles from home, he was overtaken by a terrific whirlwind, which caused devastation and destruction in its course, upsetting fences, unroofing buildings and blowing down trees. Two large trees fell prostrate near him and some of the branches passed over his head. To save himself from being carried away or dashed against some object, he laid himself flat on the ground. His horse got away, and his hat and buffalo robe became lost and never recovered. As the whirlwind soon abated, he at once returned home, (where no whirlwind had existed), and borrowed a hat of his brother-in-law, and again started on his journey, and met the other delegates at Springfield, namely Revs. Thomas Winters, David Winters and Henry Hiestand. They then pursued their journey together. In a few days they were again confronted by danger. In coming to the junction of White Woman and Tuscarawas Rivers, both having risen to he highest water mark, there was no way of crossing but on a common ferry boat, and the distance across was nearly half a mile. There was a halt and a pause! But finally the four delegates, with trust in God, ventured on the boat and safely landed on the "other shore," and pursuing their journey arrived at Canton on Sunday afternoon, June 1,1828.

3. In his early ministry, in order to meet his appointments, he had frequently to cross the Miami River, at all stages of the water, about five miles south of Troy, in Miami County, and at times not without danger. The process was in the wise: He would first strip his horse of saddle, blanket and saddle-bags, then lead him to the side of the canoe or skiff and keep a tight hold of the rein, while the ferryman would work the oars with good effect, and make a safe landing on the opposite shore.

During the first thirty years of his ministry he traveled at the rate of about 2,000 miles per year, mostly on horseback, besides about 15,000 miles on railroads and otherwise, a total of 75,000 miles; and including his travels in the remaining twenty-nine years, he traveled, perhaps, during the whole period of his ministry between 90,000 and 100,000 miles. And the results of his ministry, as far as these can now be ascertained in the absence of a complete record, are as follows: Baptisms 1,212, confirmations 422, marriages 245, funerals 276, and organized nine congregations.

He preached his first sermon, while a student, in the German language, in February, 1822, in the Schleiffer church, five miles north of Germantown, from II. Peter ii. 9; and his last sermon in the English language in the Reformed church at Tremont City, on Friday, April 6, 1883, on the occasion of the funeral of Reuben Sagers, from Matt. xxiv 44: "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

He was married, June 7, 1827, at the residence of the bride's parents to Miss Margaret Jones, by Rev. David Winters; and in this union they had nine children, three sons and six daughters, of whom one son and three daughters preceded the father to the "world beyond"-- leaving as mourners a devoted wife, two sons, and three daughters, nineteen grand-children and seven great grand-children, together with a large circle of friends. Soon after his marriage he secured a pleasant homestead, including ten acres of land, nearly two miles west of Tremont, Clark County, Ohio, and became permanently settled there, continuing to live there during the succeeding years of his long and eventful life, and having Tremont for his post-office (now called Tremont City).

Father Pence inherited a vigorous constitution, and with little exception enjoyed continuously good health, manifesting even after having passed the goal of "four score years" much of the vigor and spring of youth. Nor was he called at the last to endure a lengthened period of sickness and suffering. Twelve days previous to his final departure he preached a funeral sermon, and he was in the enjoyment of his usual health up to Saturday, April 16th, at 9 o'clock a.m., when he was suddenly taken with a heavy chill, assuming somewhat of a congestive nature with a slight tendency to pneumonia. He gradually grew weaker, without any pain or suffering, and on Wednesday morning, the 18th of April, 1883, at 7:30 o'clock, he calmly fell asleep in Jesus, aged 83 years, 4 months and 5 days.

The funeral occurred on Friday, April 20th. On a silver plate on the coffin lid, besides his name and date of death, was engraved this significant motto: "Rest in peace." His remains were conveyed from his late residence to the Mt. Pisgah Reformed Church at Lawrenceville (formerly Noblesville), a distance of about two and a half miles, where a large concourse of people assembled to manifest their respect for their aged pioneer father, and this sympathy with the bereaved family, as well as to unite in the solemnities of the occasion. The sermon, founded on Psalm xc:10, 12, was preached by Rev. Isaac H. Reiter, D. D., who also read a sketch of the life and labors of the deceased. The other ministers present, and taking part in the services, were Revs. Daniel R. Taylor and Solomon Ream, of the Reformed Church, and Rev. John A. White, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After the services in the church, the remains of Father Pence were laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard by the side of his four children, with appropriate services conducted by Rev. Taylor, to await the awakening fiat of the resurrection unto life and glory! Near by is also the grave of Rev. John Peter Dechant, whose death was caused by injuries received from a falling tree, and whose remains were interred here in 1824.

Father Pence, whatever may have been his infirmities or failings, was a truly Christian man, sincerely and devoutly pious, living much in the spirit of prayer, and making the divine will his rule of action. His private life bore evidence of strict integrity and consistency, and his ministerial career was marked by honesty and fidelity. Even if he erred in judgment or zeal, he was right in motive and honest in purpose. He often felt his weakness, but sought his "sufficiency" in God. The chief aim of his Christian efforts was to promote the glory of God, and to secure the salvation of souls. Properly considered he may be said to have achieved a good and enduring work in his day, ever accepting and teaching the Word of God as inspired and true, and firmly believing the doctrine of divine providence and grace. He had a confiding trust in Jesus Christ as his Redeemer and Savior, and was always ready to give an answer in regard to the hope that was in him. For him to live was Christ, and to die was gain. He continued steadfast in the faith and hope of the gospel unto the end. His ministry has ceased on earth, and he has gone to the blessed reward. "Rest in Peace"---------------- I. H. R.



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[Obituary of Rev. John Pence from unknown source]

The Rev. John Pence, the Ohio missionary, of whom we gave a short sketch in a previous number of this paper, gently fell asleep in Christ on the 18th of April last, in the 84th year of his age, and the 59th of his ministry. On his 71st birthday, thinking he might not live much longer, he penned some verses of poetry with which he supplied his friends with a printed copy. We here give a portion of them.

But, oh ! One thought of love divine,

Does all my follies far outshine,

When I remember Jesus died,

For me and all mankind beside.

Not only died, but has prepared

A heaven of glory to be shared

With angels bright in realms above,

Where all is joy, and all is love.

There with you bright angelic throng,

With hearts we'll sing the heavenly song,

And there, with all the blood-washed host,

Praise father, Son and Holy Ghost.

1. His parents in their later years lived with their son-in-law, Samuel Oldfather, in the vicinity of Farmersville, Ohio, where they died only seven weeks apart, and are buried in the cemetery at Farmersville. His father died December 31st, 1860, aged 85 years, 11 months and 23 days; and his mother died February 18th, 1861, aged 86 years, 2 months and eight days. Rev. I.H. Reuter preached the funeral sermons on both occasions.

2. Rev. Pence in a letter to the writer some years ago said: "On the next day after my arrival at Germantown, as a theological student, some preliminaries had to be attended to, and among others, such as getting a large and heavy slab at Lewis Shuey's saw-mill, and after dressing the upper side, and putting four plain legs in the lower side, it served as a writing desk for myself and David, the oldest son (of my preceptor), who now were yoked together as fellow students in a small room in the south-west corner of Father T. Winter's parsonage, where we recited our German grammar and other branches of study." Here we have a glimpse of the manner in which our pioneer fathers had to start as students, and yet with all their privations, disadvantages and discouragements, they by their industry and application made themselves useful in the service of the Lord. What a contrast between the past and the present! How superior the opportunities and advantages of the present day! Are they properly appreciated and improved?

3. The Committee of Examination consisted of Revs. John Peter Mahneuschmidt. Henry Sonnedecker and Benjamin Faust. The Committee of Ordination consisted of Revs. George Weisz, Henry Sonnedecker, and Thomas Winters, who preached the ordination sermon in the evening from I. Tim. iv:16.

4. It is said in Lang's history of Seneca County, Ohio, page 285, that the Second Reformed Church of Tiffin, "was first organized by Rev. Frederick Wahl." But, in a letter written to the writer in 1869, Rev. Pence says: "I organized the Second Reformed Church of Tiffin in April or May, 1850; and I also organized the Reformed congregation at the Baseline (Caroline) in the summer of 1850." In regard to the organization of the Second Reformed Church of Tiffin, who is right?

5. The one was organized at Hiestand's school-house, nearly three miles west of Winchester, on Good Friday, April 6, 1860, with George Dietz as elder, and Reuben Batt as deacon; and the other was organized in the corporate limits of Winchester in the house of Henry Ludy, who was elected elder, and Stephen Segraves, deacon.