Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1877-04-25
LOVE STORY ABOUT THE
IA TIE DIR. NJ MUHLENBERG.
A SAD ROMANCE WITH WHICH PRESIDENT
BUCHANAN WAS ALSO CONNECTED.

I a
A SAD ROMANCE WITH WHICH PRESIDENT
BUCHANAN WAS ALSO CONNECTED.
The fact of an interesting but sad
romance connected with the early life
of the late Dr. William A. Muhlenberg
las often been hinted at, but its full
details had never before been published
until they appeared in the obituary
notice of the distinguished clergyman
and philanthropist as published in the
Lancaster (Pa.) Inteligmcer. The en-
gagcment of marriage between Presi-
dent James Buchanan--then young
lawyer Of Lancastcr-and the beauti.
iul Miss Ann Coleman, OF that place,
was terminated by the suicide Of the
haploss young lady, because, it is said
her parents objected to the marriage.
A similar attachment existed between
her sister, Miss Sarah ii Coleman, and
Mr.. Muhlenberg, at that timo-ffty
years ago-rector ofSt James Church
in Lancaster. Her father, Robert Cole
man, proud and wealthy citizen OF
the town, also objected to this mar
riagc, although he had been mainly
instrumental in calling the young rec
tor to his charge. His course produced
an unpleasant feeling in the Church
and the congregation divided into two
parties, espousing the cause Of the
rector and the naughty father respect
ively. While pariisanship was still
running high, Miss Coleman died-oi
consumption, her parents said, but OF
broken heart, as believed by most
people of the town. This sad event
but intensified the division in tho
Church, of which Mr.. Coleman was
leading member, and on June 10, 1926,
Mr. Muhlenberg communicated to the
vestry his intention toresign on account
Of reasons which il was unnecessary
for him to state. A committee of five
was appointed to confer with him with |
q view to get him to reconsider his de-
termination but with thanks for their
kindness be declined to do so in more
lengthy letter, in which be stated that
his course was taken after due delbera-
ton and that it was not necessary for
him to enter into de,ails regarding his
motives he trusted that they were
pure and such as he could think of with
complacency "in reference TO the great
day of accounts"
At the same meeting a communica-
ton was received from Mr.. Edward
Coleman, brother of Miss Sarah Cole.
man, the reading of which was defer
red until future meeting On June
26, 1926, the vestry received the more
peremptory resignation of their rector,
dated New York, June 20, and asking
that il be received at once. 1t was
accepted, and the wardens were in
structed to draft reply, expressing
the sorrow of the Church at his resig-
nation. Afterwards at this same meet
ing, the letter of Edward Coleman, pre-.
viously laid over was read. 1t an.
nounced TO the vestry that sin the
event of all connection between the
Rev. Mr.. Muhlenberg and st, James
Church being dissolved, absolutely and
foreper, on or before July !, and not
thereafter, the sum of 5000 (Which, but
for circumstances not necessary now
to dwell upon, would have been left to
the Church by our departed sister, Sa-
rah IL. Coleman, will be placed in the
hands of the trustees for the benefit OF
the Church by her heirs and legal rep
representatives." The offer was signed
by Edward Coleman, for himself and
the other heirs of his deceased sister.
A committee was appointed to in.
form Mr.. Coleman that such a dissolu-
tion OF the connection between Mr..
Muhlenberg and the Church had taken
place, and the trustees Of the Church
were ready to receive the money. Mr.
James Hopkins protested against the
appointment OF such a committee, and
before the resolution to answer Cole
mans letter passed he withdrew from
the meeting. At n vestry meeting,
held June 80, a memorial was present
ed, signed by Sarah Yeates Margaret
Yeates, and Catharine Yeates, request
ing the vcstry to pass resolution that
Mr. Muhlonberg should always be in
eited to preach in st. James pulpit ,
whenever it was unoccupied. They ,
said in their letter that they had not
had time 10 procure other signers, but
they had no doubt this was the wish
Of majority of the congregation. To
this the vestry resolved to respectfully
answer that Mr.. Muhlenberg would
always have the courtesy shown him
that other Protestant Episcopal clergy
men received, but they did not think {
it necessary to pass such an unusual I
motion. Against such treatment OF
Mrs. and the Misses Yeates Mr.. Hop
kins again protested, as disrespectiul
to the memoralsts and discouiteous to I
Mr.. Muhlenberg.
So the matter seems TO have rested !
but, although Mr.. Muhlenberg often |
preached in the Church, he s
always stood in the chancel and never I
again occupied the pulpit. The $4,000 !
gift was accepted and paid, the com
mittec appointed to confer with Mr.. {
Coleman reporting thatln the prosecu- =
ton of their labors they had encoun-
tered grave difficulties, "busy.bodies |
and tale-bearers had infused an acri |
mouy into the unfortunate business I
which otherwise il would not have :
partaken Of The committee had en-
to assuagc this and hoped
that ITS asperities would be soitened,
but they had only measurably sue I
ceeded, and n condition OF strife pre- .
vailed which was much to be dcplored. !
With DIR. Muhleuberg's death the
last Of the actors in this haplcss drama
has passed away.