Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-06-06
FROM SCOTCH RIDGE,

A gloom has been thrown over this en-
tire community by the sudden death OF Rev.
J. G. Murch, pastor of the United Presby-
terian Congregation at this place. He had
been apparently in his usual health until
few moments prior to his death had
preached twice on the previous Sabbath.
had announced preaching for the follow
ing Sabbath and prayer meeting on the
following Wednesday but it was not his
Masters will that he should fulfill either Of
these appointments. On the evening Of
Tuesday, May 27th, after having just re-
turned from performing some duties about
the household, he was sitting by his win
dow and with Mrs. Murch was looking at
and speaking of new building that was
being raised within sight of his house. A
moment later Mrs. Murch having only just
stepped into AN adjoining room and, on
hearing peculiar sound returned immedi-
Htely, just in time to see his head drop sud-
denly to one side, and caught him to pre-
vent his falling. His daughter Jennie
hearing her mother call, came into the
room, and realizing the situation at once
ran to call her brothers who were employed
at the building just mentioned. The
younger daughter, Annie, returned from
school just as the event happened and she
with her mother applied water and other
restoratives to his person, but all attempts
at restoration was in vain. His hour had
come; the spirit had tnken its flight; il
was beyond human power to recall it. The
physician was summoned, but life was al
ready extinct. The stroke was by him pro
nounced apoplexy of the brain.
The funeral 'oOk place from the church
where he had so lately preached and was
attended by an immense gathering, not
more than one half being able TO enter The
house. The sermon was preached and the
funeral exercises conducted by the Rev. X
J. Miller, OF Sidney, Ohio.
The following is II brief outline of the
life aud labors Of this devoted servant o
Christ: He was bora in the Stale Of Yer
mont, March 20lh, 1920 Early in hislife
his parents removed TO the State of New
York, and later still To Ohio, near Colum,
bus. He had to struggle against many diff
ficulties in Obtaining an education, because
OF lack of means; but he overcame them
all and graduated on the 10Th day of July
lS45, at Granville College, now Dennison
University, Granville, Ohio After spend.
years in teaching lie entered the Theolog
ical seminary at CannonSburg, Pa, where
he spent four years in earnest, perseverine
study. In the same place he WINS licensed
10 preach the gospel, October 20, 1850, and
| ne "a /.
points in Southern Indiana. Hav-
ing lahored there about a year ht
was ca He'd To West Alexander, Washington
county, Pa, and began his labors there
June 9th, 1858. Here he remained unit
the close of 1859, aud soon after was called
to New Concord, O., where lie labored witt
great earnestness for l6 years. After being
released from that field he lahored for \
time in various places, until little NOR,
than year ago he came into this neighb0
hood and began his labors here, continuing
to preach IA have before mentioned un
Ill his death.
These are few facts and dates which
may serve rs indices to point out some o
the main outlines of his life and labOrs
but they are only in,lices, aud no more ex,
press the magnitude of his labors thai
nm index does the contents Of II b ok iha
is pressed full Of precious truths. lie Wal
untiring In his 1eal, strong in his cOnvio
tions, and faithful in expressing them.
The memory OF the just is blessed, TIL
Congregations in which he has labored am
the entire church to Which he belonge
mourn his loss, and yet bless God for Ia
laboRa OF his life. Society mourns tho los
of one of its most esteemed members, hu
+ manity true aud warm friend, and abov
4 NIL a noble family mourn the lOss of kin
T. aud indulgent husband aud father. Tn
t bereaved family of Rev. Murch share III
+ full sympathy of likewise bereaved col
i gregalion in this their sad affiiction.
It Very Truly, ALLsPIcE.
June I'd, 1879,