Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1885-06-06

May, 1921. His father died before his
birth, and his mother during his in
fancy. Thus at an early period of his
life was he left an orphan, placed in
the care of friends and relatives
and, though bereft of the kind in
fuence Of mother, nevertheless re-
ceived christian instruction from Il
pious community of Reformed people
in Hessen. Baptized in early infancy,
he was received into full communion
of the church at the age of thirteen by
the Rev. Father Schnith, of Iba.
Because of a christian earnestness in
daily duties, displayed at this age, he
became assistant to his pastor in re-
ligious services, which position he held
until he babe farewell to his native
country.
II 1886 he sailed to America with a
number of his village companions,
most Of whom he subsequently met
again at Frostburg. Left to his own
resources he found employment for
several years in Luzerne county, Pa.
but becoming more and more conscious
of a call from on high he turned his
attention exclusively to the employ
ment of his hearts desire and inclina-
ton, the. ministry Of his blessed Re-
deemer, in which he desired to know
nothing but Jesus Christ and Him
crucifed only to be engaged in the
proclamation Of His precious grace to
humankind. Though much adversely
stood before him and constant barriers
to preparation for the Gospel ministry
constantly rose in his path, yet he did
not despair, but confded in kind
| Providence for assistance in this vast
undertaking. The Rev. Isaac Schell-
hammer gave him instruction in re-
ligion and matters pertaining to
| Theology.
Having removed to Ohio, he suisse
! quently completed his course in the
science of Theology under the Rev.
! John W. Hamm, to whom he became
indebted for lasting parental regard.
In 1915 he was licensed and ordain-
I ed by the Sandusky Chassis and ap-
pointed Missionary at different points
in Medina and Summit counties, O..
where under existing disadvantages
he labored with success, and his fol-
lowers in that region are now reaping
the fruit of his early toll.
In March, 1917, he was united in
matrimony to his faithful life-rom-
panion, Miss Sarah, daughter of the
Rev. Father Hamm.
From 1917 to 1850 he was pastor of
the Reformed church at Congress,
Wayne Co., O., where he remained
until 1852.
| From 1852 to 1856 he was zealously
| ministering at Defiance, o., during
which pastorate death entered his fam
lily and removed an only son and
daughter.
From 1856 to 1860 he served at Basil,
Fairfield Co., o., of which place ho
often afterwards spoke with pleasure,
recalling his faithful co-worker, the
"Fisherman,' Mr.. H. Leonard
In 1860 lie returned to Defiance,
(where two Of his children lay buried, J
and was compelled to cease preaching
because of failing voice, being able to
speak scarcely above whisper.
Though his spirit was at all times will
ing to serve in tho christian cause, vet
his strength now failed. Being I'M
willing to remain inactive he began
the study of medicine and became a
member of the Medical Association of
Ohio. Thus deprived of usual strength
in one part, he cndeavored to relieve
the wants of his fellow-man in another,
at the same time preaching as often as
his voice would permit.
In 1869, after speech was restored,
he accepted call to Frostburg, Nd,
where by constant service of sixteen
years he built a fourishing congrega-
ton, WHOM stands as fitting mem-
orial to his labors. At his arrival the
congregation consisted of forty men,
bers and a small Sunday school. In
1879 English preaching YVES introduc-
ed, the need of which was strongly
! felt. During these years 2l5 children
were baptized and 1914 confirmed, the
congregation at present consisting of
about 300 members.
Rev. Ruhl enjoyed good health until
within about two years, when throat
trouble and nervous prostration set in
in. He constantly entertained hopes
for his recovery and wished to make Il
trip for his health this summer; but
then also fully understood those sig.
niticant words: "Man proposes, but
God disposes." He retained conscious
ness to the last moment, and during
silent meditation would say to the
faithful companion of his long illness
"Hark hear those sweet voices-that
heavenly music" Heart disease at