Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1888-06-08
REV. EPHRAIM D0WNEY.
A Query as to the Real Reason
Why He Left the Ministry.

When the doctors of divinity at
Waterbury heard that Rev, Ephraim
Downey had descended from tho pulpit
of Annex, and had mounted the drivers
seat on n cart filed with cheap tin and
miscellaneous assortment of triiies
which could be exchanged for rags,
they shook their learned heads with
disgust untempered with mercy.
He was always mean-spirited, said
the president, who rcjoioed when the
Waterbury men sat in the high places
of the earth. HE took the first chance
he had after his graduation.
Yes" said DIR. Popham; "his name
has never been mentioned in connec-
ton with any church of standing.
Every other man in his class now liv-
ing is ID. d."
Only Dr. Strong, who had been re-
tired, had word of excuse for him;
but as the doctor was "old," his opin-
ion did not count And thereafter no
documents were sent to Ephraim from
Waterbury, save such as related to its
material upbuilding, and requested
testimonials, etc. To make up ones
mind not to gfve honors to mean
spirited man is one thing, but to re-
solve to refuse such moneys rs he may
have to bestow, requires buckram prin-
ciples not to be expected from college
needing funds.
At the age of fourteen, Eph-
rain had believed himself called to
preach the Gospel. His father was
poor, and an education could only be
won by his own efforts, but he set HIM
self patiently at it. He did chores for
kindly doctor, and earned his board.
By filling the post of jonitor at the
village academy, he had his tuition
free. He was not what is called bril-
liant student, but he easily prepared
himself to enter Waterbury in the
Sophomore year; and if he scrimped
his food, and dressed regardless of
fashion, he carried of the prizes
for Latin and mathematics for two
years, and the coveted Greek prize in
the third. One pleasure alone was his
during this toilsome, though soul-con-
tented, period; he walked home every
holiday vacation forty miles across the
snow-covercd hills that shut his native
town from the college. AT last he was
rs ready as man may be to do his
Masters business.
Father Downey was not member of
any church. As n family, the Downeys
were of small account, and had mar
ried into families of small account.
No one ever thought OF them in Moss
vile when enumerating "our best citi-
zcns;" so it happened that in all the
numerous, blameless tribe there was
not man who could speak good
word for Ephraim with chance of be-
ing heard; and as he belonged to sect
not bound together by formal organi-
zation, he was without settlement
long after every man in his class was
placed. Even Twackcr. the Ounce,
was established over ilourishing flock
In Hoppleton, whose great business
interest, mailing, was in the hands of
Pfzenmeyer, his maternal uncle. Per-
haps if Ephraim had heen self-assert-
ing. and had clamored ut the doctors
of Waterbury. they would have helped
him. But he was modest and they
were busy. The Lord would direct
where he could best labor, he believed;
so when old Farmer Sprague came
down from Blue Rock hills, and asked
him to preach in tho gchool-house at
Smyrnc, tiny village in the center of
the Blue Rock region, he went, with
out thought of the possible effect OF
the step upon his future. Among the
granite rocks the grass grew sweet
and thick, and the farmers round about
were rich in herds and flocks, but
they had so long been accustomed to
receiving their preaching for nothing
from neighboring pastors imbued will
missionary spirit, il was difficult
task to convince them that they should
have church to support as well as tc
enjoy. But in fifteen months after
Ephraim' arrival there was an organic
ed body of one hundred and two mem
bers at Smyrne. and the next year tn,
stately elms that shaded the school
house tempered the sunshine that fel
upon neat Westinghouse just acros
the way. Then Ephraim married.
was a most foolish step from a worldly
point of view. If the Blue Rock peopl,
were sure TO find fault with a younl
woman of many accomplishments an'
II snug dowry, they were sure TO finC
ten thousand faults with Israel Foster
daughter, though she was MS prett,
and sweet as one of the wild roses tina
for brief time in June made the ston
fences of Blue Rock beloved Of hum
ming-birds and bees. Israel Foster wa
of no more account than Father Down
ney. He had earned little home an,
few acres of land bartering tin-war
for rags; but the house wars now mort
gagged up to lis full value t
pay the debts of til
son who had lain down iL that be
of shame and sorrow--a drunkard'
grave. Pretty Ruth knew no NOR
about getting on in tho world tina
Ephraim. They were as worldly wis
as two babies in the woods. Having
new meeting-house, for which the
praised themselves not little, an
feeling secretly conscious they coul
pay seven hundred year as easily