The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-11-14
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5 ROBERT c. |NGERS0IS D0YHOO( !

~ OIL. ROBERT G. INGERsoLL spen,

~ OIL. ROBERT G. INGERSoII4 spen,
n an important part of his early life
at Ashtabuia. Ohio. His father was
a preacher and an evangelist OF consider
able note in this section of the Western
reserve.
Col fngersolIs father was the Rev. John
1ngersoll. formerly OF New York state
He succeeded the Rev. r. Conklia as
pastor OF the Presbyterian church at Ash
tahula In the year ISL. Not a Sunday
passed during the period OF his pastorats
but that Robert was in his accustomed
place in catechism class. Catechism class
in those days was similar 70 Sabbath school
today. Robert was eight years Of age
when his father moved TO this city.
The house in which the Ingerson family
lived still remains, one of the few old build
ings which now occupy The main street.
The house Is now occupied by Mr.. and
Mrs. ]. p. Robertson. Mr.. Robertson was
a trustee In Mr.. Ingersoil's church. and
SIN holds that Office in the same congvs-
cation, which now worships in new
church building. Mr.. Robertson always
treated the nlischievous Bob With mucil
consideration and overlooked his boyisa
pranks. which often annoyed others. Cob
IngersoIl therefore held Mr.. Robertson IN
high esteem and remembers him as one CT
his best friends IN early days.
Those acquainted with the circumstances
say that Roberts first prejudice against
religion was born under the guidance OF
his father. The Rev. John Ingersoll be-
leved that no discipline was too severe
for the young and insisted that Robert
should adhere strictly 20 every rule of the
old conservative church. This was ex-
ceedingly repulsve 70 the mischisyous
boy. The catechhsrn which Robert was
compelled 10 learn contained many an
"a, oftc~fo
his eyes. and even at the age of years he
began to doubt
The late Amos F. Hubbard was Sun
day school teacher OF Bob. He could not
recall that young Ingersoll was much dif-
ferent from other boys, only that he was
more m!schievous and exceedingly neyli-
gent about keeping his face clean.
Father Ingersoll. as he was sometimes
called. would corner the boys and put
them through severe course OF catechis-
ing. The children dreaded TO meet him
and many a time were known 10 run and
hide at his approach. Mr.. Ingersolrs the
ology was unquestsoned and he was re-
garded as good preacher. His work as
an evangelist was effective 10 the ex-
tent that he was called 10 assist in all
parts of the country the pastors OF small
er churches. In Saybrook. small town
east of Ashtabula. he held meetings sew
eral times. In manner only Is Robert G.
Ingersoil said to resemble his father.
The Rev. Mr.. Ingersoll carried his con-
servatism and ssrictness even 10 the fam
lily diet. He insisted that the family eat
graham bread, and he was To some ex-
tent vegetarian. He was a believer In
the theory of the Grahamites. The noted
infidel in his boyhood days walked
the streets In his bare feet because his
father did not believe tina. fine clothes and
gaiety had any place In the world. Many
of the things which We would class as
necessities the father termed luxurles.
The preachers salary was not large. as
will be seen by the following resolution
passed by the church at that time:
Resolved, That we pay the Rev. John
Ingersoll $3.50 d year. providing We can
raise that amount
In such surroundings the famous Robert
grew up. His playmates OF early days
say that II was no wonder he should re-
member the sound furnishings he used to
get and the sermons he WAS compelled TO
listen to. In his descriptions OF tyranny