The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1901-05-16
REV. BENJAMIN ISON, D. D.

The community of Oakland and the
people generally of the entire West
Virginia Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal church lost in the death of
DR.. Ison, which occurred in Washing
ton, ID. c., on Sunday, the 18th inst,
a man whose every action showed
true Christian spirit.
The deceased was born near Wei
lingtoa, Shropshire, England. Nov.
18th, 1924, and at the time of his death
was aged rs years and months.
AT the age of 16 years he commenc-
ed his ministery and continued in
such work his entire life. When less
than 20 years of age DIR. Ison came to
the United States and entered the
Pittsburg Conference of the N. f.
church. When the West Virginia
Conference was formed he was in that
portion of the Pittsburg Conference
which fell into West Virginia and
thus became charter member of the
West Virginia Conference and remain
ed member until his death. OF the
charter members but three survive
DIR. lson. His first charge in Garrett
county was at Grantsville, where he
preached nearly half century ago
and at the same time filled appoint
ments at Kingwood, Morgantown and
other remote places-in fact he was
one of the old-time circuit riders. His
experiences as such were many,
the hardships endured great. but
he has found his reward. After
having been transferred from this i'm
mediate community and serving faith
fully his church in other parts of the
Conference he was returned to Oak
land as pastor of the M. E. church in
the year 1877. Later he was made
presiding elder of this district and al
so of the Parkersburg district, besides
filling other important appointments.
In 1884 he was elected the first MEM
of the West Virginia Conference dele
cation to the General Conference of
the church. Since 1871 with the ex-
ception of few years when he was
serving other appointments DR. Ison
made Oakland his permanent home.
Some ten years ago the degree of D. D.
was conferred upon him by the West
Virginia University at Morgantown.
In 1850 DR.. Ison was married to
Miss Ella E. Robinson, daughter of
the late Joshua 0. Robinson, of near
Paw Paw, West Va, to whom three
children, one daughter and two sons,
were born, and is survived by the
wife and two sons, Messrs. Wiley O..
and H. Allen Ison, of Washington.
DR.. Ison's health had not been good
for a number of years but his last ill
ness dated from the death of his only
daughter, Miss Ella Ison, which oc-
Cured last December. In order to
enjoy mild climate for the winter
he and his family have for a number
of years spent the winter months in
Washington, d. c., where the two
sons reside.
The remains were brought to Oak
land Monday afternoon and the fun
eral services were held in st. Paul's
III. E. church Tuesday afternoon,
conducted by Rev. A. Mick, assisted
by Rev. John NJ. Davis and a number
of visiting clergymen from other sec
lions who were warm personal friends
of the deceased and his family. The
attendance at the funeral was quite
large, showing the high esteem in
which the deceased was held. The
pail bearers were Messrs. A. g. Stur-
giss, Scott Il. Jones, Fred A Thayer,
Claude E. Robinson Ia nephew, Geo.
NJ. Mason and E. d. Kepner.
The deceased was member of the
Masonic fraternity and was beloved
by the brethren. 1t is safe to say
that no one ever lived here whose life
was considered a greater benediction
than that of DR.. Ison Although he
has passed away his memory will live
and the good example set by him will
be followed for generations.