Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-04-22

itself several days ago. His last rational
words were uttered the day preceding the
marriage of his daughter Maud, when in
reply to question he weakly said: of
course l know you, Maud" The attend
ing physicians gave up hope Thursday
evening.
Native of New Jersey.
DR.. Talmage was born in Gatevlllc,
now Bound Brook, \. j., Jan. Z, 1882,
and was consequently in his seventeen
year. His father was a farmer of strong
and vigorous character and his mother
woman of exceptional energy; his ances-
tors were Americans and members of the
Reformed Church from period antedat-
ing the revolution. DR.. Talmage studied
law at the University Of New York and
graduated with high honors, but, per-
suaded by his relatives and probably feel
ing the inspiration himself, he entered
the New Brunswick Seminary OF The
ology.
His first pastorate was that of the Re
formed Church of Belleville. ~ j., but
his eloquence soon attracted attention.
and he was in demand. In 1883 he went
to Syracuse, n. Y, where his eongrega-
ton was unusually critical and cultured.
Here it was that Talmage's genius be-
gan to assert itself most effectively. Yet
he served an apprenticeship of seven
wears before he was called TO Brooklyn.
Central Presbyterian Church of that
place. whose membership had greatly
dwindled. made the young divine an offer.
He accepted, and within a few months
his success had become so extraordinary
that plans for a new tabernacle were on
foot. In 1870 the first Brooklyn Taber-
nacle was built, but fire destroyed it. and
twice again visited this same flock.
Made His Church Famous.
DIR. Talmage's fame had become 50
widely recognized and his preaching in
such demand that the Brooklyn parish
also had won name through its pastor.
1t was consequently rich and powerful.
New tabernacles arose in the ashes of The
old and nothing appeared to obstruct the
minister's rapid rise. The Quarter-cen-
fury celebration held in May 1871, at
Brooklyn Tabernacle is well remembered.
DIR. Talmage was then in the zenith Of
his renown. Soon after that he, in a
measure. retired from active ministerial
duties. he lEuNtiCu ulhNhs l'NthAti a
great deal, and was in almost constant
demand. He wrote not little, was in
the newspapers daily, and was one of The
public men frequently sought for by the
interviewer.
DR.. Talmage's greatness. il is generally
conceded, can be ascrihed to his power
as an orator. Coupled with this he had
the talent of simple and trenchant inter-
probation of the scriptures. He was a
Christian of the old school, if that eX-
preston may be employed. He did not
run much to new thought, higher criu-
cism or creed reform. He chung tcnaci-
ously to'a plain, pure program OF every
day morals and right living. lie found
enough noble texts in the Bible TO supply
him with inspiration.
He was a magnificent lecturer. Some
Of his flights of oratory are remembered
as being Of surprising impressiyeness
and picturesqueness. He drew lessons
from everything. He talked to a pur-
pose. but at the same time he sarnishcd
his sentences with beauty, and his ycice.
appearance end FIRE combined 70 en- .Arail
and uplift the hearcr.
Three Times Married.
DR.. Talmage was married three times.
Ills first wife. by whom he had one child,
was Mary Avery of Brooklyn, whom he
lost in 1862 by drowning. Susan z.
Whittemore Of the same city was his sec
ord wife. and with her he lived many
years aud reared family Of six children.
She died seven years ago, and IN jam
ary. 1895 he married for the third time.
His bride. now his widow. was Mrs.