Autobiography
Personal Papers of Josiah Pearce Smeltzer, President of Newberry College 1861 - 1877; transcribed by John Frank Smeltzer, Jr.
I, Josiah Pearce Smeltzer, was born September 10, 1819, in Pipe Creek Settlement, in that part of Frederick County, now called Carroll, in the State of Maryland (footnote: 6 miles from Westminster the county town of Carrol Co. abt 1 mile from New Windsor)
My Father, who was married to Sarah Pearce, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Pearce, was a Miller in my Grandfather’s (Michael Smeltzer) Mill.
I was the first born of my Mother, and no doubt petted (?) as every first born child – was Mama’s pet and Papa’s boy. I was born in my Grandfather’s house; and I distinctly recolect (sic) the first time I was clothed in my “trowsers.”
My Father in the spring of 1824, moved his family to the city of Baltimore, and lived here 18 months. (footnote: Their he kept a grocery store). I recolect (sic) several circumstances while there but as they are trivial in their nature, and have no particular bearing on my future life, I shall not mention them. The death of an Uncle and the marriage of an Aunt I distinctly recollect.
From the city my Father moved back to Pipe Creek Settlement on the farm of Mr. Joseph Roop (?), a T???iker (Dunker?) by Faith, and here lived for one year. Here he followed Marketing. (footnote: carrying produce to the city of Baltimore every week.)
In the fall of 1827 he built for himself a house in the neighborhood and afterwards purchased a small farm. Here he lived. Cultivating his farm and following marketing until he died. This place where I spent the better part of my boyhood was in Frederick County (now Carroll) Maryland, on Little Pipe Creek, one mile north east of New Windsor, adjoining the lands of Thomas Gown ????, Peter Geiger, David Johnson and others. On the (11th?) 16th of December of the same year we moved to ??? place, a sister was born to me.
I was exposed, during my boyhood, to bad influences, some of which follow me with the tenacity of nature. Two particular ???? ???? of profane swearing and drinking. I have ??? oath after oath until I was afraid to ????. I was also guilty of Sabbath breaking.
My Father, who was a Lutheran by Faith, ???? was religious, and I recolect (sic) distinctly the impression his first prayer, around the family altar, made on my mind. These prayers ??????????????
July 7, 1837 my father died, and this circumstance had its legitimate influence on me, being at that time 18 ? years of age. I resolved to be better and by the Grace of God perfect ?? that resolution.
I attended a course of cateohatiene (??) instruction given by Rev. Reuben Weiser ?? and afterwards dedicated my soul and body to the service of God. That act I have never regretted, but it has been a source of joy and consolation and sweet peace.
The Rev Weiser presented the Ministry to my consideration, and asked me to reflect on it. I did so and the more I thought of it, the more I became unprepared ?? with the duty of becoming a Minister.
Some of my friends, heard me gladly, others mocked, laughed and slandered.
After I had consented to study, the difficulties appearing so great, the idea was abandoned and I engaged myself again to the trade of a Miller, which I could never commence. I then determined to learn the Blacksmith trade. Engaged myself to one and he refused afterwards, and then to another to whom I refused to go. I commenced going to school to M?? Johns?? Davis and continued about one year.
I began to make preparations for college. My Mother was very uneasy in regards to my future welfare, and the night before I started, slept none.
On the 10th of June 1839 I entered college. My studies were delightful, my mind was settled, my determination was fixed and now let come what will. Providence Permitting I will become a Minister of the Gospel . I was recommended by the Rev. E. Keller, and when I came to Pennsylvania Ralleye I had but one dollar in my pocket.
The aforesaid (??) I found were such as I loved studying ????? became unknown and my college days ???? along rapidly and while in the freshman class I left school to teach school in Taneytown, Carroll County, MD. (can't read the last sentence – transcriber). ….. and I taught school I considered as so many years nearly wasted. I received impressions which were injurious to me .. in after life. Spent too much of my time foolishly. I had come to the conclusion never to go back to college, which, thank the Lord, I regretted.
Some ministers would have me preach and not being as accurate as I ought to have been. Set phrases, expressions etc. I had which followed me for some time.
I again returned to College and entered the Sophomore Class. I remained until I graduate which was September 1846. During my collegiate course I endeavored to live a Christian. Conscious of my own weaknesses I trusted in the Lord. The day I graduated was a Day of Joy. I longed to out in active life and I was fond of the honor.
I commenced my Theological Studies for the first 6 months while teaching school in Funkstown, MD and spent the remaining 18 months at the Theological Seminary Gettysburg.
(note “small a” --- While here (Funkstown), I had the offer from Rev. De Bitter, then Pastor at Middletown, Fred. Co., MD, to take one of his Churches, St. John’s and study theology with him. I looked upon the offer as a real God send, for I was a poor man and dreaded debt. I presented the matter to Rev. Conrad, then Pastor of the Hagerstown MD church, as he was on one of the committees on Christian Education. He listened to my plan, and then arose from his chair and said … “I will sooner my right arm cast off first.” That sentence drove me bound to the Seminary at Gettysburg. Many years after I met Rev. Conrad and earnestly thanked him, for that short speech, which I though cruel at that time.)
While studying Theology I was deeply impressed with the solemn truth that man, to accomplish much in the ministry, must be an educated man.
Shortly after my final examination at the seminary I went to Cumberland where the Evangelical Luth. Synod of Maryland was ????? to be examined, and if found worthy, to receive my license to preach the gospel and to perform other ministerial services. On Tuesday evening 14 October 1848 I was licensed to preach.
October 22, 1848, I was married to Miss Harriet Angel Buffington, Sunday morning, ?? O’clock in the Luth Church Taneytown by the Rev. Soloman Sentman. We were acquainted for 8 or 9 years, were much attached to each other. ??? (She) proved a help-mate indeed.
We lived together in love and peace, the bond of union growing stronger until it was snapped asunder by the hand of death.
I moved shortly after marriage to Weaverton and took charge of the Congregations there, Weaverton, Paine Hill, Bolivar.
My prospects at first were sad and dishearting but my congregations rapidly increasing I was better situated.
June 11, 1849 – Mrs. Smeltzer was delivered of her first born, which lived but 7 hours. No one could tell my feelings on that occasion but those who are similarly situated. Dr. Logic in attendence.
April 25, 1850 … Caroline my sister was married to Henry Rhode at my house where she had lived since I have kepted house.
May 16, 1850 … My only brother Isaac left this world for a brighter one. He died in the faith, with the confidence of the Christian. He said when he took his last drink “This is the last until I shall drink in my Father’s Kingdom.” His disease was Pneumonia and Typhoid Fever. Rev. John Winter preached his funeral sermon to many friends from Rev. 7:13-17. Buried in Winter’s Church graveyard. Requiesent in peace.
May 21, 1850 … Mrs. Smeltzer was delivered and gave birth to another boy which we named Samuel Schmucker (Smeltzer). Dr. Rosenburg in attendance. Eight days after while I was in Burkett’s villa I awoke on the morning and the family not stirring I fell asleep again and dreamed the same thing I saw 2 houses after when called home to Mrs. S.’s bedside. She had a paralitic stroke and the last full sentence she ever spoke was “I was near my grave.” She had spasm after spasm until the 6th of June at 4 O’clock in the morning she breathed her last. Buried in Taneytown. Sermon preached by Rev. S. Sentman. Side Observer. No 876. Upon her tombstone is the following:
Sacred to the Memory of Harriet A. Smeltzer – consort of Rev. J. P. Smeltzer. Daughter of David and Susanna Buffington. Born April 24, 1824. Married Oct 22, 1848. Died June 6, 1850. Aged 26 yrs, 1 m. 13 d. (Christian saying listed but not readable to the transcriber)
I came from the funeral deeply distressed. I never experienced anything that so nearly crushed me as this affliction. My babe was nursed by Mrs. Feaster at $6.00 per month for nine months. My mother kept house for me.
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