"The Journal-Telephone", Milton Junction, Wisconsin, Thursday, Sep. 16, 1915, p 1.
Lewis Alexander Platts was born in the town of Chapman's Creek, near Northampton, Clark Co., Ohio, February 21, 1840. His father, David Rittenhouse Platts, was born near Bridgeton, N. J., March 30, 1805, and came with his parents through Pennsylvania into Indiana and Ohio when but a lad.
Of his more remote ancestry Dr. Platts had but little knowledge. His grandmother, the wife of Jonathan Platts, was Rebecca Keene, a native of Shiloh, or possibly Roadstown, N. J. The Platts family were observers of the first day of the week as a day for religious devotions until this woman came into it. She was a staunch Seventh-day Baptist, a member of the church of that faith at Shiloh, N. J. She was a devout christian woman who taught her children the fear of God and the law of the holy Sabbath. Her husband in his mature years became a devout believer in Jesus Christ, embraced the Sabbath and with his son David, Dr. Platt's father, received baptism at the hands of Rev. Lewis A. Davis.
The mother of Dr. Platts was Angeline Davis, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Davis Davis, whose ancestry on both her father's and mother's side is traceable through five or six generations to William Davis who came from Wales to the American colonies in 1682. The double Davis connection largely extends the number of Dr. Platt's relatives in the families of that name; while the marriage of the Davis women for several generations back. makes him more or less intimately related with the Sayres, Loofboros, Babcocks (Simeon), Huffmans, Livingstons, Van Horns, Bonds, Randolphs, etc., whose families are scattered throughout the states.
David Platts came with his family to Wisconsin in 1844. In the family there were Benjamin, an older half-brother of Dr. Platts, a sister, Sarah Eleanor, and Lewis. After one year's residence at Milton, now Milton Junction, the family moved to Marquette county near the present Marquette; then later to the town of Dartford, six or seven miles south of the city of Berlin. Among the families which constituted the Seventh-day Baptist society organized at that place were those of Oliver Champlin, Elder Julius M. Todd, Datus E. Lewis, and Asa Burdick.
The privations of that first summer in beginning pioneer life made a deep impression on Lewis' life. The hastily, poorly constructed 'pen of logs' which served as their home until a more commodious and comfortable log house could be constructed in the fall; the coarse fare; the scanty supplies; the hard work were events not easily forgotten. Work was expected from every member of the family who could lend a hand. Lewis when nine years of age was sent into the field to plow day after day in the spring plowing. At twelve years of age he did a man's work at most of the common farm work.
In 1851-52, an extensive revival took place which reached nearly every family in the neighborhood in which the Platts family lived. Elder J. M. Todd, who was the pastor of that little church, was leader in the meetings and conducted most of the services. Large numbers were converted during the meetings. On March 17, 1852, Lewis, in company with his brother Benjamin and six or seven others, was baptized.
School privileges in those days of rugged living were few and were often denied the boys and girls who were old enough to share in the home making, bread-earning tasks of the farmers. In 1855 David Platts moved his family from Berlin to a temporary home on the farm of Erastus Brown, two or three miles northeast of Milton that his children might enjoy the greater educational facilities of Milton Academy whose principal was Prof. A. C. Spicer. The children now numbered five, three sons and two daughters. Among these was the future wife of John H. Babcock, 'Aunt Metta' as she is familiarly and affectionately known to many young people of more recent days.
Lewis and Benjamin were enrolled as students in Milton Academy; but the latter soon tired of the routine tasks of school and returned to the labors of the farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War the two young men with a younger brother enlisted. Lewis, after a rigid medical examination, was rejected and returned to his school work which was interrupted at intervals by the necessity for earning money to meet expenses. [Note: both brothers died in 1862 in war service.] Among his school acquaintances and close friends were Rev. A. H. Lewis, Rev. O. U. Whitford, Rev. S. R. Wheeler and Prof. A. R. Crandall. Lewis was graduated from the Academy in the summer of 1864.
On his graduation day, Dr. Platts was married by the Rev. William C. Whitford, to Miss Emma A. Tefft, who was a member of and a graduate in the same class. That union was the commingling of hearts and hands, minds and souls for the splendid work they were to do for God and humanity in the various fields of activity to which they were to be called.
Three sons were born to Dr. and Mrs. Platts: William, who died from injuries received in an accident in Los Angeles, Cal.; Rev J. Allison, who was deceased some years ago; and Dr. L. A. Platts Jr. of Chicago.
Dr. Platts in a sketch of his life says that from the hour of his conversion the conviction was borne in his mind and heart that somehow, sometime he should become a minister of the gospel. This conviction was wisely fostered by his mother. She used to say that in any worthy occupation we could serve God as his true children, and that it was of first importance that we might be true christians and that after that we might be farmers, or mechanics, or doctors, or preachers; if it should please God to make her first born a minister of His word it would be the greatest joy of her heart. When Lewis was turned back from participation in the war, the conviction grew that he ought to enter the ministry. The feeling was intensified by his mother's prayers and by the encouraging advice of Elder Wm. C. Whitford.
To better fit himself for his calling he and Mrs. Platts, following their graduation, went to Alfred University, Alfred, N. Y. From this institution he was graduated in 1866. While pursuing his studies at Alfred he was supplying the church at Nile, N. Y., as pastor. On July 25, 1866, he was ordained to the gospel ministry. Later on he accepted the call to the pastorate at New Market, N. J., and continued his studies in the Union Theological Seminary at New York City and was graduated in a class of forty May 8, 1871.
In religious and denominational work Dr. Platts always took a prominent part for he was by ability and disposition eminently fitted for places of responsibility where clear discernment and wise counsel were needed. He was remarkably successful as a pastor, a preacher of power who was clean-cut, forcible, logical and convincing in the presentation of his message. He was also a writer of superior ability. He held official relationships with the various denominational boards and the General Conference; was a teacher of English and Church History in Alfred University and of the English Bible in Milton College; and for more than ten years was the able editor of the Sabbath Recorder.
He held pastorates at Nile, N. Y., 1866-68, New Market, N. J., 1868-76, Westerly, R. I., 1876-82. While living in Alfred he supplied the churches at Hornell and Andover, N. Y., and was acting pastor of the Alfred church for a time. For thirteen and one-half years he was the beloved pastor of the Milton church and at the time of his death he was the pastor-emeritus of that church. His last pastorate was at Los Angeles, Cal., from whence he returned to Milton Junction in 1913. In 1914 Dr. Platts removed to Milton enfeebled by age. In August 1915 he attended the General Conference at Milton, the forty-seventh consecutive session he was permitted to attend. He passed away at the home of his son Arthur in Chicago September 8, 1915. On Sabbath afternoon, September 11, brief services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. H. Babcock, and a memorial service was held at the Seventh-day Baptist church at Milton at 2:30.
Rev. George W. Burdick read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer; Mrs. Robert Carr brought a tribute of personal friendship; Mr. J. Murray Maxson brought a message of love from the friends of the Seventh-day Baptist church in Chicago; Prof. Albert Whitford, a former teacher of Dr. Platts, told of his relation to Milton College; Rev. W. D. Burdick spoke of Dr. Platts' relation to the denomination; and Rev. Henry N. Jordon read a brief biographical sketch and spoke of Dr. Platts' work as a pastor.
Just as the Sabbath was drawing to a close his body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Milton.
H. N. J.
Lewis Alexander Platts was born in the town of Chapman's Creek, near Northampton, Clark Co., Ohio, February 21, 1840. His father, David Rittenhouse Platts, was born near Bridgeton, N. J., March 30, 1805, and came with his parents through Pennsylvania into Indiana and Ohio when but a lad.
Of his more remote ancestry Dr. Platts had but little knowledge. His grandmother, the wife of Jonathan Platts, was Rebecca Keene, a native of Shiloh, or possibly Roadstown, N. J. The Platts family were observers of the first day of the week as a day for religious devotions until this woman came into it. She was a staunch Seventh-day Baptist, a member of the church of that faith at Shiloh, N. J. She was a devout christian woman who taught her children the fear of God and the law of the holy Sabbath. Her husband in his mature years became a devout believer in Jesus Christ, embraced the Sabbath and with his son David, Dr. Platt's father, received baptism at the hands of Rev. Lewis A. Davis.
The mother of Dr. Platts was Angeline Davis, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Davis Davis, whose ancestry on both her father's and mother's side is traceable through five or six generations to William Davis who came from Wales to the American colonies in 1682. The double Davis connection largely extends the number of Dr. Platt's relatives in the families of that name; while the marriage of the Davis women for several generations back. makes him more or less intimately related with the Sayres, Loofboros, Babcocks (Simeon), Huffmans, Livingstons, Van Horns, Bonds, Randolphs, etc., whose families are scattered throughout the states.
David Platts came with his family to Wisconsin in 1844. In the family there were Benjamin, an older half-brother of Dr. Platts, a sister, Sarah Eleanor, and Lewis. After one year's residence at Milton, now Milton Junction, the family moved to Marquette county near the present Marquette; then later to the town of Dartford, six or seven miles south of the city of Berlin. Among the families which constituted the Seventh-day Baptist society organized at that place were those of Oliver Champlin, Elder Julius M. Todd, Datus E. Lewis, and Asa Burdick.
The privations of that first summer in beginning pioneer life made a deep impression on Lewis' life. The hastily, poorly constructed 'pen of logs' which served as their home until a more commodious and comfortable log house could be constructed in the fall; the coarse fare; the scanty supplies; the hard work were events not easily forgotten. Work was expected from every member of the family who could lend a hand. Lewis when nine years of age was sent into the field to plow day after day in the spring plowing. At twelve years of age he did a man's work at most of the common farm work.
In 1851-52, an extensive revival took place which reached nearly every family in the neighborhood in which the Platts family lived. Elder J. M. Todd, who was the pastor of that little church, was leader in the meetings and conducted most of the services. Large numbers were converted during the meetings. On March 17, 1852, Lewis, in company with his brother Benjamin and six or seven others, was baptized.
School privileges in those days of rugged living were few and were often denied the boys and girls who were old enough to share in the home making, bread-earning tasks of the farmers. In 1855 David Platts moved his family from Berlin to a temporary home on the farm of Erastus Brown, two or three miles northeast of Milton that his children might enjoy the greater educational facilities of Milton Academy whose principal was Prof. A. C. Spicer. The children now numbered five, three sons and two daughters. Among these was the future wife of John H. Babcock, 'Aunt Metta' as she is familiarly and affectionately known to many young people of more recent days.
Lewis and Benjamin were enrolled as students in Milton Academy; but the latter soon tired of the routine tasks of school and returned to the labors of the farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War the two young men with a younger brother enlisted. Lewis, after a rigid medical examination, was rejected and returned to his school work which was interrupted at intervals by the necessity for earning money to meet expenses. [Note: both brothers died in 1862 in war service.] Among his school acquaintances and close friends were Rev. A. H. Lewis, Rev. O. U. Whitford, Rev. S. R. Wheeler and Prof. A. R. Crandall. Lewis was graduated from the Academy in the summer of 1864.
On his graduation day, Dr. Platts was married by the Rev. William C. Whitford, to Miss Emma A. Tefft, who was a member of and a graduate in the same class. That union was the commingling of hearts and hands, minds and souls for the splendid work they were to do for God and humanity in the various fields of activity to which they were to be called.
Three sons were born to Dr. and Mrs. Platts: William, who died from injuries received in an accident in Los Angeles, Cal.; Rev J. Allison, who was deceased some years ago; and Dr. L. A. Platts Jr. of Chicago.
Dr. Platts in a sketch of his life says that from the hour of his conversion the conviction was borne in his mind and heart that somehow, sometime he should become a minister of the gospel. This conviction was wisely fostered by his mother. She used to say that in any worthy occupation we could serve God as his true children, and that it was of first importance that we might be true christians and that after that we might be farmers, or mechanics, or doctors, or preachers; if it should please God to make her first born a minister of His word it would be the greatest joy of her heart. When Lewis was turned back from participation in the war, the conviction grew that he ought to enter the ministry. The feeling was intensified by his mother's prayers and by the encouraging advice of Elder Wm. C. Whitford.
To better fit himself for his calling he and Mrs. Platts, following their graduation, went to Alfred University, Alfred, N. Y. From this institution he was graduated in 1866. While pursuing his studies at Alfred he was supplying the church at Nile, N. Y., as pastor. On July 25, 1866, he was ordained to the gospel ministry. Later on he accepted the call to the pastorate at New Market, N. J., and continued his studies in the Union Theological Seminary at New York City and was graduated in a class of forty May 8, 1871.
In religious and denominational work Dr. Platts always took a prominent part for he was by ability and disposition eminently fitted for places of responsibility where clear discernment and wise counsel were needed. He was remarkably successful as a pastor, a preacher of power who was clean-cut, forcible, logical and convincing in the presentation of his message. He was also a writer of superior ability. He held official relationships with the various denominational boards and the General Conference; was a teacher of English and Church History in Alfred University and of the English Bible in Milton College; and for more than ten years was the able editor of the Sabbath Recorder.
He held pastorates at Nile, N. Y., 1866-68, New Market, N. J., 1868-76, Westerly, R. I., 1876-82. While living in Alfred he supplied the churches at Hornell and Andover, N. Y., and was acting pastor of the Alfred church for a time. For thirteen and one-half years he was the beloved pastor of the Milton church and at the time of his death he was the pastor-emeritus of that church. His last pastorate was at Los Angeles, Cal., from whence he returned to Milton Junction in 1913. In 1914 Dr. Platts removed to Milton enfeebled by age. In August 1915 he attended the General Conference at Milton, the forty-seventh consecutive session he was permitted to attend. He passed away at the home of his son Arthur in Chicago September 8, 1915. On Sabbath afternoon, September 11, brief services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. H. Babcock, and a memorial service was held at the Seventh-day Baptist church at Milton at 2:30.
Rev. George W. Burdick read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer; Mrs. Robert Carr brought a tribute of personal friendship; Mr. J. Murray Maxson brought a message of love from the friends of the Seventh-day Baptist church in Chicago; Prof. Albert Whitford, a former teacher of Dr. Platts, told of his relation to Milton College; Rev. W. D. Burdick spoke of Dr. Platts' relation to the denomination; and Rev. Henry N. Jordon read a brief biographical sketch and spoke of Dr. Platts' work as a pastor.
Just as the Sabbath was drawing to a close his body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Milton.
H. N. J.
"The Journal-Telephone", Milton Junction, Wisconsin, Thursday, Sep. 16, 1915, p 1.
Lewis Alexander Platts was born in the town of Chapman's Creek, near Northampton, Clark Co., Ohio, February 21, 1840. His father, David Rittenhouse Platts, was born near Bridgeton, N. J., March 30, 1805, and came with his parents through Pennsylvania into Indiana and Ohio when but a lad.
Of his more remote ancestry Dr. Platts had but little knowledge. His grandmother, the wife of Jonathan Platts, was Rebecca Keene, a native of Shiloh, or possibly Roadstown, N. J. The Platts family were observers of the first day of the week as a day for religious devotions until this woman came into it. She was a staunch Seventh-day Baptist, a member of the church of that faith at Shiloh, N. J. She was a devout christian woman who taught her children the fear of God and the law of the holy Sabbath. Her husband in his mature years became a devout believer in Jesus Christ, embraced the Sabbath and with his son David, Dr. Platt's father, received baptism at the hands of Rev. Lewis A. Davis.
The mother of Dr. Platts was Angeline Davis, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Davis Davis, whose ancestry on both her father's and mother's side is traceable through five or six generations to William Davis who came from Wales to the American colonies in 1682. The double Davis connection largely extends the number of Dr. Platt's relatives in the families of that name; while the marriage of the Davis women for several generations back. makes him more or less intimately related with the Sayres, Loofboros, Babcocks (Simeon), Huffmans, Livingstons, Van Horns, Bonds, Randolphs, etc., whose families are scattered throughout the states.
David Platts came with his family to Wisconsin in 1844. In the family there were Benjamin, an older half-brother of Dr. Platts, a sister, Sarah Eleanor, and Lewis. After one year's residence at Milton, now Milton Junction, the family moved to Marquette county near the present Marquette; then later to the town of Dartford, six or seven miles south of the city of Berlin. Among the families which constituted the Seventh-day Baptist society organized at that place were those of Oliver Champlin, Elder Julius M. Todd, Datus E. Lewis, and Asa Burdick.
The privations of that first summer in beginning pioneer life made a deep impression on Lewis' life. The hastily, poorly constructed 'pen of logs' which served as their home until a more commodious and comfortable log house could be constructed in the fall; the coarse fare; the scanty supplies; the hard work were events not easily forgotten. Work was expected from every member of the family who could lend a hand. Lewis when nine years of age was sent into the field to plow day after day in the spring plowing. At twelve years of age he did a man's work at most of the common farm work.
In 1851-52, an extensive revival took place which reached nearly every family in the neighborhood in which the Platts family lived. Elder J. M. Todd, who was the pastor of that little church, was leader in the meetings and conducted most of the services. Large numbers were converted during the meetings. On March 17, 1852, Lewis, in company with his brother Benjamin and six or seven others, was baptized.
School privileges in those days of rugged living were few and were often denied the boys and girls who were old enough to share in the home making, bread-earning tasks of the farmers. In 1855 David Platts moved his family from Berlin to a temporary home on the farm of Erastus Brown, two or three miles northeast of Milton that his children might enjoy the greater educational facilities of Milton Academy whose principal was Prof. A. C. Spicer. The children now numbered five, three sons and two daughters. Among these was the future wife of John H. Babcock, 'Aunt Metta' as she is familiarly and affectionately known to many young people of more recent days.
Lewis and Benjamin were enrolled as students in Milton Academy; but the latter soon tired of the routine tasks of school and returned to the labors of the farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War the two young men with a younger brother enlisted. Lewis, after a rigid medical examination, was rejected and returned to his school work which was interrupted at intervals by the necessity for earning money to meet expenses. [Note: both brothers died in 1862 in war service.] Among his school acquaintances and close friends were Rev. A. H. Lewis, Rev. O. U. Whitford, Rev. S. R. Wheeler and Prof. A. R. Crandall. Lewis was graduated from the Academy in the summer of 1864.
On his graduation day, Dr. Platts was married by the Rev. William C. Whitford, to Miss Emma A. Tefft, who was a member of and a graduate in the same class. That union was the commingling of hearts and hands, minds and souls for the splendid work they were to do for God and humanity in the various fields of activity to which they were to be called.
Three sons were born to Dr. and Mrs. Platts: William, who died from injuries received in an accident in Los Angeles, Cal.; Rev J. Allison, who was deceased some years ago; and Dr. L. A. Platts Jr. of Chicago.
Dr. Platts in a sketch of his life says that from the hour of his conversion the conviction was borne in his mind and heart that somehow, sometime he should become a minister of the gospel. This conviction was wisely fostered by his mother. She used to say that in any worthy occupation we could serve God as his true children, and that it was of first importance that we might be true christians and that after that we might be farmers, or mechanics, or doctors, or preachers; if it should please God to make her first born a minister of His word it would be the greatest joy of her heart. When Lewis was turned back from participation in the war, the conviction grew that he ought to enter the ministry. The feeling was intensified by his mother's prayers and by the encouraging advice of Elder Wm. C. Whitford.
To better fit himself for his calling he and Mrs. Platts, following their graduation, went to Alfred University, Alfred, N. Y. From this institution he was graduated in 1866. While pursuing his studies at Alfred he was supplying the church at Nile, N. Y., as pastor. On July 25, 1866, he was ordained to the gospel ministry. Later on he accepted the call to the pastorate at New Market, N. J., and continued his studies in the Union Theological Seminary at New York City and was graduated in a class of forty May 8, 1871.
In religious and denominational work Dr. Platts always took a prominent part for he was by ability and disposition eminently fitted for places of responsibility where clear discernment and wise counsel were needed. He was remarkably successful as a pastor, a preacher of power who was clean-cut, forcible, logical and convincing in the presentation of his message. He was also a writer of superior ability. He held official relationships with the various denominational boards and the General Conference; was a teacher of English and Church History in Alfred University and of the English Bible in Milton College; and for more than ten years was the able editor of the Sabbath Recorder.
He held pastorates at Nile, N. Y., 1866-68, New Market, N. J., 1868-76, Westerly, R. I., 1876-82. While living in Alfred he supplied the churches at Hornell and Andover, N. Y., and was acting pastor of the Alfred church for a time. For thirteen and one-half years he was the beloved pastor of the Milton church and at the time of his death he was the pastor-emeritus of that church. His last pastorate was at Los Angeles, Cal., from whence he returned to Milton Junction in 1913. In 1914 Dr. Platts removed to Milton enfeebled by age. In August 1915 he attended the General Conference at Milton, the forty-seventh consecutive session he was permitted to attend. He passed away at the home of his son Arthur in Chicago September 8, 1915. On Sabbath afternoon, September 11, brief services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. H. Babcock, and a memorial service was held at the Seventh-day Baptist church at Milton at 2:30.
Rev. George W. Burdick read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer; Mrs. Robert Carr brought a tribute of personal friendship; Mr. J. Murray Maxson brought a message of love from the friends of the Seventh-day Baptist church in Chicago; Prof. Albert Whitford, a former teacher of Dr. Platts, told of his relation to Milton College; Rev. W. D. Burdick spoke of Dr. Platts' relation to the denomination; and Rev. Henry N. Jordon read a brief biographical sketch and spoke of Dr. Platts' work as a pastor.
Just as the Sabbath was drawing to a close his body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Milton.
H. N. J.
Lewis Alexander Platts was born in the town of Chapman's Creek, near Northampton, Clark Co., Ohio, February 21, 1840. His father, David Rittenhouse Platts, was born near Bridgeton, N. J., March 30, 1805, and came with his parents through Pennsylvania into Indiana and Ohio when but a lad.
Of his more remote ancestry Dr. Platts had but little knowledge. His grandmother, the wife of Jonathan Platts, was Rebecca Keene, a native of Shiloh, or possibly Roadstown, N. J. The Platts family were observers of the first day of the week as a day for religious devotions until this woman came into it. She was a staunch Seventh-day Baptist, a member of the church of that faith at Shiloh, N. J. She was a devout christian woman who taught her children the fear of God and the law of the holy Sabbath. Her husband in his mature years became a devout believer in Jesus Christ, embraced the Sabbath and with his son David, Dr. Platt's father, received baptism at the hands of Rev. Lewis A. Davis.
The mother of Dr. Platts was Angeline Davis, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Davis Davis, whose ancestry on both her father's and mother's side is traceable through five or six generations to William Davis who came from Wales to the American colonies in 1682. The double Davis connection largely extends the number of Dr. Platt's relatives in the families of that name; while the marriage of the Davis women for several generations back. makes him more or less intimately related with the Sayres, Loofboros, Babcocks (Simeon), Huffmans, Livingstons, Van Horns, Bonds, Randolphs, etc., whose families are scattered throughout the states.
David Platts came with his family to Wisconsin in 1844. In the family there were Benjamin, an older half-brother of Dr. Platts, a sister, Sarah Eleanor, and Lewis. After one year's residence at Milton, now Milton Junction, the family moved to Marquette county near the present Marquette; then later to the town of Dartford, six or seven miles south of the city of Berlin. Among the families which constituted the Seventh-day Baptist society organized at that place were those of Oliver Champlin, Elder Julius M. Todd, Datus E. Lewis, and Asa Burdick.
The privations of that first summer in beginning pioneer life made a deep impression on Lewis' life. The hastily, poorly constructed 'pen of logs' which served as their home until a more commodious and comfortable log house could be constructed in the fall; the coarse fare; the scanty supplies; the hard work were events not easily forgotten. Work was expected from every member of the family who could lend a hand. Lewis when nine years of age was sent into the field to plow day after day in the spring plowing. At twelve years of age he did a man's work at most of the common farm work.
In 1851-52, an extensive revival took place which reached nearly every family in the neighborhood in which the Platts family lived. Elder J. M. Todd, who was the pastor of that little church, was leader in the meetings and conducted most of the services. Large numbers were converted during the meetings. On March 17, 1852, Lewis, in company with his brother Benjamin and six or seven others, was baptized.
School privileges in those days of rugged living were few and were often denied the boys and girls who were old enough to share in the home making, bread-earning tasks of the farmers. In 1855 David Platts moved his family from Berlin to a temporary home on the farm of Erastus Brown, two or three miles northeast of Milton that his children might enjoy the greater educational facilities of Milton Academy whose principal was Prof. A. C. Spicer. The children now numbered five, three sons and two daughters. Among these was the future wife of John H. Babcock, 'Aunt Metta' as she is familiarly and affectionately known to many young people of more recent days.
Lewis and Benjamin were enrolled as students in Milton Academy; but the latter soon tired of the routine tasks of school and returned to the labors of the farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War the two young men with a younger brother enlisted. Lewis, after a rigid medical examination, was rejected and returned to his school work which was interrupted at intervals by the necessity for earning money to meet expenses. [Note: both brothers died in 1862 in war service.] Among his school acquaintances and close friends were Rev. A. H. Lewis, Rev. O. U. Whitford, Rev. S. R. Wheeler and Prof. A. R. Crandall. Lewis was graduated from the Academy in the summer of 1864.
On his graduation day, Dr. Platts was married by the Rev. William C. Whitford, to Miss Emma A. Tefft, who was a member of and a graduate in the same class. That union was the commingling of hearts and hands, minds and souls for the splendid work they were to do for God and humanity in the various fields of activity to which they were to be called.
Three sons were born to Dr. and Mrs. Platts: William, who died from injuries received in an accident in Los Angeles, Cal.; Rev J. Allison, who was deceased some years ago; and Dr. L. A. Platts Jr. of Chicago.
Dr. Platts in a sketch of his life says that from the hour of his conversion the conviction was borne in his mind and heart that somehow, sometime he should become a minister of the gospel. This conviction was wisely fostered by his mother. She used to say that in any worthy occupation we could serve God as his true children, and that it was of first importance that we might be true christians and that after that we might be farmers, or mechanics, or doctors, or preachers; if it should please God to make her first born a minister of His word it would be the greatest joy of her heart. When Lewis was turned back from participation in the war, the conviction grew that he ought to enter the ministry. The feeling was intensified by his mother's prayers and by the encouraging advice of Elder Wm. C. Whitford.
To better fit himself for his calling he and Mrs. Platts, following their graduation, went to Alfred University, Alfred, N. Y. From this institution he was graduated in 1866. While pursuing his studies at Alfred he was supplying the church at Nile, N. Y., as pastor. On July 25, 1866, he was ordained to the gospel ministry. Later on he accepted the call to the pastorate at New Market, N. J., and continued his studies in the Union Theological Seminary at New York City and was graduated in a class of forty May 8, 1871.
In religious and denominational work Dr. Platts always took a prominent part for he was by ability and disposition eminently fitted for places of responsibility where clear discernment and wise counsel were needed. He was remarkably successful as a pastor, a preacher of power who was clean-cut, forcible, logical and convincing in the presentation of his message. He was also a writer of superior ability. He held official relationships with the various denominational boards and the General Conference; was a teacher of English and Church History in Alfred University and of the English Bible in Milton College; and for more than ten years was the able editor of the Sabbath Recorder.
He held pastorates at Nile, N. Y., 1866-68, New Market, N. J., 1868-76, Westerly, R. I., 1876-82. While living in Alfred he supplied the churches at Hornell and Andover, N. Y., and was acting pastor of the Alfred church for a time. For thirteen and one-half years he was the beloved pastor of the Milton church and at the time of his death he was the pastor-emeritus of that church. His last pastorate was at Los Angeles, Cal., from whence he returned to Milton Junction in 1913. In 1914 Dr. Platts removed to Milton enfeebled by age. In August 1915 he attended the General Conference at Milton, the forty-seventh consecutive session he was permitted to attend. He passed away at the home of his son Arthur in Chicago September 8, 1915. On Sabbath afternoon, September 11, brief services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. H. Babcock, and a memorial service was held at the Seventh-day Baptist church at Milton at 2:30.
Rev. George W. Burdick read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer; Mrs. Robert Carr brought a tribute of personal friendship; Mr. J. Murray Maxson brought a message of love from the friends of the Seventh-day Baptist church in Chicago; Prof. Albert Whitford, a former teacher of Dr. Platts, told of his relation to Milton College; Rev. W. D. Burdick spoke of Dr. Platts' relation to the denomination; and Rev. Henry N. Jordon read a brief biographical sketch and spoke of Dr. Platts' work as a pastor.
Just as the Sabbath was drawing to a close his body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Milton.
H. N. J.
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