Hiram Musselman was born at Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1827. His mother was Caroline Walter. He grew to manhood at Meyersdale, being given only a common school education. Brother Musselman was a contractor and builder for the most part of his active life. Early in life he came to the vicinity of Scalp Level. He was called far and near to erect houses, barns, schoolhouses and churches. He also made furniture in his shop.
He and Miss Frances Yoder were united in holy matrimony by Elder Christian Lehman, January 17, 1858. They took up housekeeping on what is now the Albert Berkey farm near Windber. There they lived for a number of years, but later, about 1870, moved into Scalp Level, where he died.
About 1860 both were baptized by Elder Christian Lehman. He was chosen to the ministry in 1862 and ordained January 1, 1886.
Elder Jerome Blough remembered hearing Brother Musselman tell how he made his start in the ministry. He said: "It wasn't very long after I was called to the ministry and I had not made any attempt to preach. All the older ministers were away, some, if not all of them, at the Annual Meeting. Brother Jacob Berkey's children had the diphtheria. One of them died, and in the absence of the older preachers I was asked to preach the funeral. I scarcely knew what to do. To refuse, I was ashamed, and to promise, I was afraid. But I finally agreed to undertake it. I felt my weakness and inability. and leaned heavily upon God for help in my great need. The hour for the funeral came, and I trembled, but I put my trust in the Lord, and started out with the sermon, and got along with it remarkably well for a beginner. I was surprised at my success and the people congratulated me. Well, that was good. I had a start. After this it should go all right. In a few days another child died and they called on me again. This time I felt it would be comparatively easy and I neglected to put so much dependence upon the Lord, but trusted more on Musselman, with the result a complete failure. It was very humiliating, but it was a lesson well learned."
Brother Musselman had a way of making everybody his friend. He was rather jovial, always cheerful and met people with a smile. While he was a friend to everybody, he was especially so to the young. He was much like it was said of George Washington, the "Father of his Country." The Lord saw fit to leave him childless so that he might be a father to all. It was this spirit of friendliness and helpfulness and interest in the young people, perhaps, more than his sermons that won for him his popularity.
It was this interest in the children and young poeple that early prompted him to open a Sunday school in the Scalp Level church in 1878. He was the first superintendent and filled that position for a number of years. This was one of the first Brethren Sunday schools in all these parts. He also bore a large part of the expense of carrying on the school. Quite frequently would he buy books as presents for the officers and teachers. And so it naturally came to pass that when young people wanted to become man and wife they came to Brother Musselman, when they wanted to be baptized they came for Brother Mussleman, and when death invaded the home, he was usually the one called to speak words of comfort. He seemed to be peculiarly adapted for this kind of work. Well, there may have been other reasons that played some part in this. He lived in town and hard by the creek, and had considerable leisure.
He married 215 couples but no record was kept of the baptisms, funerals and anointings. For a number of years he did the most of that work. For some years he gave a present of a hymn book to all whom he baptized and in his will he made provision to give Bibles to all new converts.
This is carried out as far as the money reaches. The hymn most used by him at baptism was number 240 in the hymn book, the first verse of which runs thus:
"In all my Lord's appointed way, My journey, I'll puruse: Hinder me not, you much-loved saints, For I must go with you."
After he was a minister he missed few, if any, District and Annual Meetings. Beginning in 1872 he served the District in the capacity of treasurer continuously for more than twently years, with the exception of one year. He represented Western Pennsylvania on the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting, held at Pertle Springs, Missouri in 1890.
He did considerable traveling over the District in the interests of the church but his best work was done in his home conregation, where he was always ready to help in every good work, both with his means and his time.
Elder and Sister Musselman reared Lizzie (Yoder) Rodgers. Besides remembering many of his relatives in his will, he also made requests to a cemetery fund, home and world-wide missions and Juniata College.
He died December 9, 1900 aged 73 years, 6 months and 4 days, and is buried in the Berkey cemetery. J J shaffer officiated at his funeral, assisted by other brethren.
History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania by Elder Jerome E Blough Published by the Brethren Publishing House Elgin, Illinois 1916 pages 494-497
He and Miss Frances Yoder were united in holy matrimony by Elder Christian Lehman, January 17, 1858. They took up housekeeping on what is now the Albert Berkey farm near Windber. There they lived for a number of years, but later, about 1870, moved into Scalp Level, where he died.
About 1860 both were baptized by Elder Christian Lehman. He was chosen to the ministry in 1862 and ordained January 1, 1886.
Elder Jerome Blough remembered hearing Brother Musselman tell how he made his start in the ministry. He said: "It wasn't very long after I was called to the ministry and I had not made any attempt to preach. All the older ministers were away, some, if not all of them, at the Annual Meeting. Brother Jacob Berkey's children had the diphtheria. One of them died, and in the absence of the older preachers I was asked to preach the funeral. I scarcely knew what to do. To refuse, I was ashamed, and to promise, I was afraid. But I finally agreed to undertake it. I felt my weakness and inability. and leaned heavily upon God for help in my great need. The hour for the funeral came, and I trembled, but I put my trust in the Lord, and started out with the sermon, and got along with it remarkably well for a beginner. I was surprised at my success and the people congratulated me. Well, that was good. I had a start. After this it should go all right. In a few days another child died and they called on me again. This time I felt it would be comparatively easy and I neglected to put so much dependence upon the Lord, but trusted more on Musselman, with the result a complete failure. It was very humiliating, but it was a lesson well learned."
Brother Musselman had a way of making everybody his friend. He was rather jovial, always cheerful and met people with a smile. While he was a friend to everybody, he was especially so to the young. He was much like it was said of George Washington, the "Father of his Country." The Lord saw fit to leave him childless so that he might be a father to all. It was this spirit of friendliness and helpfulness and interest in the young people, perhaps, more than his sermons that won for him his popularity.
It was this interest in the children and young poeple that early prompted him to open a Sunday school in the Scalp Level church in 1878. He was the first superintendent and filled that position for a number of years. This was one of the first Brethren Sunday schools in all these parts. He also bore a large part of the expense of carrying on the school. Quite frequently would he buy books as presents for the officers and teachers. And so it naturally came to pass that when young people wanted to become man and wife they came to Brother Musselman, when they wanted to be baptized they came for Brother Mussleman, and when death invaded the home, he was usually the one called to speak words of comfort. He seemed to be peculiarly adapted for this kind of work. Well, there may have been other reasons that played some part in this. He lived in town and hard by the creek, and had considerable leisure.
He married 215 couples but no record was kept of the baptisms, funerals and anointings. For a number of years he did the most of that work. For some years he gave a present of a hymn book to all whom he baptized and in his will he made provision to give Bibles to all new converts.
This is carried out as far as the money reaches. The hymn most used by him at baptism was number 240 in the hymn book, the first verse of which runs thus:
"In all my Lord's appointed way, My journey, I'll puruse: Hinder me not, you much-loved saints, For I must go with you."
After he was a minister he missed few, if any, District and Annual Meetings. Beginning in 1872 he served the District in the capacity of treasurer continuously for more than twently years, with the exception of one year. He represented Western Pennsylvania on the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting, held at Pertle Springs, Missouri in 1890.
He did considerable traveling over the District in the interests of the church but his best work was done in his home conregation, where he was always ready to help in every good work, both with his means and his time.
Elder and Sister Musselman reared Lizzie (Yoder) Rodgers. Besides remembering many of his relatives in his will, he also made requests to a cemetery fund, home and world-wide missions and Juniata College.
He died December 9, 1900 aged 73 years, 6 months and 4 days, and is buried in the Berkey cemetery. J J shaffer officiated at his funeral, assisted by other brethren.
History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania by Elder Jerome E Blough Published by the Brethren Publishing House Elgin, Illinois 1916 pages 494-497
Hiram Musselman was born at Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1827. His mother was Caroline Walter. He grew to manhood at Meyersdale, being given only a common school education. Brother Musselman was a contractor and builder for the most part of his active life. Early in life he came to the vicinity of Scalp Level. He was called far and near to erect houses, barns, schoolhouses and churches. He also made furniture in his shop.
He and Miss Frances Yoder were united in holy matrimony by Elder Christian Lehman, January 17, 1858. They took up housekeeping on what is now the Albert Berkey farm near Windber. There they lived for a number of years, but later, about 1870, moved into Scalp Level, where he died.
About 1860 both were baptized by Elder Christian Lehman. He was chosen to the ministry in 1862 and ordained January 1, 1886.
Elder Jerome Blough remembered hearing Brother Musselman tell how he made his start in the ministry. He said: "It wasn't very long after I was called to the ministry and I had not made any attempt to preach. All the older ministers were away, some, if not all of them, at the Annual Meeting. Brother Jacob Berkey's children had the diphtheria. One of them died, and in the absence of the older preachers I was asked to preach the funeral. I scarcely knew what to do. To refuse, I was ashamed, and to promise, I was afraid. But I finally agreed to undertake it. I felt my weakness and inability. and leaned heavily upon God for help in my great need. The hour for the funeral came, and I trembled, but I put my trust in the Lord, and started out with the sermon, and got along with it remarkably well for a beginner. I was surprised at my success and the people congratulated me. Well, that was good. I had a start. After this it should go all right. In a few days another child died and they called on me again. This time I felt it would be comparatively easy and I neglected to put so much dependence upon the Lord, but trusted more on Musselman, with the result a complete failure. It was very humiliating, but it was a lesson well learned."
Brother Musselman had a way of making everybody his friend. He was rather jovial, always cheerful and met people with a smile. While he was a friend to everybody, he was especially so to the young. He was much like it was said of George Washington, the "Father of his Country." The Lord saw fit to leave him childless so that he might be a father to all. It was this spirit of friendliness and helpfulness and interest in the young people, perhaps, more than his sermons that won for him his popularity.
It was this interest in the children and young poeple that early prompted him to open a Sunday school in the Scalp Level church in 1878. He was the first superintendent and filled that position for a number of years. This was one of the first Brethren Sunday schools in all these parts. He also bore a large part of the expense of carrying on the school. Quite frequently would he buy books as presents for the officers and teachers. And so it naturally came to pass that when young people wanted to become man and wife they came to Brother Musselman, when they wanted to be baptized they came for Brother Mussleman, and when death invaded the home, he was usually the one called to speak words of comfort. He seemed to be peculiarly adapted for this kind of work. Well, there may have been other reasons that played some part in this. He lived in town and hard by the creek, and had considerable leisure.
He married 215 couples but no record was kept of the baptisms, funerals and anointings. For a number of years he did the most of that work. For some years he gave a present of a hymn book to all whom he baptized and in his will he made provision to give Bibles to all new converts.
This is carried out as far as the money reaches. The hymn most used by him at baptism was number 240 in the hymn book, the first verse of which runs thus:
"In all my Lord's appointed way, My journey, I'll puruse: Hinder me not, you much-loved saints, For I must go with you."
After he was a minister he missed few, if any, District and Annual Meetings. Beginning in 1872 he served the District in the capacity of treasurer continuously for more than twently years, with the exception of one year. He represented Western Pennsylvania on the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting, held at Pertle Springs, Missouri in 1890.
He did considerable traveling over the District in the interests of the church but his best work was done in his home conregation, where he was always ready to help in every good work, both with his means and his time.
Elder and Sister Musselman reared Lizzie (Yoder) Rodgers. Besides remembering many of his relatives in his will, he also made requests to a cemetery fund, home and world-wide missions and Juniata College.
He died December 9, 1900 aged 73 years, 6 months and 4 days, and is buried in the Berkey cemetery. J J shaffer officiated at his funeral, assisted by other brethren.
History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania by Elder Jerome E Blough Published by the Brethren Publishing House Elgin, Illinois 1916 pages 494-497
He and Miss Frances Yoder were united in holy matrimony by Elder Christian Lehman, January 17, 1858. They took up housekeeping on what is now the Albert Berkey farm near Windber. There they lived for a number of years, but later, about 1870, moved into Scalp Level, where he died.
About 1860 both were baptized by Elder Christian Lehman. He was chosen to the ministry in 1862 and ordained January 1, 1886.
Elder Jerome Blough remembered hearing Brother Musselman tell how he made his start in the ministry. He said: "It wasn't very long after I was called to the ministry and I had not made any attempt to preach. All the older ministers were away, some, if not all of them, at the Annual Meeting. Brother Jacob Berkey's children had the diphtheria. One of them died, and in the absence of the older preachers I was asked to preach the funeral. I scarcely knew what to do. To refuse, I was ashamed, and to promise, I was afraid. But I finally agreed to undertake it. I felt my weakness and inability. and leaned heavily upon God for help in my great need. The hour for the funeral came, and I trembled, but I put my trust in the Lord, and started out with the sermon, and got along with it remarkably well for a beginner. I was surprised at my success and the people congratulated me. Well, that was good. I had a start. After this it should go all right. In a few days another child died and they called on me again. This time I felt it would be comparatively easy and I neglected to put so much dependence upon the Lord, but trusted more on Musselman, with the result a complete failure. It was very humiliating, but it was a lesson well learned."
Brother Musselman had a way of making everybody his friend. He was rather jovial, always cheerful and met people with a smile. While he was a friend to everybody, he was especially so to the young. He was much like it was said of George Washington, the "Father of his Country." The Lord saw fit to leave him childless so that he might be a father to all. It was this spirit of friendliness and helpfulness and interest in the young people, perhaps, more than his sermons that won for him his popularity.
It was this interest in the children and young poeple that early prompted him to open a Sunday school in the Scalp Level church in 1878. He was the first superintendent and filled that position for a number of years. This was one of the first Brethren Sunday schools in all these parts. He also bore a large part of the expense of carrying on the school. Quite frequently would he buy books as presents for the officers and teachers. And so it naturally came to pass that when young people wanted to become man and wife they came to Brother Musselman, when they wanted to be baptized they came for Brother Mussleman, and when death invaded the home, he was usually the one called to speak words of comfort. He seemed to be peculiarly adapted for this kind of work. Well, there may have been other reasons that played some part in this. He lived in town and hard by the creek, and had considerable leisure.
He married 215 couples but no record was kept of the baptisms, funerals and anointings. For a number of years he did the most of that work. For some years he gave a present of a hymn book to all whom he baptized and in his will he made provision to give Bibles to all new converts.
This is carried out as far as the money reaches. The hymn most used by him at baptism was number 240 in the hymn book, the first verse of which runs thus:
"In all my Lord's appointed way, My journey, I'll puruse: Hinder me not, you much-loved saints, For I must go with you."
After he was a minister he missed few, if any, District and Annual Meetings. Beginning in 1872 he served the District in the capacity of treasurer continuously for more than twently years, with the exception of one year. He represented Western Pennsylvania on the Standing Committee of the Annual Meeting, held at Pertle Springs, Missouri in 1890.
He did considerable traveling over the District in the interests of the church but his best work was done in his home conregation, where he was always ready to help in every good work, both with his means and his time.
Elder and Sister Musselman reared Lizzie (Yoder) Rodgers. Besides remembering many of his relatives in his will, he also made requests to a cemetery fund, home and world-wide missions and Juniata College.
He died December 9, 1900 aged 73 years, 6 months and 4 days, and is buried in the Berkey cemetery. J J shaffer officiated at his funeral, assisted by other brethren.
History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania by Elder Jerome E Blough Published by the Brethren Publishing House Elgin, Illinois 1916 pages 494-497
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