Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 17 Aug 2005

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942

REV. ISAAC J. CUSHMAN, deceased. We point with pride to this sketch, and although so brief in detail, it represents the correct and Christian-like life of one who was endeared to all with whom he became acquainted. He was born in Monongalia Co., W. Va., near Morgantown, Sept, 19, 1830. He was taken when two years old by an uncle on his mother's aide, to Fayette Co., Pa., where he lived until he was about five years old, when they removed to Fayette Co., O., in which be lived on a farm until he attained his majority. He then attended high school at Bloomingsburg, O., from which he went to the Academy at S. Salem, O., then under the management of Rev. James A. I. Lowes. In Jan., 1856, he entered the Miami University at Oxford, O. The first year he accomplished the work of two years, and the remaining part of his college life studied theology, under the able guidance of Dr. Young, then President of the Theological Seminary at Oxford, which was under the care of the United Presbyterian Church. He graduated n 1858, and in September of the same year accepted the Principleship of Salem College. March 10, 1859, he was married to Martha J. Dennis, of Williamsburg, O. Nov. 30, 1860, he received and accepted a call from the Bethel Presbyterian Church at Murdock, O., where he spent his whole ministerial life. He was strong in his faith, having inherited from his maternal ancestry great love for the principles and doctrines of his church, which he adhered to and defended with Spartan fortitude. His father, Squire Cushman and his ancestors were of the Episcopal Methodist belief. Although strictly a Presbyterian, Mr. Cushman always bore towards other evangelical denominations with much brotherly love, and often united with them in their services and exchanged pulpits frequently with their ministers. Mr. Cushman possessed fine educational attainments, which, coupled to his excellent natural talents, made him a strong reasoner and a master in debate. He was a fine linguist, and with the exception of not having a'thorough knowledge of the Hebrew, was a proficient in the other languages, especially those that could be advantageously used in his ministerial research and labor. During the twenty consecutive years that he labored in the Bethel church he drew around him many loving hearts and trusty followers who had confidence in their leader. His teachings and precepts were always of a lofty character, and what he taught he practiced in his daily walks through life - always ready with a word of encouragement to a faltering one by the wayside, or to rejoice with those that rejoiced. In spite of arduous labors, his health and strength remained intact until about one year before his death occurred; at which time he began to fail and gradually he wasted away, but not realizing it until a brief time before the final end was near. Died Aug.