Notes:
THE GOSPEL MESSENGER -- March 29, 1924
WHAT I HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR AT THE AGE OF EIGHTY-TWO
After having lived eighty two years there comes a desire to give expression in a public way to the gratitude that is in one's heart. For my being and well being for eighty two years I am thankful. The gift of life with its possibilities and opportunities in this beautiful world is a most precious gift.
Even though eighty two years old my gratitude for my Christian parents has not abated, for I realize probably more than ever, the value of religious training, good advice, and right example, that .comes from godly parents. My parents did the best they could in that day, to give us the advantage of an education. Father hired a teacher who taught us in the wash house, but the sessions were short, and there was so much work to do that our opportunities were poor compared with the advantages of today.
At the age of nineteen I was called into the Civil War. Well do I remember even now at eighty two that day we said good bye, the quivering lips, falling tears, the tremulous voices, that were expressions of sad hearts.
Dec. 16, 1863, I was taken prisoner, we waded streams, and mud, suffered with cold and hunger, reaching camp Chase, Ohio, in January. The only comfort I had was a little pocket Testament my father gave me on leaving home. It became to me the bread of life. On April 15, 1864, I was released from prison without money or friends, but happy. How many died in that prison of want and disease I will never know, but my gratitude to God is great today, because he preserved me and has permitted me to enjoy such a long and happy life.
I found my way to Jonathan Brubaker 's, near Springfield, Ohio, a friend of my father's. He was a retired. business man who could not give me work, but directed: me to Peter Heck. While I was ragged, unshaven and dirty, yet they took me in. It was in this home and with the Donnel's Creek brethren and sisters that I remembered my vow, that was made in prison and gave my heart to God in July, 1864. I am so glad that I have had the privilege to give sixty rears of my life to God my Father, and Jesus my Savior.
In December, 1865, I returned to my home in Montgomery County, Va., to find all living and anxiously awaiting my return. The joy of the meeting! What a contrast to the sadness of the parting. I remained two years at my home in the Johnsville congregation.
Nov. 26, 1868, I married Mary C. Moomaw, the only daughter of Eld. B. F. Moomaw, who lived near Roanoke, Va., in what was then the Botetourt congregation. It is in this congregation that my life's work has been done and almost completed.
I was called to the ministry in October, 1872, and have had the joy of serving in that sacred office fifty two years, for which I am grateful. The long horseback rides in the cold and heat are almost forgotten, but the remembrance of the precious fellowships, the sitting together in heavenly places and the good that I have tried to do are refreshing to me. I took up the work of the ministry reluctantly because I felt I lacked in educational advantages, but because of the encouragement of my good wife and others, I accepted. My work in the church and with my ministering brethren has been pleasant. Some things have been decided not according to my views, but we have tried to keep from getting under the gourd vine. I give God praise that he has helped me to exercise charity toward all my brethren and in all this long life there have been no storms so severe that they mar or make unhappy my latter days.
God blessed us with seven children; two died in infancy. Three boys and two girls grew to manhood and womanhood. Two of the boys are ministers and one a deacon. Both daughters' husbands are deacons. We have twenty grandchildren and three great grandchildren, all in the Cloverdale congregation. Mother and I are thankful to God that he has helped us to leave some one to take our place in his cause.
My great grandfather, grandfather and father were ministers in the Church of the Brethren and to see that list lengthened by myself and sons is a source of gratitude. Practically all the inventions and discoveries that have come to the world have come in my day. It is realty a different world in so many ways from what it was in my boyhood days. I am glad that in this wonderful day of progress many have not forgotten God. I am grateful that I have not forgotten him, and let me say to all the younger brethren and sisters who are in the best of life, do not let the cares of life choke out the good seed. Then when you are fourscore and two years old you will be glad as I now am.
Then, too, I am glad for this, if I have walked with God as I have tried to do, I an now nearer his home than e'er before, and some day he will say it is enough; come up higher.
Roanoke, Va.
Samuel Crumpacker