My Genealogy Hound

REV. OLIVER J. FISKE, was born in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24, 1809. His father, Isaac Fiske, was born near Boston, Mass., in 1792. In 1805, he removed to Nashville, Tenn., and was in the employ of the Government as a surveyor. He married Miss Betsey Johnson, a native of New Hampshire. The subject of this sketch removed with his father’s family, at an early age, to their former home. When about 20 years of age he commenced a course of study, and, in 1837, graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I. He was ordained as Pastor of the Baptist Church, in Lime Rock village, near Providence, the October following. In 1839, he married Miss Maria L. Brown, of Cumberland, R. I., and removed to Nashville, Tenn. For many years he was engaged in preaching, seldom receiving any compensation, supporting his family by teaching, in which his wife proved a valuable assistant. In 1849, he was appointed President of Enon College, near Gallatin, Tenn. After successfully conducting the affairs of the College, in 1854, he resigned, and in 1855, removed to Bloomington, McLean Co., Ill. Mr. Fiske has since served as Pastor of churches in Old Town, Le Roy, Randolph’s Grove and Rock Creek (now Danvers), in McLean Co., also in Versailles, Woodford Co., and Dwight, Livingston Co. In 1873. he removed to his present home, since which time, on account of failing health, he has seldom preached. The parents have had three children, two of whom are living — Edwin Brown, attorney at law, Rochester, N. Y.; Charles H., official law reporter, Indianapolis, Ind.; Oliver Edgar died in 1859, near Bloomington.