My Genealogy Hound

REV. SAMUEL S. WYLIE. Scotland has given to the world a race of persistent, steady workers, deep thinkers and logical reasoners, good Christian men and women whose fight for principle has been unwavering often in the face of defeat, and whose purpose has been changeless whether behind prison bars, or in the bright free light of the sun. Political disturbances drove many from Scotland to the North of Ireland. Among these was one William Wylie, a strict Presbyterian in his religious views. He and his relatives came to America, one branch of the family locating in South Carolina, and the other in Washington county, Pennsylvania.

David Wylie, son of William, was born in Washington county, Pa., in 1807. He became a man of much prominence, and for many years was an employe of the government, but later he became a farmer. He married Harriet B. Simison, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1816, daughter of James Simison. This marriage was blessed with ten children, of whom five reached maturity: Tappon W., now deceased; Simison R., who resides in Washington county, Pa.; Edward Burk, who makes his home near Jackson, Iowa; Robert B., for a number of years a teacher in Washington College, and now a farmer in Western Pennsylvania; and Samuel S.

Samuel S. Wylie was born in Washington county, Pa., Dec. 2, 1844. His preliminary education was received in the district schools, which he attended until he was sixteen. He then entered Washington and Jefferson College, from which he was graduated in 1867. Having determined to enter the ministry, he entered the Theological Seminary at Allegheny City, Pa., and in 1870 was graduated from that institution. He had, however, in the year 1869, been licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Pittsburg. During his entire school period he had given evidence of his natural literary tastes, and his disposition that must master the subject under consideration had made him a constant searcher in the libraries, and he had by that means acquired a fund of knowledge far in advance of the average graduate. After completing his course in the theological seminary he engaged for a time in teaching, and as a supply preacher in Indiana county, Pa. He next went to Scotland, and there entered the Free Church Theological College at Edinburgh, where he remained one year.

Returning to America he was ordained, and received a call to the charge at Middle Spring, Cumberland county, where he is found today, having continued ably to hold that position for over thirty-one years, perhaps the longest term of service in the State with one exception. When he came to Middle Spring, the church was comparatively young, and was sadly in need of the enthusiasm that is so necessary in building up a good congregation and placing it on a firm financial foundation. This Rev. Wylie has been able to do. The congregation now numbers over two hundred earnest, hardworking men and women, sincere laborers in the Master’s vineyard. The beloved pastor is a thorough scholar and accomplished gentleman, whose work has appealed to the deepest impulses of his inherently noble nature. He has succeeded in building up the Sunday School, not only by interesting the children, but by bringing out the fathers and mothers, as well. He has not been afraid to work. Not only has he had the executive ability to tell others what to do, but when helpers were few, he could be found hard at work, himself. Personal feelings and interests have been swallowed up in his great efforts for humanity, and the reward to him has been the deep and abiding love of his people.

Rev. Wylie is the author of a very able history of the Presbyterian Church in Middle Spring. Among his interests outside the confines of his own parish may be mentioned the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, of which he is a trustee. He is chairman of a committee to erect a monument to the memory of the Revolutionary soldiers, and those of the war of 1812. He is not a man to shirk any duty, when he found he was needed in the great Civil war, he left his school books, and in April, 1864, shouldered his musket as a private under the command of Capt. Stewart, and participated in several engagements in the pursuit of Gen. Early. His regiment was a part of the Sixth Corps, and they were stationed in and around Washington. His brother, Edward Wylie, was also a soldier in that, great struggle, being a member of the 34th Iowa, and was with Gen. Sherman in his celebrated March to the Sea. In 1900 Rev. Wylie went abroad, and visited many places of historic interest in the Orient, and spending many pleasant days in Palestine.

On Nov. 24, 1874, Rev. Wylie was married to Miss Jane McCune, daughter of John McCune, of Scotch-Irish descent. She died in 1898, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, in which she was an earnest and active member, both in the church and the Sunday School. This union was brightened by three children: Harriet, A. M., a graduate of Wilson College; Eva Theresa, a graduate of Metzgar College; and Samuel Duncan, a student at Mercersburg College. In June, 1901, Rev. Wylie married for his second wife, Miss Salinda C. Ramp, daughter of Jacob and Martha Ramp, prominent people of Cumberland county. They have a good substantial home in Middle Spring, and there the reverend gentleman and his family delight to welcome their many warm friends.