Leinbach Family

Biographical Information is presented by first name, alphabetically arranged. AARON SEIBERT LEINBACH: Aaron Seibert was born in Spring Township, Berks County, PA., on July 20, 1825 to Rev. Thomas H., Sr. and Elizabeth (Seibert) Leinbach. He entered Marshall College in 1842, graduating in 1846. He next attended the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg from 1846-1848. In 1848, after graduating from Seminary, he was licensed by the Lebanon Classis and ordained and installed as pastor of the Palmyra Charge in Lebanon County (June 1848-September 1848). In September, 1848 he was called to become pastor of the First Reformed Church, Reading, PA., serving here until 1863. He served many churches: Schwarzwald Charge (1864-1895); Immanuel's, Hamburg, PA. (April 24, 1864-June 10, 1866); Shalter's Congregation (May 1, 1864-August 4, 1895); St. John's, Robesonia, PA. (May 22, 1864-June 29, 1873); St. Michael's, Upper Bern (August 7, 1864-September 29, 1867); Mohrsville, PA. Congregation (January 22, 1865-January 23, 1881); Leesport, PA. (June 26, 1870-January 23, 1881); Hinnershitz's Church (October 8, 1871-August 4, 1895); Alsace Church, Reading PA. (October 8, 1871-July 28, 1895); Spies' Church (March 23, 1873-August 11, 1895); Bern Church (July 25, 1875-August 12, 1895). He built churches at Mohrsville, Leesport, Schwarzwald, Spies', and St. Thomas, Reading. He also organized the St. Thomas Congregation in the northern part of Reading, on October 19, 1889, as a Mission. He was president of the Lebanon Classis in 1867 and of the Eastern Synod in 1880. In 1887, Franklin and Marshall College conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He retired in 1895. On January 8, 1850, he married Eliza Amanda Schantz, who died August 13, 1867. Together they had six children. One son, Rev. John Heister Leinbach died one year before his father. On November 2, 1869, Rev. Leinbach married a second time to Ann Elizabeth Wetzel of Carlisle, PA. Rev. Leinbach died at his home in Reading on June 22, 1896. CARL SWAVELY LEINBACH: Carl Swavely was born to Rev. Henry Jerome and Mary (Swavely) Leinbach on April 2, 1906, in Reading, Pennsylvania. He attended Lafayette College for two years, until 1927 when he transferred to Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in the class of 1930. He went on to study at Lancaster Seminary, graduating in 1933. He served the following charges: St. Paul's, Bethlehem, PA. (1934-1939); Zion Evangelical and Reformed, Lehighton, PA. (1939-1953); Emmanuel Evangelical and Reformed, Hazleton, PA. (1953-1958); and Catawissa-Mainville Evangelical and Reformed (1958-1963). He was an active member of many organizations both community and collegiate. He married Madalene Robenhold, with whom he had three children: Frederica, L. Carl, and Robin Jean. He passed away in Bloomsburg, PA. Hospital on May 25, 1963. CHARLES HARTMAN LEINBACH: Charles Hartman Leinbach was born in Oley Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1815 to Daniel and Maria Magdalena (Hartman) Leinbach. He began his private religious preparatory studies in 1835. In 1837 he came to Marshall College, at Mercersburg, PA. but did not complete his literary course. Charles began theological studies in 1841, became licensed to preach at the Synod in Reading, PA. in 1841 and ordained in December 1841 at Myerstown, PA. by the Lebanon Classis. November 6, 1842 he became pastor of the Landisburg charge in Perry County, PA. During his time as pastor of this charge, he organized two new congregations in Landisburg and Ludolph's, thus bringing the charge to six congregations. This pastorate lasted for 16 years. In May 1859, Rev. Leinbach became pastor of the Lewisburg Charge in Union County, PA. Two congregations made up this charge, which he served for a little over 5 years. June 1864 saw Rev. Leinbach being elected to succeed his brother, Rev. Thomas H. Leinbach at the Tulpehocken charge. This charge consisted of the Tulpehocken, St. James' (Jacob's) and Mt. Zion congregations. He remained at this charge for nearly 20 years, performing his last sermon January 14, 1883 and solemnizing a marriage on July 14, 1883, the day before his death. He died July 15, 1883 of complications from successive colds and hemorrhages. At various times he held positions on the Board of Missions, Foreign and Domestic; Board of Visitors of the Theological Seminary; Board of Managers of the Orphans' Home. The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was bestowed upon him in 1875 by the Trustees of Franklin and Marshall College. On November 3, 1842, Dr. Leinbach was married to Harriet Miller Forney of Womelsdorf, Berks County, PA. They had 10 children, four of whom passed away before Rev. Leinbach. At the time of his death, his widow, six children (3 sons and 3 daughters) and one granddaughter survived him. EDWIN SAMUEL LEINBACH: Edwin was born September 12, 1878 to Thomas Calvin and Maria Rebecca (Seibert) Leinbach. He was a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College in 1905, and the Seminary at Lancaster, PA. in 1905. He assisted his father for six years in the Bernville Charge, until the death of his father. At this time, he became pastor of the Robesonia Charge, where he served until his death. Rev. Leinbach was a member of several organizations, including the Masons, Odd Fellows, and P.O.S. of A. He served on the Board of the Phoebe Home at Allentown, PA. On June 16, 1903, Edwin married Carrie Mae Bausch. They had two children, Marjorie June and Thomas Calvin. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1942. Marjorie preceded Edwin in death in 1942, Edwin died April 29, 1946. ELMER ELLSWORTH HOCH LEINBACH: E.E.H. was born June 18, 1861 at Lembach's, Bern Township, Berks County, PA. to Elias A. and Caroline (Hoch) Leinbach. He was a student at Palatinate College at Myerstown, and studied medicine for a short time at the University of Pennsylvania. He was at the Theological Seminary at Lancaster from 1892-1895. Upon graduating in 1895, he was licensed by Lebanon Classis and ordained by Lehigh Classis in 1896. He was installed as pastor of St. John's Church at Kutztown and St. Peter's Church of Richmond Township (may be identified with St. Peter's Church at Topton). He served this charge throughout his entire pastoral career. He resigned in 1928 due to poor health, and died of heart disease and dropsy September 20, 1929. He was married to Mary Saylor, with whom he had one son (Frederick) and one daughter (Carolyn). ELMER G. LEINBACH: Elmer was born June 23, 1881 in Womelsdorf, PA. to Rev. Thomas Calvin and Maria Rebecca (Seibert) Leinbach. He attended Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in 1904 and Easter Theological Seminary, graduating in 1906. He became licensed May 1906 by Eastern Lebanon Classis, and was ordained of the Eastern Synod/Lebanon Classis in July of 1906. His pastorates included: Millersburg, PA. (May 1906-Jan. 1911); First Reformed Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA. (Jan. 1911-Nov. 1920); Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church, Palmyra, PA. (Nov. 1920-1949); Salem, Campbelltown (Nov. 1920-Nov. 1924). He married Edna M. Bausch May 22, 1906, they had one daughter, Gladys Odella. HENRY JEROME LEINBACH: Henry Jerome was born January 21, 1880 in Oley Township, Berks County to James B. and Amelia B. (Saylor) Leinbach. He graduated from Clay Academy, Franklin and Marshall College (1901) and Lancaster Theological Seminary (1904). He was ordained by Reading Classis in 1904. Pastorates included: Olivet, Reading (1904-1907); Jonestown (1907-1913); University Avenue Church, Des Moines, Iowa (1913-1917); Brown Memorial, Wichata, Kansas (1917-1920); First, Schulykill Haven, PA. (1921-1929); Quakertown (1929-1933); Manassas, Virginia (1933-1934); Washington D.C. (1934-1936); Bethlehem, PA. (1936-_); Zion United Church of Christ, Nanticoke-Plymouth (1937-1961). Henry served on the Board of Directors of the Lord's Day Alliance of the United States. Henry was married to Mary Swavely of Pottstown, PA., who preceded him in death in 1941. They had three sons: Rev. Carl S., Frederick S., and Henry J., Jr. Henry died July 23, 1961 from injuries received in an auto accident on his way to visit his son Rev. Carl S. JAMES CALVIN LEINBACH: James was born October 6, 1846 in Landisburg, PA., to Rev. Charles H. and Harriet (Frey) Leinbach. At age 17, he was enlisted in the army (February 24, 1864) in the 51st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving in the Army until July 27, 1865. He was stationed at Alexandria, Virginia when he received his final discharge. He entered the Sophomore class at Franklin and Marshall College in the fall of 1865 and graduated in 1878. He began studies at the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg, withdrawing due to health issues December 1870. He returned to the Seminary (located in Lancaster) at the beginning of 1877, graduating with the class of 1877. He was licensed and ordained by Lebanon Classis June 24, 1877 and installed as Assistant Pastor at the Tulpehocken Charge, his father being pastor of the Charge at the time. In 1881 he became pastor of Riegelsville Charge in Riegelsville, PA., serving the Charge until 1884. He next assumed the pastorate at the Sunbury Charge when he was compelled to retired due to poor health in 1899. James was then a supply pastor of the Lykens, PA., Charge and after almost a year of supply pastorate, the church called him as their regular pastor. He accepted the call and was about to move when stricken with pneumonia, from which he did not recover.He died April 24, 1901. James was married October 24, 1882 to Martha Poore of Riegelsville. They had seven children together. JOHN HIESTER LEINBACH: John Heister was born in Reading, PA., the son of Dr. Aaron Samuel and Eliza Amanda (Schantz) Leinbach. He was a graduate of the Boys' High School at Reading and taught school for several years before entering college. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1875 and from the Theological Seminary at Lancaster in 1878. He was licensed in 1878 by the Lebanon Classis and ordained and installed at Leesport as assistant to his father, who at the time was pastor of the Schwarzwald Charge. In 1880 he became pastor of St. John's Church at Kutztown, PA. and of the St. Peter's and Amityville (St. Paul's) congregations, where he continued to serve until the end of his life. John suffered a stroke and was paralyzed. After the stroke he was sent to a sanatorium at Clifton Heights, PA., in the hope his health would improve, however, he became worse and died August 25, 1895. PAUL SEIBERT LEINBACH: Paul Seibert was born September 21, 1874 in Womelsdorg, Lebanon County, PA. to T.C. and Maria (Seibert) Leinbach. He is an 1895 Franklin and Marshall College graduate and graduated from the Theological Seminary at Lancaster in 1898. During the school year of 1897-1898, he served as Seminary Librarian. June 1, 1898 he was licensed by Lebanon Classis and ordained by Juniata Classis on July 3, 1898. Pastorates included: Grace Congregation, Altoona; Trinity Church, Wilkinsburg, PA. (1900-1904); First Reformed Church, Easton, PA. (1904-1912); and Hamilton Grange Church, New York City (1913-1917). Mr. Leinbach was unanimously called as editor of the Reformed Church Messenger, assuming the office of Editor-in-Chief on February 1, 1936. He filled this position until his retirement. He rendered a variety of services to the Church at large, including: Executive Secretary of the Publication and Sunday School Board (1925-1929); Executive Secretary of the Board of Christian Education (1929-1930); Editor of all Sunday School Literature (1907-1915); President of the Board of Christian Education (1930-1940); member of Executive Committee of the International Council of Religious Education; charter member of Federal Council of Churches and member of its Executive Committee; President of the Editorial Council of the Religious Press of American (1928-1934); member of Board of Home Missions; Secretary of Board of Home Missions (1905-1913); Chairman of the Board of Business Management of the Evangelical and Reformed Church; member of Board of Visitors of Lancaster Theological Seminary (1924-1936); President of Eastern Synod (1911); Vice President of General Synod (1911-1914); and he was a member of the American Relief Commission (1919). In 1912 Heidelberg University conferred upon Rev. Leinbach the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinty. In 1921 Franklin and Marshall College conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. Rev. Leinbach was married to Henrietta Belle Martin on May 26, 1898, she died March 28, 1908. He remarried on August 2, 1910 to Helen S. DeLong. During a trip to Harrisonburg, Virginia, Rev. Leinbach died suddenly on December 7, 1941. He was survived by his widow and three sons. ROY EZRA LEINBACH: Roy Ezra was born December 29, 1879 in White Deer, Union County, PA., to Ezra S. and Emma Welmina (Greider) Leinbach. He attended Ursinus College, and graduated from Ursinus School of Theology. He was licensed by the Lancaster Classis in 1905 and ordained by Carlisle Classis of the Potomac Synod in 1905. Pastorates included: Landisburg Charge, Landisburg, PA. (1906-1912); St. Marks, Wyndmoor, Philadelphia, PA. (1912-1917); First, High Point, N.C. (1917-1921); and First, Carlisle, PA. (1921-1941). He was Chairman of the Board of Trutees of Carlisle Classis and Chairman of the Examiner's Committee, Mercersburg Synod. Roy was married to Mary C. Nessley, with whom he had Roy Ezra Jr., other family information was not found. ROY EZRA LEINBACH, JR.: Roy Ezra, Jr. was born July 13, 1904 in Landisburg, PA. to Roy E. and Mary C. (Nessley) Leinbach. He attended Catawba College, graduating in 1933 and moved to Lancaster Seminary, graduating in 1936. Rev. Leinbach was licensed by the Carlisle Classis May 20, 1936 and ordained by the North Carolina Classis May 23, 1937. Pastorates included: First Church, Landis (1937-1940); Grace Church, Newton (1940-1948); South Fork Charge, Red Newton (St. Paul's, Bethel, Grace, Daniels) (1954-1956); United Charge, St. Paul's, Bethel (1956-1976); St. Paul's (1976-1979). Supply pastorates included: Keller Church (1939-1940); Bethany Church (1941); St. Paul's, Newton (1941-1942, 1945); Macedonia Church, Hickory (1947-1948, 1952-1953); Davidson Charge (1951-1952); Salem Church (1980-1984); Church of the Master (1984-1985); and Zion Church, Lenoir (1985-1986). Services provided to the denomination include: Vice President of Southern Synod; and President of Southern Conference (1967-1969) among other committee work. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Catawba College in 1970. Roy was married to Alma B. Wagoner on September 8, 1943. They had four children, three girls and one boy. SAMUEL AUGUSTUS LEINBACH: Samuel Augustus was born on June 10, 1844 to Rev. Thomas, Sr. and Elizabeth Leinbach in Tulpehocken, Lebanon County, PA. He attended Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in 1864 then went to the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg, graduating in 1867. He was licensed and ordained by the Lebanon Classis in 1867. Pastorates included: supply at Reamstown and Swamp Congregations, Lancaster County, PA. (1867); assistant to his brother, Rev. Thomas Calvin Leinbach, in the Womelsdorf Charge; Egypt Charge, Egypt, PA. (1868-1884). During the Egypt pastorate, he organized a congregation at Coplay, PA., and Miller's Congregation at Laury's (North Whitehall). He also served as supply to the Stone Church at Kreidersville during this time. In 1884 he became pastor of Leesport, PA. Charge, consisting of Leesport, Gernant's, Epler's and Bern congregations. In 1885 St. Michael's Church near Hamburg was added to this Charge. In 1904 the Leesport Charge was divided, Rev. Leinbach served the St. Michael's Congregation which was now under the Bern Charge. He retired in 1921 and lived in Reading until the end of his life. Altogether, he served the St. Michael's church for 36 years. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Catawba College in 1916. In October, 1872, he married to Margaret H. Everhart of Sellersville, with whom he had one daughter, Margaret Grace. Mrs. Leinbach died on February 14, 1874. September 18, 1789, he married again to Mary C. Long Derr, or Durham, PA., with whom he had one son, Dr. Samuel A. Leinbach, Jr. (a physician of Quakertown). Rev. Leinbach died at his home after an illness of several months on March 1, 1922. THOMAS CALVIN LEINBACH: Thomas Calvin was born on December 31, 1837 in Tulpehocken, Jackson Township, Lebanon County, PA. to Rev. Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Seibert) Leinbach. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1854 and attended the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg, graduating in 1860. He was licensed and ordained by the Lebanon Classis in 1860. He began his pastorate as an assistant to his father at the Tulpehocken Charge, working especially in the Schaefferstown and Newmanstown Congregations, and serving as Supply in the Reamstown and Swamp Congregations in Lancaster County (1860-1861). In 1861 he began pastorate at Bernville, PA., Charge. The following are the churches which made the charge throughout his pastorate: North Heidelberg, St. Thomas (Bernville); St. John's (Host); Christ (Jefferson); Zion's (Strausstown); and St. Paul's (Robesonia). This was his only pastoral charge, lasting for almost 50 years. On September 1, 1860, he was married to Marie Rebecca Seibert. They had 11 children, only 4 survived to adulthood, three of these were ministers of the Reformed Church (Rev. Edwin S. Leinbach, Rev. Paul S., Leinbach, and Rev. Elmer G. Leinbach). Rev. Leinbach died of heart trouble and pleurisy at his home in Womelsdorf on May 1, 1909. THOMAS HARTMAN LEINBACH: Thomas Hartman was born January 18, 1802 in Oley Township, Berks County, PA. to Daniel and Mary Magdalene (Hartman) Leinbach. He studied privately under Drs. B.S.Schneck and J.S. Dubs. He was licensed and ordained to ministry by the "Independent Synod" convened at Kutztown, PA. in the fall of 1822. His first charge was composed of several congregations near the Berks and Lancaster line, and the Millbach congregation in Lebanon County, PA. In 1826 he accepted a call from the Tulpehocken congregation and retained the Millbach congregation as part of his new charge. At the time of his death, the charge consisted of 6 congregations. He served the Tulpehocken Charge for a total of 38 years, from March 1826-March 1864. He was married to Elizabeth Seibert, with whom he had 13 children, ten of whom survived to adulthood. Three of his sons are in the ministry of the Reformed Church. He contracted pneumonia which resulted in paralysis, ending his life on March 31, 1864. THOMAS HOCH LEINBACH: Thomas Hoch was born June 3, 1868 to Elias A. and Caroline (Hoch) Leinbach. He attended Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in 1891, then graduated from the Theological Seminary in Lancaster in 1894. He was licensed by Lebanon Classis in May 1894 then ordained by Goshenhoppen Classis on June 3, 1894. Pastorates included: Great Swamp Reformed Church and the Chestnut Hill Congregation at Spinnerstown, Bucks County (June 1894-May 1904) and St. John's Charge, Reading, PA. (May 1904-1939). He was elected President of the Eastern Synod in October 1902; was Stated Clerk of Reading Classis (1914); and was Treasurer of Eastern Synod (1926-1940). The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was given to him from Franklin and Marshall College in June 1927. In 1894, Rev. Leinbach was married to Katharine Elizabeth Miller, with whom he had three sons (Theodore M., Harold M., and Arthur M.).