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biography
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Alspach, Rev. Clement L. , the pastor of Trinity Reformed Church at Wilkinsburg, was born in Van Wert, Ohio, March 31, 1867, son of Charles Alspach. The emigrant ancestor on his father's side came from Germany to America in old Colonial times. The grandfather, Sebastian Alspach, who was a farmer in the pioneer days of his native State, and assisted in reclaiming a homestead from the unbroken land, had a large family of children, among whom he lived to a ripe old age.
Charles Alspach, who has been a lifelong resident of Ohio, and is now living in retirement at Thornville, spent his active years in agricultural pursuits for much of the time in Perry County. In early life he married Anna Moore, who was born in Virginia, where her father, John Moore, settled on coming from Scotland, his native land, to this country. Mr. Moore was a farmer by
occupation, and he served as a soldier in the late war. He died in 1886, at the age of threescore and ten years. To Charles Alspach and his wife five children were born, three of whom are now living; namely, John M., Millie, and the Rev. Clement L. The parents have always been identified with the religious advancement of the community in which they have resided, and are
consistent members of the Reformed church.
The Rev. Clement L. Alspach acquired his education in his native State. After attending the public schools of Thornville, he took an eight years' course in Heidelberg University at Tiffin, graduating from the literary department in 1890 and from the theological department in 1893. Throughout these eight years of diligent study Mr. Alspach paid almost his entire expenses, though, when going to Tiffin, he had but two dollars and a half in his pockets. Soon after his graduation he began his professional duties at Ada, Ohio, where he labored for the Master most faithfully for two or more years. In the latter part of the year 1895 Mr. Alspach accepted his present pastorate in Wilkinsburg. Under him the membership of the church has been increased by one hundred and twenty-two new members,
making at the present time a total of two hundred and seventy-five communicants. A needed religious zeal has been aroused within the society, resulting
in the erection of a handsome church edifice, costing twenty-two thousand dollars, which was dedicated on March 14, 1897. Through the efforts of Mr. Alspach the gift of a handsome pipe organ, worth three thousand dollars, was secured for the church from Mr. Andrew Carnegie. Though young in years, Mr. Alspach is regarded as one of the strongest preachers of his denomination, while the work that he has accomplished in the past two years is proof of a large measure of executive ability.
On October 17, 1893, Mr. Alspach was united in marriage with Miss Anna F., daughter of William and Sarah (Rook) Seemuth. Anna Margaret Alspach is their only child. Possessed of ample means owing to his thrifty habits, Mr. Alspach, in the summer of 1896, built a beautiful home for himself and family at 708 Swissvale Avenue, where he takes pleasure in extending hospitality to his numerous friends and acquaintances.
Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburg and the vicinity, Pennsylvania. Boston: Biographical Review Pub. Co., 1897, Author: Anonymous.
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