William H. Hover

Rev. William H. Hover, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bernhard Hover, was born in West Salem, Pa., May 13, 1835, and died at his home in Fredonia, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1910. He had been in failing health for some time, so that the end was not wholly unlooked for. Brother Hover was one of the fine, sweet-spirited men of the Erie conference. His early life was spent on the farm, where his school advantages were limited. His parents were Methodists, and he was baptized in infancy, and he never ceased to thank God for the influence of this holy consecration. He attended the academy in Kingsville, Ohio, during two fall terms, and taught eight terms in the common schools. He was converted in 1853. His own words give the best account of his experience. I went time and again for several days to the mourners' bench, but found no peace, for the reason that I was not willing to do the work the Master had laid before me. But one evening while getting ready to go to meeting, I resolved to lay all upon the altar, and do the work God wanted me to do. I then knelt down to ask God to help, when instantly the burden was rolled from my heart, and I rose and opened my eyes upon what seemed to be a new world. Everything seemed to be praising God."

Brother Hover served the church in several capacities until 1862, when he was licensed to preach on recommendation of the quarterly conference of Jamestown, Pa., circuit. In 1865 he was admitted on trial into the Erie Conference, where he did effective work until 1893 when he was promoted to a place among the superannuates. The pastor and people at Fredonia [N.Y.], where made his home, will miss him greatly, as he was ever faithful and helpful, ready for any service required. His wife survives him, and seven children—four daughters and three sons. Funeral services were in charge of his pastor, Rev. B. S. Wright, assisted by Rev. Joel Smith, Rev. H. H. Clare, Rev. T. W. Chandler and Rev. R. F. Randolph. His body was laid to rest in Forest Hill cemetery, Fredonia, N.Y.