Bellville John Latta

Bellville John Latta a Presbyterian minister, was born at New Castle, Del., Dec. 21, 1800. His classical studies were pursued for four and a half years under his brother, while he at the same time aided his brother as assistant teacher in his school. He was licensed by the New Castle Presbytery in 1827, and in May following was commissioned by the Committee on Missions to labor in Dayton, O., and its vicinity. When he returned from Ohio he entered Princeton Seminary, and spent six months in study. Returning to Ohio, he was ordained by the Presbytery of Miami in 1828, and labored for two years as stated supply at Washington and Miamisburg. He first preached, in a log schoolhouse, and then in a cotton factory. He was installed pastor of the Washington Church in 1830, and labored with success for ten years. He preached at Middletown one Sabbath of every month. After the pastoral relation was dissolved, he accepted a call to the Bellfontaine Church, and labored with zeal and success until an attack of bronchitis compelled him to resign. His health was such that for two years he was wholly laid aside. After this he took charge of the academy at Centreville, Montgomery Co., O., where he taught four years, when his health again gave way, and he removed to Dayton, where he died, Sept. 21, 1880. See Necrological Report of Princeton Seminary, 1881, p. 27. (W.P.S.)