Hoag, Ephraim

Hoag, Ephraim a Methodist Episcopal minister, was born in Peru, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1815. He was converted in 1835, and, after a course of study at Cazenovia Seminary, entered, in 1841, the Oneida Conference (now merged in the Central New York Conference). His superior talents soon procured for him the favor of the people to whom he was sent, and the good wishes of his brethren in the ministry. Although comparatively a self-made man, he was looked upon as one of the first Methodist ministers in Central New York. He filled the chief appointments of this Conference, e.g. Ithaca (1852-3), Utica (1854-5), Norwich (1856-7), Cazenovia (1860-1), and in 1864 was made presiding elder of Cortlaitd District. Here he labored with great success for four years, when he was sent to Canastota. In 1869 while at the session of the newly formed New York Central Conference, he was suddenly struck with paralysis, and was obliged to ask for a superannuate relation. He died Oct. 3,1869. "As a preacher he was earnest and uncompromising, seeking to please God and save men; as a pastor he was diligent, caring for and seeking the good of all the people under his charge. Of him it was true, the poor welcomed his coming, and blessed him when he went away." — Rev. L. C. Queal, in the North. Christ. Advocate, Dec. 16, 1869.