Sheddan, Samuel Sharon, Dd

Sheddan, Samuel Sharon, D.D., a Presbyterian minister, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Sept. 13, 1810. His ancestors came from Scotland and settled on the Susquehanna River in that county, where the homestead of his family remains. He was prepared for college in the Milton Academy, Pa. He entered Jefferson College in 1830, and graduated therefrom in two years. He afterwards pursued his theological studies in Princeton Seminary, and was licensed to preach in the fall of 1834. The first fifteen years of his ministry were spent in connection with the churches of Williamsport, Murray, and Warrior Run, the latter place being the home of Dr. Sheddan's childhood. His father and grandfather were ruling elders in this Church. From Warrior Run he was unanimously called to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church of Rahway, N.J. The life of Dr. Sheddan was a most laborious and useful one. During his ministry at Warrior Run he united the office of teacher with that of pastor, and, by unremitting toil, carried on successfully both his school and his Church. From among the young men he prepared for college, more than a dozen became ministers of the Gospel. He was a wise counsellor and warm friend of the young men studying for the ministry. He was eminently judicious as an adviser in the matter of new Church enterprises in the bounds of the Presbytery of Elizabeth, and his services will be held in grateful remembrance. Dr. Sheddan remained as pastor of the Rahway Church twenty-two years. The position he held among his ministerial brethren in the community where he labored and throughout the State of New Jersey is shown by the profound impression produced by his death, and the tribute of respect paid to his memory by the synod then in session, which appointed a committee to attend his funeral. He was for several years one of the directors of the Princeton Theological Seminary. He died in Rahway, N.J., Oct. 18, 1874. (W.P.S.)