Stratton, Daniel

Stratton, Daniel, a Presbyterian minister, was born at Bridgeton, N.J., Sept. 28, 1814. He made a profession of religion in early life, received his academical training in the Lawrenceville High school, N.J., and graduated at Princeton College in 1833. He studied theology three years in Princeton Theological Seminary, and completed his course in Union Theological Seminary, Prince Edward Co., Va., in 1837. On April 13, 1837, he was licensed by the West; Hanover Presbtery, and soon after his licensure started to a Southern field of labor, his steps being directed to Newbern, N.C., where he was ordained and installed by the Orange Presbytery, and where for fifteen years he faithfully preached the Gospel, while with a holy example he illustrated its power. In 1852 he accepted a call to the Church in Salem, N.J., and for a space of fourteen years he continued to labor among this people. He died Aug. 24, 1866. Mr. Stratton's power as a preacher consisted in appealing to the affections of his hearers. His ministry was preeminently a ministry of love. Again and again were strangers heard to say, "That man fills my ideal of St. John." Though greatly successful as a preacher, his greatest influence for good was exerted as a pastor and in social life. In the sick chamber or the house of mourning he had no superiors, and but few equals. See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1867, p. 200. (J.L.S.)