Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Presstman, Stephen Wilson

PRESSTMAN, Stephen Wilson, clergyman, b. in Charleston. S. C., 1 Oct., 1794; d. in Newcastle, Del., in 1843. He obtained a good education in Baltimore, Md. When the war of 1812 was declared he applied for and received a commission in the U. S. Army, becoming ensign in the 5th infantry on 14 April, 1812, and 2d lieutenant in July. He was in active service on the Canada frontier, gained credit on several occasions in battle, especially at Lyon's Creek, and was wounded in the attack on La Cole mill, 30 March, 1814. He engaged in business for several years, but, having a desire to enter the ministry of the Episcopal church, he studied for orders under a clergyman in Baltimore. He was ordained deacon, 11 July, 1822, by Bishop Richard C. Moore, and priest, 15 June, 1823, by the same bishop. While a deacon he served the church in Dumfries, Va., and in 1823 he was called to the rectorship of Immanuel church, Newcastle, Del. This post he held during the remainder of his life. Mr. Presstman, though publishing no contributions to theological or general literature, was very active and useful in various departments of church work. He was for many years president of the standing committee of the diocese of Delaware, and was uniformly elected a clerical deputy to the triennial general convention of the Protestant Episcopal church.