LABAGH, PETER, D.D., 1773-1858; b. N. Y.; descended from French arid Holland ancestry, received a classical education under the direction of Dr. Peter Wilson of Hackensack, N. J., afterwards professor of Greek and Latin in Columbia college. In 1796, having studied theology with John H. Livingston, D.D..—who had studied at Utrecht, Holland, and was afterwards president of Rutger's college, New Brunswick, N. J., and was considered the father of the Reformed Dutch church in America,—he continued his studies with prof. Froeligh of the same denomination. Subsequently he went as a licensed missionary to the western part of New York state, and from thence to Mercer co., Ky„ where he' established a church. Soon after, on returning to his native state, he was installed as pastor of a church in Greenbush, near Albany, remaining there until 1809, when he was given the charge of the church in Harlingen, which he held 35 years. He was distinguished for the soundness, accuracy, and acuteness of his
judgment, and the celerity with which his mind arrived at sound conclusions; also for a cheerful and happy disposition, rendered sweet by the pure spirit of habitual piety that pervaded his daily life. tie was prominent in all the conventions of his denomina tion, carrying conviction to the' mind of his hearer in controversial argument, as well as in seasons of religious interest; the revival of 1831 especially sustaining the popular estimate of his powers as a convincing expounder of the Word. He was successful in raising funds for the endowment of the theological seminary of the Reformed Dutch church, at New Brunswick, N. J. In 1860 a memoir of hint by John A. Todd was published.