Gospel Herald Obituaries - August, 1915

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GOSPEL HERALD - Volume VIII, Number 19 - August 5, 1915 - Pages 319, 320

TRESSLER. - Harold Irving, son of Bro. John Tressler and wife, was born June 12, 1915; died July 9, 1915; aged 27d. Funeral services at the Springs, Pa., Church, conducted by N.E. Miller. Text, "Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee."

COCKLEY. - Catharine Cockley, widow of the late Samuel Cockley, died at her home in Boiling Springs, Pa., July 20, 1915, in her 77th. year. Funeral July 24. Services were held at the house by Bro. Samuel Hess and __Guss. She is survived by two daughters, a son, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

RODGERS. - Martha A.W. Berkheimer Rodgers died at the home of her parents, Bro. and Sister H.E. Berkheimer, July 24, 1915; aged 23y. 4m. 21d. Services at the house by Bros. Reuben Cockley and E.J. Berkey and at the Mennonite Church at Churchtown, Pa., by Bros. Christian M. Brackbill, Samuel Hess, and Reuben Cockley. She is survived by her husband, father, mother, 2 sisters, a brother, and a large circle of friends. Her infant daughter sleeps by her side. Interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

SOMMER. - Mary L. Sommer was born Jan. 12, 1869, in Holmes Co., Ohio, died near Burton City, Ohio, June 2, 1915; aged 46y. 5m. 20d. She confessed Christ as her personal Savior in her early life and united with the A.M. Church, where she served her Master faithfully until death. She united in marriage with Isaac Sommer April 29, 1881. This union was blessed with 10 children, of whom 3 preceded her to the spirit world. Father and 7 children are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving wife and mother. Services at the Oak Grove Church. Buried in the cemetery nearby.

NEFF. - Sister Sue N., beloved wife of Bro. Ben Neff, died April 12, 1915. She suffered very much during her illness, having a severe pain almost continually until God took her home. She bore her suffering patiently. She was a devoted mother and a faithful sister in the Church. Her place was never vacant in church and in Sunday school as long as health permitted. She will be greatly missed in the home as well as in the church and Sunday school. She leaves her husband, an aged father, and 3 children (Chester, Elizabeth, and Myrtle). Her age was 43y. 11m. 28d. Funeral July 15 at Masonville, Pa., conducted by Bros. Abram Herr and Hanry Haverstick. Text, Rev. 14:12.

KEIM. - David Keim was born Nov. 19, 1832, in Somerset Co., Pa.; died at his home at Springs, Pa., July 15, 1915; aged 82y. 7m. 26d. He leaves a widow, 7 children, 34 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers; 6 children, 8 grandchildren, 4 brothers, and 5 sisters having preceded him to the spirit world. Bro. Keim was ordained to the ministry about 1870 and to the office of bishop in 1875. Funeral services at the Springs Church on July 17. Text, "Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live." The sermon was preached by Bro. Daniel Kauffman of Scottdale, Pa. After the services the body was conveyed to Addison Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., for burial.

HOSTETLER. - Winnie C. Hostetler, daughter of Levi. L. and Clara Lanrtz, was born Dec. 10, 1898, at Drain, Oreg.; died July 12, 1915, at Woodburn, Oreg.; aged 16y. 7m. 2d. She was married Mar. 2, 1915, to Christian E. Hostetler. She leaves to mourn her early departure, husband, mother, 1 sister, and 6 brothers. The father preceded her to the spirit world. In the spring of 1914 Sister Winnie accepted Jesus as her personal Savior, united with the Zion A.M. Church of near Hubbard, Oreg., and remained faithful until death. Funeral services conducted July 13 by the brethren, A.P. Troyer and E.Z. Yoder, at the Zion A.M. Church. Discourse taken from Jno. 13:33. Remains laid to rest within the cemetery near by.

FREED. - Emma Freed was born in Bucks Co, Pa., and died at her home in Perkasie, Pa., June 9, 1915; aged 32y. 3m. 12d. Sister Freed was not married and lived with her parents. She was a faithful church member and Sunday school scholar. On her death bed she told her parents not to weep for her. She was so happy and the glory gates were opening wide for her to pass through. She also pleaded with her youngest brother to accept Jesus so that the family circle would not be broken in heaven, and also left word for her Sunday school class mates that a great work was yet left for them to do. She was buried at Blooming Glen where services were conducted by Brethren Rosenberger, Heistand, and Swartz. Text, Phil. 1:23,24.

BOLLINGER. - Veronica Bollinger was born in Schaufthausen, Switzerland, Sept. 28, 1823; died July 10, 1915; aged 91y. 2m. 12d. She came with her parents, Conrad and Emma Bollinger, to America in her youth. She was the last of a family of 7 children. She accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 33, and lived an exemplary and devoted Christian life, always interested in the welfare of others, pointing them also to a loving Savior, manifesting a great love for lost souls. She was patient in her trials and sufferings, looking for the time when her Master would call her to try the realities of a heavenly home. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church. Buried in Paradise Union Cemetery near Smithville, Ohio. Peace to her ashes.
J.S. Gerig

HARTMAN. - Sister Magdalena, widow of the late Samuel Hartman, died of Bright,s disease near Harrisonburg, Va., June 21; aged 70y. 13d. She retired in the evening in near her usual health. As she did not rise at her usual time she was seen after and was found dead in bed. The deceased had been a faithful member of the Mennonite Church from her youth. She adorned her profession with an humble quiet, devoted, Christian life. She yielded with cheerful submission to the wishes of those whom she knew were working to preserve the simplicity of the Church in adornment. She administered to the needs of the unfortunate and contributed to charitable purposes according to her means and ability. She had no offspring and leaves one brother, Bishop Christian Good, who is the last and oldest of a family of eight children. Funeral services were conducted at the Weaver Church on the 23rd. by J.S. Martin, S.H. Rhodes, and L.J. Heatwole. Text, Rev. 14:13. Her body was laid to rest in the cemetery near by.

TROYER. - Elizabeth Troyer was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Oct. 24, 1846; died at her home in Liberty Twp., Logan Co., Ohio, June 30, 1915; aged 68y. 8m. 6d. She was united in marriage with Jacob Y. Troyer, Dec. 16, 1869. Four children were born to this union, Amos, Frances, Mellie, and Levi. Early in life she accepted Christ as her Savior, united with the Amish Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member to the end. He life was one of unselfish devotion to her home, friends, and loved ones, and she would have been glad to have lived longer to minister to their comfort and enjoyment, but never complained of the conditions which brought suffering and a realization that her earthly course was almost run. She loved to hear the promises of God, and among her last rational moments said she was going to be with Jesus, and asked her loved ones to meet her in heaven. Besides her immediate family she leaves 3 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters to mourn her departure. Funeral services at South Union Church, conducted by Bro. A.I. Yoder, assisted by Bro. J.B. Hartzler. A large concourse of people were present to pay a last tribute of respect to a truly good woman. Interment in South Union Cemetery.

NAFZIGER. - John B. Nafziger was born in Lorraine, France, Jan. 16, 1830; died at his home near Garden City, Mo., July 11, 1915; aged 85y. 5m. 25d. In 1847 he came with his parents to America, locating in Fulton Co., Ohio. July 5, 1855, he was united in marriage with Magdalena King. To this union were born 6 sons and 5 daughters. Two sons and two daughters preceded him to the spirit world. In March 1869, he moved to Hickory Co., Mo., where on May 2, 1880, the wife the wife and mother departed this life. Dec. 22, 1882, he was married to Magdalena Raber. To this union were born 5 children, all of whom survive him. Oct. 10, 1894, death again severed family ties by taking the wife and mother out of the home. Sept. 22, 1896, he was married to Mary Diener, and in October, 1902, they moved to Cass Co., Mo. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church in early manhood and remained a faithful member. He leaves to mourn his departure, wife 12 children, 46 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Seven grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild have preceded him to the spirit world. Funeral services were held at the Sycamore Church, Cass Co., Mo. Sermon in the German language from Eccl. 12 by J.J. Hartzler, and in the English language from the same text by Isaac Hartzler. The body was interred in the Clearfork Cemetery.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy), California


GOSPEL HERALD - Volume VIII, Number 20 - August 12, 1915 - Page 335

GARBER. - Clayton, son of J.M. Garber, Goshen, Ind., was born Oct. 11, 1885; died at Goshen, Ind., July 24, 1915; aged 29y. 3m. 13d. (NOTE: Text said 30 months). He leaves father, mother, 1 brother, and 3 sisters. One brother preceded him to the spirit world when seven years of age. He was an energetic young man, possessing a good moral character. A short time ago he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized. He bore his afflictions with patience, and was fully resigned when the time came to bid his earthly friends farewell. Funeral July 29 at Clinton Brick Church, seven miles east of Goshen, Ind., conducted by Bro. J.E. Hartzler. Text, "The sun is gone down while it is yet day."

HERSHBERGER. - Annie Hershberger (nee Morgart) was born near Schellburg, Pa., and died near Scalp Level, Pa., July 30, 1915; aged 46y. 8m. 26d. She had been afflicted with dropsy for four years, during which time the physician tapped her body 104 times, removing as high as four gallons of water at a time. A paralytic stroke was the immediate cause of her death. She was a member of the Methodist Church. During her long illness she showed remarkable patience in suffering. She is survived by 7 brothers and 5 sisters. Her husband died 9 years ago. To this union were born 3 children, who are all members of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were conducted in the Weaver Church by S.G. Shetler and Alex. Weaver.

BENDER. - Christena Bender (nee Schlegel) was born in Muhlhaussen, Alsace, Dec. 31, 1838; died July 7, 1915; aged 76y. 6m. 7d. She came with her parents to Canada when young, where they settled near Tavistock, Ont., and she lived in the same neighborhood ever since. She united with the A.M. Church in her early youth and was a faithful member to the end. She was married to Jacob Bender March 30, 1858, and lived in matrimony 44 y. 8m. 12d., and was a widow over 12 years. To this union were born 2 sons and 3 daughters. Her husband, 1 son, 4 grandchildren, have gone to the spirit world before her and she leaves to mourn 1 son, 3 daughters, 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The last three years of her life she was unable to walk without crutches, caused by a fall in the house and from which she never fully recovered. She bore it with Christian patience and always had a good word for everybody. Her husband was ordained to the ministry and to him she was a faithful companion. Buried at the East Zorra A.M. Cemetery where a large concourse of relatives and friends had gathered to pay their last tribute to the departed and beloved sister. Services at the home of her son Jacob S. Bender were conducted by Bro. Dan Yutzi reading the 90th. psalm and at the meeting house by Bros. Chr. Kropf and Mich. K. Yantzi from I Jno. 1:6-8, the same being chosen by our departed sister and both brethren having the same text. May God comfort and bless the bereaved ones.

SNIDER. - Manda, daughter of Andrew and Rachel Binder, was born on May 23, 1890; died at her home in Waterloo on June 9, 1915. She was united in marriage to Herbert B. Snider on Sept. 23, 1914. Their union on earth was of short duration. The separation when it came was sudden and unexpected. We wonder why God should call so suddenly, but we are led to believe that the life in this world is very frail at its best, and entirely in the hands of God. Bro. and Sister Snider were very happy while they were together. Her kind disposition, winning ways, and sunshiny manner, both in her own home, and the home of her parents, makes her departure an aching void and extremely hard for the bereaved ones to bear. Sister Snider confessed her Savior seven years ago, united with the Mennonite Church, and was a faithful member until death. She was very much concerned about the welfare of the Church and often expressed her anxiety for those that were not in the fold. We have every reason to believe that she is now in glory reaping the reward of her faithfulness. She leaves to mourn her sudden departure a grief-stricken husband, father, mother, 4 sisters, and a host of relatives and friends.

"'Tis hard to break the tender cord,
When love has bound the heart;
'Tis hard, so hard, to speak the words,
'We must forever part.,'
"Dearest loved one, we must lay thee
In the peaceful grave's embrace;
But thy memory be cherished
Till we see thy glory face."

Funeral services were conducted June 12 at the house by Bro. Noah Hunsberger, and at the Waterloo Church by Bros. Oscar Burkholder and Jonas Snider. Text, Jno. 14:1-4.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy), California


GOSPEL HERALD - Volume VIII, Number 21 - August 19, 1915 - Pages 350,351

STAUFFER. - Elizabeth Stauffer (nee Brubaker) widow of David Stauffer, was born Dec. 13, 1836; died Aug. 6, 1915, at Murrell, Lancaster Co., Pa., at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Israel Seipel; aged 78y. 7m. 23d. She is survived by 10 children. She was a member of the Pike Mennonite Church. Funeral Aug. 8 at her home and Aug. 10 at Snyder Co., Pa., where interment was made.

BERKSHIRE. - Kathryn Elizabeth, daughter of Raymond and Stella Berkshire, was born June 4, 1914; died July 31, 1915; aged 1y. 1m. 27d. She was with us only a short time, but was loved by all. Her sunny disposition and cheery baby smile were an inspiration to those about her. Funeral services at the Mennonite Church near Masontown, Pa., conducted by E.D. Hess. Text, Eccl. 3:2, first clause. Interment in cemetery nearby.

LEHMAN. - Elizabeth Livingston Lehman was born in Somerset Co., Pa., April 11, 1853; died July 15, 1915; aged 62y. 3m. 4d. She is survived by her husband and 7 children, all living. There are also 21 grandchildren, 17 living and 4 deceased. She also has 3 sisters and 2 brothers living. She was a member of the Mennonite Church of the Thomas congregation for many years and was faithful until death. Funeral services were conducted at the Thomas Church by S.G. Shetler, W.C. Hershberger, and L.A. Blough.

BRENNEMAN. - Martha, daughter of Harry and Emma Brenneman was born Dec. 4, 1913; died Aug. 8, 1915; aged 1y. 8m. 4d. She leaves to mourn their loss a father, 1 sister, 1 grandfather and 1 grandmother. Little Martha was very dear to grandpa and 3 aunts who cared for her during all of her natural life.
'Tis hard to break the tender cord,
When love has bound the heart,
'Tis hard, so hard, to speak the words,
"We must forever part."
Funeral at Blanchard Church near Continental, Ohio, by Bro. J.M. Shenk. Text, Jno. 14:1.

FAST. - Francis M. Fast was born Dec. 29, 1849. Catherine Johnson Fast was born Feb. 15, 1854. They were married in the fall of 1874. To this union was born one child which preceded them to the other world. Several weeks ago Mrs. Fast was stricken down by the dread disease pneumonia. A few days later Mr. Fast contracted the same disease. They were soon unable to care for themselves and were taken to the home of Jefferson Fast where a trained nurse and other medical assistance were provided but without avail. On the evening of Aug. 4 Mrs. Fast passed over the river, aged 61y. 6m. When Mr. Fast was told that his wife was dead he said, "Just wait a little and bury us together." From this time on he grew rapidly worse and the next morning at 7 o'clock he also passed over death's river, aged 65y. 7m. 6d. Funeral services were conducted by E.D. Hess at the Masontown Mennonite Church, where a great host of relatives and friends assembled to pay their last tribute of respect. Interment in the cemetery near the church.

GOOD. - Waldo Edwin Good was born Dec. 11, 1907; died Aug. 3, 1915; aged 7y. 7m. 23d. He was the oldest of a family of 4 children, 1 brother (Carl Burton) having preceded him to the spirit world. Waldo's death was a sad one, having had much rain a small stream overflowed its banks. This boy was bringing the cows across this stream over a bridge (a few other children were present but not of this family), one cow went into the water, Waldo made an effort to get around her and could not see the bank of the stream and stepped into the deep off the bank. A little girl 13 or 14 made an effort to get him out, grasped for him but got only his hat and got in herself. After she had gone down for the second time a smaller boy caught her by the dress and dragged her to safety. But Waldo went down the stream nearly a mile and his body was not found until the next morning. Was in the water about 14 hours. It was certainly a sad night for the parents. Waldo, s death is a heavy shock to the family and community, and while his stay on earth was brief, his mission has been fulfilled and should draw and fix our affections more than ever on things above where we believe he now is enjoying the glory and joy unspeakable with the heavenly throng.
"It is the hope the blissful hope,
Which Jesus, grace has given,
The hope when days and years are past,
We all can meet in heaven."
Funeral services at the Salem M.H. near Elida, Ohio, by N.O. Blosser and Moses Brenneman from Jno. 13:7.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy), California


GOSPEL HERALD - Volume VIII, Number 22 - August 26, 1915 - Page 366

LAPE. - Mariah, wife of Joseph Lape, of Davidsville, Pa., died Aug. 15, 1915; aged 62y. 11m. 13d. She was afflicted for quite awhile with consumption. She was a faithful member of the Church of the Brethren and died leaving to her friends an evidence that she died in peace. She is survived by a sorrowing husband, 3 sons and 3 daughters. Funeral services were conducted at the Maple Spring Church by Samuel Zimmer and N. H. Blough. Buried in cemetery near the church.

HOSTETLER. - Sister Effie, daughter of Bro. and Sister Souisa Hostetler, of Hollsopple, Pa., died Aug. 8, 1915; aged 17y. 8m. 7d. She was afflicted for more than six months. She suffered a great deal of pain during her sickness, but with Christian patience. She was a bright, intelligent, young sister, united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 12 years and was faithful until death. At the close of her life she seemed to be much concerned about the young people in the Church because she thought they were drifting too much into worldliness and worldly pleasures lose all their charms when we come to the close of life. Her unassuming and plain life was to be admired by the older people. She is survived by father and mother, 1 brother and 1 sister. Funeral services were conducted on the 9th. at the Blough Church by Jas. Saylor and L.A. Blough. Interment in the cemetery near by.

EBERSOLE. - Benjamin Ebersole was born near Bainbridge, Lancaster Co., Pa., April 15, 1856; died in the asylum at Bartonville, Ill., Aug. 8, 1915; aged 59y. 3m. 24d. He came to Sterling, Ill., at the age of 10 years with his mother (the late Mrs. Jacob Kehr). He leaves 1 brother, Henry R. Ebersole and 1 sister, Mrs. Samuel Nunemaker, both of Sterling, Ill. Funeral at the Mennonite Church near Sterling, Ill., conducted by A.C. Good. Text, Matt. 20:28.

NELSON. - R.C.M. Nelson was born in Stavanger, Norway, Sept. 2, 1859; died Aug. 11, 1915, near Tuleta, Tex. He leaves mother, wife, and 12 children. Bro. Nelson came to America in 1881 and to Tuleta, Texas, in 1906; was converted while a young man, united with the Mennonite Church four years ago and remained faithful to the end, always ready to testify to the saving power of God. Funeral services by Bro. D.Y. Hooley and the writer at the Norwegian Church house.
D.S. King.

THOMAS. - Katie Thomas was born Feb. 20, 1828; died July 20, 1915; aged 87y. 5m. She was the mother of 3 children, 2 living, and 1 dead, and 1 grandson living. She was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church for a number of years. Funeral services were conducted by S.G. Shetler and L.A. Blough. Bro. Shetler used Jno. 14:2 as a text in German, and Bro. Blough in the English language. Funeral held at the Stahl Church near Johnstown, Pa., and was buried in the cemetery on the Jerry Livingston farm near Davidsville, Pa.

LANDIS. - Sister Catharine, wife of Bro. John L. Landis, died at her home near Chambersburg, Pa., Aug. 9, after a lingering illness; aged 70y. 2m. 12d. She is survived by her husband, 4 sons, 4 daughters, 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The deceased was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years, a kind and loving mother, very much concerned about the spiritual welfare of her family. She will be greatly missed in her earthly home and also in the community in which she lived. Funeral services were conducted Aug. 13, at the house by John S. Burkholder and at the Chambersburg Church by Daniel Kuhns and W.W. Hege. Text, Rev. 14:13.

RUTTER. -- Elizabeth Rutter was born June 14, 1823 in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa.; died July 24, 1915; aged 92y. 1m. 10d. She was the widow of Jonathan Rutter, who died sixteen years ago. Since that time she had lived in the home of John Horning and wife in Lancaster city. She was the last of a family of 7 children. She confessed her Savior in her youth and was a member of the Mennonite Church at the time of her death. During her affliction she seldom complained but patiently waited for the end, oft-times expressing her desire to depart and go to that happy home which is prepared for all who trust Him and obey Him. She passed away as going to asleep. We believe she now sleeps that blessed sleep from which none ever wake to weep. Her age was 92y. 1m. 10d. Pre. John Mosemann conducted the services at the house. Bros. Abram Herr and David Mosemann at Lichty,s Church. Interment near by.

YODER. - Jonas B. Yoder was born April 20, 1840, in Somerset Co., Pa.; died Aug. 2, 1915; aged 75y. 3m. 13d. He came to Indiana Feb. 20, 1864. He died at the Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. He was married to Barbara Yoder March 10, 1867. To this union were born 7 sons and 3 daughters: Venus, Topeka, Ind.; Daniel, Middlebury, Ind.; Susie, Sturgis, Mich.; Hattie, Fairview, Mich.; Gabriel, Melvin, and Jonas living on the home farm near Shipshewana, Ind. Two sons and one daughter preceded him to the spirit world. He leaves to mourn his departure a loving wife, 5 sons, 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, 1 brother (Levi of Ohio), and a host of friends. He united with the Amish Church at the age of 22 years and lived a consistent member till death. Funeral services at the Shore Church by Joseph Yoder in German from II Cor. 5, and Y.C. Miller in English from II Tim. 4:6-8. The above named brethren were chosen by the deceased to preach the funeral sermon. He was a kind father and a loving husband and obliging neighbor. He will be greatly missed in the community, but most of all in the home. But we mourn not as those who have no hope.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy), California


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