Herald of Truth Obituaries - July, 1906

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 Week 1: July 5, 1906, page 250
Vol. XLIII, No. 27


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Herald of Truth, July 5, 1906, page 250

Coyle.-Pre. James Coyle was born on the 28th of Sept., 1826, in Westmoreland Co., Pa.; died June 24, 1906; aged 79 Y., 8 M., 26 D. He went to Stark Co., Ohio, where he was married to Malinda Freed, on the 10th of Feb., 1848. In 1864 they removed to Dekalb Co., Ind., where they resided until death called them to the better land. Their union was blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters; two sons and the mother preceded the father to the eternal world. Sister Coyle died on the 7th of March, 1904, since which time the youngest daughter, Lina, lived at home with her father and, with the assistance of brother and sisters, cared for the aged brother and father to the time of his death. For something over a year he has been unable to walk on account of paralytic affection. Bro. Coyle was called to the ministry of the gospel about the year 1868, and for some years had charge of the little Mennonite congregation that had been gathered in that vicinity, and though not what would be recognized in the popular idea of the people as a fluent preacher, he was a man who stood firm in the doctrines and practices of the church, and what he did say came from an honest and sincere heart, and when other laborers were called into the work, his natural modesty led him to gradually withdraw himself from the active duties of the ministry and direct his efforts to other lines of work, and as a faithful worker in what he felt that he could do, he did with a willing mind and a sincere purpose to glorify God. He always had a kind and pleasant word for the young people and the testimony was given that they loved to meet Father Coyle, because they could feel sure of being kindly spoken to. He had a kind word for every one and a helping hand to all in need. He will be missed in the home, in the neighborhood and in the church, and will not soon be forgotten by children and grandchildren and also by neighbors and friends. We believe that he could well say to us in the language of the text used at his funeral (2 Tim. 4:6-8), "I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me at that day, and not to me only, but also to all them that love his appearing." Funeral services were conducted on the 26th of June, at Fairfield Center, by John F. Funk of Elkhart, assisted by Eli Stofer. Interment in the Fairfield Center cemetery. The Lord comfort the sorrowing hearts.

Lehman.-Sister Maria Lehman, widow of Daniel Lehman, died June 17, 1906, at the home of her son, Jacob W. Lehman, in Hamilton Twp., Franklin Co., Pa.; aged 83 Y., 3 M., 1 D. She is survived by three sons: Reuben, Columbus, Ohio; Jacob W., Hamilton township; and Stephen of Chambersburg, Pa. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church. At the age of fifteen she united with the church, and for sixty-eight years she attended church at the same place. Her seat was never vacant at the services when health would permit. Funeral on the 19th at the Chambersburg M. H. Services conducted by Pre. Joseph Lehman and Pre. Christian Strite. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining.

Harnish.-Henry H. Harnish died suddenly at his home at West Willow on the 19th of June, 1906, after a brief illness of heart disease, in his sixty-sixth year. He was a member of the Mennonite church and is survived by his wife and six brothers and sisters. Services on the 22d at the Stone church. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Rowe.-On the 21st of June, at Bridgeport, East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Mary Rowe, aged 87 years. She died at the home of her son-in-law, Benjamin H. Groff. She was a member of the Mennonite church and is survived by two daughters and one son. The funeral was held from the home of her son-in-law, B. H. Groff, on Saturday after her death, services being held at the Mellinger M. H., where also she was laid to rest.

Buckwalter.-On Sunday evening, June 24, 1906, near Witmer's Bridge, Lancaster Co., Pa., Lizzie Buckwalter, in the forty-ninth year of her age. She resided with her sister Judith and was a daughter of the late John Buckwalter. She was also a member of the Mennonite church. Three brothers and sisters survive her. Funeral on Wednesday, the 27th, at the Mellinger meeting-house. The Lord comfort the sorrowing friends.

Transcribed by: Ron Garber, Kansas

 Week 2: July 12,1906, page 259
Vol. XLIII, No. 28


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Herald of Truth, July 12,1906, page 259

Ebersole.-Abraham H. Ebersole, son of David C. Ebersole, near Mount Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., met a very sad death on the 28th of June, 1906, in a runaway accident. The young man, who was working in the hay field, went to the barn with a pair of young mules to bring a wagon to the field. He hitched the mules to the end of the wagon tongue, and before he had gone far, the mules took fright and ran away. It is believed that he was crushed against the fence. The mules ran to the field where they were caught and the father hastened to look after his son, fearing that he might have been hurt. He found him with his chest badly crushed and he died soon after. He was 21 years old and is survived by parents, four brothers and three sisters. Funeral was held on the 1st of July at Kraybill's meeting-house.

Weaver.-On the 28th of June, 1906, in Lancaster City, Pa., of general debility, incident to old age, at the residence of her son-in-law, Henry Landis, Sarah Weaver, in her eighty-seventh year. The deceased was born near Smoketown and lived in Lancaster many years. She had been twice married, and is survived by four daughters and two sons. Funeral was held at the Mellinger meeting-house on Sunday, July 1st.

Quier -On the 16th of June, 1906, at the home of her son, Henry Quier, in Mishawaka, Ind., of the infirmities of old age, Sister Maria Quier, widow of the late David Quier; aged 81 Y., 8 M., 8 D. She was born Sept. 4, 1824. Her husband died a number of years ago. Since that time she has spent several years with her sons in Missouri, but within the last year she returned and has since resided with her son Henry, where she ended her earthly course. Her remains were brought to Elkhart and funeral services were conducted in the Elkhart M. H. by Bro. David Burkholder of Nappanee and Samuel Yoder of Elkhart, and she was laid to rest beside her husband in the Mennonite cemetery near Elkhart. She was the mother of seven children, three of whom are still living. There are also a number of grandchildren who mourn her death.

Transcribed by: Ron Garber, Kansas

 Week 3: July 19, 1906, page 270
Vol. XLIII, No. 29


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Herald of Truth, July 19, 1906, page 270

Bishop Jonas Blauch was born near Johnstown, Pa., June 24, 1830; died at the home of Pre. Alexander Weaver, June 20, 1906; aged 75 Y., 11 M., 27 D. He was married to Mary Keim in 1852. To this union were born eight children, four of whom survive him, viz., two sons and two daughters. His wife preceded him to the great beyond several years ago. He is survived also by 34 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. These with a host of relatives and friends, besides the home congregation and hundreds of brethren and sisters throughout the brotherhood, who remember his earnest words from the pulpit, mourn his departure. Bro. Blanch was ordained to the ministry near Springs, Pa., in 1862 and moved to Scottdale in 1865. After laboring in this field for a period of thirteen years he moved back to his home district, Johnstown, where he was ordained to the office of bishop, and served the church in that capacity for twenty-two years. When he found his health failing and not being able any longer to fulfil the duties of his office, he asked that a bishop be ordained to attend to the active part of the work, and Pro. Aaron Loucks was chosen to fill the place. Bro. Blauch suffered with diabetes for a number of years and this finally was the cause of his death. Funeral services were held at the Stahl M. H. on June 22, conducted by S. G. Shetler, assisted by Aaron Loucks, S. D. Yoder, Jas, Saylor and L. A. Blough. Text, Matt 25:23, which was selected by himself: "Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." Interment in the cemetery adjoining the meeting-house. Peace to his ashes.

Thomas.-John Thomas died at his home near Conner, Somerset Co., Pa., July 2, 1906; aged 84 Y., 8 M., 18 D. He was married to Fanny Plough in 1842. To this union were born nine children, of whom three are dead. There were also 17 grandchildren, of whom six have died, and 15 great-grandchildren, of whom two are dead. Bro. Thomas was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for about 58 years. He was a good neighbor, especially in case of sickness he was always ready to lend a helping hand. Funeral services were conducted on July 4, at the Thomas meeting-house by S. G. Shetler, Simon Layman, S. D. Yoder and Jas. Saylor; and at the home by S. Gindlesberger and L. A. Blough. Peace to his ashes.

Yoder.-Levi Yoder died in Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., July 1, 1906; aged 78 Y., 4 M., 23 D. Bro. Yoder was afflicted with dropsy for a few years, and for nearly two years was not able to lie down to rest, but day and night he sat in his chair. He bore his sickness with great patience and was a faithful and devoted member of the Amish church for over fifty years. He is survived by a wife, one brother, two sons and two daughters to mourn his death. Funeral services were conducted on the 2d at the Stahl M. H. by S. G. Shetler, assisted by S. Gindlesberger and L. A. Blough. Interment in the family graveyard.

Weber.-Edith Luella, youngest daughter of Bro. John and Sister Weber, of near Newkirk, Okla., died July 3, 1906. She was sick but a few days with whooping cough and pneumonia: aged 1 Y., 24 D. Services on the 5th were conducted at the house by T. M. Erb of Newton, Kan., from John 16:16. Buried in the cemetery of Newkirk.

Burkholder.-John R. Burkholder died at his home near Newville, Pa., July 3, 1906; aged 79 Y., 5 M., 8 D. He was the oldest of a family of eight children, all of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He was for many years a consistent member of the Mennonite church and remained faithful to the end. Although he suffered much during his late illness he murmured not, because he believed it was working for him a "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." His quiet, unassuming life won him the respect of all who knew him. The last few years of his life were spent with his only daughter, who spared no efforts to his comfort in his final illness. He is survived by a son and daughter and many distant relatives to mourn their less. Interment at the Diller M. H., where services were conducted by Samuel Hess and Henry Weaver.
H. L. BURKHOLDER.

Troyer.-Lewis B. Troyer of near Smithville, Ohio, died May 30, 1906, He left his comfortable home on the afternoon of the above date, well and cheerful, to attend to some necessary duties, and before the setting of the sun he was in the embrace of death. His horse became unmanageable while passing a steam shovel, and Bro. Troyer was thrown from his buggy and almost instantly killed. He had reached the advanced age of 75 Y., 3 M., 7 D. This is another instance showing us the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death. He was a member of the Salem Mennonite congregation near Smithville and his presence will be greatly missed. He was firmly established in the faith. He was a good counsellor(sic) and had the prosperity of the church at heart. He left bright evidences that our loss is his eternal gain. He was married to Leah Zook, living in matrimony 43 years. He was the father of six children, one dying in infancy. Three sons, two daughters, two brothers and four sisters remain to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate father and brother. His wife preceded him to the world beyond, Nov, 21, 1899. Funeral services were conducted on June 2 at the Paradise meeting-house by S. B. Longenecker, I. J. Buchwalter and D. Hostetter. Text, Matt. 24:44 and Amos 4:12. A very large concourse of friends gathered to pay the last tribute of love to one whom they held very dear. His daughters with whom he lived have the sympathy of friends and neighbors in their sad bereavement. May God bless, sustain and keep them throughout the remainder of their days. Peace to his ashes. D. H.

Transcribed by: Ron Garber, Kansas

 Week 4: July 26, 1906, page 280
Vol. XLIII, No. 30


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Herald of Truth, July 26, 1906, page 280

Martin Whisler of Hanover, York Co., Pa., was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., and passed away on the 5th of July, 1906; aged 60 Y, 4 M., 20 D. He is survived by his second wife, and four sons and five daughters. Bro. Whisler was ordained to the ministry 28 years ago and was devoted to his work, and his congregation was much attached to him. The esteem in which this minister of God was held was shown on Sunday, July 8, when between 1,100 and 1,200 friends assembled in and around the meeting-house to pay loving tribute to his memory and to follow the remains to the grave, 260 vehicles being crowded together on the premises. Funeral services were conducted by Bish. Abram C. Herr of Lancaster Co., Pa., and Pre. Abram Burkholder of Newville, Cumberland Co., Pa. Bro. Whisler was stricken with apoplexy July 3 just as he was about to rise to preach at the funeral service of one of the members of his congregation, death ensuing two days later. He was called away suddenly, but we believe he was fully prepared to go, and that he has simply passed from labor into everlasting rest.

Pre. Abraham A. Troyer of Lagrange Co., Ind., died July 10 very suddenly of heart trouble and sunstroke. He was out in the hayfield cutting grass. One of his grandchildren went to the field to see if the hay would be dry enough to put away in the afternoon, and found him dead behind the mower. He was about sixty years of age and leaves a sorrowing companion, one son, one daughter, two brothers, one sister and many friends to mourn his death. He was buried on the 12th, and many were present to show the last token of respect to the departed minister.

Loe.-On July 9, 1906, near Myersdale, Somerset Co., Pa., Christian Loe, aged 47 Y., 11 M., 15 D. Funeral was held at the J.S. Miller meeting-house on the 10th. The brethren Jacob Swartzentruber and Noah D. Yoder of Iowa led the services in the German language and J. S. Miller and J. J. Miller of Somerset county in the English. Peace to his ashes.

Weber.-Catharine Weber was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Nov. 26, 1832, came to America with her parents at the age of three years, was united in marriage with Jacob Weber in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. To this union were born one son and seven daughters. She came to Locke Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1856, where she has resided since. Her husband died at Newbern, S. C., in June. 1865, he having been a soldier in the Civil War. She lived in widowhood 41 years. She was confirmed in the Lutheran church in her childhood, and united with the Amish Mennonite church in 1877. She lived a devoted Christian life. Her seat was never vacant at the services, when she was able to attend. We will miss her in the services of God's house and in the home, for she was a good mother. She passed away July 8, 1906; aged 73 Y., 7 M., 12 D. The near relatives who mourn her loss are: one son, five daughters, 29 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four sisters and one brother. Buried at South Union July 11. Funeral services by Bish. David Burkholder and Pre. Noah Metzler.

Livengood.-Sister Elmira, wife of Bro. Win. C. Livengood of Springs, Pa., died June 16, 1906: aged 64 Y., 9 M., 2 D. She suffered very much of cancer. During her illness she expressed a willingness to go and be with the Lord, if it was his will. She leaves a husband, two sons, three daughters, nine grandchildren, three brothers and three sisters to mourn their loss which we hope is her gain. She united with the Mennonite church in 1881, and remained faithful until death. Over one thousand people attended the funeral, which was held at the Folk M. H. at Springs, Pa., on June 17. Services at the home by David Kiem and H. M. Gelnett and at the M. H. by G. D. Miller and W. C. Hershberger. Text. John 16:7.

Alderfer.-On July 1. 1906, in Hilltown Twp., Bucks Co., Pa., Sister Susan Alderfer, widow of the late Reuben Alderfer; aged about 70 years. She was a sufferer for some time with cancer in the stomach. Her husband died some years ago. She was buried at the Line Lexington Mennonite burying-ground, of which congregation she was a member.

Nissley.-On the 11th of July, 1906, in West Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of apoplexy, suddenly, Martin M. Nissley, aged 66 years. He is survived by his wife and one sister. He was a member of the Mennonite church. Funeral services were conducted in the Mennonite meeting-house at Elizabethtown on the 13th. Buried at Mount Tunnel cemetery.

Weaver.-Ethel Irene Weaver, only daughter of Reuben and Ella Weaver, was born Jan. 29, 1902; died July 16, 1906; aged 4 Y, 5 M., 17 D. She was sick less than a week with appendicitis. Little Ethel suffered very much until death relieved her. Only a few months ago her older brother Frank died, but we know that they are both in the arms of Jesus. Funeral services were held at the Pa. Mennonite church, July 18, by Bro. T. M. Erb and D. D. Zook.

Transcribed by: Ron Garber, Kansas


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