Gospel Herald Obituaries - December, 1922

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Gospel Herald - Volume XV, Number 36 - December 7, 1922, page 703

Albrecht. - Alice Marie, daughter of Mose Albrecht and Mary (Gunden) Albrecht was born Oct. 7, 1922; died Nov. 5, 1922, at their home near Bay Port, Mich., aged 29 days. She leaves her parents and one adopted sister. One brother died in infancy. She was laid to rest in the Pigeon River Cemetery. Funeral services conducted by S. J. Swartzendruber from Psa. 16:6.

Redcay. - William Gordon, son of William G. and Lizzie (Musser) Redcay was born Aug. 19, 1922; died Oct. 11, 1922; at their home near Witmer, Lanc. Co. Pa.; aged 1 m. 22 d. He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and one brother (Ada, Harold and Verna). He was sick 3 days with cholera infantum suffering much pain. He was but a bud while in this life. He has gone to his heavenly Father to blossom in his fullness in the presence of the Father thru ceaseless ages to come. Funeral services were conducted at Mellinger,s Church Oct. 13 by Bro. Sanford Landis. Text, Psa. 16:6.

However painful it may be
To know that he is gone
The thought is sweet that we may see
Him in that heavenly home.

Pletcher. - Elizabeth Risser was born in Germany, Nov. 13, 1836. She came to America with her parents in her early childhood and died October 17, 1922, at Goshen, Indiana, aged 85 y. 11 m. 4 d. She was married to Henry Pletcher March 14, 1858, in Wood Co., Ohio. To this union were born twelve children, eleven of which grew up to mature years. In 1882, she with her family moved to Elkhart Co. She was a woman with many sterling qualities, one of which was her great love for the Bible. Living in a community when her children were in their younger years where they did not have Sunday school and church privileges, she would gather them together and spend an hour in reading and explaining the Word of God, thus trying to instill in their young minds a reverence for God and His Word. She is survived by 2 sons, 4 daughters, 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services conducted at the Yellow Creek Church by John Bare and D. A. Yoder.

Swartzendruber. - Barbara Erb, wife of Dan Swartzendruber, died at her home in Petersburg, Ont., at an early hour Sunday morning, Oct. 8. Deceased had been in failing health for the past 6 months but was not confined to her bed till the last 4 weeks. The funeral took place Oct. 11, at the family residence and the Amish Mennonite Church. Interment in adjoining cemetery. There was a large attendance of sorrowing relatives and friends who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed. Mrs. Swartzendruber who was a resident of Petersburg for many years, was aged 50 y. 11 m. 12 d. She is survived by a sorrowing husband and 3 children (Christ of Petersburg, Levina and Allan at home). One son died in infancy. Two grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters also survive.

Mother dear, oh we miss you,
Oh how we miss you, dear,
None but aching hearts can tell,
We have lost you,
Heaven has found you;
God knows all things best.

Husband and Children.

Brubaker. - Sarah Margaret Brubaker (nee Horn) was born March 17, 1849, in Clearfield Co., Penna. She died Nov. 22, 1922, aged 73 y. 8 m. 5 d. She united in marriage with John L. Brubaker in Snyder Co., Pa., in the year 1868. God blessed this union with ten children, all of whom remain to mourn the loss of a loving mother. They moved to Iowa in the year 1869, and later to Missouri, where they toiled together for nearly fifty years. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in Kansas for years ago. During the past summer they moved to the home of their son, J. P. Brubaker, of Gravois Mills, Mo. Here on August 23 she was stricken with a paralytic stroke from which she never fully recovered. Having a very weak heart her death came suddenly and yet not altogether unexpected. She died sitting in her chair waiting for her noonday meal before anyone was aware what had happened. Besides leaving her aged companion and 10 children, she leaves 34 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Four grandchildren preceded her to the spirit home. She also leaves 2 brothers, 2 half brothers and 2 half sisters. She united with the Mennonite Church in early married life and remained in this church relation till death called her home. Funeral services at the home, and at the Mt. Zion Church near Versailles, Mo., where her body was laid to rest in the cemetery near by. Services conducted by Bro. J. R. Shank, assisted by Bro. E. C. Bowman. Text, Phil. 1:21.

Schisler. - Rhetta Delena, daughter of Bro. William F. and Sister Selena Schisler, passed away to her eternal rest at the home of her parents at Vineland, Ont., on Oct. 23, 1922. One of twin daughters, she was born in Haldimand County, Ont., December 13, 1894. From her childhood her mild and loving disposition endeared her to all, and her sincere nature and earnestness in desiring to do what was right determined the character of the life which she always lived. Early in youth she gave her life into the service of Christ, uniting with the Mennonite Church in which she was a consistent and active member until the time of her death. An active worker in the Church she was engaged in Sunday School work and took a leading part in the young peoples, meetings and in all of the spiritual interest of her society. She loved the service of Christ and was loved and respected by all who knew her and came in contact with her life. When afflicted by her fatal malady, acute diabetes, she was patient and cheerful and faced the final event calmly and resignedly. She had gained the victory over death. She is greatly missed in her home, in which parents and three sisters remain and missed in the circle of her associates in the Church and in the neighborhood. As a token of the esteem in which she was held, an exceptionally large congregation met for the funeral services which were held on Oct. 25, when appropriate services were held at the home and the church for the comfort and edification of all. Services were conducted by S. F. Coffman assisted by Wm. Brown of the M. B. C. Church. The text used was I Cor. 15:19, 20.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume XV, Number 37 - December 14, 1922, page 735

Heatwole. - Sister Lydia C. Heatwole, wife of Bro. Jacob F. Heatwole and daughter of the late Pre. S. S. Weaver died at their home near Dale Enterprise, Va., Oct. 16, 1922; aged 47 y. 10 m. 15 d. She died from complications, having been ailing for sometime. She leaves a deeply afflicted husband, 1 son, and 4 daughters to mourn her loss. She united with the Mennonite church at an early age and was a faithful member till the Lord called her home. Funeral services were held at the Weaver Church on Oct. 17, conducted by Bros. J. S. Martin and L. J. Heatwole from John 14. She was laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.

Kaegy. - Mary Ruth Kaegy, daughter of Bro. and Sister Joseph Kaegy, was born near Millersville, Pa., May 8, 1922; died Sept. 18, 1922; aged 4 m. 14 d. The mother had put the baby to sleep and when she came to get it, it had passed from time to eternity. This is the third little one that was called away out of his family; one yet remains. Funeral services were held at Habecker,s Church by J. C. Habecker and C. K. Lehman. Text, Luke 18:16.

Why should our tears run down,
And our hearts so sorely be riven,
For another gem is in the Savior,s crown,
And another soul is in heaven.

Hostetler. - John Sherman, eldest son of Pre. George M., and Mary Hostetler, was born in Warwick Co., Va., May 22, 1916, and departed this life to be with Jesus on the evening of Nov. 18, 1922; aged 6 y. 5 m. 26 d. He moved with his parents to Westover, Md., just a few months prior to his death. John was an affectionate and obedient child and will be sadly missed by the parents, brother, and sisters. His 17 days, illness was of a typhoid nature and was endured with great patience. Funeral services were conducted at the Holly Grove Church, Nov. 21 by Bro. Aaron Mast assisted by Bro. Amos Ogburn.

Kropf. - Catherine Kropf, daughter of David and Magdalena Kropf, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Nov. 26, 1849; died Nov. 22, 1922; aged 72 y. 11 m. 26 d. At an early age she gave she heart to God and united with the A. M. Church in Hickory Co., Mo., and has lived to a faithful end. She leaves 3 brothers and 4 sisters to mourn the loss of a beloved sister. About the last four weeks of her life she was in the home of Bro. Daniel Hershberger where she was cared for, while previous to that she lives in her home in Garden City, Mo. Funeral services at the Sycamore Grove Church, conducted by Brethren J. J. and I. G. Hartzler. Text, II Cor. 5:1 and Psa. 102:11-13.

Combs. - Wilson, son of Sister Elizabeth Combs, was born May 26, 1922, and departed this life July 21, 1922, at the age of 10 y. 1 m. 26 d. Wilson took very sick at the home of Bro. Mose Yoders of Wellman, Iowa, last February. He was afflicted with Eudo-Carditis and complications. His mother brought him to her home in Chicago, later, but he few gradually weaker until death relieved him. He was a patient sufferer and won many friends during his illness. Though young in years he expressed a desire to live a Christian life, even before his illness. One of his last requests was to have his mother sing and pray with him. He leaves to mourn his early departure, his mother, 3 brothers and 3 sisters, and a large number of relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the home, by Bro. A. H. Leaman, and at Mt. Hope cemetery by Bro. H. R. Schertz.

Plank. - Mrs. Annie, wife of Bro. E. M. Plank, Olathe, Kans., was born in Johnson county, Kans., July 25, 1870; died Nov. 23, 1922; aged 52 y. 3 m. 28 d. Years ago, she united with the Mennonite Church near Garden City, Mo. About 8 years ago, she became afflicted with paralysis, which more or less weakened her the remainder of her days. She later suffered from another stroke of paralysis which hastened her departure. She is survived by her husband, 6 children (3 having preceded her to the spirit world), 2 brothers, and 2 sisters besides many other relatives and friends. Funeral was held from their late home near Olathe, Kans., on Nov. 25, the funeral sermon being preached by Bro. J. D. Mininger of Kansas City, Kans. Text, Amos 4:12. He was assisted in the funeral rites by W. L. Shuler of the Methodist Church, of near De Soto, Kans. Interment in Olathe cemetery.

Bucher. - Joseph W. Bucher was born at Hopeland, Lanc. Co., Pa., Dec. 2, 1875; died at his home in Sterling, Ill., Nov. 27, 1922. Had he lives until Dec. 2, he would have been 47 years of age. He came to Sterling in the summer of 1905, and remained here until the Spring of 1908, when he went west, and after spending about three years there, he returned to his former home for a brief visit. It was at this time that he united with the Mennonite Church at Lititz, Pa. Soon afterward he came to Sterling again, and on Feb. 23, 1911, he was united in marriage to Sister Cora Ebersloe. Besides his wife, he leaves to mourn his loss his parents, 1 sister, 2 brothers, all of Lanc. Co., Pa. Bro. Bucher was a faithful and consistent member of the Church until the time of his death. He greatly enjoyed the service of his Master, and for him we could say with Paul, "For to me to live is Christ. His favorite song was " I want my life to tell for Jesus. Funeral services were conducted on Thanksgiving Day, at the Science Ridge Mennonite Church, when a number of relatives and friends gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to one they had learned to love. The text was taken from Jno. 14:2, 3. Services were in charge of Bro. A. C. Good.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Volume XV, Number 38 - December 21, 1922, pages 750, 751

Hershberger. - Walter Glenwood Hershberger, infant son of Bro. and Sister Harley Hershberger was born Oct. 29, 1922; died Nov. 4, 1922, aged 6 days. Funeral services were held in the parents, home Sunday afternoon, Nov. 5, 1922, with Brethren Wm. C. Hershberger and Loly Kniss officiating. May God bless the parents in their bereavement. We miss the little one, yet it rejoices us to know that it is another added jewel in the glory world.

Culp. - Angelina Whitmer Culp was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, July 10, 1850, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Beard, Youngstown, Ohio, Nov. 17, 1922; aged 72 y. 4 m. 17 d. She was married to Henry B. Culp, Jan. 27, 1876. To this union were born two children, a son (Frank) who preceded her in death and a daughter (Lucy Beard). Her health had been failing for a few years. Five days before her death she fell and did not regain consciousness. Funeral at the Midway Mennonite Church, Brethren E. M. Detwiler and Allen Rickert officiating. Text, Heb. 11:13, 16. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Nelson. - Thomas B. Nelson was born in Lagrange Co., Ind., April 14, 1841. He was married Jan. 27, 1859, to Frances Miller. They continued to live in the same county until 1900 when they moved to Newaygo Co., Mich. The mother died here Aug. 8, 1908. Since then he made his home most of the time with his son. T. U. Nelson. After a lingering illness he departed this life May 12, 1922; aged 81 y. 28 d. Four sons and 1 daughter have gone before them and 3 sons and 4 daughters remain, together with 52 grandchildren and 65 great-grandchildren. Father Nelson had been a member of the Mennonite Church for about 42 years.

Sensenig. - Emma S. Frey Sensenig, wife of Elam W. Sensenig, died Nov. 29, 1922; aged 47 y. 2 d. Her death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage. She is survived by her husband, 10 children, and 2 grandchildren. She was a member of the Landis Valley Mennonite Church. May our loss be her eternal gain. Funeral services were conducted at Metzler's Mennonite Church by Brethren, Noah L. Landis and Benj. Wenger. Texts Luke 12:40 and Jas. 4:14. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Mother's gone to live beyond this vale
Of sorrow, pain and care,
And if through life we live for Him,
We,ll meet her over there.
Husband and Children.

Pursel. - Howard, son of Cleveland and Anna Pursel was born at Belleville, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1905.After a siege of typhoid fever for nearly five weeks, he passed away at his home near Archbold, Ohio, Nov. 23, 1922; aged 17 y. 1 m. 10 d. He leaves to mourn his early departure father, 1 brother (Virgil), 3 sisters (Bessie, Ruth, and Lucille), grandparents from both sides, and a host of friends. His mother and one brother preceded him to the great beyond. Funeral services were held at the Lockport Church Nov. 26, conducted by S. D. Grieser. Text, Psa. 50:3. Interment in Lockport cemetery.

Ehrisman. - Veronica (Rediger) Ehrisman was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 7, 1842, and died Dec. 4, 1922, at the home of her daughter Mrs. Simon Litwiller near Hopedale, Ill., where she had made her home. She with her husband Rudolph Ehrisman, who preceded her in death Nov. 19, 1895, came to America 54 years ago, locating in Woodford Co., Ill. To this union were born 9 children - 5 sons and 4 daughters. Five sons and 1 daughter preceded her in death. She leaves 3 daughters, 19 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and remained in that faith. Funeral services were held Dec. 6 near Hopedale, Ill., conducted by Samuel Gerber assisted by home ministers. Text, Heb. 4:9.

Farewell, dear mother, thou art at rest,
And wilt forever be,
Thou couldst not stay on earth with us,
But we can come to thee.

Kurtz. - Isaac S. Kurtz was born Oct. 12, 1862, near Morgantown, Pa., died Nov. 11, 1922. He was a life resident of Conestoga Valley. He was aged 60 y. 30 d. His death was caused by a paralytic stroke. His end came very suddenly. He went to the barn in the morning, as usual, to help do the chores but was not there very long until he told one of the family he was not feeling well and went towards the house. When he got to the porch he called for his wife. He was taken to bed and fell into a sleep about 7 o,clock and passed away about 10 p. m. He is survived by his wife, 5 daughters, 1 son, and 12 grandchildren. He was the first of the family to pass on to the other side. He was a member of the A. M. Church. Funeral services were held Nov. 15, by Bro. David Yoder and Bro. J. S .Mast.

"Father thou hast left us lonely,
Here our loss we deeply feel,
But tis God that has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal."

Bittner. - George W. Bittner was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Aug. 31, 1849; died Nov. 22, 1922; aged 73 y. 2 m. 22 d. Bro. Bittner had been in failing health for several years, having had slight strokes at different times, and about 14 weeks before his death was again stricken so that he became almost helpless. Shortly after his marriage to Sister Rebecca Rife he became a member of the Mennonite Church, in which faith he remained a faithful member unto death and of late years was much concerned about the welfare of the Church. His place in Church was nor vacant unless health would not permit him to be present. He leaves to mourn his departure a sorrowing wife, a sister (Rebecca Bittner), and a host of relatives and friends, but we mourn not as those who have no hope. His mortal remains were laid to rest on Nov. 25 in the burying ground adjoining the Strasburg Mennonite Church where services were conducted by Brethren Harry H. Witmer and J. S. Burkholder from the text Rom. 14:7, 8. May his soul rest in peace until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Zook. - Abner Y. Zook was born near Belleville, Pa., Jan. 26, 1851. He was the eighth of a family of 10 children; 7 of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He united with the Belleville A. M. Church early in life, in which faith he was an active member until later in life while on a trip to the Pacific coast he united with the Brethren Church. He was much interested in the religion of Jesus Christ to which he gave testimony whenever and wherever opportunity permitted. He was never happier than when he could attend religious meetings either of his own faith or of any other faith which was true to the principles of Christ. He died Nov. 25, 1922; aged 71 y. 9 m. 29 d. The last seven years of his life he lived with his sister Sarah, whom he leaves to mourn his loss. He also leaves a brother, Israel, of Hunter, Mo. The funeral services were held at the Belleville A. M. Church and his body laid to rest in the Zook Burial Ground. The services were conducted by J. H. Byler of the Belleville A. M. Church, text, Mal. 3:16, 17, and J. B. Shellenberger of Burnham of the Brethren Church, text, John 14.
J. M. H.

Book. - B. Frank Book was born Dec. 31, 1848; died Dec. 5, 1922; aged 73 y. 11 m. 5 d. He was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years, and was active in Sunday school work for more than 25 years. He was one of those who started the movement which resulted in the organizing of Mennonite S. S. Mission at Paradise Church in 1895. He was a much devoted husband, and a kind and loving father. He is survived by his wife, who was Elizabeth Bachman, and these children: Ira J.; Amy L.; G. Parke; and Anna B. wife of Isaac G. Leaman; also 10 grandchildren. Funeral services were held Dec. 8 with brief services at the home by Bro. Jacob H. Mellinger, and at the Strasburg Mennonite Church by Bro. Frank Herr, assisted by Bro. C. M. Brubaker. Text, Heb. 9:27, 28.

Father's chair is vacant;
And his voice is stilled;
But his place o,er yonder,
Now, we hope is filled.

Though he's left us sobbing
At dear Mother's side;
We, his pilgrim children,
Soon will cross the tide.

Maust. - Menno, son of Joseph and Lydia Maust, was born at Myersdale, Pa., March 10, 1894; died Nov. 22, 1922, at the Toledo Hospital, Toleda, O., while he was undergoing an operation, at the age of 28 y. 8 m. 12 d. On Oct. 30, 1919, he was united in marriage to sister Cora Nofzinger. This union was blest with one son. He leaves to mourn his early death a deeply sorrowing companion, 1 son, Walter, parents, 6 brothers, 4 sisters, together with a large host of relatives and friends. He early this spring began to feel his ailment which gradually became worse and all that medical skill could do did not seem to avail anything. He was advised by the home doctors to go to a specialist for an examination, who said an operation was the only thing that might help, but this proved fatal. Bro. Menno accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 15 and united with the Amish Mennonite Church and kept his faith unto the end. Funeral services were held Nov. 25 at the Central A. M. Church near Archbold, O., conducted by M. S. Zehr of Pigeon, Mich., and Henry Rychener and S. D. Grieger of the home congregation. Interment in Eckley cemetery.

Transcriber's note: Toledo is also spelled as Toleda in the original.

Rife. - Abram L. Rief was born near Chambersburg, Pa., Aug. 8, 1846; died Dec. 1, 1922; aged 76 y. 2 m. 23 d. Bro. Reiff had been afflicted for almost a year and gradually grew weaker until a few weeks before his departure he had a paralytic stroke and a few days prior to his death was unconscious and the end came without a struggle. His mortal remains were laid to rest on Dec. 4 with services at the United Brethren meetinghouse at Salem, by Bro. Harry Witmer and J. S. Burkholder assisted by Pre. March, pastor of the United Brethren Church. Text, Psa. 116:15. Burial in the cemetery adjoining. Bro. Reiff was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years and will be greatly missed. He is survived by a loving wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters (Reuben, Henry, Bessie, Jacob, and Esther), 4 sisters, and a host of friends and neighbors who mourn his departure. Bro. Rife and Bro. Bittner (whose obituary is also in this issue) having been raised together (Bro. Rife's father having taken Bittner into his home when he was but a boy) were very much attached to each other. They lived in the same community almost all of their lives. They were afflicted much the same way and were called from time to eternity very nearly at the same time. Having died in the Christian faith we believe they will spend that long eternal day together in love and peace.

Transcriber's note: Rife/Rief/Reiff spelled as in the original.

Troyer. - Barbara E. Schrock was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1844, and died at the home of her foster daughter, Mrs. Elmer Kauffman, Goshen, Ind., Nov. 25, 1922, aged 78 y. 2 m. 20 d. She left Holmes county in early life and came with her parents to Elkhart county, Ind. About 56 years ago she was married to David J. Troyer. To this union were born two children, but both died in infancy. Having no children of their own they took two children to raise - Mr. Perry Hartzler and Mrs. Elmer Kauffman, both of Goshen. Sister Troyer and Sister Kauffman have shared their home together from the time that Mrs. Kauffman was an infant. Possibly 30 years ago Sister Troyer realized that she was getting a growth which was not desirable. This proved to be cancer. She kept this quiet until about 6 years ago when the cancer became malignant. For the last year or more her suffering was intense, but she bore it with Christian fortitude and patience until death relieved her sufferings. Her husband having preceded her in death she leaves to mourn her departure, her two foster children, 1 brother, two sisters, besides many other relatives and friends. We trust that our loss is her eternal gain. She often expressed a desire to depart and be with Christ, realizing that this would be far better. Funeral services in the home on Nov. 27, by T. E. George and J. S. Hartzler.

Huebert. - Agatha, beloved wife of Dietrich Huebert, was born Nov. 6, 1870, in South Russia. At the age of 8 years she came with her parents to America, settling in York Co., Nebr. At the age of 19 years she was baptized and received into the Bethesda Mennonite Church of Henderson, Nebr. On Jan. 12, 1892, she was married to Dietrich Huebert. God blessed their union with 7 children, 3 sons and 4 daughters. During their married life they lived at Henderson, Nebr., Pingree, N. Dak., Litchfield, Nebr., and last at O,Neill, Nebr. On Nov. 24, came a very sad day for the Huebert family. One of the teams ran away from the cornfield starting for the house. Sister Huebert always watchful, saw it coming and must have thought she would open the gate to save the horses from getting cut in the wire. In doing this it is thought she was in some way thrown in front of the running team. She was found lying on the ground very badly bruised and trampled, dying in about 3 hours after the accident. Her age was 52 y. 18 d. She was preceded in death by her father, 1 brother, 1 sister, and 2 grandchildren. She leaves to mourn her sudden departure, her husband, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 2 grandchildren, an aged mother, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral on Nov. 28 at the Pleasant Hill A. M. Church, conducted by H. D. Epp of Henderson, Nebr., J. W. Oswald of Beaver Crossing, Nebr., and C. K. Ernest, of O,Neill. Buried in adjoining cemetery.

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Gospel Herald, - Volume XV, Number 39 - December 28, 1922, page 767

Rininger. - Harry Alexander Rininger, son of Frederick and Sarah Rininger was born near Foustwell, Somerset Co., Pa., March 28, 1850; died Dec. 6, 1922; aged 72 y. 8 m. 8 d. Bro. Rininger was married to Lucinda Oaks, April 20, 1879, who survives him. To this union were born three daughters, Agnes, residing at home; Nettie, wife of Robert Ott, Paint Township; and Carrie, wife of Lloyd Ringler of Waterloo, Iowa. Funeral services were conducted at the Weave Mennonite church by E. J. Blough and Levi A. Blough. Burial in adjoining cemetery.

Stahl. - Alexander Stahl was born July 1, 1834, and died at his home near Elmdale, Mich., on Dec. 5, 1922; aged 88 y. 5 m. 4 d. He was married to Fannie Kime, in 1855. She departed this life in 1904. To this union were born 10 children, 3 of whom preceded him in death. Seven children, 27 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, of Johnstown, Pa., and a host of relatives and friends remain to mourn his departure. Early in life he and his wife united with the Mennonite Church, and were consistent members until death. Funeral services were conducted from his late home with his son Josiah, and at the Mennonite Church near Elmdale, Mich., by Aldus Brackbill. His body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

Gerber.--Sister Mariann Gerber was born in Wayne Co., O., March 9, 1837; died of pneumonia Dec. 3, 1922, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jacob J. Amstutz; aged 85 y. 6 m. 24 d. Sept. 27, 1860, she was married to Christian Gerber. To this union were born 4 children. Her husband, one daughter and 6 grandchildren preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her departure one son (John), 2 daughters (Mrs. Jacob J. Amstutz and Mrs. Simeon Lehman), 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Dec. 5, at the Swiss Mennonite Church, of which she had been a loyal member from her youth. Services were conducted by Brethren C. W. Amstutz and Jacob Nussbaum.

Hoover. - Joel Hoover was born in Haldimand Co., Ontario, July 8, 1845. Here he grew to manhood and established a home, uniting with the Rainham Mennonite congregation of which he was a faithful member until he removed with his family to Clarence Centre, N. Y., about twenty-five years ago. His presence and help in the little congregation at this place was greatly appreciated. His earnest and devout spirit was helpful to all with whom he came in contact, and his presence among the brotherhood and vicinity will be greatly missed. The latter years of his life were occupied with ministering to afflicted members of his family which services were given with patience, love and tender sympathy. His own suffering was severe but brief, and he passed away on Dec. 4, 1922, at the age of 77 y. 4 m. 26 d. His beloved wife, Mary Werner, died on July 19, 1921. One brother survives him, and also all of his children - two daughters and three sons. Funeral services were held at his home in Clarence Centre on Dec. 6, conducted by S. F. Coffman and Thomas Doner of the Brethren Church. Text, I Cor. 15:49. Interment was made in the Cemetery near Clarence Centre.

Weaver. - Sister Gertrude Weaver, daughter of the late Henry G. and Sister Anna Mary Weaver, was born near Union Grove, Pa., July 5, 1904, and died near the same place at the home of her grandparents, Bro. and Sister Daniel Weaver, Dec. 11, 1922; aged 18 y. 5 m. 6 d., after a lingering illness of tuberculosis. She is survived by 2 brothers and 1 sister younger than herself. Her parents died when she was small. She was very patient in her suffering but often expressed a desire to depart and be at rest. She was a faithful member of the Weaverland Mennonite Church and was greatly esteemed by all who knew her. Funeral services were held at the Weaverland Church, conducted by Bros. Benjamin Weaver, John Sauder, and I. B. Good.

Brenner. - Mary Elizabeth Brenner, daughter of Alfred and Bernice A. Brenner, was born in Wayne Co., O., June 23, 1919; died in their new home near East Orwell, O., Dec. 7, 1922; aged 3 y. 5 m. 13 4. Little Mary was indeed an attractive and loveable child. She was everybody's friend. Her stay here was short and yet long enough to become endeared to all who knew her. She took sick in the afternoon of Dec. 5 and grew worse during the night. When medical aid was summoned early next day the doctor pronounced it laryngial diphtheria and on the following day she passed away. During her sickness she lost her speech and could only whisper. Among other things she said, "I want to go to Jesus. She leaves her sorrowing parents, 1 brother, 2 sisters, and many relatives and friends to mourn her early departure.

The parents gave, in tears and pain,
The flower they most did love,
But they knew they should find it again
In the fields of light above.

O, not in cruelty, not in wrath,
The angel came that day,
And visiting the green earth,
Took Mary, the flower away.

Funeral services were conducted at the Crown Hill Church, Wayne Co., O., Dec. 16, 1922, by Bros. E. F. Hartzler, J. A. Liechty, and I. W. Royer. Burial in the Crown Hill cemetery before the service. May God comfort the bereaved family.

Transcriber's note: laryngial typed as written.

Mertzler. - Catherine, widow of Abram Metzler, former superintendent of the Orphan's Home, West Liberty, Ohio, died at the home of her son, O. D. Metzler, Youngstown, O., Dec. 15, 1922; aged 68 y. 11 m. 11 d. She was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, on Jan. 4, 1854, and was the daughter of Jacob and Lydia Culp, being one of 10 children. In Oct., 1875 she was married to Abram Metzler, who preceded her in death on Oct. 27, 1918. To this union were born 4 children: Harvey A. Metzler, Columbiana: Oliver D. Metzler, Youngstown: John E. Metzler, who met an untimely death in Oct., 1900: and Edna F. Smith of Dayton. Twelve grandchildren, 2 brothers and 3 sisters also survive. She united with the Mennonite church in 1881, thus having a record of 41 years of faithful and unselfish service in the cause of the Master. She had a prolonged illness, and for a number of months ate and slept very little, but suffered much. The last month she was not able to go to bed at all. Her last hours were spent in intense agony. Conscious to the last, her thoughts, in keeping with her Christian spirit, were not so much on herself as on her children, and those who ministered unto her. She had a truly submissive spirit and a bright hope of heaven, having but a few hours before her death said to a member of the family, "Wouldn,t it be wonderful to go to sleep now and wake up in heaven? This and other testimonies which she left are indeed a wonderful consolation to her family, and they feel that their loss is heaven's gain. Her remains were laid to rest on Dec. 17 at Midway church cemetery. Services were conducted by Bro. E. M. Detwiler in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends.

 

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt


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