Gospel Herald Obituaries - March, 1909

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Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 49 - March 6, 1909, page 783, 784

Schlonaker* - Mary Ann (Lantz) Schlonacker * was born in Arkansas, March 24, 1889. died Feb. 13, 1909; aged 19 y. 10 m. 19 d. She was married to Reuben Schlonacker April 4, 1908. She left to mourn her early departure a loving husband and a little girl fourteen days old, also mother, one brother and one sister, all of Archbold, Ohio. Her father and two little brothers passed into the world beyond when she was but a little girl. Services at the Fairview Church, Oscoda Co., Mich., conducted by E. A. Bontrager and Menno Esch. Text, Job 19:21, 22.

* Transcriber's note: The name spelled both ways in the text.

Good - Died, Feb. 10, 1909, near Hopedale, Ill., Bro. Joseph Good, aged 78 y. He leave to mourn his death his aged wife, who has shared the joys and sorrows for 51 years, two sons, six daughters, one brother and one sister, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. Bro. Good was an earnest and humble Christian. For him to live was Christ, and to die was gain. He suffered much pain during his sickness, but we believe that now he is being comforted. Buried Feb. 13. Services by Jos. Egli, John C. Birky and Daniel Nafizger.

Yoder - Catharine Yoder was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Aug. 21, 1825. She was married to Moses Yoder, who died about 18 years ago. To this union were born two sons and one daughter, who survive her. She was married the second time, Sep. 13, 1898, to Christian Stahley who also survives her, and is now in his 89th year. She was a faithful member of the Old Order Amish Church for many years, and died Feb. 14, 1909; aged 83 y. 5 m. 23 d. Funeral services were conducted in the Mennonite M. H. in Nappanee, Ind., by William Yoder in German and David Burkholder in English. Text, Heb. 9:27. Peace to her ashes.

Birky - Catherine Mosiman was born in Germany in the year 1820 and came to this country with her parents when about ten years old. She was married to Christian Birky in 1841, who died Sept. 26, 1885. To this union were born six sons and four daughters; one son died Sept. 12, 1900. Sister Birky was converted in early life and lived a consistent Christian life. She died Feb. 13, of the infirmities of old age; aged 89 y. She leaves to mourn her death, 9 children, 80 grandchildren, 96 great-grandchildren. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Buried near Hopedale, Ill., Feb. 16. Services by Daniel Nafziger and A. H. Leaman.

Kefover - Albert Stanton Kefover was born April 28, 1907; died Feb. 18, 1909; aged 1 y. 9 m. 20 d. He was the son of Henry and Jennie Kefover of Masontown, Pa. Oh, how sad to part with the flower of our home, but how sweet it will be when we are again permitted to meet in the land from sorrow set free. Interment in Mennonite graveyard. Sermon from John 20:13 by J. A. Brilhart.

Martin - Died, Feb. 13, 1909, in Chicago, where he was taking treatment for nervous troubles, Bro. Benjamin Martin of Hopedale, Ill., aged 52 y. 7 m. 17 d. Death being caused by cerebral hemorrhag.e [sic] He leaves to mourn a sorrowful wife, seven sons, one daughter and his aged and griefstricken mother who has now seen all her children laid in the grave. May God comfort the bereaved ones. The remains were brought to his home. Buried Feb. 17. Services by Sam. Garber and A. H. Leaman.

Blosser - Jacob N. Blosser died at his home near Wakarusa, Ind., Feb. 18, 1909, of pleurisy, after an illness of about four weeks; aged 56 y. 10 m. 11 d. Bro. Blosser was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio. He moved with his parents to Indiana when nine years of age. He was married to Harriet Christophel Sept. 9, 1878. He is survived by his wife and five children. One child died in infancy. Funeral was held at the Yellow Creek Church Feb. 20, and was largely attended. Services were conducted by Jonas Loucks and Jno. Blosser. In the death of Bro. Blosser the home lost a kind and loving husband and father and the church a beloved brother.

Amstutz - Sarah (Burkholder) Amstutz, wife of Peter Amstutz, was born near Smithville, O., March 12, 1835; died in her home in Smithville, Feb. 17, 1909; aged 73 y. 11 m. 5 d. She was for many years a member of the U. B. Church. She leaves to mourn their loss a sorrowing husband, one son, three daughters and fifteen grandchildren. She was buried on the 20, in the Oak Grove cemetery. Five days later in the same home, her son-in-law, Michael Sweeney, born in St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 1, 1857, died; aged 52 y. 1 m. 22 d. He died in the Christian faith. These two families together with the sisters and families were expecting to move to California in the near future, but God's ways are not our ways.

Huff - Mary (Witzke) Huff was born in Poland, June 6, 1863. Came with her parents to America in 1875, settled in Morgan Co., Mo., and moving a few years later to Moniteau Co., Mo., where she spent the remainder of her life. She united with the church at the age of 18. She was married to John Huff, July 26, 1887, and died Jan. 28, 1909. For several years she had been afflicted with cancerous and tubercular troubles, which finally caused her death. She leaves her sorrowing husband, two children, a father, mother, four brothers, three sisters and numerous relatives and friends to mourn their loss. May God comfort the bereaved.

Rohrer - Annie Rohrer, widow of Israel Rohrer, died of heart-failure at the home of her son, Israel H. Rohrer, near Rushville, Va., Jan. 25, 1909; aged 82 y. 9 m. 22 d. Her maiden name was Hess. She was a sister to the late Pre. John Hess of Lancaster, Pa., and the last of a family of seven children. She removed [sic] with her husband from Lancaster, Pa., to Virginia in 1876. Her husband died about 15 years ago. Since then she was for a long time a member of the Mennonite Church and had been identified with the Wisler branch in later years. She leaves two sons and three daughters and a number of grandchildren to mourn the loss of one whose life and conduct is worthy of imitation. She was of an unassuming, humble and kind disposition. Funeral services were conducted at the Bank Church by J. D. Wenger and G. D. Heatwole from II Tim. 4:1-8. Buried in the cemetery nearby.

Ebersole - Sister Eliza Mae, daughter of Bro. Michael and Sister Anna Ebersole, was born near Sterling, Ill., Feb. 28, 1887; died of heart failure after a severe attack of diphtheria, Feb. 22, 1909, at the parental home in Souderton, Pa., aged 21 y. 11 m. 25 d. She is survived by sorrowing parents, one sister and many friends. Her early life was spent at her birthplace, where she accepted her Savior. Her daily desire was that she might do more for his cause. During the three weeks of her sickness she was a constant sufferer. Her last desire was to depart; although the first week she said, "I have so many friends, some I believe will meet me in heaven, but not all are prepared, then I shall never see them again; but if my suffering and perhaps death will help prepare them for heaven, I am willing to go now." On July 18, 1906 she accompanied her parents and sister to the present home, and after an extended visit through the western states. Eliza will be missed everywhere, her class of twelve little girls in Sunday school were anxiously awaiting her return to teach them agin; but her earthly work is now accomplished and we only say, "Thy will be done." Owing to the quarantine the body was quietly laid to rest Feb. 23. Bro. Joseph Ruth officiated.
"Sister, thou hast left us lonely,
Sorrow fills our hearts today,
But beyond this vale of sorrow,
Tears will all be wiped away."
The only Sister.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona

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Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 50 - March 13, 1909, page 799, 800

Kauffman - Near Letterkenney, Franklin Co., Pa., Daniel Abram Kauffman, the infant son of Daniel and Jennie Kauffman died Dec. 7, 1908. Buried in the cemetery adjoining Shippensburg.

Rife - Near Keefer's, Franklin Co., Pa., Menno Norman Rife, son of A. and Lydia S. Rife, died at their home, Jan. 17, 1909; aged 9 months. Services at the River Brethren Church by the brethren Henry Bricker and Jos. E. Lehman. Text, Matt. 18:3. Burial in adjoining cemetery.

Ebersole - Near Letterkenney, Franklin Co., Pa., Daniel K. Ebersole, infant son of Daniel and Mary Ebersole, died at their home Feb. 21, 1909; aged 2 m. 17 d. Funeral on the 23, interment in the burying ground adjoining the Strasburg M. H. Services by Henry Bricker in German and John S. Burkholder in English from Job 14:1,2. These dear little ones budded only on earth to bloom in heaven.

Stauffer - Eva Stauffer, infant daughter of Bro. and Sister Norman B. Stauffer of High River, Alta., died Feb. 17, 1909; aged 1 m. 25 d. Funeral conducted by Isaac Miller from Job 14:2. Another little flower was plucked by the Savior that just budded on earth to bloom in heaven. God comfort the bereaved. parents.

Heatwole - Rhoda E. Heatwole, wife of Bish. Simeon Heatwole, died at their home near Rushville, Va., of consumption, on Feb. 23, 1909; aged 75 y. 10 m. 4 d. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years and at the time of her death was associated with the Old Order or Wisler Mennonites. She leaves her husband, three sons and two daughters and a number of grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Pleasant View Church on Feb. 25, by J. D. Wenger, from Rev. 20:6. She was laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.

Layman - Francis T. Lehman, [sic] widow of Abraham P. Layman, died at the home of Pre. Samuel Weaver, Mt. Clinton, Va., of a complication of diseases, on Jan. 5, 1909; aged 83 y. 3 m. 11 d. Her husband preceded her to the spirit world 22 y. and 1 d. Her maiden name was Good. She was the last surviving member of a family of four sons and four daughters. She had been a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. The funeral was held at the Mt. Clinton Church on Jan. 7. Services were conducted by J. S. Shoemaker of Freeport, Ill., and Christian Good. Text, II Tim. 4:6. Interment in the cemetery nearby.

Myers - Ellen Myers was born in Putnam Co., Ohio, April 8, 1880; died Feb. 26, 1909; aged 28 y. 10 m. 18 d. On April 23, 1905, she united with the Mennonite Church and remained faithful until death. In her early life she contracted a lingering illness so that during the last five years she was to a great extent helpless and dependent on kind friends. Her final sickness was asthma. Although deprived of many privileges which others enjoy, yet we believe she set forth a noble example of true devotion to her God. There is a vacancy in the home that loved ones keenly realize. She leaves her parents, four brothers, two sisters, a sister-in-law, nephew and many other relatives and friends to mourn her departure. She was resigned to God's will and willing to go. Funeral services conducted by Henry Smith at the Blanchard River Church. Text Matt. 16:26.

Hamilton - Titus Timothy, son of J. T. and Emma Hamilton died Feb. 22, 1909, after a brief attack of pneumonia; aged 1 y. 7 m. He leaves father, mother, 3 brothers and one little sister to mourn their loss, one little brother having preceded him to the spirit world. Funeral conducted by Bro. Perry Shenk. Text, Psa. 86:11. Buried in the Weaver Cemetery near Oronogo, Mo.

Christophel - Nancy Christophel was born in Berlin, Canada, May 18, 1831; died at the home of her daughter, wife of Chester Wenger, near Cullom, Ill., Feb. 23, 1909; aged 77 y. 9 m. 5 d. When a girl she moved with her parents to Ohio and in the year 1856 she was married to Jacob Christophel and moved on a farm in Elkhart Co., Ind. To this union were born 9 children: Daniel, of White Cloud, Mich., Enos, who preceded her to the spirit world, Christian of Narcross, Minn., Sarah Bullard, Elkhart, Ind. Susie Reedy, of Tuleta, Tex., Samuel, of Middleton, Pa., Mary Koerner, Elias and Salome Wenger of Cullom, Ill. In 1896 she and her husband came to Cullom, Ill., to live with their children, where her husband died Aug. 8, 1900. The deceased was a member of the Mennonite Church since her youth. She enjoyed good health until about a year ago, when she had an attack of heart failure from which time she gradually grew weaker. She bore her affliction patiently and longed to be at rest. Funeral services were conducted by A. H. Leaman of Chicago. Text, Prov. 3:17.

"Leaf by leaf the roses fall,
Drop by drop the spring runs dry;
One by one beyond recall,
Loved ones say farewell and die,
But the roses will bloom again
And the springs will gush anew,
So in Eden's fairer clime,
Brighter scenes we soon shall view."

Yoder - Jacob V. Yoder was born in Marshall Co., Ind., Dec. 16, 1857; died Feb. 24, 1909; aged 51 y. 2 m. 8 d. He was married to Carolina Bleile Jan. 17, 1886. To this union were born five sons and four daughters. One daughter died about 8 years ago; the rest of the children together with their grief-stricken mother, four brothers and three sisters survive him, and deeply feel their loss. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for more than thirty years, and a Sunday school teacher for many years, in which capacity he also greatly missed, but we have the blessed assurance that our loss is his eternal gain. He suffered much for the last six months with liver trouble and jaundice, and for the last six weeks he was in the hospital in Goshen where he was taking treatment, and finally submitted to an operation, and about six days later died, fully resigned to God's will. Funeral services were held in the Nappanee M. H. which was crowded to its utmost capacity (and a large number outside) with sympathizing neighbors, relatives and friends, anxious to pay their last tribute of love and respect to the memory of the beloved brother. Interment in the South Union Cemetery. Services were conducted by Ezra Mullet and James H. McGowen in English and David Burkholder in German. Text, II Cor. 4:17. Peace to his ashes.

Nunemaker - Noah, son of J. M. and Hannah Nunemaker, was born at Roseland, Nebr., Nov. 22, 1881; died of blood poison in East Holbrook, Colo., Feb. 21, 1909; aged 27 y. 2 m. 29 d. He is survived by his father, six brothers and tow sisters. His mother died Aug. 11, 1908. Two brothers preceded him to the spirit world. It was very hard to see Noah called away. The father expressed both sorrow and joy. Sorrow because of kindred ties broken and joy because he had accepted Christ and gave a bright testimony for Jesus. His body was laid to rest in the Mennonite grave yard near the Holbrook Church. Services by David Garber and David Zook. Text, Amos 4:11,12.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona

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Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 51 - March 20, 1909, page 815, 816

Derstine - Dallas, wife of Bro. Menno Derstine, of Franconia, Pa., died Feb. 19, 1909; aged 40 y. 4 m. 19 d. Deceased is survived by a sorrowing husband and four children; also her mother, two sisters, and a brother. The funeral was held on Feb. 25. Interment took place at the Franconia Mennonite burying grounds. Deceased was a member of the Franconia congregation. The services were conducted by Michael Moyer and Abram Clemmer.

Nice - David S. Nice of Franconia, Pa., died Feb. 19, 1909 of typhoid pneumonia; aged 35 y. 9 m. 27 d. He is survived by a sorrowing widow and 4 small children; also his mother, 5 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was held Feb. 24. Interment took place at the Franconia Mennonite burying ground. Deceased was a member of the Franconia congregation. The services were conducted by Christian Allebach, Abram Clemmer and Jonas Mininger.

Snyder - Wilfred Grove, infant son of Bro. and Sister Herman Snyder, died of pneumonia last Tuesday, March 2, 1909; aged 24 d. Rest sweetly, darling one, naught shall disturb thy sleep, The Father's holy will be done, though we be left to weep! Though scarce life's bloom had come, the Father thought it best To take thee to His heavenly home, to lean on Jesus' breast.

Kauffman - Sister Catherine Kauffman died Feb. 28, 1909 at the home of her son-in-law, P. K. Rife, near Chambersburg, Pa., aged 75 y. 3 m. Funeral March 3. Services and burial at the Strausburg Mennonite Church. Services conducted by Jos. E. Lehman and J. S. Burkholder. Texts, Psa. 23 and Rev. 7: 13,14. One son, J. H. Kauffman, two daughters, Mrs. P. K. Rife and Mrs. Amos M. Martin, also five brothers and five sisters survive her. Her husband, Isaac Kauffman, died about 17 years ago.

Sechrist - Amos Sechrist died at his home in Red Lion, York Co., Pa., March 8, 1909; aged 65 y. 5 m. 19 d. He lingered three days with paralysis. He was married to Susan E. Craley who preceded him to the great beyond. To this union were born six daughters and one son, who died in infancy; one daughter died at the age of twelve; five daughters are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father. He was a member of the Evangelical Church. Services by H. L. Kepner at Red Lion. Interment at Dallastown.

Grobb - Joseph Grobb was born in Lincoln Co., Ont., Feb. 20, 1840 and died at his home in Campden, Lincoln Co., Ont., Feb. 21, 1909; aged 69 y. 1 d. While Bro. Grobb was not a strong man for many years, his last illness continued only for five weeks and death came suddenly, caused by heart failure, when all thought that he would soon be stronger again. Just one day less than two months before his companion passed away. It is sad indeed for the bereaved children to so soon lose both father and mother, but we trust that they also joy in the hope of their eternal rest. Funeral services at the home and at the Mennonite meeting house at Campden were held on Feb. 24, conducted by S. F. Coffman and Pre. Hahn. Text, Psa. 90:12. Interment in the burying ground adjoining the meeting house. Peace to his ashes.

Schertz - March 3, Bro. and Sister Andrew Schertz were blessed by the birth of a daughter. The child lived until Saturday 2 o'clock A. M., at which time she passed away. Besides father and mother she leaves a sister. Funeral services were held at the Roanoke Church on Sunday, March 7. Bro. P. D. Schertz spoke in the English language from Luke 7:11-15 and Peter Zimmerman in the German from Matt. 19:13-15. Interment in cemetery nearby. "Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come to me: for of such is the kngdom of heaven."

Eby - Bro. Henry N. Eby was born Aug. 16, 1837, in West Hempfield Township, and died January 25, 1909 on the same place he was born. He was twice married. His second wife and the following children survive: Amos F., Fannie F., wife of Pre. Simon E. Garber, Levi F. Annie F., wife of Elias H. Lindemuth, Henry H., Lizzie H., wife of Amos M. Brenneman and David H. Bro. Eby was a devout member of the Chestnut Hill Old Mennonite Church and took an active part in all the church work, especially in the Sunday school. The church loses an active member, the community a kind neighbor and the family a loving father and grandfather. The funeral was held at the Slunga Mennonite Church, conducted by Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher, Pre. Peter Nissley and Pre. Henry Longenecker. Text, Col. 3:1, 4. Interment at Landisville.
A Grandchild.

Kratz - Barbara, widow of the late Christian Kratz, (blind) departed this life suddenly from heart failure on the morning of Feb. 22, 1909, at the home of her brother, C. H. Moyer near Vineland, Ont. She was born in Clinton Twp., Lincoln Co., Ont. Sept. 27, 1839. Her age was 69 y. 4 m. 26 d. Sister Kratz had been in usual health excepting a slight cold which seemed to effect her somewhat on Sunday. On Monday morning sh felt more indisposed and passed away very suddenly. She was widely known and always held in high esteem. Her death removes one of the most earnest and interested sisters of the congregation at this place, but the loss sustained can not be deplored when her highest hopes are now fully realized-to be with Christ. Funeral services were held on Feb. 24, at the home and at the Moyer Mennonite Church, where her remains were laid to rest beside those of her late husband. A large number of friends and relatives met to pay tribute to the esteem in which they held the departed. Services by S. F. Coffman. Text, I Cor. 15:52. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye."

Snyder - Susan Grove, beloved wife of Pre. Abraham Snyder was born in Grafton Huntingdon Co., Feb. 6, 1845; died March 8, 1909, at Roaring Spring, Pa.; aged 64 y. 1 m. 2 d. Sister Snyder united with the Mennonite Church in early life and later was married and resided in Huntingdon Co. about ten years. Thirty-two years ago Bro. and Sister Snyder moved to Morrison's Cove, Blair Co., Pa., first residing near Martinsburg and later near Roaring Spring and at the time of her death in the borough of Roaring Spring. While attending the funeral of her grandson on Thursday, March 4, she was stricken with paralysis and was taken to the home of her son, Bro. Herman Snyder, where she died. Her husband, six sons and twenty-three grandchildren survive, all of whom were present when she passed from earth to glory. Grandma Snyder will be missed in the home, in the church and in the community. Her life was devoted to her family and the church and many places that mother filled are now vacant. May we continue in the work of the Lord so that we may again be united as a family when we have finished our work on earth. Funeral was held at her late home on Wednesday, March 9, 1909, at 9:30 a. m. Preaching services in the Roaring Spring Mennonite Church by Bish. A. Metzler and Bish. J. N. Durr. Text, Phil. 1:21. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Hunsberger - Bro. Joseph Hunsberger of Yerkes, Pa., died Feb. 28, 1909; aged 78 y. 1 m. 15 d. He was the father of 4 children and leaves a widow and three sons. Pre. Jacob Hunsberger of Coventry, Chester Co. is a brother of the deceased. The funeral was held on Saturday. Interment took place at the Providence Mennonite burying grounds.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona

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Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 52 - March 27, 1909, page 827, 828

Christner - David, infant son of John and Lydia Christner, was born Dec. 10, 1908; died near Pigeon, Mich., Mar. 6, 1909; aged 2 m. 24 d. He leaves his father, mother, one brother and three sisters to mourn their loss. Funeral services were held March 8, by S. J. Swartzendruber and M. S. Zehr. "The Lord hath given, the Lord has taken; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Given - Bro. James N. Given died at the Mennonite Home, Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 20, 1909; aged 80 y. 11 m. 17 d. He was an inmate about six months and needed special attention. Since his sufferings seemed more than ordinary may he shine brightly in the eternal world. Services were conducted at the Home by D. N. Lehman.

Cender - Mary Cender (maiden name Rouvenac) was born in France, March 28, 1842; died of paralysis near Fisher, Ill., March 4, 1909; aged 66 y. 11 m. 6 d. She united with the A. M. Church in her younger years and remained a faithful member to the end. She was married to Joseph Cender and lived in this relation for nearly 39 years. To this union were born seven children. She leaves to mourn her departure an aged, mourning husband, three sons and two daughters. Funeral services were held at the house by Andrew Schrock of Metamora, Ill., in German and Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill., in English. Text Psa. 103; Gal. 2:20, and I Cor. 15:22.

Ebersole - Sister Mary Ebersole passed from labor to reward at the Lancaster Co. Mennonite Home, Feb. 14, 1909; aged 61 y. 10 m. 6 d. She had been at the head of the cooking department since the Home was started. She was fully devoted to her calling as long as her strength lasted to fill her position. Buried at Landisville, Pa. Services were conducted by Jacob N. Brubacher, John Snavely and Hiram Kauffman.

Hoover - Esther Reesor, wife of the late Pre. Samuel Hoover of Altona, Ont., died at the home of her daughter on Church St., Markham, Ont., on March 13, 1909, in her 82nd vear.[sic] Sister Hoover was for many years a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the church. As a neighbor, wife and mother she was devoted and constant in her helpfulness. She was a true helper to her husband in his ministry. He died about 16 years ago. The funeral took place from her late residence to the Altona Church for burial. The services were conducted by John G. Hoover and L. J. Burkholder. Text, Phil. 1:23.

Kauffman - Bro. Michael Kauffman died at his home near Atglen, Pa., March 13, 1909; aged 74 y. 3 m. 6 d. He was sick only a few days with paralysis. He leaves a wife, four sons and eight daughters to mourn their loss. One daughter preceded him to the spirit world. He was a kind and loving father, a good neighbor, highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral was held Tuesday, March 16, with services at the house conducted by Jonathan Stoltzfus of Mascot. Services continued at Millwood Church by Gideon Stoltzfus of Lapp's, after which the body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. We miss you when the morning dawns, We miss you when the night returns, We miss you here, we miss you there, Dear father, we miss you everywhere.
A. M.

Lechlitner - Elizabeth Boyer was born in Butler Co., Pa., July 25, 1825; died near Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., Ind., March 16, 1909; aged 83 y. 7 m. 21 d. She was married to Jonathan Lechlitner in 1844. To this union were born five sons and seven daughters, one son and two daughters preceded her to the spirit world. She united with the Mennonite Church in 1852 and continued a faithful member unto the end. She was buried at the Olive Church where a large number of people, friends and relatives met to pay their last tribute of love and respect. The bereaved friends keenly feel their loss but have a blessed consolation that their loss is her eternal gain. She expressed a readiness to go and anxiously waited her departure to be present with the Lord. Funeral services were conducted by Henry Weldy and Dav. Burkholder. Text, Heb. 9:27.

Batterman - Sister Mary Batterman of Hanover, Pa., was called to her rest on Thursday, March 11, 1909, after an illness of three months of liver trouble; aged 69 y. 6 m. 19 d. She was a loving mother and a kind grandmother and loved by all who knew her and as we stood by her bedside she said, "Come, we want to go home."
She leaves a sorrowing husband, a son and a daughter; also a stepson and stepdaughter and many friends to mourn her departure. But we need not mourn as those who have no hope. Funeral services were held at the Bair M. H. March 14. J. C. Miller and Daniel Stump conducted the services. Text, II Tim. 4:6-8. The body was laid to rest in the cemetery nearby. We saw her suffer, heard her sighs, With throbbing hearts and weeping eyes; Those eyes that now are closed in death, We'll think of till our latest breath.
Her Daughter.

Livengood - Beulah Fern, only daughter of Bro. Wilbur E. and Sister Barbara Livengood of Springs, Pa., died of pneumonia, Feb. 28, 1909; aged 5 y. 2 m. 20d. [sic] Funeral services were conducted by Ed. Miller at the Springs Church, March 2. Text, Rev. 14:13.

Hays - Josiah Vincil, infant son of Thomas and Lizzie Hays, died near Fortuna, Mo., March 3, 1909; aged 8 m. His stay on earth was short; yet long enough to inherit the blessing, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." The deeply bereaved parents have the sympathy of all who know them. Funeral services conducted by David Bowman and Daniel Kauffman at the Fortuna Church, after which the remains were interred in Newkirk Cemetery.

Stouffer - John C. Stouffer was born in Washington Co., Md.; died Jan. 13, 1909; aged 67 y. 4 m. His death was very sudden and unexpected, apoplexy causing his death. He had been to the post office for the Gospel Herald and on his way home stopped at a nephew's house and chatted awhile and played with the children, then he went to the barn and fed his horse, and was found dead less than an hour afterward by a neighbor. He lived for the last fifteen years alone in a two-roomed house on the lot of about six acres, and was very industrious and had his land in good condition and partly set in peach and other fruit trees. He was a Christian and member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral held by Denton Martin and C. R. Strite. Interment in the Stouffer cemetery. Surviving are two brothers and a sister, all of whom were in attendance at the funeral.

Erb - Katie Mishler was born in Cambria Co., Pa., Oct. 2, 1880. She came to Kent Co., Mich., with her parents in 1886, where she lived until her death, Feb. 22, 1909; aged 28 y. 4 m. 20 d. She was united in married with Addison Erb April 7, 1901. To this union was born one child. She leaves husband, child, father, mother, four brothers, five sisters, an aged grandmother and a host of relatives and friends. We deeply mourn her early departure. She had been reclaimed as a member of the church and died in faith leaving testimony that the way was very clear. The funeral was held at the Bowne M. H. and was largely attended. Services were conducted by Isaac Weaver and Aldus Brackbill, the later taking for a text Luke 8:52, "She is not dead but sleepeth."
"Dearest Katie, thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel,
But 'tis God that has bereft us-
He can all our sorrows heal."

Brackbill - Sister Hettie Brackbill, wife of Bro. Frank Brackbill, died at her home, 227 S. 52nd St., Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 18, 1909. She was sick about two weeks with La Grippe after which blood-poisoning set in from a bruise and caused her death. On Feb. 19, a short service was held at the home and the day following the remains were brought to the Paradise Mennonite Church where services were held by Bish. Isaac Eby and Pre. Christian Brackbill from Nahum 1:7. She was the daughter of Bro. and Sister John Good of Millwood, Pa. She bore her sickness patiently, although it was very severe. She was a loving wife and a good mother. She will be missed by all, but we say , "Thy will be done." She is survived by her husband, three sons and a little daughter, and her mother, who lived with her. Her father preceded her to the spirit world. She was in her 41st year.

Sleep, mother dear, and take thy rest,
God called thee home, He thought it best;
And though 'tis hard to part with thee,
Yet God's strong arm supporteth me.

Hostetler - Fannie (Stutzman) Hostetler died at Jet, Okla., Feb. 26, 1909, of a broken hip and old age; aged 80 y. 11 m. 2 d. Buried in the Milan Valley cemetery. Funeral was conducted by Jacob Zimmerman of Harper, Kans., and Simon Herschberger of this place. Grandmother was sick about two weeks, suffering much pain. While visiting her daughter, Lucinda Zook, and getting out of the buggy she slipped and fell. She was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, March 24, 1828, where she lived until 1843, when she moved with her parents to Elkhart Co., Ind.. Here she was married to Emanuel Hostetler, April 25, 1847, residing there until 1892, when they moved to McPerson Co., Kans., where her husband died in 1897. In 1901 she moved to Jet, Okla., and was living with her youngest daughter, Lydia E. Miller. She was a faithful worker in the A. M. Church since she was 18 years of age. She leaves two daughters, twelve grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
A Granddaughter.

Albrecht - Lizzie, oldest daughter of Bro. Jacob and Sister Fannie Albrecht, died at her parental home near Pigeon, Mich., March 9, 1909; aged 20 y. 11 m. 1 d. She was confined to her bed with tuberculosis over three months, during which time she suffered much pain, but calmly fell asleep in Jesus. Her desire was to depart, but she always said, "God's will be done." Lizzie was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church of this place. Her class of little girls in Sunday school were awaiting her return, but her earthly work is now finished. She is survived by sorrowing parents, four brothers and three sisters. She will be geratly [sic] missed in the home, but we have the blessed assurance that our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held at the A. M. Church March 12, by S. J. Swartzendruber and M. S. Zehr. Text, Rev. 7:9 to end of chapter. A large concourse of relatives and friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed. May God comfort the bereaved ones. Interment in cemetery nearby.
"Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding,
O'er the spoils that death has one,
We would, at this solemn meeting,
Calmly say, "Thy will be done."

Koppes - Hannah Bergey Koppes was born in Canada, Feb. 13, 1841, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elias Derhammer, in Medina, O., on Monday morning, March 8, 1909. When she was eight years of age she came with her family to Medina Co. A few months after coming here her mother died, leaving her with her brothers and sisters to be cared for by strangers. On Jan. 4, 1868, she joined in matrimony with John S. Koppes of Mountville, her late husband, whom she survived less than two years. To them were born seven children, one of whom preceded her to the spirit world in infancy, six remaining together with three stepchildren and twenty-one grandchildren who mourn the loss of a good mother, a good stepmother and a good grandmother. Since the death of her husband she had remained on the old homestead until late last fall when she went to the home of her daughter hoping to be made more comfortable during the cold of the winter, expecting with the coming of spring to return to the old home again. But alas! her plans were not to be carried out. It was our heavenly Father's good pleasure to take her home to Himself. Her remains were taken to the old home where funeral services were held on Thursday, March 11, and also at the North Guilford Mennonite Church where burial took place. The services were conducted by Ira Buckwalter of Dalton, O., assisted by N. A. Lind of the Mennonite Church of this place of which she had been a faithful member for many years.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona


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