GEIGER - On the 3d of April 1896, at the home of his parents on South Cherry Street, Bluffton, Ohio, of hemorrhage and lung trouble, John F., son of Frederick and Elizabeth Geiger, aged 19 years, 7 months and 13 days. Bro. Geiger indeed lived an exemplary life. He kept the first commandment of promises as few do, "Obey your parents in the Lord." In his sixteenth year he confessed Christ and united with the Mennonite church. He took a deep interest in things spiritual, and this the more as his end drew nigh. His constant desire and prayer was to receive more and more of the Holy Spirit, and that the Lord would not call him away until all was perfectly set in order. His desire was granted. Two days before his departure he had a most beautiful vision in which Christ and God the Father revealed themselves to him personally, and told him that he was theirs in the happy home above for all eternity. Bro. Geiger gave promise of a bright future. We cannot account for his early departure, seeing he was so much needed. In the spring of 1895 he graduated at the Bluffton high school. During the past winter of '95-'96 he taught his first term of school, but could not finish it on account of hemorrhages. He was attached to his pupils in kindest regards, and so was he to all who knew him. He was buried Easter Sunday. Fully one thousand friends attended the services at the house and at Zion. Services were conducted by M.S. Steiner, assisted by John Blosser and Isaac Burkhart. Text, 1 Cor. 2:9, 10. A sadly bereft father and mother, four brothers, five sisters and many friends mourn his departure.
Brother, thou has left us lonely, sorrow fills our heart to-day;
But beyond this vale of sorrow, tears will all be wiped away."

LEATHERMAN - Sarah Leatherman, wife of Jacob Leatherman of Line Lexington, died April 3d 1896, aged nearly 58 years. Buried at the Line Lexington Mennonite burying ground. Her disease was heart failure, of which she suffered several years. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church. JOHN WALTER

KAUFFMAN - On Feb. 23d 1896, Fanny, wife of Jacob Kauffman, near Middlebury, Ind., aged 55 years, 5 months, 24 days. She was born in Holmes Co., Ohio. Aug. 29th 1840, and moved with her parents to Indiana in her young days. She was married to Jacob Kauffman in 1877. Her husband, son and daughter survive her. Her disease was cancer, and she had to endure much pain. She accepted Jesus as her Savior in her early years. Shortly before her death she said she was ready to go, where all shall be pleasure and no more pain to endure. Mother's voice can no more be heard. Advice to her children can no more be given. May we live such a life that we shall meet to part no more. Buried on the 25th. Services by Yost Miller and Eli Miller, from Matt. 24:44.
"My race is run, my grave you see;
Prepare for death and follow me."

GOSHERT - Frances Goshert died on Good Friday, April 3d and was buried April 7th 1896 in the Science Ridge Mennonite cemetery, at which time and place services were held in the Mennonite church near Sterling, Ill. by Philip Nice, assisted by E. Brown. A large number of relatives and friends met to pay the last tributes of respect to a beloved sister in the church and highly respected friend and neighbor, a good mother and grandmother. Sister Goshert was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Feb. 11th 1825, and was aged 71 y., 1 m. and 23 d. Her husband, Jacob B. Goshert, died 35 years ago. She was the mother of four sons and three daughters, of whom five are still living. All of the children were present at the funeral but one who could not come. The two youngest sons preceded her to the spirit world. Peace to her ashes.

MOSER - On April 9th 1896, near Dalton, Ohio, of dropsy, Sister Catharine Moser, aged 63 years, 11 months and 1 day. Buried on the 11th at the Sonneberg M.H. Funeral services were held by Bish. Jac. Nussbaum. Text, Heb. 4:14-16.

JUTZI - Sister Catharine Jutzi was born on the 14th of February 1813, and died in East Zorra, Oxford Co., Ont., on the 21st of March 1896, aged 83 years, 1 month, 8 days. She was a faithful sister in the Mennonite church, and was esteemed by all who knew her. Her husband, George Jutzi, with whom she lived in matrimony for 52 years, preceded her. Of her 8 children 6 survive her. She also leaves 36 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

STIRN - On the 1st of April 1896, in East Zorra, Oxford Co., Ont., Bro. Joseph Stirn, aged 70 years. In 1847 Bro. Stirn married Catharine Moser. This happy union lasted 28 years, and was blessed with 4 children, of whom one together with his first wife preceded him. On the 14th of October 1876 he married widow Magdalena Erb. This union was blessed with one son, who with the mother and the three other children survive. He was for many years a deacon in the East Zorra Mennonite congregation.

ERB - On the 30th of March 1896, near St. Agatha, Waterloo Co., Ont., Maria Erb, maiden name Miller, aged 95 years, 5 months, 15 days. She lived in matrimony 61 years, and in widowhood for 13 years, 3 months and 13 days. Of her 12 children 5 preceded her. Her posterity numbers 42 grandchildren, 13 dead; 103 great-grandchildren, 16 dead. She was for many years afflicted with a cancer, but she suffered patiently, and looked forward in faith to the time of her redemption. She was confined to her bed about 5 months. Buried on the second of April in Lichty's graveyard. Funeral services by C. Zehr, from John 11:25, 26 and J. Gascho, from Rev. 7:9.

GERBER - O April 13th 1896, near Dalton, Ohio, of lung and liver trouble, Carl, son of David and Lizzie E. Gerber, aged 4 years, 2 months and 27 days. Buried on the 15th at the Salem church. Funeral services held by Joel Lehman.

LEHMAN - On April 17th 1896, near Dalton, Ohio, of dropsy, Sister Barbara Lehman (nee Bixler), aged 73 years, 6 months and 11 days. Buried on the 19th at the Sonnenberg M.H. Funeral services held by Jac. Nussbaum. Text, John. 3:36. She leaves two sons and two daughters and many grandchildren to mourn. She died with a fervent trust in Christ Jesus.

ZEHR - On Feb. 11th 1896, in McLean Co., Ill., of brain fever, Ella May, daughter of C.H. and Mary Zehr, aged 8 years, 11 months and 21 days. Funeral services were held at the house by Joseph Zehr in German and Peter Shantz in English. May was a bright child, loved by all who knew her. She loved to go to Sunday school and learn about Jesus, but the parents can now think that she has gone to dwell with Jesus. May the dear Lord who wounded their hearts lead them gently by the still waters of life and feed them on green pastures, and may their every effort be crowned with success, and finally be brought home, "where the surges cease to roll."
Dearest May has gone! her earthly home has left;
Her absence makes lone, her loved ones thus bereft.
The family group one member has lost.
It makes the spirit droop, to remember the loss.
Playmates will oft recall the hours spent together;
And now earthly ties all are severed forever.
But thro' the clouds there beams a ray of comfort still;
She's crossed, the narrow stream, and passed up Zion's hill.

RENSBERGER - On the 12th of April 1896, near Goshen, Ind., of creeping paralysis, Josiah Rensberger, aged 66 years, 2 months and 10 days. he was deacon in the Brethren church for nearly 36 years. Buried on the 15th. Services by I.L. Berkey in English and D.J. Johns in German, from Rev. 3:21.

EASH - on the 11th of April 1896, near Plevna, Howard Co., Ind., of the infirmities of old age and heart trouble, Christian D. Eash, aged 86 years, 4 months, 17 days. His remains were brought to Elkhart Co., where the funeral was held on the 14th. Services by J.P. Smucker, from Psa. 90:10 in German, and D.J. Johns in English, from Psa. 89:48.

BENDER - Near Grantsville, Garrett Co., Md., on April 3, 1896, of lung affection caused by neuralgia, Sister Anna (maiden name Miller), wife of Bro. John Bender, Sr., aged 52 years, 8 months and 8 days. Deceased was born in Somerset Co., Pa., July 25th 1843. She removed with her parents to Preston Co., Va., where she married Joseph Schlabach, but was soon left a widow. In May 1892 she was again united in matrimony to John Bender, with whom she lived happily for nearly 14 years. She united with the Amish Mennonite church while young and was a consistent member unto her death. Her demise was sudden and unexpected, but she left a bright hope that she was "prepared" to go. She leaves a sorrowing husband and four brothers to mourn their loss. Funeral at the Amish Mennonite church. Services by Joel J. Miller and J.S. Miller, from Mark 13:33-37.

HARNISH - On April 3d, 1896, near Conestoga, Pa., of dropsy, Sister Fannie F. Harnish. She had been a sufferer for many years. For four years she had not been in bed. She was unable to rest if she lay down and then spent her time on a chair day and night. At times she suffered very much pain. She never complained of her condition, but of late expressed a desire to go home, the Lord willing. Her remains were interred at the Stone meeting-house where services were held by Benj. Hertzler in German, and Abraham B. Herr in English. Her aged was 69 years, 1 month and 29 days.

BENDER - On the 1st of Feb. 1896, near Baden, Waterloo Co., Ont., John Bender, aged 70 years, 11 months and 21 days. He lived in matrimony 46 years, 11 months and 11 days. Of his six children five preceded him. He leaves a widow, one child and six grandchildren. Buried on the 4th at Steinman's graveyard. Funeral services by C.S. Zehr and C. Zehr from 2 Cor. 5:1-10.

RIEHL - On the 12th of April 1896, of pneumonia, Joel Riehl of East Buffalo, Pa., at the age of 75 years. Deceased was a retired farmer and was highly esteemed by his neighbors for his sterling qualities as Christian neighbor and friend. He came to Union county from the Juniata valley in 1843. His father, John Riehl, was born in Chester county and his mother in Berks county. He had but one brother, Pre. Elias Riehl, now aged 77 years, of East Buffalo. Deceased was twice married, the first time to Annie Lantz in 1845. By this union two children were born, but both died early in life. The second marriage occurred in 1855, when he was united to Elizabeth Byler, who survives him, together with five children. He was a member of the Mennonite faith, and he passed away with the blessed assurance of eternal reward. His remains were laid to rest on the 15th in the Byler graveyard. Funeral services by Pre. Shambaugh and Solomon Graybill.

HARTZLER - Joseph Hartzler was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., March 27th, 1831, died at his home three miles west of West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, April 14th, 1896, aged 65 years and 19 days. Funeral services were held at the Walnut Grove church on the 16th, conducted by C.K. Yoder and A. Miller. A very large number of friends and neighbors were present to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed one. Bro. Hartzler united with the church of God in his early days and remained a consistent member of the Amish Mennonite church to his end. The church and Sunday school, as well as his neighbors, feel the loss, but we hope that our loss is his gain. C.

DELP - Hannah Delp, maiden name Clymer, of Line Lexington, Bucks Co., Pa., who died April 5th 1896, at the age of 91 years, 9 months, 16 days, was the last and youngest in a family remarkable for longevity. Buried on the 8th in the Mennonite burying-ground at Line Lexington, Pa. Sister Delp was a member of the Mennonite church before my recollection and was faithful to the end. Peace to her ashes. J. WALTER

HARTZLER - On the 4th of April 1896, in Logan Co., Ohio, three and one half miles from West Liberty, Joseph, son of A.Y. Hartzler. He was born November 16th, 1890, and was aged 5 years, 4 months and 15 days. His mother had gone to the spirit world about fourteen months ago. Buried on the 6th. Services at the Walnut Grove church, conducted by C.K. Yoder and A. Miller. The remains were laid to rest in the Alexander graveyard. In ten days he was followed by his grandfather, Joseph Hartzler. His disease was brain and spinal trouble.

EMIG - On the 15th of March, 1896, near Hellam, York Co., Pa., of dropsy and heart trouble, Sister Magdalena Emig, widow, at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 28 days. Funeral on the 18th at Krenitscreek. Services by Bish. Martin Rutt and Theo B., Forry. Text, Phil. 1:21
Mother's work on earth is ended, faithfully the cross she bore;
Now her loving soul's ascended, over to fair Canaan's shore.

LEHMAN - April 12th, 1896, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Christian Lehman, aged 77 years, 9 months and 18 days. Funeral was held on the 15th at the Oberholzer M.H. were services were conducted by Jacob Weaver, Isaac Good and Henry Horsch. Deceased was a member of the (old order) Mennonite church and faithfully filled the office of deacon to which he was ordained many years ago. His funeral was very largely attended.

SCHLABACH - On the 12th of April 1896, near Berlinton, Marshall Co., Ind., of la grippe and lung fever, Sister Catharine, wife of Pre. John C. Schlabach, aged 65 years and 7 months. She was ill but four days, but her sudden call found her prepared for the great change, for she expressed an abiding trust in her Savior. She was a member of the old Amish Mennonite church. She leaves five sons, two daughters, thirty-nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was buried on the 14th at Welty's school house. The funeral services were very largely attended, and were conducted by Bish. Moses Burkholder and Pre. David Hochstetler Rom John 5:25-30 and 1 Cor. 15. Peace to her ashes.

HOOVER - On the 19th of April 1896, in Millersburg, Elkhart Co., Ind., of a complication of diseases induced by la grippe, from which he suffered about two years, Abraham Hoover, aged 74 years. Funeral services were held in the Clinton Mennonite church on the 21st. His first wife died some seventeen years ago. His second wife and nine children survive him. He was at one time a minister in the Mennonite church, but at the time of his death a member of the M.E. church. He spoke very freely of his spiritual condition, and looked forward with the hope of the life to come.

BEILER - At Bird in Hand, Lancaster Co., Pa., of consumption, Fanny E., daughter of Benjamin and Mary Beiler, aged 33 years, 5 months, 19 days. Funeral on March 31st, at one o'clock P.M. Services by Dan'l Esh and Benjamin Stoltzfus. She was conscious until the end, and bade her parents, brother and sisters farewell, spoke to each one and passed peacefully to the other shore, of which she often spoke without a tear, telling of her full and perfect trust in her Savior.
"My earthly labors have an end," I've found a better home,
Where I with many a loving friend, gather around the throne.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

UP

SCHROCK - On the 23d of April 1896, in Gridley, McLean Co., Ill., of lung fever, sister Magdalena Schrock, aged 66 y., 6 m. Her maiden name was Rediger. She was married to Peter Schrock in Butler Co., Ohio, who preceded her to the grave many years ago. She had a desire to depart. She was a faithful sister in the church. Her remains were laid to rest on the 26th in the Waldo graveyard. A large concourse of friends assembled on the occasion. Funeral services by Andrew Werckler, John Kinsinger, Daniel Orendorff, Chr. Zimmerman and J.P. Schmitt, from 1 Cor. 15:55, 56. She leaves one brother and three sisters.

WELDY - Martha Jane, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Weldy, died suddenly April the 22d 1895, after having the measles, aged 12 years, 1 month and 7 days.
Dear Martha since thou art gone, we miss thee from thy place,
Thy place is vacant in our home, we miss the sunshine of thy face.
We miss thy kind and willing hand, thy fond and earnest care,
Our home is dark without thee - we miss thee everywhere.
MARY WELDY

GUENGERICH - On the 13th of March 1896, near Amish, Johnson Co., Iowa, of lung fever and neuralgia of the stomach, of which he suffered intensely several days, Bro. Jacob Guengerich, aged 36 years, 4 months and 21 days. He was sick one week, and leaves a wife and three sons, and also an aged invalid mother-in-law to mourn their loss. Two of the sons lay sick of lung fever at the time of his death, but have since recovered. He was a grandson of Dr. Andrew Zehr of Canada. He came to Johnson Co., in his youth; some years later he married Maria Schlabach and for the sake of distinction was therefore called Schlabach Jacob Guengerich. He was faithful to his duties as father, husband and neighbor, and toward the church and the Sunday school, and his death was a sore loss to all, yet the word came, "The Master is here and calleth for thee." His remains were buried on the 15th of March, followed by many friends and relatives. Funeral services by C.J. Miller and Peter Kinsinger. Text, Mark 13:32-37.

YODER - Bro. Daniel Yoder was born on the 19th of March 1816 in Somerset Co., Pa., was married to Anna Schwartzendruber on the 25th of July 1841, which union was blessed with four sons and five daughters, of which two daughters preceded their father. Bro. Yoder and family moved to Johnson Co., Iowa, by wagon in 1854, and settled near Amish, where by industry, frugality, and the ready help of his family a comfortable home was established, and where he passed the remainder of his days. He died of pleurisy and lung trouble on the 13th of April, aged 79 years, 10 months and 24 days. His sufferings for several days were very severe, but he bore them patiently. His companion died about 20 months ago. His remains were laid to rest on the 15th in the Amish churchyard, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Funeral services by John V. Gunden and Peter Kinsinger.

STEHMAN - April 10th 1896, near Junction, Lancaster Co., Pa., of dropsy, sister Fannie Stehman, widow, aged 73 years, 2 months, 17 days. Funeral on the 14th. Text, 1 Peter 4:19. Buried at Kauffman's M.H. Many friends assembled in token of respect for the dear sister. She was a faithful member and obedient sister in the church. May the Lord comfort the bereft family.

SOUDER - On the 20th of April, 1896, in Montgomery Co., P., of the infirmities of old age, Catharine, widow of Christian Souder, in her 90th year. Deceased was twice married, her first husband having been Abraham Freed, of which union two sons remain. Her remains were laid to rest on the 25th at the Franconia Mennonite M.H.

HERSHEY - April 11th 1896, near Salunga, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. J. Hoffman Hershey, aged 71 years, 8 months, 19 days. Funeral on the 14th. Text, Heb. 9:27-28 and Rev. 3:2. Buried at the Landisville M.H. A large congregation assembled in token of respect for the deceased. May the good Lord comfort the bereft family.

WENGER - May 1st 1896, near South English, Iowa, B.F. Wenger, aged 25 years and 14 days. He was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wenger. He was a worthy young man, highly respected and loved by all who knew him. He had been for some time attending the Business College at Valparaiso, Ind. Feeling some ailment in his throat and head he came home about a month before his death. All that could possibly be done to arrest the disease was done, but death had marked poor Frank for his own. Funeral services by Samuel and Peter Brown from the text, "Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live." A large congregation assembled to pay the last tribute of respect.

NULL - At her home near Morrison, Ill., Ella, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Null, aged 15 years, 6 months, 20 days. She was born Oct. 2d 1880, in Whiteside Co., Ill., and died April 22d 1896, at the home of her parents where she had lived since her early childhood with the exception of one year spent in Pennsylvania. Buried on the 24th at the Mennonite Church in Ustick. Funeral services were conducted by John Nice assisted by J. McCulloh. Text, James 4:13-14.

MILLER - On the 1st of May 1896, near Waupecong, Miami Co., Ind., of lung fever, Mary Ann, daughter of Ephraim J. and Annie Miller, aged 7 months and 19 days. Buried on the 3d in the home graveyard. Services by C.E. Hochstetler from Matt. 19:13. May God bless the bereaved parents for the loss of their little Mary.
Weep not, dear ones, although I leave you, it is but a few days more,
Till with Jesus I will meet you, one by one on that bright shore.
'Tis so sweet to be with Jesus, just to sing around His throne,
Then to hear His voice still saying, "This is your eternal home."

SWARTZ - On the 19th of April 1896, in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., of paralysis, sister Elizabeth Swartz, aged 77 years, 9 months and 9 days. Funeral services at the house by Peter Wadle, and at the church near Chambersburg by P.H. Parret and Pre. Riddlesberger. Text, Rev. 14:12, 13.
How blest the righteous when he dies! When sinks a weary soul to rest;
How mildly beam the closing eyes, how gently heaves the expiring breast.

BURKHOLDER - On April 23d 1896, Bro. Samuel R. Burkholder, aged 56 years and 14 days. The deceased was born and raised in Cumberland Co., Pa., was married twice, the first time to Annie Burkhart, daughter of Pre. Abm. Burkhart. She preceded him to the spirit world some 13 years ago; Bro. B. having found her dead in bed in the morning with her three months old child in her arms. The deceased was an earnest and zealous worker in the Mennonite church and Sunday school. He leaves six children and a wife to mourn his departure, but not as those that have no hope, for they can look forward with bright hopes to meet him in the eternal world, where everything is joy and pleasure. Funeral services by Bish. B. Zimmerman of Shiremanstown, Pa., and Pre. Abm. and C.R. Burkholder. Text, Matt. 24:44. Buried at the Diller Mennonite M.H. A large concourse of friends and neighbors assembled to pay the last tribute of respect. Peace to his ashes.

KAUFMAN - On the 11th of April 1896, in Somerset Co., Pa., Sister Sally, wife of Bro. Moses Kaufman, aged 80 years, 1 month, 7 days. She was buried on the 13th. Funeral services at the Stahl M.H. by Jonas Blauch, Samuel Gindelsperger and L.A. Blough. Sister Kaufman was the mother of ten children, four living and six dead; four grandchildren, two living and two dead; nine great-grandchildren, seven living and two dead. May the Lord bless the aged brother and his children in their sorrow. May they ever be guided by the Holy Spirit on the path of life.

SNEATH - April 13th 1896, in Mountville, Lancaster Co., Pa., sister Mary Sneath, widow, aged 89 years, 1 month, 13 days. Funeral on the 16th. Text, John 9:39-41. Buried in the Mountville cemetery. Sister Sneath was blind a considerable part of her life. She was a faithful Christian.

ROHRER - April 14th 1896, near Mountville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Ephraim H. Rohrer, aged 55 years, 10 months, 2 days. Funeral on the 17th. Text, Deut. 33:27. Buried at Salunga M.H. A large congregation assembled in sympathy for the bereft family.

SMITH - April 25th 1896, in Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa., of consumption, sister Sally Smith, wife of George Smith, aged 18 years, 10 months, 22 days. Funeral on the 28th. Text, Heb. 4:1. Buried in the Florin cemetery. A husband and two small children mourn her death. Many friends assembled and deeply sympathized with the bereft family. May the good Lord comfort them. Sister Smith had a desire to depart.

SNAVELY - April 1st 1896, at the "Junction" Lancaster Co., Pa., sister Mary Ann Snavely, widow of Bro. Henry Snavely, deceased, aged 85 years, 2 months, 4 days. Funeral on the 4th. Texts, Psalms 31:5, John 17:4. Buried at Kauffman's M.H. A goodly number of friends assembled in token of respect for the dear sister. Sister Snavely was a faithful Christian. May the good Lord comfort the bereft family.

SCOGGIN - Lizzie Edith Scoggin, daughter of Aaron and Annie Scoggin, was born at Gardner, Grundy Co., Ill., Nov. 20th 1858. She was married to Peter T. Kirkpatrick March 20th 1883 and came to Bureau Co. She died March 12th 1896, of consumption of the bowels. Three children were born to them: Ada A., aged 12 years, John H., aged 9 years, and Ina M., aged 7 years. Although not a member of any church, she possessed the Christian spirit, taught in S. school in her early life and since her marriage she attended divine services whenever her health and family cares would permit. During her sickness while suffering from bodily ills she often spoke of her trust in the blessed Savior. Besides husband and children she leaves a father and mother (who could not be present at the funeral on account of age and infirmities) and a brother and sister to mourn her loss. She was a kind and good mother and wife, and she will long be mourned by those nearest and dearest to her.

HORNER - On the 28th of April 1896, in Stony Creek Twp., Cambria Co., Pa., of old age, Catharine Horner, aged 88 years, 6 months, 21 days. Buried the 30th. Services at the house by Silas Blauch and Ananias Myers. The deceased was a member of the Dunkard church. She was the mother of eleven children, six dead, five living; grandchildren, fifty-six, fifteen dead; great grandchildren, one hundred and thirty-four, twenty-eight dead, and one great-great grandchild.
LEVI BLAUCH

BLAUCH - On April the 15th 1896, in Stony Creek Twp., Cambria Co., Pa., Samuel W. Blauch, aged 68 years, 2 months, 25 days. Buried on the 17th in the Fry graveyard, where services were conducted by Abraham Frick and Emmanuel Blauch. The deceased was a member of the Dunkard church. He leaves a sorrowing widow, two sons and three daughters to mourn their loss, but we hope their loss is his eternal gain. His sickness lasted about 20 months. The writer visited him frequently and he seemed to bear his sufferings patiently. Peace to his ashes.
LEVI BLAUCH

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia