Herald of Truth Obituaries - January, 1900

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HERALD OF TRUTH, Vol. XXXVII, No. 1, January 1, 1900 pages 14-15

CONRAD - On the 22d of November, 1899, near Wayland, Henry Co., Iowa, of inflammation of the bowels, Bro. John A., son of Jacob and Mary Conrad, aged 19 years, 2 months and 20 days. Buried on the 23d in the Sugar Creek graveyard. Funeral services by Seb. Gerig, from Psa. 103:15-18.

MOYER - Sister Sara Fretz Moyer was called from this life to her heavenly reward on the 30th of November, 1899, at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 13 days. She was afflicted much during the past two years, but bore patiently all her sufferings, always resigned to the all wise will of God. Her husband, John W. Moyer, to whom she was united in matrimony in 1868, preceded her, having "fallen asleep" several years ago. The funeral service and interment took place at the Mennonite meeting-house near Camden, Lincoln Co., Ont., near which place the sister resided. Many friends whose esteem and love she had won by her Christian example and motherly affection came together on this occasion. Christian love and fellowship, which binds hearts together in this life cannot be severed by death and the grave. Services conducted by John F. Rittenhouse and S.F. Coffman. Text, Matt. 25:21, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

CIMMERER - On Nov. 1st, 1899, at Clarence, Erie Co., N.Y., Mrs. Adam J. Cimmerer at the advanced age of 91 years, 11 months, 12 days. Sister Cimmerer had been poorly for some years patiently awaiting her redemption. On the 4th, the remains were brought to their last resting place in the Clarence Center cemetery. The services were conducted by Jacob Krehbiel, assisted by Wm. Worsdell at the house. Text, Eccl. 7:1, latter clause.

PLANK - On the 12th of December, 1899, at the home of the widow of Daniel Yoder, in Allensville, Pa., Jonathan S., son of Jonathan Plank, aged 13 years, 8 months and 12 days. His mother died in 1886, soon after his birth. The remains were laid to rest on the 14th. Services by Samuel Yoder and S.W. Peachy.

"O for the death of those
Who slumber in the Lord,
O be like theirs my last repose,
Like theirs my last reward.

Their bodies in the ground,
In silent hope may lie,
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound
Shall call them to the sky."
G.F.E.

STOLL - On the 9th of Dec., 1899, of consumption, Elizabeth Stoll, nee Hackman, aged 74 years and 14 days. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 25, and died at her home in Dalton, Ohio. Services at Pleasant View M. H. by I.J. Buchwalter and Henry Hursh from Luke 10:42.

RISSER - Mary, daughter of John and Fannie Risser, was born on the 30th of October, 1864; died on the 10th of Dec. 1899, aged 35 years, 1 month and 8 days. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite Church for six years, and she was ready for the Messenger when he came. The funeral was held on Wednesday, December 13th, at Risser's meeting-house; a very large concourse of relatives and friends being present at the last sad rites. The services were conducted by Pre's John Ebersole and Martin Rutt in German and by Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher in English. Text at the house, Psa. 90:12, text at the church, Phil. 1:21. She trusted in her Savior and had no fear of death. Peace to her ashes.

"Sister, thou wast mild and lovely,
Gentle as the summer breeze,
Pleasant as the air of evening
When it floats among the trees.

Peaceful be thy silent slumber -
Peaceful in the grave below:
Thou no more wilt join our number,
Thou no more our songs shalt know.

Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled,
Then in heaven with joy to greet thee,
Where no farewell tear is shed."

EBERSOLE - John F. Ebersole died at his residence in North Tonawanda, N.Y., of paralysis, Dec. 13th, 1899, aged 79 years, 8 months and 27 days. He was sitting in his rocking chair and was sick only thirty minutes. He was born March 16th, 1820. Buried Dec. 17th in the Clarence Center cemetery, Erie Co., N.Y. Funeral services were conducted by Noah Zook. He leaves his widow, three sons, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was a reader of the HERALD OF TRUTH for many years.
L.D. Ebersole

MARTIN - Dec. 11, 1899 at Blue Ball, East Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of dropsy and heart failure, Elisha Martin aged 62 yrs., 3 mo. and 14 days. He suffered much the past eight months but bore it all patiently. He was twice married, from his first union eight children survive, and from his second union also eight. He leaves a sorrowing widow, sixteen children, a number of grand children, and many warm friends to mourn their loss, which is his eternal gain. The brother was active in home and foreign mission work, offering many a prayer in their behalf and ever ready to lend a helping hand in time of need, for the support of the same. He was an earnest advocate of religious effort in various lines. He seemed very zealous in his convictions, in laboring earnestly for the Lord and Master and had the satisfaction of seeing, before departing, nearly all his children on the Lord's side. May the others follow his teachings. The funeral was largely attended. Services in the Weaverland M. H. by Isaac W. Taylor and Benjamin Weaver. They that turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars forever. Dan'l 12:3.

Transcribed by: Jeannine Janzen, Kansas

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HERALD OF TRUTH, Vol. XXXVII, No. 2, January 15, 1900 page 30

LEATHERMAN - December 3, 1899, at Cross Keys, Bucks Co., Pa., of quick consumption, Harvey, son of Isaac and Elizabeth Leatherman, aged 17 years, 6 months and 7 days. Deceased was a member of the Reformed Church. Buried on the 8th at the Doylestown Mennonite meeting house. Services at the house by James R. Bergey, and at the meeting house by Abram O. Histand in the English language from Job 14:10: "But man dieth and wasteth away: yea man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?"

MOYER - On Saturday afternoon, the 23rd of Dec. 1899, in Sterling, Ill., of paralysis, John H. Moyer. He had been a sufferer from asthma for a number of years, and a few weeks ago was stricken with paralysis. Monday previous to his death he had the second stroke which finally ended in his death. Funeral was held Tuesday, Dec. 26th at 10 o'clock at the home of his daughter and at 11 o'clock at the Science Ridge Mennonite M. H., near Sterling. Pre. Philip Nice assisted by Pre. Silas Jones officiated. John H. Moyer was born in Bucks co., Pa., Nov. 12th, 1818. He was married May 28th, 1843 to Elizabeth Meyers; to them were born eleven children; two died in infancy, nine survive him, all of this vicinity. He came with his family to Illinois in the fall of 1861 and followed the occupation of farmer till 1884 when he retired and moved to this city. His wife died in Aug. 1897. They were both members of the Mennonite Church. Peace to their ashes.

KEYSER - On the 30th of December, 1899, at Longcliffe (Logansport), Ind., John J. Keyser, aged 69 years and 3 months. The remains were brought to Goshen, Ind., for interment. Funeral services from 1 Thess. 4:15 in the Dunkard meeting house in Goshen, Jan. 3d, 1900 by Isaac Bergey, assisted by preachers Forney and Shively of the Dunkard Church, of which deceased had been a member for 40 years. Interment in the graveyard west of Goshen. He leaves his wife, three sons and four daughters to mourn his departure.
B.J. Eash

MILLER - On the 28th of Nov. 1899, near Bowne Center, Kent Co., Mich., of cancer, Sister Christina Miller, wife of John Milo Miller, aged 33 years, 6 months and 17 days. Deceased was a daughter of Pre. Peter Keim. She was united in marriage to J.M. Miller on the 5th of June 1885. This union was blessed with four sons, of whom one preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves a husband, three children, parents, one brother and three sisters and many friends and neighbors to mourn her departure, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. Their loss is her eternal gain. She suffered much in the last four months but without a murmur and waited patiently for the end. The services were conducted by Pre. Weaver at the house and by Pre's Wingard and Freeman at the church from John 14:26, 27. J.B.

GROVE - Sister Anna Grove died Dec. 8th, 1899 at the home of her sister near Lipscomb, Augusta Co., Va., of pneumonia, aged 68 years, 11 months and 26 days. She was confined to her bed only eight days. Funeral services the 9th at Spring Dale meeting house by A.P. Heatwole. Text, "The Lord looses the prisoners."

ANDREW - On Dec. 10th 1899 in Augusta Co., Va., the same place as the above, of pneumonia and heart trouble, Sister Mary Andrew, wife of Bro. J.D. Andrew. She departed this life very suddenly, being sick only three days. Her age was 56 years and 2 days. Her maiden name was Grove. These two sisters had lived together nearly all their lives, and by this we see it was God's will that they should not be separated long. They both were members of the Mennonite Church for a number of years. The family consists of husband, son and daughter, two sisters and one brother. Funeral on the 11th at Spring Dale meeting house by A.P. Heatwole. Text, Rev. 14:13.

Oh! how sad to look around,
We miss our mother everywhere,
Oh! yes there too we also see
Our dear auntie's vacant chair.

However painful it may be
Let us to God's will resign.
Our loved ones here no more we see,
We hope to meet them by and by.

REITZEL - On the morning of December 19th near Sterling, Ill., of throat and stomach trouble, Sister Susannah Reitzel, wife of Jacob Reitzel deceased, aged 78 years, 3 months and 7 days. Sister Reitzel was born in East Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. Her maiden name was Rutt. She was married to Jacob Reitzel Dec. 3d, 1840, and with him and family emigrated to Whiteside Co., Ill., in 1865. Over 58 years were they permitted to travel life's pilgrimage together. She survived her husband only about 9 months. Four sons and four daughters and a number of grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of a loving mother and grandmother, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. For Sister Reitzel was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years, and her desire was to depart and be with Christ, which she realized would be far better than to remain in this world of sorrow and suffering. She was burind in the Mennonite cemetery near Sterling. Many relatives and friends were present to pay the last tribute of respect to one whome they loved. Services were conducted by J.S. Shoemaker and John Nice from 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.

I have fought a good fight
I have finished my course,
I have walked in the light
Of which Christ is the source.

I have kept the faith
Now my armour laid down.
To me the Lord saith,
Receive now thy crown.

BLOSSER - Sister Mary (Nold) Blosser, wife of Noah Blosser of Leetonia, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and granddaughter of Jacob Nold, the first Mennonite bishop west of the Alleghanies, was born Jan. 28, 1828, died Dec. 12th, 1899, aged 71 years, 10 months and 14 days. She was united in the bonds of matrimony with Noah Blosser Oct. 10th, 1847. She with her husband united with the Mennonite Church in their early married life. Two sons and four daughters were born to this union. One son and one daughter preceded their mother to the spirit world. She was very charitable; she not only gave a piece of bread but a full meal to all who asked or begged. She was very zealous in her church work, was not absent from services if possible and always urged others to be there and on time. She was considered a friend to every one, and as far as known her whole life was an example of Christian virtue, to approve good and censure evil. Funeral services were conducted by John Blosser, assisted by Allen Rickert. Text, Luke 8:52: "Weep not, she is not dead, but sleepeth."

"Let hope's bright beams dispel the gloom,
That fills your throbbing breast;
'Twas Jesus kindly bade her come,
And called her to His rest."

RITTENHOUSE - On the 21st of December, 1899, near Jordan, Lincoln Co., Ont., Elizabeth, wife of Pre. John F. Rittenhouse, aged 63 years, 29 days. Her illness was of about five years duration, with cold tubular bone abscesses on the hip. She suffered a great deal at times, but bore her afflictions patiently, being fully resigned to the will of the Lord, and willing to depart whenever the messemger of death would come, having the living hope of a bright hereafter. The funeral was held on the 24th; she was buried at Moyer's meeting house, where notwithstanding the unpleasantness of the weather and bad roads, a large number of relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of love and respect to a near and dear one. She leaves a sorrowing husband, two sons and four daughters to mourn their loss. Seven children preceded her to the eternal world. Funeral services were conducted by Noah Stauffer assisted by Gilbert Bearss.

PLETCHER - On the 29th of December 1899, in Elkhart Co., Ind., of heart disease, John Pletcher, aged 70 years, 7 months, 27 days. He was born in Crawford Co., O., August 2nd, 1829. He died very suddenly. He had been in feeble health however for several years. On the day of his departure he had taken a hearty breakfast and gone to the barn to attend to some duties there. About ten o'clock he returned to the house, sat down in his rocking chair, and while resting in this way, drew the cradle in which his little grand child was lying to him, to rock the child; and thus the messenger came, with one hand resting on the arm of the chair, and the other on the cradle, his head sank back and the spirit took its flight. He was the father of ten children, five sons and five daughters. One son died some years ago. There were also twenty-seven grandchildren of which four are dead, and two great-grandchildren. The mother died about ten months ago. Funeral services were conducted by George Lambert and John F. Funk, on New Year's Day 1900, at the Olive meeting house.

GEHMAN - On the 28th of December, 1899, at the residence of his son-in-law, Bro. Israel Pletcher, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of the infirmities of old age, Bro. Samuel K. Gehman, aged 85 years, 10 months, 17 days. He was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., February 11, 1814. His wife preceded him to the eternal world about 20 years ago. He leaves an only daughter and two grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Yellow Creek M. H. on Sunday December 31st by George Lambert and Christian Shaum. Peace to his ashes.

Transcribed by: Jeannine Janzen - Kansas


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