Gospel Herald - Volume III, Number 18 - August 4, 1910 - page 287

Habecker.- Bro. Joseph H. Habecker was born Aug. 19, 1855; died June 13, 1910, from an affection of the liver by which that organ became quite hard and unable to perform its functions; aged 54 y. 9 m. 24 d. His illness lasted about a year and a half, but he was able to be up and about much of the time. He once submitted to an operation which, however, was no success. He united with the Mennonite Church many years ago, and bore his suffering with fortitude. Though he had a desire to remain yet a while with his family, he was quite resigned to the Lord's will. There survive his widow, 5 daughters, 2 sons, one brother, also one daughter and 3 grandchildren by a former marriage. Services at Kraybill's meeting house by Bishop Jacob N. Brubacher and Pres. Simon E. Garber and Peter R. Nissley, interment in cemetery adjoining. Text. Col. 3:2-4.

Nissley.- Bro. Jacob K. Nissley was born Nov. 12, 1831; died July 17, 1910, of infirmities incident to his age; aged 78 y. 8 m. 5 d. He was united in marriage with Anna E. Risser in 1850, and their union was blessed with 3 daughters, one of whom with the mother survives, as well as a number of grand and great-grandchildren. One brother and 5 sisters also survive. Bro. and Sister Nissley united with the Mennonite Church 55 years ago last April and their place in the services was very rarely vacant. Funeral on the 20 at the Mount Joy Mennonite Church. Bishop Jacob N. Brubacher preached to a large number of neighbors and friends from Heb. 5:9, followed by Peter R. Nissley. Interment at Kraybill's burying- ground.

Widmer.- Christian Widmer was born in France, Jan. 18, 1844, and died at Wayland, Iowa, July 12, 1910; aged 56 y. 5 m. 24 d. In 1875 he was married to Barbara Graber, which union was blessed with four sons and three daughters. One son preceded him to the spirit world. Funeral services were held July 14 at the Sugar Creek Church, conducted by John Wagler in German and Simon Gingerich in English from II Kings 20:1.

Neff.- Magdalena Neff was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., April 22, 1822; died near Medway, O., July 19, 1910; aged 88 y. 2 m. 27 d. She was the last one of a family of 11 children to pass over into the great beyond. Aunt Matty, as she was generally called, always lived a good, moral life, but for some reason never publicly confessed Christ until a little over a year ago. She at last saw the necessity of erecting a covenant with God, sealed her covenant by water baptism, was received into the Mennonite Church where she remained a faithful sister unto the end. She always remained on the old home where her parents lived. She was widely known and has left many relatives and friends who mourn the loss of one that was dear unto them. But they need not mourn as those who have no hope. May all prepare to meet her in heaven. Funeral services were conducted at the home June 21 by Moses Brenneman from I Peter 1:3, 4. Buried near Medway in the New Mennonite cemetery.

Freyenberger.- Christ Freyenberger was born in Alsace, Germany,,[sic] May 21, 1841; died at his home near Pettisville, O., July 23, 1910; aged 69 y. 2 m. 2 d. He came to America with his parents in June, 1858; united in marriage with Catharine Frey, Apr. 3, 1862, to which union were born one son and 7 daughters. The son and one daughter preceded him in death. In 1872 he was ordained as a minister of the Gospel,in which capacity he served faithfully as long as health permitted. Over two years ago his health began to fail. His disease was myocarditus or degeneration of the heart, which caused a dropsical condition, especially of the lower limbs. He was unable to lie down since the middle of last December. He bore his sufferings with much patience, ever comforting himself with God's precious promises, especially Rom. 8:18, I Cor. 10:13, etc. Bro. Freyenberger was an eloquent speaker, well versed in the Bible, and will be much missed. Funeral services at the Central Church, conducted by D. J. Wyse (Text, II Tim. 4:7,8), Daniel Rupp (Text, Dan. 12:2,3) and Henry Rychener (Text, Jno. 11:25, 26).

Kindig.- Amanda Kindig was born Jan. 17, 1855; died July 22, 1910; aged 55 y. 6 m. 5 d. Funeral services July 25 conducted by Abram Herr at the home and by D. N. Gish and John Mosemann at the Millersville Mennonite Church. Text, "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Sister Amanda's death was a shock to the community because it was so sudden. She arose apparently in her usual health, went about her work as usual. Soon afterward she was found lying prostrate in the stable where she had gone to attend to some work, life extinct. Such is life. In the midst of life we are in death. She was a faithful worker in the Lord's vineyard. She was ever ready for every good work; was a Sunday school teacher for twenty-five years or more. She was also head of the Millersville sewing circle since its start, always labored faithfully in that capacity. Though we greatly miss her we believe her work on earth was done, and may we continue the work in which she so faithfully labored, looking forward to that blessed time when we shall meet her in that land of everlasting joy.

Ligibel.- John Ligibel was born in Alsace, Germany, May 26, 1850; died at his home near Pettisville, Ohio, July 14, 1910; aged 60 y. 1 m. 14 d. He came to America when about 39 years old. Bro. Ligibel was converted to Christ and united with the Amish Mennonite Church in 1879. He was united in marriage with Fanny Short, Feb. 5, 1880, who died Feb. 24, 1890. Dec. 20, 1892, he was married to Barbara Seiler, who died Sept. 18, 1905. He leaves 7 duaghters [sic], 1 son, 2 grandchildren, his mother, a sister, a brother in Europe and many other relatives and friedns [sic] to mourn his unexpected death. About the year 1894 circumstances led him to change his Church home and he united with the Defenseless Mennonites, of which he was a member until death. Funeral services were held at the Defenseless Mennonite Church near Archbold, O., conducted by Eli Rupp in German and Eli Frey in English. We miss thee from thy place, dear father, We miss thee from thy place. A shadow o'er our life is cast, We miss the sunshine of thy face.

Zeigler.- Hannah (Weisz) Zeigler was born at Harmony, Pa., Sept. 25, 1825; was married to Jno. Zeigler Feb. 10, 1846. Her husband departed this life in 1875. To them were born 12 children of whom 3 survive, also 13 grand children [sic] and 13 great- grandchildren. She herself was one of a family of 10 children, of whom only one remains. She united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 18 years, after which she was a regular attendant, not missing a communion service since her baptism in 66 years. She was wonderfully gifted in song and could sing nearly all her songs by memory. Death came June 16, 1910, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. Koppes Wadsworth. Burial at the Mennonite Church, Harmony, Pa. She was aged 84 y. 8 m. 22 d. Funeral conducted by N. A. Lind. Text, Rev. 14:3.

Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania

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Gospel Herald - Volume III, Number 19 - August 11, 1910 - page 303,304

Steiner. Christian P. Steiner was born near Sterling, O., and died at Bluffton, O., July 28, 1910; aged 77 y. 11 m. 9 d. He was the third in a family of eleven children of whom five Daniel, Mary Eby, Catharine Amstutz, Elizabeth Thut and Job have gone before, and John of Wayne Co., Anna Geiger, Barbara Bowman, Peter D., and Sem of this place, survive him.
In 1855 he came to this community and bought a place near Rockport, which he cleared and improved by much hard labor, as was the custom in pioneer days. He was married to Magdalena Blosser of near Pendleton, now Pandora, Nov. 3, 1857, who died Feb. 18, 1853, leaving him one son, Noah, who also died Sept. 7, 1859. He was married the second time to Barbara, daughter of Bishop John Thut of near Shannon, now Bluffton, April 6, 1862, and to this union were born Paulina Bixel, Menno S., Jennie Betzner, Nancy Geiger, Josiah S., Sarah Geiger, Aaron, deceased, Albert J., Reuben S., and Elvina, who, with 27 grandchildren, survive him, one grandchild, Roy Bixel, having been called home. He was converted and received into the Swiss Mennonite Church, in 1850, and called and ordained to the ministry by the American Mennonite Church of Bluffton, Feb. 27, 1869. His father, Peter D. Steiner, had been a minister and bishop for a number of years, and for four generations before him there had been a minister of the Gospel in the Steiner family, dating back to the times of the beginning of the Mennonite churches in Switzerland.
As a minister he seemed more inclined to do personal work than to sermonize. His themes were usually selected from those passages of scripture that encouraged love, peace, unity and the prosperity of God's people. He had been crippled when a young man and needed the use of braces or a cane in getting about his work. He had never been compensated for pastoral duties. He neither asked nor expected such reward, yet these demands upon his life coupled with the cares and responsibilities of bringing up a large family go to show the devotion and self-sacrifice so necessary in a life like his. When the difficulties of a local nature, in the eighties, resulted in the division of the congregation and left him in charge of a little band of some twenty members, he was not dismayed but looked forward for better days. He was not disappointed. In later years friendship and a brotherly interest between the congregations was again restored which has continued to this day. When he saw that his life with us was drawing to a close he began to arrange for his burial and to set things in order for the change that would take place. He called for all his children to meet him two weeks ago (July 14) that he might give them his last instructions and admonitions with a fatherly benediction and good wishes. (See another page for his message). His interest in the welfare of the Church and his family and children's children continued to the end. On Sunday, July 24, Bishop John Blosser was called to see him. He counseled with him on the merits of James 5: 13-16 and being assured that the promise was intended for all who believed, if they desired to keep the ordinance, he said, "I can die in peace without being anointed; but since you are here I would feel a little better if I would observe these instructions also." His son, M. S., and the children, with the deacon, Fred Geiger, were then called to meet in the afternoon, when the ordinance was observed. When all had been arranged for he said, "I have now everything in order, and am only waiting for the Lord to call me to come into His rest. I have no fears. I can die happy."
He bore all his pains and suffering without murmurings or complaint. His last words were, "I want to go Home." This request was granted him twelve hours later. Today the family and friends and Zion mourns the loss of one who has been of great blessing to them, and whose life of sacrifice for the good of others shall be greatly missed.
Funeral services were preached in the English and German from the text of his choice (John 14:1-3) by Paul Whitmer and Eli Frey, assisted by D. S. Brunk, David Plank and J. M. Shenk.

Warye. John Mark, son of S. E. and Lydia Warye, was born July 13, 1908; aged 2 y. 6 m. On July 13, 1910, he was stricken with dysentery and although suffering beyond our description, he exemplified the sweetest patience, giving us a foretaste of heaven. All was done that loving hands could do, but Jesus in all His wisdom thought it best, and on July 21 the summons came, "Thou art too fair for earth, come with me," and he peacefully passed from earth to glory. He is but a bud plucked on earth to bloom in heaven. A short time before his sickness he gave his mamma evidence that he was going far away and with sweet smiles gave her good-bye. Little did she think his departure would come so soon, but the sad day came and he took his journey. Funeral services were held at the Oak Grove church, July 24, conducted by S. E. Allgyer assisted by C. H. Byler. Interment in the Hooley cemetery.

Gardner. Manley Isaiah Gardner was born in Troy, O., Oct. 6, 1907, departed this life July 22, 1910; aged 2 y. 9 m. 16 d. His death was caused by the wheel of a wagon loaded with hay running over him, the wheel striking his head, killing him instantly. His place in the home is vacant, we listen in vain for the pattering of his feet. His voice is silent. We miss him, but we know our loss is his eternal gain. Services conducted by E. B. Stoltzfus from I Sam. 20:3, "There is but a step between me and death."

Wenger. Sister Fianna M., wife of Michael M. Wenger, was born near Hinkletown, Pa., Aug. 31, 1877, died of tuberculosis July 31, 1910; aged 32 y. 11 m. During her illness of eleven weeks she patiently bore her suffer [note: begin p. 304] ing with consistent Christian resignation and expressed a desire to be at rest. On Sept. 30, 1894, she was married to Michael M. Wenger which union was blessed with eight children of which seven besides her husband survive her.
In the year 1897 she was received into the Mennonite Church with the Groffdale congregation, where she was known as an exemplary member. Besides her quiet and unassuming nature, she also obediently yielded to conscience. Funeral services were held Aug. 2 at the Groffdale Mennonite Church, conducted by J. H. Mosemann and Benjamin Weaver. Text, II Cor. 5:1.
She left a world of sin and care,
No more life's toils on earth to share.
To be with Christ, fore'er to dwell,
To know no more the sad farewell.

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Snyder. - Jacob W. Snyder of East Petersburg, was born Nov. 11, 1820, and died Aug. 9, 1910; aged 89 y. 8 m. 28 d., being confined to his bed for 6 weeks during which time he became weaker daily and waited patiently until the Lord should see fit to take him home. He is survived by 2 children, his wife having preceded him many years ago; also by a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Mennonite church for a number of years and may we who remain look through our tears and think that for him to depart and be with the Lord is far better. May our thoughts be drawn heavenward because one more of our loved ones has passed to his reward. Our loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services were held in the East Petersburg Mennonite Church and were conducted by Bros. Lefever, Kreider and Gish. Text Job 14:14.
By a friend.

Shaffer. - Merle Edgar Shaffer was born Dec. 18, 1909; died Aug. 8, 1910; aged seven months and twenty days. He was the son of Ralph and Elsie Shaffer. The funeral services were held in the Weaver Meeting House, Johnstown, Pa. Funeral sermon preached by Bro. S. G. Shetler on Aug. 9, 1910.

Mellinger. - John D. Mellinger was born Aug. 18, 1888 and died Aug. 4, 1910; aged 21 y. 11 m. 5 d. He is survived by his parents, John H. and Barbara K Mellinger, 5 brothers and 1 sister. He was in ailing health about 15 months with tuberculosis, but in all his sickness he never complained and always met every one with a cheery smile and a friendly word. He also leaves to mourn his loss a lady friend, with whom he had intended to share life's joys and sorrows, had not sickness interrupted and finally death parted them on this earth forever. He had a disposition that won for him many friends wherever he went, he was loved by all he came in contact with. He was a member of the Mennonite Church remaining faithful to the last. Just before he passed into unconsciousness he sang in his weakness the hymn, "There's a beautiful, beautiful land," his last thought being, "Oh, how sweet it will be." Services were conducted at the house by John Landis and at the church by Sanford Landis who was assisted by John W. Weaver, Daniel Lehman and D. N. Gish. There was an immense throng of people at the church to pay their last tribute of respect, many of whom never or very rarely attended religious services. His body was borne to the grave by his remaining brothers and one cousin. Closing services were conducted by John W. Weaver and singing, "Shall we meet beyond the river?"

Wyse. - Peter Wyse was born in Fulton Co., O., Jan. 23, 1846; died Aug. 2, 1910, at Wayland, Ia.; aged 64 y. 6 m. 9 d. Bro. Wyse accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in his young years and remained true to his profession and a faithful member in the Sugar Creek Church until death. On April 6, 1876, he was married to Catharine Roth, who preceded him to the other shore a little over a year ago. To this union were born two daughters and two sons; one daughter died in infancy. He leaves 6 daughters and 2 sons to mourn their loss. He also leaves one brother, one sister, 4 grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors who also feel the loss of one whom they learned to love. Services were conducted in the Sugar Creek Church, Aug. 4, by Bros. Gerig, Graber, Gingerich and Wagler. Texts, II Cor. 4:10; Matt. 25:38; Heb. 4:9; Psa. 39:5 J. D. Conrad.
Transcriber's note: number of children in obituary is not consistent, yet no other marriage was mentioned]

Mishler. - Edward P. Mishler was born in Holmes Co., O., Feb. 2, 1858; was married to Anna Stutzman Dec. 25, 1881. To this union were born two sons, Carl and Earl. Anna, his first wife, died in July, 1886. He was married the second time to Lydia Hooley to which union were born two sons, Harvey and Roy, and one daughter, Alta. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church until death. Died, July 20, 1910; aged 52 y. 5 m. 18 d. He leaves to mourn their loss a wife, father, mother, a brother, 4 sons, one daughter, and 3 step children. Funeral at Forks Church by S. E. Weaver and D. D. Miller.

Krupp. - Elizabeth, widow of Benjamin Krupp, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., July 15, 1821; died at her home with her daughter in Perkasie July 28, 1910; aged 89 y 13 d. Her death was due to old age. Her husband preceded her to the spirit world a little over 4 years ago. She is survived by one daughter, 3 sons, 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and a host of friends. Funeral services were held at the house by H. Rosenberger and A. Freed. Text, II Cor. 5:1. Interment at Souderton Mennonite Meeting House, conducted by Jonas Minninger, Ger., and Joe Ruth, Eng [note: no period] Text, Phil. 1:21.

Winey. - Fanny Brubaker Winey, widow of the late Bish. Samule[sic] Winey of Richfield, Juniata Co., Pa., died Feb. 12, 1910; aged 70 y. 6 m. 12 d. On Feb. 17 funeral services were held at the home of Bro. H. W. Wert by W. G. Sieber and Samuel Leiter, and at the Crossroads meeting house by Jonas Martin of Lancaster Co., Pa. Text, Rev. 14:12, 13. Interment in the burying ground near by, by the side of her husband who preceded her about 28 years. She lived a devoted Christian life for many years; was of a loving disposition which won for her many friends. Her last illness which was bronchial trouble lasted many months, and at times was severe. She was a patient sufferer and longed to go home. She leaves to mourn their loss, four step-sons, four brothers, two sisters and many friends, who mourn not without hope.
L. P. M.

Hornsby. - Catharine M. Bishop was born in Peebles Co., O., March 10, 1821. Moved with her parents to La Grange Co., Ind., when about 8 years old, where she grew to womanhood. She was married three times. Her first husband was Allen Stevens and to this union were born 5 children, 3 daughters and 2 sons. Her second husband was Andrew Heckman. Her last husband was Thos. Hornsby, which marriage took place in La Grange Co., Ind., April 10, 1891. They moved to Teegarden, Ind., where they lived together until Nov. 25, 1903, when Father Hornsby was called home very unexpectedly at the advanced age of 84 years. After his death her daughter, Mrs. Charles Wingard, and husband took care of her. Her daughter died about two years ago. After the daughter's death, her son, James Stevens, and wife took care of her. She united with the Baptist Church in her young years (her father being a minister in that church). In the year 1899 she, with her husband (Thomas Hornsby), united with the Mennonite Church by baptism. She lived a consistent Christian life until she was called to her reward July 29, 1910, at the advanced age of 89 y. 4 m. 19 d. The funeral took place July 31 in the Teegarden church with a full house. Services were conducted by Henry Weldy. Text, John 14:2.

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Unzicker.- Melinda Grace, only daughter of John and Fannie Nnzicker [sic] was born in Cullom, Ill., Mar. 26, 1905; died in Tuleta, Tex., July 26, 1910; aged 5 y. 4 m. She leaves father, mother and three brothers to mourn her early departure.

Mast.- Frank Mast was born Oct. 7, 1893, in Millersburg, Holmes Co., O.; died Aug. 11, 1910; aged 16 y. 10 m. 4 d. He leaves to mourn his departure father, mother, one sister and a host of relatives and friends. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until his death. He had his funeral well arranged, choosing his undertaker, pall-bearers, etc. May we all live like Frank that we may meet him in the realm of glory and also be with our Heavenly Father.

Supers.-Henry Supers of Sterling, Ill., died at the home of Daniel Deter near Morrison, Ill., Aug. 11, 1910, after an illness of nearly five months due to cancer of the stomach. He was born Feb. 19, 1841, in Mifflin Co., Pa.; his age was 69 y. 5 m. 22 d. He was married to Elizabeth Steiner May 23, 1866. To this union were born two sons, Andrew and Aaron, both having died in youth. In 1873 he with his wife united with the Mennonite Church and was a faithful member till death. During his sickness he suffered a great deal of pain and often expressed a desire to depart this life. Besides his aged wife he leaves 1 brother, John of Bellaire, Kans., and many friends and relatives to mourn his departure. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Mennonite Church near Morrison. A. C. Good officiated, assisted by J. McCulloh and John Nice. Text, Isa. 38.1.

Hershey.- Fannie Salome Hershey was born in Shelby Co., Mo., October 24, 1891; died of typhoid fever August 16, 1910; aged 18 y. 9 m. 12 d. She accepted her Savior in her youth, and lived a Christian life. She has been a Sunday school teacher this summer, and a good worker in young people's meeting. She will be missed in the home, at church and in the neighborhood. May her influence go out for much good. Funeral services August 18 before a large concourse of people, conducted by Bro. John Hess of Pea Ridge, Mo. Text Phil 1:21.

Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania