Gospel Herald Obituaries - January, 1910

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Gospel Herald - Vol. 2, No. 41 - January 6, 1910 - page 655, 656

Zuercher.-- Sister Anna Zuercher, nee Hofstetter was born in Canton, Bern, Switzerland; died Dec. 16, 1909, near Apple Creek, Ohio, of pneumonia, at the age of 66 y. 4 d. Her husband died 20 years ago. She leaves 2 sons, 3 daughters and 18 grandchildren. Funeral was held on the 19th at the Sonnenberg Church, of which she was a faithful member, Bish. Jacob Nussbaum officiating.

Kurtz.-- Erma, daughter of Jonathan and Martha Kurtz, died at their home near New Castle, Pa., Dec. 19, 1909; aged 2 y. 6 m. 19 d. Services at the German Mennonite Church by Bro. Lantz. Erma budded on earth to bloom in heaven.

Erma, thou hast left us lonely,
Sorrow fills our hearts today;
But beyond the Vale of sorrow,
Tears will all be wiped away.

Bixler.-- Died at Kidron, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1909, Bro. John C. Bixler, of acute dropsy of the heart. He was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, and came to America in 1868. He was united in marriage, March 14, 1871, with Sister Maria Sommer, daughter of the late Bish. Christian Sommer. To this union were born 6 children; 3 preceded him to the spirit world. His remains were laid to rest at the Sonnenberg cemetery. Jacob S. Moser preached the funeral sermon.

Smith.-- Floyd Burdett, son of Blair and Dora Smith, was born Sept. 15, 1909, in Medina Co., O. After only 2 days illness he departed this life Dec. 14, 1909; aged 2 m. 29 d. His stay on earth was short, but his departure made quite a vacancy in the home of the parents, who have remaining one son and one daughter. Funeral at Bethel Church Dec. 16, 1909, conducted by N. A. Lind. Text, II Kings 4:26. Burial at the Lower Mennonite Church.

Leatherman.-- Daniel, son of Abram and -----Leatherman, was born in Guilford Twp., Medina Co., O., Jan 21, 1840. He was united in marriage with Esther Zimmerman, and to this union were born 2 daughters. Death came after a short illness, Dec. 23, 1909. He was aged 69 y. 11 m. 2 d. He never confessed Christ as his personal Savior. Funeral services Dec. 26, 1909, conducted by N. A. Lind. Text, Isa. 3 : 10, 11. Burial at the Lower Mennonite Church.

Kauffman.-- On Nov. 22, 1909, near Stony Brook, York Co., Pa., of dropsy and old age, Bro. Isaac Kauffman died very suddenly and unexpectedly. He took a walk through the yard; after returning he expired while sitting in his chair. He was always a very patient man and very kind to all around him. He was 76 y. 2 m. 23 d. old. He was buried at Stony Brook, Pa. Funeral services by Bish. Abram B. Herr and Pre. Theo. B. Forry. Text, Rev. 14 : 12, 13.

Royer.-- Rebecca Royer, wife of Joseph Royer, of North Hampton, died at her home Nov. 16, 1909, after suffering for two weeks. She was aged 49 y. 20 d. She was a daughter of the late John Kendig, of Lancaster Co., Pa. She leaves a kind and loving husband, six children, and one sister to mourn their loss. The funeral was held at the late home Nov. 18, 1909. Pre. Sprankle conducted the services. Interment at East Akron Cemetery. They formerly lived near Marshallville, Ohio, and from there moved to North Hampton, Summit Co.

Moyer.-- At the home of his son Alvin, in Campden, Lincoln Co., Ont., Bro. Jacob Moyer departed this life Oct. 8, 1909, of the infirmities of old age. Bro. Moyer was in feeble health for a number of years and not able to be away from home, but he bore his infirmities patiently and lived in the fear of the Lord. His disposition was quite and he made no loud profession but his trust was always in the Lord, and he leaves to the bereft ones a blessed hope. His age was 75 y. 9 m. 5d. Funeral services were held at the Campden Mennonite M. H. on the 11, conducted by S. F. Coffman and Pre. Hehn.

Kulp.-- Fanny Kreider was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 10, 1822. While quite young her parents moved to Canada where they lived a number of years, after which they moved to Medina Co., Ohio. She was united in marriage with Jacob N. Kulp. To this union were born nine children, five of whom survive her. Her husband and four children preceded her to the spirit world. She united with the church while young and was always a devoted Christian, of cheerful disposition and loved by all who knew her. She died Dec. 20, 1909; aged 87 y. 1 m. 10 d. Funeral services conducted by N. A. Lind at the Guilford Church.

Herner.-- Samuel. S. Herner was born near Blair, Ont., and died near Mannheim, Ont., Nov. 30, 1909, at 1:30 p. m., of heart failure and instant pneumonia while sitting up in the rocking-chair. His death was very unexpected. His mind was strong till the last and he left a bright hope of the future. His age was 66 y. 3 m. 5 d. Funeral services were held at the Latshaw Church, Mannheim, on Dec. 3. Services were held in two places, church and school house. It was a very large funeral. He taught school in Waterloo Co., Ont., for 33 years, and was in the ministry for some years. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Backus from Philadelphia, and Pre. S. Swartz, Text, II Tim. 2:4-8, this being the last text of the deceased, he having preached from it two days before his death, in his home church.

Oesch.-- Daniel W. Oesch was born in Wheatland, Mo., Oct. 25, 1886; died in Portland, Oreg., Oct 20, 1909; aged 23 y. 11 m. 20 d. He lived near Garden City, Mo., most of his life. On Dec. 8, 1908, he went to Oregon where, on Sept 28, 1909, he was taken sick with typhoid fever. All that human aid and loving hands could do was done, but God who knoweth what is best called him from this world of care to his home above. His mother, who was spending a few months in Oregon, was at his bedside during his sickness and at the time of his death. At the age of 15 he gave his heart to God and united with the Amish Mennonite Church. He leaves to mourn his early departure, mother, seven sisters and two brothers. Funeral services were held at the Sycamore Church in Cass Co., Mo., Oct. 27, the brethren, John Hartzler, Ben Hartzler, Levi Miller, Dan Raber officiating.

Hunsberger.-- Ada Immel, beloved wife of Bro. Franklin Hunsberger, passed away from this life to her home in heaven Nov. 24, 1909, at her late home near Jordan, Lincoln Co., Ont. Her age was 32 y. 1 m. 1 d. For over two months Sister Hunsberger resisted patiently an attack of typhoid, trusting in the Lord, but resigned to His will. A little over a year ago her only child, a little son, was taken from his parents after a very brief illness. While perfectly resigned to this affliction, Sister Hunsberger felt that it was a call from the Lord for her to live nearer to Him so that she would be prepared to meet her little one in heaven. Those who have known Sister Hunsberger can testify to the fact that her life was one that was in touch with heaven. She was filled with a desire to do the will of the Lord in everything, and to make her life an example for others. She not only leaves to her sorrowing companion and relatives a hope that she has gone to her Lord and to her child, but leaves an example of consecration and devotion to the work of the Lord that is worthy of imitation. The funeral services were held on the 26th., and were attended by a large number of relatives and sympathizing friends. Services conducted by Jonas Snyder and S. F. Coffman. Text, Psa. 116: 12.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Vol. 2, No. 42 - January 13, 1910 - page 671, 672

Williamson,- Bro. Arthur Williamson of near Ness City, Kansas, died Nov. 26, 1909; of a complication of diseases. Aged 49 years less 2 days. He left bright evidence that he was going home. He was baptized by Bro. J. M. Shenk, Mar. 22, 1893. May God comfort the sorrowing friends. The burial took place on his forty-ninth birthday.

Weaver,- On Dec. 17, 1909, Samuel W. Weaver of Weaverland died; aged nearly 82 years. He was a kind and loving neighbor, and one of the old pillars in the church and Sunday school and we shall miss him as a brother, friend, neighbor, kind husband, father and grandfather. Funeral was held at Weaverland, Dec 21. Services by Benj. Weaver, John Sauder and John W. Weaver. Text, II Cor. 5:1.

Hess,- Ruth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Hess, of near Dale Enterprise, Va., died at their home Dec. 28; aged 2 m. 25 d. A short funeral service was held at their home Dec. 29, by S. H. Rhodes, after which the little body was laid away in the cemetery near Weaver,s Church. Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Neuhauser.--Christian Blank Neuhauser was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 8, 1834; died in Slidell, La., Dec. 8, 1909; aged 75 y. 10 m. Bro. Neuhauser emigrated to Knox Co., Tenn., in the autumn of 1871. He had gone to Slidell, La., to spend the winter, where he died. The remains were brought home and buried in the Mennonite cemetery near Concord, Tenn. Bro. Neuhauser had been a sufferer for four years. Three years ago he underwent an operation from which he only partially recovered. Funeral sermon preached by Bro. Andrew Shenk of Oronogo, Mo.

Good,- Carl Burton son of John and Verna Good was born June 28, 1909, died Dec. 27, 1909, aged 5 m. 29 d. The life of this little on upon earth was very short, yet long enough to win a place in the affections of its parents and many others. He leaves a father, mother, one brother and many others to mourn his early departure, yet we know that he has only exchanged this life for one of bliss and happiness, for we believe he is safe in the arms of Jesus. Funeral services at Salem M. H. near Elida, O., by N. O. Blosser of Rawson, O., from Mark 8:37, on Dec. 29, 1909.

God gave this little life to bud,
Though transient was its stay,
And now has taken it to bloom,
In realms of endless day.

Knepp,- Irvin James Knepp was born in Johnson Co., Iowa, Sept. 24, 1893; died Dec. 24, 1909; aged 16 y. 3 m. After a lingering illness of nine weeks of pneumonia, which terminated in consolidation of the lungs, and all that human hands could do was done but to no avail, the unequal battle was lost. But we need not mourn as those who have no hope, as he was ready to go and be with the One who had been his comforter to the last. Bro. Irvin united with the A. M. Church July 19, 1909, and was a faithful member. He leaves to mourn his early departure father and mother, one brother and three sisters, grandfather and grandmother (Peter Kinsinger,s) and a host of friends. Thus his untimely sun has set to arise in an unclouded horizon. Funeral was held Dec. 26, at the Albright Church conducted by C. Werey in German. Text, Heb. 9:27, 28; D. J. Johns preached in English

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

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Gospel Herald - Vol. 2, No. 43 - January 20, 1910 - page 687, 688

Stahl,- Peter Stahl was born Oct. 28, 1823; died Dec. 31, 1909; aged 86 y. 2 m. 3 d. Four children are left to mourn his death. One child and his companion preceded him in death. He accepted Christ and was baptized about two years before his death. Funeral services conducted by Wm. G. Sieber and Wm. W. Graybill from his selected text, II Cor. 5:1-7.

Weaver,- Sister Barbara (Metzler) Weaver, wife of Martin Weaver, died of consumption at her home at East Lewiston, O., Jan. 7, 1910; aged 40 y. 8 m. 3 d. She accepted her Savior in her younger years and lived a faithful Christian life. She is survived by her husband and one daughter. Funeral services were held at the Lima Church, conducted by the brethren A. J. Steiner and David Lehman.

Lehman,- Isaac Lehman was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Aug. 17, 1841; died in Hesston, Kans., 1905. On March 17, 1877, he was married to Susan Schrock. To this union were born three children. One daughter lives at Peabody, another near Newton, and a son at Carrollton, Wash., while the sorrowing widow remains at Hesston. He was a member of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ church. Funeral services were held on Jan. 3, 1910, and were conducted at the house by D. H. Bender; the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the Pennsylvania M. H., at which place services were conducted by Pre. Steinmetz of the Evangelical Church from Rev. 14:13, and D. H. Bender from I Cor. 15:19.

Transcriber's note: It shows that he died in 1905 and was buried in 1910, that is the way it was written.

Johns,- Catharine (Yoder) Johns was born in Somerset Co., Pa., April 13, 1825; died in Fulton Co., O. of paralysis Nov. 30, 1909; aged 84 y. 7 m. 17 d. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in youth and remained faithful unto death. In 1844 she was married to John Johns with whom she lived over 63 years. Their prosperity was 7 children, 52 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. She leaves 1 son, 4 daughters, 1 brother and 2 sisters, with many friend and relatives to mourn. May this long and devoted life be an inspiration to her children to follow in the spirit of meekness and submission, and meet their parent in glory.
Funeral services conducted by Bro. Dan Wyse and E. L. Frey. Text, Phil. 1:21 and II Tim. 4:7, 8.

Landis,- Milton L. Landis was born in Upper Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec 27, 1851; died Dec. 13, 1909; aged 57 y. 11 m. 16 d. He was a great sufferer for about three months, but he bore it patiently, longing that he might go to that sweet rest. He was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters. He was a kind husband and father. Funeral services were held on the 16, at the Sumptown Mennonite Church conducted by Noah Landis and Isaac Eby.

Father, thou hast left us lonely,
With but one bright ray of light
Causing us to feel with safety,
What the Savior does is right.

Father, how we,d long to see you,
In our home as heretofore;
But if faithful we shall meet you
Over on the other shore.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

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Gospel Herald- Vol. 2, No. 44 - January 27, 1910 - page 703, 704

Bricker.-- Esther (Bechtel) Bricker, wife of Benjamin Bricker, died on Thursday, Dec. 30, 1909, at Roseville, Ont. She was born in Bucks Co., Pa., and came to Canada when four years old. In 1836 she was married to Benjamin, and died in the same room in which she was married. She leaves six sons and five daughters to mourn her death. Funeral was conducted by N. S. Stauffer and S. Gehman.

Lohrei.-- Conrad Lohrei was born Aug. 23, 1823, in Stryberg, Germany, and emigrated to this country at the age of 20 years. In 1846 he came to Elkhart Co., Ind., where on Sept. 23 he was married to Mary Jane McDevitt. To this union were born six children. All but one, with the wife, preceded him in death. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church and died at the ripe old age of 86 y. 5 m. 11 d. Funeral at the house of his son Theodore, conducted by D. J. Johns and John E. Weaver.

Yoder.-- Simon D. Yoder was born in Somerset Co., Pa., March 10, 1843; died in Iowa Co., Ia., Dec 15, 1909. He was married to Emma Ratzlaff, Oct. 18, 1883. His age was 66 y. 9 m. 5 d. He was baptized to the Mennonite faith at the age of 18 years, to which he remained faithful until death. He was a great sufferer from heart trouble for a number of years. Funeral services were held Dec. 17, 1909, at West Union Church. Services were conducted By Bro. C. Werey in German and Jacob J. Yoder and Will Gingerich in English. He leaves a sorrowing wife and an adopted daughter, two sisters and one brother, besides a large number of relatives and friends.

Frazier.-- Hurley Frazier was born at Huntsville, Mo., Apr. 18, 1889; died at Fleming, Mo., Jan. 14, 1910; aged 20 y. 8 m. 27 d. On Jan. 14 he preformed his usual day,s work, came home in the evening, ate a hearty supper, and apparently in the best of health, rose from the supper table, stepped into an adjoining room, lay down upon a bed and expired without uttering a word. His death was due to heart failure. This is indeed a loud call to those not prepared or expecting to prepare upon their death-bed. Funeral services were conducted by C. A. Hartzler at the home of his parents, after which the remains were taken to Huntsville, Mo., for burial.

Ranck.-- Jesse A. Ranck was born March 11, 1847; died Dec 20, 1909; aged 35 y. 8 m. 9 d. In early days he united with the Mennonite Church, of which he was a faithful member until the end. His death was caused by an accident with a horse which got beyond his control on account of the bridle breaking, and in jumping or being thrown out he fell on his head, which caused his death about three hours later. He is survived by his wife and five children, also his aged father, six sisters and four brothers. His mother, four brothers and one sister preceded him to the spirit world. He was buried Dec. 23, in the Paradise Cemetery. Funeral services were conducted by Elias Groff and Christian Brackbill. Peace to his ashes.

Thut.-- Peter B., son of Bish. John Thut, was born April 3, 1846, near Winesburg, Holmes Co., O. In 1848 the family moved to Bluffton, O., where he was married to Mary Steiner. To this union were born nine children, all of which survive him. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior while yet young, and united with the Mennonite Church, and was greatly interested in the welfare of the Church of his choice. For four long years he was unable to speak, but bore his affliction patiently, looking forward to the glory that awaits the saints. Thus in the living hope of gaining the eternal inheritance, he passed peacefully away, Jan. 13, 1910, at the age of 63 y. 9 m. 10 d., leaving his wife, 3 sons, 6 daughters, one brother, 5 sisters, 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren to wage life,s battles a little while longer in preparation to meet him in the glory world. Funeral services by D. J. Johns from II Cor. 4:17, assisted by Simon S. Yoder and I. R. Detweiler.

Shetler.-- Sister Lydia Nafziger Shetler, wife of Lewis Shetler, was born in Long Green, Md., Aug. 14, 1854; died Jan. 13, 1910; aged 55 y. 4 m. 29 d. Funeral services were conducted by L. A. Blough in German and S. D. Yoder in English. The deceased was laid to rest in the Kauffman Cemetery near Davidsville, Somerset Co., Pa. She had many trials and sorrows, not being able to be around for about five years, during that time spending most of her nights on a chair. In the last few days of her life she wrote the following poem:

"There are many trials we meet in life,
As we go along the way;
For the road goes up and the road goes down.
And changes every day;
And sometimes the path is fair to see,
Then sometimes it seems so strange,
There comes in the journey to you and me
The things we cannot change,-

The deceased is survived by a sorrowing husband, three sons and one daughter, and their many friends in the community.

Steiner.-- On Thursday, Dec. 16, the death angel claimed the spirit of Daniel Steiner, a pioneer resident of Orrville, O. He was in failing health for several years, but was not confined to bed until two weeks prior to his death. Although suffering intense pain at times, he bore it patiently to the last. His age was 87 y. 14 d. He was born in Belfort, Alsace, France, Dec. 2, 1822, from which place he came to America with his parents when five years old. At an early age he joined the Swiss Mennonite Church, of which he was ever a faithful, true and God-fearing member. His advantages for an education were limited, as his school days did not exceed three months; but by grasping every opportunity to learn he was finally able to understand and read ordinary English. He was married to Magdalena Basinger, June 12, 1853, and lived peacefully with her for 56 years. One son and one daughter have preceded him to the spirit world. He is survived by his wife, 5 sons, 3 daughters, 29 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral services were conducted Dec. 29, by Cleophas Amstutz and David Yoder at the Crown Hill Church.

Evers.-- Jacob, son of the late John L. Evers and grandson of the late Pre. John Evers of Virginia, died of consumption, Jan, 17, 1910. He was in his twentieth year, and gave his heart to God shortly before he died. It is hard to give up our loved ones, but to know that they died in the Lord is a consoling thought. If we live for Him we can meet them in glory.
A. H. E.

Dunn.-- Robert Dunn was born in Ireland, Jan. 2, 1818, and moved to Mifflin Co., Pa., in early manhood. He died at his home in Oklahoma, Dec. 25, 1909, aged 81 y. 11 m. 23 d.
Gertrude Sharp, wife of Robert Dunn, was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., and died in Oklahoma, Dec. 2, 1909, in her 75th year. Four sons and 4 daughters survive. Gertrude also has 3 brothers and 2 sisters living.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana


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