Goldsmith.--Lydia Goldsmith was born in Canada, April 12, 1828, died at Wayland, Ia., April 15, 1910; aged 82 y. 3 d. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth, and remained faithful unto her end. She leaves to mourn her departure four brothers and three sisters. Services were conducted at the Sugar Creek church near Wayland, Ia., in German by Daniel Graber, text II Cor. 5:1-5, and in English by Simon Gingerich, text, I Peter 1:3.
Desmond.--Arthur Desmond was born June 6, 1909, in Chicago, Ill. Forsaken by his mother and neglected, he fell into the hands of our mission workers on 26th street and by them was placed into the Orphans' Home at West Liberty, Ohio, when three months old. Recently he took the whooping cough which was complicated by pneumonia and his spirit departed April 24, 1910. His age was 10 m. 18 d. On the 26th services were held at the Home, conducted by B. B. Stoltzfus, and his body laid to rest in Fairview cemetery.
Riddle.--Wilhelm Riddle died at the home of his daughter near Amberly, Va., April 18, aged 77 y, 3 d. He, like many others, delayed the most important work till a short time before his death, when he became alarmed about his condition, feeling then that the Lord's business required haste, he was received into the Mennonite church by baptism. Funeral services were conducted at Weaver's Church on the 20th by A. B. Burkholder of the Mennonite Church and A. W. Andes of the Christian Church, from Eccl. 9:10, after which his body was interred in the cemetery near the church.
Bell.--Sarah Bell of near Harrisonburg, Va., died of tuberculosis in Washington, D. C., April 12; aged about 63 y. She had been a member of the Mennonite Church about 40 years. She had been visiting her daughter in Washington for several weeks, wrote a letter home a few days before her death, stating she was well and having a nice time. She boarded a trolley car, took a hemorrhage and died in quite a short time. Her body was conveyed to the home of her son near Harrisonburg, where funeral services were held on the 14th by Lewis J. Heatwole, assisted by G. Wilson of the Presbyterian Church, from Matt. 13:43, after which her body was laid to rest in the Harrisonburg cemetery.
Mast.--Isaac H. Mast was born in Holmes Co., O., Feb. 4, 1811. He moved with his parents to La Grange Co., Ind., in 1864. Here he united with the Amish Mennonite Church, in which he was an earnest worker until death. He was married to Mary A. Lantz of St. Joe Co., Mich., Feb. 20, 1878. They had five sons of whom two died in infancy. For a number of years Bro. Mast suffered from the results of a "slow heart." For months at a time it did not average more than forty beats per minute, at times getting as low as 25. On April 13, 1910, he ate dinner as usual, then walked to the barn and returned in the course of an hour. He sat down in the rocker to rest, and soon expired. His age was 59 y. 2 m. 1 d. He leaves a wife, three sons, two grandsons, two brothers, and many other relatives and friends to mourn his departure. Funeral services at the Maple Grove Church near Topeka, Ind., by A. J. Yontz and J. S. Hartzler from II Cor. 5:1.
Transcriber's note: Age does not agree with birth and death dates given.(1811 seems suspect)
Hunsberger.--William E. Hunsberger was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., July 13,1864; died Mar. 28; 1910, in Souderton, Pa.; aged 45 y. 8 m. 15 m. He was of a quiet disposition, but he neglected salvation until a few days before he was taken sick of congestion of the brain he expressed a desire to unite with the church. But as the sickness had taken such a strong hold, he requested to be baptized at once. Bro. Jonas Mininger was called, and on Good Friday he was baptized. His only desire then was to have Christ, and no longer his former associates--the members of the "Odd Fellows" Lodge. Another example to prove that the lodge is insufficient when death draws nigh. He was unmarried, leaves father, three brothers, and one sister. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Bro. Michael Moyer, at the church by Bro. Jos. Ruth assisted by Bro. J. C. Clemmens. Text, "I have finished my course."
Transcriber's note: The age is given as 45 y. 8 m. 15 m.
Helmuth.--Fanny Helmuth of Millersburg, Ohio, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Fred Miller, April 20, 1910. Her age was 27 y. 6 m. 28 d. She was sick only a few hours, but was ready to go to her home above, as she realized that Christ had pardoned all her shortcomings. She was a faithful member and worker of the Amish Mennonite Church. She leaves to mourn her departure, mother, five brothers, two sisters and a host of friends. Funeral was held at the Martins Creek Church on Sunday by Fred Mast and S. H. Miller. Interment was made in the church cemetery.
Myers.--Henry L. Myers died at the home of his son-in-law, T. S. Schwanger, at Rheems, Pa.; aged 59 y. 6 m. 7 d. He united with the Mennonite Church about 30 years ago. He is survived by his wife and 11 children; 4 children preceded him to the glory world. Funeral was held Wednesday morning at Risser's Church. Services conducted at home by Samuel Oberholtzer, at church by Bish. John Ebersole and Simon Landis. Text, I Pet. 1:24,25.
Transcribed by Cheri Salz, Illinois
Hoylman.--Edwin, youngest son of William and Amanda Hoylman of near Roseland, Nebr., was born May 20, 1899; died Jan. 4, 1910, of diphtheria; aged 10 y. 7 m. 14 d. He leaves father, mother, five brothers, three sisters, and many relatives to mourn his early departure. One sister preceded him to the spirit world. We need not mourn as those who have no hope, for we know he was ready to go and be with Jesus.
Hoylmann.--William Roy, infant son of Walter and Anna Hoylman of Blue Hill, Nebr., was born Sept. 15, 1909; died Jan. 9, 1910 of diphtheria; age 3 m. 26 d. Buried at the Roseland Mennonite graveyard Jan. 10, 1910. Father, mother, a little sister, and many relatives remain to mourn their loss. He has only budded on earth to bloom in heaven.
Miller.--Kate Hauder was born in Woodford Co., Ill., July 25, 1858. She was united in marriage with David Miller, March 5, 1887. To this union were born three children, one son and two daughters. Some years ago the family moved to Cass Co., Mo. where Sister Miller died of heart dropsy, April 28, 1910; aged 51 y. 9 m. 3 d. She is survived by her husband, three children, three brothers and three sisters and many sorrowing friends. She was a loving wife, a kind mother and faithful sister in the faith, having united with the Mennonite Church in her early life and remained true to the end. Funeral services on April 31, 1910, conducted at the Bethel Church by Wm. Helmuth, L. J. Miller and D. H. Bender. Text, II Cor. 5:1. Interment in the Clearfork cemetery.
Shaum.--Jos. Shaum was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, 1837; died April 26, 1910, near Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., Ind.; aged 73 y. 3 m. 19 d. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gable in 1859. To this union were born three sons and six daughters. His wife and two daughters preceded him to the spirit world. In 1891 he was united in marriage with Barbara Markley. To his union was born one daughter. He moved to Indiana in 1876. He leaves wife, eight children, two brothers, two sisters, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He died very suddenly with palsy. Funeral services were held on the 29th at the Yellow Creek Meeting House and interment at the adjoining cemetery. Services were conducted by John Martin and David Burkholder, assisted by Christian Weaver and Henry Schrock. The funeral was so largely attended that the people could not all be seated which showed the sympathy manifested toward the bereaved family.
Blough.--David Blough was born July 7, 1826; died April 30, 1910; aged 83 y. 9 m. 23 d. He came with his parents to Wayne Co., Ohio, in the year 1836. He was united in marriage to Lydia Kurtz, who preceded him to the spirit world. To this union were born seven children. He leaves one son and two daughters, 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren to mourn for the loss of father.
Symensma.--Wybra H. Hygema Symensma was born in Balk Province of Netherlands, Apr. 3, 1824; died near Locke, Elkhart Co., Ind., at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Deboor with cancer of the stomach, Apr. 19, 1910; aged 86 y. 16 d. She was married to John Jacob Symensma May 12, 1845 and came to America in 1854. They settled down four miles southwest of New Paris. She leaves two daughters, one sister, twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren to mourn their loss. Her husband died Jan. 13, 1885; aged 72 years. Also seven children preceded her to the Spirit world. She united with the Mennonite Church 70 years ago in Holland in which she remained a consistent member until her death. She suffered much for the last few months of her life, but endured it all with patience and Christian resignation, anxiously waiting for her departure to be with Christ which is far better. She selected the text to be used at her funeral, Amos 4:12. "Prepare to meet thy God." Funeral services were held at the Whitehead Church near New Paris where a large crowd of friends and neighbors had met to pay their last tributes of respect to one who was loved by all who learned to know her. The mortal remains were laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Peace be to her ashes. May God comfort the bereaved friends and relatives and may those of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have not yet accepted Christ take heed to the text as though it were the last words of grandmother spoken to them as a warning in love. Services were conducted by Henry Weldy and David Burkholder.
Transcribed by Cheri Salz, Illinois
Wenger.--Sister Alice, wife of Bro. Elam M. Wenger died of inflammation of the bowels after an illness of twelve weeks. She was born near Strasburg, Pa., Jan. 8, 1884, and died near Farmersville, Pa., April 24, 1910; aged 26 y. 3 m. 16 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in her seventeenth year, of which she remained a faithful member to the time of her death. She was married to Elam M. Wenger Nov. 15, 1906. She was the mother of two children. During her illness she had a desire to be with her Savior. She had her favorite hymn, "There's a beautiful land on high," read to her quite frequently which was also sung at her funeral. Services were held at the Strasburg Mennonite Church by Elias Groff and Ben Weaver.
Hirsbrunner.--Catharina Hirsbrunner was born July 6, 1840 in Ashland Co., Ohio and died near Columbus Grove, Ohio, March 4, 1910; aged 69 y. 7 m. 28 d. She was united in marriage to Alexander Hirsbrunner, Feb. 27, 1867, who with one brother, Henry Hartman, are the only ones of near kin to mourn her departure. She was the daughter of Peter Hartman and sister of Anna Miller, deceased. There are no children nor nephews nor nieces in this case. Catharina united with the Zion Mennonite Church in her younger years and always interested herself in the cause of Christ and the prosperity of the Church. The funeral services were conducted by M. S. Steiner, the home pastor. She left a will and testament in which she provided for her burial and the disposition of her property as follows: The Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities receive all of her personal property and money amounting to nearly $500.00 with the provision that said Board pay all her funeral expenses, nurse and doctor bills and place a tombstone to her grave and that of her husband at his death. The husband gets a life lease on the 40 acres of land she had held in her name during his natural lifetime, and after his death the said Board is given clear title to use and invest the same in charitable or mission work as the Board decides will serve the best purpose. The gifts will mean $4,000.00 for the advancement of His causes on earth. Under the conditions she has made wise provisions for the disposition of her earthly possessions, and which her husband gladly accepted. The Mission Board wishes to give credit to the following for favors during the illness of Sister Hirsbrunner: Anna Bucher, $1.00; Anna Spollinger, $10.00; Amos Augspurger, $1.00; David Augspurger, $1.00; Emma Riggenbaugh, $1.00; Caroline Burkholder, 50c; Mrs. John Hilty, 50c; Nettie Lehman $1.00; Marian Burkhart, $1.00; Lydia Goldsmith, $1.00; Lena Bixel, $1.50; Chris Bixel, 50c.
Roth.--Katherine Roth (nee Zehr) widow of C. L. Roth, was born in Chalon, France, Oct. 15, 1841; died after a long sickness of diabetes near Milford, Nebr., April 20, 1910; aged 68 y. 6 m. 15 d. She was united in marriage with C. L. Roth, March 12, 1861. To this union were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. Her husband and two sons preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves 5 sons, 4 daughters, 46 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure, but not as those who have no hope. Sister Roth was a faithful member of the A. M. Church from her youth. She lived a consecrated Christian life to the end. May the good Lord comfort the bereaved with His Word. Bro. N. E. Roth, one of her sons, is bishop of our church. Sister Roth was laid to rest in the East Fairview burial ground, April 22. Funeral services were held by the brethren David Zehr from Manson, Ia., Joseph Schlegel and Joseph Witaker.
Transcribed by Cheri Salz, Illinois
Yoder.--Jesse Ray Yoder, youngest son of Bro. Peter and Sister Annie Yoder died on the first of May, 1910. He was born in 1905, Mar. 5. His age was 5 y. 1 m. 26 d. Services were held at the Locust Grove Church on the 3rd of May by S. T. Yoder assisted by J. L. Mast.
Peachey.--Sister Lizzie M. Peachey, wife of Bro. John Peachey died of consumption on the 7th of May 1910. Her age was 22 y. 5 m. 28 d. She united with the Amish church and was a faithful member and was loved by all who knew her. She leaves a dear husband and a little daughter of four months old, a father, three brothers, one sister and many friends to mourn her death, but we do not mourn as those who have no hope. Services at Locust Grove Church by the home ministers on the 10th of May.
Culp.-- Bro. Henry Culp was born Feb. 1, 1863; died in Columbiana, Ohio; aged 47 y. 3 m. 14 d. His wife and three small children survive him. His death was caused by internal cancer. He had not been well for some time, but did not know that his case was serious until about three weeks ago. Up to this time he had not accepted Christ as his Savior, but he had often thought of it, and like many others he was waiting for a more convenient season. But when he saw that his case was a serious one he became anxious to unite with God's people and was baptized, but showed his regret for putting it off so long. A few days later he went to Cleveland, O., for an operation, and when the incision was made, the doctor saw that an operation would mean certain death and the operation was not performed. From that time on he was suffering almost beyond endurance, but during all his suffering almost beyond endurance, but during all his suffering he did not complain one word, but prayed that God should relieve him of his suffering by taking him home. He warned those around him to live right. He made part of the funeral arrangements, selecting for a text II Kings 21:1, "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live." The text was an appropriate one, and indeed is a loud call to those who are waiting for a more convenient season. Funeral was held at Midway, May 17. Services were conducted by Bro. E. M. Detwiler assisted by Allen Rickert, David Lehman, and A. J. Steiner.
Moyer.--Bro. Elmer M. Moyer of Blooming Glen, Bucks Co., Pa., was born Dec. 19, 1876, and died March 14, 1910; aged 33 y. 3 m. 25 d. Bro. Moyer was a commission merchant and while away from home, in Philadelphia, attending to his duties, he was suddenly taken sick with acute inflammatory rheumatism. He was too ill to return home and so he was removed to the home of his cousin, Mrs. Wilson Baringer, where he remained until he passed away. His wife, who went to the city to nurse him, also took sick with the grippe. Bro. Moyer had accepted Jesus as his Savior, and united with the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church in the days of his youth. He had been a teacher in Sunday school for a number of years and in January was elected as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school at this place. Later, circumstances so shaped themselves that the brother who had been elected superintendent moved into another district and the duties of that office rested upon Bro. Moyer. The Lord, however, saw fit to take him to his reward without having actually served as superintendent. On the very Sunday when he was expected to perform the duties of his office for the first time he was already sick in bed and a little more than a week later he fell asleep in Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Beulah, father, two brothers, and four sisters and many friends who mourn his early departure. Because of his genial and loving disposition he gained many friends and his funeral, which was held March 19, was largely attended. Services at the Blooming Glen M. H. were conducted by Bish. H. B. Rosenberger and Pre. A. O. Histand. Text, Isa. 54:4-7.
Transcribed by Cheri Salz, Illinois