Gospel Herald Obituaries - September, 1918

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Gospel Herald - Volume XI, Number 23 - September 5, 1918 - page 407

Myers.-Jacob R. Myers was born Feb. 26, 1843; died April 2, 1918, at his home in Manor township, Lancaster Co., Pa., from congestion of the brain, after an illness of one week.
He was in his 76th year. He is survived by his wife who was Miss Elizabeth C. Seitz, and one son, Charles S. Myers, and two grandchildren, J. Leroy and M. Elizabeth Myers, and a host of friends. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years, his seat seldom being vacant-when health permitted him to go. Funeral services April 5th at the house by Bro. Christian Lehman and at Mountville Mennonite M. H. by Bros. Jacob C. Habecker and John Charles. Text, Psalm 116:15; 90:10. Interment at Habeckers burying ground.

Witmer.-Sister Lydia M., wife of Phares Witmer, was born March 5, 1878; died at her home in Maugansville, Md., June 12, 1918; aged 40 y. 3 m. 7 d. After a few hours of struggles in convulsions, she was found unconscious in bed by her husband. She remained in that condition till death. Being in ill health for several years she was always in good cheer trying to make those about her happy. She leaves husband, 2 sons (Raymond and Lester), 2 daughters (Lizzie and Catherine), also 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Funeral June 15 at the Reiffs Mennonite Church (of which she was a faithful member for many years), conducted by the brethren, George S. Keener and C. R. Strite. Text. Job. 17:11. Her remains were laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard.
"I'm going to live with the a

ngels so fair,
I'll look for you, children, and wait for you there,
Where tears do not flow and where death cannot come,
Together we'll dwell in that beautiful home."
-A Brother.


Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington

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Gospel Herald - Volume XI, Number 24 - September 12, 1918 - page 431

Forrer.-Vernie Irene Forrer, daughter of Leroy and Hazel Forrer, was born May 18, 1918, near Orrville, Ohio: died Aug. 2, 1918: aged 2 m. 15 d. Funeral Aug. 4, Martin Church conducted by I. J. Buchwalter and I. B. Witmer.

Swartley.-Samuel G. Swartley died Aug. 6, 1918, at the residence of Levi B. Freed near Telford, Pa. He had been suffering a few years from tuberculosis, then dropsy set in, which hastened his death. During his sickness he was resigned to His will and fell asleep while sitting in his chair. He leaves wife, mother, grandmother, three brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services at Rockhill Church conducted by William Landis, Mahlon Souder, and Jacob Moyer. Text, II Tim; 4:7, 8. Buried in cemetery near the Church. His age was 30 y. 4 m. 22 d.

Roth.-Mary (Egli) Roth was born June 17, 1845, in Waterloo Co., Ont., died at her home near Woodburn, Oreg., Aug. 4, 1918; aged 70 y. 1 m. 15 d. She moved with her parents to Jefferson Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1854 and was married to Joseph Roth Nov. 29, 1866. To this union were born 10 children. Four sons, four daughters, two brothers, and twentynine grandchildren survive. She accepted Christ as her Saviour in early youth and was a faithful member of the A. M. Church until death. Funeral services conducted at Zion Church by Bros. C. R. Gerig and A. P. Troyer. Text, Rom. 4:7. Remains laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.
A faithful mother, a kind neighbor, will be missed in the home, church and community.

Zook.-Marguerite Zook of near Hubbard, Oreg., infant daughter of William and Mildred Zook, died Aug. 14, 1918, aged 18 days. She leaves parents and grandparents. Funeral services conducted Aug. 15 by Bro. A. P. Troyer at the Zion Church. Text, Isa. 40:6,7. Remains laid to rest in cemetery nearby.

Speigle.-Sadie Speigle (Blough) was born near Davidsville, Pa., Nov. 3, 1882; died Aug. 19, 1918; aged 35 y. 9 m. 16 d. She was married to Lawrence Speigle Apr. 2, 1902. To this union were born 7 children of whom one preceded her to the spirit world. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for about 14 years. She was a loving mother in the home and will he missed by many. She was sick for a number of years, but bore it all patiently. Funeral services and interment at the Blough Mennonite Church, conducted by Brethren S. G. Shetler and L. A. Blough.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington

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Gospel Herald - Volume XI, Number 25 - September 19, 1918 - page 447

Hershey.-Parke Eby Hershey, son of J. M. Hershey and Mary E. Hershey, was born near Palmyra, Mo., Nov. 24, 1902; died near LaJunta, Col., Aug. 23, 1918: aged 15 y. 9 m. 1 d. He leaves father, mother, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. He was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church at LaJunta Dec. 2, 1914. He met death by being thrown from a horse and instantly killed while returning home from the Sanitarium where he had been on an errand. His funeral was held in the Mennonite Church in La Junta, Aug. 29. Sermon by Bro. J. A. Heatwole assisted by Bro. John Thut. Text (I Sam. 20:3): "There is but a step between me and death." It was hard to part with our dear boy, but God knows what is best.

Stoltzfus.-Reba, daughter of Elmer and Ada Ranck Stoltzfus of Gap, Pa, died Aug. 24, 1918; aged 2 y. 11 m. 6 d. Parents, little sister Gladys, and a circle of relatives are left to mourn their loss.
She was sick about three weeks from a complication of diseases and two days before her death her sickness developed into infantile paralysis. Her stay here was short, but not too short to endear herself to many. On account of the disease no public services could be held. The body was laid to rest in Paradise Mennonite Cemetery Aug. 25. Services at the grave by Jacob H. Mellinger.
"A bud the Gardener gave them,
A pure and lovely child;
He gave it to their keeping
To cherish undefiled,

But just as it was opening
To take glory of the day
Down came the Heavenly Gardener
And took their bud away."

Zeager.-Harold B., son of Bro. and Sister Norman L. Zeager, was born Feb. 2, 1918; died Sept. 5, 1918. He leaves father, mother, and a brother (Clarence) to mourn their loss. Funeral services at Kraybill's Church, Lancaster Co., Pa. Buried in cemetery adjoining.

"We loved, yes, we loved him,
But angels loved him more,
And they have sweetly called him,
To yonder shining shore."

Cullar.-Verna Mae, daughter of Elmer and Cora Cullar, near Columbiana, O., was born Oct. 4, 1917: died Sept. 2, 1918, aged 10 m. 28 d. A little life has budded and faded away to enjoy the fruits of heaven. This fact brings comfort to parents and friends. Funeral was at the Midway Church; Bro. A. J. Steiner officiating. Text, Psa. 27:5. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Culp.-Mary (Bixler) Culp was born in Fayette Co., Pa., Sept. 24, 1824; died at Columbiana, O., Aug. 21, 1918; aged 93 y. 10 m. 27 d. In 1844 she was married to Joseph Culp, who preceeded her in death. At the age of 14 she united with the Mennonite Church and remained faithful until death.
She leaves 7 sons, one daughter, a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Two daughters preceded her in death. As long as health permitted her seat at church was seldom vacant. Several months before her death she fell and fractured her hip. This brought about other ailments and in connection with old age caused her death. She endured her suffering with patience.
Funeral services at Midway Church by the brethren, A. J. Steiner and Allen Rickert. Interment at the adjoining cemetery.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington

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Gospel Herald - Volume XI, Number 26 - September 26, 1918 - pages 463 and 464

Kilmer.-Pauline, infant daughter of Bro. Odessa and Sister Orva Kilmer, died Sept. 3, 1918, at the parents' home near Airdale, Oreg. Interment in Firdale Cemetery. Services by Bro. G. D. Shenk.
A. N. S.

Sharer.-Inez Alice, infant daughter of Bro. Milo and Sister Effie Sharer, died at the parents' home near Airlie, Oreg., Aug. 2, 1918. Interment in Firdale Cemetery. Services by Bro. G. D. Shenk.
A. N. S.

Zook.-Justus Mathias, only son of Bro. and Sister Roy A. and Salina Zook, was born in Harper Co., Kans., Sept. 16, 1917; died Aug. 12, 1918 near Tofield, Alta.; aged 10 m.17 d. The cause of death was indigestion of the stomach. He leaves father, mother, and three little sisters (Esther, Estella and Edna); also grandparents. Funeral services at the Salem Mennonite Church conducted by Bro. N. E. Roth assisted by Bros. J. K. Lehman and M. D. Stutzman. Text, Isa. 40:6-8. Interment in the cemetery adjoining the Church.

Stoltzfus.-Reba R., daughter of Elmer U. and Ada Stoltzfus, died August 24, 1918, at her home near Gap, Pa., after a three weeks illness of infantile paralysis; aged 2 y. 11 m. 6 d. Interment in Paradise Cemetery. Brief services were held at the grave by Bro. Jacob Mellinger.
One morning she told papa she was going away. When asked where she was going, she said "Somewhere." Yes she has gone. Somewhere. Somewhere.
"To that Beautiful Isle of Somewhere,
Land of the true where we live anew,
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere."

Birky.-Lester, son of Aaron and Bertha Birky, near Hopedale, Ill., was born Jan. 1, 1916: died at the home of his grandparents, Bro. and Sister Joe Schantz, near Beemer, Neb., Sept. 4, 1918, aged 2 y. 8 m. 4 d.
His mother was visiting her parents when Lester took ill with cholera infantum, and after an illness of four hours the spirit took its flight. He leaves father, mother, one brother, and one sister.
Funeral services Sept. 8 at the A. M. Church near Topedale, Ill., conducted by brethren J. C. Birky, Daniel Nafziger, and Simon Litwiller. Buried in A. M. Cemetery.

Transcriber's note: two spelling for Hopedale/Topedale in original.

Conkly.-James G. Conkly died of complications at his home near Spring Creek, Va., Aug. 27; aged 43 y. 3 m. 29 d. He was sick about six months, during which time he bore his afflictions with patience and resignation.
He was a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years, and expressed his willingness to depart if the Lord would call him home. He leaves his wife (who was a daughter of the late Pre. J. F. Heatwole) with seven children to mourn his early departure. Funeral services at the Weaver Church on the 28th conducted by J. S. Martin, H. B. Keener, and W. R. McKinny. Text, Rev. 14:13. His body was laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.

Nissley.-Mary Horst Nissley, wife of Martin Nissley, deceased, was born Sept. 20, 1832; died Aug. 6, 1918, at the home of her son Joseph H. Nissley where she had been an invalid for about 20 months: aged. 85 y. 10 m. 16 d.: survived by five sons, 27 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and two sisters.
She was a widow 40 years, a constant member of the Mennonite Church for many years. Grandmother was of a peaceful nature, loved by all who knew her.
Funeral Aug. 10 at Geyer's Church by Bros. Simon Garber, C. F. Derstine, and David Miller. Text, Eccl. 12:5. Her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining,

A Granddaughter.

Kefaber.--Jacob Kefaber was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Dec. 2, 1864; died of paralysis at his home near Goshen, Ind., July 30, 1918; aged 53 y. 7 m. 28 d. When a young man he united with the Mennonite Church. To this faith he held until death.

On Oct 4, 1891, he united in marriage with Philibina Gingerich. To this union were born three sons and five daughters. About five years ago he had a stroke of paralysis from which he never recovered and grew gradually weaker until death relieved him of his suffering. He leaves a deeply bereaved wife, two sons, and five daughters. Services at the Clinton Brick church by D. D. Troyer, Silas Yoder. and D. J. Johns.

"God in His wisdom has recalled,
The boon His love had given,
And though the body moulders here,
The soul is safe in heaven."

Weidman. -Barbara (Eby) Weidman was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., June 15, 1828; died Sept. 4, 1918; age 90 y. 2 m. 18 d. On Dec. 21, 1847 she was married to Henry Weidman. They lived in Woolwich township a number of years, then moved to Hay township, Huron Co., Ont., on a farm where they resided until the death of her husband in May, 1897. In the same year she moved to Huron Co., Mich., and had her home with her children. She is survived by six children (Elias, Moses, Menno, Mrs. Magadalena Reist, Henry and Mrs. Lydia Detweiler). One son preceded her in death. There are also living 30 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, one sister and four brothers. Her health was failing for the last six months. Her desire for the last few years was to go to Jesus. The funeral was conducted on Sept. 7 by Bro. Menno Eash. Buried in the Bern Mennonite Cemetery.

Swartzendruber-Wm. Wright, son of Solomon and Katie Swartzendruber, was born Aug. 2, 1893; died Sept. 2, 1918, at the County Hospital in Washington. Ia.; aged 25 y 1 m. Death caused by peritonitis from which he greatly suffered. He is survived by father, mother, three brothers and many other relatives and friends. He was a friend to everyone, and where he was known he was loved. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church. When he realized that his end was near, he chose his funeral text, and was fully resigned to his God. He left this world with the full assurance of going to loved ones gone before. Funeral services were held at the Timber Church near Wellman, Iowa, Sept. 4. Sermon preached by Gideon Yoder and Perry Shenk. Text: John 9:4.

"Some sweet day when life is o'er,
We shall meet above.
We shall greet those gone before,
In that home of love."

Hershey.-Barbara B. Hershey was born in Lancaster Co., Pa. May 1, 1852; died Sept. 8, 1918, at the home of Bro. and Sister David Harnish near Lancaster, Pa., with whom she had lived for a number of years. Aged, 66 y. 4 m. 7 d. Death came to her very suddenly. She got up on Sunday morning in her usual health, and after conversing with the family about going to Church, and about the S. S. lesson, they went to milk and Aunt Barbara as usual was going to get breakfast. But when her niece, Mrs. Harnish, came in, Aunt Barbara was not about, and breakfast not ready. She went to another room and found her, at a chair upon her knees, dead. She gave her heart to God in early life, and lived a faithful life until death. She was of a kind, loving disposition, ever ready to sacrifice self, in order to help someone else. One brother and two sisters remain.
Brief funeral services were held at the house on Sept. 11, and at the Millersville Church, of which she was a member, conducted by the brethren, D. N. Gish and Daniel Lehman. Text, Psa. 89:15 and Re. 22:1v2. Her body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

"We shall be parted for a while,
But will not forget your loving smile,
And some sweet day when life is o'er
We'll greet thee on the other shore."
Her niece, R. H. H.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington


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