Herald of Truth Volume I, No. 7, July 1864 Page 44

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On June 21, of consumption at her residence, in Medina Co., 0., our sister Elizabeth Oberholzer, aged 41 years and 9 months. Her remains were consigned to the tomb on the 23d, accompanied by a large concourse of friends and relations. Appropriate remarks were made upon the occasion by the brethren Abraham Rohrer and Henry Beery from John 5: 28, 29. She leaves a husband and 12 children to mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and tender mother. She was a faithful member of the church for fifteen years. She leaves us the evidence, that her desire was "to depart and be with Christ."

Weep not for me my friends so dear;
Nor shed for me the sorrowing tear,
I am not dead, but only sleep,
My silent slumber, 0 how sweet!

No longer is my mortal frame
The seat of suffering, grief and pain;
Serene and tranquil is my sleep,
My lonely slumber, 0 how sweet!
DANIEL BRENNEMAN.

On the 14th of June, at the residence of Joseph Kulp, in Gardner, Grundy Co., Ill., of Typhoid Fever, John W. Brown, aged 44 years. He was a member of the M. E. church for twenty years, and appeared to be wholly prepared to meet death. He was sensible to the last; and just before his death he called all his children to his bedside and talked to them, begging them to be good children, and to live near unto God. Then he called aloud unto the Lord, to let him die, saying that he was ready to meet his God. Then he folded his hands together, and called to God to have mercy on his children and to bless them; and soon after the spirit took its flight to the world beyond. He leaves four orphan children to mourn his unexpected death.
JOSEPH KULP.

On the 21st of June, at his residence in Mount Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., of disease of the heart, our worthy and beloved brother, Preacher, Peter Risser, aged 66 years, 10 months and 2 days.
He retired at the usual hour, and apparently in usual good health, but before 10 o'clock, P. M., the vital spark had left its clayey tenement.
On the 24th his remains were deposited in his family grave yard, about 2 miles from his residence, where a large concourse of friends and relatives had assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the diseased(sic?) brother. The funeral Sermon was preached by the brethren John Brubaker and John Landis, from Luke 2: 29, 32.
Some six years ago bro. Risser visited Markham and Waterloo Counties, Canada West, where he has many friends living. On Sunday, two days previous to his death, he was at the house of worship in his accustomed health. He lived an upright life and we feel sure he that died a Christian. He was delighted to entertain all that called upon him, in the most hospitable manner. "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
PETER NISSLEY.

My acquaintance with brother Risser, though somewhat limited was such as to awaken in my heart for him the highest esteem as a Christian, and the tenderest love as a brother and a friend. (Brother Daniel Brenneman and myself visited him at his house in January last, while stopping in Mount Joy, from whence he accompanied us to Bucks Co.) In relation to his sudden death, brother Brenneman writes as follows: "Let us receive this as another monitor, testifying to us of the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of life. It is very cheering to me to look back to the time when it was our privilege to kneel down so frequently with him at the Mercy Seat, to implore the blessings of heaven. With special delight do I remember one morning upon rising, that I merely intimated to him, how becoming and necessary it was for us again to seek the face of God. Whereupon he replied: "Yes, it is indeed necessary," and thus we assumed together the position of humble worshippers. May we not cherish the fond hope, that when we again assume that position together, it will be where the perfection of holiness reigns eternally. God grant that thus it may be. Amen." (Edr.)

Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas

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