Herald of Truth - Volume XVI, Number 3 - March 1879 - Page 54, 56, 57.

A SAD AND FATAL ACCIDENT

In Shiawasee county, Mich., on the 7th of December, Peter, a son of John and Julia Keyser, aged 14 years, 5 months and 5 days, was shot by a comrade with whom he had gone to shoot rabbits.
Peter and Daniel Keyser and Charley Call, a neighbor's boy, were coming home together from school. Charley Call wanted Peter to go out hunting with him in the evening, but Peter did not wish to go. After he came home, he did his chores. Then returning to the house, took the hymn book and sung
"I know that my Redeemer lives,"
with the chorus,
"I love the Lord: I know I do --
The best of all, He loves me too."
He also then sung,
Farewell, vain world, I'm going home."
with the chorus,
"I want to go, I want to go,
I want to go there too;
I want to go where Jesus is,
I want to go there too."
After this he sang the hymn,
"Jesus, my all to heaven is gone."
with the chorus,
"One more river to cross,"
but before he was through with the singing of the last hymn, Charley Call came with his gun, and said that Peter must go along. Peter replied that he did not want to go. But Call finally prevailed on him, though he said, it seemed to him as though he could not go because his mother did not wish him to go, but fearing that Charley might be offended, he finally consented to go, and at the suggestion of his mother he took his younger brother Daniel with him. Call objected to Daniel going with them, and after they had started wanted him to go back, which he declined to do.
They proceeded together about three quarters of a mile from home, into a thick pine grove, where Peter saw a rabbit outside of the grove, and ran ahead to shoot it, while Daniel and Charley Call followed, and when Call came up to within about six feet of Peter, he said, "Take care," and at the same time shooting his gun, the load striking Peter in the back and entering his body near the right shoulder, passed through the heart and killed him instantly. Daniel then wanted Call to go with him to tell his mother, but after they had gone a short distance, Call went back and taking Peter's gun, which Daniel had left standing against a stump, discharged the load and threw the gun down by the side of Peter's dead body. Then reloading his own gun he went home, leaving his gun outside of the house, and then went away.
This happened on the 9th of December between eight and nine o'clock in the evening. He was buried on the 10th. Services by Elder Miller and Z. Allaback, from Phil. 1:21 It seems as though he was ready to go, if we may judge from the beautiful hymns which he sung. But a solemn warning this is against the careless handling of fire-arms, and earnestly should it call us to be also ready, for we know know when the Lord may call us away.
BENJ. J. EASH

OBITUARY

Died January 12th, in Keokuk Co., Iowa, of consumption, Sister FRANCIS WHITNER, widow of David G. Whitner, formerly of Rockingham Co., Va., aged 46 years, 9 months, and 29 days. She was a widow about 18 years, during which period she was at no time free from affliction. Two daughters suffering from scrofula for several years, passed from time into eternity with a bright hope of entering that land which is free from disease and death; one little boy having first of all passed into the spirit world. She leaves an only daughter and son-in-law, one brother, three sisters, and many friends and relatives to mourn the loss of one so kind and well beloved. We rejoice to think of the evidence she gave of an entire consecration to God and a willingness, to obey all his commandments, during the fifteen months of her stay with us in Kansas. We learn since then to the time of her death she sought continual comfort from the word of God, reading often to those around her, exhorting them as an affectionate mother of love and serve the Lord while it is yet called to-day. May God add his blessing to her kind admonitions. One of her favorite hymns was,
"Of for a closer walk with God."
She was buried in the Tunker grave-yard, and funeral services were held by Pre. Flory, from Matt. 24:44. "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Our hearts feel grateful towards the friends in Iowa, for the respect shown during the sickness, death and burial of our sister. The Lord reward them.
Our sister now is gone we trust
To a better world than this,
Here toil and suffering was her lot
But now we hope 'tis bliss.
'Tis true, we loved her dearly,
Yet Jesus loved her best;
He relieved her of her suff'ring
And took her home to rest.
And thinking of the weary nights
She spent while here in pain;
We feel 'twould be unkind indeed,
To wish her back again.
She never more can come to us,
But we to her may go;
If we, like her, trust God's free grace
And 'scape eternal woe.
And then, dear friends, how sweet the tho't
In heaven with Christ to dwell
Where parents, friends and children dear,
Need no more say Farewell.

MARGARET HEATWOLF, Marion Co., Kansas.

DIED

Nov. 10th, in Lost Creek Valley, Juanita Co., Pa., Bro. MICHAEL BRUBAKER, from a lingering illness of six weeks, age 63 years, 1 month and 18 days. Brother Brubaker was a faithful member in the Mennonite Church for many years, was well beloved by all who knew him. Buried at the Lost Creek grave-yard where appropriate remarks were made on the occasion, by Jacob, Williams and Thomas Graybill and Samuel Winey. Text: 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

On ________ , in Norristown, Pa., Widow CRIFEN, in the 86th year of her age. Her maiden name was Hallman. She was buried in the Norristown cemetery. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."

On Oct. 12 in Jewell Co., Kansas, of croup, son of ABNER SMITH, age 2 years and 2 months. Services by John Snyder, from Matt.. 24:44.

Nov. 1st, 1878, near Marshall, Henry Co., Iowa, of diphtheria and Croup. LYDIA, daughter of Joseph and Mary Schlegel, aged 3 years, 2 months and 20 days. Funeral services by Sebastian Gerig and Stephen Miller.

Dec. 24th, near Swedeburg, Henry Co., Iowa, AMANDA, daughter of Jonas and Barbara Stutzman, aged 1 year, 11 months and 10 days. Services by Joseph Schlegel and Martin Eicher, from Luke 2.

Dec. 15th, in Waterloo, Ont., of rheumatism, Sister VERONICA KABLIN, widow, age 84 years, 9 months and some days.

Jan. 12th, in Waterloo, Ont., Sister ELIZABETH SNIDER, aged 87 years, 7 months and 2 days. She was born in Pennsylvania, June 10, 1701, and came to Canada in 1807. In 1812 she united in matrimony with Jacob C. Snider, with whom she had 9 children. Of her offspring there are 5 children, 56 grand-children and 123 great-grand-children. In her early years she united with the church, and remained faithful to the end. Buried the 15th, in Chr. Eby's burying-ground. Services by J.R. Schmidt, A.W. Martin and A. Cressman.

Jan. 14th, in Berlin, Ont., Pre. JACOB M. OBERHOLZTER, aged 78 years, 9 months and 16 days. He filled his office nearly forty years. The last eight days he was afflicted with tightness of the chest, and several times he had spells as of fainting. During the night he frequently asked what time it was, and at four o'clock he again asked, and when told the time, he said, "Two long hours till six," at which time he expired.

Nov. 20th, in Juanita Co., Pa., very suddenly of old age, PETER KOONS, aged 79 years, 6 months and 9 days. He leaves a bereft wife and 5 children. Buried the 22nd in the family grave-yard. Services by William Graybill, from John 5:25.

Jan 1st, in LaGrange Co., Ind., CATHERINE TEIS, aged 77 years, 9 months and 21 days. She was born in Germany in 1808. She leaves 3 children and 28 grand-children.

Dec. 14th, in Medina Co., Ohio, of the infirmities of old age _____ widow of the last Bishop Joseph BIXLER, deceased, age 90 years, 10 months and 13 days. She was buried on the 17th. She leaves a large family of children, grand-children, great-grand-children, also a few great-grand-grand-children.

Dec. 16th, in LaGrange Co., Ind., _____, son of DANIEL SPEICHER, aged 3 months and 4 days. And on the 20th of Dec. in the same place, JOHN, son of the same, aged 5 years and 1 month. Funeral services on both occasions by HENRY A. MILLER.

Jan. 3rd, near Bainbridge, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. MICHAEL MARTIN aged 74 years, 8 months and 19 days. Funeral on the 6th. Text: Luke 2:29-32. Buried in the family grave-yard. Bro. MARTIN walked in the fear of the Lord.

About three miles north of Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa., the following named children died of diphtheria. Jan. 5th, LIZZIE M. BARNES, aged 10 years, 2 months and 7 days. Jan. 6th, MALINDA M. BARNES, aged 12 years, 9 months and 8 days. Jan 6th, FANNIE M. BARNES, aged 11 years 8 months and 23 days. Children of Bro. and Sister Samuel Barnes. Funeral on the 8th. Text: Lamentations 3:31-33. Buried at Hernley's Meeting-house. Buried in one grave. Many sympathizing friends witnessed the solemn ceremonies. Brethren and sisters, remember the bereft parents in your prayers.

Jan. 9th, near Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa. of dropsy, Sister ANNA E. KREIDER, aged 45 years 7 months and 25 days. Funeral on the 12th. Text: Matt.. 24:44-46. Buried at Landisville Meeting-house. Sister Kreider was a faithful member of the church.

Jan. 11th, near Rohrerstown, Lancaster Co., Pa., FRANKLIN HOOVER infant son of Henry and Emma Shenk, aged 8 months and 1 day. Funeral on the 14th. Text: Gal. 3:26, 27. Buried at Brubaker's Meeting-house.

Jan 18th, on Sporting Hill, Lancaster Co., Pa., of diphtheria, AMOS M, infant son of Bro. and Sister Jacob W. Nissley, aged 11 months and 19 days. Funeral on 21st. Text: Rom, 8, 17.

Jan. 19th, in Cambellstown, Lebanon Co., Pa., Sister CATHARINE MUMMA, aged 69 years, 3 months and 4 days. Funeral on the 22nd. Text: John 8:51. Buried in Cambellstown.

Jan. 18th, in Montgomery Co., Pa., very suddenly, Deacon Abraham Clemmer, at the advanced age of 85 years, 9 months and 26 days. He was ordained to the office of deacon on the 5th of June 1839. He performed the duties of his office faithfully and filled his placed to the end. He was beloved by all who knew him, and had a very extended acquaintance, and was a strong pillar in the church. He was friendly towards all, and assisted the ministry of his church with all faithfulness both in word and deed. He was buried on the 22nd, followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives, among whom were 26 ministers and deacons. Funeral services were held at the house by Andrew Mack and Samuel Leatherman, and at the meeting-house by Henry Nice and Isaac Oberholtzer, from John 14:1-3.

Jan. 26th, in LaGrange Co., Ind., of typhoid pneumonia, Sister LEAH, wife of Claudius CURTIS, aged 28 years, 2 months and 20 days. She was a faithful member in the Mennonite Church and piety and consistent walk won for her the love and respect of all who knew her. She bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude and humble submissions to God. She expressed herself as fully resigned to the will of the Lord, and when her husband sat by her bedside unable to restrain his tears, knowing that the end was nigh, she bade him not weep. She leaves besides her deeply afflicted husband four small children, an aged mother, brothers and sisters to mourn her early death. But they need not mourn as those who have no hope for she is not lost but only gone before. She was buried on the 28th. Services by Henry A. Miller, John F. Funk and J.J. Weaver, from Rev. 7:16, 17.

Jan. 24th in LaGrange, Co., Ind., after an illness of about two weeks, Widow BARBARA SCHROCK, aged 56 years, 9 months and 20 days. She was buried on Saturday Jan. 25th. Funeral services were held by C. Plank, and J.F. Funk, from Rev. 14:18. She was a sister in the Amish Church and leaves a family of sons and daughters, and many friends to mourn their loss. Peace to her ashes.

Nov. 23rd, in Lincoln Co., Ont. of apoplexy, AGNES widow of the late John WISMER, aged 73 years, 3 months and 9 days.

Jan. 13th, in the same place, JOHN WISMER, son of the above named John and Agnes Wismer. He received a fall from riding a horse several months ago, but he nearly recovered. About two weeks before he died he commenced to fail. A blood vessel in the head was ruptured, from which he bled very much. He was received in the church by baptism a few days before he died. He leaves a wife and one child to mourn his un-timely death.

Nov. 15th, 1878, in the same place, MARY, wife of John G. WISMER, aged 42 years and about 9 months. She suffered with palsy of the brain for about one year. She leaves a husband and 4 children to mourn the departure of one so dear.

Jan. 12th, in Allen Co., Ohio, Sister BARBARA AUGSPURGER, in the 44th year of her age. The disease was cancer in the stomach. In the last two months she suffered very much, yet she bore her suffering with Christian fortitude. Buried on the 13th. Funeral services were conducted by Abraham Steiner, in German from Psalm 16:6, in English by J.F. Crooks, from Isaiah 38:1.

Jan. 15th, in LaGrange Co., Ind., an infant son of Pre. M. and Susanna HOSTETTLER, aged 11 days. Sermon by J.J. Berntreger.

Jan. 3rd, in Plumstead, Bucks Co., Pa., after a lingering illness, SAMUEL MYERS , aged 73 years, 1 month and 7 days. On Thursday, following his funeral was attended by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Buried in the Deep Run burying-ground. Services by I. Overhold, S. Godshalk and Isaac Moyer.

Jan. 21st, in South Cayuga, Haldimand Co., Ont., HENRY RITTENHOUSE. Funeral sermon by Christian Gayman in German, and by Leonard Hoover, in English.

Jan. 22nd, in Lincoln Co., Ont., JACOB ALBRECHT, at the advanced age of 90 years, 1 month and 14 days. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, and came to Canada in boyhood with his parents. He leaves 8 children, 48 grand-children and 34 great-grand-children.

Jan. 26th, in Bowne, Kent Co., Mich., Sister NANCY THOMAS, aged 37 years, 5 months and 12 days. Funeral services were conducted by Bros. Speicher, Keim and Long.

Feb. 6th, in Jefferson Co., Iowa, of liver complaint, Bro. SAMUEL ESHLEMAN, aged 81 years, 4 months and 6 days. He embraced the faith of the Mennonites over forty years ago. He was formerly from Lancaster Co., Pa.; from there he went to Bedford Co., and in 1847 he moved to Iowa, where he withstood the hardships of a frontier life. The funeral services were conducted by B.G. Hartman and Louis Fonedere, from Isaiah 55:1-10.

Feb. 9th, in St. Joseph Co., Mich., SARAH KAUFFMAN, daughter of Pre. Joseph and Lydia Yoder, aged 21 years, 9 months and 21 days. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, father, mother, three brothers and two sisters to mourn her early departure. Blessed be God, they mourn not as those having no hope. She manifested a living faith, and her last words were, "I have peace with Christ." Her twin babies preceded her only a few weeks. Funeral discourses by John Hartzler, Chr. Were and John Shoemaker, from Heb. 9:27, 28.

Feb. 2nd, near Kindig's Church, in Augusta Co., Va., Sister ANNA GROVE, aged 76 years, 3 months and 17 days; her sickness was dropsy of the heart. She was only sick four or five days. Sister Grove united with the Mennonite Church in her young days with which she continued a faithful and consistent member to the close of her life. She was much concerned about the well being of her children eight in number, and through her influence and the help of God, she and her husband in his life time succeeded to bring them all into the church to which they belonged. She leaves 7 children and many kind friends to mourn her departure. Funeral discourse by Jacob Hildebrand. Text: I Thess. 4:13-18.

Feb. 3rd, near Churchville, Dauphin Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Sister ANNA, wife of Benjamin COCKLEY, aged 42 years, 4 months and 27 days. She was buried in Churchville, where funeral services were conducted by Martin Rutt and John Stickler in German, and John Erb in English, from 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. She leaves a sorrowing husband and four children to mourn their loss, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope, for she has left them evidence, that it was her eternal gain. She was a dutiful wife, a kind mother, a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite Church. She said during her sickness, that she was so glad that she worked the work that she did while she was yet well, and that she did not put off the "one thing needful" for death-bed work. She was asked whether anything kept her back, she answered, "Nothing, I am ready and willing to go that better home." During her last sickness she would often want water to drink; after receiving it, she said that she would soon drink the water of life, after which she would never thirst again. Just previous to her death, she told her friends who were around her bed, that she was going home, and requested them to waken her children and bring them to her bed, as she wished to give them good-bye; soon after she peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. Let us all try to follow her good example, so that when we will be called hence we may be prepared to go, and may it be our lot to hear that welcome voice, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter in the joy of thy Lord."

Jan. 25th, in Allenville, Mifflin, Co., Pa., JONATHAN DETWEILER, aged 61 years, 6 months and 26 days. His sickness continued nine weeks. He bore his suffering with patience, and died with the full hope of obtaining everlasting joy. Funeral services by Christian and John Pitschy. Text: John 5: 24-29.

Feb. 12th, in Dauphin Co., Pa., son of David and _____SONNEN, aged 10 months and 7 days. Services by John Strickler and John Stauffer, from John 16:16. I take these little lambs, says he, And lay them in my breast; Protection they shall find in me, In me be ever blest.

Feb. 2nd, in New Erection Church, Rockingham, Co., Va., of consumption, Bro. JOHN. P. GOOD, aged 59 years, 9 months and 13 days. He was buried on the 3rd, at Weaver's. Bro. Good lingered long and death was not unexpected to him; he took the advice of the prophet to king Josiah; and tried to set his house in order (temporally) knowing that he should die and not live. Many years ago he sought to set his spiritual house in order; and all through his life he was a benevolent neighbor, and a zealous and devoted brother in the church. Peace to his ashes.

Feb. 14th, near Bank Church, Rockingham Co., Va., of typhoid pneumonia, JOHN A. DRIVER, aged 37 years, 4 months and 6 days. He was buried on the 16th, at Mt. Clinton; on which occasion impressive remarks were made by Jacob Thomas and Daniel Heatwole. He was sick only about six days. Sad that one in the prime of life, should be so quickly taken from robust health, away from a loving companion and small, dependent children, and placed in the grave to be seen no more. His many friends thronged together to pay their last tribute of respect.

Feb. 14th, near New Erection Church, Rockingham Co., Va., of typhoid pneumonia, ANNIE, wife of Peter WENGER, aged 38 years 8 months and 26 days. Buried at Weaver's on the 16th. Appropriate and comforting remarks were spoken by Abraham Shank and Samuel Coffman. She leaves an afflicted husband, who is at this time confined to bed, and a number of small children to mourn their loss. She willingly gave up her mortal interests, with a bright hope of an eternal interest in the heavenly mansions.

Jan. 4th, in Lower Salford, Montgomery Co., Pa., of nerve fever, SARAH, wife of Enos Z. WAMBOLD, and only daughter of Jacob H. and Susan M. Klein, aged 28 years, 8 months and 18 days. A deeply bereaved husband and two small children are left to mourn their loss. On the following Saturday her remains were interred in the Franconia burying-ground in the presence of a large concourse of people, on which occasion words of comfort were delivered by C.B. Allebach and Henry Nice at the house, and H.S. Bauer and Josiah Clemmer, from Psa. 34: 18-20.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia