Herald of Truth - Volume XVI, Number 10 - OCTOBER 1879, page 196, 197, 198

A SAD DEATH

Departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 21 st, in Warren township, St. Joseph Co., Ind., ALEXANDER, oldest son of Pre. Samuel and Elisabeth YODER , aged 20 years, 7 months and 16 days.

The circumstances connected with the death of Alexander Yoder are indeed of a sad and painful character. He was a most estimable young man, respected and beloved by all, and we may well say without an enemy in the world, for even the man upon whom lies the responsibility of being the cause of his death, said to the writer that he had no complaint against Alexander; that he never ill-treated him or his children. He was of a very kind and forgiving nature, and was truly a bright example of all that is worthy of esteem and respect among all good people, and yet he had the misfortune of falling into a difficulty through which he lost his life, but acknowledging his fault, praying to God for forgiveness, and trusting in Jesus, we have hope that he was accepted and has passed away from the sorrowful scenes of this world, to the brighter realities of a better life.

About 1 o'clock, on the day previous to his death (Saturday Sept. 20 th), as he was going to work after dinner in the field, digging potatoes with the hired hand, John Haney, they met William Dale and his two boys, Edward and Samuel, aged 12 and 10 years respectively, the latter also going to their work to dig potatoes, Dale carrying a double barrelled shot gun. The field in which both the parties were digging potatoes had been leased by Dale, who lives on the adjoining farm, and put out on shares. The field had recently been purchased by Bro. Yoder, and Dale was to dig all the potatoes and put Yoder's share on heaps; but as he was not willing to fulfill this part of the contract made with the former owner of the land, Bro. Yoder, in order to avoid all ill-feeling and difficulty, concluded to dig his share himself. Some ill-feeling had been existing, especially between the hired hand, Haney, and Dale. As they met at the above mentioned time, Alexander first spoke to Dale and their conversation bringing on more violent demonstrations, Alexander retreated and Haney took up the quarrel. At this point, Dale, as appears from the testimony given, called to his boys to "Shoot them". The oldest boy, Edward, took the gun and fired, the charge taking effect on Alexander and lodged in the abdomen, laying open the upper part so that the bowels protruded even through his clothes. When his mother came to him as he was sitting on his knees, his head leaning against a tree she said to him, "Alec, do you pray to Jesus?" He replied that he did. When she, lamenting over the sad loss which she saw before her, said, " Must I give up my good boy?" He replied that he had not always been good; that he had done wrong too, but says he, "Jesus will forgive me all my sins." When asked by a minister who come to see him, if he felt any spite against those who had injured him,! he said "None," and he freely forgave them from his heart, and requested that he should pray for him. He was especially cheerful during the early part of the day on which he was hurt, and no one thought that his end was so nigh. But such is life. To-day we live, to-morrow we die.

He was calm and collected; retaining his mind to the last. Twenty minutes before he died, his mother asked him if he could not keep awake and talk with her. With a smile on his face he replied, " O yes, I will try," but immediately closed his eyes to awaken no more in this life.

He was buried on Monday the 22 nd. His funeral was very largely attended. Services were held by John F. Funk from Jas. 4:13,14, assisted by Pre. Peffly.

May the Lord sanctify this sad affliction to the bereaved family and friends, and may we all learn to understand better the frailties of human life and watch and pray that we enter not into temptation, and be ready when the Lord comes, to go in peace.

A SAD ACCIDENT

Departed this life Aug. 16 th, 1879, in Henry Co., Ill., ALFRED THEODORE, twin son of Charles H. and Magdalena ROGERS, aged 8 years, 1 month and 16 days. Alfred was with his older brothers engaged in hauling manure, and when the wagon was loaded he was permitted to drive the team and was but fairly started when the front end board of the wagon burst out. Alfred fell to the ground, one wheel passing over his bowels causing death in thirty minutes. Thus death has made its inroad into this family also taking Alfred for the first out of 11 children. The family tie is now broken, and will be again from time to time, until all have passed through the iron gate. But blessed by the God of all comfort, they may be united again in the family above. For it is written, "He that taketh warning shall deliver his soul." Ezekiel 33:4

LINES UPON THE DEATH OF ALFREED ROGERS

Father, mother, parents dear,
The hand of God has brought me here,
His hand was in my life and breath,
Nor did he stay the monster death.

Your love to me was always sweet,
I ever felt your smiles to greet; But God!
The mighty God above
Has stronger claims upon your love.

Think not on me as one that's lost,
Since I've the chilly Jordan crossed;
But think how Jesus children blest,
And let your troubled spirits rest.

I'm now in my eternal home
And hither you may also come;
Oh! father, mother, serve the Lord
And enjoy with me the rich reward.

Oh brothers, sisters, learn to pray,
Oh turn to Christ the living way;
Grieve not the Holy Spirit's voice
But let Christ's kingdom be your choice.

God's word is true and thus it says,
Leave off your sins and idle ways;
Oh, then do try in heaven to meet,
And there one fam'ly be complete!

Farewell father, farewell mother,
Farewell sister, farewell brother;
Perform your duties toward your
God And meet me in that blest abode;

R. J. HEATWOLE. Harvey Co., Kansas.

OBITUARY

Fannie BRUNK, daughter of David and Elisabeth Brunk, departed this life August 28 th, aged 4 years, 9 months and 4 days. The deceased suffered intensely for several days, of whooping cough and typhoid fever; but now she calmly rests in God. Funeral services by Jos. Driver and Gabriel Heatwole. Text: 1 Thess. 4:13. Interred in the new grave-yard at Weaver's church.

She Rests on the Other Shore.
Dear Fannie left this world of care,
And went to heaven so bright and fair,
Where angels dwell forevermore,
Afar upon the other shore.

Her life was like a summer day,
That mildly comes and fades away;
It seemed like her life had just begun,
When lo! The Master said, "'Tis done."

Farewell we know it is her gain,
Although she had to suffer pain;
Her many dangers now are o'er,
And she is on the other shore.

Dear parents, grieve no more
I pray Your darling is with Christ to-day;
Go dry your tears and weep no more,
For she is on the other shore.

D.B.T. HARTMAN.

DIED

Aug 31 st, in Elkhart Co., Ind., CATHARINE MILLER, Wife of Joseph Miller, aged 68 years, 3 months and 20 days. Sister Miller was born in Bucks Co., Pa., and her maiden name was Zellner. It was her lot to suffer much affliction, being rendered helpless by paralysis, she was confined to her bed for nine years and four months. She bore her affliction with Christian fortitude and patient enduring, looking forward with earnest desire to the time of her redemption, having a desire to "depart and be with Christ, which is far better." She was buried on the 2 nd of September. Services by J.F. Funk, assisted by J. S. Coffman, Joel Shively and John Metzler. Text: 2 Cor. 5:1 and 1 Pet. 4:18.

July 5 th at his residence in Hellum township, York Co., Pa., Bro. Joseph STONER, aged 76 years and10 months. Funeral on the 7 th. He was buried in the family burying-ground. Bro. Stoner was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church nearly 40 years. For the last six months he had to sit on a chair. He went ot bed as usual on the 29 th of December, and was paralyzed that night. His wife died on the 13 th of may 1875 and his oldest son, December 1876. They were married 40 years, and his wife was the first death in the family.

Aug. 5 th, in Elkhart Co., Ind., ELISABETH SCHNYDER, wife of Charles Schnyder, aged 33 yuears, 8 months and 15 days. Buried ion the 6 th. Services by H.A. Miller and J.J. Weaver.

Aug. 10 th, near Blanchard River, Putnam Co., Ohio, Bro. PETER MYERS, aged 70 years, 3 months and 14 days. He was buried on the 11 th, when remarks appropriate to the occasion were delivered by George Brenneman and John Prowant. He leaves one son and one daughter. For several years Bro. Myers was nearly blind, but we hpoe he now sees clearly what all the pure in heart shall see.

Aug 11 th, in Haldimand Co., Ont., of consumption, Bro. CHRISTIAN HUNSBERGER, aged 31 years, 7 months and 5 days. Interred on the 14 th at the Mennonite burying ground.ay South Cayuga. Services by Leonard Hoover and Bishop Weaver. Text Matt. 5:4. Brother Hunsberger was a faithful member for five years. He leaves a bereaved wife to mourn her loss, but it is his eternal gain. He bore his sickness with Christian fortitude. His heart was filled with the love of God, and he had a strong desire top leave this world and go to Jesus.

Aug 11 th, in Allen Co., Ohio, DELILA BARNT, aged 53 years, 11 months and 13 days. Buried on the 13 th. Services by C. Culp and C. B. Brenneman.

Aug 27 th, in Putnam Co., Ohio, of lung fever, MARY, daughter of Amos and Lydia SMITH, aged 1 year, 3 months and 13 days. Buried on the 28 th. Services by C. B. Brenneman.

Aug. 15 th, in McPherson co., Kansas, infant son of John and Lydia BONTRANGER, aged 4 months and 29 days. The funeral services were conducted by T. Zimmerman.
Nun lieg ich sel'ges Kindelein ,
Und rub in meinem Kaemmerlein;
Ich bin durch einen sanften Tod,
Entgangen aller Augst und Noth.

Aug 16 th, in Kulpsville, Montgomery Co., Pa., HERMAN E. BOORSE, at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 13 days. He was married about 50 years and had 12 children of whom two are dead. On the 20 th, he was buried in the Mennonite burying ground above Kulpsville. Services were conducted by Henry D. Godshalk and Chr. B. Allebach at the house, and by J. Loux and J. B. Mensch at the church.

Aug 24 th, in St. Joseph Co., Ind., of flux, CATHARINE M. LONG, aged 56 years, 11 months and 27 days. Buried at Shaum's on the 26 th. Services by John Metzler, --- Finch and J. M. Culbertson. Peace to her ashes.

Aug. 24 th, in Union Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of flux and infirmities of age, GRIETJE, wife of Bauke W. RYSTRA, aged 79 years, 7 months and 24 days. Buried on the 25 th, at the whitehead grave-yeard, followed by a large concourse of friends and neighbors who mourn their loss, but it is her eternal gain. She was a sister of Pre. R.J.Smith. The funeral services were conducted by J. Chrisophel, --- Knopf and J.M. Culbertson.

Aug. 25 th, in Nappanee, Elkhart Co., Ind., MARY WEAVER, wife of Joseph D. Weaver, after an illness of seven weeks with typhoid fever, at the age of 27 years, 7 months and 20 days. She was a member of the German Reformed Church, and lived as a true Christian. She was the mother of four daughters. The funeral services were conducted by Preacher Boltz and Jonathan Smucker at the South West Church on the 26 th.

Aug 28 th, near Peru, Miami Co., Ind., REBECCA F., daughter of Christian and martha E. Richer, aged 3 years, 7 months and 11 days; was buried on the 28 th. Funeral services by D.M.B. Patten from Luke 8:52. "Weep not she is not dead but sleepeth." Deep was the wound struck in the hearts of the parents, but healing balm is in the words of Jesus in the above text.

In her first budding beauty we offer her up
As a plant for thy garden, dear Lord;
Where sunshine and dew from the heavenly land,
Upon her young spirit is poured.
Thy dreadful reaper has cut down our flower,
And hid her away from our sight;
But angels conveyed her to heavenly bowers,
To bloom in that land of delight!

Aug 30 th, in Montgomery Co., Pa., after long and painful suffering, which her endured with Christian fortitude, Deacon ABM. S. REIFF, at the age of 62 tears, 7 months and 14 days. Buried the 4 th of Sept., in the presence of a very large assemblage, at the Mathatsha burying-ground, at which time remarks were made by Isaac Rickert and John Hunsberger at the house; by Andrew Mack and J. Mensch at the church, from Phillip. 1:21-23. This is the second deacon called away by death within six months at this place.

Aug. 31 st., near Lawrence, Stark Co., Ohio, from injuries received while threshing, BENJAMIN, son of Michael and Maria Horst, aged 23 years and 23 days. During the time of his sufferings he was led to fell the need of a Savior, in prayer putting his trust in Jesus, looking through him to God for the salvation of his soul, he realized the forgiveness of his sins, was baptized and partook of the bread and wine in remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus. He was fully resigned to his Lord and Master Jesus. He asked his father to forgive him for the many times he grieved him, and then turning to his brothers and sisters he said, " You see my condition, and what it was; thanks be to God that time has been given me to be reconciled to God before I must go. Take warning: do not put it off to the eleventh hour, as I did, but turn to the Lord in time." A loud call to the young and unconverted. Peace to his soul.

Sep. 7 th, near Orrville, Wayne Co., Ohio, of diphtheria, SARAH, daughter of Adam and Mary BRENNEMAN, aged 12 years 4 months and 17 days. She was buried the 9 th, followed by a very large number of friends and relatives. Services by C. C. Beery, Michael Horst and Michael Rorher.

Sep. 7 th, near Locke, Elkhart Co., Ind., PERMILLA, daughter of L. and C. HEATON, aged 3 months and 2 days. Buried at the Baptist burying-ground on the 8 th. Services by J.M. Culbertson.

Sep. 17 th, in Nappanee, Elkhart Co., Ind., infant child of Franklin and --- COPPES. Buried on the 18 th at the South Union Cemetery. Services by J.M. Culbertson.

"A little flower of love
That blossomed but to die;
Transplanted now above
To bloom with God on high."

Aug 23 rd, in Mt. Joy, Lancaster co., Pa., ADAM GREINER, aged 84 years, 11 months and 3 days. Funeral on the 26 th. Text: Matt. 5:20; Amos 4:12. Buried at the Mt. Joy Cemetery.

Aug. 26 th, near Mountville, Lancaster Co., Pa., JOHN D., infant son of Ephraim and Barbara NEWCOMER, aged 2 months and 29 days. Funeral on the 28 th. Text: 1 Peter 1:24, 25. Buried in Mountville Cemetery.

Aug 31 st, near Washington, Lancaster Co., Pa., CATHARINE W LEWIS, aged 70 years and 6 months. Funeral on September 2 nd. Text: Luke 10:38-42.

Sep. 3 rd, near Silver Spring, Lancaster Co., Pa., JOHN NOLT, aged 70 years, 10 months and 18 days. Funeral on the 6 th. Text: John 5:24,25. Buried at Silver Spring Cemetery.

Sep. 5 th, in Dauphin Co., Pa., JACOB STRICKLER, aged 67 years, 10 months and 9 days. Funeral on the 8 th. Text: Heb. 9:27,28.

Sep 10 th, near Hossler's Meeting-house, Lancatser Co., Pa., SUSAN S., only child of John and Mary GEIB, aged 11 months and 16 days. Funeral on the 12 th. Text: Gal. 3:26. Buried at Mastersonville Meeting-house.

Sep. 13 th, in Salunga, Lancaster Co., Pa., RAYMEN B. JOHNS, aged 1 month and 8 days. Funeral on the 15 th. Text: Acts 17:30,31. Buried at Landisville Meeting-house.

Sep. 14 th, Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., of consumption, LAVINA HARRIET HELLMAN, aged 28 years, 5 months and 29 days. Funeral on the 18 th. Text: Isaiah 57:2. Buried in the Mt. Joy Cemetery.

Transcribed by: Joe Lawson, Oklahoma.