Herald of Truth - Volume XVIII, Number 5 - May 1881

Correction.-- In the death notice of Catharine Ringenberger, in the April No. of the Herald, our informant stated that her maiden name was Ebersole. It should have been Albrecht.

The following three deaths were sent us by a correspondent from Montgomery Co., Pa.:

Hunspurger.­On the 17th of April, the wife of preacher Christian Hunspurger was buried at Skippack meeting-house. She died in the 57th year of her age. Services by Jacob B. Mensch and John B. Hunsberry.

Landes.­On the 16th of April Bro. Abraham Landes was buried at Skippack meeting-house. Died in the 71st year of his age. Services by John Allebach, John B. Hunsberry, and Jacob B. Mensch. Methinks to children it may well be said as Christ said to his disciplss*, "Follow in my footsteps," etc.

Detweiler.­April 12th Isaac Detweiler's widow was buried. Her maiden name was Clemmer. Her age was 88 years, 11 months and 5 days. She was buried at Worcester meeting-house. Services John B. Hunsberry, Jacob Mensch, and Christian Hunsberry.

Welty.­April 14th, in Fairfield Co., O., of old age, Elizabeth Welty, aged 93 years and 9 months. She has been a member of the Mennonite church for sixty years; was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., emigrated to Ohio in 1811, and settled in Fairfield county, were she has since resided. She leaves many friends to mourn her departure. Her family consisted of 14 children; 113 grand-children; 230 great-grand-children; 50 great-great-grand-children; total, 407. Funeral on the 15th, services by Jacob Good and Benjamin Huber, from 2 Kings 20, last part of the first verse.

Leaman.­August 21st, in Lancaster Co., Pa., Daniel Leaman, aged 58 years, 10 months and 20 days. On the 24th his remains were consigned to the grave at Strasburg in the midst of a large congregation of mourning friends and relatives. We hope the loss which his sorrowing friends have sustained by his demise is his eternal gain. Appropriate and impressive remarks were made on the solemn occasion by Benjamin and Amos Herr. Text: John 5 : 24.

Kindig.­On the 17th of March, near Elkhart, Indiana, Bro. Joseph Kindig, age 67 years, 8 months and 23 days. He was buried on Sunday, the 20th, at Yellow Creek, where, not withstanding the inclement weather, many of his numerous friends were assembled to sympathize with one another and with the relatives of the deceased in their bereavement. Bro. Kindig was one of the early settlers in Elkhart Co., and through his whole life was beloved and esteemed. He bore his last sufferings with patience and resignation, but was still glad to depart. When nearing his end, he asked his sorrowing companion to rejoice that his departure and the end of his sufferings were so near. Services were held in German by Christian Christophel, and in English by J. S. Coffman. Text: Job 14 : 14. In the notice in April the wrong month was given.

Gross.­Mch.* 23, near Fountainville,Bucks Co., Pa., Lydia, wife of Samuel Gross, aged 36 years, 2 months and 24 days. She was buried on Sunday, the 27th, at Doylestown Meeting-house, whither she was followed by a large concourse of friends assembled to sympathize with a sorrowing husband and seven motherless children, the youngest about three years old. She suffered about eight months with an abcess* of the hip and latterly also with scrofula. She bore her afflictions with fortitude and resignation. Peace to her ashes.

Ebersole.­Near Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., on the 16th of March, Martha, wife of Jacob Ebersole, aged 85 years, 3 months and 6 days. Her maiden name was Rutt. She, with her husband, moved from Lancaster county to Franklin county. Sister Ebersole was a member of the Mennonite church for over sixty years. Appropriate funeral remarks were made by John Hunsicker, Peter Wedel, and Daniel Roth. Text: Phil. 1 : 21.

Schrag.­On April the 5th, near Orrville, Wayne Co., O., Daniel Schrag, son of Moses and Christina Schrag, aged 16 years, 5 months and 27 days. He was sick one year and 22 days, and suffered very much; though several physicians attended him the relief he derived from their services was inconsiderable. Upon conversing with him regarding the necessity of making his peace with God, he expressed an earnest desire to be baptized, and to partake of the Lord's Supper with his parents, brothers, and sisters. His request was complied with, and soon after he fell asleep in Jesus. Funeral discourses were held by D. Z. Yoder, from Matt. 22 : 44, and J. K. Yoder, from Rev. 16 : 15. A post mortem examination was held by three physicians, and the cause of his death was found to be inflammation of the stomach in connection with a soft enlargement of the spine. The spine had become so enlarged that the stomach and intestines were dislodged from their proper location.

Dohner.­Jan. 31st, in Lebanon Co., Pa., of palsy, Bishop Jacob Dohner, aged 74 years and 9 months. Buried the 4th at Wasserhein's Meeting-house where a large number met to pay the last tribute of respect. Funeral discourses from Hebrews 18 : 7.

Yordy.­Feb. 10th, in Lebanon Co., Pa., Sister Maria Yordy, aged 79 years, 5 months and 9 days. Buried at Gingrich's burying-ground. Funeral discourse from Rev. 14 : 13.

Ney.­In Lebanon Co., Pa., Feb. 28th, Maria, daughter of Henry and Anna Ney, aged 10 yrs. Buried at Gingrich's burying-ground. Text : Job 14 : 1, 2.

Yoder.­April 9th, in Knox Co., Tenn., Elmor F., son of Noah Z and Lydia Yoder, aged 2 yrs and 24 days. Funeral services were held by Joseph Detweiler and J. Brown from Ps. 16 : 5, 6; Mark 10 : 16; Job 14 : 1, 2.

Bender.­At Clarence Center, Erie Co., N.Y., on the 26th of March, Elizabeth Bender, aged 15 years, 4 months and 17 days. Funeral services were held by Jacob Krehbiel from 2 Cor. 5 : 17, and Peter Rhodes from James 4 : 17.

Bassler­March 1st, in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Bro. Jonas Bassler, aged 77 years and 10 months. Buried in the Mennonite cemetery at Stonerville, on the 4th. Services by J. N. Durr and Samuel Wakefield from Heb. 11 : 14. Bro. Bassler was a consistent and faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years. His death was calm and peaceful, transferring him, we trust, from the cares and trials of earth to the reward of the faithful in heaven. Let those who feel most deeply the loss they have sustained submit to Him whose judgments are just and right, and who doeth all things well.

Shirk.­In Juniata Co., Pa., on the 14th of March, Katie, daughter of Abel and Catharine Shirk, aged 8 days. Buried the 9th* at Shelly's burying-ground. Services by Thomas Graybill.

Graybill.­In Richfield, Juniata Co., Pa., on the 26th of March, of diphtheria, Mary A., daughter of Peter and Mary Graybill, aged 13 years, 2 months and 13 days. She was buried the 28th at Graybill's burying-ground. Services by Samuel Winey, Thomas and William S. Graybill. Text : Luke 8 : 52.

Leitzel.­In Richfield, Juniata Co., Pa., on the 26th of March, John Henry, son of Henry and Mary Leitsel*, aged 6 months and 4 days. Buried the 28th; services at Shelly's Meeting-house by Samuel Winey and Solomon S. Graybill.

Horst.­On the 20th of March, near Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., of scarlet fever, Rebecca H., only daughter of Henry L. and Maria Horst, aged 2 years, 5 months and 7 days. Buried at the Chambersburg Meeting-house. Funeral Services by Bishop Hunsicker, Peter Wadle, and Philip Parrett. Text, Job 14 : 1, 2.

Augstein.­On the 2nd of March, in Fulton Co., O., infant daughter of Michael and A. Augstein, aged 17 days. Buried the 3d. at the Amish Mennonite burying-ground. Services by J. Weisz and C. S. Stuckey.

Schmitt.­On the 18th of. March, in Fulton Co., O., of asthma and dropsy; Jacobina, widow of Joseph Schmitt, deceased, aged 65 years, 6 months and 20 days. She was a sister in the Amish Mennonite church. About 25 years ago they came from Butler Co., O., to this place. Her husband preceded her to the grave over three years. She was buried on the 19th, on which occasion comforting words were spoken by J. Weisz and C. Freienberger from Heb. 4. She leaves five children to mourn their loss, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. She suffered much but bore it all patiently. She often wished for the time of her departure that she might be with Christ.

Fischer.­On the 22d of March, near Spring Hill, Fulton Co., O., of consumption, George Fischer, aged 35 years, 5 months and 15 days. He suffered much, but in the hope that he should shortly be released from his sufferings. He was buried on the 24th. Services were held by Jacob Linden.

Erb.­March 20th, in Seward Co., Neb., Elizabeth Erb, aged 39 years 6 months and 16 days. She was buried on the 22d, and leaves a husband and eight children, six children preceded her to the spirit world. Services were held by Joseph Schagel, Joseph Gascho, and Paul P. Hershberger Text: Matt. 24 : 44; Lamentations of Jeremiah 3.

Clotfelder­On the 27th of March, in Juniata Co., Pa., Ellen A., daughter of Peter and Charlotte Clotfelder, aged 13 years, 8 months and 15 days. She was buried at Arlogast church on the 29th. The circumstances of her death are sad indeed. In hanging up her brother's coat, a pistol which he had left in his pocket dropped on the floor and discharged. The ball striking her made a fatal wound which ended her life in one hour after the accident. This is a loud call to the young to be ready to leave this world at a moment's warning. Jesus bids all to come to him that he may make them mete for heaven.
"Say not I'm too young salvation to seek,
And all the commandments of Jesus to keep,
Since many young people before you have gone
On that narrow path to a sweet happy home."

Gelnet.­March 30th, in Snyder Co., Pa., John Gelnet, aged 75 years. He was buried April 1st at Arlogast church. Services by Thos. Graybill and Elias Landis. Text : John 5 :24.

Reed.­In Montgomery Co., Ohio, Thomas Reed. The deceased was born in New York City in 1795, and died Jan. 21, 1881,aged 86 yrs., 1 month and 21 days.

Wismer.­Near Trappe, Montgomery Co., Pa.,, on the 9th of March, Sarah, wife of Christian Wismer, aged 48 years, 10 months and 28 days. Sister Wismer was a faithful member of the Mennonite church.

Longenecker.--On the 26th of March, in Owen Co., Ind., of heart disease, Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Longenecker, aged 72 years, 9 months and 25 days. She was a member of the Dunkard church for thirty years.

Stedman.­On the 28th of March, in Lee Co., Ill., of consumption, Jemima Stedman, daughter of Abraham and Hannah Moyer, aged 24 years, 6 months and 8 days. She was buried at the Mennonite church near Sterling. She leaves a husband and two children to mourn their loss. Services by Abraham Ebersole, Henry Nice, and John Kornhaus from John 11 : 25, 26.

Brenneman.­March 25th, near Carlisle, Cumberland C., Pa.,----Brenneman, widow of Melchor Brenneman, aged 95 years and 2 months. Sister Brenneman united with the Mennonite church in her youth and was a shining light all her days. Buried the 27th at Carlisle cemetery, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends.

Jausi.­March 16th, in Seward Co., Neb., Bro. David Jausi, aged 23 years, 3 months and 9 days. Funeral on the 18th. Text : 2 Peter 3.

Swisher.­On the 19th of March, in Allen Co., Ohio, Joseph Swisher, aged 78 years, 5 months and 15 days. Buried on the 20th at Sherrick's Meeting-house. Services by C. B. Brenneman.

Plank.­Barbara Plank was born Dec. 30th, 1795 in Mifflin Co., Pa., She united with the church in 1811. Her maiden name was Zook. Moved to Ohio in 1822, and to Indiana in 1857, where she died the 26th day of November, 1879*, at the age of 83 years, 10 months and 26 days. She left 7 children, 52 grand-children, 73 great-grand-children, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Plank.­Feb. 1st., in Logan Co., O., Barbara Plank, aged 84 years and 1 month. The funeral services were conducted by Preachers John Warye and C. K. Yoder.

Alwine.­March 4th, in Somerset Co., Pa., Sister Lydia, wife of Bro. Josiah Alwine, and daughter of Moses Kaufman, aged 25 years, 1 month and 29 days. On the 6th her remains were buried in the family grave-yard. Funeral services by Samuel Blough and Samuel Gindlesperger.

Eash.­March 9th, near Davidsville, Somerset Co., Pa., of consumption, Bro. Henry Eash, son of Emmanuel and Frances Eash, aged 24 years, 9 months and 13 days. Buried the 11th in the family grave-yard, amid a large number of relatives and friends. Funeral services by Samuel Blough and Jonathan Harshberger.

Stahl.­March 11th, in Somerset Co., Pa., of old age and gravel, Benjamin Stahl, aged 78 years and 5 months. On the 13th he was buried in the Tunker burying-ground. He left an old companion and a number of children and grand-children to mourn his departure. Funeral services by Samual and Emanuel Blough.

Amstutz.­Mch. 19th, near Arkona, Wayne Co., O., Bro. Ulrich Amstutz, aged 79 years, 10 mos. and 23 days. He was born in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, April 26th, 1801, and emigrated to America, in 1824, settling in Milton Tp., where he lived until his death. His wife whose maiden name was Catharine Lugubil, died Sept. 6, 1873. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, also deacon for about 38 years. He leaves 13 children, 10 living, 63 grand-children, 55 living, and 3 great-grand-children, 2 living. He was a dearly beloved father and grand-father, whose death has been a sad bereavement to all relatives and friends. His remains were interred in the Mennonite bury-ground on the 21st, where appropriate remarks were made from James 4 : 14 to end of chapter, by C. B. and C. D. Steiner.

Bitner.­Nov. 25th, 1880, in Richland Co., O., of paralysis, Sister Anna, wife of David Bitner, aged 73 years and 8 months. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1807 and married in 1830. In 1836 she and her husband with three children moved from Center Co., Pa., to Crawford Co., Pa., and the next year to Richland Co., O., where she had her home till her death. They both united with the Mennonite church the same year they were married. She had ten children, five of which preceded her to the spirit world. During the latter years of her life she felt a great concern for the spiritual welfare of her children yet living. She shed many tears for them, prayed continually for them, and conversed much with them of the necessity of giving their hearts to God. Many times she was found in her closet praying for her children that they might be saved before she died. Near the close of her life she admonished her children to be kind to their aged father as they had been to their mother. She was willing to depart from earth and be with Christ, and rejoiced that her hour had come to leave this world with its sorrows and its cares. Through her fourteen years of suffering she bore her sickness patiently. She often repeated the words, "The Lord's will be done, not ours." Funeral services were held in English by Pre. McFarland, and in German by Pre. Imhoff, after which she was laid to rest in the family grave-yard. Many sympathizing friends and neighbors were assembled to pay their respects to their departed friend and relative.

Hilti.­April 4th, in Putnam Co., Ohio, of croup and sore throat, Sarah, daughter of Isaac and Anna Hilti, aged 4 years and 10 days. Funeral services by John Mosser from John 16 : 33.

* Transcribers note: as written
Transcribed by Sandra Poulton, Ontario