Herald of Truth Obituaries - November, 1883

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Herald of Truth - Volume XX, Number 21 - November 1, 1883, pages 332, 333

CHRISTOPHEL. - On the 12th of October, in Elkhart county, Ind., of palsy, Pre. Christian Christophel, aged 63 years, 7 months and 26 days.
Bro. Christophel was born on the 16th of Feb. 1820, in Westmoreland county, Pa. He came to Ohio in 1835 and was married to Anna Hoover, in Mahoning county, on the 17th of April 1845. He removed from the last named place to Harrison township, Elkhart county, Ind., in 1848, where he resided to the time of his death. He united with the Mennonite Church in early life and about 11 years ago was ordained to the ministry and was a faithful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. His earnest admonitions and his devoted zeal in the cause of Christ and his Church, will be longed remembered. He will be greatly missed not only in his home but also in his neighborhood and in the Church.
On Saturday afternoon, the 6th of October, though somewhat indisposed, he attended the examination meeting at his Church, about a mile from his residence. After his return home he sat down with his family to the supper table to take the customary evening meal, lifting his heart in prayer and thanksgiving to God for the tender mercies of His hands, after which when about to partake of the bounties which a heavenly Father had bestowed, his hand suddenly lost its strength, his tongue became speechless, his mind unconscious and his whole right side was palsied, and in this condition, without being able to speak or recognize any one, he lay for six days, when death relieved him of all his sufferings; but we need not mourn as those who have not hope, believing that our loss was his eternal gain.
He was buried on the 15th. An immense concourse of people followed the remains to their last resting place at Yellow Creek Meeting-house, where services were held by Jacob A. Beutler from Luke 2:29, and John F. Funk and Martin Hoover from Numbers 23:10 last clause; a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, a faithful minister and sincere Christian has been called from the toils of this sinful world, and our prayer is that He may comfort the sorrowing household, and raise up another laborer to fill the vacant place in the Church.

NICE. - On the 9th of October, in Franconia township Montgomery county, Pa., of kidney disease. Pre. Henry Nice, of the Franconia Church aged 79 years, 6 months and 21 days.
Bro. Nice was born on the 18th of March 1804. In 1825 he was married to Catharine Gottshalk with whom he lived 58 years and who survives him. They were the parents of five sons and four daughters of which one son died before him.
He was chosen and ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Church in 1839, and in this capacity served the Church over 44 years. He was faithful in his calling, and we believe we may justly say with Paul that he "kept back nothing that was profitable unto us. He preached with all diligence repentance to God, and faith in Jesus Christ, and we trust that he is guiltless of the blood of all men, for he held the souls of men very precious, especially those of his own household, and often with tears exhorted them He sought to be a true light in the world and a salt in the earth, and we may feel assured that his reward is with those who have come out of much tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
He was buried on the 13th at Franconia Meeting-house; a very large concourse of relatives and friends were assembled on the occasion. Services were held at the house by Andrew Mack and John Allebach, and at the meeting-house by Samuel Godshalk, Isaac Rickert, Isaac Oberholtzer and Josiah Clemmer from, Heb. 13:7. Peace to his soul.

Transcriber's notes: lack of punctuations left as in the original.

WENGER. - In Keokuk Co., Iowa, Sept. 30th, Sister Sallie I. Wenger, eldest surviving daughter of Martin and Lizzie Berry, of Rockingham county, Va., and beloved companion of Bro. S. B. Wenger aged 28 years and 1 month. She was married May 18th 1882, and left her native home and coming among us with her now bereaved husband, a happy bride, with prospect for long life, enjoying usual health up to the 30th of September between 12 and 1 o'clock. She awoke her husband saying she was very short of breath and fifteen minutes after she first spoke, she closed her eyes in that sleep, in which waking the faithful find heaven. Her piety was worthy of imitation; kind and affectionate to all, especially so as a companion and a zealous and devout member of the Brethren Church for six or eight years, She had endeared herself to all who knew her. She was buried at English River Church on the evening of the 30th, followed to the grave by many sympathizing friends. Funeral services by Eld Samuel Flory and George S. Wine, from Rev. 14: part of the 13th verse. We are unable to give a fitting tribute to one who in life was held so dear and by whose death the whole community seems shrouded in gloom; especially do we sympathize with the afflicted brother whose trials seem almost greater than he can bear; but we pray that this affliction may work for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
W. S. L.

BOYTS. - September 29th, in Clinton twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of typhoid fever. Edward Boyts, aged 29 years, and 1 month. Buried on the 30th. Services were held on the occasion by Levi and J J Weaver in English and D. J. Johns in German. Text, 2 Cor. 5:1, 2. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn his early departure.

Transcriber's note: The periods after (J J) were left out in the original.

LEITSEL. - August 18th, in Richfield, Juniata county, Pa., of consumption, Mary, wife of Henry Leitsel, and daughter of Jacob and Lydia Shelly, aged 33 years, 9 months and 3 days. Services by Jacob and Herman Snyder, Thomas and Solomon Graybill. Text, 2 Tim. 4:6 - 8. She leaves a husband, and four children to mourn her departure. She was a beloved sister and faithful worker in the church, and we hope and believe she found the Savior gracious in her death. Through her long sickness, while she was not able to attend church, services were frequently held with her. At the last of these services, one week before her death, her voice could be heard above all the rest singing. She regretted that she had not given her heart to God sooner. Her concern and prayer was that God through some means might cause the conversion of her brother and sister. May her prayers be answered.

FOLTRY. - On the 21st of September, in Snyder county, Pa., Clara Ally, daughter of Jacob and Emma Foltry, aged 3 years, 6 months and 6 days Services by Thomas Graybill. Text, John 16:16.

Transcribers, note: The period after (days) was left out in the original.

ZIDER. - On the 6th of September, in Snyder county, Pa., son of Martin and Lydia Zider, aged 8 weeks. Services by Thomas Graybill and Elias Landis.

GROSS. - On the 11th of October, in New Britain twp., Bucks county, Pa., of the infirmities of old age, Christiana Gross widow of the late Pre. John Gross, of the Doylestown Church, in the 86th year of her age. Buried at Doylestown Meeting-house on the 14th.

Transcriber's note: The coma after (Gross) was left out in the original.

MINICH. - On the 1st of October, in Lancaster county, Pa., H. E. Minich, aged 36 years, and 8 months. He leaves a wife and 6 children. Again we are convinced that God's ways are not our ways, but, our Father's will be done.

CRESSMAN. - On the 2nd of September, in Blenheim, Ontario, Maurice, son of Eli Cressman, aged 2 years, 1 month and 19 days. Funeral services by Joseph Nahrgang, in German. Text, John 14:4.

HUNSBERGER. - On the 30th of June, in Bhenheim, Ont., the wife of Samuel Hunsberger, and daughter of the late Benjamin Hallman, aged 66 years and 18 days.

ESHLEMAN. - On the 16th of September, in Waterloo county, Ont., Sister Esther, wife of David Eshleman, and daughter of Isaac and Esther Shantz, aged 60 years, 8 months and 9 days. Her affliction was palsy, of which she suffered three days, when, as we believe, she went asleep in Jesus. Buried at Latshaw's graveyard. Services were held a the house by Amos Cressman and at the meeting-house by Moses Bowman and Joseph Nahrgang.

TROYER. - On the 19th of October, in Logan county, Ohio, Sister Fannie Troyer, Wid. of Jacob Troyer dec,d, aged 78 years, 1 month and 14 days. She was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living, and 38 grand children. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church. She was buried on Sunday the 21st, at the South Union graveyard. A large concourse of relatives and friends followed her to the grave. Services at South Union Church by C. K. Yoder in German and David Yoder, of Wayne county, O., in English from 2 Tim. 4:6 - 9. Her desire was to depart and be with Christ.

PLANK. - On the 11th of October, in Wayne county, Ohio, Elizabeth Plank, aged 54 years, 2 months and 10 days. Funeral on the 12th. Services by John K. Yoder and David Hostetler from Philippians 1:19 - 22 and John 5:24.

FIKE. - On the 30th of August, in Elkhart county, Ind., Sister Mary Fike, aged 60 years and 2 days, leaving a husband and three children to mourn their loss. Sister Fike's family name was Bally and she was born on Bengstlerhof, Kreis Weinweiler, Bavaria. Sister Fike came to America in 1832, with her father, Samuel Bally and six brothers. He mother died on the ocean and was buried in the great deep. With them also came her Uncle Peter Beutler and family, John Bally and family, Samuel Hartman and family. All these were members of the Mennonite Church in Sembach.

DETWEILER. - Oct. 16th, at Summitville, Ind., Salome C. Detweiler, wife of C. F. Detweiler and daughter of Enoch Zook, aged 38 years,10 months and 23 days. When an affectionate wife, a faithful, patient mother, and an humble believer in the Lord is called to rest, we may feel it as a sore bereavement for the present; but let us not forget that our loss is to such great great gain.

YOWLER. - On the 24th of September, in Darke county, Ohio, David Yowler, aged 72 years, 6 months and 23 days. He died peacefully, and leaves a sorrowing widow.

Transcribed by: Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

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Herald of Truth - Volume XX, Number 22 - November 15, 1883, pages 348, 349

BIXLER. - On the 4th of Oct., in Hellam tp., York county, Pa., of heart disease, David Bixler, aged 57 years and 8 months. About one year ago, the disease made its first appearance and at times he suffered very much for want of respiration. On the morning of the 4ht he left his home to attend the Fair, on his return in the evening, about one mile from the rail road station his strength failed him. On the morning of the 5th he was found dead within one hundred yards of his home. This is another warning for us of the uncertainty of life. It seems somewhat strange but this is the 5th sudden death that has taken place in the immediate neighborhood within the last few years.

Transcriber's note: tp. as in the original.

BLOSSER. - On the 3rd of November, in Elkhart County, Ind., of typhoid fever, Susan Blosser, daughter of Peter and Mary Ann Blosser dec,d., aged 22 years, 11 months and 23 days. We are comforted with the hope that this young sister departed in peace with her God. In the last year she was deeply convicted of sin and the necessity of salvation, but had not become fully willing to consecrate her life to God till the affliction of her last illness set in. Then she was baptized, and ever afterwards enjoyed peace in her soul and a perfect trust in Jesus for her redemption and the pardon of her sins. The remains were interred at Yellow Creek Church on Sunday the 4th in the presence of an unusually large audience. Funeral text, Psalms 39:4.

YODER. - On the 29th of August, in Tazewell county, Ill., Jacob, son of John and Magdalene Yoder, aged 6 years, 11 months and 14 days. His early death was caused by the accidental discharge of a pistol. He was standing in front of another brother, who was trying to take a cartridge out of one of these instruments, when the hammer fell and the ball was sent through the little one's stomach. For several days he did not suffer much, but inflammation set in followed by great pain, which he endured with much patience, never complaining, only saying, he wished no revolvers had ever been made. We sincerely hope his suffering and death will cause others to come nearer to our dear Savior who gave his life for us. Funeral services by Peter Stuckey at the house, and Andrew Ropp and Daniel Rhodes at the church house, from whence the remains were taken to the Harstine burying ground.
Dear friends, what of the empty seat,
And of the laughing, vanished face,
And the voice that rang with music sweet
Of Jesus, pardoning grace!

What we would give for that hushed strain,
And the restless, boyish feet,
And the lad we loved to be back again
In that lonely, empty seat?

The children are gathered glad and bright,
As gay as in the by-gone hours;
There is only one lying so still and white,
Underneath the drooping flowers.

And we, who with tears have vainly sought,
The place of the resting one -
God pardon us now for the little wrought -
And the needed work undone.

A little while, and these young hearts all,
Must into the stillness come;
O Master! use us, ere night shall fall,
To bring the dear ones home.
HIS SISTER.

 

MILLER. - On the 1st of October, near Pulaski, Davis county, Iowa, of cancer of the stomach, of which he suffered long and severely, Michael G. Miller, aged about 76 years. He bore his suffering with Christian patience and resignation. Buried on the 3rd at Pulaski Funeral services were held by Ph. Roulet and Chr. Zehr, of Hickory county, Missouri.

Transcriber's note: The period was left out after Pulaski in the original.

BOYER. - On the 2nd of November, in Harrison tp., Elkhart county, Ind., of scarlet fever Harvey, son of Samuel and Eliza Ann Boyer, aged 1 year and 10 days. Services at Shaum's Meeting-house by S. Lambert and Noah Metzler from Luke 7:13.

Transcriber's note: tp. as in the original.

PAULS. - On the 20th of October, in Okomos, Ingham county, Mich., of consumption Rosalie Emilie Gypull, wife of Heinrich Pauls, aged 32 years and 22 days. She was born in Wistynie, Russia Poland, removed to East Prussia and came to America in 1868 She was married to her surviving husband in 1879 and leaves two small children to mourn her early death.

LEHMAN. - Bro. Samuel Lehman near upper Strasburg, Franklin county, Pa, departed this life on Sunday evening, Oct. 21st, aged 85 years, 2 months and 9 days. The subject of this notice was a man of a peculiarly strong and healthy constitution, having known little of sickness, except such as rheumatism etc., the results of exposure, until the last six weeks of his allotted time, he suffered severely from pulmonary and asthmatic affections, but bore his afflictions with much patience; but the time came when human aid and all that loving hearts and hands could do, could no longer keep him and a merciful God permitted the soul to leave its earthly tabernacle, for a better Home not made with hands, where sufferings and sorrows are left behind, and where our tears shall be wiped away. Of this hope our departed father left us a bright evidence, having spent his latter days in much prayer and supplication, expressing nothing of condemnation. Truly, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Father Lehman, since a young man was a member of the Mennonite Brotherhood in Christ, and a regular attendant at the Church near his home: he having been born, lived and died on the same farm. His parents also lived and died there. His long intercourse with his fellow-men in general, was ever pleasant and unobtrusive, being often sought after to fill places of responsibility. Ever generous to the needy, his removal will be felt by many. Like the uplifting of the oak, with its numerous and long roots, intermingled with many lesser ones which stood around it which will be more or less affected by its removal. The The interment took place on the 23rd , when impressive remarks were made from 2 Tim.4:6, 7 by Pre. Peter Wadle and Hunsecker in German, and Isaac Sollenberger in English. Thus has our father and grandfather gone before us. Which among us will be the first to follow him?

Transcriber's note: Typed as written.

BRENNEMAN. - October 11th, in Franklin Co., Ohio, Catharine, wife of Pre. Noah Brenneman, maiden name Steiner, aged 45 years 2 months and 8 days. She was married to Noah Brenneman Nov. 28th 1857, and became the mother of four children, all of whom now are living. All may have a bright hope of her happiness in heaven.

LAPP. - On the 7th of Oct., in Lancaster Township, Stephenson county, Illinois, of the infirmities of old age, Sister Esther Lapp, widow of deacon Samuel Lapp, deceased, aged 77 years, 6 months and 4 days. Buried on the 9th in the Mennonite burying-ground. Funeral services were held by C. C. Snavely in German and E M Shellenberger in English. Text Rev. 13:14. Sister Lapp was the mother of 13 children of whom 10 are living to mourn their loss; but they mourn not as those who have no hope. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church; a kind and tender hearted mother; a meek, humble follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: was loved by all who knew her: and her example was worthy of imitation. For the last four years she had been unable to walk, which affliction was caused by paralysis. Since then she had to be taken care of as a child. But she bore her suffering patiently, trusting in the Lord. Her desire was to go home, to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. We rest in the blessed assurance that she has gone to reap the glorious reward which is in store for all those who love the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
"Our mother dear has gone
To her eternal rest,
Amid the heavenly throng
She,ll be forever blest.

Her suffering now is o,er,
Her warfare now is ended:
We shall see her here no more,
To God, her soul ascended.

With saints and angels there,
She can praise the Lord her king;
The great reward she,ll share,
And the heavenly anthems sing.
"Gospel Messenger, please copy.

Transcriber's note: Lack of punctuations as in the original.

FRETZ. - On the 13th of October, in Bedminister township, Bucks county, Pa., widow of Isaac Fretz, aged 74 years, 5 months and 23 days. Buried at Deep Run Meeting House on the 18th. Funeral services by J. Meyer and Moses Godshalk.

MEYERS. - On the 13th of October, in the Health Institute in Reading, Pa., of consumption, Susanna Meyers, aged 34 years, 1 month and 6 days. Funeral services by Allen Fretz and Jacob Meyer.
She leaves a mourning husband here,
Two infant children dear,
Who feel the loss and parting pain,
But loss for them is her eternal gain.
S. GODSCHALK.

MYERS. - August 19th, in Lancaster county, Pa., of cancer in the mouth, John Myers, at an advanced age. Buried the 21st. The deceased came from Germany while in his minority. In 1837 he was married to Catharine Summers, to whom were born five children, all of whom died young. An aged widow is left. May she seek comfort in that God which causeth the widow's heart to sing with joy.

CHARLES. - On the 20th of Oct., in Bucks county, Pa., very suddenly, Howard, son of Amos and Hannah Charles, aged 19 years, 2 months and 3 days. Interred on the 23rd at Doylestown cemetery. He went to bed in the evening as usual, and was found dead in his bed in the morning.

HOLCOMB. - On the 12th of Oct., in Plumstead township, Bucks county, Pa., Joseph Holcomb, son-in-law of Joseph Overholt aged 48 years. Deceased came to his death by falling under the wheel of a wagon while carting stones. After the wheel passed over him he rose and went to his bed, but died the following day. Buried on the 15th at Tinisum Church. Services by Samuel Godshalk.

KAUFFMAN. - On the 18th of October, in Wayne Co., O., of a lingering affection of the liver, Joseph Kauffman, aged 78 years and 28 days. Buried on the 20th; funeral services by David Hochstetter and J. K. Yoder. He had a great desire to depart and go to his rest.

Transcriber's note: Not sure if (affection) was meant to be affliction or infection.

HORST. - October 23rd, near Shippensburg, Franklin county, Pa., Joseph Horst, aged 89 years, 9 months and 14 days. He was a faithful brother in the Mennonite Church, and formerly lived in Lancaster county. Funeral services by John Hunsecker, Peter Wadel and Philip Parret.

YODER. - On the 22nd of October, in Juniata county, Penn., of dyspepsia, Bro. Tobias Yoder, aged 37 years and 9 months. Buried in the family graveyard. Services were held by Benj. Hartzler from 1 Cor. 15:51 - 58. He leaves a mother and three brothers: his father died when he was about two years old. Bro. Yoder was a faithful member in the Amish Mennonite Church, was beloved by all who knew him, and was kind to the poor. He willingly left this life in the hope of a better one on the other side of the dark river.

KRONK. - On the 8th of Nov., in Elkhart, Ind., of croup, Grace, daughter of Loudon and Sallie Kronk, aged 7 ysars, 7 months and 21 days. The funeral services were held at the Mennonite Church where the deceased one had been a regular attendant in Sunday School ever since she was large enough to accompany her older sisters thither. The whole school, with many others, was in attendance at the funeral, and the occasion was made the more solemn by the many manifestations of mingled childish sorrow and love as the long row of little associates filed by to take a last look of the little angel face, which seemed even more beautiful in death. Gracie had endeared herself to all, and long will she be missed in the Sunday School, her class, and still more in her home. Sisters and brothers will think of her as they hear some childish voice in mirthful melody repeat the music made familiar by a voice that is now silent. Mother may sometimes forget for a moment and listen for the patterning of tiny feet that shall echo no more for her. Long will it be ere the father will forget to miss the merry bustle with which his home coming was wont to be greeted. Sweetly sleep!

Transcriber's note: ysars as in the original.

Transcribed by: Carolyn Hunicutt, Indiana


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