OBITUARY
Pre. Henry N. Holter was born in Liberty Twp., Centre Co., Pa., May 2d 1827, and died in the same place Nov. 3d, 1887, aged 60 years, 6 months and 4 day. He became a child of God many years ago, and having attached himself to the church of his choice, viz; that of the Mennonites and living as far as possible an exemplary life, was about 19 years ago called by the church to the office of the ministry, in which position he served with diligence as far as his arduous occupation (that of farming) would permit. He watched carefully over the little flock entrusted to his care, and regularly every two weeks (until his last illness) on the Sabbath day in the little old church near Howard, words of comfort, of admonition, of encouragement, and love, were administered by him to his congregation. But he is gone; his voice is hushed in death; and in his departure from us the community has lost a good neighbor, the church a faithful worker, the wife a kind and affectionate husband, and the children a loving father. His disease was consumption with which he was confined to his bed about six weeks. The family surviving him consists of the wife, one son and five daughters. The funeral services were conducted by Pre. Shoemaker (who preached the sermon) assisted by Pre. Jamisen and Pre. Bardens. Text 2 Tim. 4: 6-8. The concourse of people at the funeral was very large. A very large circle of friends are left to mourn the loss of the departed. "Blessed are they which die in the Lord, for their works do follow them."
OBITUARY
Bishop Isaac Overholser departed this life on the 6th of Nov. 1887, aged 72 years, 9 months and 18 days. He was born in Bedminster township, Bucks Co., Pa., on the 9th of Feb. 1815 removed to Hilltown Twp., and about A. D. 1847 was ordained to the ministry, and a short time after to the office of bishop, in what is now called the Blooming Glen Meeting, and served the church in the ministerial office about forty years. He was well gifted as a speaker, and in zeal and warm-hearted christian devotion, as well as in a gentle, inoffensive, loving disposition, a meek and quiet spirit, patience and forbearance, and humility there were few like him. The Church prospered under his care and the Lord was with him. Some years ago when he began to feel the weight of years, he, with commendable prudence and forethought, had a successor in the office of bishop chosen, so that the Church might not suffer for the want of laborers. During the last several years his health failed him to such an extent that during the winter season he was not able to go out. During the last period of his life he said, in conversation with a brother minister who visited him, that he thought of all that had transpired during the time of his ministerial labors, and that he had tried to do his duty faithfully. He acknowledged this weakness and inability, but thanked God from his heart for the wisdom and strength that had been imparted to him. He was fully conscious that the hour of his departure was approaching and manifested full resignation to God, and an abiding hope in Jesus. He leaves a sorrowing companion who especially feels her loss. May God comfort her. His funeral was very largely attended. Twenty ministers were present, and the house was filled to overflowing. Services were held by Samuel Godshalk, Isaac Rickert, Andrew Mack and Josiah Clemmer, from Luke 2:29. We have every assurance to believe that he was called home to the reward of his labors in heaven, where they who have turned many to righteousness shall shine as the stars in the kingdom of their Father forever and ever.
DIED
BACHMAN. - On the 29th of Nov., near Paola, Miami County, Kansas, Martha Bachman, Widow of Benjamin Bachman, aged 60 years. She leaves 9 children to mourn her departure, the youngest being 19 years of age. Although she was confined to her bed but a few days, her death was expected at any moment, her disease being dropsy of the heart. She bore her sufferings patiently all for the blessed Master who had gone before and made smooth the ruffled waters of the river of death. She had her children all present with her in her last hours on earth, and spoke loving words to them saying, "Mourn not for me," "I am going Home." "Life's work is nearly ended," "Oh I long to be at home with Jesus." Mother, the one who taught us to lisp the Savior's name, who led us step by step "O'er life's pathway" has gone. No, only her form has gone from among us. She yet lives. Her life principles are in our lives. We shall honor the name of our dear mother by following in her footsteps, hoping to meet her on the other shore.
SWARR. - December 10th, in Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Anna S., wife of Reuben P. Swarr, aged 30 years, 2 months and 18 days. Buried on the 13th at Landisville Meeting-house. Text, Jer. 15: 9. A sorrowing husband and children and a large congregation followed her remains to the silent grave. A solemn call.
STEHMAN. - November 27th, near Junction, Lancaster county, Pa., of croup, Anna N., daughter of John and Anna B. Stehman, aged 7 years, 5 months and 28 days. Buried on the 30th at Kauffman's Meeting-house. Text, Rev. 3:19, 20. Many friends assembled to sympathize with the deeply afflicted parents.
METZLER. - December 2d, near Landisville, Lancaster county, Pa., Sister Barbara, wife of Bro. Benjamin Metzler, aged 55 years, 3 months and 13 days. Buried on the 6th, at Landisvile meeting-house. Text, Phil. 1:21. A large congregation assembled to sympathize with the bereft family. Sister Metzler was an ornament of the church.
BREWER. - July 22d, in Clear Spring, Washington Co., Md., of palsy, Bro. Peter S. Brewer, [transcriber's note: begin page 13] father of Pre. Josiah Brewer, aged 73 years, 3 months and 20 days. Buried on the 24th at the Clear Spring Church. Services by A. Bare and B. Lesher, from Amos 4:12.
LESHER. - October 18th, near Marion, Franklin Co, Pa., Sister Nancy Lesher, of injuries sustained years ago from a fall. Buried at the Marion Church. She leaves a bereaved husband and 5 children. Services by P. Wade and A. Bare from Rev. 14:13.
GARMAN. - November 13th, near Jackson, Franklin Co., Pa., of consumption, Sister Catharine Garman, aged 57 years and 7 days. Services by A. Long and B. Lesher from Rev. 14:13.
OVERHOLT. - On the 9th of November, in Mountville, Medina Co., Ohio, of cancer, Sister Hannah Overholt, aged 83 years, 8 months and 16 days. Buried on the 12th at the Mennonite Church. Services by Martin Leatherman and Isaac Good from John 5:25 - 27. Sister Hannah Overholt had been married twice, first to David Koppes, next to Martin Overholt who died about 10 years ago. She was a faithful christian in the mennonite church, a good mother and a good neighbor. She leaves two daughters to mourn he departure. Sister Overholt bore her sufferings with patience, her pains were at times most excruciating, but we heard her say that though her pain was great yet it was not equal to the sufferings of her dear Savior in whose merits alone she trusted for redemption. It is a great comfort for the sorrowing daughters, they need not weep as those who have no hope.
"We only know that she is safe,
In that fair land and far;
Where beat no storms, no hardships chafe,
And love shines like a star.
"We can not know how pass her days,
How sweet and clear she speaks;
How good and gracious all her ways,
What company she seeks."
ESHLEMAN. - December 14th, near Middleburg, Washington Co., Md., Mary, wife of David Eshleman, Jr., aged 22 years, 9 months and 19 days. Buried on the 17th at Reiff's Church. Services by Adam Bare and Josiah Brewer from 2 Cor. 5:10, 11, and Jude 21. She leaves a bereaved husband with a babe a few days old to mourn her early departure. Deceased was much loved for her good qualities; She was of a rather retired and modest nature, and could conduct herself becomingly in society. Many tears were shed and it was a sad sight to see one lie in a coffin where rosy cheeks penetrated the pallor which death had marked on her face. She had expressed the intention to make a covenant with her God and be united with the christian church, but death met her before she made a public confession, a solemn warning to all who stand aloof. Many people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to one near and dear to many.
HAYES, - December 2d, Samuel Hayes of Kansas, aged 70 years, 5 months and 10 days. Deceased was on his way to Lancaster Co., Pa., to visit his brother and sister and friends. When near Pittsburg, Pa.,, [sic] whilst passing from one car to another - the train being in rapid motion - he fell off the train. The conductor, as soon as he missed him, stopped the train and returned to where he found him lying beside the track, dead; his face was much bruised. His remains were properly prepared by the R. R. Co. and forwarded to Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., where they were taken in care by his brother and sister. Funeral services on Dec. 6th. Text, Ezek. 33:8, and Matt. 24:44. Buried at Mt. Joy Cemetery. Truly a sad dispensation of Providence. Instead of visiting and enjoying himself for a season with his brother and sister and friends, he was suddenly called away. Truly in the midst of life we are in death.
GRUBE. - December 5th, in Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., Christian Grube, aged 83 years, 10 months and 12 days. Buried on the 8th at Mt. Joy Cemetery. Text, Heb. 9:27.
KURSCHINSKI. - On the 5th of December, in Waterloo Co., Ont., of Typhoid fever, Amanda, wife of Fredrick Kurschinski, aged 29 years, 3 months and 13 days. Funeral services by J. B. Gingrich in German and Thomas Mott in English from Heb. 4:9 and Jer. 15:9.
THOMAS. - On the 19th of October, Veronica, wife of Levi Thomas, aged 53 years and 13 days. She was a member of the Mennonite Church and was buried on the 21st. Services by Jonas Blauch.
WEAVER. - On the 16th of November, Elizabeth, wife of Jonas Weaver, aged 61 years, 5 months and one day. Funeral Services by Jonas Blauch and C. C. Beery of Michigan.
(The remainder of the death notices sent in for this number will appear in our next issue.)
Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania.
YODER. - On the 28th of Nov., near Nappanee, Elkhart county, Ind., after ten days suffering of heart disease, Sister Lydia, wife of Simon Yoder, aged 67 years, 7 months and 23 days. She leaves her husband and 10 children to mourn her departure; yet they mourn not as those who have no hope. Services by J. C. Schlabach from John 5:24-30; I Cor. 15 and I Thess. 4:13-18. Peace to her ashes.
WEYGANT. - On the 8th of Dec., in Cullom, Ill., Eli Weygant, aged 37 years. He was buried on the 10th. Services by Henry Shelley, from Amos 4:12. The neighbors deeply sympathize with the bereaved sister and her children in their sad bereavement. May they find comfort in Him who doeth all things well.
REIST. - On the 17th of Dec., in Lancaster Co., Pa., Sister Maria, widow of John Reist, aged 78 years, 2 months and 3 days. She was buried on the 20th, in the family graveyard. Services from Heb. 4:9.
BLOUGH. - On the 9th of December, near Davidsville, Somerset Co., Pa., of catarrh and pneumonia, Wesley, son of Bro. and Sister Levi and Annie Blough, aged 5 years, 10 months and 21 days. Buried on the 11th at Blough's church, in the presence of many sympathizing friends. Services by Jonas Blough, S. Gindle- [Note: begin page 80]sperger and C. Hershberger, from Mark 10:13-15.
"Weep not for me my parents dear,
Since I must go and leave you here;
With Jesus I shall happy be,
O parents, do not weep for me!"
SHANK. - On the 7th of Dec., in Putnam Co., Ohio, of pneumonia, Sister Maria M. Shank, aged 49 years, 10 months and 3 days.
"Peaceful be thy sileut [sic] slumber,
Peaceful in the grave so low;
Thou no more wilt join our number,
Thou no more our songs shalt know."
WYSE. - On the 27th of Nov., in Fulton Co., Ohio, of cholera morbus, Jephtha Wyse, aged 49 years, 6 months and 22 days. He was ordained a minister of the gospel in 1866, in which calling he worked faithfully unto the end of his life. He leaves a wife and 9 children and many friends to mourn his death as well as the Church. He was much loved by all, and we need not mourn for his loss here, since we believe that it is his eternal gain. He was buried on the 30th, followed to the grave by a great number of sympathizing friends. Services by E. Grey, C. Freienberger and M. Seiler, from Heb. 4.
JOHNSON. - On the 20th of Nov., near Masontown, Fayette Co., Pa., Sister Hannah, wife of Frances Johnson, aged 43 years, 7 months and 22 days. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband and 8 children to mourn her departure. She was a kind and affectionate wife and mother. A few days before she died, she desired to be baptized and receive communion which was complied with. She felt resigned to the will of God. She is missed by many, but our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services by Jn. N. Durr, D. Johnson, and C. D. Deffenbaugh, from I Cor. 15: 19-21.
GUESMAN. - On the 19th of Nov., in Greene county, Pa., of palsy, Sister Hester, wife of Jacob Guesman, aged 60 years, 6 months and 8 days. She leaves a husband and eight children to mourn her departure. She was a sufferer for a number of years of rheumatism. In the morning, the day she died, she felt nothing unusual, until about 10 o,clock, when suddenly she became unconscious and expired in about eight hours. Thus we see the necessity of obeying the Savior's words, "Be ye therefore also ready, for ye know not the hour the Son of Man cometh, watch and pray." She was buried on the 20th at the Masontown Mennonite Church. Services by Jno. N. Durr.
SHERRICK. - On the 22d of August, near Overton, Westmoreland county, Pa., of dropsy, Sister Catharine Sherrick, aged 94 years, 10 months and 13 days. She united with the Mennonite Church in early life, and was a faithful and consistent member until she died. She bore her afflictions with patience and christian fortitude, and had frequently expressed a willingness to depart and be with her blessed Savior. She was buried on the 23d at the Mennonite burying-ground near Pennsville where a large concourse of people followed the remains to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased. Services by B. M. Funk and Jno. N. Durr.
LOUCKS. - On the 20th of Nov., at Scottdale, Westmoreland county Pa., of dropsy, Catharine Loucks, aged 53 years and 26 days. Sister Loucks was subject to much suffering from early childhood until her death. She became a member of the Church in early life. She lived a devout christian life, bearing her constant afflictions with patience and Christian fortitude. She often expressed her confidence in God, and a willingness to be at home, with her blessed Jesus. She leaves an aged mother, five brothers and one sister to mourn her departure, but she has only gone before, to await the coming of those, who so kindly ministered to her wants. She was buried on the 22d in the Mennonite burying-ground at Stonerville. Many gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed.
LOUCKS. - On the 14th of September at Scottdale, Westmoreland county, Pa., Lawrence, son of Joseph and Mattie Loucks, aged 3 months and 14 days. Buried in the Mennonite burying-ground at Stonerville. Services by Jno. N. Durr and Pre. Garner.
HOLDEMAN. - On the 26th of December, in St. Joseph county, Ind., of a lingering illness, Sister Mary Holdeman, wife of David Holdeman, aged 67 years, 10 months and 23 days. She was buried on the 28th at North Union. Services were held by John F. Funk and Amos Mumaw, from 2 Cor. 5:1. She leaves a number of children to mourn their loss. Peace to her ashes.
BYLER. - On the 24th of December, 1887, in Wayne county, Ohio, Sister Mary Byler, aged 80 years, 10 months and 1 day. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church. After being afflicted for several months with heart disease and dropsy, she passed away calmly, and with a bright hope for the future. She was interred in the Oakgrove graveyard. Funeral services by J. K. Yoder and D. Hostetler, from Gen. 27:2.
WEAVER. - On the 13th of December, near New Carlisle, Holmes county, Ohio, after a long illness of consumption, Moses Weaver, aged 38 years, 6 months and 18 days. He was buried in the Walnut Creek graveyard, followed by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Services by A. Mast and David Beachy.
NAFFZIGER. - On the 24th of November, near Pulaski, Iowa, of inflammation of the kidneys of which he suffered severely for 25 days. Bro. Christian Naffziger, aged 85 years and 5 months. Services from I Peter 1: 23, 24.
AXT. - On the 2d of Dec., in Holt county, Neb., Maria Schweitzer, wife of Samuel Axt, aged 23 years, 9 months and 18 days. A son was born to her, but both the dear young mother and the child soon passed away. They were laid into one coffin and buried in the Amish Mennonite graveyard. Services by C. Ernst and P. P. Hershberger from I Thess. 5: 2-4. She was a beloved sister in the church and leaves a deeply bereaved husband, parents, six brothers and sisters and many friends to mourn her loss.
SCHROCK. - On the 2d of January in Plevna, Howard county, Ind., of Croup, John Fredrick, son of Jacob B. and Fanny Schrock, aged 1 year, 8 months and 4 days. He was sick two days. Buried in the Mast graveyard on the 4th. Services by D. C. Miller and N. Sproll.
OVERHOLT. - On the 9th of November, in Mountville Twp., Medina county, Ohio, of old age and cancer, Hannah Jones, widow of Martin Overholt, who preceded her about nine years. Her age was 83 years, 8 months and 16 days. She was first married to David Koppes, after whose death she remained a widow eight years. She was born in Northampton county, Pa, She united with the Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania and lived a faithful member until death. She was buried on the 12th at the Mennonite Church in Gilbert Twp. A large number of friends and relatives assembled to pay their last respect to the beloved sister and friend. Funeral services by M. Leatherman and I. Good from John 5:25-27.
ZOOK. - On the 1st of December, east of Larned, Pawnee county, Kansas, Bro. Michael Zook, aged 67 years and 24 days. He leaves a widow, seven children and twenty-one grandchildren to mourn their loss. He was born in Germany, emigrating from there with his parents at the age of thirteen. He became a member of the Amish Mennonite Church in youth and remained faithful to the end. He was buried on the 4th, followed to the grave by many neighbors, friend [sic] and relatives. Services by Peter Zimmerman, John Egli and Simon Hetrick from I Pet. 1:22 -24 and James 1:27.
NISSLEY. - On the 30th of December, near Salunga, Lancaster county, Pa., of Diphtheria, David H., son of Bro. and Sister Jonas B. Nissley, aged 1 year, 9 months and 13 days. Buried on Jan. 1st, at Landisville Meeting-house. Text, Psalm. 39:7. May the Lord comfort the parents.
BOMBERGER. - On the 31st of December of palsy, Bro. Joseph B. Bomberger of Manheim, Lancaster county Pa. Buried on Jan., [sic] 3d at Hernley's Meeting- house. Text, Rev. 3:11. A large congregation assembled to sympathize with the bereft family.
KAUFFMAN. - On the 9th of November, at his home at Bill Mill, Tehama county, California, C. F., oldest son of A. H. and Louisa Kauffman. Deceased was born at Mount Joy, Lancaster county, Pa., in 1834. His parents left that place in 1849, and settled in Louisa Co., Iowa, living there until 1859, when they moved to Tehama county, Cal. Here he followed various branches of industry, among which was mining, where he contracted a disease of the throat that ended his life. Deceased leaves mother, two sisters and one brother, besides a host of friends to mourn their loss.
HOFSTETTER. - On the 5th of December, in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, of inflammation of the brain, Sister Anna Gerber, wife of Joel Hofstetter, aged 23 years, 8 months and 5 days. She leaves a husband and a little child, a mother, one sister and one brother to mourn her early departure. She was buried on the 7th in the Sunny Hill graveyard. She embraced the faith six years ago and lived a consistent life in the church.
MILLER. - On the 11th of November, in LaGrange county Ind., Jephtha Miller, aged 81 years, 9 months and 23 days. He was buried on the 13th in the family graveyard, followed by a large concourse of friends. Service by A. Miller and C. Miller from Romans 14:7-9.
KENAGY. - On the 1st of January in Hawpatch, Noble county, Ind., of consumption, Sarah A., daughter of Joshua and Martha Kenagy, aged 26 years, 8 months and 28 days. Funeral on the 3d. Services by --- Crum and J. Kurtz from I Cor. 15:56, 57 and Phil. 1:21. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church, and we trust that she is now in that rest for which she often sighed. During the twelve months of her sickness, she left the comforting testimony that her life was "hid with Christ in God." May we all remember her earnest prayers, her earnest admonitions, and may her patience and devotion encourage us to faithfulness and godly zeal in our Christian walk and conversation. She always had a smile and a kind word for all. She bore her sufferings patiently, but often wished to depart from this life and be with Christ. She often told her parents not to weep for her. The evening before she died, she called her parents to her bed and told them she would not be here long, then she would be over there. She was sensible to the last. Bidding them all farewell, she commended herself to God, saying: "Lord Jesus take me," and soon afterward expired.
"Loving friends weep not for meI long to be at rest;
How happy, happy I shall be,
When pillowed on my Savor's [sic] breast.
'Twas sad to see thee breathe thy last,
But Jesus lovingly said, "Come."
Now thy sufferings all are past,
And thy sweet spirit rests at home.
[Transcriber's note: begin page 31]
O that hope, the hope is sweet,
That we soon in heaven may meet,
There we all shall happy be,
"Rest from pain and sorrow free."
INGOLD. - On the 8th of December in Livingston county, Ill., of dropsy, Sister Barbara Ernst, second wife of Joseph Ingold, aged 53 years. She was buried on the 11th. Services by Daniel Grieser, Chr. Zehr and John P. Schmitt. She leaves her husband and three stepsons to mourn her departure.
FRETZ. - On the --- of Jan., Abraham E. Fretz, formerly of Doylestown, Bucks county, Pa., at an advanced age. He was buried in the Doylestown Mennonite burying-ground on Sunday, Jan. 8th.
MILLER . - On the 5th of Jan., in Newton Co., Ind., of inflammation of the bowels, Sister Miller, wife of B. Miller, aged 37 years and 16 days. She leaves her husband and seven children. She was buried on the 6th in Miller's graveyard. Her friends will greatly miss her, for she was much loved by all. Peace to her ashes.
[Transcriber's note: Blanks denoted by --- were printed that way in the obituary.]
Addition To January 15, 1888 Herald of Truth, page 29
[appeared preceding the "Died" section of death announcements]
OBITUARY
Mary (Hursh) Brenneman, wife of Benjamin Brenneman, was born
in Pennsylvania, March the 14th, 1818, and died at her home in
Orrville, Ohio, November the 27th, 1887, aged 69 years, 8 months
and 13 days. On the 30th she was followed to her last resting
place by a large concourse of friends and relatives. She was buried
at the Mennonite Church, where services were held by Michael Horst,
Michael Rohrer assisted by David Hostetler. She leaves a husband,
6 children, 23 grandchildren and one great-grand child to mourn
her loss, but we need not weep as those who have no hope, for
we believe our loss is her eternal gain, as we trust she has gone
to that beautiful home above, where no sickness, sorrow or pain
shall meet her any more. She was kind and loving to all and ever
trusted in her Redeemer, looking forward to life eternal. Her
place in the Church was never vacant when she was able to go,
but as her health had been failing for some years, she was deprived
many times of the privilege to be there; yet it was her desire
to go. Her place is now vacant and when we go to grandfather's
house, we see the vacant chair and think how good, how kind she
was. We do not wish her back, but we will try so to live that
we can meet her above.
She came to Ohio when she was 17 years old, and was married to her surviving husband in 1839. In 1842 they united with the Mennonite Church and lived in its doctrine up to the time of her death.
O when the hours of life are past,
And death's dark shade arrives at last,
It is not sleep, it is not rest;
'Tis glory opening to the blest.
There parted hearts shall meet again,
In union holy, calm, and sweet,
There, grief find rest; and never more
Shall sorrow call them to deplore.
Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania