Herald of Truth Obituaries - December, 1891

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HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXVIII, No. 23, December 1, 1891 ­ p. 366, 367

BICKEL. ­ On the 15th of November, 1891, in Osborne, Kansas, Eugene, son of Francis and Polly Bickel, aged one month and 25 days. Buried on the 16th. Services by Pre. Zook.

RYE. ­ On the 8th of November, 1891, in Mount Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Norman, youngest child of Mr. And Mrs. Jacob Rye, aged 2 years and 1 day. Buried in the Milton Grove cemetery on the 10th. Funeral text, Mark 10: 15.

ROTH. ­ On the 9th of November, 1891, in Logan Co., Ohio, Mary, wife of Daniel Roth, aged 44 years and 13 days. She was a true and faithful member in the Amish church, a kind mother and beloved neighbor. She was buried on the 10th at the south Union church. Funeral services by C. K. Yoder, and Jacob France.

HERSHBERGER. ­ On the 2d of November, 1891, in Somerset Co., Pa., Sister Nancy, wife of Bro. Henry Hershberger, aged 73 years, 5 months and 24 days. Buried on the 4th in the family graveyard. Funeral services by Samuel Gindlesperger and Henry Hochstetler. Text, 2 Cor. 5: 1.

DIETZ. ­ On the 31st of October, 1891, near Stony Brook, York Co., Pa., of heart disease, very suddenly and unexpectedly at 3 A. M., Anna E., wife of Franklin Dietz, aged 50 years, 9 months and 2 days. Buried on the 3d of November when an unusually large number of people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased mother. She left a husband and 3 children to mourn their loss. Services by Martin Whisler and Theodore Forry from Matt. 24: 44.

HIGH. ­ On the 16th of November, 1891, in Morrison, Whiteside Co., Ill., of paralysis of the heart, Susannah, daughter of William and Maria Gsell, aged 50 years, 11 months and 26 days. She was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Nov. 20, 1840, married to John High in 1859, and came to Illinois in 1865, locating in Clyde, Ill., where they resided until about three years ago, when they moved to Morrison, Ill. She leaves a husband, six sons, an aged mother, five brothers, and four sisters to mourn her departure. Four sons and one daughter have gone before. She suffered several shocks of paralysis, from which she never recovered, leaving her left arm entirely useless. She has been a sufferer of asthma for the last thirty years. She was buried on Friday afternoon at two o'clock, in the Grove Hill cemetery.

FOLK. ­ Nov. 15, 1891, near Tub, Somerset Co., Pa., of heart trouble, Urias S. Folk, aged 41 years, 10 months and 5 days. He leaves two motherless children. Buried Nov. 17th, 1891, in the family graveyard. Funeral services at the Amish Mennonite church by J. M. Evans and D. H. Bender from Matthew 25: 13. The deceased was a member of the German Reformed church.

BYLER. ­ On the 12th of November, 1891, near Leesburg Kosciusko Co., Ind., Sarah, wife of Christian Byler, aged 80 years, 7 months and 11 days. She united with the Amish Mennonite church when 16 years of age of which she was a member till the time of her death. She leaves 3 sons, 2 daughters and a sorrowing husband to mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and mother. Funeral held in the Methodist church at Galveston by C. Cone, J. P. Smucker and J. S. Hartzler.

ROTH. ­ On the 8th of November, 1891, near New Hamburg, Waterloo Co., Ontario, Sister Catharine Roth, maiden name Brenneman, aged 48 years, 1 month and 9 days. Buried on the 11th. A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the grave. Funeral services by J. M. and Jacob Bender from John 5: 25 ­ 30. Sister Roth was a member of the A. M. church. ­J. B.

CLEMMER. ­ On the 29th of October, 1891, in Lower Salford Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., of diphtheria, Annie, daughter of Henry and ____ Clemmer, aged 6 years and 25 days. Buried on the 2d of November at the Salford meeting house.

KEELER. ­ On the 4th of November, 1891, in Towamensing Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., of typhoid fever, of which she suffered only about a week, Mary J., wife of Jesse H. Keeler, aged about 30 years. She leaves her husband and three children to mourn their loss. Buried on the 9th at the Towamensing church.

KINSEY. ­ On the 30th of October, 1891, in Lower Salford Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., of blood poisoning, supposed to have been caused by the bite of a lizard, Jacob Kinsey, aged 77 years, 4 months and 22 days. Buried on the 4th of November in the Lower Salford Mennonite graveyard.

SHELLENBERGER. ­ On the 1st of Nov. 1891, in Lostcreek Valley, near Richfield, Juniata Co., Pa., of heart trouble, Jonathan Shellenberger, aged 85 years and 24 days. He was married to Fannie Brubaker Aug. 9th 1831, and lived in matrimony 60 years, 2 months and 22 days. Eleven children (6 sons and 5 daughters), were born to them, three preceded him to the spirit land. He had 43 grand children and 15 great grand children. He was a faithful brother in the Mennonite church. He leaves an aged widow and 8 children to mourn their loss. Buried at Lauver's meeting house, where many friends and neighbors assembled to sympathize with the sorrowing relatives. May their loss be his gain. Funeral services by William Graybill in English, and William Auker in German. Text, 2 Tim 4: 7, 8.

WITMER. ­ On the 27th of October, 1891, near Stony Brook, York Co., Pa., of dysentery and paralysis, Sister Nancy Witmer, aged 68 years, 1 month and 12 days. Buried on the 30th at Witmer's meeting house. Funeral services by Martin Whisler from 2 Tim. 4: 6 ­ 8. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church. She left 5 sons and 3 daughters to mourn their loss. The oldest of the daughters is blind since she was 14 years old. She is now over 50 years old.

"Farewell to you, my children dear,
Since I must go and leave you here;
With Jesus I shall happy be,
O children do not weep for me!

Farewell to you who walk in sin,
In this vain world where I have been;
Before you meet your God on high
O, do repent before you die."

MILLER. ­ On the 6th of November, 1891, in Cambria Co., Pa., Bro. Isaac Miller, aged 63 years, 10 months and 20 days. He was buried on the 8th in the Mennonite graveyard at Blough's church in Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., where a large concourse of friends and neighbors assembled (more than the house would hold) to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed brother. He suffered a great deal in this life, having been afflicted with cancer in the face for about 23 years, and was entirely blind for several months. His wife preceded him to eternity about two years ago. He often wished the time of his departure were at hand that he could leave this world of sorrow. We trust his afflictions here worked for him a far mor4e exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Funeral services were delivered by Jonas Blough, Samuel Gindlesperger and Levi A. Blough.

BURKHOLDER. ­ On the 15th of November, 1891, near Berlinton, Marshall Co., Ind., Lydia, daughter of Samuel Troyer and wife of John Burkholder, aged 63 years, 10 months and 11 days. She was twice married, her first union having been with the late Pre. Moses Hershberger, of Holmes Co., Ohio. From there they moved to Miami Co., Ind., where he was ordained to the ministry, in which capacity he served until death called him home, having lived in matrimony 20 years. Sister Burkholder was then united in matrimony to Bro. John Burkholder, with whom she lived for about 23 years and 10 months and who now survives her. She leaves no children. During the last four years she suffered much, having been afflicted with paralysis of the right side since Sept. 2, 1887. A little over two years, later she had another stroke, which left her entirely helpless. She was a consistent member in the A. M. church. She was patient in suffering and desired greatly to depart and be with Christ. Buried on the 17th in the family graveyard at Burkholder's school hosue, followed by many relatives and friends. Funeral services by John C. Schlabach from John 5: 24 ­ 29; 1 Cor. 15 and 1 Thess. 4: 13 ­ 18.

GARBER. ­ On the 20th of October, in Clinton township, Elkhart Co., Ind., of fever, Sarah, daughter of Christian and ____ Garber, aged 18 years, 11 months and 8 days. Funeral services were held at the Clinton Church by J. J. Weaver, Peter Y. Lehman and J. S. Coffman. The deceased was a most exemplary Sister, and her life was a grand example to be imitated by the young Christian people who knew her. During the short time of her sickness she gave ample evidence that she was fully prepared for the change. She had a great desire to depart, and in her last moments triumphed gloriously over death, as it had lost all its sting for her. She left the earth in an ecstacy of joy.

HUBER. ­ On the 12th of October, 1891, near Lititz, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Harriet, wife of Bro. Abraham H. Huber, aged 46 years, 6 months and 18 days. Seven weeks ago, the dear sister became seriously ill with violent pains in the body, which the doctor relieved with morphine, and after a few weeks she was able to go about again for about one week, but on the 24th of September she took her bed again for her last and painful suffering, which, however, she bore patiently as a true Christian. Several weeks before her departure she said, "I am free from all worldly and earthly cares." She had a desire to be encouraged with the word of God, the living water of life, and prayed to Jesus as long as her feeble lips were able to do so. She departed in the full hope to meet there six little children who preceded her. She leaves her a deeply bereaved husband with one son and two daughters to mourn their loss. Interment on the 15th inst. At Hess's new Mennonite meeting house, where a large congregation of neighbors and friends assembled to pay their last respects to the deceased sister. Services by John B. Landis in German from Psalm 34: 18 ­ 20 and by John K. Brubaker in English from 1 Thess. 4: 13, 14.

"Dearest mother, thou hast left us,
And thy loss we deeply feel
But 'til God that hath bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.

Peaceful be thy silent slumber,
Peaceful in thy grave so low;
Thou no more wilt join our number,
Thou no more our sorrows know.

Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life has fled;
And in heaven with joy to greet thee
Where no farewell tears are shed."

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.

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HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXVIII, No. 24, December 15, 1891 ­ p. 380, 381

SHELLY. ­ On the 7th of November, 1891, at the residence of Pre. William Graybill, in Lostcreek, Juniata Co., Pa., of apoplexy and dropsy. Bro. Abraham Shelly, aged 72 years, 3 months and 11 days. His wife preceded him to the spirit world about four years. He leaves three daughters to mourn his death. One is in Kansas and two in Juniata Co., Pa. Bro. Shelley had lost his eyesight, and was confined to his bed for 7 weeks. He suffered much, but was fully resigned to God's will. He often wished the time would come that he could leave this world. Buried at Lostcreek. Services at the house by J. S. Kurtz and at the church by Wm. Graybill and William Auker. Text 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8.

MELLOTT. ­ On the 20th of Nov. 1891, in Elkhart, Ind., of typhoid fever, Eve Kilmer, wife of J. K. Mellott, aged 34 years, 8 months and 12 days. She was seriously ill about three weeks. She leaves a deeply sorrowing husband and six children to mourn her early death. She was the daughter of Bro. Michael Kilmer of McPherson Co., Kansas. She was a kind-hearted faithful wife and mother and will be greatly missed not only by her family, but also by the neighbors and friends to whom she had endeared herself by her kindly acts. She was a member of the Primitive Baptist church since 1881. Service by Pre. Bress, of Auburn, Ind., and J. F. Funk.

AUGSPURGER. ­ On the 31st of October, 1891, near Trenton, Butler Co., Ohio, Catharine J. Augspurger, maiden name Hieser, widow of Jacob Augspurger, aged 71 years, 9 months and 25 days. She had not been able to leave her room for 2 years, having lost the use of her limbs. She was a member of the Mennonite church for about 63 years, during all the which time she adorned her profession with her quiet, pious life, by which she won the esteem of all who were about her. She was the mother of nine children, of which two preceded her. Seven children 16 grand children and 5 great grandchildren and one brother remain to mourn her departure. Buried on the 3d of November. Funeral services by J. Augspurger and B. Zelner in German from 2 Cor. 5: 1.

NEEDHAM. ­ On the 25th of October, in Elkhart, Ind., Mabel, daughter of C. C. Needham, aged 12 years. Buried at Grace Lawn Cemetery. Services by J. S. Coffman. Mabel was a bright, intelligent child, very affectionate, and more than ordinarily attentive as a learner in the day school and the Sunday-school. She was a member of the Mennonite Sunday-school ever since she was large enough to attend, and had endeared herself to all, especially to her teacher and her class. This is the second one who has left our Sunday-school this year, to join our number no more here on earth. These two, added to the four which were gathered last year to the brighter home on the other side, remind us that a considerable part of our Sunday-school family are being gathered on the other side of the river. May we meet you Mabel, in glory.

BRUBAKER. ­ On the 11th of November, 1891, near Delaware, Juniata Co., Pa., of apoplexy, Brother Jacob Brubaker, aged 78 years, 1 month and 1 day. He leaves a sorrowing widow, 3 sons and one daughter to mourn their loss. May their loss be his eternal gain. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. Buried in the Lostcreek graveyard where many friends and relatives met to pay the last respects to the departed. Appropriate remarks were made on the occasion, by William Graybill and William Auker. Text, 1 Cor. 15: 6.

BECHTOLD. ­ On the 29th of October, 1891, in Allen Co., Ohio, of cancer in the stomach and face, Bro. Daniel Bechtold, aged 78 years, 4 months and 20 days. Buried at the Salem church. Funeral services by J. M. Shenk, M. and C. B. Brenneman. Bro. Bechtold was born in Centre Co., Pa., June 9, 1813, married to Catharine Poorman June 30, 1838. To this union were born 6 children, of whom 4 remain to mourn with their mother their sad loss, but we rejoice that we can believe that their loss is his eternal gain. Bro. Bechtold moved with his companion from Pennsylvania to Allen Co., Ohio, in 1883, where they became acquainted with the principles of our church, and upon further information regarding the same soon became desirous to unite with us. They were received in 1885 by baptism on confession of their faith. The departed brother suffered extremely during the last six months, but he bore his sufferings patiently and never murmured nor complained, always saying, when asked if he suffered much, "Oh yes, but not nearly so much as my Savior." Sometimes when his agony was very great he held up his hands and pointed to those present the place where the Savior's hands were wounded for our sakes. The last two weeks of his life he frequently imagined himself surrounded by angels, and would sing hymns, such as, "Home of the blest," "God be with you till we meet again," "O think of the home over there," and some German hymns. Thus he enjoyed himself even in his severest suffering and could rejoice in the God of his salvation. Of 25 grand children 18, and of 15 great grand children 12, are still living. ­C. B. Brenneman

ZOOK. ­ December 1, 1891, in Menno Twp., Mifflin Co., Pa., after an illness of several years, Jonathan Zook, aged 67 years, 6 months and 9 days. The funeral sermon was preached by Christian Nafziger of Fawn River, Mich., from Psalm 33: 12. A very large concourse of friends were present.

SAUDER. ­ On the 22d of October, 1891, at Harrisburg, Pa., Bro. Jacob N. Sauder. He bore his sufferings patiently and we hope he has gone to the eternal rest.

PEACHEY. ­ On the 5th of November, 1891, near Menno, Mifflin Co., Pa., of catarrhal bronchitis, Katie M., daughter of S. U., and S. Peachy, aged 7 years, 11 months and 25 days. Funeral services held on the 7th by Benjamin Lantz and C. K. Peachey.

Farewell, farewell, our Katie dear,
Now in your grave you sleep;
Your loving form is resting there,
And o'er your grave we weep.

'Twas hard indeed to give you up,
We all loved you so well;--
While we are drinking sorrow's cup,
Happy with saints you dwell.

We listen for your gentle tread,
Your voice we yearn to hear;
Nor knew until the sound had fled
That is was half so dear.

We weep, though not in bitterness,
Ours are not tears of gloom;
No thoughts but those of tenderness
Shall cluster round your tomb.

*Transcriber's note: Last name has been spelled two different ways in the obituary: PEACHEY and Peachy.

KREIDER. ­ On the 22d of November, 1891, at Gordonville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Jacob Kreider, aged 77 years, 7 months and 22 days. Funeral on the 25th from his late residence, where a large concourse of relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of respect to one that was beloved by all who knew him. Services by David Hostetter and Bish. Isaac Eby, from Psalm, 116: 15. He suffered very much the last two months, but bore it all very patiently, and we need not mourn as those who have no hope, for we believe that our loss is his eternal gain.

RUMMEL. ­ On the 30th of November, 1891, in Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., Mary Catharine, infant daughter of John and Sadie Rummel, aged 2 months and 6 days. Services by Emanuel Blough and Jonathan Blough from Matt. 2: 18. ­A. B.

STRICKLER. ­ On the 22 of November, 1891, in Manchester Twp., York Co., Pa., of dropsy, Bro. Jacob Strickler, aged 79 years, 10 months and 26 days. Buried on the 24, at Witmer's M. H., near Stony Brook, York Co., Pa. Funeral text, John 10: 9.

EASH. ­ On the 3d of Nov., 1891, in Nappanee, Ind., Della May, daughter of Samuel and Ida Eash, aged 1 month and 8 days. Buried on the 4th at Forest Grove. Funeral services by Jas. H. McGowen from Matt. 19: 14.

'Tis hard to part with one so dear;
Della, dear, we wonder why
Thou hast left us lonely here-
May we meet thee by and by!

Papa and mamma tried to keep thee,
But tender cares were all in vain;
Holy angels came and bore thee
From this weary world of pain.

She was the only one in our home, but we remember that our heavenly Father knows what is best. What he does is well done. "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed by the name of the Lord." ­SAMUEL AND IDA EASH.

RINEBOLT. ­ On the 27th of November, 1891, in Madison Twp., St. Joseph Co., Ind., of apoplexy, Mary Ann, wife of Henry Rinebolt, aged 84 years, 1 month and 1 day. Buried on the 29th in the North Union graveyard. Services by Amos Mumaw and Henry Weldy from Rom. 8: 13.

CLARK. ­ On the 21st of November, 1891, near Ashland, Ohio, Bro. Jesse Clark, in the 80th year of his age. Funeral services by Isaac S. Good of Medina Co., Ohio, and J. D. Park of the German Baptist church in Ashland. Text, 2 Cor. 5: 1 ­ 4. Bro. Clark was a member of the Mennonite church for 35 years.

YODER. ­ On the 17th of Nov., 1891, near Gunn City, Mo., Monroe, son of C. M. Yoder, aged 20 years, 4 months and 21 days. He leaves a father, three sisters and one brother to mourn his early departure. He bore his pain and affliction with great patience and died with a living hope of the eternal rest in heaven. He was buried on the 19th in the Clear Fork Cemetery. Funeral services by J. C. Kenagy and Peter Zimmerman from Romans 4 and Job 14.

SOMMER. ­ On the 4th of December, 1891, on the Sonnenberg, Wayne Co., Ohio, of the infirmities of old age, Bishop Christian Sommer, aged 80 years and 3 months. He was born in August, 1811, on the Sonnenberg, Canton Berne, Switzerland. In the year 1819, a number of Mennonite families, among others his parents emigrated to America. From New York they started out into the strange country until they reached a place near what is now Wooster, in Wayne Co., Ohio, where they erected their huts for their future homes. They were the first settlers of our Swiss Mennonites, and were from that time on called the Sonnenberg church. Bro. Sommer was received into this church in 1830, and in 1838 he was united in matrimony with Veronica Geiger. This union was blessed with 12 children of whom 8 survive him and followed him to the grave. His companion preceded him about 15 years. In the year 1844 he was called to the ministry, and in 1862 to the office of bishop. He was a minister for about 47 years. He delivered his farewell sermon on the 28th of September, 1891, about nine weeks before his death, for he was already failing at that time and was quite weak. With tears in his eyes he tenderly admonished the church to be true and faithful to God that they might be preserved a Christian church. He remained steadfast unto the end, thus becoming an example unto us all. On the 6th his remains were consigned to the grave. Funeral services by Christian Schneck at the house, and by David Amstutz from Psa. 121, and Jacob Nusbaum from 2 Tim. 4: 6 ­ 8 at the meeting-house.

WENGER. ­ On Nov. 19, 1891, near Dayton, Rockingham Co., Va., of consumption, Sister Julia Ann Wenger, aged 44 years, 10 months and 24 days. She leaves a husband, 10 children and an aged mother to mourn their loss. Funeral services were conducted by G. D., and Simeon Heatwole at Weaver's church, where the body was laid to rest.

GREASER. ­ On November 30th, 1891, in Cass Co., Mo., of consumption, Bro. Isaac Greaser, aged 60 years and 11 months. He was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 31st, 1830, and it was there he grew up to manhood, married and associated himself with God's people. In the year 1869 he removed with his family to Cass Co., Mo., and located in the open prairies about 3 miles north-west from where the town of Garden City now stands. In the years that followed he reared up out of the wilderness, mainly by the labor of his own hands, one of the most beautiful and comfortable homes that man might desire on earth. He was one among the first to take an active part in establishing the Mennonite church in Cass county, and when in health his place in the Sunday-school and church service was rarely found vacant. For several years previous to death it became evident to his family and many anxious friends that the dreaded disease consumption had marked him for one of its victims, but it was not until about the 1st of August of the present year that he was confined to his room, and during the many weary days that followed the writer visited him frequently and endeavored to administer that comfort and consolation that God's work affords the afflicted. Never yet have we found an individual that could look upon approaching death with greater calmness and complacency than he, and in conversing on the great future that was soon to open up before him, he seemed ready and glad to exchange his pleasant home, surrounded by orchard, grove, shaded lawn, and all that heart might wish for a home in that upper and better country where sorrow, sickness and pain are unknown. On the afternoon of Dec. 1st, tenderly and sadly his remains were carried before a long procession of sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends to the Clear Fork church, where appropriate remarks were made by L. J. Heatwole and P. Zimmerman, from Gen. 5: 24 ­ "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." His coffin was carried to and lowered into its last resting place, and the grave filled by six elderly men, all of whose locks were silvered with gray hairs. ­L. J. H.

SCHLONECKER. ­ On the 4th of Nov., 1891, in Jefferson Twp., Henry Co., Iowa, Peter Schlonecker. On the 5th the funeral was held at the house of John Goldsmith; after the services the corpse was taken to Wayland, and sent to Butler Co., Ohio, for burial by the side of his wife who preceded him. Services by S. T. Miller in German from 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8, and B. Eicher in English. Bro. Schlonecker was a member of the Amish church. We mourn, but not like those who have no hope.

HILDEBRAND. ­ On the 5th of Nov., 1891, near Dayton, Rockingham Co., Va., Ida V. Hildebrand, aged 10 years, 3 months and 2 days. Buried at Weaver's church on the 7th. Appropriate funeral services were held by Simeon and G. D. Heatwole.

MILLER. ­ On the 16th of November, 1891, in Emma, Lagrange Co., Ind., infant child of John and Sarah Miller, aged 15 days. Funeral services by Daniel J. Hochstetler, and Sam. Miller of Holmes Co., Ohio, from Matt. 19: 13 ­ 16.

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.


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