MURDER OF THE KREIDER FAMILY
Daniel S. Kreider was born Oct. 17, 1856. Barbara, his wife, and daughter of John Risser of Mt. Joy Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., was born Nov. 21, 1856. Some time after their marriage they moved from Pennsylvania to Calloway Co., Mo. From this place they subsequently moved to the vicinity of Cando, N.D., where they settled upon a farm. Some months ago Bro. Kreider hired a young man, Albert Bomberger, aged 22 years of age, whose parents reside in Lebanon Co., Pa., This young man had run away from home and had been a cowboy on the western plains and bore no enviable character. A report says that he was dissatisfied at the amount of work that was required of him, but he seemed adverse to work and evidently had no reason for dissatisfaction.
Early on Friday morning, July 7, as Sister Kreider was peeling potatoes in the kitchen, young Bomberger went into the bedroom and shot her husband with a shotgun, killing him instantly, probably while he was still sleeping. She hastened into the room, when Bomberger met her, and pushing her back to the kitchen shot her there, killing her almost instantly. He then reloaded his gun, and when the children, who heard the shooting, came down stairs, he drove them back, and then shot Murbey, 11 y. 9 m. 13 d.; Mary, 9 y. 7 m. 27 d.; and David, 7 y. 8 m. 13. Bernice, the second daughter, 13 y, 5 m. 27 d., had hidden under the bed while these murders were being committed, but slipped out of a window, and jumping to the ground, ran out to a pony that she was accustomed to ride, often without a bridle, but for some unknown reason she stopped on the way to get a bridle, and this little delay gave Bomberger a change to catch her, and after showing her the prostrate bodies of her parents, he she here down while she was piteously begging for her life. Observing that she and the two youngest children were not dead, he dispatched them with a butcher knife.
Annie, the oldest girl, aged fifteen, had been an eye witness to all these horrors, and whether Bomberger's thirst for blood had been satisfied, or whether there were other reasons, he listened to her piteous pleadings and spared her and her little brother Aaron, aged five; her little sister Eva, aged three, and the baby, Henry, not quite two years old. After forcing Annie, now almost insane with grief and horror, to get him some breakfast, he ransacked the house, securing fifty dollars and two watches, Some other money escaped his attention. After finishing his breakfast he dragged Annie out to the barn, and after binding her, hand and foot, to a post, he beat her with a rope and also with his hands, whereupon he mounted Bernice's pony and escaped.
Shortly afterward Aaron came out, and after hard work, succeeded in releasing his sister, and she at once ran to Cando and gave the alarm. In a short time the whole neighborhood was aroused and a posse started after the murderer. He was captured in Manitoba, 150 miles away, on the third day, and was brought back to answer the terrible charges against him. In the meantime, friends prepared the bodies, after which, accompanied by the surviving children and a friend named Brightbill, a merchant in Cando, who formerly lived in Pennsylvania, the corpses were shipped to Sister Kreider's father in Lancaster Co., Pa. The funeral, which was held at Risser's meeting-house in Mount Joy Twp., was undoubtedly the largest ever held in that county, from twelve to fifteen thousand people being present. Services from Jer. 5:30, 31 in the house by J.N. Brubacher, martin Rutt and John G. Ebersole, and outside by John K. Brubacher and Ephraim H. Nissley. The bodies were laid side by side in one grave fourteen feet long and seven and a half feet wide. The scene at the grave was deeply affecting, and many tears of sorrow and sympathy flowed, even from eyes unused to tears. Thus a happy Christian home has been cruelly entered by a ruthless, relentless murderer, and even though much might be said, let us hope that, even shocking as it was, the sudden cutting off of the lives of our dear brother and sister was but the opening to them and their children of the brighter glories of the life beyond. God comfort the sorrowing hearts of the surviving children and their aged grandparents and all the relatives, and many He have mercy upon him who was the author of all this sorrow.

OBITUARY
A FATAL ACCIDENT
A sad accident occurred in our neighborhood near Huntsville, Logan Co., Ohio, on the evening of the 8th of July, 1893, by which a young man by the name of Edward Howard lost his life. The particulars are as follows: On the above-named evening young Howard and D.E. Berntrager, with several others, went to what is known as the Beatty millpond to bathe. They were not in the water long until young Howard came to a place about ten feet deep, and as he could not swim he sank. D.E. Berntrager, being a good swimmer, tried to rescue him, when the drowning man caught him by one of his arms and they both sank to the bottom. Berntrager got loose from Howard and came to the surface. Howard followed, and caught his comrade the second time with a deadly grip around the body and both sank the second time. There was a fierce struggle for life at the bottom of the pond, but finally the latter got loose again though nearly exhausted. He came to the surface again and young Howard also, but Howard sank to rise no more until life was extinct. While the two named were struggling in the water, the others ran for help. The sad news spread rapidly, and in less than an hour there were over one hundred people on the bank of the pond, a great many with lights, and after about two hours' search the body was found and taken to the home of his parents. His father and one of his brothers were at the pond when the body was found. He was a quiet, peaceable young man, and a member of the M.E. church. His age was 24 years, 1 month and 8 days. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Scott o Huntsville. It was the largest funeral that has been here for years. The remains were placed in the Huntsville grave-yard, to await the final resurrection day. This is the second of friend Howard's children that came to his death by drowning. The family have the sympathy of the entire community. The parents and four sisters survive him. C. BERNTRAGER

GERBER - On the 15th of July, 1893, of dropsy, Catharine, maiden name Strecker, wife of Samuel Gerber, aged 59 years and 2 months. Funeral services were held by John Egly and Chr. Nafzinger. The funeral was largely attended.

OVERHOLT - On the 24th of April 1893, near West Overton, Westmoreland Co., Pa., of heart disease, Bro. Abraham Overholt, aged 82 years, 9 months and 12 days. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Mennonite denomination for many years. His death was sudden. He walked over his farm that day and seemed as well as usual. He came into the house about 3 o'clock, went into his room and lay down to rest. When called to supper he had fallen into the sleep from which none ever wake. The family and friends lose a noble father and friend, and the church a pillar and father in Israel. Yet our loss is his gain. "Watch and pray," and "be ye also ready, for ye know not what hour the Son of man cometh." He was buried on the 27th in the Stonerville grave-yard in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. Peace to his ashes. Funeral services by J.N. Durr and Aaron Loucks.

MOYER - On the 19th of July, 1893,, near Sabetha, Nemaha Co., Kans., of abscess and typhoid fever, Mary M. Nice, wife of Abraham K. Moyer, aged 38 years, 3 months and 29 days. She left an affectionate husband and one daughter aged between 14 and 15 years. The church loses a consistent member and the community a kind accommodating neighbor, but we hope their loss is her eternal gain. The funeral was largely attended, Henry Yother officiating.

EASH - On the 11th of May, 1893, near Shipshewana, Ind., of cancer, Jacob N. Eash, aged 53 years, 6 months and 14 days. Bro.. Eash suffered much but bore it all with Christian fortitude until death relieved him. Buried on the 13th. Services in German by J.D. Miller and in English by D.J. Johns from Luke 12:40.

EGLI - On the 5th of July, 1893, in Clinton Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of the infirmities of old age, Catharine Egli, aged 84 years, 7 months and 25 days. She united with the Amish Mennonite denomination in her youth and remained faithful to the end. Services in German by P.Y. Lehman, from Rev. 14:13, and in English by D.J. Johns, from Rev. 20:12-15.

SMELTZER - Near Nappanee, in Elkhart Co., Ind., on the 11th of July, 1893, of consumption, Carrie Ettie, daughter of jacob and Elizabeth Smeltzer, aged 13 years, 4 months and 4 days. She had been lingering for some time. She was a gentle, good-hearted children, and as she was the only daughter of the family it seemed very hard indeed to give her up. May the Lord comfort the sorrowing parents, and give them grave to live very near to Him. Funeral services were held at the Olive church by Noah Metzler and John F. Funk, from Luke 8:52.

YODER - On the 25th of April, 1893, near Bloomington, Osborne Co. Kans., of general debility, David Yoder, aged 69 years, 3 months and 5 days. He leaves his wife, two sons and two daughters, twelve grandchildren and many friends to mourn his death. Buried in the Mennonite grave-yard in Osborne Co. Funeral services by Pre. Kriem. Bro. Yoder was a member of the Amish Mennonite denomination.

KENSINGER - On the 27th of June, 1893, at Martinsburg, Blair Co., Pa., of consumption, Mary, wife of Ephraim Kensinger, aged 35 years, 4 months and 5 days. She leaves a bereaved husband and five children. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite denomination. Funeral services by Bish. Herman Synder, from John 5:24. F.N. BYERS

MARTIN - On the 29th of June, 1893, near Goodville, Lancaster Co., Pa., from the effects of the heat, Lizzie, daughter of Tobias and Mary Martin, aged 18 years, 3 months and 13 days. Buried at the Weaverland meeting-house. About 1500 people witnessed the burial. Funeral services by Jonas Martin in German and John L. Landis in English. I.S.

KAME - July 16, 1893, at the residence of his son-in-law, near Chickies, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. John Kame, aged 81 years, 11 months and 28 days. Funeral on the 19th. Text, 2 Cor. 5:1. Buried at Silver Spring cemetery. A sorrowing wife and family followed him to the grave.

WERZ - On the 10th of July, 1893, in Johnson Co., Iowa, after four days of severe suffering of inflammation of the bowels, sister Helena Gingerich, widow of Bro. William Werz, deceased, aged 72 years, 9 months and 20 days. With her husband and family and several other Amish Mennonite families, she came to Johnson Co., in 1845. They bought the farm on which she has since lived and is now buried. They lived here for six years without the privilege of an organized congregation. More members of the same faith following the pioneers in 1851, a church was organized, of which she was a faithful member until death. In April, 1892, she had a severe attack of sickness, from which she however recovered, and for nearly a year she enjoyed moderate health. After a few days of severe suffering in her last sickness she fell into a kind of stupor from which she seldom awoke, and at last she passed away. Her many words of admonition and advice will not soon be forgotten. Buried on the 12th in the family grave-yard. Funeral services in the Lower Deer Creek meeting-house by John Gunden and Chr. J. Miller, from 2 Cor. 5:1-10.

BAKER - After many weary months of sickness, sister Barbara Baker departed this life at her home in Mechanicsburgh, Cumberland Co., P., on the 10th of July, 1893, in the 78th years of her age. for several weeks previous to her death her condition was such as to give her friends no hope of recovery. The deceased was held in high esteem by her many friends. She lived an upright, Christian life. Her funeral was held on the 12th and was largely attended. Funeral services by Bish. Benj. Zimmerman, Samuel Hess and Henry Weaver. Text, 1 Cor. 15. Peace to her ashes.

ROPP - On the 13th of July, 1893, near Thurman, Colo., infant son, of Christian L. and Anna Ropp, aged 1 day. Buried on the 14th in the church-yard near Thurman. Services by Joseph Schlegel from Luke 18:15-17 and by Jacob Roth from Psa. 49:17, 18.

KEIM - July 14, 1893, near Addison, Somerset Co., Pa., of typhoid fever, Marshall, youngest son of Bishop David Keim, aged 20 years, 5 months and 23 days. This young man was attending school at Ursina, Pa., when he was taken sick. One week elapsed before he could be removed to his home, 8 miles distant, but all medical aid and skill seemed in vain, and his demise soon came. About a week before he departed this life he became concerned about his soul and desired to be received into the church by water baptism, which was granted him. Buried July 15th. Services by D.H. Bender, from Amos 4:12, 'Prepare to meet thy God."

OSWALD - On the 13th of July, 1893, near Hopedale, Ill., of lung fever, John, son of Christian and Maria Oswald, aged 1 year and 3 days. buried in the grave-yard near Hopedale. Funeral services by Joseph Egly, Chr. Nafzinger and John Egly.

ESHELMAN - On the 11th of Julym, 1893, at his home near Shiremanstown, Cumberland Co., Pa., John Eshelman died of dropsy, of which he suffered for six months, nearly all that time sitting in his chair, where he calmly fell asleep at the advanced age of 72 years, 7 months and 1 day. During the sickness he began to feel serious about that one thing needful for which he had made no preparation, and we believe Christ accepted him in the eleventh hour of his life. He desire was to be received into the church, which was granted, Bish. Benj. Zimmerman, and Deacon H.s. Rupp officiating at the solemn services. His posterity numbered 14 children; 3 of them have gone to the spirit world; the rest are all married but one daughter,, who, with the widowed mother and the rest of us, feel the sad stroke. There were also 36 grandchildren, of whom 18 are dead; and one great-grandchild. Buried in the Mennonite grave-yard at Slate Hill. Funeral services by Bish. Benj. Zimmerrman and S. Hess. Text, Isaiah 38:1 and 2 Cor. 5:1.
Sad and bitter was the night when father took his heavenward flight;
Sad for mother lonely left, sad for children of father bereft.
"A home in heaven! what a joyful thought, as the poor man toils in his weary lot,
His heart oppressed, and with anguish driven, from him home below to his home in heaven.
A home in heaven, as the sufferer sits on his chair of pain and his eyes uplifts
To that bright home, what a joy is given with the blessed tho't of his home in heaven.
A home in heaven, when the faint heart bleeds, by the spirits' stroke for its evil deeds;
Oh then, what bliss to that heart forgiven does the hope inspire of a home i heaven.
A home in heaven, when our friends are fled, to the cheerless glooms of the mouldering dead;
We wait in hope on the promise given, we will meet up there in our home in heaven.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

UP

YODER - On the 9th of July, 1893, near Topeka, La Grange Co., Ind., of consumption, Abner P., son of John H. and Fannie Yoder, aged 19 years, 3 months and 22 days. He was a dutiful son, loved by all, but his soul was unsaved, until little more than a week before his death he confessed his faith in Christ as his Savior and request baptism. Shortly before he died he said to two of his companions, "Good bye. Meet me in heaven." The mother has been an invalid for a number of years, therefore the funeral services were conducted at the home of the parents by J. Kurtz and J.S. Hartzler, from Ps. 103:15, 16.

HIESTAND - Aug. 2d, 1893, near Florin, Lancaster Co., Samuel Hiestand, aged 4 months and 6 days. Funeral on the 5th. Text, Mark, 10:14, 15. Buried at Green Tree meeting-house.

STEINMAN - On the 12th of July, 1893, near Baden, Ont., Leah, daughter of Daniel and Barbara Steinman, aged 6 years, 9 months and 17 days. Services by N. Naftzinger and L. Litwiller. Text, Luke 12:35-40; 1 Cor. 13:11.

RUPP - On the 27th of July, 1893, near Pekin, Ill., of typhoid fever, Peter Rupp, aged 78 years, 3 months and 3 days. Buried on the 29th at Elm Grove. Bro. Rupp was chosen to the ministry and served faithfully. Services by Joseph Burkey, John P. Schmitt, Peter Schnatz and John Smith.

GOOD - On the 21st of July, 1893, near Bowmansville, Lancaster Co., Pa., of consumption, Lydia (Kurtz), wife of Noah Good, aged 32 years, 7 months and 12 days. She was able to be up and around until the last week of her life. During her illness she manifested the comfort of Christian patience. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church and was loved by all who knew her. Her husband and two children deeply mourn the loss of the departed. Buried on the 24th. Services from Heb. 4:1-3; Job 19:25 by H.G. Good, S.R. Ott, Benj. Horning, and B.G. Welder.

KING - On July 17, 1893, in Pawnee Co., Kans., of scarlet fever, Milo Henry, son of D.S. and E. King, aged 1 year, 1 month and 4 days. Services by Bish. Samuel Miller.
"Go to thy rest, sweet child, go thy dreamless bed,
While yet so gentle, undefiled, with blessings on thy head."

DAUSMAN - On the 29th of July, 1893, near Elkhart, Ind., Jacob Dausman, aged 79 years, 6 months and 16 days. In 1814 he emigrated from France to America, and in 1859 became a member of the Mennonite church, and remained faithful unto death. Services by Noah Metzler and J.S. Coffman.

KAHLER - On the 1st of August, 1893, in Elkhart, Ind., of a lingering disease, Mary A., wife of Amos Kahler, aged 62 years, 7 months and 7 days. She leaves a husband and nine children to mourn her death. She was afflicted for many years and had many trials and conflicts, yet she labored with all the strength she had to provide for her family. During the winter her health failed and she suffered great bodily affliction. During her sickness she was led in turn to the Lord, whose service for many years was neglected. She had been a member of the Church of God in early life, but is now united with the Mennonite church, and received communion. She expressed her desire to go home, and when asked concerning her faith in God, she replied, "All is paid." She was buried on the 3d. Services by John F. Funk from Eph. 1:7. May God direct all the bereaved ones in the way of eternal life.

HOOVER - On Thursday morning, July 27, 1893, in Markham, York Co., Ont., Nancy Burkholder, widow of the late Christian B. Hoover (who died Feb. 3), aged 48 years and 7 days. She was buried on the 29th in the Mennonite grave yard, in the presence of many beloved relatives, friends and neighbors. Funeral services were conducted by John G. and Samuel R. Hoover. Scripture lesson, Job 14:1-16. Text, Amos 4:12, "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." The sister leaves a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren to mourn her early death, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. We have the assurance that she is at rest.
We miss thee from our home, dear mother, we miss thee from thy place.
A shadow o'er our life is cast.

HOSTETLER - On the 6th of July, near Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Oho, Mauda M., daughter of Christian and Lydia Hostetler, aged 27 years, 8 months and 6 days. Buried on the 8th. She was a faithful member of the Amish church. She leaves a father, mother, seven brothers and two sisters to mourn her departure. Services by C.K. Yoder and Jacob France.

KREIDER - On Saturday, July 22, 1893, John Kreider, aged 68 years, 1 month and 11 days. He lived with his son Frank about 7 miles south-east of Elkhart, in Harrison Twp., and on Saturday morning he took a load of wood to Elkhart, while Frank and his family started for Nappanee to visit his brothers. Bro. Kreider had sold his wood and was on his way back to the grocery store where he had made some purchases. In crossing the L.S. & M.S. Railway tracks one of the horses started to run, and the team, becoming unmanageable, got out of the road and jolted the wagon across the rails until it was overturned and he was thrown out and so injured that he became unconscious and died within an hour and a half after the accident had occurred. Bro. Kreider was a faithful and devoted Christian and was beloved and respected by all who knew him, and his sudden and sad death cast a gloom over the neighborhood. During his life time he suffered many trials and afflictions, but always showed that meek and quiet spirit which becomes the Christian. He was buried on Tuesday at the Olive church, where a very large concourse of people had assembled to pay the last tribute of love. Funeral services were held by J.F. Funk and Jos. S. Lehman, from Ps. 39:4. He leaves five children to mourn his death. May each of them endeavor to imitate the good example of their father and seek to meet him where parting shall never be known.

SHERK - On the 20th of June, 1893, in Markham Twp., York Co., Ont., of paralysis, Catharine Musleman, widow of the late John Sherk (and daughter of the late Peter and Frances Musleman of Pennsylvania), aged 87 years, 11 months and 7 days. Buried at the Dunkard grave-yard. Many beloved relatives and friends mourned over her departure. Sister Sherk was a member of the Mennonite denomination. Funeral services were conducted by John G. Hoover in German and Samuel R. Hoover in English. Text from Rev. 14:13. We have the sweet assurance that she is forever at rest.
How many were the silent prayers my mother offered up for me;
How many were the bitter cares she felt when none but God could see.

KRAUSA - July 21, at the residence of John Forry, near Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa., suddenly of consumption, Wm. Krausa, aged 65 years, 8 months and 10 days. Funeral on the 23d. Text, Heb. 9:27, 28. Buried in Forry's family grave-yard.

BOMBERGER - July 26th, near William's Grove, Cumberland Co., Pa., sister Fannie E. Bomberger, aged 71 years and 9 months, Funeral on the 29th. Buried at Hertzler's meeting-house. Sister Bomberger was a kind modest Christian.

ROTH - On the 16th of June, 1893, near Agatha, Ont., John Roth, aged 70 years and 1 day. He leaves a wife, 5 children and 25 grandchildren to mourn their loss. Services by Y.M. Bender and Y. Goscho. Texts, 1 Cor. 5:1-10.

HARTZLER - On the 26th of July, 1893, near Gwinn, Md., of cholera infantum, Amy, daughter of Joseph and Nancy J. Hartzler, aged 7 months and 10 days. Services by Sam-
Transcriber's notes: The obituary ends here, does not appear to be cut off by photocopying.

FRY - July 30, in Columbiana, Ohio, of dropsy, Daniel Fry, aged 62 years, 4 months and 8 days. Funeral on the 31st at the Oberholzer church, where services were conducted by Jacob Stouffer and John Burkholder. Deceased was a member of the Mennonite church.

HILTY - On the 19th of July, 1893, in Hancock Co., Ohio, near Bluffton, of consumption, Bro. William H. Hilty, son of David and Elizabeth Hilty, aged 20 years, 4 months and 29 days. Our young brother's health began to fail about a year and a half before his death, but he was confined to his bed only about two weeks. He united with the Mennonite church in his nineteenth year and lived, as was thought by all who knew him, a very amiable Christian life. Some time previous to his death, however, he became convinced that he had not been living a true Christian life, and with much earnestness and prayer sought a closer union with God, a more entire consecration to Him, and was soon in possession of that "peace which passeth understanding." He now became very happy, rejoicing in the Lord and looking forward with happy anticipations to the time when he should depart and be with Christ. He now also became very earnest in admonishing and exhorting all who came to see him, and had something appropriate for each. Ministers he urged to be more earnest in warning the people, and would remind them of the great responsibility that is resting upon them. He would say, "I want you to do all in your power to lead sinners to Christ, and Christians to a higher Christian experience." His young associates in the church he earnestly exhorted to be more earnest and prayerful, and "Follow the path of Jesus," warning them especially against conforming to the world in dress and outward appearances, and several times expressed himself as feeling convinced that some of them were not ready for death. The unconverted he earnestly exhorted them to become Christians, and not only be professors, but true Christians. During the last nine days of his life he exhorted about 120 persons. Funeral services were conducted by Isaac Burkhart, Andrew Shenk, and J.M. Shenk. He selected for a text Luke 12:40, "Be ye therefore also ready."

HOSTTEDLER - On the 14th of July, 1893, near Wawpecong, Ind., of blood poison, Homer, son of Christian J. and Margaret Hosttedler, aged 3 months. This is the fourth jewel that God has already called from their side, but they have the blessed assurance that they have four dear ones in paradise. Services at the Amish Mennonite church by D.C. Miller from 1 Thess, 4:13-15, and E.A. Mast from 2 Kings. 20:1.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia