Herald of Truth Obituaries - November, 1893

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Herald of Truth, Vol. XXX, No. 21, November 1, 1893 - Page 342

IN MEMORIAM
Suddenly, at Pottstown Landing, Chester county, Pa., on Wednesday morning, Sept. 13th, Sister Catharine Reiff, in her 84th year. This aged mother was a widow for several years for the second time. She was first married to David Landis by whom she had two sons who survive her -- George W. Landis of the above place and Pre. John L. Landis of Cape May, N.J. Her second marriage was nearly fifty years to Rudolph Reiff whom she survived by nearly ten years. She was a faithful and devoted wife, a good and loving mother whose affectionate concern never wanted to the last amidst her own sufferings, and a most tender grandmother. She was likewise a most kind and sympathetic neighbor and especially thoughtful of, and generous in remembering the poor. She was a warm friend and loved to welcome and entertain her relatives and friends in her own hospitable home. But it is, in the words of one of her sons, as a true mother she excelled most. Her mother love was never chilled nor wearied. She never had words of rebuke or censure when it was even well deserved, but all pity and charity. Whatever others might say and feel, her anxieties and sufferings were greater than the subjects of her sympathy and intense worry. Her love and devotion were strong as life, and only interrupted in this world by her departure. May the memory of that love and devotion be an inspiration to live a better and more self-denying life as a perpetuating memorial to her undying love. For the last year and a half she had been almost a constant sufferer from cancer. As it gradually exhausted her life, she had grace given her to bear with patience and Christian fortitude her pains. But she was concerned lest her sufferings might become too great and long continued and cause her to murmur. Hence she said to one of her sons, "I pray to the Lord, that He may not put a greater burden upon me than I am able to bear." And she expressed herself frequently as anxious to be taken and go home to heaven. Her last few days were particularly patient and peaceful. She felt that the end was drawing nigh, and said the evening before that she thought she would die that night. The next morning, true to her own prophecy, she was found to have quietly and apparently without a struggle breathed her life away, and was, in the words of the familiar hymn she had selected for her funeral --
"Asleep in Jesus! blessed sleep.
From which none ever wake to weep,"
and had in the spirit of the text she had chosen for her sermon, "Finished her course and kept the faith."
The funeral services were held in the East Coventry Mennonite meeting-house, where a very appropriate and impressive sermon was preached by Pre. Joseph H. Hendricks of Collegeville, to a very large congregation of relatives and friends from 2 Tim 4:7.
"I leave the world without a tear, save for the friends I held so dear;
To heal their sorrows Lord! descend, and to the friendless prove a Friend.
The hour of my departure's come; I hear the voice that calls me home;
Now, O my God! let trouble cease, now let thy servant die in peace."

HERSHBERGER - On the 18th of June 1893, in Somerset Co., Pa., sister Elizabeth Hershberger, aged 76 years, 11 months and 18 days. She was buried on the 20th. Funeral services were delivered by L.A. Blough in English and Samuel Gindlesperger in German.

OESCH - On the 18th of October 1893, near Ransom, Ness Co., Kansas, of typhoid fever, Daniel, son of Bro. Christian Oesch, aged 15 years, 1 month and 9 days. Buried on the 20th in the Ransom grave-yard,. Funeral services at the house by Jacob Aeby. May God comfort the hearts of this deeply afflicted house hold. Two daughters are also lying at the point of death of the same disease. May the Lord manifest Himself in tender love and compassion in His mysterious dispensation.

BRUBACHER - On the 15th of October 1893, in Lancaster Co., Pa., of dropsy and the debilities of old age, our beloved brother, Pre. David Brubacher, aged 79 years, 3 months and 21 days. His funeral at Graybill's M.H. was very largely attended. Three aged sisters and several children survive him with the hope of meeting him in glory. Funeral services from Heb. 13:17.

RISSER - On the 1st of September 1893, in Dauphin Co., Pa., after a year's confinement to her bed of suffering, widow of Bro. John Risser, aged 78 years, 7 months and 22 days. Buried at Shenk's M.H. in Dauphin Co. Funeral services from John 14:1-23. She leaves one daughter to mourn a loving mother's death.

STAUFFER - On the 31st of August, in Dauphin Co., Pa., after long and severe suffering, widow of Pre. John Stauffer, who died about a year ago. Her age was 67 years, 2 months and 2 days. Sister Stauffer bore her sufferings patiently. Several months ago her eldest son, Isaac, died. Four sons survive her. Her remains were laid to rest at Stauffer's M.H. in Dauphin county.

DAUTRICH - On the 13th of August 1893, sister Catharine Dautrich was laid to rest at Stauffer's meeting-house in Dauphin Co., Pa. Her age was 77 years, 3 months and 24 days. Her husband, 4 sons and one daughter remain to mourn their loss. Funeral services from 2 Tim 4:6-8. She fell asleep in the living hope of awaking in the glorious rest that remaineth to the people of God.

MOYER - On the 28th of July, 1893, Catharine was buried at Risser' M.H., Lancaster Co., Pa. Her age was 80 years, 4 months and 16 days. Her husband died years ago. Funeral services from Rev. 14:12, 13. She was a beloved sister in the Mennonite church. One son remains to mourn her death.

NAFFZIGER - On the 11th of October 1893, in Tazewell Co., Ill., Emma Naffziger, aged 43 years, 1 month and 2 days. Her maiden name was Stauffer. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, 2 children and 5 step-children. Her remains were laid to rest on the 12th. Funeral services in German and English by Joseph Stuckey and Christian Naffziger.

ANDREAS - Sister Andreas, wife of Peter Andreas, died on the 18th of September 1893, at her residence near Sterling, Whiteside Col. Ill., aged 68 years, 9 months and 19 days. She had a stroke of paralysis 8 years ago and another one 6 years ago, since which time she was unable to walk. Four months ago she had another stroke, and from that time on she gradually sank up the time of her death. She was a kind mother, a devoted wife and an earnest member of the Menn. ch. for 7 years. Her maiden name was Geist. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., she was married at 21 to Peter Andreas. In 1865 they moved to Sterling, Ill., where they have since resided on a farm. She leaves to survive her a husband, 8 children, 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral took place on the 30th. Services by Pre. Philip Nice at Science Ridge meeting-house. Interment in the grave-yard adjoining.

MEYER - Rachel Meyer, wife of John F. Meyer, died on the 22d of September 1893. Aged 86 years less 3 days. Buried at Deep Run on the 26th. She was a kind, affectionate, loving mother, respected by all who knew her. A vacant chair is left that never can be filled. A loving husband, a son and daughter mourn their loss. For her we cherish this hope and say, "For me to live was Christ and to die is gain." Funeral services by S. Godshalk and I. Meyer.
"From a region of sickness and pain, she has gone to a mansion of rest;
Where she will never suffer again, in the land of the Diety blest.
She now dwelleth all serene, in the brighter realms above,
Looking upon the glorious scene, in perfection there above." S. GODSHALK

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XXX, No. 22, November 15, 1893 - Page 358, 359

LESHER - On the 30th of Oct. 1893, near Leitersburg, Md., of diphtheria, Susan, daughter of brother and sister David B. and Elizabeth Lesher, aged 5 years., 6 mos., and 26 days. Buried at the Leitersburg M.H. Services by Bro's J.C. Miller and Henry Baer from Mark 10:14. 'Twas hard to say good-bye. Little Susan was an affectionate bud plucked from the middle of a pious family circle composed of father, mother and three daughters, and has been transplanted to bloom forever in the Smaranthine garden, amidst the flowery escarpments of heaven's eternal landscape where bouquets never wither and lilies never fade; where the ransomed of the Lord shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away, where the "wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." The bereaved parents mourn the loss of their affectionate little jewel, but console themselves with the words of the text, "Oh such is the kingdom of heaven."
Farewell, father and mother dear, I have gone and left you here;
I want to go where Jesus is, to dwell in Heaven's angelic bliss."

YODER - On the 24th of October 1893, in Elkhart Co., Ind., of typhoid fever, Bro. Samuel J. Yoder, aged 54 years, 6 months and 8 days. Buried on the 26th at Yellow Creek. Funeral services by D. Burkholder, J.S. Lehman and J.S. Coffman. Bro. Yoder was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, was married to sister Mary Stoll, with whom he had three children. He was an earnest, devoted Christian and will be sadly missed. His sickness was of but a few days duration. He died triumphant in the faith. May God comfort the bereaved sister and her family in their great affliction.

MARTIN - On the 21st of October 1893, of a lingering sickness, near Strasburg Lanc. Co., Pa., Bro. Samuel E. Martin, aged 68 years, 7 months and 1 day. The services were held at the Mennonite meeting house at Strasburg. Preaching by Amos Herr and Bish. Isaac Eby from Psalm 90:1. The deceased was a kind neighbor and a man of good ability and intelligence. He however depended a long time upon his own good works to carry him through life but when death's door opened before him, he saw what he never saw before -- that he required a better righteousness than his own. He requested to be baptized which was administered by Bish. Eby about three weeks ago. He rejoiced greatly in his latter days that he found mercy in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

LEATHERMAN - On the 20th of October 1893, in Bedminster, Bucks Co., Pa., Philip L. Leatherman, aged 29 years, 2 months and 21 days. Buried on the 24th at Deep Run Brick M.H., where A.M. Fretz spoke comforting words from Heb. 6:18 to a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends.

GROSS - On the 21st of Oct. 1893, in Dublin, Bucks Co., Pa., Florence, daughter of Daniel and Lizzie Gross, aged 2 months and 21 days. Buried in Doylestown on the 25th.

TSCHOPP - On the 20th of October 1893, in Clinton Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of typhoid malaria, John Tschopp, aged 50 years, 1 month and 10 days. Buried in Jacob H. Miller's grave-yard. Funeral services by Jost Lehman and D.J. Hochstetler from John 5:24-30 and James 4:13.

JONES - On the 23d of October 1893, in Bucks Co., Pa., Annie Jones, in her 86th year. Buried on the 27th at Doylestown.

HOSTETLER - On the 3d of October 1893, in Shore, LaGrange Co., Ind., of a complication of diseases, Steward, only child of Daniel and Ida Hostetler, aged 3 months and 26 days. Buried Oct. 5th near Pashan, Ind. Funeral services by A.S. Cripe and Yost C. Miller from Mark 10:14, 15. May God comfort these young parents in their sad bereavement.
"Dear parents, don't think of me as in the tomb,
For I shall not fear its dark shadows and gloom,
I'm going to live with the angels so fair,
I'll look for you, parents, and wait for you there.
You'll know where to find me, dear parents, in heaven,
Though every fond tie you have cherished be riven,
You'll follow me home to the land of the blest,
Where sighs are not heard and the weary ones rest."

WEAVER - On the 25th of October 1893, near New Holland, Lancaster Co., Pa., Anne, oldest daughter of Benjamin B. and Mary Weaver, aged 16 years, 8 months and 5 days. Deceased was a member of the Mennonite church. She was a sufferer of consumption which she patiently bore for about two years. Her remains were laid to rest on the 27th, at the Pike Mennonite meeting-house near Hinkletown. Funeral services by Bish. Jonas H. Martin and Menno Zimmerman, from Rev. 14:12, 13. M.B.

LOUCKS - On the 23d of October 1893, near Wakarusa, Indiana, of typhoid fever, Jacob Loucks, aged 62 years, 1 month and 14 days. Bro. Loucks was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Sept. 9th, 1831. He was a member of the Mennonite denomination many years and was ordained to the ministry some six years ago. He leaves a sorrowing companion, three sons, three daughters and thirteen grandchildren, besides an aged father, six brothers and two sisters to mourn his departure. He was buried on the 25th at the Olive Menn. M.H. where a very large concourse of people had gathered to participate in the exercises. We hope that this sad bereavement may but lead the dear mourning ones nearer to Him who is indeed a very present help to us in every time of need, feeling that our loss is his eternal gain.

ESHLEMAN - On the 7th of October 1893, near Middleburg, Pa., of brain fever, Jonas B., son of Jacob and Maria Eshleman, aged 2 years, 5 months and 7 days. He leaves his parents, one brother and two sisters to mourn their loss. Buried at Miller's M.H. Services were conducted by Clegget Miller and Jacob Brubaker.
"Dear little Jonas, we miss you so,
When we go to bed or when we rise,
We think we see his sparkling eyes;
How oft we view his little bed
Where oft he laid his little head,
But now we cannot see you more
Until we meet on Canaan's shore."

KNICELEY - On the 18th of Oct. 1893, near Hinton, Rockingham Co., Va., of typhoid fever, sister Marcy Kniceley, aged 22 years, 5 months and 13 days. Buried on the 19th at the Bank M.H. in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. She was highly esteemed by all who knew her as her life was truly an exemplary one. Many tears of bereavement and sympathy for the family were shed as the last sad rites were performed in respect to her. Funeral services were conducted by Gabriel D. and Daniel S. Heatwole from John 11:28. "The Master is come and calleth for thee."

LANDIS - On Oct. 16, 1893, near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., of paralysis, Bro. Daniel Landis. Services at the Pike M.H. on the 17th. Buried in Early's grave-yard.

FISHBACK - On Oct. 28, 1893, near Rushville, Rockingham Co., Va., of consumption, Octavia Fishback, in the 19th year of her age. Buried at the Bank on Sunday the 29th. Services before a large concourse of sympathizing relatives and friends by G.D. Heatwole and others.

WEAVER - On the 9th of September 1893, near Emma, LaGrange Co., Ind., Elmer, son of Emanuel and Madgalena Weaver, aged 3 months and 28 days. Buried in the Townline grave-yard. Funeral services were conducted by Amos Cripe and Joseph Miller. Text, 1 Cor. 15.
"Elmer dear, we loved thee well,
Loved thee more than tongue can tell;
Yet the Lord who loved thee more
Took thee to the eternal shore."

SWARTZ - On the 24th of October 1893, near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., of typhoid fever, Bettie F., wife of William Swartz, aged 29 years, 4 months and 6 days. This short sickness has bereft our brother of a dear companion, and one child of an affectionate mother, but they mourn not without a hope of once being able to meet her in the glory world. Funeral services were held at Weaver's M.H. on the 26th by D.S. and L.J. Heatwole.

BOYER - On the 18th of October, 1893, in Waterloo township, and county, Ontario, of infirmities of old age and dropsy, Elizabeth Boyer, aged 72 years, 10 months and 23 days. She was born in Baden, Germany. Buried on the 20th at Weber's M.H. Funeral services by Jacob B. Gingrich, from Rev. 7:15, 17. Peace to her ashes.

TINSMAN - Oct. 24th, 1893, near Madison, Westmoreland Co., Pa., after a short illness of two weeks at the residence of her daughter-in-law, sister Annie O. Tinsman, widow of Martin O. Tisman. Buried on the 26th in the Marshill U.B. burying-ground. Her age was 86 years, 4 months and 29 days. Sister Tinsman leaves one brother, one daughter and many grand and great-grandchildren to mourn their loss, though they need not "mourn as those who have no hope." She lived an exemplary Christian life, upwards of 65 years, uniting with the Mennonite church in her youth. She is one of whom it was said that she did not grow old with her years, but manifested that Christ-like spirit which drew her to many young friends. Funeral services were conducted by S.S. Hough and Aaron Loucks in presence of a large concourse of sympathizing friends. Text, Psa. 116:15.

NELSON - A very said accident occurred at Shipshewana, Ind., on Wednesday morning, Sept. 20, 1893, when Harvey Nelson was accidently shot and killed by Hudson Harris, who was on his way to go hunting and stopped at F.W. Sherley's restaurant, where several men were talking, one of them being Harvey Nelson. During the talk a question arose as to the merits of Harris' gun, whereupon Harris remarked that it did not always discharge when the trigger was pulled.
Harris then explained that it was not the fault of the gun, but because it was not set to the last set. While explaining he used the gun to demonstrate that when the hammer was rightly set, it would go all right. Half raising the gun, he raised the hammer with his thumb; he does not know if it slipped or if he pulled the trigger, however it was, there was a loud report and Harvey, who stood learning against the counter with his elbow braced on the showcase, slowly reeled forward, and with the most pitiful appeal portrayed upon his countenance, fell upon the floor, face downward, the blood gushing from his side.
The charge of shot entered just above and forward of the hip, passing entirely through the abdominal region, striking the spinal column which it slightly shattered. He was conscious only for a few minutes during which time he called to a bystander saying, "Help me up, I'm shot." They were his last words. Becoming unconscious he remained in that state, and in about an hour after he received the fatal wound he died. A coroner's inquest was held and the verdict rendered that the deceased came to his death by a gunshot wound caused by the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of Hudson Harris. While the shooting was purely accidental, it was nevertheless in handling firearms, and as for the responsibility, there were several in the crowd really as much to blame as the unhappy Harris. The deceased was a son of Bro. and sister Thos. B. Nelson, of Shore. He leaves a wife and one child to mourn his departure. The funeral services were conducted from the Dunkard church by Pre. D.D. Miller and B. Leer. Discourse from the text, "Prepare to meet thy God."
Over one thousand persons were present, Harvey Nelson and Hudson Harris were both highly respected and intelligent young men. May this deplorable accident be a lesson never to be forgotten in our vicinity, as to criminal carelessness in the handling of firearms. May God comfort his many friends. A. BRO.

LANDIS - On Oct. 19th, 1893, in East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., near Witmer, of pneumonia, sister Catharine Landis, wife of Bro. David N. Landis, aged 67 years, 7 months and 29 days. She was buried at Mellinger's meeting-house, on Thursday the 19th. Pre. David Buckwalter opened services in the German language and John K. Brubaker took the text in English from Prov. 27, last clause of verse 1. "We know not what a day may bring forth." The funeral was an unusually sad one. Bro. David N. Landis and his wife were to see a sick person on Sunday previous, where they both took a severe cold. The wife took pneumonia in such a severe form that she died on Monday night following, and the husband was so poorly on the day of his wife's funeral, that the friends and relatives were not permitted to see him. The children and the surviving husband have the warmest sympathy in their bereavement, of the many friends and neighbors, and that hope that the father may survive and regain his health and stand in honor of his Maker and be a co-laborer in the cause of Christ for many days to come.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia


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