Herald of Truth Obituaries - August, 1894

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HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXI, No. 15, August 1, 1894 ­ Pages 238, 239

Bishop Henry A. Miller son of Jacob and Katie Miller, was born Apr. 17, 1820, near Johnstown, in Somerset Co., Pa. Here his early years were passed with his parents; his educational advantages, like that of many of our forefathers, were poor. He had learned to read well the German and he could write.
In 1840 he married sister Martha Thomas, who survives him. After living in Cambria, Co., Pa., four years Bro. And sister Miller moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., and lived here seven years; they then moved to LaGrange Co., Ind., where they lived till his death which occurred Nov. 30, 1893.
This marriage was blessed with four children, Mary, aged 13, preceded her father to the better world. The surviving ones are John and Jacob, and Gertrude, wife of John Nusbaum.
It was not until Bro. Miller had moved to LaGrange Co. that he heeded the master's voice and accepted Christ as his Savior, a delay which he much regretted in his later years. But from that time on he was an earnest worker in the Mennonite denomination. Shortly after uniting with the church, he was ordained to the ministry; and about 9 or 10 years ago to the bishop's office. He filled these places with an earnest, prayerful zeal.
For many years Bro. Miller, with one co-worker had charge of the congregation at Shore. In earlier years the services were held in the school-house, but as the congregation increased a house of worship was built, which shortly before his death was enlarged to make room for the increasing membership.
The success of the good work at this place was due largely, we believe, to Bro. Miller's earnest, prayerful, and untiring efforts; and to his daily life, which was an example of true practical Christian piety.
Loving, hospitable, generous, charitable, kind-he is missed by all; but especially by the aged sister and the grandchildren, who always found in grandpa a willing listener and a wise counselor.
"We miss him from our home, our grandpa,
We miss him from his place;
A shadow o'er our life is cast,
We miss the sunshine of his face.

We miss his kind and loving hand
His fond and earnest care;
Our home is dark without him-
We miss him every where."
Bro. Miller's seat in church was seldom vacant. His sermons were always earnest admonitions. He disliked insincerity, pride and its manifestations, or anything which leads to disunion or strife. He had always peace in the church and with his fellow men; and earnestly exhorted those in his charge to follow, not their own inclinations, but the God of peace. We frequently heard him say, "I must follow my Bible, if all men be false." How well we remember him the last time we saw him in church; he rose, feeble, trembling, with the tears streaming down his face and his voice quivering; he said he knew his time here was short, but that he expected to reap as he had sown; also, how he regretted that he had not enlisted in the Master's service earlier. In all that he did, he gave God the glory. He often said, in German, "Give God the glory and not dying man, also, "When we have done all that it is our duty to do, we are still nothing but unprofitable servants." He loved to sing German hymns, "O Seele, saeume nicht." "Mein Gott! Das Herz ich bringe Dir," and "Ihr jungen Helden aufgewacht". He was a friend to the young people. And while we sadly miss him, we can only remember and try to follow his kind and ever earnest precepts.

Bender.-July 6th, 1894, near Lititz, Lan. Co., Pa., Bro. John Bender, age 67 y., 8 m., 11 d. Funeral on the 10th. Text: Isiah 38:12. Buried at Petersburg M. H. A large congregation assembled to sympathize with the bereft family and as a token of respect for the beloved brother.

Burkholder.-July 14th, 1894, near Litiz, Lancaster Co., Pa., sister Susan Burkholder, aged 85 y., 1 m., 28 d. Funeral on the 17th. Text: Rev. 21:7. Buried at Hess meeting house.

Densler.-On the 12th of June, 1894, in Campbellstown, Lebanon Col, Pa., William Densler, aged 72 y., 8 m., 27 d.

Hostetter.-In Lebanon Co., Pa., of the infirmities of old age, widow of John Hostetter, aged 85 y., 9 m., 6 d. Buried at Gingrich's M. H. Funeral services from Heb. 4:1, 2. She leaves a family of children and grandchildren to mourn their loss. She was a beloved sister in the church.

Yoder.-On the 16th of July 1894, near Emma, Ind., J. Yoder, age 67 y., 3 m., 9 d. He leaves his sorrowing widow to mourn his departure, yet now without a lively hope of meeting on the shore of eternal happiness. Funeral services by J. D. Hochstetler and Emanuel J. Miller.

Bruning.-On the 23rd of Feb., 1894, in Mt. Joy Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of a severe cold, Charles Henry Bruning, aged 39 y., 7 m., 28 d. Buried at Rissers M. H. Funeral text, Job 33:29.

Schenk.-In Conoy Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of general debility, widow M. Schenk, aged 90 y., 1 m., 16 d. Buried in the family graveyard. Funeral services from Rev. 14:13. She leaves several sons and daughters and grandchildren. She was a faithful member of the church.

Worthington.-On the 17th of June 1894, in Plumstead, Bucks Co., Pa., Aaron M. Worthington, aged 74 y., 8 m. Buried at the Friends M. H. on the 21st. Funeral services by S. Gross and Samuel Godshalk.

Wismer.-On the 2d of July 1894, in Plumstead, Bucks Co., Pa., Lewis Wismer, aged 54 y. 8 m., 22 d. Buried at the Point Baptist church on the 6th. Funeral services by Samuel Godshalk.

Neigarden.-In Lebanon county, Pa., of dropsy, wife of Samuel Neigarden, aged 50 years. She leaves 4 daughters and 2 sons to mourn their loss. The interment took place at Rissers M.H.

Strupher.-On the 16th of July 1894, in Danvers, Illinois, of typhoid fever, Peter Strupher, aged 31 y., 2 m., 14 d. He suffered only ten days, and leaves his wife with an infant of 8 months; also his mother, a brother and four sisters. The blow falls heavily upon the widow and the mother who has had two strokes of paralysis and is very feeble. He was the youngest in the family. Buried on the 18th. Funeral services in the Danvers Baptist church by preachers Schleswig and Lawrence in English and Joseph Stuckey in German.

Beilhartz.-On the 5th of June 1894, near Leetonia, Columbiana Co., Ohio, sister Barbara Beilhartz, aged 67 y., 9 m., 9 d. Her husband and three children preceded her in death. Her husband died Nov. 26, 1872, leaving her a widow with ten children. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite denomination. Buried on the 7th in the Nolt graveyard, followed by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Services by John Burkholder and David Hostetter of Wayne Co. Peace to her ashes.

Lantz.-On the 17th of July 1894, in Howard Co, Ind., of cholera infantum, William son of Joseph J. and Mary Lantz, age 8 m., 26 d. Buried on the 18th. Funeral services at the A. M. meeting house by N. Sproll and E. A. Mast, from 2 Sam. 18:33.

Mast.-On the 26th of March, 1894, in Moultrie Co., Ill., of long continued lung trouble, Amanda, wife of John D. Mast, daughter of Bishop Daniel C. and Mattie Miller, aged 37 years, 11 months, 21 days. She lived in matrimony 15 years, 4 months, 15 days. The union was blessed with seven children, of whom 3 preceded her to the eternal home. She leaves a husband, 4 children, parents, two brothers and one sister to mourn her departure. E. A. Mast was called by telegram from Howard Co., Ind., to conduct funeral services. She was a sister in the Amish Mennonite church and was fully resigned to the Lord's will. We feel to sympathize with our brother and his little children.

Weaver.-July 14th, 1894, Fannie Jane, infant daughter of Bro. Menno and Susanna Weaver, aged one month and eleven days. Funeral services in the Catlin M. H. Peabody, Kans., by B. F. Hamilton, Jacob Winey, and J. M. R. Weaver. The beautiful hymns sung as selected by her parents were No. 79 in Hymns and Tunes (the last line in each stanza being "Thy will be done"), "My Heavenly Home" and "Asleep in Jesus." It was an impressive service from the texts, "Suffer little children to come unto me," and "Is it well with thee, is it well with the child?". R. J. H.

Shenk.-On July 9th, 1894, in Allen Co., Ohio of internal injuries received in a runaway, Timothy Christopher, son of Andrew and Susan Shenk, aged 10 y., 10 m., 2 d. The remains were buried on the 11th at the Salem M. H. Services by C. B. and M. Brenneman to many sympathizing relatives and friends, from the text, Rom. 1:16. Particulars regarding Timothy's death cannot be definitely given; as no one was with him when the horse ran away. He was working with a hay tedder in the hayfield. Timothy said all at once the horse began to go faster, and little Timothy in trying to control the horse, slipped from his seat and fell in front of the tedder which ran over him, bruising him very much internally, from the effects of which he died after suffering for over three weeks. Little Timothy showed great fortitude in his sufferings. He was so gentle, meek, and patient. Everything that his parents did in waiting on him was right to him and a grateful word or look was returned for every effort they made for his relief and comfort. There were in his life many peculiarities worthy of notice and imitation, such as a gentle, quiet, and meek spirit, his expressions of love, zeal, and devotedness to God, kindness to his brothers, sisters and associates, and when we think upon all the Christian principles and grace that adorned his character we wonder why he had to leave us so soon. May God move many more like little Timothy to bend their knees in prayer before going to bed, as was his custom, begun of his own accord. He was fully resigned to the will of God and upon being asked if he wished to get well, or would rather go to be with Jesus, he said he would rather go to Jesus. May all his little friends remember those good principles and profit by them.
It seemeth such a little way to me
Across to that strange country, the beyond;
And yet not strange-for it has grown to be
The home of those of whom we are so fond;
They make it seem familiar and most dear,
As journeying friends bring distant countries near.
So close it lies, that when our sight is clear,
We think we see the gleaming strand;
We know we feel that those who've gone from here
Come near enough to touch our hand.
We often think, but for our veiled eyes;
We should find heaven right 'round about us lies.
And so to us there is no sting to death,
And so the grave has lost its victory;
It is but crossing, with bated breath
And white, set face, little strip of sea;
To find the loved ones waiting on the shore,
More beautiful, more precious than before.

Bowman.-On the 29th of June 1894, in Ada, Ohio, sister Barbara Bowman, aged 71 y., 3 m. She had been an invalid for some time, having had several strokes of paralysis. She was born in Montgomery Co., Pa. Funeral was held on the 22d at the Lutheran church, Ada, Ohio. Buried in the Ada cemetery followed by a large concourse of friends. Services by John Blosser.

Beyer.-On the 29th of March, 1894, William Henry, son of Louis and Susan Beyer, age 7 m. 8 d. Funeral services by John Kinsinger and Joseph Stuckey.

Miller.-Near Shipshewana, Indiana, of dropsy, John Miller, aged 66 y., 1 m., 20 d. He was born in Somerset Co., Pa., 1828, and came to Ind., and in 1850 united in marriage with Polly Miller, to which union were born two sons and six daughters. His wife, two sons, and three daughters preceded him to the grave. He was buried June 19th in Miller's graveyard near Shore. Services at Shore M. H. by J. K. Brubaker, Eli Miller, J. J. Weaver, and D. D. Miller. The funeral was very largely attended. Among those from a distance was his brother, Jos. Miller from Johnstown, Pa. Bro. Miller was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church. Peace to his ashes.

Harnish.-On the 12th of June, 1894, in Pequea Twp., Lan., Co., Pa., of diabetes, Amos J., son of Abram G. and Martha A. Harnish, aged 3 years, 3 months and 1 day. Funeral on the 15th at the Stone church. Services by John Harnish in German, from John 11:28, and by Abram Herr in English, from Job 14:1.
"Give unto me your darling
Lay him on my breast
He is of my kingdom
And I will give him rest.
God needed one more child
Amidst His shining band,
And so he smiled upon him
And clasped our darling's hand.
And now our Amos resteth
In Jesus' loving arms
Where evil ne'er molesteth,
Free from life's last alarms.
A tear in father's eye,
A mother's breaking heart,
Can only tell the agony
How hard it is to part.
Dear parents, you are lonely,
But make the vow today,
To live for Jesus only
And heaven yours will be. B. H. P.

Transcribed by Ann Miller White, Nebraska

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HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXI, No. 16, August 15, 1894 ­ Page 255

Bearinger.-Near Cearfoss, Indiana, on the 20th of July, 1894, after four weeks of constant suffering, and repeated attacks of paralysis and infirmities of old age, Annie Elizabeth, widow of the late John Bearinger, age 80 years, 3 months, and 27 days. Twenty years ago she was left a widow with her four small children, and no person to help her support them. She had many trials and temptations, but she bore it all patiently. She was a kind and a brave mother, loved, and highly esteemed by all who knew her. She leaves 3 sons, 5 grandchildren, and one great grandchild to mourn her departure. Her remains were laid to rest on Sunday in the Broadfording Dunkard graveyard, she was followed to her grave by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Services were held by Pre. David Long from Job 14:15.
Human hands have tried to save thee,
Tender cares were all in vain;
For an angel came, and bore thee
From this weary world of pain.
We were watching round her pillows,
For we knew that she must die;
And the hours are sad and lonely,
Since grandmother in her grave doth lie.
Oft they think they hear her coming,
Coming through the open door,
Then they fearfully remember,
Grandmother will come back no more.
By a neighbor, K. Hartranft

Eby.-At her residence, King St. East, Berlin, Ontario, at 9-50 A.M., July 20, 1894, Sister Veronica Eby, widow of the late Bro. Isaac Eby, aged 79 y. 5 m. 18 d. Funeral on the 23d at 2 o'clock, from her late residence to the Mennonite Cemetery. Services were conducted in English by S. R. Knechtel, (Evangelical) from John 11:25, 26, and in German by Bro. Sam'l Bowman, from 2 Cor. 3:1. A large concourse of friends and relatives had gathered to pay their last tributes of respect to the deceased sister. Many could not get into the spacious meeting house. Thus one by one the first generations of Canadian born settlers in Waterloo county pass away. Her husband, Bro. Isaac Eby, was the first white child born in Waterloo county. Sis Eby was an earnest Christian, and her place in the Eby Mennonite M. H. in Berlin was very seldom vacant at the time of meeting. Since the death of Bro. Eby she had been living in town. She leaves a family of children grandchildren and great grandchildren and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. Several of her children preceded her to the grave. Peace to her ashes.

Horning.-On the 27th of July 1894, near Bowmansville, Lanc. Co., Pa., Joseph Z., son of Pre. Benjamin Horning, age 42 y., 11 m., 22 d. Buried on the 30th in the Bowmansville graveyard. The funeral sermon was preached to a large assembly of friends and relatives by Henry Good, John Zimmerman and Andrew Mack of Berks Co., from Matt. 24:44. The deceased leaves his wife and three daughters to mourn his death, yet not without a living hope. May God comfort the bereaved family.

Buchen.-On the 21st of July 1894, in Lanc. Co., Pa., of brain fever, Landis, only son of Bro. Isaac and sister Ellen Buchen, age 1 y., 10 m., 28 d. Services at the house by Jno. Kurtz and Bro. Christian Risser. Buried at Landis Valley where also short services were conducted by Bro. Jno. Bucher and Bro. C. Risser. Landis was a bright and lovely child, and is very much missed by the parents.
"The hour of departure's comes in with regards to Pleased God to call a little one;
Now, O Lord, they feel distressed,
But know there darling is at rest.
God is kind in these sad hours
And gives His grace with healing powers;
His will be done, O may they say,
Who took their precious child away."
H. W. S.

Johnson.-On the 2d of May 1894, near McClellandtown, in Fayette Co., Pa., Sister Elizabeth, wife of Bro. Jacob Johnson, aged 69 yrs., 7 mo., 28 d. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite denomination for many years, a devoted wife, and good mother. The family realizes the force of the words, "What is home without a mother!" The writer was to see her a few days before she died, and in conversation with her on her hope for eternity she said, "I am fully resigned to my Master's will; I am ready to go home." Our loss is her gain. She was buried on the 25th in the Masontown Mennonite burying ground, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed. Funeral service by Thomas Neel and Jno. N. Curr from Prov. 14:18.

Johnson.-On June 19th, 1894, near Woodside, Fayette county, Penna., Martha Eliza, only daughter of Bro. David M. and Sister Fannie Johnson, aged 1 year, and 1 month. Funeral services on the 21st by J. N. Durr at the Masontown Mennonite M. H.

Overholt.-On the 16th of July, near Wooster, in Wayne Co., Ohio, at the home of Christian and Betty Overholt (two of her step-children), at the advanced age of 93 years, Nancy, widow of Bishop John D. Overholt. Her maiden name was Bixler. She was born in the state of Maryland. When but a child she went to York Co., Pa., where she grew up and lived until she was married to Pre. Conrad Rist. Soon after their marriage they moved to Fayette Co., Pa., near Pennville. A few years later Bro. Rist was summoned to come up higher, when she was left to fight the battle of life alone. She was however left without the care of any children. In the year 1843 she was married to Bishop John D. Overholt, of Westmoreland Co., Pa., with whom she lived in matrimony for 35 years, he preceding her to the spirit world 16 years. After his death (about 12 years ago), she and her two step-children moved to Ohio, where she died. She confessed Christ when young in years and became a member of the Mennonite church. She was earnest; devoted and consistent. Her daily life as an example of true, practical Christian piety. She was loving, generous and hospitable, charitable and kind to all around her, indeed "possessing her soul in patience." She was blind and had not seen the light of the sun for 27 years, no looked upon the beauties of earth nor seen the faces of those who so tenderly, willingly and cheerfully attended and administered her temporal wants and needs. Though deprived of the sense of sight and of the beauties which we can see and look upon and enjoy, she never murmured nor complained, but bore her affliction with such fortitude and patience as those only can who have their life "hid with Christ in God." She leave five step-children, a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. Funeral services were held at the house in Ohio on the afternoon of the 18th, by David Hostetler, Adam Brenneman, Kirk Patrick, B. Brown and W. W. Chriley, from 2 Tim. 4:6-8. The next morning, the 19th, at 2:20 A.M. the remains were placed on the train at Wooster, accompanied by friends and brought to Stonerville, Westmoreland Co., Pa., arriving at 11 A.M., where services were held for the edification of the many relatives and friends who had congregated to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed, Bish. Jonas Blough of Somerset Co., Pa., the former minister of the Stonerville congregation, Aaron Loucke of Scottdale, and Bish. John N. Durr, preaching from the same text. The text was unintentionally used twice. Her remains were interred in the Stonerville Cemetery. Peace to her ashes.
Transcriber's note: The number of years she was preceded in death by her husband do contradict one another; it is not a typographical error.

Speicher.-Near Tub, Somerset Co., Pa., August 1, 1894, Eliza Speicher, wife of Cyrus Speicher, aged 33 yrs. 11 mo. And 22 days. Deceased leaves a sorrowing husband (who has now for the third time followed the remains of a wife to the grave), and two small children. May these bereavements be the means of bringing the husband to Christ and make him willing to confess Him before men. Deceased had united with the Lutheran Church while quite young. Buried in the Folk Mennonite cemetery, services by D. H. Bender, assisted by G. D. Miller, from Heb. 9:27.

Johnson.-On the 4th of July, 1894, near Woodside, Fayette Co., Pa., Minnie Maude, daughter of Bro. George N. and Sister Ida May Johnson, aged 1 year, 5 months, and 3 days. Funeral services on the 6th by John N. Durr, from 2 Cor. 12:9, at the Masontown Mennonite M. H.

Transcribed by Ann Miller White, Nebraska


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