Herald of Truth Obituaries - January, 1895

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HERALD OF TRUTH, Vol. XXXII, No. 1, January 1, 1895, p. 14, 15

SHELLY. ­ December 1st, 1894, in Mount Joy, Lan., Co., Pa., Franklin W., son of Dan'l K. and Annie Shelly, aged 32 y, 11 m, 26 d. Funeral on the 4th. Text: Heb. 9:27. Buried at Brisman's meeting house.

OVERDORF. ­ Near Bergey, Montg. Co., Pa., on Nov. 25, 1894, of paralysis, John Overdorf, aged 68 years, 1 month and 19 days. Deceased leaves a wife, 1 daughter and 1 son to mourn his death. Funeral was held on Nov. 29th, (Thanksgiving day). Buried at Lower Salford Mennonite meeting house where he was a member. Pre. Henry Bower preached at the house and Pre. Jacob C. Moyer at the meeting house. Deceased was highly respected by all who knew him.

RITTENHOUSE. ­ On the 4th of December 1894, near Campden, Lincoln Co., Ont., of bronchitis, Bro. Jacob F. Rittenhouse, son of John Rittenhouse, aged 60 years, 1 month and 10 days. He leaves a sorrowing wife, two sons, three daughters and five brothers to mourn their loss, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope as he lived an exemplary life, in honesty and uprightness and Christian integrity. The remains were interred in the graveyard at the Mountain M. H. in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives. Funeral services by Solomon Gehman from Heb. 2: 6. Peace to his ashes.

KULP. ­ On the 6th of December 1894, in Upper Salford Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., Henry C. Kulp, aged 82 y. He was a deacon for many years in the Lower Salford Mennonite Cong. The exact manner in which he met his death will probably never be known, as he was found in the field, burned to death. He had gone out in the morning to burn some brush, and after dinner he returned to his work. When the family (he was living with his son Henry, his wife having died about two years ago) did not see him toward evening his son went out to the field, where he found his father within twenty feet of the still burning brush, his clothing all burned from his body except his boots, wristband and collar. His coat was found near by, from which the sleeves near the elbows and been burned, and it is supposed that his coat took fire, and in trying to save himself he had pulled it off. He leaves one son and two daughters. His remains were buried on the 9th at the Lower Salford M. H., where he had been for many years an esteemed member.

RISSER. ­ On the 8th of December 1894, Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Risser of Washington, Tazewell Co., Ill. Her suffering lasted for fourteen months. She leaves her husband, two sons, two daughters, one grandchild, two brothers and one sister to mourn her death. Her remains were interred on the 10th in the Washington cemetery. Funeral services by Michael Kinsinger in German from Isa. 38:12, 13, and V. Strubhar in English from John 20: 30. About 600 persons were present. She was a faithful Christian and member of the old Amish church, and was universally esteemed.

JANSEN. ­ On the 14th of December 1894, in Beatrice, Gage Co., Neb., of apoplexy, Bro. Cornelius Jansen, Sen., aged 72 y., 5 m., 8 d. In the evening Bro. and sister Jansen took a ride through the city. Upon coming home Bro. Jansen complained of dizziness and at once lay down. He rapidly grew worse and in a few short hours the spirit took its flight. His mourning wife and family have the assurance that he has passed onward and upward into the brighter joys of the celestial world. May God comfort them in their affliction. The funeral occurred from the home of the deceased on the 16th. The remains were laid to rest at the Mennonite M. H. at Beatrice. ­ HENRY YOTHER.

YODER. ­ On the 23d of Jan. 1894, of consumption, in Shore, Lagrange Co., Ind., sister Rachel, wife of Bro. Levi Yoder, aged 38 y., 8 m. Funeral on the 25th at the Shore M. H. Services by A. S. Cripe and Benj. Leer.

"Where is my mother,
Gone from her children,
Tell me, my brother,
Where is she gone?
She who so sweetly
Watched o'er our slumbers
She who so neatly
Dressed us at morn.

Home is so lonely,
Oft I am weeping,
Knowing this only,
Mother is gone.
All was so cheerful
When she was with us
Now all is tearful
Sad and forlorn."

RHEINHEIMER. ­ On the 4th of December 1894, near Pashan, Lagrange Co., Ind., of typhoid fever, Rachel Rheinheimer, aged 27 y., 5 mo., 22 d. She leaves a husband (who is also sick of the same disease, but is slowly recovering) and three small children, the oldest of which is also stricken with the same dread disease, and the youngest a mere infant only several days old. Truly this is a sorely afflicted family, but we remember that God doeth all things well. Services on the 6th at the Forks M. H. by A. Cripe and Y. C. Miller.

"Sister, thou wast mild and lovely,
Gentle as the summer breeze,
Pleasant as the air of ev'ning
When it floats among the trees.

Dearest sister, thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel,
But, 'tis God that hath bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal." --A. S. C.

NAFZIGER. ­ On the 1st of October 1894, Magdalena, wife of J. B. Nafziger, aged 40 y., 4 m., 3 d. She leaves her husband, five children and eight step children to mourn their loss. The funeral services were conducted by Christian Zehr from Ecc. 12: 6.

CHARLES. ­ A happy home made desolate by the dark angel of death, entering, and robbing kind and loving parents, brothers and sisters of the oldest of their family. On December 7, 1894, in Paradise Twp., Lanc. Co., Pa., Abraham, son of Hiram and Hannah Charles, aged 35 years, 8 months and 29 days. Deceased was a sufferer for several years of Bright's disease, but was not confined to bed till three days previous to his death. When a child he was taken seriously ill, the disease being so severe that it robbed him partly of his intellect, yet when death was approaching he seemed to realize his future happiness. A sorrowing family mourn his departure. It is hard to part with those we love, but God knoweth what is best. The beautiful words he expressed while on his death bed cause the sad hearts of the bereaved family to rejoice; knowing that their dear one has gone to everlasting rest. He bade them good bye and told them he was going home; that God was calling him, and he was going to join other members of the family circle who had departed this life in their infancy. A large concourse of friends and relatives gathered at Hess'es meeting house to pay the last tribute of respect to one whom they dearly loved.

"Sweetly sleep, then, dearest brother,
Since our Savior thought it best
Earthly life to change for glory,
Cares and trials for sweetest rest.

We'll not murmur though we miss thee,
Rest thee now from toil and care,
Soon we hope with wings celestial
To be borne thy joy to share." ­S. R. L.

MUSSER. ­ On the 11th of Dec. 1894, near Bowmansville, Lanc. Co., Pa., of cancer, Sarah, daughter of David and Hannah Musser, aged 36 years, 1 month and 17 days. She was a member of the Mennonite church and a Sunday school teacher. Services by Benj. Horning and H. G. Good. Buried at Maple Grove. Text, Rev. 14: 4.

EASH. ­ On Sept. 6th, 1894, near Pashan, Lagrange Co., Ind., of rheumatism, Bro. Tobias Eash, aged 59 y., 5 m., 26 d. He was much beloved by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and family of children to mourn their loss, but their loss, we trust, is his eternal gain. Services on the 8th by A. S. Cripe, Y. C. Miller and J. J. Weaver at the Pleasant Valley M. H. where a large concourse of people met to pay the last tribute of respect. Peace to his ashes.

"Father, thou hast left us lonely,
Sorrow fills our hearts to-day,
But beyond this vale of sorrow,
Tears will all be wiped away.

And again we hope to meet thee
When the day of life is fled,
Then in heaven with joy to greet thee
Where no farewell tear is shed."

GEHMAN. ­ Nov. 21st, 1894, near Adamstown, Lanc. Co., Pa., Joseph Gehman, aged 82 years. He was ordained, in his younger years, to the ministry, but never served in that capacity. He filled the office of deacon for a number of years and was looked upon as a model Christian. The funeral services were conducted by Andrew Mack, Benj. Horning and H. G. Good. Buried at Gehman's M. H.

SHEPP. ­ On the 16th of September 1894, at her home in Garden City, Cass Co., Mo., of consumption, Mary, daughter of Norman and Leah Shepp, calmly departed to be with the Lord, at the age of 20 y., 10 m. and 2 d. Mary gave her heart to Jesus at the age of fifteen and continued to be a faithful Christian member of the Mennonite church until death. The consoling thought to all is that her life was such that she can spend eternity in heaven. During her sickness, she delighted to hear the Bible read and prayers offered. She bore her sufferings patiently and anxiously waited for the Lord to call her to her long happy home. On the 17th her remains were laid to rest in the Clearfork cemetery, where many had gathered to show their last tribute of respect. Funeral services were conducted by D. Y. Hooley from 1 Cor. 15.

HARSHBERGER. ­ On the 8th of Dec. 1894, near Plevena, Ind., Mary Theresa, (maiden name Sproll) wife of Eli Harshberger. She was born Sept. 23d, 1859; her age was 35 y., 2 m., 15 d. She lived in matrimony 12 y., 3 m. , and 25 d., and was the mother of 5 children. She was a member of the Mennonite church for many years, and was a true and devoted sister. She had given herself to the Lord in her younger years, and was always ready to extend a helping hand and filled her place in the church whenever permitted to do so. In her last minutes she looked heavenward. Oh! That book, that blessed book, the Lamb's book of Life, that will be opened at that great and coming day of the Lord. She had a desire to be over yonder with Jesus, where there is no more sorrow and pain, but all is joy and peace with Christ. Funeral services on the 9th at the A. M. meeting house, by E. A. Mast from Rev. 14: 13 in German, and J. S. Horser from Matt. 24: 44 in English to a very large concourse of friends, after which her remains were laid to rest in the Shrock graveyard. She left a husband and 5 children, parents, one brother and three sisters to mourn her departure. May we sympathize with the bereaved friends, though they can have the blessed hope to meet her over yonder.

"Farewell my father, mother, dear,
'Tis God's will that I leave you here,
Farewell husband and children dear,
Till we shall meet where Christ is near.

The world around may rage and roar,
And lay in dust their sinful power,
But nothing can that soul affright,
Who lives for God, and walks aright."

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.

UP


HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXII, No. 2, January 15, 1895 ­ p. 29, 30, 31

RUTH. ­ On the 21st of December 1894, in Elroy, Montgomery Co., Pa., sister Anna, widow of Bro. Jos. Ruth (dec.), aged 76 y., 2 m., 24 d. Buried on the 26th in the Plain graveyard. Funeral services by Henry Godshalk and M. R. Moyer at the house and by Josiah Clemmer and Jacob Loux at the meeting house. Peace to her ashes.

LANDIS. ­ On the 15th of December 1894, near Souderton, Montgomery Co., Pa., sister Mary, wife of Garrett Landis, aged 35 y., 10 m., 1 d. She was an invalid for about 10 years, the latter part of the time helpless as a child, yet she bore her afflictions with Christian patience, until the Lord saw fit to remove her from a world of sorrow to a world of joy. She leaves her husband, five sons and one daughter. She was a sister in the Mennonite denomination. Buried on the 20th in Souderton. Funeral services by Josiah Clemmer and John Rosenberger at the house, and by M. R. Moyer and Jacob Mensch at the meeting house. Text, 1 Cor. 4: 17, 18.

ROTHGEB. ­ Levi Rothgeb was born in Page Co., Va., Nov. 22d, 1814, died of paralysis in Allen Co., Ind., on the 20th of November 1894, aged 80 years less two days. The remains were laid to rest on the 22d in the Garrick graveyard. Funeral services by Eli Stofer. The subject of this notice was always as a child in mind, simple and harmless.

LOCHNER. ­ Anna Lochner, nee Gerig was born in Alsace, Germany, Sept. 4, 1836, died of paralysis in DeKalb Co., Ind., Dec. 11th, 1894. She was a patient sufferer through all the long months of her sickness. She had been a member of the church years ago but had fallen back; however during her sickness she renewed her covenant with God and was faithful unto the end. Buried on the 13th, followed by many friends. Funeral services by Eli Yoder in German from John 5: 22 ­ 29 and by Eli Stofer in English from 1 Pet. 1: 24, 25.

CLAASEN. ­ On the 22d of Dec., 1894, at Waldheim, Manitoba, in childbed, sister Elizabeth Claasen, maiden name Allert, aged 36 y., 9 m., 18 d. She leaves her husband and three children. Three children preceded her to the spirit world. May God comfort the sorrowing husband and children in their deep bereavement.

GRUBB. ­ On Dec. 8th, 1894, near Spring City, Pa., of malignant diphtheria, Maggie Louisa, oldest daughter of Enos and Mary Grubb, and granddaughter of Rudolph and Annie Stauffer, aged 17 y., 2 m., 8 d. She leaves her parents, one brother and three sisters and many friends to mourn their loss, but we mourn not as those that have no hope. She was a member of the M. E. church and was loved by all. When death was approaching she waved her hands heavenward and commenced to sing, "I'm going home to die no more." She sang the chorus and two verses, and then she reached her hand and bade us each good bye and said, "meet me over there. Tell my brother and sisters to meet me in heaven," as they were away from home on account of the disease, and then she said, "Tell my friends to seek salvation before it is too late," and then the death struggle became very severe and she cried, "Oh Lord, take my breath, my breath, my breath!" and right after she cried, "Lord, I am coming." May those that loved her prepare to meet her in heaven. Her remains were laid away on the 11th in the Vincent Mennonite cemetery where she awaits the final resurrection.

HORST. ­ On the ­ of November 1894, near Chambersburg, Pa., of membranous croup, Christie, youngest son of Bro. Joseph Horst, in his 5th years. Funeral services were held by Peter Wadle and P. H. Parret. Text, Mark 10: 14, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven." He left a kind father, two sisters and one brother. His mother preceded him to the home above one year ago.

"Go to thy rest, fair child,
Go to thy dreamless bed,
While yet so gentle, undefiled
With blessings on thy head."

MCKIBBIN. ­ Magdalena Boller was born in East Union, Wayne Co., Ohio, Feb. 10, 1831. On the 8th of July, 1858 she was married to David Irwin McKibbin, who preceded her to the spirit world about 14 years. To this union four sons and four daughters were born, of whom three sons and one daughter survive. She joined the Amish Mennonite church about her eighteenth year of age and has been a member of that faith until her death, which took place Dec. 15, 1894. Her age was 63 years, 10 months and 5 days. Services on the 17th at the Clinton (brick) M. H. by P. Y. Lenman and David Garber. Text, Rom. 10: 11. It seems she died in that faith that triumphs over death through Christ who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised for our justification.

UMBLE. ­ On October 26th, 1894, near Buyerstown, Lan. Co., Pa., Barbara Umble, aged 80 years, 1 month and 13 days. On Oct. 20th she went to David Umble's on a visit. She took sick and died at David Umble's. Funeral services were held by Gideon Stoltzfus and Daniel Stoltzfus on Oct. 28. Sister Barbara lingered only 4 days. She was a member of the Amish Mennonite church. She leaves one brother and three sisters, one of them, Katie, being a twin sister and they always lived together till the Lord parted them.

Dear sister, do not grieve for me,
While I am in eternity,
But be content and trust in God
And you'll receive a great reward.

My brother, do not mourn for me,
In heaven I hope you all to see,
Where parting words are heard no more
And we shall dwell on Canaan's shore.

Weep not for me since 'til in vain,
In heaven I hope we'll meet again,
Where we can then together be
Forever in eternity. ­By a friend, L. H.

STECKLY. ­ Jacob, son of Joel and Jacobina Steckly, was born Dec. 6th, 1894, and died Dec. 23, 1894, aged 18 days. A little blossom just budding into life.

ZOOK. ­ On the 7th of December 1894, north-east of Mount Tabor, Monroe Twp., Logan Co., Ohio, after a protracted illness of typhoid fever, John, son of C. Y. and Mary Zook, aged 20 Y., 10 m., 20 d. Funeral services on Sunday forenoon at the South Union M. H. by C. K. Yoder and Jesse Swank. The funeral attendance was one of the largest that ever occurred in this locality. Interment in the Yoder graveyard on the Ludlow Road.

BICKEL. ­ On the 11th of December 1894, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of consumption, sister Hattie, maiden name Livengood, wife of Amos Bickel, aged 19 y., 10 m., 18 d. Buried on the 13th in the Olive grave-yard. Funeral services in presence of many relatives and friends by James H. McGowen, Jonas Loucks and Noah Metzler. She leaves her sorrowing husband and one child, parents and two brothers to mourn her early death, yet they mourn not as those who have no hope.

BAHR. ­ On the 24th of December 1894, at Doon, Waterloo Co., Ont., after several weeks of illness, John Baer, aged 90 y., 7 m., 8 d. The remains were laid to rest on the 26th at Wanners M. H. Funeral services by Noah Stauffer in German, from John 19: 30, and H. Goudie in English, from John 7: 12. Deceased was widely known and esteemed for his many good qualities. He was remarkably well versed in Scripture and had some literary abilities. For some time his mental as well as physical powers had been failing, and he gradually sank into the sleep of death, mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends.

ROHRER. ­ December 17, 1894, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, very suddenly, Magdalena, wife of Pre. Isaac Rohrer, aged 86 yrs., 1 mo., and 5 days. Interment on the 19th at the Oberholzer M. H. where services were conducted by Abm. Brubacher and Isaac Good of Medina Co., Ohio, from 2 Cor. 5: 1. Her maiden name was Troxel. She united with the Mennonite church in her young years, and remained a consistent member until death, for which she longingly, but patiently waited. She was united in matrimony to Geo. Muckley, April 18, 1833, to which union were born one son and four daughters. Her husband died in 1842 leaving the 5 little children in her care. On the 6th of February, 1853, she was married to Pre. Isaac Rohrer, the husband who survives her, who had 8 children-5 sons and 3 daughters-all of whom survive her except one, Catharine Muckley, who died in 1856. All her surviving children attended the funeral, which was largely attended.

"Dear mother, thou art gone to rest,
Thy toils and sorrows now are o'er;
Afflictions, trials, pain and care
Can no distress thee nevermore.

In heaven again we hope to meet,
When all our earthly days have fled,
Where thee again with joy we'll greet,
Where no more farewell tears are shed."

"Farewell, my loving children dear,
I am not dead, but sleeping here;
Prepare for death, for die you must,
And with me slumber in the dust."

"Sleep, mother dear, and take thy rest;
God called thee home, He thought it best;
And though 'til hard to part with thee,
Yet God's strong arm supporteth me." ­Susanna Culp.

OBERHOLTZER. ­ On the 12th of November 1894, at residence on King St., East, Berlin, Ontario, sister Hannah Erb, widow of the late Pre. Jacob Oberholtzer, aged 81 years, 9 months, 18 days. Buried at Eby's M. H. Berlin, where a large number of relatives and friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Appropriate remarks were made on the occasion by Moses Erb and Noah Stauffer.

EBY. ­ November 21st, 1894, in Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., Royal, infant son of Jacob S. Eby and Catherine Warner, aged 3 months and 15 days. Buried at North Woolwich M. H. Services by Joseph Gingrich and Noah Stauffer.

"Sleep sweetly, dearest Royal,
Since Jesus thought it best
To change your home to heaven
No more sickness but sweet, sweet rest."

LEHMAN. ­ In November 1894, near Chambersburg, Pa., of heart disease, Pre. Samuel D. Lehman in his 64th year. Funeral services were held by Henry Bricker, B. Lesher and P. H. Parret. Text, Heb. 13: 7. He leaves a sorrowing widow, one son and two daughters to mourn his death, but they need not mourn as those that have no hope. He was a faithful laborer in the church and we believe he is now at rest.

GSELL. ­ Frankie, son of Henry and Annie Gsell, met with a fatal accident Wednesday morning about eight o'clock. Our dear little Frankie was thrown or fell from a horse while driving cattle, and was almost instantly killed. He fell directly in front of the animal and received the full weight of the horse's front hoofs upon the breast and abdomen, rupturing the stomach. It seems hardly possible that dear little Frankie could have risen from the ground with his terrible injury, nevertheless he walked several rods, when his father reached him. He was able to speak a few words, but his strength rapidly failed, and was we brought him into the house he breathed his last. He was born on the 21st of May, nine short years ago. We feel almost unable to bear up under this great loss of our dear child. He leaves one brother and one sister to mourn with us.

"A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.

God, in His wisdom, has recalled
The boon His love had given,
And though the body moulders here,
The soul is safe in heaven." ­ HENRY B. AND ANNIE E. GSELL.

LONG. ­ Nov. 25th, 1894, near Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., of typhoid fever, Nancy Larinda, daughter of David and Annie Long. Funeral services were held by P. H. Parret and P. Wadle. Text, Luke 8:52, "She is not dead but sleepeth." Larinda was a dear, affectionate daughter and was warmly attached to her parents, sisters and brothers and schoolmates. She was a bright pupil. Her favorite hymn was sung at the funeral.

"My heavenly home is bright and fair,
No pain nor death can enter there;
Its glittering towers the sun outshine,
That heavenly mansion shall be mine."

RICKERT. ­ At Doylestown, Pa., on Dec. 26th, 1894, of membranous croup, Lizzie, daughter of Isaiah and Emma Rickert, aged 6 years, less 8 days. Buried on the 29th at the Doylestown Mennonite M. H. Sermon by Samuel Gross and Henry Rosenberger; text, "She sleeps." Lizzie was one of the flowers in the Sunday school.

Compiled for this only reason
To soothe the wounds of your hearts,
Since one of your dear little children
Has gone in Jesus' safe ark.
At first it seems hard to remember
That one which we loved is no more,
But oh! Do think of the splendor
Where Lizzie is landed ashore.
Chorus-
Oh yes! She is sleeping in Jesus,
And not like those that die in their sins
She's watching and waiting to see you
Come home to that heavenly inn. ­S. S. S.

GAYMAN. ­ In Plumstead, Pa., Dec. 26th, 1894, Bro. Christian Gayman died suddenly of apoplexy. In the morning he got up in his usual health, and started the fire when it seems the final summons time had come. He called to his wife who was upstairs, she responded to the call and immediately called a near neighbour in to assist her to get him in the rocking chair, where he soon passed away calmly without a struggle. On the 30th his remains were taken to their resting place in the Doylestown Mennonite burying ground. Samuel Godshalk spoke at the house from the text, "Be ye also ready, etc." At the M. H. Andrew Mack spoke in German from the text, "Sie werden gruenen in den Vorhoefen Gottes," and Samuel Gross spoke in the English language. Bro. Gayman was aged 71 years, 5 months and some days.

CLEMMER. ­ Dec. 9th, 1894, at West Toronto Junction Ont., Lizzie Jayes, beloved wife of Eli Clemmer, aged 37 y., 8 m., 13 d. She leaves a sorrowing husband and two children. Her remains were buried at Eby's M. H., Berlin, Waterloo Co. Services by Noah Stauffer, from Ecclesiastes 8: 8 and David B. Sherk, from James 4: 13.

STAHLY. ­ Near Nappanee, Ind., of dropsy, Henry Stahly, died Dec. 14, 1894, aged 84 years, 10 months. He was united in marriage to Magdelena Erisman in 1834, lived in matrimony 45 years. His wife preceded him to the spirit world 15 years ago, the first of this month. He was born in Kaisers Lautern, Germany, Feb. 1810. Emigrated to America in 1835 and settled in Wayne Co., Ohio; came to Elkhart Co., Ind. in 1846. He has resided here 48 years, has seen his children and grandchildren grow to manhood and womanhood, and the dense forest that once covered this beautiful country fall before the pioneer's axe. He was a consistent brother in the Amish Mennonite denomination, and while we pay the last tribute to him we realize that his seat will be vacant in church and at home. The surviving members are one brother, five sons, one daughter, 36 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Buried at the Brick church on the 16th. Funeral services by Jas. H. McGowen in English and David Burkholder in German, from Job. 14: 14.

ERB. ­ Christian Erb was born January 22d, 1852 in Oxford county, Ontario, Canada. At the age of 25 years he left Canada, for Iowa, where he remained 2 years, and then came to the Seward Co., Neb. On Jan. 13th, 1884, he married Annie Springer of Seward Co., Neb., and settled down for life 5 miles south-west of Milford, where he lived until his Master called him to the better land beyond. They lived in matrimony 10 y., 11 m., 4 d. About a year ago he took sick from which he never totally recovered, and on Tuesday morning Dec. 11th a sudden attack overtook him, whereafter he suffered severe pain until the shadow of death came over him and relieved him from his suffering. On Saturday Dec. 15th four physicians operated on him cutting his side open to more particularly examine his intestines, trying to remedy his disease but to their astonishment they saw that it was too late to do any good as he was suffering of consumption of the bowels. He died on Monday, Dec. 17th, 1894, leaving his widow and 3 children, one daughter and two sons, to mourn their loss, one son having preceded him to eternity, but they mourn not as such that have no hope. He lived to the age of 42 y., 10 m., 25 d. May the Lord comfort the bereaved. He was buried on the 18th in the Fairview cemetery. Services by Joseph Schlegel, from 1 Cor. 15: 54 ­ 58, and Joseph Gascho, from Daniel 5: 1 ­ 10. Peace to his ashes.

CORNELIUS JANSEN OF BEATRICE, NEB.
We may say truly "In the midst of life we are in death. Our aged brother, Cornelius Jansen, of Beatrice, Nebraska, with whom many of our readers have had the privilege of a personal acquaintance, departed this life suddenly on the 14th of December. He was buried on Sunday afternoon Dec. 16th at the Mennonite church, west of Beatrice, where a large concourse of people were gathered to pay to him the last tribute of love and friendship. The funeral sermon was preached by Pre. J. H. Zimmerman, who read on the occasion the following sketch of his life:
The deceased who lies cold in death before us, and whose remains we expect soon to consign to the keeping of mother earth until the resurrection morning, is our dearly beloved brother in the faith Cornelius Jansen, son of brother Daniel and sister Anna Buhler Jansen. He was born in Tiegenhoff, West Prussia, on the 6th of July 1822, where he also received his education.
His mother died when he was 10 years of age. When he arrived at maturer age, he was, at his request baptized, in Tiegenhagen, by bishop Peter Reiger.
During his earlier years he visited Russia, where there were large settlements of Mennonites. On his return to Prussia he married his surviving companion, Helene V. Riesen of Schidlitz, near Dantzic, who, then a youthful maiden, is left to-day a deeply sorrowing widow. The marriage ceremony was likewise performed by Bish. P. Regier.
In January 1850, they in company with two sisters removed to Berdiansk, Russia. The journey as was customary then was made with teams, from whence however on account of the threatening Crimean war, they returned to Prussia in the fall of 1852. They took up their residence for the time being in Schidlitz, but afterwards purchased a farm near Elbing, which they soon afterwards sold to Jos. V. Riesen, and in 1856 again moved to Berdiansk. Sister Anna Riesen accompanied them and continued with them as a faithful member of their household and companion. Bro. Jansen continued in Berdiansk for 17 years, and during this time was engaged in buying and selling grain and farming.
When about the year 1870, the new military law, which made it incumbent on all denominations to do military duty and by which the Mennonites as well as some others, which had hitherto been exempt, were about to lose the privilege of exercising their religious convictions without restrictions, which they had hitherto enjoyed, it also deeply and painfully affected our deceased brother. Convinced of the truth of the Gospel of peace and filled with an earnest devotion to the same, he freely and fearlessly bore testimony to the Word of the Lord on this subject and in accordance with 1 Pet. 3: 15 was always ready to give a reason for the hope within him.
By his earnest activity to this direction he soon drew the attention of the authorities upon himself, to such an extent that in April 1873 an order was issued by the Royal Cabinet ordering him to leave the Russian dominion within a very few days.
This was both for our brother and his family a severe trial, --these were days of sorrow, which put their faith to the severest test; but a kind heavenly Father who permitted the trial to come, gave them also grace and strength sufficient to faithfully endure it. When our dear brother in later years related the scenes and experiences of those times, as he often did, (and loved to do it) he did it with a certain expression of joy and gratitude toward God, that he was permitted, according to Eph. 1: 6, to be made worthy of the praise and the glory of His grace wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved.
In consequence however of a special favor manifested towards him by the authorities a respite of several weeks was granted, during which time he was permitted, on May 4th 1873, to celebrate with his companion the 25th anniversary of their marriage, and the day of their departure from Berdiansk was deferred until sometime in the month of June. Their objective point was North America, but on the way they embraced the opportunity to spend about a month in Prussia, their early home, to visit relatives and friends before the final departure to the place that was destined to be their future home. While there they made their home with Jos. V. Riesens.
They made their journey via England and arrived in Waterloo county, Ont., on the 10th of August 1873. Here he settled his family in the town of Berlin while he made a number of trips through different parts of the West, North-west and South-west, in order to choose a proper place of settlement both for himself and for the brethren who intended to follow him later. After remaining with his family in Berlin a year he removed with them to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained for about two years for the purpose of affording his younger children the opportunity of a good school which they could there enjoy.
During this time the Lord sent them severe afflictions, in taking from them by death their eldest daughter, Margaret. He left Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the 16th of Nov. 1876, and came to Beatrice, Neb., where he since lived. It was with genuine joy that he met here his beloved brethren in the faith and especially the aged brother and bishop, Gerhard Penner, of whose household, he had in his younger years, for a time, been a member. Bro. Penner at this time was already suffering with bodily afflictions.
Here in Beatrice our dear Bro. led a retired, quiet life, consecrated unto the Lord. He took an active interest in every effort for the promotion of Christianity, and the upbuilding of the cause of Christ, and the church of which he was a member.
For some time the evidences of advancing age had manifested themselves. He complained of continued dizziness, especially during the last days of his life. Otherwise he felt reasonably well, so that on the last day that he lived, he in company with his wife took a drive to his son-in-law, Aaron Klaasens. Soon after his return he complained of cold and feeling unwell, and soon after became unconscious, and the signs of death became apparent. The physician could only alleviate the sufferings without being able to give permanent relief. He died at half past one o'clock on the morning of Dec. 14th, aged 72 years, 5 months and 8 days.
We believe the Lord called him home from this life of faith to the glorious light of the children of God, from the imperfect life to the glorious perfection of those who see as they are seen.
In many respects he had an eventful life, and as he cast a retrospect over it he ever rejoiced in the grace his divine Master ever permitted him to enjoy.
He leaves a deeply sorrowing companion, three sons, two daughters, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, sixteen grand children, and many friends who deeply mourn his death.
"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Tim. 4: 18.
After the friends had taken leave of the remains, just as the last rays of the sun were sinking in the west our brother was laid into his last resting place and with kindly hands covered with the clods of the valley.
He was in the full sense of the word, "A noble man." His motto was, "When all men forsake thee, the Lord will keep thee." Let us all honor his memory by faithfully trying to imitate his good and noble example.
The writer was personally acquainted with Bro. Jansen and family, traveled with him many days and enjoyed with him a number of pleasant visits, and a good deal of correspondence. It was with deep regret that we heard of his sudden death and we extend our hearty sympathies to the sorrowing family. May God bless and comfort them in their bereavement, and give them the blessed hope of a happy meeting beyond.

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.


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