Herald of Truth Obituaries - March, 1895

| Week 1 | Week 2 |


HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXII, No. 5, March 1, 1895, p. 77, 78, 79

KAUFFMAN. ­ On Feb. 7, 1895, in Clinton township, Elkhart Co., Ind., of la grippe and heart failure, Edna, daughter of Abraham and Anna Kauffman, aged 10 years, 10 months and 12 days. Little Edna suffered much at her heart for a long time, but seemed to be improving right fast until five days before her death la grippe set in and her heart was too weak to bear up under the strain, but she was conscious to the last. She said she saw heaven open and the angels come to receive her. She then called all present to her bed side and bade them good bye, repeating the following verses, which she had learned:

Farewell, my parents, near and dear,
I know you love to keep me here;
But Jesus calls, I must obey,
And angels welcome me away.

Sisters and brothers fare ye well,
Farewell, my friends and neighbors all;
Here, with you all, I could not stay
For Jesus called me far away.

Farewell, my friends, so dear and kind,
On earth I leave you all behind;
Indulge no tears of grief for me,
For what I am you soon must be.

I am now in my eternal home,
And hither you shall also come;
Oh, friends, do come and serve the Lord
And enjoy with me the rich reward.

Thus she fell asleep to awake in glory. Buried on the 9th at the Mennonite Brick church, where many friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Services by D. J. Johns, from Jer. 31: 17.

HALLMAN. ­ Near Roseville, Ont., on January 3, 1895, Mary Edna, daughter of George and Frany Hallman, aged 4 years, 2 months and 3 days. She died from diphtheria after a short illness. She has come and has been a joy and blessing to us. She is gone, but not forgotten. Funeral services held at Detweiler's church, Feb. 3d, conducted by Sol. Gehman in German from Psa. 16: 6, and Noah Stauffer in English from Ps. 17: 15.

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

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

SHUHMACHER. ­ On the 17th of February, 1895, in Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., of paralysis, sister Anna Shuhmacher (maiden name Hoch), aged 83 years.

BURKHARD. ­ On Feb. 2, 1895, near Ayr, Adams Co., Neb., of the effects of whopping cough, Lydia, daughter of Daniel and Hannah Burkhard, aged 6 months and 28 days. Buried on the 4th in the Roseland Mennonite burying-ground. Services by D. G. Lapp, J. M. Nunemaker and A. Shiffler. Text, 2 Thess. 4: 14 ­ 17.

BEKKER. ­ On the 27th of January, 1895, at Moutain Lake, Minn., after a long period of illness, our beloved ministering brother, John Bekker, at the age of about 70 years. Bro. Bekker's earlier life was spent in teaching school at Pastwa, Russia, and in this capacity he formed a very wide circle of acquaintances and friends. He taught school for about 30 years and was a minister for about 10 years, in which time he served his Master and his church faithfully and ably. His last days were full of severe suffering, but his faith rose triumphant over the ills of life, and leaning upon the mighty arm that had saved him and guided him so long, he looked cheerfully forward to the time of his departure. He leaves his bereaved wife and 13 children, and a mourning congregation, all deeply attached to him, to grieve over their great loss. May God sustain them all in this hour of trial.

DEITZ. ­ On Tuesday night, January 15th, at his home near Good Hope, Cumberland Co., Pa., George Wilt Deitz, aged 37 years, 4 months. His death was caused by a kick which he received from one of his horses while currying him, on the morning of Nov. 6, 1894. Immediately after being kicked, it was supposed by many that his days would soon be numbered. The Lord willed otherwise. He spared him for ten weeks. During these weeks his condition fluctuated, but was apparently so much improved that it was supposed by many that he would be restored to health again. During this period of hopefulness the Lord suddenly called him away. Mr. Deitz was a man of irreproachable moral character and fine business capacities. In his death the community sustains a loss which will be felt long. He leaves a wife and three children, a brother and three sisters, father and mother to mourn his early death. We hope their loss will be his eternal gain. His funeral was held in St. John's Church, opposite Shiremanstown, on Saturday, Jan. 19th. A very large number of relatives and friends assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed. The services were conducted by Preachers Fegley and Pyle, and were very impressive. May the Lord bind up the wounded hearts and enable the afflicted ones to realize in Him a loving friend and father in this dark hour. Lord, teach us all to be ready when Thou dost call, for our days are few and full of uncertainties. ­E.

WITMER. ­ February 5, 1895, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, John Witmer, aged 66 years, 4 months and 24 days. Interment at the Oberholzer church, where services were conducted by Abm. Brubaker, Jacob Weaver and M. Horst.

ZOOK. ­ In Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 27, 1894, of old age, Brother Solomon Zook, aged 91 years, 2 months and 11 days. He was a consistent member of the Amish church. Funeral services held at the Oak Grove meeting-house. Services conducted by John Warye and Jonas C. Yoder. He leaves one daughter and four grandchildren to mourn his departure; but they mourn not as those who have no hope, for he was ready to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

"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."

BRUBACHER. ­ On the 1st of Feb., 1895, near St. Jacobs, Waterloo Co., Ont., of old age, sister Catherine Martin, widow of the late Pre. John W. Brubacher, aged 86 years. Buried in the Conestoga Mennonite graveyard. Funeral services by Abraham and Paul Martin. Deceased was born in Lancaster Co., Pa. In 1820 she came to Canada, was united in matrimony with Bro. Brubacher in 1827. To this union were born nine sons and four daughters, of whom four sons and four daughters survive. Her funeral was largely attended.

LOUCKS. ­ On the 15th of Feb. 1895, our beloved brother, and for about 28 years a faithful minister in the Plains (Hatfield Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa.) Mennonite congregation, passed peacefully away, of heart disease, at the age of about 72 years. He leaves his widow and four sons, a large congregation and many warm friends to mourn the loss of a faithful husband, father, minister, neighbor and friend, yet what is our loss, is, we believe, his eternal gain. He was buried on the 21st in the Plains burying-ground. May God bless the afflicted family and congregation in their sad bereavement.

Transcriber's note: -- name not given.

Note from a family researcher: "This is actually Jacob C. Loux."

ROHRER. ­ On Feb. 9th, 1895, near Acme, Medina Co., Ohio. Michael Rohrer, aged 82 years and 9 months. Death was caused by dropsy and old age. The deceased was a minister of the Gospel in the Mennonite denomination about 47 years. The funeral was largely attended by a large circle of relatives and sympathizing friends. Services by Isaac Good and Henry Beery.

SPRINGER. ­ Near Seward, Seward county, Neb., on Jan. 16, 1895, Magdalena Springer (maiden name Zimmermann). She was born in France on Jan. 15, 1833, and at the age of 20 years emigrated to America, and in 1860 married Joseph Springer and lived in matrimony 35 years. She was aged 62 years and 1 day. She was mother of three sons, who, with her husband, survive her. Joseph and Magdalena Springer lived near Princeton, Bureau Co., Ill., but on account of the sister's poor health, while she was a sufferer of heart disease, asthma and dropsy, they decided to take a trip to Nebraska, and to stay a while with their son John who lives near Seward, Seward Co., Neb., and came here in May, 1894, and then went home again in August. But, for her health, they again came out here in September, and on January 15, 1895, while she was attempting to rise out of her chair, she was paralyzed and fell on her right side unconscious, from which condition she never recovered, and died on the 16th of Jan., 1895. Her sons, Joseph and Andrew, in Illinois, were telegraphed for. Both came to follow the remains to their last resting-place. She was buried on the 18th in the Fairview cemetery. Services by Joseph Rediger from Heb. 9: 27 ­ 28, and Joseph Schlegel from 1 Thess. 4: 13, and P. P. Hershberger from 1 Pet. 3: 9.

LACRONE. ­ On the 22d of January, 1895, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., Edgar Edwin Lacrone, aged 3 years, 2 months and 18 days. He leaves his sorrowing parents, three brothers and four sisters. It seemed very hard to give up this little boy, it being the first death in the family. May this be the means of drawing the parents to their Saviour. Funeral on the 24th at Olive. Services were conducted by Henry Weldy and Jonas Loucks.

"How happy are these little ones,
Which Jesus Christ has blest;
Come, let us praise Him with our songs,
For taking them to rest.

"Yes, happy are these little lambs,
Of such the kingdome is;
The Lord our praise and thanks demands,
Who made them heirs of bliss."

ZOOK. ­ Elizabeth Zook, nee Plank, was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., September 17, 1838. Was converted and united with the Amish Mennonite Church in 1855, remaining a consistent member until death. In 1845 she, with her parents, moved to Logan Co., Ohio. She was married to Joel Zook Jan. 4, 1870. Died Feb. 2, 1895, aged 56 years, 4 months and 15 days. She leaves a sorrowing husband, two brothers, four sisters and a large number of relatives to mourn their loss. One brother and one sister preceded her to the spirit world. Funeral services were held at the Philadelphia church Feb. 4, conducted by John Warye in German, and F. W. Stauton and N. J. Hadley in English.

KENAGA. ­ In Logan Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 1895, of catarrh of the stomach, sister Barbara Kenaga, aged 71 years, 4 months and 28 days. She was a consistent member of the Amish church for many years, and a kind mother and neighbor. Funeral services on the 6th at the South Union meeting-house. Services by David Z. Yoder of Wayne Co., Ohio, in English, and Jonas C. Yoder in German. She leaves to mourn her departure eight children, thirty-nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, her husband having preceded her to the spirit world five years ago. May the children in their sad affliction be submissive, and may God enable them to say, "Thy will be done," and so look forward to a glad meeting where parting is no more.

A mother dear from us has gone,
And left us all behind;
She has reaped the harvest she had sown,
And always was so kind.

She had a dream, before she died,
Of the happy home above;
She met her husband and she sighed,
For he kissed her lips in love.

Her sister beckoned for her to come
With her in that great home;
For the gate was open when she came,
And it was her time to come. ­SADIE A. KENAGA.

BRENNEMAN. ­ David Brenneman was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September the 13th, 1826, and died February the 11th, 1895, aged 68 years, 4 months and 28 days. He was united in matrimony to Leah Stemen on the 5th of April, 1849. To this union were born five children, of which one son and three daughters survive him, one son having died in infancy. He had eight grandchildren, all living but one, which died in infancy. He was a loving husband, a kind and affectionate father. He united with the Mennonite church about the year 1853, and has since lived a faithful and consistent Christian. He was one of the pioneers of Allen Co., Ohio, having lived in the county for about 41 years. He was highly respected by all who knew him, and we fell that our loss is his eternal gain. His remains were laid to rest in the Salem burying-ground. Funeral services by D. S. Brunk and C. B. Brenneman, to a well-filled house from 1 Cor. 15: 55.

"Oh, the bliss of loved ones resting
By the crystal river bright;
'Neath the shades of trees immortal,
Where no shadows dim the light;
Resting, resting, sweetly resting,
Where no shadows dim the light."

SCHNECK. ­ On the 8th of February, 1895, in Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., of paralysis, Bro. Daniel Schneck, aged 79 years, 4 months and 25 days. Buried on the 14th in the Franconia Mennonite burying-ground. Funeral services by Josiah Clemmer at the house and M. R. Moyer at the meeting-house. Text Isa, 57: 2.

SULLIVON. ­ On the 12th of February, 1895, in Ringwood, Ontario, sister Leah Sullivon, aged 80 years, 2 months and 7 days. She was buried on the 14th in Wideman's grave-yard. Funeral services opened by Samuel R. Hoover. Text from John 11: 28, latter part, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee" by Preacher Hainer. Hymn 72 in H. and T. "Asleep in Jesus! Blessed sleep!" was used. She was a faithful sister of the Mennonite Church for a long time. She died in peace.

HARTZLER. ­ In Logan Co., Ohio, February 9, 1895, Mary Elsie Hartzler, wife of Amos Y. Hartzler, aged 31 years, 2 months and 11 days. The doctor pronounced her disease malignant malarial fever. She leaves a husband and two children and many relatives and friends to mourn her early departure. Buried on February 11th. Services conducted by C. K. Yoder in German, and A. Miller in English. She was a faithful sister in the Amish Mennonite Church.

BRUBACHER. ­ Near Landisville, Lancaster county, Pa., Feb. 13, 1895, Mary H., infant daughter of John H. and Mary S. Brubacher, aged 3 months and 14 days. Her stay on earth was short. She calmly fell asleep in Jesus in the morning to awake in a day that never ends. It was sad to part with one we dearly loved, yet we know the Lord had need of one more little spirit to join with the rest in their brightness.

Our baby is gone;
Gone to her silent, peaceful rest;
Gone over the river to join the songs
That are sung by loved ones and the blest;
We miss her much, but this we know,
That pain and sickness, grief or woe,
Can ne'er disturb that rest,
For Jesus called her home.

Our baby is gone;
That pleasant look, and little smile
We never shall forget.
Oh, may her life, her sickness, death
Allure our thoughts to Heaven;
That we may ever watchful be,
That her sweet rest ours, too, may be
When we shall thus be called
To bid this world adieu. ­HER PARENTS.

HALDEMAN. ­ On the 12th of Feb., 1895, in Montgomery Co., Pa., of erysipelas and fever, Bro. Isaac Haldeman, aged 52 years and 3 days. Buried on the 16th at Franconia, followed by many relatives and friends. He leaves his sorrowing wife and six children to mourn their great loss. Funeral services by M. R. Moyer and Henry Bower at the house, and Josiah Clemmer and Jacob Moyer at the meeting-house. May God comfort the bereaved family. Peace to his ashes.

SCHWARTZENDRUBER. ­ January 19th, 1895, near Amish, Johnson Co., Iowa, of lung disease and heart trouble, John C. Schwartzendruber, aged 74 years, 6 months and 23 days. He was born on the Atlantic Ocean on June 26, 1820, while his parents were emigrating from Germany to this country. His parents located in Maryland, where they resided until in the spring of 1855 they emigrated by boat from Pittsburg, Pa., to Muscatine, Iowa (as in those days there were no railroads to travel by), and located near Amish, Ia. John (better known as Hannes) was never married. He lived with his brother Peter ever since they came to this state, with the exception of about six months he lived with his brother-in-law, Daniel Shoettler. To our recollection the deceased has never been sick, excepting a siege of la grippe several years ago. His recent sickness was of short duration, only from Tuesday to Saturday noon, when he calmly fell asleep. He was a true exemplary member of the old Amish Mennonite Church. Would that his example and walk through this world could be a light to his many nephews and nieces as well as to all those who knew him. Funeral services were conducted by John Gunden and Noah D. Yoder. Text, Rev. 7, after which his remains were laid to rest in the Upper Deer Creek cemetery.

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.

UP


HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXII, No. 6, March 15, 1895, p. 94, 95

BOSHART. ­ Feb. 22d, 1895, in Milford, Neb., John, son of Daniel B. and Mattie Boshart, aged 5 months less one day. He was afflicted with inflammation of the tube between the throat and left ear and then took acute capillary bronchitis from which he died after one week of severe suffering. He leaves his parents and one brother to mourn their loss. Buried on the 23d in Fairview cemetery. Services by Joseph Schlegel from Ps. 16: 6 and Joseph Rediger from 2 Peter 3: 9 ­ 14.

MOYER. ­ On the 22d of February 1895, in Souderton, Montgomery Co., Pa., of fever, Stella, only child of A. D. and Ella Moyer, aged 2 y., 4 m., 3 d. Buried on the 27th in the Souderton Mennonite graveyard. Funeral services at the house by M. R. Moyer and Abel Horning from Rev. 3: 20.

GODSHALK. ­ On the 21st of February 1895, in Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., Bro. Abraham Godshalk, aged 71 y., 10 m., 13 d. Buried on the 26th at Franconia. Funeral services by Henry Bower at the house and by Josiah Clemmer at the meeting house. Text, Isa. 55: 6.

MAST. ­ On Pretty Prairie, Lagrange Co., Ind., Feb. 9, 1895, after an illness of only a few days, Rebecca Mast, aged 74 y., 6 m. Buried on the 11th. Services conducted by D. D. Miller and Y. D. Yoder. Text, John 5: 28, 29.

GLIMENHAGA. ­ On the 12th of February 1895, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., Regina Glimenhaga, daughter of Isaac and Mary Bennett, aged 62 y., 11 m., 1 d. Buried on the 15th at Yellow Creek M. H. Funeral services by J. S. Lehman and J. F. Funk. Peace be to her ashes.

GARDNER. ­ On the 22d of February 1895, near Middlebury, Elkhart Co., Ind., Noble, infant son of Frank and Mary Gardner, aged 4 weeks and 3 days. Funeral services at the Clinton M. H. by John Garber and P. Y. Lehman. Though it knew not its right hand from its left, yet in the bosom of eternal love it shall know as it is known.

SWARTHY. ­ Lydia G., daughter of Wm. H. H. and Christiana M. Swarthy, and granddaughter of Bish. Samuel Gross of Doylestown, Bucks Co., Pa., died Feb. 28th, 1895, aged 1 y., 3 m., 11 d., of membranous croup. Buried March 2d at Doylestown M. H. Services by J. Walter and Isaac Rickert. Text selected by the mother, from Luke 23: 28, "Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children."

HERR. ­ On January 13th, 1895, near Witmer, Pa., of diphtheria, Ira, son of Benjamin K. and Susan Herr, aged 3 y., 5 m. and 16 d. Buried on the 15th at the Stone M. H. Service at the house by John Landis and at the M. H. by Abraham Herr and Benjamin Hertzler. Text, Lamentations 3: 32. He was a bright and cheerful boy.

This lovely bud, so young and fair,
Called hence by early doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower
In paradise would bloom.

Ere sin could harm or sorrow fade
Death came with friendly care;
The opening bud to heaven conveyed
And bade it blossom there.

HAVERSTICK. ­ On the 9th of January 1895, in Pequea Twp., Pa., David Haverstick, aged 68 y., 8 m. and 29 d. Buried the 12th at the Stone M. H.

GROSS. ­ On the 13th of February, 1895, in Yorktown, Assinniboia, Canada, ____, infant daughter of Jos. J. and ____ Gross. Buried on the 15th. Services by J. J. Wollmann and A. F. Rausch. Text, 2 Cor. 5: 1 ­ 7. May God bless the sorrowing parents.

HERR. ­ September 27th, 1894, near Willow Street, Lan. Co., Pa., Joseph F. Herr, aged 81 y., 11 m., 26 d. He was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. He was a great sufferer fro 2 years, but bore his lot with Christian resignation until it pleased his heavenly Father to command deliverance. Of his faith and longings and prayers we can judge, and we hope he has gained the happy shores where there will be no more sorrow. He leaves a wife, 2 children and 3 grandchildren. On the 29th the remains were laid to rest at the Brick Mennonite M. H. Services by Benj. Hertzler in Ger. And A. Brubaker in Eng., from Hebrews 12: 1, last clause, and 2.

Our father has gone to his rest,
From a region of sorrow and pain,
To the glorious land of the blest,
Where he never will suffer again.

BLOUGH. ­ On the 24th of Feb. 1895, in Richland Twp., Cambria Co., Pa., sister Mary, wife of John W. Blough, aged 63 y., 10 m., 14 d. She was buried on the 26th at the Weaver Mennonite M. H. The large congregation that assembled in token of their last tribute of love showed that she was well known and much respected. Sister Blough was twice married. Her first husband Samuel Blough, died 38 years ago. To this union were born five children, four now living and one dead. She was again married to John W. Blough who survives her. To this union were born eight children of which five survive her. She had thirty-six grandchildren of whom thirty-three survive her. Sister Blough's seat was seldom vacant at church services. She was always ready to give a helping hand in the neighborhood when she was needed, but best of all she could say she was ready and willing to die. It was hard for her children and husband and friends to part with one so dear, but they need not mourn as those that have no hope, for we believe she is at rest. Funeral sermon by Bish. Jonas Blauch, L. A. Blough, Sam'l Gindlesperger and Simon Layman from Ruth 1: 16, 17. ­L. A. BLOUGH.

MILLER. ­ On the 28th of December 1894, in Strasburg Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of consumption, sister Fanny Miller, aged 77 y., 1 m., 24 d. She was a member of the Mennonite church over fifty years. For a period of over 40 years she suffered from consumption, and yet she survived all her physicians except the last one. She was the last one of a large family, all members of the same church but one who died in infancy. On the following Monday her remains were interred at the Strasburg M. H. of which congregation she was so long an humble though highly esteemed member. Funeral services by Amos Herr and John K. Brubaker from Psa. 34: 9.

AMSTUTZ. ­ On the 16th of Feb. 1895, in Wayne Co., Ohio, of heart failure, sister Mary, wife of Nicholas Amstutz, at the age of 50 y., 8 m. and 16 d. Her funeral took place on the 18th. Buried at Sonnenberg M. H. Services held by Bishop J. Nusbaum from 1 Pet. 1: 2 ­ 5 to a large concourse of friends and relatives who gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to one who was dearly loved by all who knew her. Sister Amstutz was a model Christian wife, her seat at the meetings was seldom vacant. May the Lord comfort those whom He has thus afflicted and bind up the broken hearts and teach us all the fact of our mortality that we may be found ready at His call, prepared to depart and enjoy eternal happiness with Him.

SNYDER. ­ On the 10th of February 1895, near Blommingdale, Waterloo Co., Ontario, Benjamin, twin son of Benjamin and Sarah Snyder, aged 15 y., 9 m., 10 d. Funeral on the 12th at Snyders M. H. Services by Jonas Snyder of Waterloo and Solomon Gehman of Blair.

KREIDER. ­ On the 20th of November 1894, in Pequea Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of old age, and lastly by apoplexy of which she suffered about 5 weeks, sister Elizabeth, maiden name Miller, widow of Christian Kreider who died 47 years ago. Her age was 91 y., 9 m., 13 d. Of her nine children eight survive her. She was an active sister in the Mennonite church for many years. On the following Friday her remains were consigned to the grave at the New Danville M. H. Funeral services by John Harnish in German and by Abraham Herr and Benjamin Hertzler in English from Rev. 14: 13. We believe that our loss is her eternal gain. ­J. K. ANDREWS.

Our mother has gone to her rest,
From a region of sorrow and pain,
To the glorious land of the blest,
Where she never will suffer again.

While in the cold tomb mother lies,
Her spirit is resting above,
In that happy and sweet paradise-
There nothing can enter but love.

Transcribed by Terri Harper, Utah.


||| UP ||| Next --> |<-- Previous |

Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved - Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA
Used with permission by the Archives of the Mennonite Church, Goshen, INDIANA
Permission granted to private family researchers to use selected portions of these images to tell their family stories.
May not be mass-produced in any form for commercial purposes.