A sad accident by which a mother* and her child burned to death, occurred on the 5th of Oct. 1896, near Pickerington, Ohio. On that fateful morning Bro. George Strawn left early for his work, a distance of one half a mile, to the farm of Noah Brenneman, leaving his wife and 7 children still in their beds. The mother got up a six o'clock and kindled the fire to prepare the morning's meal. Her little Vincent Vastine had come out with his new shoes intending that morning to start to school. The fire was slow, so to hurry it, the mother took the coal oil can and poured on some oil. The oil in the can took fire and exploded and mother and child were enveloped in the furious flames. Their cries soon aroused the rest of the family. Bro. Strawn's brother was visiting there, and he hastened down to their relief, but by this time their clothing had already burned off. He immediately poured water on them and extinguished the fire, but too late to save them. The mother lived in agony until 1 P. M., the child until 8 P. M. Bro. Strawn was soon brought to the sad scene, but could only administer such things as would alleviate their pains. The funeral occurred on the 7th in the Stemen meeting house, services by C. B. Brenneman of Elida, Ohio, assisted by Noah Brenneman. Text, Mark 13:35-37. After the services at the church the remains of mother and child were taken to Martin's graveyard where they were laid side by side in one grave. A kind husband and father, and six children-four sisters and two brothers-are left to mourn their loss, but God be praised, we need not mourn as those having no hope. So then let us comfort ourselves in this that while they will come to us no more, we can go to them. Let us be resigned to God's will, knowing the Lord has given, and the Lord has taken, and blessed be the Lord. We rejoice to know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Bro. and Sister Strawn gave their hearts to the Lord in Sept. of 1895 and soon after united with the Mennonite church by baptism on confession of their faith. Sister Strawn departed this life, aged 33 years, 10 months and 13 days. Vincent Vastine's age was 6 years, 9 months and 13 days. May God bless and sanctify this very sad dispensation of His providence to the good of all, and oh, may the people learn to be more cautious with the use of kerosene around the fire.
C. B. Brenneman.

*Note: Name was Christine Margaret Beery Strawn see Find A Grave # 30266625
Received from Royce Hostetler March 23, 2015

KUNKLER.-Mary A. Donaldson was born in Alloa, Scotland on the 22nd of April 1821. She was married in the year 1836 to William Gordon. To them was born one son who still lives in Scotland. She was left a widow in 1840 and then came to New York where she was united in marriage to Jacob Jones in 1844. The four children who blessed this union were Mary, Susan, Ella, and Reuben, who have given her nineteen grandchildren sixteen of whom are living; also three great grandchildren. In 1856 she again laid to rest a kind husband and father. A number of years later she married Charles Kunkler, with whom she lived happily till 1875 when she a third time left a widow. Since that time she lived 14 years with her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Kunkler in Wadsworth, Ohio, and 6 years with her daughter Mrs. David Kilmer, at whose home she died Oct. 6, 1896, aged 75 years, 5 months and 16 days. She united with the Lutheran church in her girlhood, and followed through her life, as best she could, the footsteps of her Savior. She was a great sufferer during her last illness of 18 days and anxiously awaited her summons to the home where pain and sorrow are unknown. On Tuesday evening at 5 o'clock her lamp of life flickered and seemingly went out, but only to shine in perfect brightness in the land of eternal day. Funeral services were conducted by J. F. Funk at the Olive church where the burial took place on the 8th.

HOOVER.-Samuel Hoover died at his late residence in Intercourse, Lancaster Co., Pa. He was born in Intercourse, March 20, 1828, and departed this life Aug. 22d 1896, aged 68 years, 5 months, 2 days. He was married to Catherine Beaner in 1860, to which union were born six sons and six daughters of which ten are living. He united with the Mennonite church in 1894 and remained a faithful member until death. He was confined to the house for nearly half a year, but bore his sickness with Christian fortitude and often expressed a desire to go home. As he neared the end he could hardly wait for the summons. He passed away without a struggle. Bro. Hoover leaves a wife, ten children, ten grand-children, one brother and four sisters to mourn his departure. His remains were laid to rest on the 24th of Aug., at the United Brethren Cemetery at Intercourse. Services were conducted by David Hostetler and Isaac Eby.

We miss thee, father dear,
From thy old familiar place;
We do not hear thy footsteps near,
Nor see thy cheerful face.

We miss thee at the table,
We feel thy absence there;
And oh, what sorrows pierce our hearts
To see thy vacant chair.

Thy room looks drear without thee,
How desolate every heart;
Oh could we hear thy voice again,
What joy it would impart.

We miss thee, oh we miss thee,
Whichever way we go,
The memory of thy kindness still
Around our hearts entwines.
I. S. E.

YODER.-On the 18th of July 1896, near Garden City, Cass Co., Mo., of indigestion, Chrissie Edna, daughter of Link and Fannie Yoder, aged 6 months and 23 days. Buried on the 20th in the Clear Fork cemetery. Services by Levi Miller and Benj. Hartzler, from Jer. 31:16, 17. She leaves parents and two brothers, one little sister and two little brothers having preceded her to the spirit world.

"'Twas a precious little blossom
God had planted in our home;
But the angels came and whispered,
Come and dwell with us at home."

RUTTER.-On the 16th of October 1896, in Duluth, Minn., of heart disease, Mary A. Haney, of Elkhart, Ind., aged 67 years, and about 8 months. She was born in Newbern, Pulaski Co., Va., in February, 1829. She was married to Henry T. Rutter, who died in 1860. She was the mother of six children, four of whom, three sons and one daughter, survive her. She came with her family to Elkhart, Ind., in 1857, where she resided since. Some six weeks ago, she went to visit her son Louis, in Duluth, Minn., where on the morning of the date above given she was suddenly taken with heart failure and in a few minutes was a corpse. Her remains were brought to Elkhart and she was buried on Sunday the 18th. Funeral services were conducted by J. F. Funk from 1 Cor. 15:53-57. She possessed a kind and cheerful disposition, and always manifested a deep interest in her children. She seemed to have had a premonition that her end was nigh. A few days before her departure she gave directions concerning her burial, and said she was ready and prepared to die. One of her favorite hymns was:

"Oh to be nothing, nothing,
Only to lie at His feet,
A broken and emptied vessel,
For the Master's use made meet."

HUNTSBERGER.-Sept. 30, 1896, near Orrville, Wayne Co., O., of diphtheria, Harry, son of Abram and Mary Huntsberger, aged 8 years, 2 months, 3 days. He bore his afflictions very patiently and whenever he was asked how he felt the answer always was "I feel better," and these were the last words he repeated before he died, scarcely five minutes before he took his last breath. He was sick fifteen days, and never offered a word of complaint during this time. He attended school regularly until he took sick. His teacher and school mates did not get to see him when he was sick, and even not after death on account of the contagious disease. He was buried on the day the summer school closed, Friday October 2d, at Martin's M. H. There were no services at the church on account of the disease, but if it is the Lord's will services will be held in the near future. He also attended Sunday school at Martin's Mennonite M. H. The Sunday before he took sick he could not go to S. S. on account of a bee sting which caused his face to swell. It was always his delight when Sunday morning came to go to S. S. and church. He wanted to go very much that morning, but as his eyes were nearly closed he could not go. He leaves his parents, three brothers and three sisters to mourn his early departure. A short service was conducted by Bish. I. J. Buchwalter at the home of the deceased. Text, Mal. 3:17. Thus one little life has gone from our home; one sweet lisping voice is hushed, yet we who saw him suffer can never wish our loved one back. Truly God has not erred. He doeth all things well.

Harry dear from us has fled
To seek a better home;
To sing sweet songs with angels there,
Around the Father's throne.

Dearest Harry, how we miss thee
When we see thy vacant chair;
When we look around to see thee,
Naught but sorrow see we there.

Harry was a precious blossom
God had planted in our home,
But the angels came and whispered,
"Come and dwell with us at home.

Harry, dear, how kind, how lovely,
But his vital spark has fled;
Though we watched him very closely
While upon his dying bed.

But alas, the time grew nearer,
For his soul to leave this clay;
And his Lord, than earth much dearer,
Bore him to the realms of day.

God still needed one more jewel
To adorn the Savior's brow;
Hence His action was not cruel
For our Harry's happy now.

GLAVIER.-Sister Etta Glavier (maiden name Heatwole) was born in Rockingham Co., Va., May the 23d 1865, died in Allen Co., Ohio, Oct. 12th, 1896, aged 31 years, 4 months, 17 days, She was in feeble health for more than a year which ended with consumption. Buried on the 14th at the Salem M. H. Services were conducted by Moses Brenneman assisted by the brethren Brunk and Ross. Text, Phil 1:21 which was selected by the deceased sister. She leaves a sorrowing husband and three sons to mourn their loss. She was a sister in the Mennonite church for a number of years and died with a firm faith in her Redeemer, was perfectly resigned to the will of God and expressed a desire to depart and be with Christ.

THOMAS.-On the 16th of September 1896, in Somerset Co., Pa., Rosie, daughter of Aaron and Lilly Thomas, aged 10 days. Buried on the 18th. Funeral services by L. A. Blough.

BOWMAN.-On the 24th of September 1896, in Somerset Co., Pa., Harley, son of Hiram and Polly Bowman, aged 2 months, 9 days. He was buried on the 26th at the Blough Mennonite M. H. Services by L. A. Blough and J. N. Durr.

SHANK.-Sister Emma Shank, daughter of Bro. Jacob and sister Martha Shank (both deceased) of Long Station, Franklin Co., Pa., was born in 1868, and died on the 4th of Sept. 1896, aged 28 years, 9 months, 4 days. She gave her heart to God about 5 years ago while she was in perfect health, and, when sickness came, about three years afterward, she found her dear Savior indeed a very present help and comfort in time of trouble. She was an humble, faithful Christian, and an ornament to the church. Her sufferings were at times very severe, yet her soul rose above every besetment of the flesh and she rejoices in her soul, that God had been so merciful to her and saved her for eternity, a consciousness in which she rejoiced daily. Although for many long months confined to her bed, she never lost her courage and good cheer, and her mind was fixed entirely on heavenly things, and there her conversations was also. She was especially blessed with grace to speak to all of the importance of making sure of salvation, and many, no doubt, who visited her, have been made better for having the permission to converse with her. Fully resigned to God, she was ready to go or to stay, as her dear Master pleased, and at last, when the hour of departure came, she sank sweetly to rest in the loving arms of Him who had been such an abiding comfort to her in her life. Her burial, which occurred on the 7th at Reiff's Mennonite M. H., was largely attended. The funeral services were conducted by Michael Horst, George Keener, and P. H. Parret, from 2 Kings 20:1, "Set thine house in order," etc., a text which deceased had selected for the occasion. She leaves three brothers, six sisters and one half sister to mourn her early death.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

UP

PRE. SAMUEL GODSHALK
of the Deep Run Cong., Bucks co., Pa., passed away quietly from this present life to the life immortal for which he so diligently labored during all these years as far back as the writer can remember. Having been under his charge in school during many terms, and attended church services with him for many years, listening to his teachings and admonitions, and having had many private conversations with him on religious subjects, I will try and give a brief sketch of some of the trials of his life in this world.
He was born May 17, 1817, and was married in his youth to Elizabeth Myers. At her death she left him nine children. His second marriage, Oct. 1856, was with Susanna Yoder (maiden name Young), who died a little more than a year ago. When the writer was a boy of not many years, Bro. Godshalk's family consisted of himself, his wife, nine children and an aged grandmother. On the 28th of April 1853, his wife, the mother of nine children, died suddenly of heart disease, apparently without any premonition of the sudden call, at the age of 35 years. At this time the brother with his children must no doubt often have realizes the force of the words: "What is home without a mother?"
In the spring of 1861 the dread disease diphtheria broke out among the children and in a very short time four of them were dead, viz, Samuel, Chrissie, Elizabeth and Lydia, aged 11, 5, 15, and 6 years, respectively. Several years later this aged grandmother also passed away.
In 1879 his son Henry went to Kansas, and there out on the open prairie, all alone, he was taken with an epileptic fit and passed from this world of sorrow to the life beyond, at the age of 27 years. This no doubt was one of the severest afflictions of Bro. Godshalk's life.
In 1889 his oldest daughter, Sarah, wife of Abraham C. Gross, died at the age of 47 years, leaving a husband and four children. In--his second daughter, Anna, wife of William Gross, died, being about the same age as her sister Sarah at the time of her death. His third daughter, Catharine, wife of Peter Detweiler, was called away in Jan. 1894, at the age of 49 years, leaving a sorrowing husband and seven children to mourn her death. Her husband died in March 1896. His only remaining child, Abraham, who had always lived with him on the old homestead, had married his second wife, who died about a year ago, so that at the funeral of the aged father, there was, of all his children, but one to follow him to his last resting place.
Bro. Godshalk was an earnest, faithful minister in the Mennonite church for many years. He also followed the profession of teaching for a number of years; was greatly interested in music and taught many singing schools. He was a special friend of the young people and took an active interest in the HERALD OF TRUTH from the time of its publication, greatly enjoyed reading it and frequently contributed to its columns. His father also, many years before the HERALD had an existence, felt the necessity of a church paper and left writings in which he expressed his view on this subject.
He died on the 20th of October 1896, aged 79 years, 5 months and 3 days. He was buried at the Deep Run M. H., near his home, at which place his voice so often was heard to declare the word of God. Funeral services were conducted by Michael Moyer and Abel Horning and at the M. H., by Josiah C. Clemmer and Henry Rosenberger from Heb. 13:17. His funeral was largely attended. He was the fourth one among the ministers of the church whom a kind heavenly Father had removed in this church district from time to eternity in a little more than a year's time. Surely God's thoughts are not out thoughts.

Transcriber's note: "viz" as in the original.

NICE.-On the 25th of Oct. 1896, near Roseland, Tangipahoa Co., La., of a complication of diseases, Mabel, oldest daughter of Pre. Jonas and Rebecca Nice. She was born May 20th 1884 and was aged 12 years, 5 months, and 5 days. Mabel was sick three weeks and suffered much, though she bore it with patience. Funeral services at the house by Pre. Morrison, and Pre Keener of the M. E. church at the church. She was followed to her last resting place at the Arcola cemetery, by a host of sorrowing friends and neighbors. Peace to her ashes.

"Dearest Mabel, thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel,
But 'tis God that hast bereft us;
He can all our sorrows heal.

Mabel must be sweetly resting;
On the lovely Savior's breast;
For the angels sweetly whispered,
Come and live with us, the blessed."
SEL. BY HER PARENTS.

GOOD.-Bro. John Good departed this life on the 8th of October 1896, of paralysis, at the age of 56 years, 4 months, 28 days. He was twice married, - to his first wife, Maria Ehrisman, on the 5th of March 1861, who bore him ten children, all of whom survive, also seventeen grandchildren, and after her death he was married to Catharine Gascho on the 15th of October 1895. This union was severed in seven days less than a year, by his death. The sorrowing survivors mourn not as those who have no hope. His remains were laid to rest on the 10th of October in the Washington graveyard. Funeral services at the Mennonite M. H. by the writer in German from Job 3:13 and Emanuel Hartman in English from Matt. 25:13. Bro. Good was a faithful member of our congregation and was highly esteemed, as was shown by the very large funeral assembly. Bro. G. endured his sufferings with great patience. Peace to his ashes.
MICHAEL KINSINGER.

WISMER.-On the 13th of October 1896, in the Asylum at Orillia, Ontario, Elizabeth Wismer, daughter of Isaac and Mary Wismer, near Preston, Waterloo Twp., aged 14 years, 13 days. Buried on the16th in the Blair graveyard. Services by Noah Stauffer in English from Rev. 21:4, and J. B. Gingerich, in German from Job 14:1, 2.

HORST.-Emma, daughter of David and Susannah Horst of Blue Ball, Lancaster Co., P. Died in the bloom of youth, on Thursday Sept. 10th, after an illness of about ten days, of typhoid fever. She was in her seventeenth year and leaves a sorrowing father and mother, four brothers, and many friends to mourn their loss, which is her gain. Ah, no more will she join us in our Sabbath school, nor in our homes in singing God's praises, for her home, we have every reason to believe, is in the heavenly mansions above where all is love. She was a kind, obedient child, brought up and admonished in the fear of the Lord; and during her illness was converted, and baptized in the name of Jesus by B. G. Welder of the Lutheran church. The funeral was held on Monday and was largely attended. Interment at Weaverland and services in the Weaverland church by Pre. Welder. Text Matt. 5:8. Deceased was of the Weaverland S. S. since its organization, and a regular attendant there. The services at the grave were very solemn and impressive; while the corpse was being viewed by the many friends assembled there, the pupils of the S. S. mid scenes of distress and sorrow, sang the solemn and appropriate Tunes, selected by the bereft family:
"Sister, thou wast mild and lovely," etc.

LONG.-Oct. 9th 1896, in Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. John Long, aged 84 years, 6 days. Funeral on the 12th. Text, John 5:25. Buried at Hernly's M. H. One son survives.

MARTIN.-On the 19th of October 1896 in Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., sister Anna Martin, beloved wife of Jonas Martin, aged 34 years, 1 month, 24 days; leaving a sorrowing husband and one son to mourn their loss. Buried on the 22d in the W. Woolwich graveyard, near Elmira. Services by Paul Martin and David Martin, from Heb. 4:1, and 1 Pet. 1:23-25.

WEBER.-On Oct. 30th, 1896, near Centerville, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., Susannah, daughter of Theodore and --Weber and wife of Cyrus Weber, aged 24 years, 21 days. She was buried on the 2nd of November in C. Eby's cemetery. Sister Weber and her husband had been converted and received into the Mennonite church about a year and a half ago. She remained faithful to her Savior to the end, bearing her sufferings patiently, and ready to go at the call of her Master. Funeral services by D. Wismer and N. Stauffer.

SHANK.-On the 26th of Oct. 1986, of diphtheria, Ada Margaret, daughter of Perry and Rebecca Shank, aged 2 years, 4 months and 17 days. Buried on the 27th at the Weaver church near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., in the presence of many sympathizing friends. Services by John Blosser and J. M. Shenk.

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

WEAVER.-Laura Weaver was born June 7th 1876, died of typhoid fever and heart failure on Oct. 15th 1896, aged 20 years, 4 months, 8 days, after an illness of three weeks. Her remains which were laid to rest in the Brick church burying ground, were followed by a very large number of sorrowing friends. Funeral services by Noah Metzler and John Stump. This sad death should be a warning to all to prepare for the day of death while health and strength remain.

RICE.-On Sept. 11th 1896, in Bedminster, Pa., of dysentery, Susie, daughter of Bro. Samuel and sister Mary Rice, aged 5 years, 7 months, 20 days.

SHADDINGER.-On the 18th of Sept., 1896, at Pt. Pleasant. Pa., Abraham Shaddinger, aged 92 years, 8 months, and 3 days.

GROBB.-On the 9th of Oct. 1896, of congestion of the lungs, Susan Grobb, aged 77 years and some days. She was born in Bayham Twp., and when about 24 years old she came to Lincoln Co., Clinton Twp., Ont., and took charge of the family of small children of David Grobb, widower, and afterwards was married to him. To this union were born two sons and three daughters, of whom one son and two daughters survive her. One son and one daughter of the first marriage survive her. Her husband preceded her to the spirit world about six years ago. She was a very kind mother and neighbor and a devoted Christian and Bible reader. She was buried at the Moyer church on the 13th, where a large number of relatives and friends assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to a friend to all. Peace to her ashes.

SNYDER.-On Friday evening Oct. 30, 1896, near Bloomingdale, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., of consumption, Irwin, son of Amos and Lydia Snyder, aged 21 years, 7 months, 6 days. Irwin was resigned to the will of God and was anxious to be relieved from this body of suffering and to be with his Redeemer; especially so after God had used him as an instrument in helping in the conversion of the remaining unconverted part of the family. Buried at the Snyder M. H. Nov. 2d. Services by J. B. Bowman in German and Pre. Springer and M. Bowman in English.

LINEWEAVER.-Oct. 20th 1896, in Elsonville, Lancaster Co., Pa., sister Anna, wife of Jacob Lineweaver, aged 43 years, 1 month, 16 days. Funeral on the 23d. Text, 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. Buried in the Manheim cemetery. Sister Lineweaver left a husband and three children. She embraced religion a few months before her death.

SHELLEY.-Oct. 20th 1896, in Lancaster Pa., Susan Shelly of Salunga, Lancaster Co., Pa. Funeral on the 23d. Text, Job 5:26. Buried at the white Oak church. A mother, one brother and four sisters mourn her departure. She was very modest and God-fearing.

HARTRANFT.-On Oct. 10th 1896, at the Lancaster Junction, Pa., of paralysis, Bro. George Hartranft, aged 70 years, 6 months, 29 days. Funeral services were conducted by John Landis in German, and J. K. Brubaker in English. Text, Luke 9:58-62. He leaves a wife, one son and seven daughters to mourn the loss of a dear father. Eight children have preceded him to the spirit world. The deceased was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. He was fully resigned to the will of God, and told his wife and children at his bedside that they shall not forget to pray. He will be greatly missed by his friends and neighbors. His remains were laid to rest on the 14th in the Petersburg Mennonite burying ground, where a large concourse of friends and neighbors were assembled to pay their last tribute of respect for the aged brother.

"Farewell, dear wife, God has called me,
Weep not for me when I an gone,
But prepare to meet me yonder,
When the Christian's work is done.

Farewell, dear children, God has called me,
I have gone with Christ above,
Where no pain or sickness enters,
And where all is peace and love.

God saw fit to call me higher,
From this world of sin and care,
To my home beyond the river,
And I hope you'll meet me there."

RICH.-On the 26th of September 1896, near Rocky Ford, Colorado, of mountain typhoid, spine and brain fever, Mary Anna Rich, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Rich, aged 6 years, 6 months, 2 days. Buried on the 28th in the Rocky Ford graveyard. Services at the house by Pre. Jones from 1 Cor. 15:16 in English and by Jacob Yoder in German from John 5:21-29. She was a bright and cheerful little girl. She came and was a joy and blessing to us, and though she is now gone she is not forgotten.

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

The Master loved our little one,
And took her from our care;
May we then say, Thy will be done,
We'll meet our Mary there."
FROM FATHER AND MOTHER.

YODER.-On the 18th of Oct. 1896, near Shipshewana, Ind., Wrayburn, son of Wallace and Sarah Yoder, aged 5 months and 12 days. Buried Oct. 30th. Services at the Shore M. H. by Jacob Weaver and D. D. Miller.

Transcribed by Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana