Herald of Truth Obituaries - December, 1898

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Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXV, No. 23, December 1, 1898, page 365

DEATHS.

KINIG.-On the 19th of October, 1898, near Ronks, Lancaster Co., Pa., of old age, Catherine Kinig, widow, aged 94 years, 7 months and 12 days. She leaves eight children (five sons and three daughters), who are all married, forty-seven grandchildren, and 125 great-grandchildren. One of the latter is also married. She had been a widow for thirty-three years. She was buried on the 22d inst. Funeral services were conducted by Joel Kinig and Benjamin Fisher. Text: 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8.
HENRY FISHER.

METZLER.-On Oct. 19, 1898, John Metzler, aged 23 years, 11 months and 18 days. He was the youngest son of John Metzler, a minister in the Brethren Church. He was crushed to death in a wreck on the Vandalia railroad near Logansport, Ind. He left his father's home near Wakarusa, on Tuesday morning, to go to Illinois. He, in company with two other young men, one of whom was killed, was riding on a heavily loaded freight train. On this side of Logansport through some means the rear of the train became detached, but it being down grade when the first section stopped, the rear crashed into it, throwing some of the cars into the ditch. It is supposed that he was on top of a car on the rear section, and when it crashed into the first section he was thrown forward and the cars on top of him. When found he was in the water, under a car loaded with Studebaker wagons. He was brought home on Thursday. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday by Amsey Puter-baugh, from Isa. 1:18, at the Olive M. H., where a large concourse of people assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased.
JACOB K. BIXLER.

YODER.-On the 6th of November, 1898, in Elkhart Co., Ind., of heart trouble, Christina Caiger, wife of John J. Yoder, aged 55 years, 11 months and 15 days. She was born Nov. 21, 1842, married Isaac Dausman March 17, 1864. Her first husband died March 22, 1895. She married her second husband on the 2d of December, 1897, and died as above stated, leaving a bereaved husband, her aged and deeply sorrowing father and mother, one brother and four sisters to mourn her death. She was a faithful member of the Brethren Church, and we trust our loss is her eternal gain. It was the testimony of the parents that Christina was always a good, obedient child. Funeral services were conducted by J. F. Funk and - Worstal of the Brethren Church. May God comfort all these bereaved ones with His love and grace.

SMETZLER.-On the 7th of October 1898, near Wakarusa, Ind., of membranous croup, David Ray, son of Aaron and Lizzie Smetzler, aged 4 years and 19 days. Funeral was held at the Olive M. H., on the 6th of Novem-ber by John F. Funk, from Rom. 6 :2*. May God comfort the sorrowing parents with the blessed thought, "Not lost, but gone before." A brighter home awaits all God's faithful children while they sojourn in this "wilderness of woe."

Transcriber's note: the 2nd digit in the verse of Rom 6 that was the subject of Mr. Funk's funeral service is illegible in the original. The date of death (7th of October) and the date of the funeral (6th of November) are transcribed as they appear in the original.

BUCKWALTER.-On Oct. 23, 1898, of consumption, David M. Buckwalter, of near Reunhold Station, aged 27 years, 8 months and 9 days. Buried on the 27th at the Steinmetz cemetery near Shoeneck. Funeral services by John B. Bucher, from Psalm 8:4: "What is man?" followed by Bishop Chr. Risser. Deceased leaves a young widow and one son to mourn his early demise.

FERRY.-Of cholera infantum and brain fever combined, Edwin Charles, infant son and only child of William and Emma Ferry. Edwin was taken sick Oct. 10 and after suffering greatly died on the 19th, aged 6 months and 13 days. Funeral was held on the 21st of October at the Mennonite M. H. near Sterling, Ill., where the child was buried. Funeral services were conducted by J. B. McColloh, of Morrison, Ill.

SMOKER.-Levi Y. Smoker was born in Wayne Co., June 22, 1864, and when 9 years of age moved with his parents to Logan Co., Ohio, and lived the remainder of his life in Logan and Cham-paign counties. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church when 19 years of age, and remained a faithful Christian to the end. He was united in marriage to Selina Kauffman, Feb.13, 1890. To this union were born two daughters, who survive him. His suf-fering was intense, but he bore it patiently, being wholly resigned to the Lord's will, and he welcomed the time when he should be released. He died Nov. 2, 1898, aged 34 years, 4 months and 11 days. Funeral on the 4th; services by David Plank at the house, and by C. K. Yoder and Jonathan Werey at the Oak Grove M. H. in Cham-paign county. His remains were laid to rest in the Hooly graveyard.
A BROTHER.

NICE.-Oct. 22, 1898, Bro. Abraham C. Nice suddenly passed away from this earth, aged 81 years, 5 months and 6 days. He leaves one son and two daughters to mourn his sudden departure from this life. But they mourn not as those that have no hope; what was their loss was his eternal gain. He leaves two brothers and a large circle of friends and relatives. Bro. Nice was born in Bucks Co., Pa., in 1817. He united with the Mennonite Church 30 years ago, of which he was a faithful member, always filling his place in the church whenever an opportunity presented itself. He was laid to rest in the Mennonite burying ground near Neutral. Funeral ser-vices were conducted by A. B. Lichtenwalter, of the Dunkard Church, from Luke 12 :40. Peace to his ashes.

"Go to thy rest in peace,
And soft be thy repose;
Thy toils are o'er, thy troubles cease,
From earthly cares, in sweet release
Thine eyelids gently close.

"Go to thy rest, and while
Thy absence we deplore,
One thought our sorrow shall beguile,
For soon with a celestial smile
We'll meet to part no more."
Neutral, Kan. A. KUHNS.

YODER.-On the 10th of September 1898, in Cass Co., Mo., Ira Joseph, son of Joseph and Anna Yoder, aged 1 year, 3 months and 29 days. He suffered seven weeks with intestinal catarrh. Funeral services by John Hartzler at the Sycamore Grove M. H.

That languishing head is at rest
His achings and weepings are o'er;
That quiet, immovable breast
Is heaved by affliction no more.

Of evil incapable now,
Of sin and all trials set free,
No longer in misery now,
No longer such mortals as we.

MARTIN.-At Weaverland, Lancaster Co., Pa., Lizzie Martin, infant daughter of Brother Isaac W. Martin and Sister Fianna Martin, on Oct. 10, 1898, aged 7 months and 16 days. She was sick only a few days, and the brother and sister have the sympathy of the community. The funeral was held in the meeting house at Weaverland, of which Bro. Isaac is sexton. Services were con-ducted by Brethren John Zimmerman and Samuel Witmer, assisted by Bro. John Sauder.

MARTIN.-Near Weaverland, Lancas-ter Co., Pa., on Oct. 11, 1898. Sister Mary Martin, wife of Samuel W. Martin, aged 34 years, 6 months and 2 days. She left four children, one a babe one week old, and also a step-daughter, a husband, one sister and parents (who are Isaac W. and Susanna Martin. She gave her family "good by" a short time before she died and spoke of the beautiful land beyond the dark river of death. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years and died with a living hope of a glorious resurrection. Her funeral was held at Weaverland Mennonite M. H. on Saturday, Oct. 15, where many people gathered. Brethren John S. Landis and John Zimmerman conducted the services. Text, Luke 10: 42.

VON GUNDEN.-On Oct. 24, 1898, at 2 A. M., near Amish, Johnson Co., Iowa, Sister Catherine, wife of Pre. John Von Gunden, at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 16 days. Her disease was heart and stomach trouble. Interment took place on the 26th at the church burying ground, on which occasion J. F. Schwarzendruber and C. J. Miller conducted the funeral services in the presence of a large gathering. Sister Von Gunden was born in Upper Alsace, France. Her maiden name was Peter-Schmitt. In 1832 her father emigrated to America with his family, where he first settled near Millcreek in Lancaster Co, Pa. In 1835 they went to Butler Co., Ohio, where the deceased grew up and was taken into the Amish Mennonite Church through baptism. She remained a faithful member up to her death. During the last few years she suffered a great deal with stomach and heart trouble but she bore her great pains with Christian patience and longed for her death. She leaves a deeply stricken husband, to whom she was a great support, not only in temporal things, but also in his ministerial office. Of eleven children there are six still living, who mourn her de-parture. Four of them stood by her bedside to see how their dear mother had gained the victory. Her aged brother, John P. Schmitt, and her widowed sister, Barbara Salzman, were also present. She also leaves twenty-seven grandchildren to mourn her death, but we do not mourn like those who have no hope. Her whole life, as far as known to the writer, was an example of Christian virtue, to approve good and censure evil, and no one will regret, even now yet, following her instruct-ions. She read a great deal in the Holy Scriptures, as well as in the HERALD OF TRUTH and other Christian literature, but she was not easily moved by empty doctrines and deceptions of the people and had a dislike for those who followed every innovation. Some time ago she showed me a large collection of choice poems and other literature, which for years she had been cutting out of periodicals and pasting into a book kept specially for that purpose. I should consider this collection a rich treasure, for it reflects her innermost heart, and I could advise her children, as well as others "Go, thou, and do likewise," for herein lies a blessing which far excels all worldly pleasures on which the eye likes to feast. Deceased was married to John Von Gunden on the 16th of Janu-ary, 1848. The latter was born on the 4th of January, 1827, in the palace-yard in the kingdom of Bavaria. J. D. G.

CLYMER.-Valentine K. Clymer departed this life Nov. 10, 1898, aged 79 years and 29 days. Buried Nov. 13th at Line Lexington. Bro. Clymer was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. Services at the house were conducted by Uriah Weidener, a minister of the Reformed Church; text, Job 38:17; and by John Walter at the meeting house; text, Rev. 14:13. Peace to his ashes. A. E. WALTER.

KEIM.-On the 22d of October, 1898, in Somerset Co., Pa., of a lingering disease which ended in dropsy, Sister Rebecca Jane, wife of Bro. Josiah Keim, aged 35 years, 1 month and 23 days. She left a sorrowing husband and other friends to mourn for her, but they need not sorrow as those that have no hope. She was buried on the 24th at the Blough M. H.; funeral services by S. G. Shetler, Simon Layman and L. A. Blough.

Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.

UP


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXV, No. 24, December 15, 1898, pages 380 and 381

DEATHS.

REIFF.-Sister Susie Reiff died of pneumonia on Nov. 16, aged 21 years, 7 months and 24 days. She died at the home of her parents, David and Mary Reiff, who live near the Pennsylvania meeting house, Harvey Co., Kansas. At an early age she learned to love Jesus, laboring in His cause in the Mennonite Church until her death. Her last hours on earth were her happiest ones, the only burden of her soul being the condition of the lost ones, especially those of her associates and near relatives, in whose behalf she pleadingly labored before her departure. Expressing herself to be "sweetly resting," she passed away, forever to live and reign with her triumphant Redeemer. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. J. M. R. Weaver and David Zook. Text: 'He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days." Psa. 102:23.

Weep not for me, my parents dear,
Since I must go and leave you here;
With Jesus I shall happy be,
O, parents do not weep for me.

My brothers, do not mourn for me,
In heaven I hope you all to see,
Where parting words are heard no more
By those who dwell on Canaan's shore.

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

FREY.-On Oct. 21, 1898, in Miami Co., Ind., of scarlet fever, Willis, son of Menno and Fannie Frey, aged 3 years, 8 months and 13 days. He was buried on the 22d. On account of the raging disease no funeral was preached until Nov. 27th, when funeral services were con-ducted in the A. M. meeting house by John R. Zook, of Lawrence Co., Pa., in German; text, 2 Kings 4:26, and Fred Mast, of Holmes Co., O., in English, from Mark 10:13-15. May the bereaved parents rejoice that they have a precious jewel in that yonder home awaiting their coming.

BOWERS.-Enos A., son of Jacob S. and Susan Bowers, of near Winchester, Va, died of a complicated disease Nov. 15, 1898, aged 22 years, 4 months and 18 days. The brethren, Ephraim Nissley, of Lancaster Co. Pa., and Martin Whis-ler, of near Hanover, Pa., assisted by Chr. Brunk, of Winchester, Va., con-ducted the services on the 18th. Text used at the house, James 4 :*4, and at the Kernstown meeting house, where he was buried, the brethren spoke comforting words from John 5:25 to a large assembly. His sufferings were intense at times, and when he saw his condition he said he could not die happy without obeying the commands of our Savior: Repent, believe, and be baptized-then the promise, and "thou shalt be saved." He was accordingly baptized, but regretted having neglected so im-portant a step until such a late hour. He was a good and dutiful son and never known to indulge in any vile or sinful pleasures, but loved rather to go where he could learn something true and useful. He leaves, besides father and mother, two brothers, five sisters, and many friends to mourn their loss, which is his eternal gain.

Rest in peace, thou gentle spirit,
Throned above;
Souls like thine with God inherit
Life and love.
S. G. B.

Transcriber's note: the number of the verse in James 4 that served as part of Mr. Bowers' funeral text is only partly legible.

KING.-On the 20th of October, 1898, near Ronks, Pa., Catharine King, widow of Christian King, aged 94 years, 7 months and 12 days, after a lingering illness of dropsy, together with the infirmities of old age. She was a widow for 33 years. She was a faithful mem-ber of the Amish Church and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. Her husband, two daughters, ten grandchil-dren, and nineteen great grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters have gone before. Nine children, fifty-two grand-children, ninety great grandchildren, and three sisters are left to mourn her loss. The funeral was attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted by Joel King, of near New Holland, and Benjamin Fisher, of near Ronks. Let not your heart be troubled.

Farewell, mother dear, farewell,
Farewell to thee, adieu,
And you my children, all,
Farewell, farewell to you.

Our mother's gone and we are left
The loss of her to mourn,
But we hope to meet with her
With Christ before God's throne.
A. K. S.

MILLER.-On the 16th of October, 1898, near Mascot, Lancaster Co., Pa., Lydia Miller, wife of Christian Miller, died after an illness of five days of cholera morbus. She leaves a sorrowing husband, four children, fifteen grandchildren, three brothers, and three sis-ters to mourn her loss. Her parents, one sister, and seven children have gone before. Her age was 64 years, 10 months and 8 days. She was a faithful mem-ber of the Amish Church, and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. She was kind to all, old and young, rich and poor. Funeral services were conducted by John Zook, of near Brownstown, and Benjamin Stoltzfus, of Morgantown. The funeral was attended by a large concourse of people. She is not dead, but sleepeth.

Our mother, dear, has gone before
To seek a home above;
She's gone to dwell with angels pure,
Where all is peace and love.

Farewell, husband, farewell, dear,
Farewell, dear children, too;
I've gone to seek a world of peace,
Where still is room for you.

Farewell, sisters, farewell, brothers,
Till we shall meet above,
Where joy and peace are always pure,
And where there's endless love.
Selected by a Neighbor.

GINGRICH.-On the 22d of November in Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Co., Ontario, after a long illness of cancer, Sister Susanna Brubacher, wife of Moses Gingrich, entered peacefully into rest. She was buried at North Woolwich meeting house, near Elmira. Services by Paul Martin and Joseph Gingrich. Text, John 5:29 and Psalm 39: 4-11. A very large number of friends and relatives assembled to show their respects for the departed sister and to sympathize with the bereft husband and family. She leaves a husband and four children, two sons and two daughters to mourn the loss of a dear one, but not without hope. She was a devoted wife and mother, a shining light in the Church. She bore her suffering with Christian patience and was fully resigned to the will of God and desired to go home and be at rest.

BRUBAKER.-On the 16th of Oct., at Millway, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Levi Brubaker, aged 76 years, 5 months, and 15 days. The deceased was born and raised two miles north-west of Lititz; married to Elizabeth Sheafer in 1845; farmed at his birthplace for about thirty years; then moved to Millway, his wife's birthplace. In 1895 he and his wife were taken into the Mennonite Church, of which he was a faithful member until his death. He leaves a dear bereaved widow and four sons to mourn his departure. On the 19th his remains were laid to rest in Hess' cemetery. J. H. Hess, C. R. Risser, and J. N. Brubacher officiated at the funeral services. Peace to his ashes.

WEBER.-On the 1st of September, 1898, James, son of Jacob and Hettie Ann Weber, died of summer complaint, aged 5 months and 6 days. He was buried on the 4th; service at the house by Abraham Gehman and at the meet-ing house by Henry G. Good and Benj. Horning. This is the second called out of the family, and the loss is deeply felt by his parents.

These lovely buds, 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 buds to heaven conveyed,
And bade them blossom there.

BEILER.-On the 20th of September, 1898, near Morgantown, Lydia Beiler, daughter of Levi and Sarah Beiler, left this world and went to dwell above, after a three weeks' illness of cholera infantum. Her age was 10 months and 24 days. Services were held by Samuel Stoltzfoos and Christian Glick, at the home of her parents. It was hard to part with the dear little girl, but God's will be done.

Lydia, though a little flower,
Lies in her narrow bed;
She has gone to dwell with angels sweet,
To wear a crown upon her head.

If she could speak, I think she'd say,
"Come, sister, come to me;
I have reached a home so pure and bright,
Come, come, I say to thee.

'Oh, parents, do not weep for me,
I've gone to heaven above;
And if you serve the Lord in life,
You'll soon live there in love."

A COUSIN.

DILLER.-On the 22d day of Nov., 1898, of bowel trouble, Sister Elizabeth, wife of Bro. Samuel Diller, aged 63 years, 4 months and 17 days. She suffered untold pain for a few days, but death soon laid his icy hand upon her, as if to say, "Come, I have better things for you; come up higher, where pain and sorrow cannot reach you, nor disturb your peace, and enter into the joys of thy Lord."

BLOUGH.-On the 26th of Nov. 1898, in Somerset Co., Pa., of diphtheria, Elsie Viola, daughter of Samuel Y. Blough, aged 8 years, 10 months and 15 days. She was buried on the 28th at the Blough Mennonite meeting house. Funeral services were conducted by S. G. Shetler and Samuel Gindlesperger. Text, Mark 5:19, "Go home to thy friends." Elsie was a bright, intelligent little girl, and appeared to have a foretaste of the bliss of heaven, as she said to her father during her sickness: "What a beautiful home mother and Sister Katie have." Her Sister Katie died about 8 years ago and her mother died about 2 years ago. It was hard for the family to give her up, but we believe she went, as the text said, home to her friends.

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.

Selected by the FRIENDS.

SCHALLER.-On Nov. 28, 1898, near Marshallville, Ohio, infant child of Bro. and Sister Schaller, aged 8 days. Burial on the 1st of December at Crown Hill cemetery. Funeral services were conducted at the parents' home by D. C. Amstutz, from James 4:13,14, and l5. May God comfort Bro. and Sister Schaller and the remaining children, is our prayer.

FORDEMWALT.-On the 7th of Nov. 1898, in Wayne Co., Ohio, of lingering disease, Lydia Fordemwalt, aged 53 years, 7 months and 23 days. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church. Her remains were laid to rest in the Oak Grove cemetery. Services by Jacob Gerig and David Hostetler. Text, Phil. 1:23. Peace to her ashes.

RAMSEIER.-On the 16th of Nov., 1898, near Orrville, Ohio, David Ramseier, son of Bro. and Sister Ramseier, aged 9 years, 1 month and 13 days. Burial on the 18th at Crown Hill meeting house, where funeral services were held, conducted by D. C. Amstutz from Psalm 16 :5, 6, 'The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." This boy was accidentally suffocated in the morn-ing before he got out of his room where he had been sleeping. One of the ad-joining rooms was set on fire in an un-known way while the father was out doing his morning work and the mother out milking. After they got the fire under control the boy was found behind the door of his room, dead. How uncertain is life. Let us watch and pray, that we may be ready when the Lord cometh.

BRENNEMAN.-On the 21st of Nov., 1898 in St. Joseph Co., Ind., Cornelius S. Brenneman, son of Jacob and ____ Brenneman, aged 26 years, 3 months and 5 days. He came to his death by a gunshot. He and his cousin were out hunting on the Lord's day, and one barrel of his double-barreled shotgun being emptied, he set the butt end on a stump to reload it. While thus engaged, the gun slipped off and fell on the hammer, immediately discharging the load into his abdomen, inflicting a fatal wound. His companion left him and went for help, he was gone an hour, and during this time, while waiting alone for help, he cried mightily to God and prayed to Him for mercy and pardon for desecrating the Lord's day, and other sins, and when his cousin returned with help, he said: "This is a warning for you. It is too late for me; my life is almost gone." They carried him to his father's house, where he suffered about twenty hours and died. During this time he gave his companions, brothers, and sis-ters many tender instructions advising them not to live as he had lived, but to give themselves to the Savior and live for God. When asked what he had done, he said that disobedience to his parents had brought this upon him. He said, however, before his departure, he was happy in Jesus. His last words were: "Lord, take me home." His sad death should prove a loud warning to all who desecrate the Lord's day and live in sinful enjoyments. Oh, may the dear brothers and sisters and all unsaved souls turn unto the Lord in the day of grace and be saved. Funeral services were conducted on the 23d at the Olive meeting house by Jacob Horning, of Ohio, and John Hygema, from Eccl. 9:10. A large concourse of relatives and friends gathered to pay the last tribute of love and respect to the departed one. He leaves father, two brothers and five sisters to mourn his untimely death.

GOOD.-On the 17th of Nov., 1898, Sister Lydia Good died of the infirmities of old age, her age being 78 years, 1 month and 7 days. She was never married. She was a member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services Nov. 20th at the Bowmansville meeting house by H. G. Good and Benjamin Horning.

BURKHART.-On the 19th of Nov., 1898, Bro. Isaac Burkhart died of the infirmities of old age, aged 79 years and 3 months. He was a member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral on the 23d. Service at the Bowmansville meeting house by John Zimmerman, Benjamin Horning, and H. G. Good.

REED -On the 10th of October, 1898, Catherine Reed died of catarrh of the stomach, and was buried Oct. 11th at the home graveyard in the presence of many friends and relatives. Her age was 77 years and 4 days. Six daughters and two sons are left to mourn her loss. She was the mother of thirteen children, ten daughters and three sons. She died with the hope of meeting her children in heaven. She was an earnest worker for God for about 58 years. About three weeks before her death she united with the Mennonite Church. She said she had not felt herself safe
for some time, but she had told it to no one. She died happy; after calling her daughters to her bedside, and, taking them by the hand, she asked them to meet her in heaven. Two of them not being workers for God, she told them to kneel down by her bedside and let her hear them pray before she died, for her sake and for the saving of their souls.

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

Onego, W. Va.

Transcriber's note: In the second line of the poem, the phrase "Sorrow fill our hearts to-day" is transcribed as it appears in the original.

PAGE.-Anna Maude, daughter of Dr. W. B. and Alice Page, died of typhoid and brain fever at their home in Middlebury, Ind., on the 27th of Oct., 1893. She was sick about six weeks, and during that time suffered very severely. She was buried at the Forks A. M. meeting house. D. D. Miller read the 91st Psalm and conducted a short service. A little son came to the home of the sorrowing parents on the 26th, and on the next day the little daughter, at the tender age of 2 years, 5 months and 17 days, was taken away. May God comfort the hearts of the sorrowing parents, and especially so, inasmuch as they have given themselves up to the missionary work in India. We feel sure that they will bear with them the sympathies and prayers of the brotherhood as they go to their new field of labor. The following appropriate lines, under the title of "Maude's Mission," were sent them by a friend as expressive of the feelings and motives which led our brother and sister to thus conse-crate themselves to this work of the Lord:

My thoughts shall be this night of one
Whose life was very brief;
Who bloomed awhile-a flower bright-
And faded with the leaf.

'Twas she whom God in goodness gave
To bless a home of love;
But now her little soul has gone
To live with Christ above.

You wonder, as you see her form
Lie cold, embraced in death,
And ask, "Why did the reaper come
To take this flower's breath?"

Why did he spare the aged and worn,
Whose lives are burdens grown,
And take this best and brightest gem
From out this little home?

The answer to your questions you
May from her papa hear;
For he will her earthly mission tell,
If you'll but lend your ear.

"When I my Savior did accept,
And vowed to live for him
Who came from heav'n to earth and died
To rescue all from sin,

"A voice within me seemed to say:
'Arise in haste and go
To foreign mission fields, for there
The good seed thou shalt sow.'

"But I, poor mortal, did allow
The cares of earth to come
'Twixt me and duty to my Lord,
And so set up a home.

"My home God blessed with a dear child,
A treasure for our care;
But soon our dear one He did take
Back to His home so fair.

"And I am sure my little girl
Has come and gone away
To emphasize my Master's call-
That call I'll now obey."
Nov. 10, 1898.

OBERHOLTZER.-On the 5th of November, in Waterloo Township, Waterloo Co., Ont., of brain disease, Sylvia, infant daughter of Josiah and Hamy Oberholtzer, aged 8 months and 19 days. She was buried on Sun-day 6th, at Hagey's meeting house. Ser-vices by Jacob B. Gingrich. Text, 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

Our moments fly apace,
Our feeble powers decay;
Swift as a flood our hasty days
Are sweeping us away.

MILLER-On the 2nd of October, 1898, in the borough of Ephrata, Lancaster Co., Pa., of the infirmities of old age, Bro. Elias Miller, aged 77 years, 9 months and 2 days. The deceased was born and raised near the borough of Lititz. After his marriage he lived on the old homestead where his first wife Barbara (Stoner) Miller, died in Feb. l88l. In 1892 he married, as his second wife, Eliza Miller, of Ephrata, Pa., she being the widow of his deceased brother Jacob Miller. He then moved to Ephrata where he died leaving the widow and two sons (children of his first wife) to mourn his departure. On the 5th of Oct. his remains were taken six miles west to the Hess cemetery, where they were buried beside those of his first wife. A great number of friends and neighbors were assembled to pay their last tribute of respect. Pre. Seibensberger, J. H. Hess and John Lefever officiated.

BERGEY.-Bro. Jacob Bergey, of Danboro, Bucks Co., Pa., was born on the 31st of August 1818. In 1842 he was married to Susan Leather-man, who died in Dec. 1855. In 1859 he married Magdalena Nice, who died in June 1897. He united with the church of his choice shortly after his first marriage, and was ever a consistent member of the church, generous and kind, and a wise counsellor. His chil-dren, three daughters, by his first wife survive, also five grandchildren. He had been confined to his bed about a year from a complication of diseases, and at times, especially in his last days, he suffered severely, but bravely, and patiently, and calmly resigned himself to God's will, cheerfully and confidently waiting for release from earthly pain, for the eternal joys awaiting the faithful, and at last on the 20th of Oct., the final summons came, and he sank peacefully to rest. Like the ripened shock of corn, which was being garnered in the fields around him, so our dear brother was gathered into the garners of the heavenly Husbandman. Buried on the 23rd in the Doylestown Mennonite graveyard, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Funeral service by John Gross and Abram O. Histand at the house and by Christian Allebach and David Gehman at the meeting house. Text, Psalm 23: 4.

HENDRICKS.-On the 10th of Nov. 1898, in Bucks Co., Pa., after a short ill-ness, Bro. Benjamin B. Hendricks. He was born in Bedminster Twp., this county, Feb. 8th, 1818. He was a member of the Blooming Glen con-gregation for many years, amid was esteemed for his many excellent qualities of mind and heart. His funeral took place on the 21st, from the resi-dence of his brother Joseph, of Unionsville. He leaves one son, one brother and two sisters.

MOYER-On the 7th of November, 1898, in Hilltown Twp , near Blooming Glen, Bucks Co., Pa., of a complication of diseases resulting from grippe, and ending in consumption, Bro. Isaac H. Moyer, aged 65 years, 3 months, 17 days. He was born on the 20th of July, 183*, was married to his surviving wife, Mary Moyer, in 1855. He also leaves four children and a number of grandchildren, and a large circle of rel-atives and friends to mourn their loss. Bro. Moyer was for many years a trustee in the Blooming Glen congrega-tion and led the singing of the congregation. The funeral services, on the 12th, at Blooming Glen meeting house, were attended by a large concourse of people from far and near. Funeral ser-vices at the house were conducted by Pre. C. Allebach, at the grave by Pre. Leatherman, and in the meeting house by Abram F. Moyer, from Phil. 1:23, assisted by Pre. Michael R. Moyer.

Transcriber's note: the last digit of Mr. Moyer's birth year is illegible in the original. If his age and death date are correctly stated, the year is 1833.

 

IN MEMORIAM.

In loving remembrance of Pre. John K. Brubaker, who died Aug. 22,1898, in the fifty-fifth year of his age.

A light from our church is gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A chair is vacant in our room
Which will be hard to fill;
A gentle heart that throbbed in life
With tenderness and love
Has hushed its weary throbbings here
To throb in bliss above.

Yes, to the home where angels are,
His trusting soul has fled;
And yet we bend above his tomb
With tears, and call him dead.
We call him dead, but ah! we know
He dwells where living waters flow.

We miss thee from our church, dear one
We miss thee from thy place;
Oh! life will be so dark without
The sunshine of thy face
We wait for thee, at eve's sweet hour,
When yonder sun is setting,
We linger at our church room door
To look for thy return;
But vainly for thy coming step
We list through all the hours-
We only hear the wind's low voice
That murmurs through the flowers,
And the dark streamlet's solemn hymn
Sweeping among the woodlands dim.

I do not see thee now, dear one,
I do not see thee now;
But even when the morning breeze
Steals o'er my lifted brow,
I hear thy words of tenderness
That I have heard so oft;
And on my wounded spirit falls
A blessing from above
That whispers, though thy life is o'er
We have not lost thy love;
Ah, no! thy heart, in death grown cold,
Still loves us with a love untold.

No need of fame's proud voice for thee,
No need of earthly fame;
Thou art enshrined in our fond hearts,
And that is all the same
Ah! full of faith, and trust and hope,
We tread life's troubled sea,
Till the last throbbing wave of time
Shall bear our souls to thee-
To thee, oh! it will be so sweet,
With all our sins forgiven,
To mingle with our loved and lost,
In our sweet home in heaven;
To spend with all the blest above,
An endless life of perfect love.

Lancaster, Pa. BY M. B. H.

 

Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.


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