OBITUARY.

BISH. BENJAMIN F. HAMILTON

Benjamin F. Hamilton was born in Pottsville, Pa., on the fourth day of July, A. D. 1825, and died May 10, 1898. His ancestry on the father's side were Scotch. He grew to manhood in Allentown, Pa. and in 1843 with a number of friends and companions went to Medina Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1845 he was united in marriage to Sister Elizabeth Nahrgang. In 1846 he united with the Mennonite Church, and also moved farther west to Williams Co., Ohio, where he resided till 1865, when on account of his wife's failing health he moved to Owen Co., Ind. where his companion was called from him by death. To this union there were born five sons, one died in infancy and four are still living. In 1866 he was again married to Catharine Holley who survives him. To this union there were born six sons and three daughters, all living.
In the year 1868 he was ordained to the ministry by Bishop Daniel Brundage. In 1869 he moved to Livingston Co., Ill. where he served the church until 1883, when he moved to Cherokee Co., Kansas; from there he came to Marion Co. where he lived until his death.
In 1887 he was ordained to the office of bishop, Bro. Brundage again officiating. He performed his ministerial duties faithfully and the church in Kansas loses one of her pillars.
Bro. Hamilton had an iron constitution and had but few attacks of sickness, but we see here that a strong constitution cannot resist God's decree that "it is appointed unto all men to die." He was very seldom absent from his place in the pulpit at public worship even in inclement weather.
He seemed to have his end before him, for he spoke often to the people the last two years that he believed his days to be few, and warned us all to be ready.
His last sickness lasted a little over five weeks, and, according to the doctor's opinion, was an abscess in the left kidney; he had some kidney trouble for several years. He had much pain to suffer nearly all the time of his sickness, but he held out faithful in it all. He was conscious all the time till the last minute, when he died calmly without even a struggle, as the Bible says, he "fell asleep" in Jesus. His last few days, when strong enough to talk, were largely occupied in exhorting his family, in prayer, quoting Scripture, and he often repeated "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
Thus passed away another of God's servants, to his reward, at the age of 72 years, 10 months and 6 days. He leaves a sorrowing widow, ten sons, three daughters, thirty-two grandchildren living (eight grandchildren gone before) and one great grandson to mourn their loss, which we believe to be his eternal gain. Funeral services May 12th by the brethren, M. E. Horst, George R. Brunk, D. A. Diener, E. C. Miller and Caleb Winey from Jer. 48:17, last clause.
Eight of his children were at his bedside when his spirit was released. Two are in Arkansas, two in Oregon, one in Illinois. These were not present on the sorrowful occasion.

"No further seek his merits to disclose,
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode,
There they alike in trembling hope repose,
The bosom of his Father and his God.
Y. N. E.

IN MEMORIAM

In loving remembrance of Ada M.
Lesher, who died April 14th,
1898, at the early age of
8 years, 10 months
and 23 days.

Death has robbed us of our Ada,
Whom we loved and cherished dear;
It was Ada, yes dear Ada,
Who would chide the falling tear?

Under the sod they have laid her,
Hallowed a chamber of rest;
Now her dear arms are folded,
And clasped on her dear Savior's breast.

Gone, and the home is so dreary,
Gone, and our hearts are so rent;
Gone from the home that she brightened,
Aye with a tranquil content.

How shall we live on without her?
How reach the end of the day?
Shadows and darkness have gathered,
Thick o'er my desolate way.

Entered the mansions of glory,
Safe in the bosom of God;
Walking the highway of heaven,
Free where the ransomed have trod.

Young with a freshness immortal,
Clad with a rapture untold;
Strong with a life never ending,
She's home in the city of gold.

Oh how lonely, oh how sad,
When we think dear Ada dead;
Yet again we hope to meet her,
Where no farewell tear is shed.

All is dark within our dwelling,
Lonely are our hearts to-day;
For the one we loved so dearly
Has forever passed away.

Oft we think we hear dear Ada
Coming through the open door;
Then we tearfully remember,
Ada dear will come no more.
BY HER COUSIN M. LESHER.

DEATHS

HOOVER.-At Stouffville, Ont., on the 25th of May, 1898, Sister ____, wife of Jacob Hoover, aged 64 years and 4 months. Buried in Wideman's burying ground on the 27th. Discourse by Pre. J. G. Hoover, from Heb. 9:27, to a large and sympathetic congregation of friends who assembled to show their last tribute of respect.

Our mother dear has passed away,
Her soul has left its house of clay,
That friendly form no more we'll see,
Her work is done and she is free.

A blank she left which none can fill,
Altho' her name we'll cherish still,
Her pain is past, her troubles o'er,
Which she in sweet submission bore.

How blest to thus triumphant rise,
To join her loved ones in the skies,
Where without sickness, pain or care,
She ever may God's love declare.

But soon we all must leave this clay;
To meet God at the Judgment day;
Then let us pray that we may be
As fit to reign above as she. E. H.

WENGER.-On Friday, Feb. 4th, 1898, near Dayton, Va., Eve Wenger, aged 84 years, 2 months and 2 days. On Sunday, Feb. 6th, she was laid to rest in the Bank church-yard, surrounded by sorrowing ones, who, even through their tears, would not have bid her stay-for she had "come up through great tribulation," and we, who loved her, realized, tho' mourning, that for her all sadness and suffering was past, and she was "at rest." She had suffered with heart trouble for years, but only during the last three months of her life had she been confined to her room, and the last four weeks to her bed. Tho' suffering greatly, she never uttered a complaint, and when the end came, at half past six in the morning, she fell calmly and peacefully asleep.

"Our life contains a thousand springs,
And dies if one be gone;
How strange a harp of thousand strings,
Should keep in tune so long."

She was the daughter of Rudolph and Barbara Keagy, and was the last of a family of twelve children, she being the youngest. On the 8th of November, 1834 she was married to Samuel Wenger, and the next spring they made their home on a farm three quarters of a mile from Dayton, where they lived until each was called to a better home. In 1861, just at the beginning of the Civil War, her husband died, leaving her, with a family of little ones, to face alone the horrors of the never-to-be-forgotten period that followed. She had been an upright member of the Mennonite Church since a young girl, and there, as well as in her home, she will be sadly missed. She leaves four daughters (five having "gone before"), nineteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of more distant relatives. Her death leaves only one of her generation in the entire Keagy relationship, which is very large-there having been originally, four separate emigrations of Keagy's to this country from Switzerland, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. She was descended from the first member of the Keagy family who ever set foot on American soil.
A. GRANDNIECE

IN MEMORIAM.

Mother, friend and Christian true,
Breaking hearts bid thee adieu;
Thou hast passed the golden gates
Where thy crown of joy awaits.

Gone-ah, yes! forever gone,
From these earth scenes, from the home
Thy sweet presence long hast blest-
To the land of flowers and rest.

Love, the light of yonder world,
Holds the treasure, death has hurl'd
From its mortal throne of trust,
And has trod the shrine to dust.

Now, we wait with tearful eyes,
For our passport to the skies;
When we shall each other meet,
And our blessed Savior greet.
ANNA K. THOMAS.

Hofstetter.-On the 12th of May, 1898, in Baden, Waterloo Co., Ont., Bro. William Hofstetter, aged 75 years, 5 months and 23 days. He had been ill for several weeks. On Saturday afternoon, the 14th, the remains were taken to the Mennonite cemetery near Mannheim, of which church the deceased was a member, where they were laid in their last resting place. A large number of sympathizing friends attended the funeral. The services were conducted by Daniel Wismer and Tobias Bowman. Bro. Hofstetter came here from Germany. He lived hear Victoriaburg for many years till his retirement a few years ago, when his son William took the farm. He then moved to Baden with his wife, who is still living, although she is very ill and small hopes are entertained for her recovery.

SNYDER.-On April 25th, 1898, near Waterloo, Ont., Melinda Snyder, infant daughter of Bishop Jonas Snyder, aged 11 days. Services were held by Noah Stauffer from Luke 1:21, and by Elias Weber.

EASH.-On the 20th of April, 1898, in Newbury Twp., Lagrange Co., Ind., after a short illness, Bro. Josiah Eash, aged 34 years, 5 months and 18 days. He was married to Mary Hostettler Jan. 10th, 1884; thus having lived in matrimony 14 years, 3 months and 10 days. He was a faithful member of Mennonite Church, and left a bright evidence that he was at peace with God. Just before closing his eyes to the scenes of earth he admonished his brothers and sisters to live for Christ. He leaves a bereaved young companion, father, four brothers and four sisters. Funeral services at the Forks meeting house by D. D. Miller in English and German and by Y. C. Miller in German. Text, Heb. 4:9.
Y. C. M.

HERSHBERGER.-On the 18th of April, 1898, near Shipshewana, Lagrange Co., Ind., Bessie M., daughter of Joseph and Mary Hershberger, aged 10 months and 5 days. Buried at the forks meeting house. Funeral services by J. D. Miller in English and Y. C. Miller in German. Text, Mark 10:14-16.

"Dear parents, calm the heaving breast,
The Savior called her home;
Grieve not, your darling is at rest
Beyond this vale of gloom.

Let hope's bright beams dispel the gloom,
That fills your throbbing breast;
"Twas Jesus kindly bade her come,
And called her to His rest."

SHUH.-On April 21st, 1898, near Waterloo, Waterloo Co., Ont., Norman, son of Franklin and ___Shuh, aged 3 years, 4 months and 28 days. He was laid to rest in the C. Eby cemetery, Berlin, where services were conducted by E. S. Hallman from 1 Sam. 22:3 and Noah Stauffer from Job 14:1, 2.

DENLINGER.-Elizabeth Denlinger, widow of the late Abraham Denlinger, died at the home of her son-in-law Henry F. Eshbach in Millersville, Lancaster Co., Pa., aged 74 years, 11 months, 18 days. She was the mother of six children. She leaves three daughters and one son, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to mourn their loss. She was the oldest in a family of four brothers and four sisters and survived them all except one aged brother. Her burial took place at Millersville, April 27th. The services were conducted by the brethren Benjamin Hertzler, J. K. Brubaker and A. D. Wenger. She was an invalid for many years, but was patient through all her suffering, and longed to depart and be with Christ. The Lord has called her and we have the assurance that she has only gone before, and is waiting for us in the better land. Side by side they are sleeping and no father or mother is left to comfort us. Let us ever be ready, for at such an hour as we think not the Son of man cometh.

BECHTEL.-On the 8th of April, 1898, in New Belleville, Berks Co., Pa., Mary, widow of the late Pre. John B. Bechtel. She was born July 17th, 1914, and was aged 83 years, 8 months and 24 days. She was mother of four sons and four daughters. One son, two daughters and nineteen grandchildren survive her. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and was a faithful member. Her seat at time of meeting was seldom vacant as long as she was able to go. She was the last of four sisters of the Longacre family. Buried on the 14th of April. Services by Jacob Hunsberger in English and by Andrew Mack in German. Interment at the Hereford M. H. Peace to her ashes.

CLYMER.-On the 8th of May, 1898 at Barto, Berks Co., Pa., of rheumatism and heart failure, Mary, wife of Harry Clymer and daughter of Pre. John and Susanna Ehst, aged 23 years, 3 months and 5 days. She was ill about five weeks. She leaves her sorrowing husband of five months, her parents, two sisters and one brother to mourn for one who was near and dear to us all, but we have bright hopes to meet her in the glory world, for she was prepared to meet her Savior. She with her companion and several others united with the Mennonite Church last 27th of February. Buried at the Hereford M. H. on the 12th. Funeral services by Jacob Mensch at the house, and by Andrew S. Mack at the M. H. The Sunday school as well as the congregation has lost a dear sister. Her sweet voice, in our hymns, will be heard here no more.

SPRINGER.-On the 3d of May, 1898, near Princeton, Bureau Co., Ill., of pneumonia, Sister Mary B. Springer, daughter of Joseph and Jacobina Buercky, aged 30 years, 11 months and 15 days. buried on the 5th in the Willow Springs graveyard at Indiantown. Funeral services in English by Valentine Strubhar of Washington from John 5:24 and by Jacob Ringenberg and H. V. Albrecht in German. Deceased has left a good testimony, and her beloved husband, two children, parents, five brothers, a sister and many friends have the consolation of a bright hope for her eternal welfare.

BURKHART.-On the 8th of May, 1898, of consumption, Eliza Burkhart, aged 56 years, 3 months and 8 days. She was born in Berks Co., Pa., married Jacob Z. Burkhart, lived in the eastern part of Lancaster Co., Pa., up to fourteen years ago, when she and family moved to Harvey Co., Kansas, where they resided since. She leaves her husband and four children and many friends to mourn their loss. She united with the Mennonite Church about thirty-seven years ago, and has kept the faith so that she could welcome the call of the death angel and say, "I am ready." She was conscious to the end. Knowing that the end was here she desired to talk with all that were present, and have a chapter read, and prayer offered, after which she quietly passed away. Funeral services were conducted at Pennsylvania M. H., by J. M. R. Weaver from 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

KELLER.-On the 10th of January, 1898, at Pleasant Valley, Rockingham Co., Va., Mary Magdalene, daughter of Charles S. and Margaret F. Keller, aged 9 months and 11 days. Funeral services were held by G. D. and Simeon Heatwole at the Pike M. H., where the remains of the little one were laid to rest.

"She came and went, as comes and goes
The dew drop on the morning rose;
Or as the tender lights that die
At shut of day along the sky."

BROWN.-On the 6th of May, 1898, in Ithaca, N. Y., suddenly, from a stroke of paralysis, Sister Mary Brown. She was born in Aurora Co., N. Y. Thirteen days before her death she had a stroke of paralysis which rendered her helpless, and when the second stroke came she passed peacefully away. She was a member of the Holdeman branch of the denomination for nineteen years, and leaves a husband and four children to mourn her departure. Funeral services were held in the Wood school house from 2 Kings 20:1. "Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live."

Mother, thou wast mild and lovely,
Gentle as the summer breeze;
Pleasant as the air of evening,
When it floats among the trees.

Peaceful be thy silent slumber,
Peaceful in the grave so low;
Thou no more wilt join our number,
Thou no more our songs shalt know.

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

Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled;
Then in heav'n with joy to greet thee,
Where no farewell tear is shed.

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon

UP

DEATHS

LANTZ.-On the 11th of May, 1898, near Waupecong, Miami Co., Ind., at the home of Emanuel Shrock of lung trouble, Ray Milton, son of Emery and Lizzie Lantz. Buried on the 13th at the Zion graveyard, Funeral services conducted at the Zion church by J. S. Horner in English and J. J. Troyer in German from Phil. 1:21. Little Ray's mother preceded him to the spirit world Nov. 2d, 1897.

GRAFF.-On the 2d of May, 1898, in Howard Co., Ind., of lung trouble, Pearly May, daughter of Tine and Nancie Graff, aged 7 months and 24 days. Funeral on the 4th at the A. M. Meeting house. Services conducted by J. S. Horner, from Jer. 31:15, in English, in German by N. Sproll, Rev. 14:1-7. May God ever bless the bereaved parents and bring them nearer to Him.

LAUBER.-On the 12th of May, 1898, Emma B., daughter of Christian and Bina Lauber, aged 2 years, 7 months and 21 days. She leaves her parents, one brother and two sisters to mourn her early death. The little one was very fond of singing, and often sang "Gott ist die Liebe" (God is love). Emma was a dear obedient child. Her last words were, "Emma going home." God comfort the bereaved family.

HERTZLER.-On the 14th of March, 1898, near Churchtown, Cumberland Co., Pa., Abraham Hertzler, aged 82 years, 9 months and 17 days. Bro. Hertzler was born in Lancaster Co., but moved to Cumberland Co., many years ago. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church, and did much to help build up the church. He lived to see most of his children and grandchildren unite with the church. He was buried in the Churchtown cemetery, followed by a very large concourse of people. Funeral was conducted by Isaac Eby and J. M. Herr.

WICKENHEISER.-On the 21st of May, 1898, in Milton Grove, Lancaster Co., Pa., Paul, son of Leopold and Emma Wickenheiser, aged 1 year, 2 months and 6 days. He leaves father and mother, five brothers and three sisters to mourn his early death. He was buried on the 23d in the Milton Grove cemetery. Services were held at the Milton Grove meeting house, conducted by Benjamin Lehman in German, and Martin Rutt in English, from the text Isa. 11:6, last part. He was a dear beloved child. The affliction falls heavily on the family, but they can comfort themselves with the thought that Jesus has prepared for the children a home where there is no more sorrow, nor crying, nor death.

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

Before the heart had learn'd
In waywardness to stray;
Before the feet had ever turned
The dark and downward way.

Because thy smile was fair,
Thy lips and eyes so bright,
Because thy loving cradle care
Was such a dear delight;

Shall love, with weak embrace,
Thy upward wing detain?
No! gentle angel, seek thy place
Amid the cherub train.

LEAMAN.-On May 25th, 1898, in Witmer, Lancaster Co., Pa., Sister Anna, wife of Bro. Isaac Leaman, aged 73 years and 26 days. She leaves a sorrowing husband, six children, nineteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Sister Leaman had been feeble for about two years. She bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude until the end, and oh, how thankful we are that we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Peace to her ashes. Funeral services by the brethren John L. Landis and Benjamin Hertzler, at the Stumptown meeting house, where interment was made. Text, 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.

GLICK.-On the 5th of Dec., 1897. Sister Annie, wife of Jacob R. Glick, aged 26 years, 1 month and 10 days. She had been sick for 6 weeks, but bore her sufferings with patience and meekness. She was a devoted Christian, trusting in the Lord, and often expressed her willingness that she would be satisfied as the Lord would make it. She was a member of the Amish Church. She desired to live with Christ, and made a special request that her husband and child should meet her in that better home. She told her father that she was prepared to meet her mother, brothers and sisters in heaven. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, one child, father, two sisters and two brothers. three having preceded her to the world beyond. Services were conducted by Jonathan Kauffman and Daniel Esh on the 8th of December.

My husband, do not grieve for me,
Do not lament nor mourn;
For I shall with my Savior be
When you are left alone.

Dear sisters, oft you looked for me,
And oft you saw me come;
But now I'm gone from hence away
To my celestial home.

My brothers, do not mourn for me,
In heaven we'll meet again;
Where parting tears no more we'll see
And where there is no pain.
Sel. by a COUSIN

ESIL.-On May 22d, 1898, near Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster Co., Pa., of cancerous affection, Sister Rebecca, wife of Pre. Daniel Esh, aged 60 years, 3 months and 16 days. She leaves her husband, twelve children and forty-four grandchildren. Mother died with a bright and full assurance of the life beyond. She was a faithful member of the Amish Church, a devoted wife and a kind mother, and esteemed by all who knew her. Her death was unexpected at the time, although she had been troubled with cancer for over a year. She had been at the hospital at Manheim for twenty weeks, but returned home four weeks before her death. On Sunday morning about 10 o'clock she was taken violently ill and in an hour she had calmly passed from this world to the world beyond. A large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives followed the remains to the grave. Funeral services were conducted by Benjamin Stoltzfus and Christian King.

Our mother dear has left us,
Here in our humble home;
She went to live with Jesus,
No more on earth to roam.

Yet we hope again to meet her,
In that heavenly home so bright,
And sing praises to our Savior,
With the saints all robed in white.

Oh it is very lonely
Since her lovely voice is still,
But yet we will not murmur
For we know it was God's will.

A home without a mother,
How sad it makes us feel;
But if we trust in Jesus,
He will all our sorrows heal.
A FRIEND.

MILLER.-On the 21st of May, 1898, near Carlock, McLean Co., Ill., of the infirmities of old age, Peter Miller, aged 80 years, 10 months and 5 days. He was born in Bavaria, Europe, came to America in 1868, united with the Mennonite Church in his youth, was married to Elizabeth Wolber on the 21st of July, 1844, which union was blessed with ten children; two sons and two daughters preceded the father. He leaves his aged companion, three sons and three daughters, also twenty-three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren to mourn his death. Buried on the 23d at North Danvers, where many friends met to pay the last tribute of love to a dear friend. Funeral services in English by Joseph King, and in German by Joseph Stuckey.

KING.-On the 11th of May, 1898, in Chenoa, Mclean Co., Ill., of heart disease, John King, aged 66 years and 6 days. He leaves a widow, one son and six daughters to mourn his death. He was born in Baden, Germany, came with his parents to America in 1835 and settled in Ohio; later he moved to McLean Co., Ill. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth, and was a faithful member. He was married to Lydia Troyer in 1854. In 1864 they moved to Livingston Co., where they acquired a beautiful home. In 1892 they moved to Chenoa to spend the evening of their lives. He leaves also six brothers and one sister. Buried in the Waldo cemetery. Funeral services by Valentine Strubhar, A. Vercler and Peter Schantz.

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon