COFFMAN. - Pre. John S. Coffman was born on the 16th of October, 1848 in Rockingham Co., Va. He was a son of the late Bish. Samuel Coffman. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. He received his education in the common schools and later in a Normal School at Bridgewater, Va. He owes his educational aspirations largely to Bro. David A. Heatwole, father of Bish. L. J. Heatwole of Dale Enterprise, Va. He taught successfully for about six years. His school life, no doubt, prepared him for the gospel work to which he was called afterward. He gave his heart to God in his youth and was baptized on the 4th of July, 1861. As the Civil War was then raging and the Southern Confederacy gradually forced every able bodied man over sixteen years of age into the Confederate ranks, Bro. Coffman and a number of other brethren, who in common with all other Mennonites, Quakers and Dunkards was opposed to slavery and the bearing of arms, became a refugee and moved northward with Gen. Sherman's army on its return from a raid up the Shenandoah Valley, and remained in Southern Pennsylvania and Maryland for two years, when he returned to the then desolate valley that suffered all the devastations of the two conflicting armies. He was married on the 11th of November, 1869, to Sister Elizabeth J. Heatwole. This union was blessed with five sons and two daughters, all of whom, with their mother, survive their father. He moved with his family to Elkhart, Indiana, on the 17th of June 1879, and entered upon the duties of Assistant Editor of the HERALD OF TRUTH, which position he held until he assumed the editorial work on the Lesson Helps, which position he ably filled until the time of his demise, his last editorial work having been done on the lessons for the Third Quarter, 1899. Aside from this work he was actively engaged in evangelistic work and traveled extensively in connection with this work, he having been ordained to the ministry in Virginia on the 18th of July, 1875. Notwithstanding his arduous labors he usually enjoyed excellent health, and had never been wholly unable to work until some months before his death. Several years ago, however, his health began to fail, although by a careful course of diet and life he was able to continue his labors almost without interruption until a few months ago when the disease, the nature of which was not then fully known, so reduced him that he was able to do but little. He could not take enough solid food to sustain strength, and in the hope of obtaining relief be finally went to the noted Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich. But even the treatment there, while it relieved him, did not strengthen him, and he returned home after a two weeks' stay, accompanied by a trained nurse who ministered faithfully to all his wants. The last week of his life our brother suffered very much, the cause of which, as was learned at the post mortem, being cancerous or tuberculous growths on the stomach and intestines. He continued to grow weaker until Saturday, July 22, at about 5:30 P.M., after a final struggle with an attack of pain the physical forces relaxed and the tired body sank slowly and calmly into the dreamless sleep of death. He had reached the age of 50 years, 9 months and 6 days. His remains were laid to rest on the afternoon of the 25th in the South Side Cemetery. By request of our departed brother Bish. Daniel J. Johns of the Amish Mennonite Church near Goshen preached the funeral sermon, the text used (Gal. 2:20) being one of Bro. Coffman's favorite passages. The funeral services were attended by over one thousand people, friends from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Canada, Michigan, Illinois, among them over forty ministers, being present. The deceased had attended a number of the meetings of the Elkhart City Ministerial Association and the ministers of the same attended in a body, As the meeting house was too small to hold so large an assemblage, part of the congregation went across the street to the Elkhart Institute Hall, where the brethren M. S. Steiner and John Blosser spoke words of love and consolation. The church, the community, the ministry but most of all the happy family circle has lost a dearly loved one, a zealous worker, a tenderhearted, compassionate friend who will live in cherished memory in many hearts. God comfort the bereaved widow in her deep affliction and give her and her children grace to walk in the ways of the Lord, to fight manfully the good fight and keep the faith, until the end. Beside the widow and her five sons and two daughters all grown, and Sister Anna Sowers who has been as one of the family for a number of years, the deceased leave his aged mother, six sisters, three brothers and two grandchildren to mourn their loss.
HABECKER. - In the demise of Bessie N. Habecker, which occurred at the home of her grandparents in Florin, Lancaster Co., Pa., on the 26th day of May, 1899, a noble, devoted and Christ-like spirit winged its flight from the everchanging scenes of earth, to the "Haven of Rest," beyond. She has gone on before; she awaits our arrival on yonder happy shore. It is hard to realize that we shall see her sweet face no more on earth; that no more we shall hear her loving voice. But oh! the blessed thought, we shall meet her, some sweet day, by and by. She had a kind heart, a cheerful and forgiving disposition. We love to think of her as ministering to the wants of those in distress; ever ready and willing to labor for her blessed Lord and Master in every way and manner possible, until her strength failed her, and the Lord bade her lay down her weary burden and leave this world of pain and sorrow. Her sufferings, which at times were intense, were crowned with that beautiful Christian fortitude and patience, which are characteristic of His alone. She would often sing, "I would not live alway, I ask not to stay." She longed to depart, and realize the desire of her heart, to see Jesus first of all. She was conscious that her end we fast approaching, and calling her loved ones to her bedside, she solemnly told them all things concerning her burial. She had two beautiful and very appropriate texts selected: John 14:18 and Phil. 4:19, which she desired should b commented upon by Bishop Martin Rutt and Pre. Salt, the pastor of the U. B. Church of which she was a faithful member. Why in the nineteenth year of her age, just in the very prime of life, she was taken away, belongs wholly to the inscrutable mysteries of Providence; may we humbly bow in submission, and by faith look up to God to bear patiently the affliction, knowing that He is too wise to err, and that He doeth all things well. She leaves surviving, her father, an only sister, Mrs. R. F. Fellenbaum of Mount Joy, her grandparents, and a very large circle of friends, to whom her amiable disposition had greatly endeared her. To her grandparents, with whom she lived from early childhood, much credit is due for her early religious training. May God comfort the sorrowing friends, for in Him alone is true comfort found. To you who with me were associates of Bessie, I would say, our circle is broken, her chair is vacant, her sparkling eyes are closed. We can no more love her here; but oh! let us love her where she is. But one more link has been added to the ever-growing chain. Let us seek to imitate all that was noble, grand and holy, in her sweet life. When, as it were, the gates were ajar, and she beheld heaven itself, with so little strength that she could scarcely utter the words, she yet sang, "If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now." Oh! that we might serve the Jesus she so much longed to see. Then, ah then! when some glad and glorious day we shall meet at the Savior's right hand, "We shall understand;" yes there, up there, in the land of the unclouded day, by the "Tree of Life" so fair, We shall understand. May God bless this sad dispensation of His Providence to us all.
"Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on his gentle breast;
There by his love o'er shaded,
Sweetly her soul shall rest." MARY D. BRUBAKER
LEHMAN. - Menno A. Lehman, of Knox township, Benson Co., N. Dak., died at his home Thursday morning June 15, 1899, of pneumonia. The funeral service was held Friday the 16th at the Grover school house, Pre. F. C. Johnston officiating, assisted by Pre. Frazier, of York. Text, Heb. 9:27. An unusually large congregation was present to sympathize with the bereaved family and to show their last respects to the departed. The body was laid to rest in the Leeds cemetery north of York. Deceased was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Aug. 4, 1861. He went to Dakota in the spring of 1896. He lived an upright life and had the respect of all who knew him, and before he died he expressed a willingness to go and felt that he was prepared to meet his God. He leaves a wife and small child, an aged father, four brothers and two sisters. The remains were brought home and buried on the 17th of July in the Olive graveyard, Elkhart, Ind. Pre. J. Parks officiated.
Transcriber's note: There is some confusion about where the body was buried.
NEUHAUSER. - On June 12, 1899, at 11:45 P. M., in Livingston
Co. Ill., of decrepitude, Deacon Valentine Neuhauser, at
the advanced age of 85 yr., 2 m., and 29 d. Bro. Neuhauser was
born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, on the 14th day of March, 1814.
In 1838 he married Barbara Schertz. To this union five children
were born, of whom four preceded him to the spirit world. This
family was blessed with thirteen grandchildren and twenty-two
great-grandchildren. Our deceased deacon's precious days were
full of trouble and labor, and he went through many a sad experience
before his time came and death relieved him of his troubles. His
remains were laid to rest on the 15th, and a large number of relatives
and friends from near and far showed him their last respect of
love and gratitude. Funeral services were conducted by Daniel
Orendorff, from Phil. 1:21-23, and by the writer, from 2 Cor.
5:1-10, after which Joseph Rediger made a few earnest remarks.
JOHN P. SCHMITT.
BEYER. - On the 8th of June, 1899, in Worcester Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Bro. William Beyer. He was sick only a little over four days, and reached the age of 84 y., 10 m., and 9 d. Buried on the 12th in the Methacton Mennonite burial ground, of which Cong. he was a member for many years. Funeral services by Warren Bean in English at the house, and Jacob Mensch in English and Henry Wismer in German at the M. H. Text, Psalm 37:37.
Now rest, dear aged father,
From all thy labor free;
We hope thy smiling face to see,
With thee in heaven to be.
We miss thee, dearest father,
Since that face we loved so well,
That vacant place, that empty chair,
Bring thoughts no tongue can tell.
LEATHERMAN. - Mary Moyer was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, on the 22d of June, 1830, was married to John Leatherman in November, 1848. She united with our church in Ohio and lived a consistent Christian life until she was called home. They moved to Elkhart Co., Indiana, and afterward to Kent Co., Mich., where they have since resided. Her illness was heart disease and dropsy, of which she suffered for many months, the last four of which were spent in her chair. She was fully resigned to God's will and in all her suffering she was patient to a remarkable degree, never murmuring. Two days before her death, she was attacked with a severe sinking spell, when she called all her children to her bed side and after a kind word of motherly admonition she bade them good bye and asked them to meet her in heaven. She passed away on the 7th of July, 1899, aged 69 y., and 14 d. Her remains were laid to rest on the 9th in the Gaines U. B. graveyard. Eld. H. T. Barnaby preached an impressive discourse to a large assembly of relatives and friends. She leaves her aged husband, five sons and two daughters, eighteen grandchildren and many other relatives and friends to mourn their loss. One son, two daughters, and three grandchildren preceded her to the spirit world.
Rest, mother dear, thy toils are o'er,
We'll meet thee on fair Canaan's shore
Where all is joy and peace and love,
In God's eternal home above.
HORNING. - On May 19, 1899, in Caernarvon Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Isaac Horning, aged 82 y., and 4 d. He was long a faithful member of the Mennonite Church, and died in the full faith of a risen Redeemer. He leaves a widow, three sons, and three daughters; the funeral was hold at the Churchtown M. H., where Benjamin Horning, John Zimmerman and Benjamin Weaver preached impressive sermons. Text Rev. 14:13.
NEWSWANGER. - On June 7, 1899, in East Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Samuel Newswanger, aged 72 y., 2 m., and 20 d. He was long a member of the Mennonite Church. For about a year he was entirely blind, and in May he had an operation performed on one eye which was a success, and he could again see; but before he could go out of his room he was stricken with heart disease and died suddenly. Benjamin Weaver, John Zimmerman, and John Sauder conducted the funeral services at Weaverland. Text, Rev. 14:13, chosen by the family. He leaves two brothers and four daughters, besides a widow who was his third wife.
GUNNING. - Bro. James Gunning died July 13, 1899, at his home near Oronogo, Jasper Go., Mo. He was born in Butler Co., Ohio, April 28, 1836, and was aged 63 years, 2 months and 15 days. He leaves a wife, three sons and two daughters to mourn the loss of a husband and father. He had been living in our midst for a long time, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. Many came together to pay their last tribute of respect. Buried in the Weaver cemetery on the 14th. Funeral services were conducted by Joseph Weaver and Andrew Shenk. Text, Job 14:14. "If a man die, shall he live again?" JOSEPH WEAVER.
MARTIN. - On June 24th, 1899, in East Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Penna., Anna Martin, widow of Henry Martin, aged 87 years, 10 months and 19 days. She leaves eight sons and daughters, three of whom live In Elkhart Co., Ind. They are John, who was recently ordained bishop of the Wissler branch of the Mennonite Church at Yellow Creek, Elias, deacon at the same place, and Susanna, wife of Joseph Wenger; five were living near the aged mother when she died. She leaves thirty-eight grandchildren and sixty-four great-grandchildren. Surely she did not live in vain. Her funeral was held in the new meeting-house at Weaverland on June 28, where Menno Zimmerman and Jonas Martin preached.
AESCHLIMAN. - April 7th, 1899, near Lancaster, Missouri, Catharine Aeschliman, wife of Joel Aeschliman, formerly of Fulton Co., Ohio, aged 55 years, 1 month and 20 days. She was a daughter of Peter S. Gingrich formerly of Waterloo Co., Ont. She leaves a sorrowing husband and nine children to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother and companion, four brothers and one sister and an aged father ninety-six years old also mourn her death, but not as those who have no hope. Her illness was caused by measles. Funeral services were held at Pleasant Grove M. H. by David Kropf to a large concourse of friends and acquaintances. The church has lost a constant and faithful member and the community a kind and loving neighbor. DANIEL GINGRICH.
HUNSBERGER. - On the 5th of July, 1899, near Dublin, Bucks Co., Pa,, after a lingering illness of cancer in the stomach, Abraham F. Hunsberger, at an advanced age. He is survived by his wife, four sons and one daughter. He was buried at Blooming Glen on the following Monday a large number of people attended the funeral.
THOMAS. - May 31, 1899, near Milan, Woods Co., Oklahoma, of rheumatism and paralysis with other complications, Joseph V. Thomas, aged 67 years, 5 months and 19 days. He suffered a long time, but died In the blessed hope of the life beyond. He was born in Jennings Co., Ind., Dec. 12, 1832. Sept. 12, 1852 he was married to Emily Hopkins. She with four children survive him, but we trust that their loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services from Job 19 :25,26 at the M. E. church, Timberlake, June 1.
"For me to die is truly gain,
My trials they were sore,
But now with Christ I shall remain
Where trials come no more,"
MILLER. - Menno S. Miller of near Baldwin, Md., died May 31st, 1899, in his 29th year. Funeral services by Martin Whisler from Hebrews 4:9. JOS. HERTZLER.
CLARK. - On the 14th of July, 1899, near Timberlake, Woods Co., Oklahoma, from the effects of measles, Alice Clark, aged 12 years and 5 months. She was an orphan and lived with her sister. Funeral services by Simon Hetrick from Rev. 16:15. A loud call to the young.
"Death has robbed us of our Alice,
Whom we loved and cherished dear;
It was Alice, yes, dear Alice,
Can we help but shed a tear?
Yes, we miss her, 0 we miss her,
When we see her vacant chair,
And how sad the room without her
For there is no Alice there.
Farewell brothers, farewell sisters,
Tender was my love for you;
Let that love in you continue,
Live for God, adieu, adieu. GRACE E. HETRICK.
NAFZIGER. - On July 4th, 1899, near Minier, Ill., Joseph Nafziger, son of Christian and Katie Nafziger, aged 12 years and 20 days. He leaves his parents and six brothers and sisters to mourn his early departure, yet in the best of hopes, for if little heavenly heirs die in their innocence they are not lost. Funeral took place at the Amish Mennonite burying ground near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill. Funeral sermons by Joseph Egli, J. C. Birky and John Egli. C.
SUTTER. - On May 11, 1899, Christian Sutter, aged 76 years and 20 days. He leaves a widow, two children, twenty-seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was one of the first Amish Mennonites to settle in this neighborhood, and he could see how the small membership grow to a large congregation, and how many a one, who came after him, was called away before him. He was married twice. With his first wife, Magdalena Nafziger, he lived in matrimony twenty-one years; with his second wife, Barbara Augsburger, twenty-six years. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church since his youth, and died in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill., trusting in the mercy of the Lord. Buried on the 14th. Funeral services by Samuel Gerber and J. C. Birky. C.
ZEHR. - On June 12, 1899, near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill., Barbara Littwiller, wife of George Zehr, aged 67 years, 8 months and 17 days. She leaves her husband, four children, twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She lived in matrimony forty-eight years, was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church and well liked by all who know her. She always admonished her children to do good, and tried to do good herself. She always had hopes and was glad to go to Jesus. She was buried on the 14th. Funeral services were conducted by John Egli, J. Littwiller, J. Egli and J. C. Birky. C.
MILLER. - On the 18th of July, 1899, near Milan, Wood Co., Oklahoma, Lenly D. Miller, son of John Miller, aged one year. Funeral services by the writer from Matt. 18:3.
"Go to thy rest, fair child,
Go to thy dreamless bed,
While yet so gentle, undefiled,
With blessings on thy head." SIMON HETRICK.
Transcribed by Carl Metzler, Indiana
The Herald of Truth , Vol. XXXVI,
No. 16, August 15, 1899 - pages 254
SMITH. - On the 24th of July, 1899, in Lancaster city, Lancaster
Co., Pa., Emma Susan, wife of William Smith and daughter
of John and Kate Hamleton, aged 20 years, 9 months and
19 days. She was a bride of little over three months. She suffered
greatly with cancer for nine months, but she bore her afflictions
very patiently. Human hands tried to save her, but she was beyond
aid. This was a sad call for her young husband and many friends.
She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, her parents, two brothers
and two sisters and many friends to mourn her early departure,
but not. as those who have no hope. She was highly esteemed by
all who knew her and when asked whether she was ready to die she
always said she was not afraid to die and was prepared to meet
her Saviour. Oh that all might, when the hour of death comes,
be able to say they are ready to meet their Saviour. She was buried
on the 28th in the Stumptown burial ground where many friends
met to pay their last tribute of respect to a beloved friend.
Susan was a loving daughter,
Full of happiness and love;
She was fair yet young and blooming,
But she longed for the home above.
Husband and friends dearly loved her,
Her love did to them extend;
For her pleasantness and kindness
Made her a true and trusted friend.
BENDER. - Catharine, wife of Joel Bender, died at the residence of her husband near McHenry, Md., June 14th, 1899, at the age of 60 years and 3 months. Funeral services were held at the Cherry Glade A. M. meetinghouse. Services were conducted by J. S. Miller and J. J. Miller. Text, Phil. 1:21. Deceased was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church since early in life.
MILLER. - On the 14th of July, 1899, at New Wilmington, Pa., infant son of Samuel S. and Sarah A. Miller, aged 26 days.
"A precious one to us had come
To form the bonds of Love's strong ties,
But suddenly the angels come
To bear its spirit to the skies."
SPEIGLE. - On the 24th of July, 1899, in Jenner Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., Charles Earl, son of Bro. John and Sister Laura Speigle, aged 10 years, 1 month and 3 days. Buried on the 20th at the Thomas Mennonite M. H. Funeral services by S. G. Shetler, L. A. Blough and S. Gindlesperger. Text, "Weep not for me, but weep for yourself and for your children." Charley was a bright little boy, strong and hearty until a few months ago when he got hip disease from which he suffered a great deal till death relieved him and God took him to his eternal rest. God bless the sorrowing parents.
BLOUGH. - On the 21st of July. 1899, in Johnstown, Pa,, Bro. Joseph Blough, aged 57 years, 3 months and 19 days. Buried on the 23d at the Stahl Mennonite meetinghouse. Funeral services were conducted by L. A. Blough and Samuel Gindlesperger. Text, Numbers 23:10. Bro. Blough leaves a widow, four children and other friends to follow him.
MILLER. - In Bratton Twp,, Mifflin Co., Pa.. July 18, 1899, Barbara Miller, aged 92 years, 9 months and 8 days. On the same day, in the same township, Harry, son of Elijah and Elizabeth Miller, aged 1 year, 4 months and 14 days, a great-grandson of Barbara Miller. The funeral services of this aged sister and her great-grandson were held at the A. M. meeting-house, at Mattawana, and were attended by a large number of neighbors and relatives. Sister Miller in her day was noted for kindness and helpfulness in waiting upon the sick.
Transcriber's note: The above is the obituary of two persons.
SHUH. - On the 15th of July, 1899, near Berlin, Waterloo
county, Ont., Sister Leah Shuh, wife of the late Benjamin
Shuh, in her 76th year. She leaves two sons and one daughter,
all living on the old homestead, David working the farm. She was
a sufferer for over five years and was "patient in affliction"
without murmuring. She died of dropsy. Her life was given to the
Saviour many years ago, and she has ever since been a sister in
the Mennonite Church. It was the pleasure of the writer to visit
her, and in our conversation she expressed her desire to be at
rest. She was buried in the C. Eby cemetery, Berlin. Services
were hold by Bro. Daniel Wismer In German, text, Phil. 1:21, and
by Bro. E. S. Hallman in English. Text, Job 14:14,15.
BENDER. - Delilah, daughter of Joel W. Bender, died very suddenly at the home of her father near McHenry, Md., on Wednesday, July 19, at the age of 15 years, 2 months and 6 days. She was apparently in usual health and ate a hearty supper, after which she engaged in assisting one of her brothers in shocking wheat; they had not proceeded far with their work when she complained of a sudden ill feeling and sat upon a sheaf of wheat, and immediately became unconscious and expired. Her ailment is supposed to have been apoplexy. Since the death of her mother she was much depressed in spirit. Her funeral occurred just five weeks after that of her mother. The funeral was held on Friday, the 21st ult., at Cherry Glade A. M. meeting house, at which J. B. Miller and J. J. Miller officiated. The latter spoke in German, using 1 Peter 1:24 and part of verse 25 as his text. The former opened the services in German and closed in English, using the 4th and 5th verses of the 39th Psalm as a text for the closing sermon. The attendance at the funeral was quite large. The sudden departure of the subject of this notice furnishes an object lesson that should be impressive in teaching the brevity and uncertainty of life. Verily it is a "loud call" to the unprepared, exemplifying as it does the words of David to Jonathan, as applicable to us all during this earthly pilgrimage, "There is but a step between me and death." 1 Sam. 20:3.
Transcriber's note" "21st ult.," is as in the original.
Transcribed by Carl Metzler, Indiana