Hartzler - Benjamin Hartzler was born near Wooster, Ohio, March 19, 1835; died suddenly of heart disease at his home near Pleasant Hill, Cass Co., Mo., Nov. 12, 1903, aged 68 Y., 7 M., 23 D. On the morning of the 12th he went out, as usual, to do his chores and staying away longer than was his custom the members of his family spoke of it, but supposed he had gone to one of the neighbors, as he had spoken of doing. A little later his wife and little granddaughter found him lying in a lot near by. The day before, in conversation with an old friend, he said, "We should all live so as to be prepared to die; I am ready to go at any time God may call me." And the next morning early God called him home. In 1861 he united with the Mennonite church. Funeral services were held at the Center View M.E. church, conducted by Pre. D.W. Britton and Pre. L.L. Thomas. He leaves his wife, six sons, two daughters, two brothers, one sister and many relatives and friends to mourn. May God help all to look to him who is able to heal all our sorrows. * *
Newcomer - Susan Muckley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Muckley, was born in Bloom Twp., Seneca Co., Ohio, May 18, 1840; died Nov. 17, 1903, aged 63 Y., 5 M., 29 D. She was united in marriage, Oct. 25, 1860, to John Newcomer. To this union were born one son and four daughters. These, with the husband, seven grandchildren, one brother and two sisters, are left to mourn the loss of one whom they cherished dearly. In early life Sister Newcomer united with the Mennonite church, and has been a faithful Christian all her live. John Newcomer
Walmer - On the 24th of November 1903, at the home of his aunt, Sarah Shaffer, in Elkhart, Ind., John, son of Solomon and ___ Walmer of Olive township, aged 21 Y., 9 M., 14 D. He was feeding a corn shredder and just as he was finishing a job his hand was caught in the fodder and drawn into the machine and his arm so badly mangled that it had to be amputated near the shoulder, from which operation he died after several days of intense suffering. During the past year he told his parents that he would go away from his home some time and would not return as he went, but would be carried to his home. While suffering with intense pain, he saw beyond the angels and said, "I do not belong to this side; I belong to that side over there." And before he died, he further said, "I cannot stay here any longer; I am going home." These expressions give us to understand that his thoughts and desires went out after heavenly things, and Jesus tells us that they who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. His remains were taken to the home of his parents and on Thanksgiving Day his funeral services were conducted at the Olive M.H. by ___ Kreider and John F. Funk from Luke 4:18. The funeral was a very sad one and very largely attended. May the sorrowing parents, brother and sisters and grandparents all comfort themselves with the thought that what God does is well done.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Augsburger - Mary, daughter of Bro. and Sister D.C. Augsburger, was born in Orange Twp., Hancock Co., Ohio, June 6, 1898, died after an illness of but three days of spinal meningitis, at the home of her parents at Columbus Grove, Ohio, on the 15th of November 1903, aged 5 Y., 5 M., 9 D. Buried on the 17th at the Zion M.H. Funeral services in German by Isaac Burkhart from Matt. 18:3, and by Pre. Conger of the Presbyterian church, in English from Sol. 6:2. May her rest be sweet.
Hornby - Thomas Hornby of Teegarden, Ind., was born in Yorkshire, England, came to America with his parents in 1829, locating in London, Ont. He moved to Lagrange Co., Ind., in 1841, and has been a resident of this State up to the time of his death, which occurred in Teegarden, where he has lived about fifteen years. He served in the army three years. The community was greatly shocked to learn of his sudden death. On the morning of Nov. 25 he seemed to be in perfect health and went about his usual duties. At 11:45 he suddenly fell dead. It had been his expressed wish that he might die suddenly. His age is supposed to be about 85 years. He was married to Mary Wagand, and to them was born one child. Both wife and child have long since departed this life. He afterward married Nancy Ann Stevenson and to this union were born six sons and five daughters. His wife, four sons and three daughters preceded him to the spirit world. He remained a widower 17 years, then was married to Catherine Heckman, and about three years ago he, with his wife, united with the Mennonite church, where they have been faithful members. The brother was always present at services when health permitted. He leaves, to mourn his loss, two sons, two daughters, two step-children, two brothers, two sisters, a number of grandchildren and a host of friends. Funeral took place at Teegarden on the 27th. Services conducted by the writer from Eccl.. 12:5. "Man goeth to his long home." Henry Weldy
Brenneman - Jacob Brenneman was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Jan. 29, 1823. He was married to Catharine Shank, Nov. 20, 1845. He moved with his family to Jasper Co., Mo., in 1868, where he lived until his death. His wife preceded him about nine years ago. They were blessed with seven children, of whom one son and five daughters are now living. There are also fifteen grandchildren living and two dead. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Gunning, in Webb City, Mo., on the 18th of November 1903, aged 80 Y., 9 M., 19 D. Funeral services were conducted by Andrew Shenk. Text, Heb. 9:27. He was a member of the Mennonite church for many years.
Ebersole - On the 23d of November 1903, at her home near Freeport, Ill., Sister Anna Laura Ebersole, daughter of E.L. (deceased) and Maria Ebersole, aged 26 Y., 4 M., 8 D. Her clothes caught fire at the fireplace as she went to the laundry, and she was severely burned both outwardly and inwardly, having inhaled the flames. Her sufferings were not so great on account of her nerves being paralyzed by the burns. She lived about eleven hours after the incident. She had returned from an extended visit to Pennsylvania and Ohio ten days before. Anna was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for over seven years. She was always present at church, Sunday School and Young People's meeting if possible, was ever true to her profession and always ready to assist in any undertaking to benefit others, and the willingness with which she responded in every good work was a characteristic of her life. Only a few minutes before her death she sang in clear, mellow tones the beautiful hymn, "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus," and then, although almost exhausted, she repeated the 23rd Psalm, after which she fell peacefully asleep. Besides her mother she is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Oscar Ritzman of Freeport, and Cora and Fanny at home, and a great host of friends. She was laid to rest on the 25th in the cemetery adjoining the Mennonite M.H., where many relatives and friends met to pay a last tribute of respect to one who was loved by all. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the community. Services at the house of Simon Graybill, and at the M.H. by E.M. Shellenberger and John Nice. Text, Rev. 21:4. E.M.S.
Lehman - On the 28th of November 1903, at 7:20 P.M., at her late residence, Cullom, Ill., of consumption, of which she suffered for many months, Sister Emma Snyder, beloved wife of Pre. Lewis J. Lehman, aged 33 Y., 3 M., 5 D. All that human power or skills could do was done to stay the ravages of the disease, but in vain. Sister Lehman was however fully resigned and calmly awaited the hour of her deliverance. Her beloved, sorrowing companion and grief-stricken motherless little ones, have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in this loss, so early in life, of a loving wife and mother. God comfort them. Funeral services at 1 p.m., Dec. 1.
Lehman - Nov. 4, 1903, at Millersville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. John K., son of Pre. D.N. Lehman, aged 23 Y., 9 M., 11 D. He had finished the course at the Millersville State Normal, preparatory to his work, and was teaching school at Fairhope, Pa., about 200 miles from home, when he took sick almost two years ago. He came home, took to his bed and did not leave it until death relieved him of his sufferings. The family physician pronounced the malady as "walking typhoid fever." It afterward developed into scrofula, white-swelling and atrophy. His struggle for life was remarkable, but that, combined with all the medical and family help, was unavailing against the foe that conquers all sooner or later. He became fully resigned, expressed a desire to be at rest, and peacefully slept away without a struggle. He had voluntarily given himself to the service of the Lord at a gathering of young people in a private home about three years ago and was soon afterward received into the Mennonite church by water baptism. This was his comfort through his long illness and will ever be the comfort and consolation of his friends. Oh, that all the young would turn to the Lord before they are in the grasp of sickness with death looking them in the face! The funeral was held in the Millersville Mennonite meeting house, Nov. 7, and was attended by about one thousand people. The services were conducted by the brethren Benj. Hertzler, Abram Witmer and Martin Rutt, from Psa. 119:92 - "Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction."
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Lehman - Mary A. Snyder was born near Roanoke, Woodford Co., Ill, Aug. 23, 1870, died Nov. 28, 1903, aged 33 Y., 3 M., 5 D. At the age of twelve her parents moved to the vicinity of Cullom, Ill., where she resided until her death, with the exception of one year, which was spent in Jackson, Minn., with her husband in his ministerial labors. Aug. 11, 1891 she was united in marriage with Lewis J. Lehman of Cullom. To this union were born four children, Milton, Edna, Amy and Ester. On Dec. 21, 1890 she gave her heart to the Lord and the church, proving herself a faithful Christian worker to the end. The deceased had been in delicate health for several years. At the funeral of Sister Haun, Feb. 25, 1902, she contracted a cold which ultimately proved fatal. During this time she suffered greatly at times, but she bore her sufferings with great patience and Christian fortitude. In her death the church sustains the loss of a noble Christian worker, the neighbors a sympathic friend, the children a kind and loving mother and the husband a devoted and faithful wife. But our loss is her eternal gain. In humble submission we look through our tears and say, "Lord, thy will be done." The funeral was held Dec. 1, at 1:30 p.m., at the Mennonite M.H., in the eastern part of Cullom. Services were conducted by M.S. Steiner, of Columbus Grove, O., from John 16:33, assisted by D.D. Miller of Middlebury, Ind., John Smith of Metamora, and J.S. Shoemaker of Freeport. The funeral was largely attended by kind and sympathizing friends and neighbors, showing the high esteem in which the deceased was held by the community at large.
Birky - On the 1st of Dec., 1903, at her home near Hopedale, Ill., of complication of diseases, Katharine, wife of Christian B. Birky, aged 23 Y., 1 M., 23 D. She leaves her husband, father, mother and a host of friends to mourn their loss.
Martin - On Nov. 24, 1903, at her home near Maugansville, Md., of consumption, Sister Sallie, wife of Daniel Martin, aged 26 Y., 8 M., 16 D. Funeral on the 26th at Reiff's M.H., conducted by Pre. Martin Risser and Pre.C. Miler. The deceased leaves a sorrowing husband, five little children, a father and mother, brothers and sisters to mourn their loss. May they all look to Jesus who can heal all their sorrows. May this teach us all to be ready when the time for our departure comes. We believe that Sister Sallie is at rest, for she lived a pious, peaceful life. With all her suffering her faith was firm to the end, and she was willing to submit to God's will. May God bless and comfort the father and little ones especially and be their strong tower of refuge in all trials. J.M.M.
Shantz - Lewis Christian, only son of Bro. and Sister Mary E. Shantz, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., May 27, 1903, and died Dec, 1, 1903, aged 6 M., 4 D. He leaves three sisters besides his parents and other relatives, who greatly miss him. Funeral services on the 2nd, at the Elkhart Mennonite M.H. by Bro. S. Yoder. Text, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." His mission on earth was short, yet he brightened the home during his brief stay. Before he knew sin or its consequences, the Father took him home to the world above, there to await father, mother, sisters and friends.
Krider - Sarah, widow of Tobias Krider, was born Oct. 22, 1829, died Nov. 18, 1903, near River Stycks, Medina Co., Ohio, aged 74 Y., 27 D. Funeral was held at the Bethel meeting house. A large circle of friends followed the remains to their final resting place to pay their tribute of respect to a dear sister in the Mennonite congregation of Medina county. Services were conducted by David Hostetler of Smithville, Wayne Co., assisted by Norman Lind of Medina Co., Pa. Peace to her ashes.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Obituary of Bishop Jonathan P. Smucker
Jonathan P. Smucker, son of Bishop Isaac Smucker, was born
in Wayne Co. Ohio, on the 8th of May, 1834. When about eight years
old he moved with his parents to Indiana, where on Easter Sunday
in the year 1842 he was present at the first Amish Mennonite meeting
held in Elkhart Co. at the residence of Pre. Joseph Miller. He
united with the church of his choice in his young years. He was
married to Sister Salome Pecht, Dec. 4, 1856. To this union were
born eleven children. Two sons and one daughter preceded him to
the spirit world. He moved with his family to Stark Co., Ind.,
and at this place in the spring of 1873 he was chosen and ordained
to the office of deacon, and in the fall of the same year he was
ordained to the ministry by Bish. Jonas Troyer. Then he moved
to near Nappanee, Ind., where, in the fall of 1875, he was ordained
bishop of the little flock at that place, which charge he held
until his death. At this place also his wife Salome died, April
5, 1893. He was then united in marriage with Mary E. Kauffman
of Goshen, Ind. In his ministry he endeavored to be faithful.
His travels in the interest of the church extended from eastern
Pennsylvania to Oregon. He was much interested in bringing about
a closer union among the brotherhood, and to this end was a strong
advocate of conference work and seldom missed an opportunity to
attend until he was unable because of ill health. He suffered
with dropsy for several years until he fell calmly asleep in Jesus
on the morning of Nov. 23, 1903, at the age of 69 Y., 6 M., 15
D., leaving a wife, five sons, three daughters and 27 grandchildren
to mourn, but not without hope, as they have the confidence that
his death was precious in the sight of the Lord (Psa. 116:15).
Services by Jas. H. McGowan and D.J. Johns, assisted by Jonathan
Kurtz and D.D. Troyer.
Mininger - Tuesday, Dec 8, 1903, Sister Eliza D. Mininger of Souderton, Pa., aged 49 Y., 10 M., 18 D. While she in company with her father were visiting a sick brother (John Overholt), she was speaking to a patient of the seriousness and responsibility of life. Almost, suddenly, she took sick, remained there and fell asleep at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 8. God is especially to be praised for the large measure of grace dealt out (Eph. 4:7) to our sister in her illness and death, and to her children. On Sabbath eve she asked those near her bedside to sing, "Face to face with Christ, my Savior." Her children she told not to weep, as she was "just going home." The last evening she remained she again asked those with her to sing, "There is just one way for us all to come," she herself joining in singing. Thus was witnessed one more testimony for our Lord Jesus. The funeral was held Saturday, Dec. 12, Michael Moyer, H.G. Anglemoyer and Bish. Samuel Detweller officiating Text, Rom. 7:15-17. Interment at Souderton Mennonite M.H. A husband, three sons and two daughters survive.
Wenger - On Dec. 7, 1903, in Olive Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of paralysis, Sister Susanna, wife of Bro. Joseph Wenger, aged 71 Y., 10 M., 6 D. She was a member of the Mennonite church. Although she was confined to her home for several years on account of her affliction she patiently waited on the summons from on high. The husband, one son and two daughters survive to mourn their loss. A son and a daughter preceded her to the world beyond. Services conducted by Jonas Loucks and Jacob Shank, assisted by Samuel Yoder. Text, 1 Cor. 15:54, 55. Burial in the Olive cemetery.
Lichty - On the 7th of Dec. 1903, in Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., Sister Esther Wenger, wife of Benjamin Lichty, aged 57 Y., 2 M. She left a bereaved husband, four sons, three daughters and many friends to mourn her departure. Funeral services by Enoch S. Bowman, from John 14:19; and Jonas Snyder from Isaiah 35:10. Burial in the Conestoga graveyard. Hiram Weber
Ranck - On Dec. 1, 1903, Sister Barbara Ann, wife of Amos L. Ranck. Sister Ranck had a light stroke of apoplexy in the fall, but was not confined to her bed until late in November. On the morning of Dec. 1 at half after three o'clock she had another stroke; her children were sent for and at five o'clock she calmly fell asleep in Jesus. During her sickness she repeated, at different times, her favorite hymn, "Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly," and enjoyed hearing it sung. At different times before her last illness she spoke as thought she did not expect to be with the family to go in the new house awaiting them in the spring. Not only will the family miss the departed sister, for she was a mother to all who knew her, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, whose seat at the services was never vacant if she was able to be out. She was buried at the Strasburg M.H., to which place her remains were followed by many friends and relatives. Services conducted by Bish. Isaac Eby, Abraham Brubaker and Frank Herr.
Witmer - On Nov. 28, 1903, at Akron, Lancaster Co., Pa., Anna, wife of Levi Witmer, aged 70 Y., 6 M., 25 D. Services conducted at the house by Pre. Noah H. Mack in German, at the church by Pre. Joseph Wenger, also in German, from Jon 5:24; by Bish. Benj. Weaver in English from Isa. 51:11. Interment in Metzler's burying-ground. Sister Witmer had been a member of the Mennonite church since her youth. Her temporal life ended without pain through a weakening of her heart. In her days of sickness she realized that the time had come for her to depart, and expressed a readiness to leave, and gave instructions regarding her burial, yet realizing that her departure would bring discomfort to her loving husband, six sons, four daughters and a number of grandchildren. Let us ever look to Jesus for comfort and peace to our souls, for when we have this, we have the blessed assurance of meeting on the eternal shore of glory. E.W.
Whitcomb - On the 7th of December, 1903, at Sugar Creek, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Walter Whitcomb, aged 11 Y., 7 M., 7 D. He was helping to unload lumber when a piece of timber 8 x 8 fell on him, causing his death in a short time. He was born in Geauga Co., Ohio. Funeral sermon by A. Mast from Psa. 103:15-21, and by Jos. Zook of Mifflin Co., Pa., from Rev. 14:13.
Kaufman - On the 9th of Dec. 1903, at his home near Dalton, Wayne Co., Ohio, Bro. Franklin P. Kaufman, aged 68 Y., 22 D. He was born in Maiden Creek Twp., Berks Co., Pa., and at an early age emigrated with his parents to Iowa and afterwards came to Ohio. He was married to Barbara Hartman, Aug. 6, 1863. To them were born eleven children, five of whom preceded him to the great beyond. He leaves a wife, six children and thirteen grandchildren to mourn their loss. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years. Funeral services were conducted at the Pleasant View M.H., Dec. 11, 1903, by I.J. Buchwalter, from Prov. 14:32.
Roth - On the 26th of Nov. 1903, near Tavistock, Ont., of heart failure, Jacob Roth, aged 69 years and some months. He was born in Alsace, France (now part of Germany). At the age of 16 he came with his parents to Canada. He was married to Philipina Schwartzentruber, who, together, with one son and four daughters and many friends, are able to mourn his death, yet not without hope. Buried in the East Zorra A.M. graveyard.
Steinman - On the 28th of Nov. 1903, near New Hamburg, Waterloo Co., Ont., Christian Steinman, aged 52 Y., 17 D. He fell through the barn floor on the 27th, and at first felt no evil effects from the fall, but soon complained of pain in his head. Growing worse, a physician was called, who pronounced the case fatal, because of a ruptured blood vessel in the head. He became unconscious and the same evening after being speechless for some time, and passed away early next morning. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Jutzi) Steinman, two sons and six daughters, also three brothers and five sisters and many friends, all of whom deeply mourn his death. Buried Dec. 1. Funeral services at the house by John Nafzinger and at the M.H. by Chr. Zehr and Jacob M. Bender. Peace to his ashes.
Esch - Dec. 16, 1903, in Clinton Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., Bro. Moses Esch, aged about 34 years. Monday, Dec. 14, he and his brother Samuel were in the woods cutting down a tree, which caught him in its fall and smashed one of his knees, from which he suffered intensely until death relieved him. To see one in the prime of life, and possessed of a splendid physique and perfect health, thus suddenly snatched away solemnly warns us that death spares none. Bro. Esch was a zealous worker in church and Sunday school at Clinton (Brick) and his sudden death has cast a gloom over the whole community, nevertheless may the grief-stricken family find consolation in the thought that the husband and father has passed from labor into rest. Funeral on Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Forks M.H. Interment at Forest Grove.
Burkhart - Dec. 10, 1903, of pneumonia, Sister Lydia, wife of John Burkhart of near New Holland, Pa., aged 69 Y., 8 M., 25 D. She was ill about ten days. She was a faithful member in the Weaverland Mennonite Cong. for many years, and leaves a husband, two sons, five daughters and many friends to mourn their loss, which we believe is her eternal gain. Funeral Saturday morning at Weaverland. Services by John Sauder in German, from 1 Cor. 15:56 and Bish. Benj. Weaver in English, from Rev. 19:9
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia