YODER.-Near Belleville, Pa., Dec. 5, 1902, John S. Yoder, aged 59 Y., 5 M., 27 D.
BOWMAN.-On the 22d of December, near Mannheim, Waterloo Co., Ont., Anna Cressman, widow of the late Pre. Moses Bowman. She was born near Freeport, Ont., Aug. 7, 1828, and reached the age of 74 Y., 4 M., 15 D. Buried on the 25th at Mannheim, followed to her last earthly resting place by a host of relatives and friends. She was beloved and respected and we mourn not as those who have no hope.
SHOVER.-On the 13th of December 1902, near Alpha, Jackson Co., Minn., Cora Isabelle, infant daughter of Gabriel and Mary Shover, aged 4 M. and 17 D. This is the second little blossom that has been plucked from this home, and transplanted to that land where nothing ever fades nor decays. Funeral services conducted by P.B. Snyder, from Mark 10:12-16.
BRUBAKER.-On Dec. 3, 1902, Reno Ray, son of Jacob and Jennie Brubaker, aged 2 Y., 10 M., 12 D. Death was caused by pneumonia. How sad to witness such a dear one torn from a mother's breast! But when we look beyond, knowing the soul is safe in its rest, we can only say, "God be blest." Funeral services by J.A. Brilhart, from John 16:22.
GINGERICH.-On Dec. 5, 1902, Alta Florene, daughter of Bro. and sister Peter Gingerich, aged 8 Y., 12 D. Though young in years she had been a great sufferer. But we know that she has now gone where sorrow and pain cannot come. The services were conducted by the writer. Interment in the Bradford cemetery near Bradford, Bureau Co., Ill. L.J. LEHMAN.
BRUBAKER.-Mary Brubaker, of dropsy, passed away on Dec. 9, aged 63 Y., 2 M. In her lonely years God's pitying eye looked down upon her lonely condition in this present world and bade her come home where she can join the dear ones gone before. Services in the Mennonite M.H. by Solomon Graybill and J.A. Brilhart, from Rev. 21:4. Burial in Brubaker's graveyard.
McKEEL.-On the 10th of December, 1902, near White Cloud, Mich., very suddenly, of heart trouble, Nora McKeel, (divorced) wife of Andrew Weirich, aged 20 Y., 5 M., 11 D. She leaves one child. This is a loud call to the unconverted. The deceased was called away at a very unsuspected moment, and she had made no open profession. The remains were laid to rest in the Prairie cemetery. Funeral services by Henry Weidy of Wakarusa, Ind.
SMITH.-On the 4th of November, 1902, near Garden City, Cass Co., Mo., sister Mary Smith, aged about 35 Y., 7 M. She had been sewing after the others retired, and when she was about to retire, she by some accident upset the lamp, spilling the oil over her dress and the carpet, which, taking fire, enveloped her in flames. Her screams caused the other members of the family to hasten to her side, but too late to save her. She died the following morning. Funeral services and burial on the 6th, the brethren Levi Miller and Daniel Hooley officiating. Text, John 14:1, first clause. The occasion was a very sad and impressive one. Deceased was a member of the Mennonite church. This occasion shows us again how suddenly we can be removed from time to eternity.
SUTER.-At 20 minutes of 1 o'clock in the afternoon of Dec. 16, 1902, the spirit of Emanuel Suter, of near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., took its flight into the unseen world. Though he had been somewhat disabled for twelve months or more, from what appeared to be rheumatism and kindred complaints, he had at no time been thought, even by his near relatives and friends, to be seriously sick until within less than a week from the day of his death. It was during these last days of his life that Bright's disease developed in a form that caused the machinery of life to suddenly slow down and come to a standstill. It was on Saturday, the 13th inst., that he sank into the unconscious condition from which he never rallied. The hour of death came under conditions that were impressive and sublime - in the presence of his wife and only sister, one brother, eight sons and two daughters - the eldest daughter and one brother alone being absent - he passed peacefully away. Not in eulogy, but as a worthy tribute to his memory, it would seem perfectly in order to add that as a man and a Christian, Bro. Suter was perhaps the most widely known and beloved of any one in the community in which he lived, and it would seem impossible to find his counterpart, or have the vacancy in the community that has been caused by his death, to be filled by any one else as he filled it. It was largely through his influence and efforts that the Sunday school work became an important factor in the Virginia congregations. He served for a number of years in the Virginia conference as its secretary; and as a member of the Mennonite church, with which he was for more than forty-five years identified, he has left a record that stands in living testimony of the act that he was a man "in whom the Spirit of God dwelt." His funeral, which was held from Weaver's M.H. on Thursday, the 18th, was largely attended; people from different sections of the county, regardless of church affiliation, came from far and near to pay a last and worthy tribute of respect to his memory. C. Good, L.J. Heatwole and Pre. Ruff of Cook's Creek Presbyterian church, officiated. He died at the age of 69 Y., 8 M., 20 D. His widow, to whom he was joined in wedlock in early life, was in maidenhood Elizabeth Swope. L.J.H.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
EASH.-On the 11th of November, 1902, near Kring Station, Pa., Florence Edna, daughter of Levi Eash, aged 11 M., 2 D. Funeral services by Jonas Blauch.
DRAKE.-On the 24th of December, 1902, near Alpha, Minn., Leslie Everett, infant son of Fred. and May Drake, aged 3 M., 29 D. Services conducted at the house by P.B. Snyder, after which the little form was laid into its last resting place in the burying ground near the church, awaiting the sounding of the trumpet.
WEAVER.-On the 30th of November, 1902, near Geistown, Cambria Co., Pa., sister Sarah, wife of Emanuel Weaver (deceased), aged 85 Y., 1 M. She was buried on the 2d of Dec. at the Weaver M.H. Services by S.G. Shetler, Jonas Blauch and L.A. Blough. Text, Matt. 14:12. She is survived by 6 children, 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Her husband died Oct. 4, 1889. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for about 55 years.
HELMUTH.-On the 18th of December, 1902, at the home of Pre. C.E. Hochsteddler, of consumption, Catharine Helmuth, aged 57 Y., 7 M., 17 D. Buried on the 12th. She was a member of the Amish church, where she is missed very much. Her husband preceded her a little over two years ago. Funeral services by Moses Yoder and E.J.S. Miller from 1 Cor. 15 and 1 Thess. 4:13. Deceased leaves four brothers to mourn her departure. E.J.S.M.
MILLER.-David Miller was born on the 4th of June,
1812, in Holmes Co., Ohio, moved to Howard Co., Ind., in 1854
and died Dec. 24, 1902, aged 90 Y., 6 M., 20 D. Funeral services
on the 26th, conducted by Pre. E.J.S. Miller and Pre. C.E. Hochstettler.
Deceased was a faithful member of the Amish church, with which
he united in his youth. His wife preceded him a little over eight
years ago. They had no children. One brother survives him.
E.J.S.M.
KINDIG.-Henry M. Kindig was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1826, died at Jamestown, Elkhart Co., Ind., on the 29th of Dec., 1902, aged 75 Y., 1 M., 19 D. He was married to Elizabeth Bachman Ollendorf. The fruits of this union were two sons and three daughters, all of whom survive him. There are also 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren living. His companion died about three years ago. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church since 1881. In his death we mourn not as those who have no hope, but believe that our loss is his eternal gain. Buried at the Olive graveyard. Services by J.F. Funk and George Lambert, on New Years day. Text, 2 Cor. 5:1.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
SAYLOR.-Dec. 6, 1902, of paralysis of the throat, after an illness of about two days, Isaac Saylor, Sr., of Cashmere, Middlesex Co., Ont. He leaves behind him a loving wife, four sons, five daughters and 26 grandchildren. He bore his short suffering with Christian resignation. Not being able to talk he gave evidence by the waving of his hands and the deep satisfaction upon his face that all is well. Funeral services were held at the Mosa school house by Bishop Jonas Snyder. Text, Heb. 4:9.
STRICKLER.-On Dec. 8, 1902, near Florin, Lancaster Co., Pa., Alice Cary, only child of Elmer W. and Mary A. Strickler, aged 3 Y., 4 M., 7 D. She liked to attend Sunday school, and although very young, she was old enough to ask her grandfather such questions that caused him to repent. Funeral services at Kraybill's M.H. by Bishop Jacob N. Brubacher, Ephraim N. Nissley and Samuel Hertzler, from Isaiah 11:6: "And a little child shall lead them."
BOWMAN.-Dec. 27, 1902, near Winterbourne, Waterloo Co., Ont., after an illness of a few weeks, of dropsy and heart failure, Samuel S. Bowman. He leaves a loving wife, two sons and two daughters to mourn their loss, but which in the true sense, is his eternal gain. He left a bright evidence of a strong assurance to meet his Savior in peace. Services at the house were conducted by Elder Menno Bowman, of the New Mennonite church, and at Snyder's M.H. by Pre. Springer, of the U.B. church; text, Job 7:16; and Pre. E.S. Hallman; text, Rev. 14:13.
BEUTLER.-John A. Beutler was born near Wakarusa, Ind., April 28, 1884, and departed this life on Jan. 2, 1903, at the age of 18 Y., 8 M., 4 D. He was taken ill with pneumonia, which terminated in quick consumption. He was sick nearly four weeks. For about five years he has been a faithful member in the Mennonite church and active in the S.S. work. He will be missed everywhere - in the home, at school and in the Sunday school. His father, two brothers and one sister have preceded him into the bright beyond; his mother, one brother and four sisters survive. Funeral services were held at the Olive M.H., conducted by John Hygema. Text, Eccles. 12:1.
ROUTSON.-On the 6th of Jan. 1903, near New Paris, Ind., of consumption, Charles V. Routson, aged 28 Y., 3 M., 17 D. Deceased was deeply affected by the suffering and death of his bosom companion Alice, nee Leatherman, which occurred March 9, 1902. From that time on till his death he thought seriously upon his spiritual welfare, and we are glad to say that a short time before he died he sealed his covenant vow in baptism. Having done this he said he was now ready to go, and thus he passed away with a smile upon his face, leaving two sons, Carter, aged 3 years, and Thaddeus, 20 months old. He was buried in the Solomon's Creek graveyard, one mile south of Benton. Funeral services by Pre. Werstler of New Paris, Ind., from the text, "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." Amos 4:12. Peace to his ashes. L.L.
MARTIN.-On the 21st of December, 1902, at Culbertson, Franklin Co, Pa., of the infirmities incident to old age, Bro. Jacob Martin. He was born at Hinkletown, Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec. 18, 1816. His father, Jacob Martin, moved with his family from Lancaster to Cumberland Co., Pa. In 1844 the deceased was married to Lydia Stout. To this union were born 13 children, all of whom survive him. His wife preceded him to the spirit world 22 years. In 1882 he married Katie Whistler of Cumberland Co. He moved to Franklin Co. in 1867 and settled on a farm near the place where he died at the advanced age of 86 Y., 3 D. The rest of his posterity numbers 53 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite church. Funeral services on the 25th. Interment in the burial ground adjoining the Chambersburg M.H. Funeral services at the house by Aaron Wenger and Martin Oberholtzer of the River Brethren church, and at the M.H. by Bish. George Keener, from Rev. 21:4, assisted by P.H. Parret. We believe that our brother was fully resigned to the will of God, and that he is at rest. The writer frequently visited him, and in talking with him the deceased often said, "I do not know why I should suffer so much, but I am resigned to God's will."
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
NAFZINGER.-Annie Nafzinger, daughter of Peter and Lydia Nafzinger, departed this life on Dec. 21, 1902, in the 35th year of her age. Funeral services on Dec. 24, from Ps. 103:14,15, by John S. Mast, Morgantown, Pa., and J.S. Bricker, Baltimore, Md. She was a sister of A.M. church. JOS. HERTZLER.
MILLER.-Jan. 7, 1903, near White cloud, Mich., Perry Otis, son of Bro. M.D. and sister Rebekah Miller, aged 11 M., 17 D. Services on the 8th at Pleasant Valley school house, by Jacob P. Miller, from Mark 10:14. We can truly sympathize with this dear family, as this is the third child they have laid to rest in less than two years.
BRUBACHER.-At Berlin, Ont., on Jan. 10, 1903, Joseph Howard, youngest child and only son of Simeon and Lucinda Brubacher, aged 2 Y., 5 M., 6 D. May God comfort the bereaved parents in this hour of trial, knowing that their loss is his gain. Funeral services were conducted in the Berlin Mennonite M.H., by E.S. Hallman, Noah Stauffer and D.D. Miller. Texts, Job 1:21 and Job 14:1.
ROTH.-At Wayland, Iowa, of inflammation of the bowels, Michael Roth. He was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Aug. 28, 1834. He came to Iowa in early life and on March 25, 1858, was married to Nancy Goldsmith. He leaves wife, eight children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His remains were interred in the Sugar Creek cemetery. Funeral services by Pre. Zimmerman and C.P Gerig.
TROYER.-In McPherson Co., Kansas, of diphtheria, Paul Enos Troyer, son of Bro. Menno and sister Susan Troyer. He was born Sept. 19, 1898, died Dec. 23, 1902, aged 4 Y., 3 M., 4 D. Funeral services on the 11th of Jan. 1903, at the West Liberty Mennonite M.H. by C.D. Yoder, from 2 Sam. 12:16-23. Bro. and sister Troyer mourn not as those who have no hope, for little Paul budded on earth to blossom in heaven.
RICKERT.-Clarence B. Rickert was born in Montville, Medina Co., Ohio, July 28, 1884, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1902, at the early age of 18 Y., 4 M., 17 D. He was the second son of Henry F. and Sarah Rickert, and is survived by a father, two brothers and two sisters, who are called to mourn the sudden death of a devoted son and a loving brother. While away from home in attendance at school, he was called away after a sickness of five days' duration. His mother preceded him to the world beyond Feb. 5, 1901, and we hope they may now be reunited in the land of rest. Their many kind deeds and actions will be monuments to their memory more lasting than bronze or marble.
WENGER.-Mary J., wife of Lewis Wenger, departed this life at her home in Morgan Co., Mo., Jan. 7, 1903. She had been failing in health for several months from Bright's disease, but continued to minister to the wants of her family until the last few days of her life. Three small children, two step-children and a husband mourn the loss of a faithful wife and loving mother. She was nearly 34 years old, a member of the Swiss Mennonite church. Another one called home in the midst of life. God help all by these dispensations of His, to prepare for that solemn change that comes sooner or later to every one. Buried at Bethel graveyard Jan. 9. Daniel Kauffman in English. Text, Rev. 21:4.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
NEGLEY.-Dec. 16, 1902, near Churchtown, Cumberland Co., Pa., of Bright's disease, Bro. John C. Negley. Buried on the 19th in the Springville cemetery. The family selected this appropriate text, "I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and be with Christ, which is far better." Phil. 1:23. Bro. Negley suffered much from the disease for 18 months, but died trusting in a once crucified but now living Redeemer.
KURTZ.-On the 23d of Dec., 1902, in Hubbard, Oregon, Christian Kurtz, aged 69 Y., 1 M., 29 D. He was born in Juniata Co, Pa., on the 24th of Oct. 1833. He lived for a number of years in Elkhart Co., Ind., and later in South Dakota. He leaves a wife, two sons and three daughters. Funeral services were conducted in the Mennonite church by A.B. Troyer, from John 14:2. Peace to his ashes. May the Lord comfort the mourning friends.
EBY.-On the 14th of December, 1902, at The home of her parents, near Maugansville, Md., of pneumonia, Susanna H. Eby, aged 41 Y., 9 M., 15 D. She is survived by her parents, Jonas W. and Susan Eby, four brothers and three sisters. She accepted Christ as her Savior when quite young and was a consistent member of the Mennonite church until death. She calmly fell asleep with a bright hope of going home to be with Jesus, which is far better. The aged parents need not sorrow as those do who have no hope. Funeral on the 16th. Services in the Reiff M.H., by the brethren Bish. Geo. Keener and Pre. C. Strite. Buried in the graveyard adjoining. I.W. EBY.
KAUFFMAN.-On the 1st of January, 1903, near West Liberty, Ohio, Shem Kauffman, aged 46 Y., 9 M., 3 D. Deceased was born in Mifflin Co., Pa. He moved with his family to Logan Co., Ohio, in March 1902. Bro. and sister Kauffman, with several of their older children, united by letter with the South Union Cong. soon after they came to Logan Co. Deceased gave ample evidence that he had built upon the rock, Christ Jesus. Funeral services were held at South Union on Saturday, Jan. 3, conducted by David Plank in German and J.J. Warye in English. His beloved wife, seven children, one sister, Mrs. Fannie Hartzler, and a host of friends followed him to the grave, mourning his early departure. Interment at South Union. D. PLANK.
BURKEY.-On the 22d of December 1902, in Elkhart Co., Ind., of smallpox, William Burkey, aged 25 Y., 5 M., 14 D. He had been in North Dakota for about three months and evidently contracted the dread disease on the train enroute home, but not knowing the nature of the disease, many friends who came to visit him were exposed, but so far none have taken the disease. He soon became very ill and felt that his time on earth was short. He sought to make peace with his God and said to his mother, "I have a desire, but no one to help me," the house having been quarantined so that no minister could be called to administer spiritual comfort and aid. He was the first one to be called out of the family and leaves his parents, five brothers, four sisters and many friends and relatives to mourn his early departure, but we believe our loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services on Jan. 18, 1903, at the Olive M.H. by John Martin in German, from Psa. 39:5-7, and by Jonas Loucks and Jacob Shank in English from Amos 4:12.
MYERS.-Sister Maria (Moyer) Myers, wife of Bro. Wm. F. Myers, of near Blooming Glen, died at her home, aged 57 Y., 1 M., 21 D. She was born near her late home, on Nov. 18, 1845, and on Jan. 21, 1865, was united in marriage to Bro. Myers. Two daughters and two sons were born of this union, all of whom are married, except one son, who died in childhood. She leaves her husband, two daughters, one son, five grandchildren, three brothers and three sisters to mourn her departure. On the day preceding her death, she attended to her household duties and other work, and seemed in as good health as usual until about 10 o'clock p.m., when she was stricken with apoplexy, from which she died in the morning, Jan. 9, 1903. She had an earnest concern for the welfare of her church and took an active interest in the Sunday school, having been a teacher until within a few years of her death. She united with the Menn. church in her early years and, we believe, remained faithful unto death. The remains were laid to rest at the Blooming Glen M.H. The services at the M.H. were conducted by Bish. Henry Rosenberger, in German, and Pre. David Gehman, in English. Text, 2 Peter 3:10-13. May God comfort the bereaved ones with His Holy Comforter.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah