Bachtell.-On the 18th of April 1903, at her home near Stouffer's M.H., Washington Co., Md., Elizabeth Bachtell, aged 82 years. She was for over 50 years a faithful and consistent member of the Stouffer Cong. Funeral services at the above M.H. by Christian Strite of Cearfoss, Md.
Hallman.-Mary R., wife of Samuel Hallman, died of heart failure, aged 65 Y. Deceased leaves a husband, three sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. Funeral was held on Sunday, June 7. Buried at the Mennonite burying ground near Yerkes, where a large concourse of friends and relatives met to mourn her loss. Pre. H. B. Roseberger and Jesse Mack conducted the service. Text, Rev. 14:13. While her death is our loss it is her eternal gain.
Gotwals.-Esther F., daughter of J. G. and Lydia H. Gotwals, died on May 6, of typhoid fever, after an illness of ten days, during which time her suffering was at times so severe that nothing seemed to relieve her. Her sorrowing parents, two sisters and four brothers survive her. Funeral on the 9th was largely attended by many sorrowing relatives and friends of the deceased who came to mingle their sympathy and mourn with those that mourn. Pre. Jesse Mack spoke at the house and Silas Messinger at the church such words of comfort and consolation as the Lord gave them.
Graybill.-Sister Catharine Leitzel was born in Snyder Co., Pa., May 6, 1847; died May 5, 1903, of heart trouble, aged 55 Y., 11 M., 30 D. In 1872 she was united in marriage to Jacob Graybill. To this union were born four sons and four daughters. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years. She leaves a sorrowing husband, three sons, one daughter, five sisters and two brothers, beside many friends, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. She was loved by all and is greatly missed by her family and relatives. Services were conducted by W. M. Bergey and Elmer Graybill. Text, Rev. 15:13.
Kurtz.-On the 25th of June 1903, at the residence of her son-in-law, Frank Martin, in Elkhart Co., Ind., of affections of the stomach, sister Barbara Metzler, widow of the late Christian Kurtz, aged 67 Y., 11 M., 10 D. She was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, July 15, 1835, united in marriage with Christian Kurtz, Jan. 25, 1859. To this union were born nine children, five of whom are still living, three in Oregon and two in Indiana. Bro. Kurtz died in Oregon some months ago, and the bereaved widow returned to Indiana, where they had formerly lived for a number of years, and made her home with her daughter, where she died. She was buried on Sunday, the 28th, at the Olive Men. M. H., where a large concourse of people were present. Services were conducted by John F. Funk, from Rev. 14:13. May the Lord comfort the sorrowing friends, especially the children who could not be present at the funeral.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Geil.-On the 21st of June, 1903, in Salinas City, California, after years of ill health, and just nine weeks to the day and hour after the death of her husband (who died on Sunday morning about the same hour, April 19, 1903), Mrs. Josefa, widow of the late Samuel F. Geil (formerly of Bucks Co., Pa.), aged 56 Y., 11 M., 25 D. she was a devout member of the Catholic church and her funeral services were conducted in accordance with the ceremonies of that denomination on Tuesday, June 23. She was buried beside her husband in the Catholic cemetery. She was the mother of six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom only Mrs. Anna Wyatt and Miss Erlinda Geil survive the departure of father and mother. She was a descendant of the Sanchaz-Castro family, which is prominently identified with the history of the state.
Brown.-June 30, 1903, Sarah Elizabeth, little daughter of Bro. John and Sister Sadie Brown, aged 3 M., 10 D. Another little flower transplanted into the garden above! May the parents be comforted to know their only child is "safe in the arms of Jesus." Funeral sermon by Bro. A. P. Heatwole, assisted by Bro. J. H. Martin, at Spring Dale M. H., July 1. Text, "Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh."
Hunsberger.-On the 30th of June, 1903, in Plumstead Twp., Bucks Co., Pa., of an obstruction of the bowels, Bro. Enos F. Hunsberger, aged 68 Y., 5 M., 26 D. He also suffered for a year and a half of fisherman's eczema, a disease that is not known in that part of the country. The immediate cause of his death and his previous ailment were conditions which very rarely afflict people, especially in this part of the country. Though very weak through constant suffering, his mind was clear to the last, and his parting admonition to his children, to live godfearing (sic) and exemplary lives, together with his last farewell to those about him, was extremely touching. He made an especial appeal to his sons that they should ever shun strong drink and all its attendant evils. He was a good neighbor and a kindhearted father, and a member of the Deep Run Mennonite congregation. He leaves three children, one daughter and two sons. Funeral services were held at Deep Run meeting-house on the Fourth.
Bemiller.-On the 3d of July, 1903, at the residence of her parents, Mr. And Mrs. John Bemiller, in Elkhart Co., Ind., of consumption, Susie Bemiller, aged about 16 years. She suffered an attack of measles last winter, which resulted in quick consumption. Buried at Olive Mennonite M. H., immediately after the burial services of Bro. Long. Service conducted by Pre. Rice, of the Lutheran church of Elkhart.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Hershberger.-On the 5th of July 1903, in Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., Oliver Roy, son of Bro. Edward and Sister Lizzie Hershberger, aged 1 Y., 3 M., 12 D. Buried on the 6th at the Thomas Mennonite M. H. Funeral services were conducted by S. G. Shetler from Psa. 16:6, and by James Saylor from John 14:1. May God bless the sorrowing parents.
Stukey.-On the 9th of June, 1903, at his home in Virgil City, Mo., Bro. David Stukey, aged 79 Y., 2 M., 24 D. He was sick only a short time and died with congestion. His bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of the entire community. He was laid to rest in the Virgil City cemetery. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Galbreth. Mrs. R. W. Halsell.
Neuhauser.-Miss Mina A. Neuhauser of Philadelphia, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Lydia A. Shuman, Lancaster, Pa., Sunday, June 21, 1903, at 11 p.m., in her 29th year. She was convalescent from typhoid fever, when heart affection caused her sudden demise. Some weeks ago she came to Lancaster to care for her sister, who was ill with typhoid fever. She was the youngest daughter of the late John and Mattie Neuhauser and was born in Salisbury township, near Gap. Her sister, Lydia, is the only surviving member of her family. She was a member of the Temple Baptist church of Philadelphia. Interment was made at Greenwood cemetery, Lancaster, Pa. Her Cousin, A. E. N.
Long.-On the 2d of July, 1903, at his home in Clinton Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of stomach trouble, of which he had suffered about six months, Deacon Jacob Long. He moved from Medina co., Ohio, to clay co., Ind., and from there to Elkhart Co., Ind., many years ago, and was ordained to the office of deacon in the Olive congregation. He leaves a sorrowing companion, one daughter and four sons to mourn his departure. He was buried on Sunday, July 5th, at the Olive Men. M. H., where a large concourse of people had assembled to pay the last tribute of love to his memory. Services were conducted by A. S. Cripe, Jacob Shenk, D. Burkholder and Jonas Loucks.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Berkey.-On July 13, 1903, in Oronogo, Jasper Co., Mo., of summer complaint, Samuel, adopted son of Jacob and Nora Berkey, aged 7 M., 1 D. Funeral services conducted by Andrew Shenk.
Snyder.-On the 1st of July 1903, near Neutral, Cherokee Co., Kansas, of summer complaint, Wm. Earl, son of Wm. and Laura Snyder, aged 2 Y., 3 M., 17 D. Funeral services conducted by the writer. Andrew Shenk.
Lichty.-On the 17th of June 1903, in Woolwich Twp.,
Waterloo Co., Ont., George Lichty, aged 84 Y., 1 M. Buried
on the 19th at the Snyder M. H. Funeral services by Enoch Bowman
at the house, and by Daniel Wismer and Joseph Gingerich at the
M. H. He leaves one son, two daughters, and many grandchildren,
besides two sisters and other relatives, to mourn their loss.
Brubacher.-On the 10th of July 1903, in Woolwich Twp.,
Waterloo Co., Ont., Susannah, wife of Noah B. Brubacher,
aged 26 Y., 5 M., 9 D. Buried on the 12th at the Martin M. H.
Funeral services by Daniel Wismer from Rev. 7:14-17, and by Enoch
Bowman from Phil. 1:21. She leaves a bereaved husband to whom
she was married but two years; also, the parents on both sides,
brothers, sisters and many friends. We mourn, though we know our
loss is her eternal gain. Hiram Weber.
Stauffer.-On July 8, 1903, near Tiskilwa, Ill., Joseph Stauffer, aged 56 Y., 11 M., 6 D. He was born in Alsace, France, Aug. 2, 1846, married Mary Bachman Jan. 31, 1889. He leaves a bereaved wife, four brothers, three sisters and many friends to mourn their loss. He was a quiet and faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church and was loved by all who knew him. Funeral services at the house by Joseph Burky and Jacob Ringenberg from Psalm 39, and at the M. H. by Andrew Schrock of Metamora in German from 1 Cor. 15:21, 22, and M. V. B. White of Tiskilwa in English from Job 14:10. The meeting house could not admit all who came to pay their last tribute of respect to his memory. Henry V. Albrecht.
Miller.-On the 25th of June 1903, in Iowa Co., Iowa, Rolly Harold, son of Samuel D. and Lizzie Miller, aged 5 M., 27 D. Funeral services were held at the West Union M. H., Friday afternoon by Daniel Kauffman in German from Job 14:1, 2, and A. I. Yoder in English form Job 1:21. Buried in the Yoder cemetery near Amish, Iowa.
Wenger.-On July 6, 1903, near Farmersville, Pa., Ada N., only daughter of Bro. Michael M. and Sister Fannie Wenger, aged 1 Y., 11 M., 25 D. She died of tubercular meningitis. Her sickness was thought at first by the family physician to be from teething, but she grew worse and suffered much till her spirit took its flight to the world where no suffering is known. Funeral services on the 8th at Groffsdale M. H. by Bro. N. H. Mack in German and by Bish. Benjamin Weaver in English from Luke 18:16. "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." She leaves her parents and four brothers. May God bless them in their bereavement. Aunt Lizzie.
Miller.-On June 19, 1903, at the home of Peter J. Brenneman near Kalona, Iowa, Anna, daughter of Peter Shoenbeck, aged 82 Y., 6 D. She was born at Obervimer, Germany, June 13, 1821. Her mother died when she was nine days old. At the age of eighteen years she came to America with her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schwartzendruber. She was married to Jacob B. Miller Sept. 5, 1841, in Somerset Co., Pa. To them were born eight sons and one daughter. Her husband died Oct. 26, 1875. They moved to Iowa in the spring of 1857, where she since resided. She leaves six sons, one daughter, 38 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren to mourn for one who was near and dear to them, but their loss is her eternal gain. Two sons, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild preceded her to the spirit world. She was a faithful member in the Amish Mennonite church. Though for many years she suffered great bodily pain she always desired to go to the house of worship. She said it made her forget her pain to hear God's word. She cared little for any other reading beside the word of God. She was greatly afflicted the last year with heart failure and dropsy, and often expressed a wish to go home. God grant that we may so live that we can meet our dear ones in that better world. The funeral services were held on the 21st at the house by Bish. Peter Kinsinger and Bish. Jacob Schwartzendruber. Text, 1 Thess. 4:13-18. She was buried in the Miller graveyard.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Long.-Dea. Jacob Long was born in Wadsworth Twp., Medina Co., Ohio, April 17, 1836; was joined in matrimony with Catharine Acker on the 18th of August 1859, at Wadsworth, Ohio, by Pre. Ephraim Hunsberger. In the fall of 1865, with his wife and three children, he moved to Clay Co., Ind., driving through with the team. In the fall of 1867, in company with his wife and children, he moved to St. Joseph Co., Ind. In the spring of 1868 he settled in Elkhart Co. At this time he accepted Christ, uniting with the Mennonite church, being baptized by Bish. Christian Beery in the Holdeman church. In the spring of 1882 he was ordained to the office of deacon by Bish. Jacob Beutler in the Olive congregation. He served faithfully in this capacity, first in the Olive, then in the Yellow Creek congregation. In the spring of 1900 he moved to Clinton township, making his church home in the Clinton Mennonite congregation, remaining faithful in his calling as long as health permitted. He died July 2, 1893*, aged 67 Y., 2 M., 15 D. Seven sons and one daughter were the fruits of his marriage. Two sons died in infancy; one son died in Georgia, in June 1900. Four sons and one daughter survive him, and all except one have accepted Christ. There are also eight grandchildren living. On the evening of July 4 services were held at the home, conducted by John Garber, Samuel Honderich, Y. C. Miller, and A. S. Cripe. On Sunday morning, July the 5th, the remains were taken to the Olive M. H., where services were conducted by Jonas Loucks, Jacob Shenk and David Burkholder. Bro. Long was widely known and a very large concourse of people assembled to pay the last tribute of love to one so highly esteemed and respected.
*Note: An error in death year. Someone had penciled in the margin "1903."
Auker.-On the 25th of June 1903, near Thompsontown, Juniata Co., Pa., Bro Tobias R. Auker, aged 40 Y., 7 M., 21 D. He was born Nov. 4, 1862. He was the son of Abraham and Eve Auker. He was highly esteemed in the community where he lived, and was ever ready to do a kind act toward those who needed his services, to assist in taking care of the sick and dying, and wherever opportunity presented itself, no night was too dark and no road too long-he was always ready to go and lend a helping hand. May the Lord reward him for his self-sacrificing labors. The promise of Jesus is that "inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Funeral services were conducted by J. H. Brillhart from Job 21:23-25. He leaves a sorrowing companion, two brothers and two sisters. He is greatly missed both in the family and in the neighborhood, and the bereaved sister has the sympathy of all in her sad loss. May God comfort her.
Lantz.-Israel Lantz was born July 10, 1840, in Dark Co., Ohio; died near Emma, Lagrange Co., Ind., June 26, 1903, aged 62 Y., 11 M., 16 D. On Feb. 1, 1866, he united in marriage with Maria Geisinger. To this union were born three sons and three daughters. His wife, six children, five brothers and three sisters survive him. In September 1902 he united with the Mennonite church by baptism and remained faithful until death. The funeral services at the Clinton (Brick) M. H. on Sunday, the 28th were conducted by A. S. Cripe and D. D. Miller. Text, Rev. 14:13.
Zook.-On June 22, 1903, near Garden City, Mo., Eli K. Zook, aged 56 Y., 1 M., 21 D. He was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., May 1, 1846. His life was one of trials, with much suffering in his last years, but he died with the hope of a glorious resurrection. He leaves two sons and six daughters, four of whom are unmarried, one having been an invalid nearly all of her life. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the community. Funeral services on the 23d at Sycamore Grove.
King.-On June 8, 1903, Sarah E. (Zook) King, aged 37 Y., 5 M., 29 D. She was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., Dec 9, 1865. In childhood she moved with her parents to Cass Co., Mo., and in 1893 was married to M. S. King. She leaves her husband, two children, aged three and five years, respectively, father and one brother. She was an active worker in the church and Sunday school from her maidenhood. Funeral services at Sycamore Grove on June the 9th.
Shirk.-On the 8th of May, 1903, at the home of her son-in-law, Abraham Hunsberger of Waterloo, Ont., of old age and dropsy, Magdalena (Crody) Shirk, aged 83 Y., 6 M., 23 D. The funeral services were conducted by Bish. Daniel Wismer from John 11:25, 26, and Bish. Jonas Snyder from Phil. 1:23. She was buried on the 10th near Baden in the Shantz burying ground, to which place she was followed by a large number of relatives and friends. In the year 1842 she united in marriage with John Shirk; to this union were born two sons and three daughters, three of whom have preceded her to the spirit world. Her beloved companion died twelve years ago. She is survived by two daughters, 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She united with the Mennonite church many years ago and was a faithful member until her death. She has been a constant sufferer for the last three years and had a great desire to go to her eternal home. We mourn not as those who have no hope, but trust that if we live in the light that God gives us we shall meet her in that glory world beyond. Her Grandson, N. Hunsberger.
Christophel.-On the 14th day of July, 1903, of acute indigestion, which culminated in spasms, Esther Rebecca, second daughter of Noah S. and Rebecca J. Christophel, aged 5 M., 16 D. She is survived by her parents and three brothers, her sister having preceded her to the spirit world seven years ago. Burial in Midway burying ground, where funeral services were conducted by John Burkholder and Allen Rickert from Luke 18:15-17.
Snyder.-On July 1, 1903, near Neutral, Kansas, of summer complaint, William Earl, son of William and Laura Snyder, aged 2 Y., 3 M., 17 D. Funeral services were conducted on the following day by Bro. Andrew Shenk of Oronogo, Mo. May the sorrowing parents realize that although little Willie cannot come to them they may go to him.
Burkholder.-On July 15, 1903, at Strasburg, Lancaster Co., Pa., of consumption, Bro. John H. Burkholder, aged 41 Y., 6 M., 16 D. Funeral from his home, with services at the Strasburg Mennonite M. H., conducted by Elias Groff, assisted by Abr. Brubaker. Text, Heb. 4:3, first clause. He suffered patiently for several months, while his hope and trust were ever in the Lord, so that we can truly say in the meaning of the text, the departed one has "entered into rest." He leaves a wife, one son, his mother and one brother, who have the heartfelt sympathy of many friends in their sad bereavement, made doubly so, since only in January a beloved and only daughter was called from this family circle. May the Lord comfort these sorrowing ones, for while here the parting brings sadness, over yonder, on the shores of eternal glory, the meeting between father and daughter brings only joy and gladness.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois