Herald of Truth - November, 1903

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XL, No. 45, November 5, 1903 - Page 360

Kauffman - In Bratton Twp., Mifflin Co., Pa., Sept. 15, 1903, Levi Kauffman, aged 76 Y., 6 M.

Yoder - In Belleville, Mifflin Co., Pa., Sept. 16, 1903, Emma, daughter of Moses P. and Sarah Yoder, aged 23 Y., 8 M., 21 D.

Stoess - On the 23d of October 1903, near Mountain Lake, Minn., of whooping cough, William, son of Dietrich and Helena Stoess, aged 1 Y., 9 M., 11 D. Buried in the 24th. Services by Henry Fast, Sr., and Bish. Aaron Wall.

Heatwole - On Oct. 25, 1903, near Dale Enterprise, Rockingham Co., Va., of brain fever, Marion Suter Heatwole, aged 1 Y., 1 M., 23 D. Deceased was the youngest child of John D. and Fannie Heatwole. Funeral discourse at Weaver's M.H. on the 27th, by C. Good and L.J. Heatwole. Text, Gen. 37:30.

Barkey - Peter Barkey was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1834; was married about 1855 to Amanda Forney, who preceded him to the spirit world. Of the six children born to this union one son preceded the father. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Michel. He leaves a wife, two sons and three daughters, also two sisters and four brothers to mourn their loss. Eight sisters preceded him. Deceased was buried on the 23d of October. Services by John Hygema from Prov. 16:1. Deceased expressed a desire to submit entirely to God's will.

Shaum - Elizabeth Shaum was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Oct. 12, 1833, died Oct. 19, 1903, aged 70 Y., 7 D. She was married to John Shaum, Sept. 16, 1852. To this union were born six sons and six daughters, of whom five sons and three daughters survive. Other descendants are, 26 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The deceased sister suffered very much the last year, but bore it all in patience. Peace to her ashes. May all her children seek to meet her in glory. Buried on the 21st at the Olive M.H. Services by John Metzler from Jas. 4:14 and by John Hygema from Isa. 55:6.

Smead - At Portersville, Cal., July 3, 1903, Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Smead departed from this earth to be forever with the Lord. She was the second daughter of Pre. John and Phebe Snyder (both deceased), formerly of Elkhart Co., Ind. She had been crippled by rheumatism over forty years and had gone to the home of her eldest sister in California to get help if possible by a change of climate. Her last illness, which lasted four months, was pronounced by four physicians as cancer of the stomach. She bore her intense suffering with much patience, proving through it all that God's grace is sufficient. She was ready to meet her Savior and her sufferings are forever past. Sister Ann was the first of Mother's eight children to be called away. May we all be as ready as she was when Jesus calls us to go. Belle S. Allen

Landis - Anna Culp Landis was born July 14, 1844, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, and died Sunday morning about 8 o'clock, Oct. 18, 1903, aged 59 Y., 3 M., 4 D. The immediate cause of her death was erysipelas and paralysis. Anna Culp was married to Peter L. Landis Feb. 4, 1866. They moved to Kansas in 1869, where they lived until her death. She was the mother of eight children, all of whom are now living. She was a very devoted wife and mother. But for her sickness she would have been baptized into the Bethel Baptist church, yet she was comforted to think that God does not ask one to do that which they are not physically able to do. We know she is at rest with the Father for she said shortly before her death that she wanted to go to Him, where there is no sorrow or trouble. Our loss is her gain, and her peace with God is but an assurance to her family of the hope there is in God. Mrs. Landis leaves her husband, eight children, five grandchildren, father, four sisters and four brothers. Funeral services were held at the house on Tuesday, Oct. 20, conducted by A.J. Haggett, pastor of the Baptist church of Hiawatha, Kansas, from John 14:23. She was laid to rest in the Mount Hope cemetery.

Mack - Bro. Eli H. Mack, Pennsburg, Montgomery Co., Pa., died on the 17th of October, at the age of 35 Y., 10 M., 4 D. He leaves a sorrowing wife and three children to mourn their bereavement of a husband and father so early in life. Bro. Mack was the son of Bish. Andrew Mack. There survive in the parental family, the father and mother, two brothers, Noah H. of New Holland, Lancaser Co., and Jesse of Yerkes, Montgomery Co., and two sisters, Sister Isaiah Rickert and Sister Moses Moyer, both of Bucks Co., Pa. They are all deeply bowed in mourning, but, next to the widow, the parents are especially bereaved, as Eli was the only one who remained with them. The other children all having moved some distance from home, they were always comforted with the consciousness that Bro. Eli with his family lived at home and he so kindly cared for the parents in their declining years. His sickness was appendicitis, complicated with typhoid fever. He suffered severely for about seventeen days. In his conscious hours he had his mind upon Christ and heaven. He sang, spoke and prayed. This he continued even in his sem-conscious moments. He was not above semi-consciousness for about ten days, being altogether flighty for most of this time and in a severe physical struggle, but the end came quietly and peacefully on Saturday night. Funeral took place on the 22d at Hereford M.H., where his remains were laid away in the adjoining graveyard. Pre. Michael Moyer preached on Phil. 1:21 in German; Pre. J.K. Freed of the Evangelical church followed in the English language.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XL, No. 46, November 12, 1903 - Page 367, 368

Mishler - On the 24th of October 1903, of concussion of the spine, Bernice, daughter of Samuel and Annie Mishler, aged 9 M., 6 D. Funeral services conducted by N.H. Shenk. We sorrow and sympathize with the parents over the death of this little one, but we remember that Jesus has said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven," and we know that she has changed this world of corruption for incorruption, and that mortality has been changed into immortality.

Strock - On the 28th of Octber, 1903, near Sterling, Ill., of whooping cough and pneumonia, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Bro. and Sister Strock, aged 5 Y., 5 M., 11 D. She leaves her parents, two brothers and two little sisters (one a twin sister of the deceased), to mourn their loss. The twins, Martha and Mary, were very much attached to each other. Buried on the 30th. Funeral services by John McCulloh. Text, 2 Kings 4:26. "Is it well with the child? She answered, it is well."

Diller - Sept. 27, 1903, Sister Sarah Diller (nee Burkhart), aged 78 Y., 11 M., 25 D. Her husband preceded her to the spirit world a few years ago. She was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., moved with her parents to Franklin Co., Pa., when quite young, and after her marriage to Martin Diller, they moved to Cumberland Co., where she resided until her death. Of her three brothers and three sisters one brother (David) and one sister are still living. Buried in the Diller Mennonite burying ground. Services by Pre. Abram and C.R. Burkholder. Text, Isa. 38:1. "Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live."

Rudy - On the 22nd of October 1903, of apoplexy, Sister Maria Rudy, relict of Daniel Rudy (deceased July 29, 1892), aged 75 Y., 14 D. She was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. Although she had been in poor health for some time, yet she was able to do her housework, as she was alone in her house. She long to go home to rest. The attack of apoplexy left her speechless and after lingering for three days she passed away. Funeral services Sunday afternoon, Oct. 25. Burial in East Zorra Amish graveyard in Oxford Co., Ont. Funeral services by Menno and Amos S. Cressman from Rev. 14:13, Bish. Jacob Bender from 2 Tim, 4:7, 8, in German, and by Pre. McCulloch from Titus 2:13 in English. Deceased leaves her son (the only child), four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Denlinger - On the 17th of October 1903, near Millersville, Lancaster Co., Pa., while attending to her household duties, of a stroke of paralysis, Sister Hettie, wife of Bro. John M. Denlinger, aged 50 Y., 17 D. In the death of our sister the church, the family and the neighborhood have lost one of the most worthy and beloved members. She was a whole-hearted Christian woman, a loving wife and a devoted mother. She was also a woman of a loving and cheerful disposition and her faith and devotion never forsook her under the various trials through which she was called to pass, but ever trusted in God's promises. Though we deeply mourn our loss we have every reason to believe it was her eternal gain and that she is now sweetly singing with the redeemed ones gone before. May God bless the sorrowing family and may they with humble resignation look to Him who said, "I will not leave you comfortless." She was laid to rest on the 20th at Millersville. Services by Bish. Isaac Eby, Daniel Lehman and Benj. Hertzler.

Weaver - Oct. 18, 1903, at Spring Grove, Lanc. Co., Pa., the angel of death visited the family of our S.S. Superintendent, Bro. John W. and Sister Annie Weaver, and has taken from their midst their eldest daughter Alice, aged 9 Y., 5 M., 19 D. She had been sick only a short time, but suffered intense pain, her death being due to meningitis. Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto me." Alice was an active little member in the Weaverland S.S. and indeed she will be missed in her class and many other places, but how sweet to know that dear Alice is "asleep in Jesus." She has gone to meet her little sister Katie, who has gone before. Funeral on Tuesday morning, at the Weaverland M.H., when a large concourse of friends paid their last tribute of respect to the departed darling. Bro. John Sauder spoke in German from Luke 23:28, and Bish. B.W. Weaver in English from Luke 8:52. The family has the sympathy of the S.S. and many others. May he who heals all our troubles be their present comfort. A Friend.

Mumaw - On the 28th of October 1903, at his home near Wilmot, Stark Co., Ohio, Bro. George Mumaw, aged 83 Y., 9 M., 1 D. In 1824 he, as the youngest of a family of six children and four years of age, came with his parents from Westmoreland Co., Pa., to Ohio, and the home he helped his parents carve out of the forest finally became his home. He was married to Lydia Fisher in June 1843. The fruit of this union was 14 children, 13 of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Bro. Mumaw leaves a loving wife, 10 children, 29 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn the loss of one who through his kind and unassuming disposition had become endeared to all. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years. Though the last three years of his life were attended with much suffering, yet he bore his sufferings patiently and eagerly looked forward to the time in which he could be free from pain in the home beyond. The funeral services were conducted Nov. 1st, in the Longenecker M.H. near Winesburg, Ohio, in the presence of a large assembly of people, by I.J. Buchwalter of Dalton, Ohio, and M.V.B. Shoup of Mt. Eaton, Ohio.

Metzler - On the 28th of October 1903, near North Lima, Mahoning Co., Ohio, Bro. Noah M. Blosser, aged 62 Y., 9 M., 29 D. Bro. Blosser was afflicted with creeping paralysis for many years, and had to be fed and cared for almost like a child, but was still able to walk for a short distance and, with some help in and out of the carriage he was still able to go visiting and to attend church occasionally until the last few years, since which time he spent most of his hours in his chair, and since last August he had been entirely helpless, and unable to talk or move hand or foot. In this condition he gradually grew weaker until (unreadable) a.m. on the above date, when the spirit took its flight into the world beyond. He was very patient in his afflictions, and while yet able to speak he was never heard to murmur or complain. He was conscious to the last. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. He was married to Hannah H. Lehman in 1864. She died in 1880 and in 1881 he was married to Susanna L. Moyer. He had no issue, but after his first marriage he took into his home a little girl, who remained with him until his death, and who, with the wife, two brothers and many friends, mourn his departure, but not as those who have no hope. May the Lord reward his companion for so faithfully ministering to the wants of the sufferer in all these years of his afflictions, and may the sorrowing ones comfort themselves with the thought that he is but gone before and is now relieved from his sufferings. Funeral services on the 31st from the North Lima Mennonite M.H. by I.J. Buchwalter of Dalton, Ohio, assisted by Allen Rickert, our home minister being related to the deceased. Text, 1 Sam. 20:18, latter clause. Buried in the cemetery adjoining the meeting house. The funeral was largely attended. P. Metzler

Transcriber's Notes: The surname is first listed as "Metzler" and then as "Blosser."

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XL, No. 47, November 19, 1903 - Page 375

OBITUARY
---------
Pre. John F. Rittenhouse
On the 4th of November, 1903, in the hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., from the effects of a surgical operation, Bro. John F. Rittenhouse of Jordan, Lincoln Co., Ont., aged 67 Y., 8 M., 24 D. He is a descendent of the well-known Rittenhouse family of Germantown, Pa., which was among the first Mennonite settlers in America, William Rittinghuysen having, in 1690, built on a branch of the Wissahickon Creek the first paper mill in the American colonies. On the maternal side he is a descendant of the Funk family, his mother being a sister to Jacob Funk, father of J.F. and A.K. Funk of the Mennonite Publishing House. He was born Feb, 10, 1836, on the farm, the old homestead, on which he spent his entire life. He was married to Elizabeth Honsberger, who died Dec. 21, 1899. He is survived by two sons and four daughters, also by four brothers, viz: Pre. Abraham of Ontario, George of Manitoba, M.F. and Dr. William of Chicago, Ill. He also leaves a large circle of friends and relatives, both in Canada and the United States. He has been connected with the work of the church at this place for a long time, first as deacon and later as minister. He was widely known in this vicinity as well as in other parts of the country, especially in eastern Pennsylvania, which was the home of his forefathers and, as a matter of course, of a large number of his relatives. Having a daughter married there, Mrs. Joseph Wismer, he frequently visited in those parts. His death will, no doubt, be a surprise to his many friends. His affliction was of such a nature that it did not hinder him much from attending to the duties of life, but finally necessitated a surgical operation, which caused his sudden death. During his stay at the hospital he was attended by his youngest daughter, who is a professional nurse. His remaining children, two sons and four daughters, reside in the vicinity of his home. May God bless and comfort all in their bereavement. The funeral was held in the Moyer meeting-house, on the 7th of November, and was largely attended. The services were conducted by the brethren Gilbert Bearss and Noah Stauffer from Luke 2:29. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word."

Kauffman - On Aug. 19, 1903, near Letterkenney, Franklin Co., Pa., Sister Fannie Kauffman, at the ripe old age of 85 Y., 6 M., 27 D. The sister fell three weeks before she died and broke her hip, from the effects of which she died. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for a number of years and had often expressed a desire to go home and be with Jesus. A little more than a year ago she had the misfortune of falling and breaking her arm. In both these instances she bore her pain, which at times was quite severe, with patience. She was laid to rest in the burying ground adjoining the Strasburg M.N. Services were conducted by J.S. Burkholder in the opening text, by P.H. Parrett from Phil 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (and I believe it was the sister's eternal gain), followed by Joseph Martin. Services were held in the barn of the brethren Henry and John Bricker, with whom she made her home. May the Lord bless the brethren and sisters who cared for her. A Brother.

Shelly - Bro. Christian G. Shelly, departed this life on the morning of Oct. 1, 1903, aged 64 Y., 9 D. The brother was confined to his room for about eight months with rheumatism, from which he suffered intense pain, but he endured his suffering patiently. Having visited him often during his sickness, I found him reading God's word quite often and always ready to talk about the salvation of our souls. He was a regular attendant at church, and all all devotional services his seat was seldom vacant. He leaves a sorrowing companion, three sons and four daughters and a number of grandchildren to mourn their loss. But, thanks be to God, they need not mourn as those who have no hope. Many were the good admonitions he gave them and the prayers he offered for them will never be forgotten. May our Father in Heaven give them grace to live consistent Christian lives that they may be a reunited family in those mansions above, prepared for the faithful. Interment in Lost Creek cemetery, whither the remains were followed by many friends and neighbors. Services by Wm. Auker, Samuel Leiter and the writer. Text, 2 Kings 20:1. May our Father in Heaven comfort the bereaved ones. Wm. G. Sieber.

Graybill - On Nov. 5, 1903, Peter Graybill, aged 77 Y., 8 M., 28 D., passed away from works to reward. He was one among the faithful fathers who for forty-five years had the welfare of the church at heart. Many of the young members looked up to him as an example of Christian life. Truly the church will miss him, for as long as health would permit he was found in his place in time of church services. The poor and needy will miss his hand of charity, the citizens lose a good neighbor, the children a kind father. He was united in marriage to Mary Rine in 1854 and by her kind Christian help they began to make both home and friends around them happy. Their union was blessed by six children, three of whom preceded him to the spirit world, his companion having passed away some ten years ago, leaving him lonely in his latter years. On the morning of Nov. 8, Sunday following his death, the friends gathered from far and near to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased. The meeting house was filled to its utmost capacity and many surrounded the yard. Sermon by J.A. Brilhart and Samuel Leiter from 1 Cor. 15:51 and Rom. 8:10.

Housour - On the 4th of October 1903, in Nappanee, Ind., Harry Lowell, infant son of Harvey and Ellen Housour, aged 4 D. Funeral services at the house on the 5th by the writer. The sorrow stricken parents have the sympathy of friends and neighbors. May this solemn dispensation of God's providence work to the good of all the friends. David Burkholder

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XL, No. 48, November 26, 1903 - Page 383, 384

Obituary of Pre. Benjamin Horning
Pre. Benjamin Horning, a widely known Mennonite minister, died Nov. 3, at his home in Alleghenyville, Berks Co., Pa., near the Lancaster county line. His death was due to debility incident to his age, which was 80 Y., 8 M., 11 D. The deceased was born in Berks Co., where he spent almost his entire life. Over forty years ago he was ordained to the ministry, since which time he labored faithfully for the cause of Christ and the upbuilding of the church. He was noted as a preacher of power to his people, by whom he was greatly loved. He had charge of the Allegheny, Gehman and Bowmansville districts. He was often called to other churches to preach funeral sermons, which showed the love and respect the surrounding community had for him. He was married to Lucretia Zelmer, who died three years ago. The following children survive: Augustus, of Bowmansville; John, of Lancaster city; Jeremiah, Isaac, and Aaron, of Alleghenyville; Susannah, wife of Martin Newswanger; Sarah, wife of John Shick, of Philadelphia; Lizzie, wife of Monroe Good, and Katie, wife of Christian Martin, Terrehill; also 33 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren survive. Funeral services on the 9th at the Allegheny M.H. by Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher, Benjamin Weaver and Henry Good. The deceased had chosen for his text Matt. 5:8. "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." May God comfort the bereaved family and congregation in the loss they have sustained. H.H.

Harnish - On the 22d of Sept. 1903, near New Danville, Lancaster Co., Pa., of general debility, due to old age, Sister Susan, widow of Jonas Harnish, aged 82 Y., 8 M., 29 D. She was a faithful sister in the church for many years, and was always satisfied with her place in life and had a smile and pleasant word for all. Funeral services and burial in River Corner M.H.

Brandon - On the 17th of November 1903, near Elkhart, Ind., of apoplexy, with a moment's warning, Frank Brandon, aged 55 Y., 4 M., 25 D. He called his wife in the morning to rise and get breakfast, while he remained in bed a little longer. When she came to call him to breakfast she found him dead. Funeral services were held on Thursday, conducted by John F. Funk from Matt. 24:44. "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." He is survived by a sorrowing companion, one son, two brothers and one sister. Two little daughters preceded him to the eternal world.

Null - Mary Freed Null was born March 24, 1835, in Richland Co., Ohio, was married to Christian Null, March 20, 1856. To this union were born six sons and three daughters. Two sons and one daughter preceded her. In 1860 they and the two children then constituting their family moved in Indiana. She had united with the Lutheran church at the age of 15, but after they had moved to Indiana she united with the Mennonite church and was a faithful member until her death, which occurred on the 27th of October, 1903. Her aged was 68 Y., 7 M., 3 D. Buried at the North Union on the 28th. Funeral services by Jonas Loucks and John Hygema from Luke 23:28. May the husband and children be comforted with the thought that "she is not dead but sleepeth." May those who have confessed Christ remain faithful, and may the rest turn to the Lord and find salvation.

Reesor - Magdalena Moyer, relict of the late John G. Reesor, was born in Lincoln Co., Ont., and died at the home of her son, Tilman McDowell, in Markham, York Co., in her 79th year. After living in wedlock for a number of years with James McDowell she became a widow with seven children. McDowell was killed by a falling tree. Later, the deceased married John G. Reesor, who died in 1889. Sister Reesor was for many years a member of the Mennonite church, and now that she has departed this life we think of her as being at rest. Our sister fell ill in November 1898, which sickness resulted in paralysis of the brain, from which she suffered until her demise, Nov. 5, 1903. The services were conducted by Chr. Burkholder in German and L.J. Burkholder in English. Text, 8 Cor. 5:10.

Yoder - Elizabeth Woods, daughter of Anna and Alexander Woods, was born in Dark Co., Ohio, Dec. 1, 1840 and moved to Elkhart, Ind., when yet a child. When sixteen years of age she removed to Grundy Co., Ill., at which place she was married to Samuel Yoder. To this union eight children were born, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder united with the Mennonite church in 1865 and have since that time lived consistent Christian lives. Mrs. Yoder had been enjoying her usual good health until about four weeks before her death, when she suddenly became very ill with heart trouble. She, however, seemed to be recovering rapidly till Monday morning, Nov. 16, 1903, at 4:15, when she quietly passed out of this world, leaving behind many sad hearts who think of her as one who was every ready to help the needy, sick and sorrowing. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, two sons and many friends and relatives who deeply mourn their loss. Funeral on the 19th, at the Mennonite M.H., conducted by J.S. Hartzler, from John 5:28, 29. Buried in the South Side graveyard. May He who hath healing in his hands comfort the bereaved ones.

Berkey - On the 5th of Nov., 1903, of diabetes, Sister Berkey, wife of Bro. Jacob Berkey, aged 29 Y., 1 M., 27 D. On the 2d of Nov., Bro. Berkey, with his wife and two little children, started from Oronogo, Mo., to Elmira, Oregon. Upon reaching Pocatello, Idaha, Mrs. Berkey was too ill to go further, and died in a short time. Her parents near Elmira, Oregon, were notified of her death. At Pocatello services were conducted by the Baptist minister, after which Bro. Berkey with the little ones and the remains of the dear mother resumed his journey toward Oregon. He was met at Portland by his brother, at Hubbard by his sister, at Woodburn by his mother, Mrs. C.S. Kilmer. These accompanied the family on their sad journey and were met at Junction City, Lane Co., on the 10th by Mrs. Berkey's parents, three brothers and two sisters. Here the body was taken to an uncle of the deceased and arrangements were made for the funeral, which was held on the 11th by Pre. Marion Horn of the Campbelite church. The burial took place in the Joel Inman graveyard near Elmira, where a number of relatives gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to a loved one. Text, 1 Cor. 15. Mrs. Berkey was born Sept. 10, 1874, was married Nov. 3, 1895, was baptized and received into the Mennonite church by Bish. Geo. R. Brunk. She was a kind mother, a loving companion, and will be greatly missed in the home, the church and by all who knew her. May God's blessing be showered upon these bereaved ones, and may He comfort them in every trial.
Moses E. Evers

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia


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