Kershling - On Sept. __, 1903, in Hesston, Kansas, where he was known and highly respected as a zealous Christian worker for many years, Daniel Kershling, aged 79 Y., 9 M., 3 D. At the age of 28 years he was ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church. The aged wife who survives him has also been sorely afflicted, so much so, that she was unable to follow her husband to his final earthly resting place. Funeral conducted at the Mennonite M.H. near Trousdale, Sept. 13, by J.M.R. Weaver, from Rev. 7:14. A large number of sympathizing friends gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to the departed brother, upon whom they looked as a worthy example in the Master's service.
Riehl - On the 30th of August 1903, at Topeka, Ind., Sister Nancy Riehl, formerly of Pennsylvania, aged 61 Y., 2 M., 4 D. Funeral was held Sept. 2, services conducted by Pre. Jonathan Kurtz and Pre. John Lehman. Text, Matt. 14:44. She leaves two sisters, one brother and many friends to mourn her departure, yet we need not mourn as those without hope. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church for many years. Her seat in the church was seldom vacant when health permitted her to be there. We have reason to believe that she is resting now in the realms above, where all is joy and happiness. Her Niece
Yoder - Joseph J. Yoder was born Feb. 8, 1825; died near the Townline M.H., Sept. 1, 1903, aged 78 Y., 6 M., 23 D. He was united in marriage with Susannah Eash in 1848, in Somerset Co., Pa. To this union were born eight children, two of whom have preceded him to the grave. Six children survive him, also forty grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. In 1876 his first wife died, and on the 22d of August 1886, he again united in marriage, with Elizabeth Hostetler, who survives him, having lived with him in matrimony seventeen years. His funeral at the Townline M.H. on Sept. 2d was largely attended. Services by A.S. Cripe and Jonathan Troyer. Text, Psa. 16:6. His friends mourn not as those who have no hope.
Kuhns - On Sept. 14, 1903, very suddenly of heart trouble, Mrs. Aaron Kuhns, aged 68 Y., 6 M., 8 D. Sister Kuhns attended the funeral of Mrs. Jacob Snavely in the morning and was just starting to service in the evening when the call came to depart this life. She was a member of the Mennonite church for a number of years. Her place in the church and in the home is now vacant, and the dear mother will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, three daughters, one son and nine grandchildren. Funeral on the 17th at Kraybill's M.H. by Bish. Jacob Brubaker, Pre. Henry Longenecker and Pre. Eph. Nissley, from Matt. 24:42. Peace to her ashes. A.C.G.
Hostetler - On the 14th of Sept. 1903, in Cass Co., Mo., of a complication of diseases, ending in consumption, Emanuel J. Hostetler, aged 61 Y., 3 M., 15 D. He moved to this county from Indiana about 22 years ago. He leaves a sorrowing widow, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren to mourn his departure, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. He was twice married, his first wife having died in Indiana. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church for many years. Funeral services in the Sycamore M.H. on the 16th by Levi Miller and J.J. Hertzler in German, and by B.F. Hartzler in English. Buried in the Clearfork graveyard.
Schrock - On the 15th of Sept., 1903, near Arthur Moultrie, Co., Ill., Samuel, son of Jonas Schrock, aged 20 years. Deceased came to his end by his own hand. No definite cause is given for the committal of the terrible deed. He had been seen with a rope shortly before breakfast on the morning of the above date, and as he did not appear at the breakfast table, a member of the family was sent out to look for him, and then it was found that he had hanged himself to a rafter in the barn. The rope was cut at once, but all efforts to revive the young man were in vain. The remains were buried on the 16th in the Stephen Miller graveyard. The grief-stricken family has the sympathy of the entire community. The fearful step taken by this young man to free himself of trouble, real or imaginary, is universally deplored.
Erb - On Aug. 27, 1903, of Preston, Ont., of Bright's disease, Magdalena Erb, aged 66 Y., 1 M., 23 D. Sister Erb, during her sickness and death was visiting at the home of her niece, Mrs. Daniel Wenger of Okotoks. It was her wish to leave this world and be with her Redeemer. She also wished to be buried at this place and accordingly on the 29th her remains were laid away in the Mountain View cemetery. The funeral sermon was preached by Norman Stauffer from John 14:1-3. Daniel Wenger
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Rigby - On the 28th of Sept., 1903, in Elkhart, Ind., of Bright's disease, Catharine Kronk, wife of David Rigby, aged 61 Y., 3 M., 13 D. She was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, June 15, 1842. Was married to James Rigby in October, 1860, with whom she had one son. After the death of her first husband, she married as her second husband, David Rigby, in 1866. She has been in feeble health for a year or more, and for seven weeks preceding her death her sufferings were severe. She was a faithful and devoted wife and mother, and passed through many severe trials and afflictions; her patience and devoted endurance were worthy of imitation. She leaves a sorrowing husband, a son, three grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters to mourn her death. Funeral services were held in the Mennonite meeting house by John F. Funk, from Heb. 9:27: "It is appointed unto man once to die, and after death the judgment."
Kelly - Bertha May Kelly, of Springs, Pa., died Sept. 7, 1903, of appendicitis, aged 12 Y., 5 M., 6 D. She was the daughter of Charles and Margaret Kelly, who had lived and died in Mifflin Co., Pa. Bertha was taken into the Mennonite Orphans' Home in Ohio; from there she was received into the home of Bro. C.M. Beachy, of Springs, Pa. She united with the Mennonite church last winter and lived an exemplary and faithful Christian life, both in her home and church relation. Funeral services, Sept. 8, in the Folk M.H at Springs. The sermon was preached by Ed Miller, assisted by Bish. David Keim. Text, 2 Cor. 5:1.
Brubaker - On the 28th of September 1903, near Lexington, Lancaster Co., Pa., of general debility, due to old age, Sister Mary, widow of the late Henry E. Brubaker, aged 83 Y., 9 D. She was a faithful sister in the church for many years. She was always satisfied with her place in life, and had a smile and pleasant word for all. Funeral services and burial at the Hammer Creek M.H., the ministers John Hess and John Bucher officiating. D.C.H.
Bookwalter - On the 19th of September, 1903, at the home of his nephew in Elkhart, Indiana, of heart failure, Benjamin Bookwalter, aged 72 Y., 1 M., 18 D. He was a son of Abraham Bookwalter, who died in Grundy Co., Ill., a number of years ago. Benjamin Bookwalter was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 31, 1831. When he was about twelve years old he moved with his parents to Mercer Co., Pa., and at the age of 23 he moved to Grundy Co., Ill., and worked for his father, who had located and secured a large farm within several miles of Gardner. He was married to Susan Barkey, Oct. 31, 1858. His wife died three years ago. About two weeks before his death he came to Elkhart, to visit friends. He had been out walking with his nephew and was apparently in the best of health, and had given no imitation of illness whatever. After the walk he seated himself to take a rest, when suddenly his head dropped to one side and with a gasp or two he passed away. His body was taken back to his home in Gardner and there committed to the grave. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, was a prominent citizen and highly respected by those who knew him as a man of honest and upright character; he hated fraud and deception, was kind and good to the suffering and needy, patient and even tempered and of a genial and sincere disposition. The writer has enjoyed his acquaintance for about forty years and had a pleasant conversation with him only a few days before he passed away. He leaves a son and a daughter to mourn his death. He seemed for some time to realize that his time was short and that he should go to meet the loved ones who had preceded him. F.
Weaver - On Sept. 23, 1903, at Newton, Kansas, after a lingering illness, Sister Anna (Musser), wife of David Weaver, aged 65 Y., 1 M., 27 D. Though Sister Weaver has been ill for a long time and could not hope for recovery, yet her death was very sudden. She was not confined to her bed at all times, but took her place at the table with the family at meal times. On Wednesday evening after she had gone to her room to retire, her husband heard her moan and going quickly to her bedside found her unable to speak. She lingered thus a short time and by 8 o'clock she had passed away. She is survived by her husband, six sons and two daughters. Two sons and one daughter preceded the mother to the spirit world. Funeral services at the Pennsylvania M.H. by D.D. Zook, Noah Metzler. Text, Psa. 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." R.J.H.
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Sherk - Bro. John Sherk, of near Sherkton, Welland Co., Ont., passed away from earthly life, Sept. 17, 1903, at the age of 69 Y., 8 M., 22 D. He had been failing in health for a number of years. He bore his sufferings with patience, looking for his eternal deliverance with the Lord. It was only during the last few years of his life that he lived in the faith of Christ, yet it was a great comfort to him in his affliction and gives to his family the hope of his eternal salvation. He leaves a sorrowing companion, afflicted with blindness, and a family of five sons and two daughters. Funeral services were held on the 20th at the Brick meeting house, at which place the body was laid to rest. Services by S.F. Coffman. Text, Zech. 1:5.
Witmer - On Oct. __, 1903, Loren T. Witmer, aged 34 years, met a very sad and sudden death caused by coming in contact with a surcharged electric line, causing instantaneous death. He was the son of Martin and Elizabeth Witmer, and great-grandson of John and Barbara Witmer. He leaves a widow, one daughter and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely death. "In the midst of life we are in death."
Brouwer - On the 27th of Sept. 1903, in Elkhart Co., Ind., Frederick Pearson, son of Herman and Maggie Brouwer, aged 1 Y., 8 M., 3 D. Funeral services were conducted on the 29th at the Whitehead meeting house by Jacob Christophel, assisted by John Stump. Weep not, dear parents, for your darling, whom a kind heavenly Father has called away from the dangers of the world, to enjoy the pleasures and peace of the heavenly paradise. He is not lost, only gone before.
Eigsti - On the 26th of September 1903, at her home near Lombardville, Ill, Sister Veronica, wife of Bro. Jacob Eigsti, aged 59 Y., 17 D. Deceased was a daughter of Peter and Katharine Albrecht and was born Sept. 9, 1844. She leaves her beloved companion, two sons, one daughter and 13 grandchildren, also one brother and one sister. She suffered for some time with what appears to be a tumor on her breast, which was removed by a surgeon in Chicago. After a stay of three weeks she returned home, thinking her affliction to be entirely removed, but several months after a growth reappeared at the same place, when it was decided to submit it to the X-ray treatment at Galesburg, Ill. After taking 21 treatments, from the burns of which she suffered severely and which were almost healed in twelve months, she began to suffer internally, which the physicians pronounced as cancer spreading through the entire system, and which caused her death. Although suffering greatly at times, she bore her afflictions patiently and was fully resigned to the Lord's will. She was a faithful member of the A.M. church. Her Bible was her constant companion and comfort wherever she was. May God comfort the bereaved family, and may they so live that they may finally meet where parting shall never more be known, neither sorrow or pain. Funeral services were held at the Willow Spring M.H. near Tiskilaw, Ill., by Jos. Buercky in German and Jonathan Kurtz of Topeka, Ind., in English, from Ezek. 24:15-18 and Heb. 9:27.
Grove - On Sept. 28, 1903, in Jackson Twp., Cambria Co., Pa., Albert Grove, aged 10 Y., 6 M., 19 D. Albert heard a dog barking in the woods and ran to see the cause of it. For some unknown reason he climbed the tree about 30 feet. His elder brother Adam, aged eighteen, also heard the barking and not knowing that Albert had gone out, went to the woods with his rifle. Upon reaching the place he saw something in the tree, aimed, and shot his little brother through the head. The poor boy only lived about three hours. The brother at whose hand the accident occurred is almost crazed with grief. Funeral services were conducted on the 30th by David Hildebrand. Levi Blauch
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Hunsberger - Near Jordan, Ont., Loren, son of Jerome and Lavina Hunsberger, aged 7 M., 13 D. May the God of all comfort sustain the bereaved parents. Funeral services in the Moyer M.H. by E.S. Hallman. Text, Job. 14:1, 2.
Lehman - On Oct. 7, 1903, near Bachsmanville, Dauphin Co., Pa., after a lingering illness, of dropsy, Jacob R. Lehman, aged 82 Y., 6 M., 9 D. Bro. Lehman was a faithful member of the church for many years, although he was unable to attend services of late years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, one daughter having preceded him to the spirit world. He was a brother to Pre. Benjamin Lehman of Lancaster county, and also to Deacon Peter R. Lehman of Dauphin county. Funeral services were held at Stauffer's M.H. by Bish. Martin Rutt, assisted by Pre. John Ebersole, from Psa. 90:10.
Hoffman - On the 8th of October, 1903, Sister Mary, wife of Jacob Hoffman, aged 57 Y., 4 M., 16 D. She was a faithful sister in the church for many years., Although she was sick for more than two years and suffered severely, she never complained, but always had a desire to do her Master's will and always had a word of encouragement for those about her. She is survived by her husband and two daughters. Funeral services were held at Risser's M.H. by Bish. Martin Rutt, assisted by Pre. Levi Ebersole and Pre. Martin Risser. Text, Psa. 119:92: "Unless thy law has been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction."
Yoder - On Oct. 1, 1903, near Surrey, N.D., at the home of his parents, Bro. J.D. and Rachel Yoder, of consumption, Bro. Fred R. Yoder, aged 17 Y., 8 M., 11 D. He was confined to his bed nearly five weeks and bore his sufferings with Christian patience. His desire was to go to that rest that God has prepared for His children. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church. The deceased brother had selected two hymns that he requested to be sung at the funeral services, and also requested that the 14th chapter of John be read at the services which were conducted by Bro. I.S. Mast and F.H. Bradley of the German Baptist Brethren. Test, Job. 16:22. We feel our loss in the home, Sunday school and church, but it is Bro. Fred's eternal gain.
Eighsti - On the 26th of Sept. 1903, near Lombardville, of cancer, Veronica, wife of Jacob Eighsti, aged 59 Y., 17 D. She suffered for many months and bore all patiently till the Lord finally called her away from all sorrow and suffering. She leaves a sorrowing husband, two sons, one daughter, 13 grandchildren, a brother and sister to mourn her death. She was a devoted Christian and member of the Mennonite church. Funeral services were held in the Mennonite M.H. near Willow Springs on the 29th, Bish. Jacob Burkey of this place officiating in German, and Bish. Jonathan Kurtz of Topeka, Ind., in English, from Heb. 9:27. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." H.V. Albrecht
Wenger - On the 10th of July, 1903, at his home near New Erection, Rockingham Co., Va., of consumption with which he lingered for many months, Bro. Peter Wenger, son of Ephraim Wenger deceased, aged 62 Y. He is survived by his second wife, two sons, one daughter, three brothers, one sister, and a number of grandchildren. One son preceded him to the spirit world. The writer frequently visited him during his illness and always requested to have worship before I left his room. His last words were: "I am going home." The deceased was a true, devoted brother in the church with which he united in his youth. In his death Sister Wenger has lost a true, loving husband, the children a kind father, the church a faithful brother, the community a good neighbor. Funeral services were conducted at the Weaver M.H. by Bish. L.J. Heatwole and Christian Good. A large congregation assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to the departed brother. The funeral took place in the burying ground near Weavers. C.G.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Mack - Oct. __, 1903, after severe suffering, Elias Mack, son of Bish. Andrew Mack. He leaves a wife, two children, parents, two brothers and two sisters to mourn his untimely death. The family have the sympathy and prayer of their many friends, brethren and sisters in their deep bereavement. May He who heals all our distresses be their present comfort. Mary Detwiler
Otterbein - At Berlin, Ont., on Oct. 16, 1903, Luella, only child of Henry and Nancy Otterbein, aged 9 Y., 7 M., 3 D. Her father preceded her to the spirit world over four years ago. Her sickness was of short duration. May God bless her sorrowing mother, relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted by S.S. Bowman, Noah Stauffer and E.S. Hallman. Texts, Prov. 10:9; Rev. 22:20.
Neuhauser - On Oct. 4, 1903, at Long Green, Baltimore Co., Md., suddenly of heart trouble, Elizabeth, wife of Christian Neuhauser, aged 68 Y., 2 M., 8 D. Though our sister was in poor health for along time, yet her death came very suddenly and unexpectedly while sitting alone in her chair with the Testament, which she had been reading, on her lap. She seemed to be in her usual health when her son left the room and when he returned to the house about a half hour later was greatly shocked to find that Mother had suddenly passed to the home beyond. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church for many years. She leaves a husband, three sons, eighteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two sisters and many friends to mourn their loss, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope, for by her life here we have the assurance that she is resting in those heavenly mansions above, where parting is no more. Funeral took place Wednesday morning at the Long Green A.M.M.H. Services conducted by Gideon Stoltzfus and John S. Mast. By a Niece.
Lehman - On the 1st of Oct. 1903, Sister Mary Lehman of Canton, Stark Co., O., aged 80 Y, 5 M., 10 D. She came from Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1859, and since that time has always lived in the above named county. Two sons, John H. and Jacob, one brother and one sister survive her. Services were conducted at her home, Oct. 3, by I.J. Buchwalter. Interment in Rowland cemetery.
Silvius - Amanda Silvius of Sugar Creek, Tuscarawas Co., O., died Oct. 16, 1903, aged 22 Y., 7 M., 10 D. She united with the Mennonite church at the age of fifteen years and remained faithful unto the end. Two months before her death she was well and hearty, but typhoid fever did its work and finally death relieved her sufferings. Her father, mother, four brothers, one sister and many friends remain to mourn the loss they have sustained. The funeral was held at the Union Hill M.H., Sunday, Oct. 18, by I.J. Buchwalter of Dalton, O., and J. Kraser of Mt. Eaton. O.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia