Jontzen - On the 23d of August 1903, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of typhoid fever, with which he suffered about three weeks, Benjamin A. Jontzen, aged 50 Y., 1 M., 23 D. He was born in Southern Russia (Polish Russia), July 1, 1853, and came to this country with several young men of his acquaintance, and made his home in Elkhart Co., where he, in 1881, married his surviving companion, Lizzie Kehr. He leaves a sorrowing wife, three sons, three daughters, an aged mother, who is entirely blind, one brother and eight sisters. One daughter died seven years ago. Two days before her death she said to her father, "Papa, take me out doors," and when he came out, carrying her in his arms, she pointed with her finger toward heaven and said, "Paper, go home with me to our Father in heaven." He was buried on the 26th, at the Yellow Creek meeting house, where a very large number of people had assembled. The funeral services were conducted by John F. Funk, J. Christophel and Jonas Loucks. Text, Num. 23:10. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."
Hostetter - On Aug. 15, 1903, at his home in Florin, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Jonas E. Hostetter, aged 70 Y., 7 M., 2 D. He is survived by his wife, six children and fifteen grandchildren. Although he was in delicate health for many years, yet the end came quickly. It was his desire to see all his children once more before his departure, so his two sons, J.N. and L.N. Hostetter living at Chicago, were telegraphed for. His desire was granted, as both sons with their wives and daughters arrived in time to join the rest of the family and hear the last words of a dear father. After he had seen and talked with all of them, he expressed a desire to depart and be at rest. Funeral services were held at Kraybill's meeting house on the 17th of August, where a large concourse of friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Services were opened by Henry Longenecker. Eph. Nissley followed, preaching from Psa. 126:5, 6. Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher then preached from the text, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, which was selected by the bereaved widow. Interment in the cemetery adjoining the meeting house.
Roth - Mrs. Maria Roth, one of the oldest residents of Washington county, died suddenly at her home near Williamsport, Md., Monday, July 20, 1903, at 3 o'clock, of paralysis. She had been ailing only a few days from the first stroke until the next one came, which was Monday at noon, lingering only a few hours until she died. She was the wife of Pre. Daniel Roth, who died thirteen years ago in May. He was a preacher in the Mennonite church, she being a member of the same church. She was the last member of the old homestead circle. Two daughters and a son survive: Mrs. Nancy Brewer, Charlton; Mrs. Jacob Martin, Sport, Augusta Co., Va.; Abraham Roth, Pinesburg. Funeral services on Wednesday, 10 o'clock, at the Clearspring Mennonite M.H., by Pre. Kelner and Pre. Strite. Interment in the churchyard adjoining. Her Granddaughter.
Roth - On the 2d of Aug. 1903, in Seward Co., Neb., Christian Roth, aged 63 years. Buried on the 4th. He had been in poor health for some time, but had improved considerably, when he was suddenly overtaken with a paralytic stroke, which speedily ended his life. He leaves his wife and ten children, also many relatives and friends to mourn his death.
King - Amelia King was born Nov. 15, 1874, died
Aug. 10, 1903, aged 29 Y., 9 M., 5 D. Buried in the Zion cemetery
near Needy, Oregon. She was a member of the Old Amish church.
She leaves her sorrowing husband, five children, parents, one
brother, five sisters to mourn her early departure, yet we have
reason to believe that our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services
were conducted by A.P. Troyer in English and D.J. Korpf in German.
Text, Matt. 24:44.
Daniel Roth
Hooley - On the 23d of August 1903, in Elkhart, Ind., of spasms, Ora Levi, son of Simon T. and Martha Hooley, aged 4 Y., 4 M., 4 D. He was born Apr. 19, 1899. Funeral services were held at the home on Sunday afternoon by J.S. Lehman and J.F. Funk. On Monday, Aug. 24, the remains were taken to the Shore M.H., in Lagrange Co., where the burial with appropriate services took place.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Geigley - On Aug. 19, 1903, near Spring Grove, Pa., Sister Matilda, widow of John Geigley, aged 82 Y., 7 M., 20 D. The funeral was held at Weaverland on Saturday, the 22d, by Bish. Weaver and Henry Good. She was a kind, loving Christian woman and is survived by one son, four daughters and a number of grand- and great-grandchildren, who mourn their loss, and who shall see her smiling face no more on earth.
Weaver - On Aug. 14, 1903, at Spring Grove, Pa., Lloyd Martin, son of Martin G. and Lizzie Weaver, aged 2 Y., 8 M., 7 D. Funeral services were conducted on the 17th by Bish. Benj. Weaver and Samuel Troyer.
Bishop - Susie, youngest child of Bro. and Sister William B. Bishop, of near Dublin, Bucks Co., Pa., died on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20, 1903. She had an attack of scarlet fever last winter, from which she never regained her health. Aged, 1 Y., 8 M. Services were conducted at the house by Pre. H.G. Anglemoyer in English and Pre. Peter B. Loux in German; at the M.H. by Pre. Anglemoyer in English and Bish. Henry Rosenberger in German.
Lefever - On the 29th of July 1903, at his home near Big Spring in West Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Christian Lefever, aged 79 Y., 8 M., 5 D. Funeral services were held Aug. 1, conducted at his home by Frank M. Herr, and at the Brick Mennonite M.H. by Abram Brubaker. Text, Rev. 17:13, 14. He leaves his wife, a son and daughter and four grandchildren, who have the sympathy of many friends. Deceased was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years; and although the last year of his life was spent in sorrow, owing to great weakness of body and mind, yet sometimes in rational moments he gave evidence of a bright hope in a blessed Savior. These remain like beams of sunshine from the clouded sky of his last illness. The dear Savior in John 17:34 tells of tribulations in this world, and then follows with the comforting words: "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Hence out of "great tribulation," may our robes be washed "white in the blood of the Lamb." A Relative
Culp - Aug. 25, 1903, near Elkhart, Ind., Edith Culp, daughter of Bro. Joseph and Sister Maggie Culp, aged eight days. She leaves her parents, one brother and four sisters to mourn their loss. One brother preceded her just three months to the day. Buried at Yellow Creek. Services by Jacob Shank and Jonas Loucks, from Mark 10:13-15. May the parents find consolation in the thought that their jewel is gathered among the redeemed. Jonas Loucks
Witmer - On Aug. 14, near Goodville, Pa., Sister Witmer, aged 57 Y., 10 M., 14 D. She lingered for some time with dropsy and heart trouble, suffering greatly at times, but she bore her afflictions patiently, and was fully resigned to the Lord's will. She took an active part in church and Sunday school work, and though we shall miss her in the church and in the home, yet we know her works will follow her. Funeral services were conducted in the Goodville M.H. by Bish. Benj. Weaver and Bro. John Sauder. She leaves a sorrowing husband, four sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. 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 nor pain. D.S.W.
Zimmerman - On Aug. 19, 1903, in Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Jacob S. Zimmerman, aged 65 Y., 7 M., 14 D. He was afflicted for some time with paralysis, but bore his affliction patiently. He was twice married and leaves a widow, eight children, all grown, many friends to mourn their loss, which we believe was his eternal gain. D.S.W.
Weldy - Daniel Elmer, son of Bro. George and Sister Lucretia Weldy, was born Aug. 12, 1900; died near Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., Ind., Aug. 31, 1903, aged 3 Y., 19 D. He leaves father, mother and two brothers to mourn his early departure, one brother having preceded him to the glory world. Thus two children are in heaven and two are on earth. Buried Sept. 2, at the Olive M.H. Funeral services conducted by J.F. Funk and J. Hygema. Text, Luke 18:15.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
West - John Lincoln, son of Henry and Katie West, was born Feb. 12, 1903; died of inflammation of the bowels on Aug. 18, aged 6 M, 6 D. This little one only budded on earth to bloom in heaven. Interment in the Lost Creek cemetery. Services by Samuel Leiter, assisted by Wm. O. Sieber. Text, Amos 8:2. May the Lord comfort the bereaved parents.
Rhoads - Elas Rhoads was born June 9, 1848; died Sept. 2, 1903, of inflammation of the brain, caused by self-inflicted injuries, aged 55 Y., 2 M., 24 D. Interment at the Delaware M.H. near East Salem, Pa. His remains were followed to their last resting place by a very large concourse of people. Funeral sermon by the writer from Eccl. 12:13, 14, assisted by Samuel Leiter and William Auker. May our Father in heaven comfort the bereaved widow in her sore affliction.
Buckwalter - On the 6th of September, 1903, Ruth,
only daughter of Bish. I.J. and Sister Emma Buchwalter, of Dalton,
Wayne Co., O., aged 2 Y., 11 M., 28 D. She had always enjoyed
good health until five days before her death when she was taken
ill with cholera infantum, and at sunrise on Sunday, Sept. 6,
her spirit took its flight. Having accompanied Bro. and Sister
Buchwalter on nearly all their journeys in their wide field of
labor she had many acquaintances, and owing to her sweet, angelic
disposition she was loved and respected by them all. Her heavenly
Father had already endowed her with those rare traits of character
which are essential to the makeup of a useful being. The many
beautiful hymns she sang, the kind words she spoke, and the love
which she manifested to all shall long be remembered. While the
bereft father, mother, brother Harry and the church are bowing
their heads in grief over the deep loss which they have sustained,
may the wise God, through His comforting power, help all to be
reconciled and to say, Not ours, but "Thy will be done."
The funeral took place on her birthday at the Martin M.H. near
Orrville, O., where over five hundred people had assembled to
pay a final tribute of respect to their little Ruth. Services
by Bro. Buchwalter's co-laborers, David Hostetler, David Martin,
Amos Mumaw and Adam Brenneman, from the appropriate text, "She
hath done what she could."
Transcriber's Notes: Surname is first written as Buckwalter,
then as Buchwalter.
Witmer - On Aug. 14, 1903, at Goodville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Mary I., wife of Cyrus R. Witmer, aged 57 Y., 10 M., 10 D. The services were held at the Goodville M.H., and were conducted by Samuel Witmer, John Sauder and Benjamin Weaver, from Num. 23;10, latter clause, the text selected by the family. Interment at Weaverland cemetery. She had suffered from dropsy for some years, but most especially the last year, and while she endeavored to bear with her distress and suffering, without a murmur and always a smile and a good word for every one, her sufferings could not be concealed from the family. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years, and one of the elderly sisters who with their presence assisted the Sunday school cause at the time of starting Sunday school in this district. She leaves to mourn their loss a husband, four sons, three daughters and a brother. Her seat in church or Sunday school was seldom vacant when it was possible to be there. Her chair at home (the special chair in which she sat when directing her household affairs and which she occupied as long as she could) is now vacant. How sad for us all, and how she is missed! She will not return to us, but we may go to her. Her last concern was that her children might be in the fold, but she said, "I may not see this, but may be I must be taken to draw my children."
Harter - On Sept. 3, 1903, near Wakarusa, Ind., infant son of William and Miranda Harter, aged 6 M., 2 D. He was preceded to the spirit world by one sister, while father, mother, four sisters, relatives and friends remain to mourn his early departure. Services by Jonas Loucks and Jacob Shank. Text, 1 Pet. 1:24, 25. Buried in the Olive cemetery.
Wenger - On the 30th of August, 1903, near Bareville, Lancaster Co., Pa., of paralysis, Sister Elizabeth (Musser), wife of Pre. Joseph E. Wenger, aged 72 Y., 7 M. Sister Wenger had not been well for several months, though she was confined to her bed only a little over two weeks, and during this time she bore her sufferings patiently. At one time when her physician pronounced her better she wept, and said she desired to "depart and be with Christ, which is far better." Deceased is survived by her husband, a daughter, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother and sister and a large number of sympathizing relatives and friends. One son and six grandchildren preceded her to the spirit world. Funeral services on the 2d at the house by Isaiah Witmer and Noah H. Mack, at the Groffsdale M.H. by the bishops, Benj. Weaver in English and Jacob N. Brubacher in German. Text, Phil. 1:23. The funeral was largely attended, and the church and community feel that they have lost a faithful, pious Christian friend. May her good example be a blessing to all to us and especially to those who were bound to her by the ties of nature.
Kauffman - On July 24, 1903, at Shore, Lagrange Co., Ind., Sister Sarah E., wife of Daniel Kauffman, aged 21 Y., 3 M., 3 D. She leaves a sorrowing husband and one little child to mourn her departure. Sister Kauffman had accepted Christ as her Savior and was faithful till the good Lord called her home. Funeral services on the 27th in the Shore M.H., by Bro. A.S. Cripe in German and Bro. Y.C. Miller and Bro. Benjamin Lear of the Brethren congregation, in English. Text, Luke 8:52. Peace to her ashes.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
Thomas - On the 1st of September 1903, in Johnstown, Pa., of a complication of diseases, Florence, daughter of Milton and Huldah Thomas, aged 1 Y., 4 M., 11 D. Services were held at the house by Pre. Stoner of the Christian church and S.G. Shetler. The remains were laid away in Sandyvale cemetery in the city.
Bauer - On the 12th of Sept., 1903, at the residence of her son, Michael Bauer, in Olive Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of paralysis, Elizabeth Ramer, widow of Christian Bauer, aged 64 Y., 3 M., 3 D. She was the mother of thirteen children, of whom three preceded her in death. Her husband died Dec. 24, 1891. She was stricken with paralysis about two years ago, and has since been in feeble health. She was a zealous and consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. She passed through many trials and afflictions, but her trust was steadily stayed on Him who is a very present help in every time of need, and in her departure from the sufferings and trials on earth, we need not mourn as those who have no hope. Her kind, self-sacrificing devotion to those she loved, and those who needed her help will long be remembered. She was buried on the 15th at the Olive Mennonite M.H., where appropriate services were conducted by John F. Funk and Abraham Yoder from Matt. 24:44.
Prine - On the 7th of Sept., 1903, in Paulding Co., O., of croup, Oliver, son of John and Charity Prine, aged 4 Y., 6 M., 1 D. Buried on the 9th at Pike M.H. in Allen Co. Ohio. Funeral services by B.C. Brenneman. Text, John 11:40. C.B.B.
Forry - On the 1st of August, 1903, at the home of the parents, Pre. Theodore B. and Amanda Forry, in Windsor Twp., York Co., Pa., of pulmonary afflictions, Clarence G. Forry, aged 23 Y., 9 M., 3 D. He is survived by his wife, his parents, two brothers and two sisters (a third brother having since died). His infant daughter, Thelma, aged nine months, preceded him to the spirit world by three days. His desire to go to the home of his parents was fulfilled, although he was very weak, but his stay there was very brief, for he died the following evening. He was formerly engaged in teaching school. He united with the Evangelical church a few weeks before his death. Funeral services in the Red Lion Evangelical church by the paster from Rev. 7:13, and by Abram Witmer from Matt: 21:42, latter clause: "This is the Lord's doings, and is marvelous in our eyes." Interment in the burial ground adjoining the church.
Forry - On the 23d of August 1903, at the home of his parents, Pre. Theodore B. and Amanda Forry, in Windsor Twp., York Co., Pa., of pulmonary afflictions, Bro. Allen Walter Forry, aged 21 Y., 10 M., 12 D. Besides his parents he is survived by two sisters and two brothers. He was confined to his bed for some time and was a great sufferer, but he thanked God for His saving grace, realizing that one day in eternity would put all his afflictions into oblivion. He was patient and submissive to the end. He united with the Mennonite church several weeks before his death, and although he longed to do something for his Master, he longed to go to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He had been engaged in teaching public school, but on account of failing health he was unable to finish the winter term. Since then he had been slowly failing. Funeral services at the Witmer M.H. near Stony Brook, by Bish. Abram Herr from Psa. 90:14, and Bro. Abram Witmer from Job 19:21. Interment in the burying ground adjoining the meeting house. Although it was hard for the family to part with their loved ones, cut off at the beginning of a promising life, yet they mourn not as those who have no hope. May the Lord comfort the bereaved ones.
Winger - On Aug. 23, 1903, near Smithville, Wayne Co., Ohio, Mabel Fern, only daughter of F.D. and Emma Winger, aged 12 Y., 2 M., 19 D. She was a very modest and devoted child and her highest interest seemed to be in the Sunday school where she was always found as long as health permitted her to be there. Her death is a sad loss to the Sunday school and to her grief-stricken father, mother and little brother, but we hope their loss is her eternal gain of heavenly rest and sunshine. The funeral took place on the 31st at the Paradise M.H., where a large concourse of friends and neighbors assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to her whom they all loved. Services by D. Hostetler and John Greaser from the text, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Peace to her ashes.
Solley - On Sept. 14, 1903, at McClellandtown, Sister Anna Stolley, widow of the late Jonathan Solley, aged nearly 89 years. She was a consistent member of the Masontown Mennonite congregation and was loved by all who knew her. She is survived by one son and seven daughters. The funeral was conducted on Wednesday by Bish. J.N. Durr of Blair Co., Pa., from Psalm 23. A large concourse of friends followed her to her last resting place
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia