Helmuth On Oct. 16, 1904, at his home in Walnut Creek, O., of paralysis, David Helmuth; aged 57 Y., 7 M., 13 D. He received a stroke at 6:30 o'clock in the morning while doing the chores; this was followed by another at 11 o'clock, when he passed away. A loud call for all to be ready for death. He leaves to mourn their loss, a wife and three sons; two sons preceded him to the spirit world. Funeral services were conducted by Bish. Fred. Mast (text, Psa. 8:15) and Bish. Moses Mast (text, Job 7:17).
Brackbill On Sept. 5, 1904, in Manheim Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Emma S., daughter of J. Eden and Lizzie Brackbill, aged 1 Y., 4 M., 8 D. Buried in Brick Church graveyard. Services by Daniel Lehman.
Layman On Oct. 7, 1904, at his home near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., of typhoid fever, Bro. Martin A. Layman, aged 50 Y., 4 M., 7 D. His sickness covered a period of about four weeks, and during the last few days of his life his general condition was apparently much improved, but after the abatement of the fever he was left with a very weak heart. In one of the sinking spells that followed he expired at a time when a large circle of relatives and the immediate family were little prepared for the shock. Bro. Layman was the chorister of the congregation at the Pike M. H., in which capacity he served faithfully for a number of years. Funeral services from the same place on Sunday afternoon of the 9th, by A. B. Burkholder, L. J. and J. A. Heatwole, from Psa. 103:13, 14. A large congregation was present to pay a last tribute to his memory. A wife and 13 children survive him.
Estep On Oct. 18, 1904, at the home of her uncle, Samuel Hartman, near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., of consumption, Sister Sarah Magdalene Estep, aged 31 Y., 9 M., 25 D. Her sickness covered a period of about two years, through all of which she maintained a marked degree of patience and Christian fortitude. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church from early life. In view of approaching death she made known the following request, which she put in writing: "I have selected the brethren Jos. F. and L. J. Heatwole to preach my funeral; text, 1 Thess. 4:13, 14. The hymns, Nos. 173, 170 and 179 in the 'Church and Sunday School Hymnal" are selected-the last to be sung while filing to the grave." In the funeral service, which was held from Weaver's church on the 20th, the above request was in every way complied with. One brother and a sister survive her.
Witmer On Oct. 19, 1904, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, after a long sickness, Lydia Witmer; aged 68 Y., 1 M., 11 D. She was the widow of the late John Witmer, who died nine years ago. One son and three grandchildren also preceded her to the spirit world. She is survived by three daughters, three sons, twenty-one grandchildren, one sister, three brothers and many friends to mourn her departure, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. In her last sickness she expressed a desire to depart and be with Christ. She was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. The funeral was held on the 22d at the Midway M.H., where many people assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to one whom they loved and respected. Services were held by Jacob Weaver and A. Brubacher in German, and Henry Hurst of Wayne county, in English, from the text which she herself had selected-Rev. 14:13. She was buried in the adjoining graveyard by the side of her husband. The sorrowing ones have the sympathy of many friends and neighbors in their bereavement. P.M.
Beverstein Near Nappanee, Inc., Oct. 17, 1904, Minnie Mae, daughter of Daniel and Catharine Beverstein; aged 16 Y., 3 M., 24D. At the age of seven months she had spinal fever and ever afterwards she was as helpless as a child, and for the past two years she was confined to her bed, subject to spasms, accompanied with much suffering. She could never talk nor walk, consequently she was blameless and not guilty like many others who with their tongues have used deceit. She was buried at the South Union M. H., where appropriate remarks were made from Rom. 4:7, 8, by Noah Metzler in English and David Burkholder in German. The grief-stricken parents mourn not as those who have no hope, but they have the blessed assurance that she is not lost, but gone before, and that in the resurrection morning her disfigured, emaciated body will come forth in a transfigured and glorified state. DAVID BURKHOLDER.
Shenk On Oct. 3, 1904, near Mohea, Va., of consumption, Sister Fanny Virginia Shenk, wife of Bro. A. P. Shenk and daughter of Bish. Samuel Coffman, deceased; aged 38 Y., 11 M., 3 D.. She leaves a husband and six children to mourn her departure, yet they have the comforting assurances that she is at rest with loved ones gone before, where those who are left behind may by the grace of God meet her again. Sister Shenk's health had been failing for a number of years and she was confined to her bed for about a year before she died. She was fully resigned to the will of God and has a desire to depart and be with Christ. She was laid to rest on October 4th in the Warwick River cemetery. Services by Andrew Shenk of Oronogo, Mo., and Jacob Hahn. S. P. YODER
Transcribed by Verna G Odena, Texas
Gnable On Oct 29th, at her home in Windber, Pa., Maggie, wife of Willis Gnable, aged 31 Y., 7 M., 24 D. Buried on the 30th, services by James Ream and Perry Blough. She is survived by her husband, two small daughters, one step-son, father, mother and two sisters. She was a member of the German Baptist church. L.B.
Warner On Sept. 25, 1904, near Evendale, Pa., Bro. Samuel Warner; 68 Y., 12 D. Funeral services were held at the Lost Creek M. H. by Samuel Leiter and Simon P. Auker. Text, Dan. 12:12, 13. Buried in the cemetery adjoining.
Hipsher Jacob Hipsher was born Oct. 14, 1810; came to the Mennonite Old People's Home near Rittman, O., June 16, 1901; died Oct. 20, 1904; aged 94 Y., 6 D. He got up with a cold on Sunday morning and on Thursday morning he breathed his last. He had been quite well and supple for a man of his age and was able to get about the place. During the past summer he at one time walked a distance of three miles alone. Funeral services were held at the Crown Hill M. D. by D. C. Amstutz in German and David Hostetler in English. Text, Job 19:25, 26. Yost Miller of Lagrange, Ind., also assisted in the services. Buried in the cemetery adjoining. This is the third death that occurred at the Home since it was founded. J. G. WENGER.
Sheffner Frank Sheffner and his wife both died on the same day-Oct. 16, 1904-at Barker Street, St. Joseph Co., Mich. Frank Sheffner, aged 86 Y., 8 M., 8 D.; Sophia Sheffner (nee Worts), aged 79 Y., 6 M., 7 D. It was her wish that God would call him first and then her, so they could go to the grave together. Her wish was granted; he died at 2 p.m. and she at 11 p.m. They had two children, but both died about five years ago. They were members of the German Baptist church. Funeral services were conducted by J. H. Fike. Interment in the Bristol (Ind.) cemetery.
Bowers On Oct. 26, 1904, near Lancaster, Pa., of heart disease. Bro. Benjamin Bowers; aged 78 Y., 11 M., 4 D. He is survived by a wife, 3 children and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One remarkable feature concerning this couple's fifty-five years of wedded life is, that although four generations were represented, not a death occurred in the family until the head of the family was removed. Funeral services were held at the Millersville M. H. by Abram Herr, D. N. Lehman and A. D. Wenger. Interment in the cemetery adjoining.
Detwiler On Oct 27, 1904, Mahoning Co., Ohio, after suffering for some time with Bright's disease, Barbara Detwiler, nee Nold; aged 74 Y., 8 M., 5 D. Sister Detwiler was a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. She was the widow of the late Samuel Detwiler, who died nearly four years ago. She is survived by five daughters, four sons and a large number of grandchildren, three sisters, five brothers and many friends to mourn her departure, but they can comfort themselves with the thought that she is now free from the cares and sorrows of this life and is now at rest. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, Oct 30th, at the Midway M. H., when services were conducted by Pre. Jacob Christophel of Indiana, and Paul Whitmer. Text, Phil. 1:21. About 600 people were assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to one whom they loved and respected. She was buried in the adjoining graveyard by the side of her husband. P.M.
Otto On Oct. 28, 1904, in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Leah Otto, nee Miller; aged 50 Y., 4 M., 13 D. She was the wife of Alfred Otto, who survives her to mourn the loss of a loving and faithful companion, but he need not mourn as those who have no hope. She had some catarrah or lung trouble for many years, but was able to be about her work and also to minister to the wants of her husband, who has been sick for several years. About nine days previous to her death she was seized with catarrhal pneumonia, but was not considered very seriously sick, when on the above date her heart failed and she passed away very unexpectedly. She was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. The funeral was held on the 31st at the meeting house a mile west of Midway, where services were held by Jacob Weaver and A. Brubacher. Text, Matt. 24:44. A large concourse of friends and neighbors gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to one who was loved and respected. Buried in the adjoining graveyard. P.M.
Hartzler On Oct. 28, 1904, Mary Eula Hartzler, oldest daughter of Bro. Elmer and Sister Sarah Hartzler, was called to live with Jesus. Eula suffered very much for several months. Her remains were buried on Saturday Oct. 29th. Funeral services at the house by D. Y. Hooly; at the church by C. S. Hauder. Text, Job 14:1, 2. May God comfort the sorrowing friends.
Transcribed by Verna G Odena, Texas
Dea. Andrew Stemen was born in Fairfield Co., O., Dec. 31, 1825; died Nov. 5, 1904; aged 78 Y., 10 M., 5 D. When a young boy he moved with his parents to Allen county, where he spent the remainder of his days. The country was then new and in the clearing up of the land he necessarily had to endure many hardships and exposures. He was joined in marriage with Jane Sakemiller (who died four years ago), Jan. 23, 1848. They united with the Mennonite church about 45 years ago. To them were born twelve children, of whom three sons and one daughter preceded him to the world beyond. There are also 46 grandchildren, of whom six are dead, and 10 great-grandchildren. In the year 1845 he was ordained to the office of deacon, in which capacity he faithfully served the church nearly 40 years. He was deeply concerned for the welfare of the church, often spending sleepless nights meditating on the things concerning her spiritual welfare. He often deplored and grieved over the church he loved, as he saw many of the members drifting into pride and worldliness and into methods of work which he could not sanction and which he felt were tending to the corruption and desolation of the church. He expressed his determination to contend more earnestly than ever against these things. In his efforts to maintain the church in its purity and to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints and keep in the ways of the fathers, he met with much opposition and his life was often made sad; yet he bore all with patience and meekness, and being fully resigned to the will of God, he passed away, as we believe, to receive the crown of righteousness at the right hand of God, where we, if we hold out faithful unto the end, may meet the dear father and brother again in the fullness of eternal glory. Funeral services were conducted by John F. Funk of Elkhart, Ind., John M. Shenk and C.B. Brenneman, from the text, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, which was selected by the family. He suffered twelve weeks with nervous debility and heart disease.
Burkholder On Nov. 7, 1904, Mahoning Co., Ohio, Frances Burkholder, nee Metzler, aged 61 Y., 10 M., 5 D. She had been sick over a year with a complication of diseases, but was able during the past summer to attend church and visit friends occasionally. A week previous to her death she grew worse again and passed peacefully away on the above date. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. She was the wife of Bro. Benjamin Burkholder, who, with one daughter, one son, two grandchildren, two sisters, four brothers and many friends survive her, but they can comfort themselves with the thought that she is now free from the toils and cares of this world and is but gone before. Three children preceded her to the spirit world. The funeral was held on the 10th at Midway, where many friends and neighbors gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to the departed sister, who was loved and respected. Appropriate services were held by E. M. Detwiler, assisted by D. S. Lehman; at the house by Allen Rickert. PETER METZLER
Diener - On the 21st of October, 1904, in Elkhart, Co., Ind., of a tumor in the liver, Susan Christophel, wife of C. K. Diener, aged 51 Y., 2 M., 11 D. She had been suffering for some time and finally had an operation performed, which in a few days ended her life. She leaves a sorrowing husband, eight children and five brothers and sisters and many friends to mourn her death. She was buried on the following Sunday in Grace Lawn cemetery at Elkhart. Funeral Services were conducted by John F. Funk.
Gehman On Oct. 27, 1904, in Mohnsville, Pa., Judith Gehman died of infirmities of old age. She was 85 Y., 8 M., 23 D. old and was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for a number of years and died with that blessed hope in Jesus as being her Redeemer. She was buried on the 31st in the Bowmansville cemetery. Services by Henry Good and Benj. Weaver. Text, Isa. 64:6. Many friends and relatives gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed one. Her husband preceded her to the spirit world some years ago at the ripe old age of 85 years. Peace to her ashes. WM. G. GOOD.
Lora Josephine Beery Lora was born Nov. 1, 1868, near Lancaster, O., died Nov. 3, 1904, near Columbus Grove, O.; aged 36 Y., 2 D. Married to Peter T. Lora, Dec. 10, 1891. To this union were born three sons and two daughters, of whom one son has gone before. She was converted in early life and united with the Brethren (Dunkard) church, where she held her membership until death. She was a faithful companion, an affectionate mother and a kindly disposed neighbor. Josephine began to fail in health, lung trouble being noticeable in April. During her illness she manifested a great degree of patience and Christian forbearance. Among her last words were; "It is well with me, I am going home." A much bereft husband, four children and many friends mourn her early departure. Services at the Ebenezer Mennonite M. H. near Bluffton, O., conducted by M. S. Steiner, J. B. Bear and S. Driver.
Ropp Bro. Aaron Ropp died Oct. 28, 1904, at his home, three miles east of Pekin, Tazewell Co., Ill., being sick only six days with pneumonia, aged 43 Y., 3 M., 17 D. He united with the Amish Mennonite church at an early age and lived a consistent Christian life to the time of his death. Funeral services by the brethren Val. Strubar and Joe King. Text, Rom. 6.
Kauffman On Sept. 28, 1904, near Kinzer, Pa., of typhoid fever, Bro. Aquila E. Kauffman, son of Benjamin and Mary Kauffman; aged 18 Y., 3 M., 27 D. Eleven days previous to his death he was baptized and received into the church. He was conscious until almost the very last and bade the friends all good-bye, expressing a desire to meet them in heaven. He leaves a sorrowing father, mother, two brothers and two sisters to mourn his early departure. Funeral services were conducted at the house by J. S. Mast in English (text, Rev. 21:4), and at the church by C. W. Stoltzfus and Bish. Gideon Stoltzfus in German (text, 1 Pet. 1:24). H.M.W.
Transcribed by Verna G. Odena, Texas
Mast Jacob Mast was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Nov. 13, 1854, and died at his home near Elkhart, Ind., Nov. 11, 1904; aged 49 Y., 11 M., 28 D. He was married to Rebecca Ellen Plank, Dec. 7, 1879. To this union were born six children, three boys and three girls, all of whom with the deeply bereaved wife and mother and three brothers survive him. Bro. Mast united with the Amish Mennonite church in early life and remained a faithful and consistent member to the end. He had been troubled with valvular affection of the heart for some time, but during the last few weeks of his life he was able to be about and assist in the work about the place. On the morning of his death he arose feeling well and while starting the kitchen fire the summons came suddenly and as a shock to the family. He was a loving husband, a kind father and a good neighbor. We trust our loss is his eternal gain. Funeral services were held on Nov. 14th and were conducted at the house by Pre. Kregar, an old neighbor, at the church in Elkhart by D. H. Bender and J. S. Hartzler, assisted by J. F. Funk. Interment in the Prairie Street cemetery where services were conducted by Samuel Yoder.
Transcribers note: affection is the correct word used in the obituary.
Gingerich Jeremiah Gingerich was born in Ohio Nov. 23, 1850; died in Burlington, Iowa, Nov. 2, 1904, of asphyxia; aged 53 Y., 11 M., 9 D. The deceased was taking the remains of his uncle, John Stutzman, who died suddenly while on a visit to his friends at this place (Wellman, Iowa,) to his home at Pulaski, Iowa, and being obliged to spend the night at Burlington, he secured lodging at the Union Hotel. He retired at 10 o'clock, leaving orders to be called at 6 a. m. The clerk failing to arouse him, entrance was forced into the room and his dead body found. The gas had evidently been turned out, but the valve was either too far or turned back slightly, as the gas was slowly escaping into the room. His remains were brought back to Wellman and interred in the Lower Deer Creek cemetery. Funeral services were held by Gideon Yoder of the Upper Deer Creek district, assisted by the other ministers. He was a member of the Amish church and leaves to mourn his sad death a sorrowing wife, two sons, one daughter and many relatives and friends.
Weber - On Oct. 22, 1904, at his home near Hagerstown, Md., early in the morning our brother took his departure to his future abode. Benjamin B. Weber was aged 32 Y., 1 M., 11 D. He leaves a companion, three little boys, a mother and three brothers. He united with the church about eleven years ago and was a faithful member until death. His Christian life was an example worthy of imitation. We have reason to believe that he tried to obey his Lord and Savior in everything. He had a great desire to give to the Lord. In conversation with him we often noticed his eager desire to help those who are destitute of food, raiment and the word of God. He once wrote a valuable tract on tithing. About ten months ago he began to fail in health, but was able to be about until the last. After trying many ways to regain his health he decided to take a trip to Warwick Co., Va., and on the 7th of September he left for said place, where later on his companion joined him. On the 19th of October they returned to their home again. How quickly he was called on his second trip, from which he will never return! It was quite a shock to his family, friends and neighbors. This sudden call brings our minds to the words of the text (Jas. 4:13, 14), "Go to now, ye that say, Today or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and continue a year and buy and sell and get gain; whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life: It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanishes away." Funeral services by Bish. George Keener, Henry Baer and C. R. Strite. Burial at the Reiff Mennonite M. H. HIS BROTHER HENRY
Davis Ruth Davis died at her home in South Clarinda, Iowa, on Oct. 24, 1904; aged 87 Y., 11 M., 12 D. Ruth Roberts was born in Ohio, Nov. 12, 1816. She was married to J. C. Good and they removed to Iowa in 1864, settling on a farm a short distance west of Braddyville. In 1865 her husband died. To them were born two boys and four girls; Josua of Clarinda, Iowa; Sarah A. Haney of---, Ohio; Elizabeth of Shambaugh, Iowa; John R. and Mary Boeugher of Boise, Idaho, and Hester who died in 1874. In 1866 she married to Alex. Davis, who died in Clarinda, Feb. 1889. Funeral services were held at the U. B. church, conducted by Pre. Homan of the M. E. church, assisted by Pre. C. J. Stark of the U. B. church. She was buried by the side of her first husband in the Braddyville cemetery. She had been a faithful Christian over seventy years. All who have known her well and now speak of her, unite in saying, "A splendid woman, a devoted Christian."
Good On Oct. 26, 1904, in Philadelphia, Pa., of consumption, Sister Anna Good; aged 21 Y., 6 M., 2 D. She was the youngest daughter of the late John and Annie Good. She was of a mild and cheerful disposition and just in the bloom of youth. About eight months ago her health failed and she gradually became weaker, bearing it with Christian fortitude, without murmur of complaint, until the end came, hen she calmly and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus. She leaves a kind mother, one sister (wife of Franklin Brackbill of Philadelphia), two brothers and many friends to mourn her early departure. Her father preceded her to the spirit world fifteen months ago. Funeral services were held at Hershey's church by Bish. Isaac Eby. Text, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Interment in the cemetery near by.
Transcribed by Verna G Odena, Texas