Gospel Witness Obituaries - February, 1906

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The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 45 - February 7, 1906 - page 419

Weaver. - Levi Weaver was born Oct. 26, 1848; died Jan. 13, 1906; aged 57 y., 2 m., 17 d. Bro. Weaver was a faithful member in the Mennonite Church for many years. Funeral services were conducted by S. D. Yoder, James Saylor and Samuel Gindlesberger, at the Stahl M. H., Jan. 15, 1906.

Garber. - Esther Garber was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, and died at the home of her only surviving brother, Christian Garber, Elkhart, Ind., Jan. 17, 1906, of Bright's disease; aged 69 y., 8 m., 17 d. Buried at the Clinton (Brick) cemetery. Services conducted by Yost Miller and Samuel Honderich. Texts, Ecc. 8:8; Rom. 8:23.

Blough. - On the 9th of Jan., 1906, very suddenly, at his home in Holsopple, Pa., John D Blough, aged 71 y., 5 m., 9 d. He had been engaged at his evening work, as usual, and had lain down on the lounge to rest, where he fell asleep, and from sleep passed into the sleep of death. It is another loud call to us that we should be at all times ready to meet death. Funeral services on the 11th at the U. B. church at Holsopple, where he had been a faithful member for many years. Services by Pre. Buffington and S. D. Yoder. Text, Psa. 4:8.

Kauffman. - Moses J. Kauffman was born Feb. 13, 1830, in Somerset Co., Pa., near Davidsville; died Jan. 23, 1906, at his home near Centennial church, aged 75 y., 11 m., 10 d. He was married to Christiana Mishler, May 22, 1853. To this union were born four sons and seven daughters. He is survived by his wife, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, a step-brother and step-sister, 4 sons, 4 daughters, 31 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Bro. Kauffman was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church for forty-nine years. Funeral services conducted by S. D. Yoder and James Saylor, at the Centennial Church. Buried at the Sem Johns Cemetery.

Roulet. - On the 28th of Dec., 1905, at Hesperia, Cal., Mattie Roulet (Kauffman), aged 32 years. She leaves a husband, three small children, father, mother and five brothers to mourn her early departure. They moved here from Washington in November, hoping to get relief from that dread disease, consumption, but it was too late. She had a desire to depart and be with Christ. Services at the house by David Garber. Peace to her ashes.

Metzler. - On Jan. 25, 1906, near Columbiana, Ohio, of heart failure, Henry Metzler, aged 46 y., 2 m., 16 d. Bro. Metzler had not been so well since last September. The doctor claimed there was something wrong with his heart, but he was able to be about and do some work. On the 25th, after a good night's rest, he arose at about 5 o'clock, and while in the act of putting on his vest he fell over and expired suddenly. This was a great shock to his many friends. One son preceded him to the spirit world. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, one son, four sisters, one brother and two half-brothers, besides many friends to mourn his early departure, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years. The funeral was held on the 27th at Midway, where E. M. Detweiler preached from Matt. 24:42-44, assisted by Allen Rickert, who also conducted a short service at the church. A large concourse of people had assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to one who was loved and respected. The family has the sympathy of the entire community in this sad and sudden bereavement. May they look to God for comfort.
P. M.

Kulp. - Sister Catherine, wife of Isaac L. Kulp, of Danboro, Bucks Co., Pa., was born Feb. 26th, 1847, and departed this life on Thursday evening, Jan. 18th, 1906, after a brief illness of five days from pneumonia and a complication of diseases . The notice of her funeral was a shock to many. Brother and Sister Kulp lived a peaceful married life for a little over thirty-five years. She is survived by her husband, four daughters, Lizzie, wife of Aaron Leatherman, of Fountainville, Pa., Esther, wife of J. D. Mininger, of the Old People's Home, Rittman, 0,; Sarah, wife of Timothy Thut, of Danboro, Pa., and Katie, who remains at home. The only son living is Isaac B. Kulp, who resides in Phila. Three sons, Harvey, Jacob and Abraham, preceded their mother to the world beyond. Bro. and Sister Kulp were among those who attended the recent Gen. Conference in Canada, and on this trip Sister Kulp formed many new friendships which we trust may brighten into perfection in a better world than this. After returning from the Berlin meetings, Sister Kulp fervently resolved anew to live as becometh a mother in Israel. Our loss is to be felt rather than described. In Mother Kulp were combined such qualities as go to make up true, loving Christian motherhood. As a proof of this her works do follow her (Rev. 14-13). The importunate prayer of Mother Kulp was that God would spare her until her children were grown up and in the Shepherd's fold. On her deathbed she was resigned to the will of God, expressed her gladness over the obedience of her children, said that she was not alone and that it would not be long until the rest of the family would follow her and be re-united. "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good cheer, be of one mind, live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you (II Cor. 13:11); this Scripture so beautifully portraying her disposition was used as a text by the brethren Christian B. Allebach and H. G. Anglemoyer at her funeral Jan. 22nd. Interment in Doylestown Mennonite burying ground. Age, 58 y., 10 m. and 22d.

Transcribed by: Carl Metzler, Indiana


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 46 - February 14, 1906 - page 431

Hershey. - Magdalena Metzler Hershey, widow of Christian Hershey, died Jan. 7th, 1906, in her 82nd year. She was feeble for many years. Great pain sometimes. Had much patience in her afflictions. Longed to go home. Died with a blessed assurance and told her children not to weep for her, but to rejoice. Funeral on the 10th. Services at the house by John Senger. At Hershey's Church by Amos Hoover, Bishop Isaac Eby and C. M. Brackbill. Bishop Eby had for his text Rev. 14: 12, 13. Interment in the adjoining graveyard.
A Friend.

Transcriber's note: Although differing in some details this obituary seems to be of the same woman whose obituary was in the Jan. 31, 1906, issue of The Gospel Witness.

Gladwell. - On Feb. 2nd, near Clover Hill, Rockingham Co., Va., after prolonged affliction of paralysis of about ten years' standing, Hetty Funk Gladwell, wife of William Gladwell, aged about 60 years. She was a daughter of Christian and Frances Funk, who were Mennonites, she herself having united with the Presbyterian church only of late years. She leaves no children, but is survived by one sister and four brothers. Funeral services to be held from Clover Hill Methodist Church on Sunday, Feb. 4. The large number of family connections among the Mennonites in this state and elsewhere will doubtless hear of her departure from this life with sadness, but mingled with a sigh of relief in the thought that she is at last free from a most prolonged period of bodily suffering.
L. J. H.

Rose. - On Jan. 29, 1906, at his home in Somerset Co., Pa., Geo. Rose, aged 55 y., 5 m., 25 d. Funeral services were conducted at Thomas M. H. by S. G. Shetler, from Psa. 6:3.

Gindlesperger. - On Jan. 31, 1906, at his home near Johnstown, Pa., of typhoid fever, Daniel Gindlesperger, aged 35 y., 10 m., 22 d. Funeral services were conducted on Feb. 2 in the Methodist church, at Johnstown, Pa., by S. G. Shetler, from Psa. 13:3. Interment In Berkley cemetery.

Transcribed by: Carl Metzler, Indiana


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 47 - February 21, 1906 - page 443

Maurer. - Melvin Maurer was born Dec. 5, 1889, and died Feb. 3, 1906; age, 16 y., 1 m., 28 d. His mother, two little sisters and one infant brother preceded him to the world beyond, leaving a father, four brothers and one sister. Funeral at Clinton Brick church Feb. 5, by J. C. Mehl and D. D. Miller.

Hershberger. - Jeremiah Hershberger died at the home of his son-in-law, C. H. King, Springs, Pa.., on Feb. 9, 1906; aged 86 y., 1 m., 22 d. He was stricken with paralysis and lingered about thirty-six hours when he calmly fell asleep to awake in eternity. During this time he was unable to speak but appeared to be conscious of his surroundings. He united with the Mennonite church about forty-four years ago and was at the time of his death the oldest member of the congregation. During the last six years of his life, his hearing and sight failed him and he did not attend public services much, but up to that time his seat in the church was rarely vacant. He made a special point to attend the communion services. He was of a quiet, peaceable disposition and was possessed of many qualities that may be profitably followed. He leaves to mourn their loss, 5 children, 41 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers and 1 sister. Funeral services were held at Springs, on Feb. 12, conducted by G. D. Miller, assisted by H. M. Gelnett and D. H. Bender, from John 5:28,29. Interment In the cemetery near by.

Zook. - Samuel Y. Zook was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., June 30, 1830, and died at Dixmont, Pa., Jan. 27, 1906; aged 75 y., 6 m., 27d. Funeral at Forest Grove near Middlebury, Ind., Jan. 31, by A. J. Hostetler, J. Troyer and D. D. Miller. May God comfort the bereaved.

Transcriber's note: Stated age is not consistent with given birth and death dates.

Penner. - Elizabeth, wife of P. A. Penner, was born in South Russia, Oct. 29, 1875, and died at Calcutta, India, Jan. 3, 1906, aged 30 y., 2 m., 5 d. The cause of her death was mastoiditis. The pain was attributed to a decaying tooth and they went to Calcutta to have it extracted. After leaving the dentist's office the pain became more intense, till in only a few hours she passed away. After her death it was noticed that there was a discharge from her ear. The abcess had broken. The last question asked her by her husband was, "Ist der Herr Jesus mit dir?" She answered in the affirmative with a smile and peacefully passed away. She was laid to rest on Jan. 4, in the South Circular cemetery, Calcutta. She leaves a husband and daughter to mourn her loss, beside the many relatives in America. The little daughter will soon be taken to America by her grandfather Penner who is here on a visit. Memorial services were held on Jan. 14 at the Mission at Champa. Eighteen missionaries from different stations were present. It is sad to be thus bereft of a companion on the mission field. May God bless the bereaved husband as he labors entirely alone at his station.

Transcriber's note: "abcess" is spelled as in the original.

Short. - On Jan. 27, 1906, near Archibold, Fulton Co., Ohio, Amos, only son of Bro. Christian and __ Short, aged two months and seven days. Four little brothers have preceded him. While the parents and three sisters are left to mourn the absence of these little jewels they yet have the comfort of the Master's words, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven." Services by D. J. Johns, of Goshen, Ind., from Psa. 16:6, assisted by C. S. Stuckey.

Transcriber's note: "Archibold" is spelled as in the original.

Miller. - On Feb. 9, 1906, near Middlebury, Ind., of consumption, Anna. wife of Daniel P. Miller, aged 63 y., 10 m, 14 d. Sister Miller was yet quite young when her parents moved from Somerset Co., Pa., to Lagrange Co., Ind. She united with the Amish Mennonite church at the age of 17 years and continued faithful to the end. She was the mother of 13 children, 11 surviving her. All but two belonged to the same congregation to which she belonged. Two of her sons were called to the ministry by the same congregation, Joseph D. (deceased), and D. D., one of our present evangelists. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, 8 sons, 3 daughters, 4 sisters, 1 brother, 56 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, to mourn her departure. She so much desired that she might be with the Redeemer and the redeemed, and in this hope she fell peacefully asleep. Funeral at the Forks church, where a very large concourse of people gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to one they learned to love. Services by Samuel E. Weaver in English and D. J. Johns in German, from John 11:25,26.

'Tis hard to part with you, dear mother,
We can only wonder why
Thou hast left us grieved and lonely:
May we meet thee by and by.

Human hands have tried to save thee,
Tender care was all in vain;
Holy angels came and bore thee
From this weary world of pain.

Your suffering now is o'er,
Your warfare now is ended;
We shall see you here no more,
To God your soul ascended.

With saints and angels there
You can praise the Lord our King.
The great reward you'll share,
And the heavenly anthems sing.

Transcribed by: Carl Metzler, Indiana


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 48 - February 28, 1906 - pages 455,456

Rhodes. - A heart-rending accident occurred at the home of Bro. C. N. Rhodes, at Fairfax, Va., on Feb. 16. The mother and baby had been out looking at cows and horses to amuse the child. On returning they found the fire in the fire-place low, so the mother set the child down to "stay here till mamma gets wood." She went out and her attention was drawn to the hen house, where she took off a couple of hens. Just then the husband came up with a load of hay and some words were passed between them. They heard the cry of the baby, but thought she cried about being alone, and did not hurry to her. Then she heard her run to the door and as she often did this to meet her mother she still did not hurry, but said, "Yes, my little lamb, mama is coming." On opening the door she found the room full of smoke and rushed toward the baby. As she got near the door she heard the baby back of her. The baby had caught fire in the fireplace, cried for mamma and rushed to the other room to the door where her mother had gone out, and not being able to open the door she had gone back into the corner and leaned over a box, where the mother found her in full blaze, the coat and nearly all the clothes burnt off, the box afire, and the child, who had inhaled the flames and smoke, nearly roasted and in the horror of agony that fire alone can produce. She rushed with the baby into the open air, where her husband came to her rescue. Though the doctor was summoned, and friends and neighbors did all they could, the child could not be saved. Her eyes were blinded and sunk, hands burnt into a crisp and the body from the knees up was roasted. This occurred about 3 P. M., and at 6:20 the little eyes closed in death, to behold beauty and grandeur, where fire and agony of death are unknown. A short service was conducted at the house by E. J. Berkey, when the body was taken the home of Mr. Ruffner (grandfather of he child), near Opal, Va., on the 18th, here it was buried in the family graveyard. Funeral on the 18th at 2 P. M., by Rev. Harper, a Presbyterian minister. A large concourse of people assembled to show their sympathy to the bereaved, grief-stricken parents. This is the third little girl taken from their home and only one little boy (Paul) is left. Helen was 2 yrs., 1 mo. and 3 days old. May God tenderly shower His grace on the broken hearts.
E. J. B.

Reist. - On Feb. 8, 1906, near Kossuth, Ont., of paralysis, Sister Mary, wife of Bro. Peter Reist; aged 71 y., 8 m., 23 d. Her husband, one son, four grandchildren and many friends remain to mourn her departure; but with the hope that she has gone to rest with the redeemed. Funeral on the 10th. Services at the home of Jacob Woolner, Sr., and at the Cressman Mennonite church by A. B. Snyder and Jacob S. Woolner.

Weaver. - Lizzie Brubaker was born in Snyder Co., Pa., Feb. 23, 1884. Moved with her parents to Harper Co., Kans., in the spring of 1902; was married to Emery E. Weaver June 21, 1905. Died Feb. 5, 1906, aged 21 y., 1 m., 21 d. She was converted Feb. 1903, and united with the Mennonite church April 12, of the same year. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley congregation to the time of her death. She leaves a sorrowing husband, father, mother, one brother, three sisters and many friends to mourn her departure. May God comfort the sorrowing ones. Sister Weaver selected her own text some time previous to her death. Funeral services were conducted at the Pleasant Valley church by T. M. Erb, of Newton, Kans. Text, Matt. 24:44. The sorrowing ones have the sympathy of the entire community.

Swick. - Marion, infant son of Bro. Joe and Anna Swick, was born Dec. 18, 1905; died Feb. 15, 1906, aged one month, 28 days. The little one had a severe attack of whooping cough and pneumonia and was sick only a few days. It budded on earth to bloom in heaven. Funeral services at the home by Pre. B. F. Hartzler from Mark 10:15.

Beachy. - Christian M. Beachy was born Oct. 28, 1861; died Feb. 16, 1906; aged 44 y., 3 m., 18 d. Bro. Beachy was for a number of years a member of the Mennonite church at Springs, Pa., and the circumstances of his death are the saddest and most striking of any that ever occurred in the history of the congregation. He was in the act of repairing a flue on the church building while a counsel of a number of ministers and members was being held inside the building, when, his foot slipping, he fell to the ground, striking on his head and fracturing his skull. His unconscious form was carried inside, but he expired in about ten minutes without gaining consciousness. The weeping and pleading for just one word from husband and father by wife and children, who had been hastily summoned, presented an affecting scene. Such a death has many sad aspects, but Bro. Beachy left the evidence behind that all is well with him. He is survived by his wife, 5 children and a sister. May God comfort the sorrowing friends. Funeral services were held at Springs in the house in which he expired, on Feb. 18, conducted by Daniel Kauffman, of Scottdale, Pa., and D. H. Bender, before a large concourse of people. Text, Matt. 24:44. Interment in the cemetery near by.

Transcribed by: Carl Metzler, Indiana


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