Gospel Witness - Volume 2, Number 14 - July 4, 1906 - pages 223, 224.

LIVENGOOD. - Sister Elmira, wife of Bro. Wm. C. Livengood of Springs, Pa., died June 16, 1906; aged 64 y., 9m., 2d. She suffered very much of cancer. During her illness she expressed a willingness to go and be with the Lord, if it was His will. She leaves a husband, 2 sons, 3 daughters, 9 grand-children, 3 brothers and 3 sisters to mourn their loss which we hope is her gain. She united with the Mennonite Church in 1881, and remained faithful till death. There were over one thousand people attended the funeral, which was held at the Folk Church, at Springs, Pa., on June 17. Services at the home by David Kiem and H. M. Gelnett and at the church by G. D. Miller and W.C. Hershberger. Text, John 16:7.

OESCH. - Daniel Oesch was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Canada, June 1, 1825; died near Leo, Ind., June 8, 1906; aged 81y., 8d. He married to Barbara Roth on January 22, 1850. They lived together a little over fifty years, when on Feb. 6, 1901, the wife was called her "long home" and Bro. Oesch continued to struggle with life's battles alone. To this union were born 8 children; 2 sons, Christian and John, and 1 daughter, Leah, also 24 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren survive them. Bro. Oesch made his church home with the A. M. denomination in his young years and continued faithful to the end. Services by Eli Yoder and D. D. Miller.

BURKHOLDER. - Elizabeth Burkholder, nee Smucker, was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1831. She was the second child of a family of eight children, four brothers and four sisters, four of which are still living. She was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Jonathan S. Burkholder on Feb. 16, 1853, and who preceded her to the spirit world, Oct. 2, 1900. Her age was 74y., 8m., 15d. She was the mother of 9 children and the grandmother of 11; three sons and seven grandchildren survive her. Death was caused by a complication of diseases, chief of which was liver trouble. Funeral services were held at the Oak Grove Church by Benj. Gerig in the German and C. Z. Yoder in the English language. Texts, Psa. 17:15 and Isa. 66:13, interment in the cemetery adjoining. Her departure is mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends. She will long be remembered by her acquaintances as one who was dear to them. May God comfort the bereaved ones and so direct that when this life of pain and sickness is over, we meet her again in the glory world.
N. S. B.

SCHANTZ. - Anna, beloved wife of Bish. Peter Schantz, of near Normal, Ill., died June 8, 1906, aged 54y., 3m. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, having accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of 17. The evening before her death she called her children to her bedside and bade them good-bye. She had a message for each one, the theme of which was, "Kindness toward our fellow-man and obedience to Jesus". She is survived by a sorrowing husband, four children, two grandchildren, six brothers and four sisters. Funeral services were conducted on the 10, at the East White Oak Mennonite church by Val. Strubhar and E. Troyer.

EBY. - Ellen E., daughter of Ephraim N. and Amelia Eby, was born March 18, 1882, peacefully fell asleep at her home in Lancaster Co., Pa., on June 16, 1906; aged 24y., 3m. Her ailment was heart trouble and paralysis of which she suffered very patiently for ten weeks, always answering, "Whether life or death, I am satisfied." Two years prior to her death, she united with the Mennonite church. She was a faithful member, ever active in His service, until the Lord saw fit to relieve her of her sufferings and call her to Himself. O, that those left to mourn her departure may pattern after her example, always looking on the bright side of life, trusting in the Lord. Funeral services were conducted at the Hess Meeting House by the brethren, John Bucher, Jacob N. Brubacher and Jacob Hershey, from the text selected by her during her sickness, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me" (Psa. 23:4).

"Death shall not destroy my comfort.
Christ shall guide me through the gloom;
Down he'll send some angel convoy
To convey my spirit home.

Now with angels I am marching,
With bright glory on my brow.
Who will share my blissful portion,
Who will love my Savior now?"

Transcribed by Rita Martin, Missouri.

Gospel Witness - Volume 2, Number 15 - July 11, 1906 - page 240

LEHR. - Melinda Lehr was born in Decatur Township, Mifflin Co., Pa.,March 8, 1841; died on Sunday evening, June 10, 1906, at the Mennonite Old People's Home, Rittman, O., after suffering for some time with acomplication of diseases; aged 65y., 3m., 2d. She is survived by one daughter, Mary Knepp of Lewistown, Pa. She was a member of the A. M. church in Mifflin Co., Pa., and was placed under the care of the Home by said congregation, Nov. 14, 1905.Funeral services were conducted at the Home by Benjamin Gerig, C. Z.Yoder and J. S. Gerig on June 12. The remains were sent to Lewistown,Pa., for interment.

SWARTZENTRUBER. - Bro. Albert Swartzentruber was accidentally shot and killed June 17, by Enos L. Bontrager at the home of Moses L. Mast, aged 18y., 11m., 20d. Bro. Swartzentruber was an employee on the Mast farm. Mr. Bontrager was spending the day with him. Bontrager, who was on the back porch, picked up a 32-calibre rifle, loaded it and aimed at a bird in a row of grape vines, between the house and the hog stable. Within a few moments Swartzentruber walked to the porch steps and sat down with the remark, "I am shot." His manner was such that his suggestion was not seriously received by his companions. He insisted, however, that he was shot and that "it hurts." Neighbors were summoned by the girl who rang the dinner bell. Dr. H. W. Schrock, who was in the neighborhood, also responded. By an examination it was disclosed that the ball had entered the body on the left side and taken a downward course. Nothing could be done to save the life of the wounded boy, and after lingering an hour and a half he closed his eyes in the last, long sleep. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, at the Shore church, conducted by A.S. Cripe, in English from I Sam. 20:3, and Y. C. Miller in German from Jno. 14:1-4, before a large audience. He leaves a poor, sorrowing widowed mother, 4 sisters and 1 brother. May his sad and sudden death be a warning to all young people to be careful in the use of guns and to prepare themselves for the hour of death, which may come to any of us at an unexpected time. May God bless the bereaved family who have lost their main support by the death of this son.
Y. C. MILLER

Transcribed by Rita Martin, Missouri.

WEBER.-Edith Luella, youngest daughter of Bro. John and Sister Weber of near Newkirk, Okla., died July 3, 1906. Funeral on July 5, at the house and buried in the cemetery of Newkirk. Services from John 16:16 conducted by T. M. Erb of Newton, Kansas.
She was sick a short time with whooping cough and pneumonia. Aged 1 y., 24 d.
God comfort the bereaved parents.

HORST.-Grace E. Horst, daughter of Widow Anna Horst (nee Eshleman) was born March 4, 1887, and died June 19, 1906, aged 19 y., 3 m., 15 d. She leaves her mother, one brother and one sister, beside a host of friends to mourn her early departure. She was a member of the U. B. church. Funeral services were held at the Pleasant View church by Pre. Felton and I. J. Buchwalter.
J. K. H.

BURKHOLDER.-John R. Burkholder died at his home near Newville, Pa., July 3, 1906; aged 79 y., 5 m., 8 d. He was the oldest of a family of 8 children, all of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He was for many years a consistent member of the Mennonite Church and proved faithful unto the end. Although suffering much during his latter days, he bore it all patiently, a good example of the trusting believer. His quiet, unassuming but active life won for him many friends and is one worthy of pattern. Like Tennyson in his "Crossing the Bar" his great concern was "to see the pilot face to face."
The last few years of his life were spent with his only daughter, who spared no pains in ministering to his wants in his final sickness. He is survived by a son and a daughter and many distant relatives to mourn their loss. Interment at the Diller church where services were conducted by Samuel Hess and Henry Weaver.
H. L. B.

LEHMAN.-Sister Mattie Lehman, widow of Samuel Lehman, died at the home of her son-in-law, Jacob F. Hoover, near Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., on July 2, 1906; aged 71 y., 7 m., 11 d. Of a family of eight children she was one of the last two surviving members. Bro. Christian Ebersole, of near Sterling, Ill, being now the only survivor. During the last fifteen years her husband, an only son, and two daughters have passed away to the world beyond. Three daughters yet survive her: Annie Lehman, Mrs. Jacob T. Hoover and Mrs. C. S. Lehman. Sister Lehman was a sufferer from weakness of the heart. During the past six months she had been away from her home only a few times. She was an example of modest Christian living, worthy of limitation. Her funeral was held on July 4, at the Mennonite church near Chambersburg, where services were conducted by the brethren, Henry Bricker and Jos. E. Lehman. Buried in the cemetery adjoining.
J. E. L.
Transcribed by: Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana

SMITH.-Bish. John Smith, of Metamora, Ills., was born Nov. 27, 1843; died July 6, 1906; aged 62 y., 7 m., 9 d. In the spring of 1865 he was married to sister Magdalena Schertz. To this union were born 10 children, of which three, with their mother, preceded Bro. Smith into eternity. On Nov. 16, 1899, he was married to Sister Lydia Albrecht, who, with her daughter, Agnes Albrecht, and seven of his children, remain to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and father. Bro. Smith was ordained to the ministry in the year 1887 and a few years later was called as bishop, which office he faithfully filled to the time of his death. He was also appointed to care for the churches of the state that were without a bishop by the Western A. M. Conference. Funeral services were conducted at the house by Bro. A. H. Leaman, of the Chicago Mission, from James 4:14, and at the church by Bro. S. Gerig, of Wayland, Iowa, in German, and Bro. Samuel Garber, of Groveland, Ill., in English, both taking for their text II Tim. 4:7,8.
Bro. Smith was in good health as ever, apparently. On Friday, July 6th, he drove to Roanoke, and while there had a severe pain on his chest, and when he got home he made mention of it to his family and seemed to pay no more attention to it. He ate his supper as usual, and during the evening he made several appointments with different brethren, to be filled on the following day, and was in the best of spirits during the evening. At about 9 o,clock he retired for the night and at 9:40 that grim reaper, Death, called and took him and we have the assurance that he has entered a nobler work than he could ever have attained to in this life. Just a moment before he passed away he told his wife that he believed that pain was coming back again, and with that he passed away.
The family, the church, and the community at large have suffered a great loss, but we have the promise of One who will never die, that He will be our Comforter, and that He will never forsake, nor leave us, and with such a promise it is possible for us to bear up under so heavy a burden. Many times in his sermons did he refer to Matt. 24:44, "Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Also I Jno. 3:1, "Behold what manor of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God." It gives us much comfort to look back at the many good examples He has set for us and the good advice He has given us. Those who knew him best knew one whose desire it was to exemplify the teachings of our Lord and Savior. We leave it all with the Lord and give Him the praise for all that He has done, trusting that some time we shall understand why it was to be so.
We ask that all who know the power of prayer will not cease praying for us, that God may comfort the sorrowing ones and give His people here grace and strength to be steadfast unto the end.

ZIMMERMAN.-Maria Zimmerman, widow of Pre. John Zimmerman, died at her home near Churchtown, Pa., on Monday morning, July 9, from infirmities incident to old age; aged 75y., 7m., 4d. The deceased had a paralytic stroke about 10 years ago and never fully recovered. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church. She is survived by two sons, Martin, of Goodville, and John, at home. John Kurtz, of near New Holland, is a surviving brother. The funeral was held yesterday morning at 9 o,clock from her late home with services and interment at Lichty,s meeting house. Bishops Weaver and Eby and others officiated.

MARTIN.-Willie Hampton, infant son of Bro. D. B. and Sister Vena E. Martin, died June 4, 1906. Buried near Smithville, Ohio. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

LAMB-On July 14, 1806, near White Hall M. H., in Hopkin,s Gap, Rockingham Co., Va., of dropsy, sister Barbara Lamb; aged about 65 years. It was in April of this year that she made good confession and was received into the Mennonite church by baptism.
The funeral services were conducted on Sunday, 15, by Pre. Jos. F. Heatwole.

BURKHOLDER-On July 11, 1906, near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., of paralysis, Lucy Burkholder, consort of Noah Burkholder, who departed this life about 17 years ago. Two daughters, one son and a step-son survive her. The funeral was held on the 12, from New Erection Presbyterian church by John Roff of the Presbyterian church and L. J. Heatwole of the Mennonite church.

HEATWOLE-On July 14, 1906, at the home of her son-in-law, Bro. Frank Meyres, near Mt. Meridian, Augusta Co., Va., of paralysis, Fannie, widow of David S. Heatwole; aged 56 y., 7 m., 9 d. The subject of this sketch had lives all her life at Verona, Augusta Co., Va., and from early womanhood has been a consistent member of the Mennonite church. It was while on a visit to her daughter at Mt. Meridian that she was taken suddenly with a second stroke of paralysis and died. The remains were brought to Rockingham Co., and laid to rest in the cemetery at the bank M. H., where funeral was conducted by J. F. Brunk, Jos. F. Heatwole and E. C. Shank.

HEATWOLE-On June 29, 1906, at Morristown, Tenn., of stomach trouble, Mollie, wife of Cornelius J. Heatwole, aged 35 y., 6 d. She was born, reared, entered into married life and resided near Dale Enterprise, Va., until within the past three years she resided at Morristown, Tenn., where her husband is superintendent of the city schools. On June 30, the body was brought to Dale Enterprise, and on July 1, was laid to rest in the cemetery at Cook,s Creek Presbyterian church of which congregation she was a member. Services were held at same place before a large concourse of friends by her pastors, J. M. Clark of Mossistown, Tenn., and John Ruff of Mt. Clinton, Va. Her husband, mother, and only brother survive her.

Transcribed by: Carolyn Hunnicutt, Indiana