Gospel Witness Obituaries - March, 1906

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The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 49 - March 7, 1906 - page 463

Garver. - On the 22nd of Feb., 1906, near the Welsh Mountain Industrial Mission, Anna M. Garver, aged 68 years, 2 months, 10 days. Interment at the Mt. Arie church. Deceased was a member of the Mennonite church and leaves two sisters and one brother to mourn her loss. Peace to her ashes.

Beachy. - Aaron Beachy died at his home, near Grantsville, Md., on Feb. 12, 1906; aged 76 y., 2 m., 10 d. He suffered for a short time of consumption, when the Lord called him home. He was a member of the Amish Mennonite church. He is survived by his wife and seven sons. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite church, at Springs, Pa., on Feb. 15, by Joel Miller, Jacob Miller, Jonas Miller, assisted by D. H. Bender. Text, II Cor. 5:1-10. Interment in the cemetery near by.

Frick. - On February 22nd, near Girardstown, Berkley Co., W. Va., of a complication of diseases incident to old age. Susanna Beecher Frick, wife of Bro. John Frick, aged 74 years, less 2 days. It was in the year 1869 that Brother and Sister Frick removed from near Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Pa., to Frederick Co., Va., where they lived for a number of years as members of the Mennonite Congregation at Kernstown, but in late years have lived in Berkley Co., W. Va. Funeral was held Saturday, Feb. 24th, from Mt. Pleasant U. B. church by Pre. S. Secrist, of the Jantor of the congregation at that place. She leaves no children and is survived only by her husband. L. J. H.

Transcriber's note: "of the Jantor of" is as in the original.

Cassel. - On February 7th, 1906, near New Dundee, Ont., Bro. Jesse B. Cassel, who was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Aug. 20, 1827, and was thus in his 79th year. He contracted pneumonia only about five days before he died. He leaves a widow, three sons and two daughters to mourn his death. His end was peace. Funeral services at the Blenheim Mennonite Church, Feb. 10. Bro. Noah Stauffer preached in German from II Tim. 4:8 and Bro. E. S. Hallman in English from I Cor. 15:57, to a full house. Interment in the cemetery adjoining.

Transcribed by Carl Metzler, Indiana


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 50 - March 14, 1906 - pages 475,479

Burkholder. - Near Letterkenny, Franklin Co., Pa., Anna C. infant daughter of Bro. Henry S. and Sister Mary Burkholder, died Feb. 19, at the home of her parents of whooping cough and spasms; aged, 4 m., 20d. Thus we see little Anna was born a bud in this world for a few days only to bloom in heaven. It is hard to part with our little ones, but God sees proper to take them home to Him. Services by the brethren, Henry Bricker and Joseph Martin. Interment in burying ground at the Mennonite Church, near Letterkenny, where services were held.

Good. - Phoebe Good, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ. Martin, died of consumption at her home, near Garden City, Mo. She was born May 28, 1882; died Feb. 23, 1906; aged 23 y., 8 m., 25 d. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in 1898, and was married to David Good in 1902. She leaves a sorrowing husband, two children, father, mother, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and a host of friends to mourn her early departure. She seemed fully resigned. The Lord's will be done. Services at Sycamore Church by J. J. Hartzler in German, and B. F. Hartzler in English. Text, II Tim. 4:7,8. Laid to rest in Clearfork cemetery.

Hurst. - Near Pinola, Franklin Co., Pa., on March 1, Sister Annie M., wife of Bro. Israel Hurst, died at the office of Dr. Brown, in Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Pa., of hemorrhage. Sister Hurst had been in feeble health for some time. On Thursday, feeling specially bright, she went with Bro. Hurst to town, with the above result. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years. Funeral on the 6th. Services conducted by Bishop Geo. S. Keener, of Maryland, and Bro. Henry Bricker. Interment in burying ground near Row's Church.

Hallman. - On Oct. 28, 1905, near New Dundee, Ont., Mary Schmitt, second daughter of the late Pre. George R. Schmitt, and widow of the late Abraham Hallman, who preceded her to the spirit world over a year ago; aged 68 y., 8 m., 22 d. Death came unexpectedly at the midnight hour, half an hour after rising. Before her daughter Phoebe could summon help, the spirit took its flight. She died from heart failure. She leaves seven sons and four daughters to mourn the loss of a kind, loving mother. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church, an exemplary Christian, and a friend to all. We trust our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held at Blenheim church by Noah Stauffer and Solomon Gehman.

Kenagy. - Sarah Stutzman was born in Holmes Co., O., May 20, 1830, united in matrimony with Jonathan Yoder in Lagrange Co., Ind., Nov. 29, 1865; died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. J. Miller, near Emma, Ind., Feb 16, 1906; aged 75 y., 6 m., 28 d. To this union were born five children, four of whom preceded her to the spirit world. Funeral services were held in the Emma church, Feb. 20, and were conducted by Samuel E. Weaver and Amos S. Cripe, from Luke 23:28.

Transcriber's note: Where does the family name 'Kenagy' come from?

Kropf. - Daughter of Chris. and Lizzie Kropf, died Feb. 17, 1906; age, 2 y., 7 m. Services on the 18th at Sycamore Church, Cass Co., Mo., by J. J. Hartzler in German, and L. J. Miller and B. F. Hartzler In English.

Leatherman. - Bro. Joseph Leatherman died Feb. 23, of old age. He had been one of the oldest men living in this vicinity. Age, 88 y., 1 m., 14 d. His burial took place Feb. 28, at the Deep Run Mennonite church. Services were conducted at his late residence by Bro. A. 0. Heistand and at the church by Bros. Jacob Rush and Jno. Leatherman. Text, Gen. 3:10. He leaves a widow and two sons to mourn his departure. They had lived together to a ripe old age, had always been robust until within the last year. They both began to show that this earthly tabernacle is crumbling down. May the Lord comfort the bereaved widow and children.

Kulp. - On the same day Sister Elizabeth Kulp, of Blooming Glen was buried at the Blooming Glen Mennonite burying ground; aged almost 65 years.

Weber. - Also, on Feb. 28th, 1 P. M., Warren L., son of Harry and Anna Weber, grandchild of Bro. and Sister Samuel Leatherman, of Doylestown; aged 17 y., 8 m., 24 d. Interment at the Doylestown Mennonite burying ground. Services at the Mennonite church by A. 0. Heistand. Text, 'Death is the last enemy to be destroyed." Cor.

Martin. - Sister Barbara, wife of Bro. Abraham Martin, died of paralysis Feb. 23d, at her home, near Hagerstown; aged, 77 y., 23 d. Her husband and these children survive her: Abraham and Michael, Maugansville; Samuel, State Line; Mrs. Jacob Horst, Hagerstown; Joseph and Isaac, near home; Mrs. Henry Baer, Paradise; David, Lancaster; Daniel, near Hagerstown; Mary and Annie, at home; Jonas, a step-son, Hagerstown. One son preceded her to the spirit world. She was a member of the Mennonite Church, to which she remained faithful. Funeral at Reiff's Church, Feb. 26, by George Keener and Christian Strite. Text, Psa. 107:30. A large concourse of people had met to pay the last tribute of respect to one who had lived and moved among them. May the Comforter abide with the friends and relatives to cheer them in their time of sorrow. Peace to her ashes. Cor.

Shrock. - Nellie Shrock (nee Miller) was born in Miami Co., Ind., Mar. 10, 1878, and died near Plevena, Howard Co., Ind., Feb. 25, 1906, of a complication of diseases; aged 27 y., 11 m., 15 d. In April, 1893, she was converted under the preaching of J. S. Coffman, and united with the Mennonite Church, where she held her membership to the time of her departure. She was united in marriage to L. P. Shrock, March 25th, 1898, and lived in matrimony 7 years and 11 months. She leaves a husband, 1 son and 3 daughters, a father, mother, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and a host of friends to mourn her departure. She left living evidence that it is well with her soul. Sister Shrock had a desire to get well and be with her family, and see that her children would be brought up in a Christian way of life, but after her physician told her that all hopes for her recovery were gone, she looked heavenward with a smile on her face and said, "Oh Lord, thy will be done, not mine." In the last day of her life she called her family and friends to her bed-side and bade them goodbye, and told them to live for heaven and its glory, so they can meet her on yonder shore.

Funeral services at the Mennonite church on the 27th, conducted by N. 0. Troyer and E. A. Mast, from Rev. 14:13. Buried in the Mast cemetery. Peace to her ashes. G. W. WORTH.

Yoder. - On Feb. 24, 1906, at the home of her son, Isaac Yoder, near East Lewistown, Mahoning Co., O., Lena, wife of Peter Yoder; aged 77 years. Sister Yoder had been sick for some time with dropsy which caused her death. She leaves to mourn her departure, an aged husband, one daughter, one son, one brother and two sisters, with a host of friends. She was a member of the Mennonite church. The funeral was held on Monday afternoon, the 26th, at the Midway M. H. where services were held by Allen Rickert and D. S. Lehman. Buried In the adjoining graveyard. Peace be to her ashes.

Transcribed by Carl Metzler, Indiana


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 51 - March 21, 1906 - pages 487,492

Yoder. - On Feb. 26, 1906, near Topeka, Ind., Amanda (Kline) Yoder; age 43 y., 1 m.. 17 d. She was married to Solomon K. Yoder, Oct. 21, 1883. She leaves a husband, three children, mother, two sisters and four brothers to mourn her early departure. She was a member of the Amish Mennonite Church for nearly 20 years. She was a faithful wife, a kind and loving mother, and loved and respected by all who knew her. Funeral services were held Feb. 28, in the Maple Grove Church, near Topeka, Ind., by Silas Yoder from Matt. 24:44.

Yoder. - Fanny S. Yoder died Feb. 26, 1906, at her home, near East Lynne, Mo., after suffering a number of weeks with pneumonia and typhoid fever. Her maiden name was Kauffman, daughter of Sam Kauffman, deceased, of Somerset Co., Pa. She was married to Levi E. Yoder, who preceded her to the spirit world Nov. 20, 1896. She had a desire to depart this life. Selected for song at funeral No. 156, "Shall We Know Each Other There?" She leaves one son, aged father-in-law, (Jacob Yoder, in his 90th year), a number of brothers and sisters in Pennsylvania, one brother in Indiana, and a number of friends to mourn her departure. Services on the 28th at Sycamore by J. J. Hartzler, in German, and B. F. Hartzler in English. Text, I Cor. 15:22. Buried in the Clearfork cemetery beside her husband. Age, 59 y., 6 m. 17 d.

Bricker. - On Feb. 26, 1906, at the home of her sister, at High River, Alberta, Can., Clara, second daughter of Bro. Elias Bricker, aged 25 y., 5 m., 23 d. She leaves her parents, five brothers and three sisters to mourn her early departure. She was a bright young woman, and the picture of health; but was stricken down with pneumonia, and after a short illness, passed away. Funeral services at the house by Mr. Wood and at the Mount View Mennonite Church by Isaac Miller and N. B. Stauffer, from Eccl. 8:8.
N. B. S.

Smucker. - On Feb. 20, 1906, near Smithville, Ohio, Henry Russell, son of Milo and Malinda Smucker, aged 3 months, 18 days. The funeral was conducted by Ben Gerig and C. Z. Yoder, from Job 1: 21, "The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away." Buried at the Oak Grove cemetery.

Miller. - Sister Susie May Miller was born in Iowa Co., Ia., May 1, 1876, and died of consumption March 3, 1906. She was united in marriage to William Miller Sept. 27, 1898. She confessed Christ as her Savior at the age of seventeen, united with the Mennonite Church, and was a faithful member until her end. She will be greatly missed both at home and in the congregation. Her health had been failing for many years. Her husband had taken her to Colorado and to California, but it seemed as though nothing could cure her, and finally God called her over where she is spending eternity. She leaves a deeply bereaved husband, a father, 5 sisters, 4 brothers, and many friends to mourn her departure. It is hard to part with the beloved sister, but it is blessed to think that she is sleeping with Jesus. Funeral services were hold at West Union Church, conducted by J. K. Yoder and A. I. Yoder. The texts, Psa. 23 and II Tim. 4:6-8, were selected by the sister; also the hymn, "Safe In the arms of Jesus." We should all try to meet her in the city beyond and heed the teaching she left us. She said she always had a fear to do wrong, and we found her nearly always obedient to her parents. She always lived a quiet Christian life. She often said, "O, my beloved husband and sisters!" and thanked them for taking care of her in her afflictions. She told her husband that death was simply a passing over, and was very patient in all her suffering. Her suffering was great at times, but her faith was stronger. May the Lord bless our bereft brother is our prayer.
Blanch Yoder

Swick. - Joseph Swick, son of J. M. and Mattie Swick, was born Feb. 16, 1880, and died Mar. 2, 1906; aged 26 y., 14 d. Bro. Swick was first taken sick in Jan., 1905, with what he supposed to be rheumatism in his left limb; but he kept on working. He kept on getting worse. His limb swelled hard and he suffered pain. The doctor said he believed it to be a bone cancer, and on June 22, he was taken to Kansas City to the University hospital. There it was pronounced cancer of the bone, and a very critical case. June 23, his limb was amputated at thigh joint. He soon recovered from the operation, being in the hospital a little over 3 weeks. His wound soon healed, and he often said he felt better the rest of the summer than he had for a number of years. In November he again complained of his back hurting him, and on Christmas day, was again examined, and it was said he had taken cold and settled in his back, but he continued to grow worse, and for 10 weeks suffered severe pains. Loving hands did all in their power to relieve him, but the cancer was all through his system, so medical aid was of no avail. He accepted his Savior while at the hospital and was baptized four weeks before his death. He leaves a wife and little son to mourn their loss. He has gone to meet his two babes who have preceded him to the heaven of rest. Funeral services at the Sycamore Church, by B. F. Hartzler and C. S. Honder in English and J. J. Hartzler in German. Text, Job 14, Psa. 103 and Gal. 6:78.

Herr. - Susan Lefever was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb. 28, 1865, and died March 3, 1906; aged 41 y., 3 d. She was married to Henry Harnish Jan. 10, 1885. To this union were born 8 children. Her husband died April 25, 1902. On August 31, 1904, our sister was again married to Abraham Herr. She leaves husband, 8 children, 5 brothers and 4 sisters to mourn their loss, yet we have the assurance that our sister died in the full assurance of the hope of eternal life. Sister Susan was a member of the Mennonite Church. Services were held at the Bethel Church by C. S. Hander, assisted by D. F. Hartzler. Text, Rom. 8:18. After the funeral services the remains were taken to Belton, Mo., and laid to rest. Sister Herr and family moved to Garden City about a year ago, where they gained many friends, and the love and sympathy of the entire community. May God overrule all to His glory is our prayer.

Kilheffer. - On March 7, 1906, near East Petersburg, Pa., Sister Katie H., wife of Bro. Willis S. Kilheffer, passed away after an illness of two weeks due to pneumonia. She was in her thirty-sixth year, and leaves a deeply bereaved husband, two children and sorrowing parents, as this was their last daughter, the other having preceded her in death some years ago. Truly we can say "she has fought a good fight, she has finished her course, she has kept the faith," as her life has proved it. She was a noble example of Christian piety, performing the duties of life faithfully as a devoted and loving mother should, and doing many deeds of kindness to those around her whenever she could. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years, and a teacher of the infant class in the Sunday school. Many were the kind admonitions and words of encouragement that she gave, not that she deemed it a mere duty, but it was her delight to live and work for her Master. During her sickness she admonished her family and friends to be steadfast. Knowing that her end was near, she expressed her willingness to depart, if it be His will, and be with Christ "which is far better." With this desire she calmly and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus in the early hours of the morning. May we, through the death of our sister and friend, consecrate our lives more fully to Him that when the time of our departure is at hand we can respond to His call with a resigned will. Funeral services, on the 10th, were conducted by Bro. Christian Lefever at the house, and at the Meeting-house at Petersburg, by the brethren, John Lefever and Hiram Kauffman. Text, II Cor. 5:1-9, and Rev. 14:12. May God richly bless the bereaved brother and family.
Lizzie H. Brubacher

Miller. - John E. Miller was born May 7, 1817; died of old age, Feb. 18, 1906; aged, 88 y., 9 m., 11 d. He was united in marriage to Sarah Stutzman in 1838. To this union were born 6 sons and 2 daughters. His wife, 3 sons and 1 daughter preceded him to the world beyond. He leaves to mourn, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was the oldest member of the A. M. Church at Walnut Creek. Funeral services were held Feb. 20, at Walnut Creek church, by Moses Mast and S. H Miller.

Mast. - Oscar Leland Mast, son of Wm. and Ada Mast, was born Dec. 31st, 1904; died 'March 6, 1906; aged 2 y., 2 m., 6 d. Funeral services were held at the German Reformed church, at Walnut Creek, by Pro. Poetter, of the Reformed Church. and Moses Mast, of the A. M. Church, from Matt 20:15. The cause of death was meningitis. He suffered much, but now we know that little Oscar is where he need never suffer more.

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

Cunningham. - At Cearfoos, Md., on March 7, 1906, Nora L., only child of Preston and Molly Cunningham, aged l y., 2 m., 2 d. The little one died from spasms. Funeral on the 9th. Services at the house by C. R. Strite and Harvey Martin. As these parents were called upon to give up their little jewel the joy of their home, though the experience is one of grief, yet they may some day realize more fully God's purpose in taking little Nora home, having the comfort of the Master's word's, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."

"So fades the lovely blooming flower.
Frail, smiling solace of an hour.
So soon our transient comforts fly
And pleasure only blooms to die."

Shank. - On March 2, 1906, near Bigler, Pa., at the home of his son-in-law, Samuel Bowers, Bro. Daniel Shank; aged 73 y., 9 m., l5 d. The deceased and wife had their home with their son-in-law for some years, as the wife was in feeble health, yet she survives him though he enjoyed fairly good health most of the time till a few weeks before his departure. He was the last of a family of nine brothers and a sister to depart from this life. His wife, two sons, one daughter and a number of friends are left to mourn their loss, but not without the hope of meeting in a happier home. He united with the Mennonite Church when yet young in years. Funeral services on March 5, at the house by Daniel Stump and J. C. Miller. Text, II Cor. 5:1. Interment in the graveyard at Mummasburg, Pa.

Frey. - On March 8, 1906, at Hanover, Pa., of heart disease, Jacob W. Frey, aged 78 y., 3 m., 21 d. He seemed quite low at times, but had improved again to such a degree that he attended a number of evening meetings which were held at the Mennonite church, near his home, by Bro. John Blosser, a few weeks previous to his death, and seemed to enjoy the meetings very much. But a few days before his death he became worse again and was soon called away from the pain and grief of this world. He is survived by his wife, 5 sons, 4 daughters (one daughter died some years ago), one brother, one sister, and a large number of grandchildren and friends to mourn their loss, but not without hope of meeting in a happier home. He was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years, and a helper when needed. Funeral services on March 10, at the Mennonite church, at Hanover, were conducted by Abram Witmer, of Lancaster Co., J. C. Miller and Daniel Stump. Text, Gen. 15:15. Interment In the Bair graveyard.

Kreider. -Elias S. Kreider was born In Conestoga township, Lancaster Co., Pa., April 11, 1831; died of heart failure at his late residence in Guilford Twp., near Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio, March 5, 1906, aged 74 y., 10 m., 24 d. He came to Ohio in his early life with his brother, George, and family, followed by another brother, Christian, some years later, both of whom, with two other brothers and two sisters, preceded him to the spirit world. He was united in marriage to Margaret Rohrer, daughter of' Pre. Isaac Rohrer, of Seneca Co., O., Dec. 18, 1860. To this union was born 8 sons and 4 daughters. His loving companion, with 6 sons, 3 daughters and 11 grandchildren, all of Medina Co., 0., and one brother and two sisters, of Lancaster Co., Pa., are left to mourn his departure. The funeral was held at the old Mennonite church, of which he was a devoted member for forty-four years, to the time of his death. The services were conducted by Pre. Edwin Koppes and Daniel Martin in German, from II Cor. 1:2, assisted by Pre. Isaac Good in English, from Rev. 14:12,13. Although we deeply mourn the loss of a kind, loving father, yet we mourn not as those who have no hope in Christ, for we are made to feel that our loss is his eternal gain, and that when the hour of departure comes we can meet him in heaven, where parting will be no more.

"Farewell, my wife and children dear,
I am not dead, but sleeping here;
Prepare for death, for die you must,
And with me slumber in the dust."

Transcribed by Carl Metzler, Indiana


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 52 - March 28, 1906 - pages 499,500

Schmucker. - On March 9, 1906, while on his way with his wife intent on a visit to their niece, Peter Schmucker died very suddenly of heart failure; aged 55 y., 2 m., 19 d. He is survived by his wife, one brother and three sisters. Funeral services were held at the Beach A. M. Church, conducted by John Summers in German and John Leichty in English. Text, Rev. 14:13. Truly, we know not the hour we must pass away; then let us watch and pray that we may be ready.
COR.

Burkhard. - Charles Burkhard was born at Freeport, Ill., Aug. 28, 1877, and was taken by his parents to Roseland, Neb., the following Spring, where he lived the remainder of his life. He united with the Mennonite church at Roseland in 1896 and remained faithful until death. Bro. Burkhard was an earnest worker, having served as superintendent of the Sunday School for a number of years. He was married to Sarah Shiffler on Dec. 23, 1903. His health failing, he started with his wife and child for Long Beach, Calif., on the 26th of last December, in hopes of recovering his health. His condition seemed to improve at first, but he soon grew worse. His father and brother-in-law hastened to his bedside and were present when he passed away on March 1, 1906. His remains were brought back to his home and interred in the cemetery adjoining the church. Funeral services were conducted by D. G. Lapp and J. E. Hartzler. Text, Heb. 9:24. Our brother was afflicted with tuberculosis of the bladder. He leaves to mourn his early departure, a sorrowing wife, one child, father, mother, grandmother, four brothers and many relatives and friends, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. (The deceased was a brother of Missionary Burkhard, of Dhamtari, India.. -Ed.)

Weaver. - Francis Emerson, eldest son of Reuben and Ella Weaver of near Newton, Kans., was born Sept. 8, 1900, died Feb. 9, 1906; aged 5 y., 5 m., l d. He was sick only nine days with diphtheria. Little Frank was an exceptionally bright and dear child. God graciously took him out of this wicked world. He was buried several hours after he died. The family being under quarantine the funeral could not be held until Feb. 25. Services were held at the Pennsylvania meeting house near Trousdale, Kans., conducted by D. D. Zook, and T. M. Erb. Text, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14). His parents, one brother and one sister survive him.

Troyer. - Sister Fanny Troyer was born in LaGrange Co., Ind., Sept. 4, 1877; died of consumption March 12, 1906; aged 28 y., 6 m., 8 d. Her health had been failing for some time. She leaves a bereaved husband, a little daughter, parents, six brothers and four sisters. Funeral services were conducted at the house by Bro. J. J. Miller and Y. C. Miller, and at the Shore M. H. by A. S. Cripe, from Heb. 9:27, and Y. C. .Miller from Isa. 41:9,10. A large congregation was in attendance.

Transcribed by Carl Metzler, Indiana


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