1907 Herald of Truth Obituaries

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Week 1:
June 6, 1907, page 208.
Volume XLIV, Number 23


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Barb.-Abraham Barb was born Dec. 2, 1824; died March 24, 1907; aged 82 Y., 3 M., 22 D. Bro. Barb was one of the first to unite with the church in Bauchman's Settlement, Hardy Co.; W. Va., about thirty-five or forty years ago. He was blessed with his wife and children all espousing the same faith as well as most of his grandchildren. He had not the encouragements and comforts that many have where the church is strong, yet was remarkable for faithfulness and stability; his light shone clear and his sun did not set behind a cloud. We can go to him. Funeral services were held on the second Sunday in April by Lewis Shank at the Bauchman meeting-house.

Landis.-On May 18, 1907, at the home of her father, Daniel H. Landis, in Mechanicsburg, Pa., after a lingering illness with pneumonia, Annie Landis. Her health had been failing since last winter. She was in her twentieth year. She leaves two brothers and one sister. The funeral took place the 23d at the Mennonite M. H. at Stumptown.

Detweiler.-Bro. Tyson Detweiler of Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., died on May 13, 1907, aged 78 Y., 20 D. He was bedfast for a number of years. His funeral was held on May 19, at the Franconia M. H. His wife died a year ago.

Alderfer.-Sister Mary, wife of Abraham G. Alderfer, of Lower Salford, Pa., died on May 22, 1907, of pneumonia, after an illness of eight days; aged 65 Y., 4 M., 22 D. She was twice married. Her first husband was the late Isaac Hangy. One child from the first marriage survives. Funeral held on May 27, at the Towamencin Mennonite meeting-house.

Eiman.-On April 22, 1907, in Arnold, Ness Co., Kan., Sarah Gertrude, daughter of Peter and Anna Eiman; aged 5 Y., 5 M., l6 D. She was born in Johnson Co., Iowa, Nov. 6, 1901. She leaves father, mother, a little brother and sister and many friends to mourn her death. But she has been made free from all sin and suffering and gone to the better land. Let us all try to meet her there where all tears are wiped away.

Miller.-Bro. John O. Miller died on May 15, 1907, on board steamer from Norfolk to Baltimore, accompanied by his daughter, Nancy J. Hertzler; aged 75 Y., 3 D. He was on his way to take treatment of a family physician at Baldwin. Funeral on the 18th. Services at Long Green meeting-house by Bro. Joseph D. Wert of Fentress, Va., from Num. 23:10. JOSEPH HERTZLER.

Eicher.-Sister Emma Eicher (nee Wyse), wife of Daniel Eicher, was born in Fulton Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1868; married April 13, 1893; died May 21, 1907; aged 39 Y., 3 M., 21 D.; lived in a happy wedlock 14 Y., 1 M., 8 D. She leaves to mourn her sad and early death a husband, two daughters, one son, mother, three sisters, two brothers, and a host of relatives and friends. This is certainly a very sad shock for the family with their kind mother lying in the casket with her little infant babe in her arms, both resting in the arms of Jesus. Funeral services were held in the A. M. M. H. conducted by Eli Frey, assisted by Henry Rychener. Text, Matt. 25:13; John 11:25, 26. May God comfort the deeply bereaved family.

Schantz.-Bro. Christian Schantz was born in Alsace-Loraine, France, March 5, 1817; died in Fulton Co., Ohio, May 14, 1907; aged 90 Y., 2 M., 9 D. He immigrated to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1833; was united in marriage to Rebecca Grieser in 1837. This union was blessed with seven children, five daughters and two sons. Their mother died Nov. 26, 1851, leaving five children living, three of whom (Paulina, Rebecca and Christian) survive their father. He was again united in marriage to Mary Gingerich, Nov. 5, 1852. To this marriage were born six daughters and two sons; Amos, Elizabeth and Samuel are living to mourn the loss of their departed father. He also leaves 29 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren to mourn the loss of a beloved grandfather. Funeral services were held in the A. M. M. H., conducted by Christian Freyenberger, assisted by Henry Rychener. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Week 2:
June 13, 1907, page 215, 216
Volume XLIV, Number 24


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Metzler.-Noah Metzler was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, April 26, 1854, and died in Elkhart Co., Ind., June 2, 1907; aged 53 Y., 1 M., 6 D. Some time ago he was very sick, but had so far recovered that he preached occasionally. On the day of his death while preaching at the Yellow Creek M. H., after speaking about twenty minutes, he said he did not feel well and made the remark, "I hope to meet you all in heaven," which were his last public words. He sat down but soon after he left the room and when followed by his wife and a few others was found in an almost helpless condition. When asked what the trouble was he said he thought it was paralysis. He was carried to a house near by, where in a few hours death overtook him. His last text was Gen. 3:6, 7. He was united in matrimony to Nancy Hartman Dec. 24, 1874. To this union were born seven children. William Henry preceded him to the spirit world. The living are: John, Sarah, Lizzie, Ella, Nettle and Emma. He also leaves eight grandchildren, two sisters, five brothers and a sorrowing companion to mourn their loss, besides a host of friends. In the year 1875 he was converted and united with the Mennonite church. In 1880 he was ordained to the ministry by Bish. Jacob Beutler. In his public ministrations he was faithful and labored earnestly for the glory of God and the uplifting of his fellowmen. For a number of years he labored in evangelistic work. His remains were taken to his home in Nappanee, Ind., where on June 5 the funeral services were held. The text chosen by the family was 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. The services in the meeting-house were conducted by Jas. H. McGowen, Jacob K. Bixler and David Burkholder, while an overflow meeting was held near by from a porch by I. W. Royer and J. F. Brunk. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at the Brick M. H., northeast of Nappanee. The church keenly feels its loss, but our loss is his gain. JACOB K. BIXLER.

Loucks.-Susannah Ramer was born in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 8, 1866. She was brought up in the same vicinity and was married to Pre. Jonas Loucks on Jan. 3, 1901. Death came suddenly and unexpectedly of heart failure on May 28, 1907; aged 40 Y., 8 M., 20 D. She is survived by her husband, a daughter ten days old, and two brothers, Samuel and Martin. She was a faithful member of the Old Mennonite church for years. The funeral services were held at the Yellow Creek M. H. and only about half of the large concourse of people were able to get into the meeting-house. Services were conducted in German by John Martin, and in English by Jacob Christophel and Jacob K. Bixler, from the words, "There is but a step between me and death." May the Lord comfort the mourning ones.

Bachtel.-On the 20th of May, 1907, the spirit of Emma Agnes Bachtel took its flight to the eternal world at her home in Chariton Co., Mo.; aged 84 Y., 4 M., 23 D. Her maiden name was Overholt. She was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Dec. 27, 1822. She was joined in wedlock to Abraham Bachtel, Aug. 2, 1842. In 1846 they moved to Hancock Co., Ohio, residing there until 1869. Then they moved to Chariton Co., Mo., and lived there to the time of her death. To this union were born eight children. The husband and three daughters preceded the mother to the eternal world. Three sons and two daughters survive; also 37 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one sister and two brothers. Sister Bachtel was known in her neighborhood as "Grandma" Bachtel. She was a noble Christian woman. Her heart and hands were always ready to help the sick and suffering. Her kind words and sweet, cheerful disposition will be missed by her many friends and neighbors, to whom, with her words of encouragement and acts of kindness, she had so tenderly endeared herself. She gave her heart to God early in life and united with the Mennonite church, but in later years, after moving to Missouri, united with the M. E. church. She was buried on the 22d of May and her body was laid to rest at the Newcomer cemetery.

Speicher.-On May 26, 1907, Bro. John Speicher died at the home of Bro. Silas J. Thomas near Connor: Pa., aged 85 Y., 7 M., 11 D. He had his home with his daughter, Mrs. Josiah Harshberger, at Boswell. He came to the Thomas district to attend the communion services on the 19th and there communed with the brethren and sisters for the last time on earth. After communion he visited friends in the vicinity. He left the home of Bro. Levi M. Thomas on Wednesday, May 22, in good spirits, but said his days would be few. He came to the home of Bro. Silas J. Thomas and soon took sick and died on the 26th. He was a member of the Mennonite church for a number of years. His wife died Jan. 20. 1905. He is survived by a son and several daughters to mourn his death, but not without hope. He was buried on the 28th at the Thomas M. H. Funeral services were conducted by S. G. Shetler, James Saylor and L. A. Blough. Text, Gen. 40:7, "Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day?"

Seitz.-On June 3. 1907, in Rohrerstown, Lancaster Co., Pa., of heart disease, Mary, widow of the late John Seitz; aged 85 years. She was a daughter of the late Chr. Mellinger of Manor township, but since her marriage has resided in the vicinity of Rohrerstown. Her husband died five years ago. She has been a member of the Old Mennonite congregation in Rohrerstown for fifty years. She is survived by one daughter, one brother and three sisters. Buried at Rohrerstown Mennonite graveyard; services by Elias Hershey and Abraham Herr.

Lehman.-Abram M. Lehman was born near Blosserville, Cumberland Co., Pa., July 9, 1849; died at his home near Oak Grove, Franklin Co., Pa.. on May 18, 1907; aged 57 Y., 10 M., 9 D., of cancer of the stomach, from which he suffered greatly for ten weeks. He bore his afflictions very patiently and died leaving a bright hope of eternal glory, often saying that he felt like Paul, when he said, "I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." He leaves to mourn his departure a sorrowing wife, three daughters and one sister; but we need not mourn as those who have no hope, but we can rejoice through our tears that his sufferings are over and he is safe with Jesus. Funeral was held on the 21st by Pre. Henry Bricker at the house, and Pre. Abram Burkholder and Pre. Geo. Ernst at the Strasburg M. H., where the house was filled to overflowing with relatives and friends who came to pay their last tribute of respect to the dear departed one. The text, which was chosen by himself, was 2 Cor. 4:17, 18 and 5:1. May this dispensation of God's providence be the means of drawing us closer to Christ.
HIS DAUGHTER.

Week 3:
June 20, 1907, page 223, 224
Volume XLIV, Number 25


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Schertz.-Homer, infant son of Peter Schertz and wife, near Manson, Ia.; born Feb. 25, 1906; died May 29, 1907; aged 1 Y., 3 M., 4 D. Little Homer appeared well and hearty when the family retired; awakening in the morning, his mother found him silent in death. His sudden departure reminds us of the uncertainty of life. May God comfort the bereaved parents with the thought of meeting their loved one in the home above. Funeral services were held at the Cedar Creek Mennonite M. H. on May 31, by D. D. Zehr, from 2 Sam. 12:22, 23.

Shelley.-On June 8, 1907, in Mt. Joy, Pa., of a complication of diseases. Frances, wife of Henry G. Shelley; aged 55 Y., 3 M., 20 D. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church. She was a daughter of Chr. Greider, deceased, of near Salunga. Funeral services were held at. the Kreybill Menn. M. H. in E. Donegal. Burial at Mt. Joy.

Burkhart.-On June 5, 1907, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chr. Hess, near Diamond Trolley Station, Lancaster Co., Pa., of the infirmities of old age, Susanna, widow of Henry Burkhart, in her ninety-first year. She is survived by eight children. Funeral was held on Sunday, June 9. Services and burial at the Groffsdale Mennonite

Huber.-On May 29, 1907, at Neffsville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Hettie, wife of Abraham B. Huber, in the seventy-first year of her age. She is survived by her husband and five children. Buried on June 1 at the East Petersburg Mennonite church, of which she was a member.

Rohrer.-On May 28, 1907, at the home of his son Christian, at Sporting Hill, Lancaster Co., Pa., of apoplexy, John K. Rohrer, aged 77 years. The deceased was a highly respected and prominent member of the Mennonite church. He is survived by one sister and twelve children. The funeral was held on the 31st at the Ehrisman M. H.

Godshall.-On June 3, 1907, in Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., of apoplexy, from which he suffered since Oct. 5, 1896, Jacob C. Godshall, aged 70 Y., 4 M., 7 D. Funeral services were held at the Franconia M. H. on June 8.

Hagey.-On May 24, in Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Sister Barbara, wife of Jonas M. Hagey; aged 64 Y., 7 M., 15 D. Funeral was, held on May 30 at the Towamencin Mennonite M. H. Services were conducted by Jonas Mininger at the home and by Michael Moyer at the meeting-house.

Ruth.-On May 27, In Towamencin, Montgomery Co., Pa., Annie, wife of Wm. B. Ruth. Buried at the Towamencin Mennonite M. H. on May 30. Aged 60 Y., 6 M.

Bucher. - Henry Bucher was born in Beaver Twp., Mahoning Co., Ohio, Dec. 9, 1848; died May 30, 1907; aged 58 Y., 5 M., 21 D. He was persuaded to submit to an operation for ulcers in the stomach and died on the operating table, under the hands of the surgeons, in Cedar Rapids, Ia. The remains were taken to Mt. Vernon, Ia., to the home of his daughter, Ethel Hill, the only surviving child. One son died when a few weeks old, and another son, Howard, died Jan. 21, 1906, in the hospital at Des Moines, Ia., also from the effects of an operation for appenticitis(sic), aged nearly 23 years. His wife died some sixteen years ago. One brother and four sisters survive, namely: Mary Burkholder of Nappanee, Ind., Elizabeth Witmer and Susan Shoup of New Springfield, and Nancy Martin of Columbiana, Ohio. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Patterson, assisted by Pre. Pilgrim, in the United Brethren church in Lisbon, Ia., where he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business for the past thirty years, during which time he buried the remains of over 800 persons in the cemetery about a mile from the city, where his mortal remains are now also resting beside his companion, waiting for the general resurrection and the life in the world to come. He was a faithful member of the United Brethren church, and we mourn not as others who have no hope. He was kind and tender-hearted, also faithful in the service of the Master. He never allowed the fire on the family altar to die out and just before giving himself into the hands of the surgeons he with his minister took the case to the Lord in prayer and told the surgeon, "I now give myself into your hands and into the hands of the Lord. I am prepared to die or recover as the Lord sees fit." May this solemn dispensation of God's providence redound to our every good, is my prayer. DAVID BURKHOLDER.

Stump.--Magdalena Stump was born Feb. 7, 1847, In Union Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., died June 6, 1907; aged 60 Y., 3 M., 29 D. She was buried June 9 at the Brick M. H. Funeral services were conducted by Henry Weldy and David Burkholder. Text, "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12). Sad to say that she had never made a profession. She leaves a daughter, a grandson and three sisters to mourn their loss. Three grandchildren, father and mother, two sisters and two brothers preceded her to the spirit world. May this be a warning to those of her friends who are yet living without Christ.

Week 4:
June 27, 1907, page 232
Volume XLIV, Number 26


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Landis.-Reuben L. Landis, residing in Upper Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., died June 17, 1907, at the home of his brother-in-law, Sol. R. Herr, near Mechanicsburg, of hemorrhage of the bowels. He was about 61 years old. He had been failing for the past five months and retired on Sunday evening as usual. About midnight he became worse and died as above stated. He was a member of the Mennonite church and never married. Buried at the Stumptown M. H., where also appropriate services were held.

Rychener.-On June 10, 1907, Sister Elizabeth Rychener (nee Stutzman), wife of Joseph Rychener, died of cancer; aged 51 Y., 10 M., 24 D. She was born in Fulton Co., Ohio, Aug. 16, 1855; was married April 9, 1874; lived in matrimony 33 Y., 2 M., 1 D. She leaves a husband, one son and two daughters, father, mother and a great host of friends and relatives to mourn the loss. Funeral services took place in the A. M. M. H., conducted by Christian Freyenberger in German (text, John 3:14-16), assisted by M. S. Steiner in English (text, Jer. 12:5). Peace to her ashes.

Stutzman.-Barbara Stuckey was born in Canada May 8, 1829, and was married to Michael Stutzman on April 12, 1849. To this union were born twelve children. Her husband with five of the children preceded her to the spirit world. Those who survive her are: Lizzie Miller, Aline, Okla.; Sarah Troyer, Douglas, Wyo.; Tena Spangler, Geneva, Neb.; Anna Yoder, Topeka, Ind.; Fannie Hartzler, Goshen, Ind.; Joseph and David Stutzman, Boyne, Mich. Her longing to depart and be with Christ was granted June 9, 1907. Her age was 78 Y., 1 M., 1 D. Funeral services were held at the home of Bro. J. S. Hartzler, Goshen, Ind., with whom she had her home for a number of years. Bro. I. W. Royer preached from Mark 10:44, 45. The remains were then taken to Topeka and buried in the Hawpatch cemetery, where brief services were conducted by the brethren A. J. Yantz and I. R. Detweiler. "Grandma," as she was known to all of us, was of a very quiet disposition and lived an exemplary life of Christian piety and devotion. R. S.


Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas
Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved - Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA Used with permission by the Archives of the Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN Permission granted to private family researchers to use selected portions of these images to tell their family stories. May not be mass-produced in any form for commercial purposes.