Week 1: September 5, 1907, page 328. Volume XLIV, Number 36

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Miller.-Ella Freed Miller, wife of William Miller, postmaster of Nappanee, Ind., was born in Locke township, April 2, 1860. She died Aug. 20, 1907, aged 47 Y., 4 M., 18 D. Her death was caused by cancer, for which she had an operation performed at Goshen hospital on June 18, 1907. She was the daughter of Andrew Freed, and is survived by her husband, two children, two sisters and four brothers. She was buried on the 23d.

Martin.-Christian Martin was born Aug. 25, 1843, in Alsace, France, came to America in 1848, settled with his parents near Kekin, Tazewell Co. Ill., and was married to Phoebe Nofzinger April 3, 1870. They lived near Hopedale until 1875, when they moved to near Garden City, Mo., where he lived until his death, Aug. 16, 1907; age 63 Y., 11 M., 21 D. Deceased leaves a wife, five children, aged mother, one brother and many friends to mourn their loss, which we believe was his eternal gain. Two daughters preceded him to the spirit world. He was a faithful member of the A. M. church from his youth. His death was due to paralysis, terminating in other diseases. He was resigned to the will of God, and his desire in his last days was to read God's word and to pray. Funeral services on Aug. 18, at the residence by Pre. C. S. Hauder, and at the Sycamore M. H. by the home ministers, assisted by Pre. Jacob Yoder of Arkansas, where nearly 1,000 people had gathered. Text, 2 Cor. 5:1.

Culp.-Michael Culp was born at Bridgewater, Beaver Co., Pa., Nov. 24, 1812, and departed this life near Lewistown, Mahoning Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1907; aged 94 Y., 8 M., 15 D. He came with his parents to Mahoning Co., Ohio, when about eight years of age and lived there to the end of his days. He was married to Elizabeth Knopp, Oct. 16, 1834. To this union were born eleven children, of whom seven survive to mourn his death. Also 58 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren survive him. He died of kidney disease and old age. He was a man of vigorous mind and decided opinions, possessed a wonderful knowledge of the word of God and an excellent memory even in his extreme old age. At least four of his brothers lived and died in Elkhart Co., Ind., where many of their descendants still reside. He was buried at the Midway Mennonite M. H. on Aug. 11, where appropriate services were held by David Lehman and A. W. Harrold. May the Lord comfort the surviving friends and may we all learn anew the great and important lesson, that though the Lord may spare us to a great age, yet sooner or later the messenger of death will call us to our eternal reward.

Beck.-- On Aug. 23, 1907, at the Mennonite Home, Oreville, Lancaster Co., Pa., of a lingering illness, caused by rheumatism, of which she had been a sufferer for about twelve years, Hanna Beck, aged 67 Y., 6 M., 3 D. Funeral from the Home on the 26th. Services were conducted, by N. H. Mack and Benj. Weaver. Text, 2 Cor. 4:17. Interment at East Petersburg Mennonite graveyard. Sister Beck was a member of the Mennonite church for many years. John Beck, her husband, also died at the Home sixteen months ago.

Hamilton.-Irvin, only child of Bro. Ira and Sister Emma Hamilton, was born near Birmingham, Jackson Co., Kan., July 15, 1905: died near Newton. Kan., Aug. 23, 1907: aged 2 Y., 1 M., 8 D. He was kicked by a horse and lived but two days. Funeral was held Aug. 15 at Pennsylvania M. H. Burial in graveyard adjoining. Services conducted by T. M. Erb and D. D. Zook, from Mark 10:16.

Long.-Samuel Elias, son of Daniel and Jennie Long, was born in Guilford Twp., Medina Co., Ohio. Feb. 6, 1883; died July 30, 1907: aged 24 Y., 1 M., 24 D. When only three years of age his mother and little brother passed into the great beyond. With the efforts of Bro. Long the family was kept together and later a kind step-mother assisted in providing the needs of the family and was to him a kind mother until death came, which was due to consumption. Earlier in life he was one of the cheerful boys in Sunday school. For several years he was employed in Barberton, Ohio, but more than five months before his death he was unable to work. Five days before his death he realized his utter loss without Christ as his Savior and called for a minister to visit him, when upon confession of his faith in Christ he was baptized and received as a member of the Mennonite church. He said he realized God's mercy to him in sparing his life so long, and even through suffering to show him his lost condition. His suffering was intense, but kindly and very gently he fell asleep. Funeral services and burial were conducted by J. M. Kreider and N. A. Lind at the Guilford M. H., Aug. 1. Text, John 16:22.

McElroy.-Sophia Alice McElroy was born in Stark Co., Ohio, July 12. 1845: united with the Chritsian(sic) church. Feb. 18, 1867, and was united in marriage to Henry J. McElroy, April 23, 1869. To this union were born seven children, five sons and two daughters. Her son Earl preceded her to the spirit world, May 8, 1900. She departed this life Aug. 9, 1907; aged 62 Y., 29 D. Besides her children she leaves to mourn their loss her husband, five grandchildren, two brothers, four sisters and one half-sister. Funeral services conducted at the house by John Blosser, assisted by N. O. Blosser. Text, Rev. 11:12.

Groff.-On Sunday, Aug. 25, 1907, in East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of a complication of diseases, of which she suffered about a year, Sister Lydia, wife of Benj. H. Groff, in the sixty-sixth year of her age. She was a member of the Mennonite church. She leaves a sorrowing husband, one son and four daughters to mourn her death.

Witmer.-On Monday, Aug. 26, 1907, near Rock Hill, Conestoga township, of a complication of diseases, Bro. Benjamin F. Witmer, aged 84 years. He was a member of the Mennonite church and is survived by five sons. Funeral on the 29th at the Masonville Mennonite meeting-house.

Week 2: September 12, 1907, page 33 Volume XLIV, Number 37

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Brenneman.-Sister Leah Brenneman, widow of David Brenneman, was born June 29, 1831, in Perry Co., Ohio; died Aug. 24, 1907, at her home in Marion Twp., Allen Co., Ohio; aged 76 years. She was well known in the vicinity where she lived. She was the daughter of Nicholas and Catharine Stemen. She united with the Mennonite church fifty-five years ago, and remained a faithful member until death. With her kind and loving disposition she had gained many friends. She was charitable and her influence for good will be missed by many. She was married to David Brenneman, April 5, 1849. To this union were born five children, one of whom died in infancy. The living are Lydia Chandler of Ft. Jennnings(sic), Catharine Brenneman; Elizabeth Heidelbarge and Samuel S. Brenneman of Marion township. Bro. Brenneman died fourteen years ago. She leaves also seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three brothers, viz., Henry Stemen, Crossingville, aged 85 years; Samuel Stemen, Ft. Jennings, aged 83 years, and Benoni Stemen of Pickerington, Ohio, aged 74 years. Funeral services were conducted by Bro. John Blosser of Rawson and Moses Brenneman of Elida, at the Salem M. H., where a large number of relatives and friends met to pay the last tribute of love to the departed sister. Text, Isa. 66:13.

Week 3: September 19, 1907, page 348. Volume XLIV, Number 38

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Weaver.-Pre. John Weaver was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Sept. 2, 1821; died Sept. 2, 1907; aged 86 years, having died on the anniversary of his birthday. He was married to Mary Zimmerman in Lancaster county in 1843. To this union were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Five children with the mother preceded him to the world beyond. Bro. Weaver was called and ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite church in Lancaster Co., Pa., and moved with his family to Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1867 or 1868. His first wife died a number of years ago. His second wife, Elizabeth Lehman, also preceded him in death. Four sons and three daughters survive him. Bro. Weaver was a devoted Christian, a man of peace, and one who enjoyed the love and respect of all who knew him, faithful to his calling, unwavering in the faith and looking forward to the time of his redemption with unwavering confidence in the hope of the life to come. For several years he has been gradually failing; however during the recent past he attended church services and on one occasion rose to his feet and addressed the congregation standing, while at another time he admonished them sitting. Two weeks before he died, upon his request, services were held at his home. His funeral was largely attended. Bish. Henry Horst of Wayne Co., Ohio, preached the funeral sermon from 2 Tim. 4:6-8, assisted by C. L. Ressler. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

Miller.-Nancy A. Miller was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 19, 1850. She went with her parents to Concord Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., when about five years of age. She was married to Charles S. Miller of Elkhart county, Jan. 6, 1867. To this union were born one son, Harrison, and one daughter, Ida Bell, now wife of Myron 0. Bemiller. She united with the Mennonite church in 1881, and remained a faithful member until death. After several months of suffering she calmly fell asleep in Jesus Sept. 10, 1907, aged 57 Y., 3 M., 21 D., leaving a sorrowing husband, two children, six grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters and many friends to mourn her death. Her father, mother, two brothers, four sisters and one granddaughter preceded her to the world beyond. She was a devoted Christian, willing to do what she could, a faithful Sunday school teacher and attendant at the church services, had a deep concern for the welfare and salvation of those who were near and dear unto her, and a woman of prayer. Near the close of her life, when she was too weak to hold up her hands, she asked her attendants to hold them up for her and with uplifted hands she prayed very earnestly to her heavenly Father. May we all remember her zeal and her anxiety for souls and "go and do likewise." She was buried on the 12th. Funeral services by John F. Funk from Matt. 24:44 and J. K. Bixler from the words, "She hath done what she could." Peace to her ashes. Her funeral was largely attended.

Stern.-On Sept. 4, 1907, near Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., after suffering for about a year, Christian Stern, aged 78 Y., 5 M., 10 D. He was a member of the Mennonite church. He is survived by his second wife, two sons and, one daughter. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a good neighbor and a devoted Christian. Services by Bish. J. Ebersole and Pre. S. Oberholtzer.

Brubaker.-On the 2d of Sept., 1907, in Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co., Pa., Sister Elizabeth Brubaker, widow of the late David Brubaker, at the home of her son, Martin M. Brubaker; aged 98 Y., 9 M., 20 D. She had been in excellent health until a few months ago, after which she began to fail rapidly. She was born Nov. 12, 1809, which was three years before the war of 1812. She is survived by two sons, sixteen grandchildren, fifty-seven great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was held on Thursday, Sept. 4. Services were conducted by Richard C. Rengler of the Lutheran church and Jacob N. Brubacher and H. E. Longenecker of the Mennonite church, of which she also was a faithful and devoted member. Next to Sister Elizabeth Lehman, Sister Brubaker was the oldest female member in the Mennonite church in this country.

Shaub.-On the 9th of September, in Lancaster Co., Pa., of a complication of diseases, Annie, wife of Samuel Shaub; aged 66 years. She suffered only a short time and death came somewhat unexpectedly. She is survived by her husband and four children. Buried at the Strasburg M. H. on the following Thursday.

Geil.-On the 26th of August, 1907, in Rockingham Co., Va., of the infirmities of old age, Sister Catharine, widow of the late Pre. John Geil; aged 74 Y., 5 M., 17 D. She was a member of the Mennonite church for many years and a devoted Christian. One son and three grandchildren survive her. Services were held at the Brenneman M. H. by Bro. Lewis Shank. Peace to her ashes. Our loss is her eternal gain.

Gingerich.-David Gingerich was born Apr. 24, 1841; died Sept. 2, 1907; aged 66 Y., 4 M., 8 D. He was a consistent member of the Amish Mennonite church and at the time of his death was an inmate of the Old People's Home. He leaves seven children and fifteen grandchildren to mourn his departure. Funeral services conducted in German by Benjamin Gerig, in English by Jacob S. Gerig.

King.-Ora D. King was born near Orrville, Wayne Co., Ohio, June 30, 1877; died Aug. 24. 1907; aged 30 Y., 1 M., 24 D. On Oct. 25, 1903, he was united in marriage to Sister Fannie Burkholder. The fruits of this union were two children. Owing to failing health Bro. King and family went to Colorado, March 5, 1907, in hope of receiving help in a different climate. But on Aug. 24 he quietly fell asleep in Jesus at their home in Colorado City, Colo. His remains, accompanied by his wife and children, arrived at Orrville, Aug. 31, 1907, and were taken to the home of his mother. Bro. Ora united with the Amish Mennonite church in his youth and was a faithful member until death. He leaves a loving wife, two children, an aged mother, four brothers, two sisters and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his early departure. Funeral services at the home were conducted by Bro. Jonas Kreider, at the Oak Grove M. H. by I. J. Buckwalter and Jacob S. Gerig.

Hochstetler.-On Sept. 4, 1907, in Nappanee, Ind., of heart failure, Lydia Hochstetler, aged 33 years. She is survived by a number of brothers and sisters. She was a member of the A. M. church. Funeral services were conducted at the Mennonite M. H. in Nappanee by Bro. D. J. Johns. Interment at S. Union cemetery.

Burkhart.-Esther Burkhart; widow of the late Isaac Burkhart, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. E. Shirk in Goodville, Pa., where she had her home for some time. Death resulted from the infirmities of age. Buried on Friday, Sept. 6, at the Mennonite M. H., where she was a member for many years. Interment at Bowmansville.

Showalter.-Marion G., son of Bro. S. J. and Sister Sarah Showalter, passed from earth to heaven near Waynesboro, Augusta Co., Va., Aug. 23, 1907; aged 2 Y., 2 M., 19 D. He suffered with dysentery three weeks. All that medical aid and good nursing could do was done, but God's call must be obeyed. Parents, five sisters and two brothers are left to mourn. Let them be comforted to think how happy and blessed little Marion now is, and may they strive to meet him where all is joy and where they need to part no more. He was heard singing the chorus of that beautiful hymn, "The parting song," "Oh, that will be joyful to meet to part no more," just a few days before he was taken sick. Funeral services were held at Spring Dale on Sunday, Aug. 25. by the brethren E C. Shank and J. H. Martin. Text, part of Heb. 12:2, "Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross."

Holsopple.-Dora Elizabeth, only daughter of Bro. Samuel and Sister Leah Holsopple, died near Holsopple, Pa., Sept. 2, 1907; aged 8 Y., 4 M., 6 D. Dora was a bright little girl and is greatly missed in the home. But there was a better home for her in the glory world, where she shall be happy forever. Funeral services were conducted on the 4th at the Blough M. H. by S. G. Shetler and Simon Layman.

Keim.-Sadie, wife of Ira Keim, died of consumption, near Jerome, Somerset Co., Pa.. on Sept. 5, 1907; aged 24 Y., 7 D. Funeral services were conducted on the 8th at the Thomas church by Pre. Vachtner of the Lutheran church and L. A. Blough. Mrs. Keim was a member of the Lutheran church.

Week 4: September 26, 1907, page 358, 359 Volume XLIV, Number 39

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Yoder.-Jonas Yoder was born in Mifflin Co. Pa., April 2, 1835; died Sept. 11, 1907; aged 72 Y., 5 M., 9 D. In 1838 his father with his family moved to Union Co., Pa., where they lived until 1853, when they moved to Baltimore Co., Md., Here Bro. Yoder spent most of his time till 1873, when he was married to Lydia Yoder of Mifflin Co., Pa., where he then lived until his death. To this union were born one son and one daughter. The son died when nearly five years old. Bro. Yoder was a faithful member in the A. M. church was a kind and loving husband and father and well respected by all who knew him. He will be much missed in the church and community. He was one of a family of seven brothers and one sister, all of whom are dead except the sister, who lives in Maryland and is married to Peter Nafzinger. Funeral took place at the A. M. meeting-house on Sept. 14, conducted by Bish. Michael Yoder in German and Bish. John E. Kauffman in English. Text, Isa. 57:1, 2.

Freed.-On Sept 10, 1907, in Montgomery Co. Pa., of paralysis, Mary, widow of Joseph Freed; aged 86 Y., 10 M., 15 D. See correspondence from Morwood, Pa.

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September 26, 1907 - Correspondence from Morwood, PA

Herald of Truth, page 354.
Morwood, Montgomery Co., Pa., Sept. 18, 1907.- As it has pleased the Lord to come into our home and take away our aged mother and grandmother, Mary Freed, we have learned another lesson of the Lord's doings, though we know that whatsoever he doeth is well done. She lived over fourscore years, but was still able to wait on herself until Sept. 2, when she complained a little more than usual and at about half past eight o'clock she was overtaken with a stroke of paralysis and her right side, arm and limb were paralyzed, but the Lord was very gracious and preserved her speech and consciousness until nine o'clock on Sept. 10, during which time all her children and grandchildren were at her bedside. She passed away quietly at half past four o'clock, Sept. 10, 1907; aged 86 Y., 10 M., 15 D. She was born Oct. 25, 1820. She was the widow of the late Joseph Freed, father of Dea. J. A. Freed. She has always lived a life of purity and humility and was of a meek and lowly spirit. She spent all the time during her sickness in admonishing us and in prayer and song, which gives us the blessed hope that she is now among the redeemed in heaven. COR.

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Reist.-On Sept. 8, 1907, in Waterloo Co., Ont., ------- Reist, wife of Peter Reist; aged 63 Y., 5 M. She died of internal cancer. She was buried at Cressman's M. H. on Tuesday following. Funeral services were conducted by Peter Cober.

Harshbarger.-Jacob W. Harshbarger was born in Rockingham Co., Va., May 12, 1832. He went with his parents to Augusta county in 1840. He was married to Elizabeth Good, who died Feb. 18, 1892. To this union were born four sons: Joseph (Pre.), who died Oct. 7, 1906; Jacob, of Dodge City, Kan.; John, of Mt. Sidney, Va., and Benjamin, of Utah. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years. He was kind and charitable and the poor always found in him a friend. His benevolence was so generally known, and there were so many opportunities for exercising it, that his house was often referred to as "The Old People's Home." On Dec. 17, 1896, he was married to Sarah Johns. Besides his wife and three sons he is survived by twenty-three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; also one brother (John of Poulan, Worth Co., Ga.) and four sisters (Frances Beam, Cullom, Ill.; Christina Cullen, Holmesville, Neb.; Elizabeth Shantz, Elkhart, Ind., Sarah Hodam, Gifford, Ill.) After several months of intense suffering, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, Aug. 5, aged 75 Y., 2 M., 23 D. Never during his extreme suffering was he heard to murmur or complain; but he bore his affliction with patience and submission. The funeral services on the 7th were conducted by A. P. Heatwole from 2 Tim. 4:7, assisted by Jacob Martin and Christian Good. Buried in Mt. Pleasant cemetery.

Kurtz.-Sister Iva Elizabeth, daughter of Martin D. and Anna Kurtz, of near Intercourse, Lancaster Co., Pa., fell asleep in Jesus, Sept. 15, 1907. Iva suffered much for a week with appendicitis, but bore her sufferings very patiently. Her parents did all they could for her, but the Lord thought best to take her home. She accepted Christ as her Redeemer about a year ago and united with the Mennonite church. It appeared to be her greatest delight to attend regularly church services and Sunday school. In the afternoon before she died she called her only sister, her father and mother to her bedside, kissed them good-bye, and said she was going to live with God and her little brother Willis, who died in February, 1901. We deeply sympathize with the bereaved family. It may seem hard to submit to the will of the Lord under circumstances like these, but to know that our loved ones have gone to the home of the blest in heaven gives strength and joy to our souls. There they will not suffer any more. May the departure of our loved ones draw us nearer to God. Funeral services were held at Hersheys M. H., Sept. 17, 1907, by Isaac Eby and C. M. Brackbill, from 1 Thess. 4:13, 14. Interment in the adjoining cemetery. I. F. D.

Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas        

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