Gospel Witness Obituaries - January, 1908

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Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 40 - January 1, 1908, page 639

LANDIS.-Benjamin L. Landis died at his home in East Lampeter, Lancaster Co., Pa. Funeral services were held Christmas morning in the Mellinger Meeting House. Buried in the cemetery adjoining.

CONRAD.-Anna Conrad was born June 29, 1847; died Dec. 10, 1907; aged 60y. 6m. 11d. She leaves 2 brothers, 5 nephews, and 7 nieces to mourn her departure. Her parents, one brother and one sister preceded her to the spirit world. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church. Services were held at the Beech A. M. Church near Louisville, O., conducted by John Summers and J. S. Gerig. Peace to her ashes.

YODER.-John S. Yoder was born July 21, 1829, in Mifflin Co., Pa. In 1837 he moved with his father's family to Fairfield Co., O., and in 1851 he with others came to the Hawpatch, where he lived until his death, Dec. 5, 1907, aged 78y. 4m. and 14d. He was united in marriage to Catharine Stahley, March 22, 1853. To this union were born five sons, who, with their sorrowing mother, nine grandchildren, one brother, one sister and a host of relatives and friends, survive him. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his early days, and his greatest aim was to be honest with his fellowmen and with his God.- Topeka (Ind.) Journal.

CALDWELL.-On Friday, Dec. 20, 1907, brother Elra Manford Caldwell departed this life; aged 19y. 2m. 20d. He was the first of a family of ten children to try the realities of the great beyond. Although he united with the church just recently, he gave every evidence of a converted life. The text chosen by the family was II Samuel 12:23. Bro. E. J. Blough preached the funeral discourse assisted by Bro. J. A. Brillhart and the Methodist pastor of Luthersburg district. The congregation was one of the largest ever gathered within the church. May God comfort the bereaved family and cause this dispensation of providence to bless the future of mourning ones. Elra will not return, but I will go to him. -Anna Parrish.

ZOOK.- Joseph C. Zook was born Dec. 7, 1839, and died Oct. 23, 1907; aged 67y. l0m. 18d. His death was due to paralysis. For a number of years he had been in failing health and during the past summer he was afflicted with frequent fainting spells which left him in a weakened condition. During the past few weeks he had been very helpless, the power of speech having almost entirely left him. In early manhood he united with the A. M. Church and remained a faithful, consistent worker until his end. He served the church at this place as deacon for about 21 years, and his presence, counsel and help will be greatly missed. We have every evidence that be left this world with the hope of a glorious resurrection. The funeral services were conducted in the Allensville A. M. Church on Monday, Oct. 28, in German by J. H. Byler from Rev. 3:14-22, and Jno. E. Kauffman in English from Psa. 90:12. Besides two sisters, he leaves a sorrowing wife, three daughters and a host of friends to mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. May God ever comfort and bless them all. Z.

MILLER.-James Irwin, oldest son of Bro. D. P. and Sister Amelia Miller of Springs, Pa., peacefully fell asleep on Dec. 15, 1907, after a few days suffering of typhoid fever. He was taken to the Johnstown hospital when he first took sick, where everything possible in the medical line was done to prolong his life, but human hands could not stay the hand of death. James was a bright, intelligent young brother. He was teaching a successful term of school near Johnstown, Pa., when stricken with fever. He will be greatly missed, especially among the young people, as he was a favorite among them, and was loved by all who knew him. His pupils speak words of praise of him as a teacher. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior, nearly two years ago, since then he has been a faithful, consistent member of the Mennonite Church. He leaves a father, mother, two brothers, two sisters and a large circle of friends to mourn his sudden death, yet we have the hope that our loss is his gain. May his early death be the means of bringing many nearer to Jesus. James was aged 20y. 7m. 28d. Funeral services, Dec. 7 at Springs, Pa., by S. G. Shetler of Johnstown, Pa., assisted by G. D. and Ed. Miller.

NEWCOMER.-John Newcomer was born in Wadsworth Twp., Medina Co., Ohio, March 3, 1836, died near Bloomville, Seneca Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1907; aged 71y. 8m. 27d. He was of a family of nine children, of whom one sister and three brothers preceded him in death. Oct. 25, 1860, he was married to Susan Muckley of Bloom Twp., Seneca Co., Ohio, who preceded him in death four years. To this union were born five children, one son and four daughters, all of whom survive their parents and were present at the funeral. Bro. Newcomer was for many years a faithful member of the Mennonite church. Some years ago his home church in Seneca Co. died out, leaving Brother and Sister Newcomer without the church of their choice. While a few of the remaining members joined some of the more popular churches, Brother and Sister Newcomer remained true to the Mennonite faith. They made their church home with the church in Medina Co., Ohio, where they were always present at communion services when health would permit. Funeral services were held at his home conducted by Pre. A. M. Beck of the Reformed church.

HOOLEY.- Christopher Hooley, son of David and Mary Hooley (maiden name, Hertzler), of Mifflin Co., Pa., was born Feb. 14, 1824; died December 13, 1907, at his home in Topeka, Ind., at the ripe age of 84y. l0m. ld. In his youth he united with the Mennonite Church and remained a member until his death. At the age of 24 he was married to Sarah Zook, daughter of Shem and Frances Zook. To this union were born two daughters, Emma R., wife of A. R. Zook, and Rachel Z., wife of J. J. Wenger. In the month of March, 1855, he moved with his family to LaGrange, Ind., and engaged in teaching school in connection with farming, and, as administrator, settled many estates; being good in figures and accurate in his accounts and business relations. In 1874, he gave up farming and lived a retired life; traveling extensively in the East, West and South. On May 27, 1886, Mother Hooley, after a short but severe illness, was called to her reward. In December, 1888, he was united in marriage with Sarah Schantz (maiden name, Miller) of Goodland, Kans., who, with his daughters and their families, survive him. In his last illness, he was confined to his bed, most of the time, for over twenty weeks and was a great sufferer until death came to his relief. A. R. ZOOK.

DETWEILER.- After a lingering illness and much suffering of nearly two years, due to a stroke of paralysis, Jacob K. Detweiler of near Belleville, Pa., passed peacefully into the great beyond on Friday evening, Dec. 6, 1907; aged 60y. 1m. 22d. In early youth Bro. Detweiler united with the A. M. Church and remained a staunch and faithful member to the end. He was a devout Christian and was always found at his post of duty, both in the church and Sunday school, when health permitted. He was much interested in the young people, and was always an interested Sunday school worker. On Jan. 13, 1873, he was married to Sarah Zook. To this union were born three children, Anna C., married to R. H. King, Mollie E. (deceased), and John D., at home. Besides the family, four brothers and one sister and seven grandchildren mourn the loss of a kind, loving and cheerful friend; the church has lost a strong, useful and intelligent member, and the community a good, useful citizen. Funeral services were held in the Belleville A. M. Church Dec. 9, conducted in German by J. H. Byler and in English by Jno. E. Kauffman of Mattawana, Pa., the basis of both sermons being I Pet. 1:3, 4. Interment in the A. M. cemetery. May an ever-sympathizing God comfort the sorrowing family and friends in their sad bereavement. Z.

ZOOK. - Esther Zook (nee Hartzler) was born near Allensville, Pa., July 17, 1840, and died Dec. 8, 1907; aged 67y. 4m. 2d. Sister Zook had been in as good health as usual and on Sunday morning she arose from her bed early in order that she might attend church services, when she suddenly took a severe headache. She told Maggie, her granddaughter, to bring her a cloth and dish of cold water to bathe her head. Maggie quickly responded and as she was walking through the room she sank to the floor and never uttered another word. She was at once placed on her bed and after taking one long breath expired. Death was probably due to paralysis. She united with the church of her faith when young and always attended services when health permitted. She showed much interest in the welfare of the church and always possessed a lively, loving and sociable disposition. She had a warm heart for the poor and needy. Her presence will be greatly missed in the home, church and community. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. S. E. Plank and Mrs. C. Y. Plank of Belleville, Pa., and Mrs. S. Y. Spicher of Wellman, Iowa. Funeral services were held in the A. M. Church on Dec. 11, conducted in German by J. H. Byler and Jno. E. Kauffman, and Joshua B. Zook in English, using the same texts, Rev. 3:14-16 and Psa. 90:12, which were used for her husband, J. C. Zook, who preceded her but six weeks before. She was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery at Allensville, Pa.

APPLE-Sister Martha Apple was born at Richfield Pa. April 3, 1830; died near Freeburg Pa., Dec. 22, 1907; aged 77 y. 8 m. 19 d. She was the daughter of Pre. Christian and Barbara Graybill. She was baptized and received into the church fifty years ago by Pre. Haldeman. In 1816 she was united in marriage with Benj. Apple. This union was blessed with four children, three daughters and one son, all surviving. Her husband died 38 years ago. Two sisters, two brothers and three grandchildren also survive her. Sister Apple was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church and always had an encouraging word for those with whom she met. She had been blessed with good health until about a year ago when she met with an accident in dislocating her shoulder from which she entirely recovered. Later the loathesome disease, tuberculosis, took hold of her, which terminated in her death and her spirit went to God who gave it. In all her suffering she was resigned to the will of God and expressed herself as being ready to go home. She was rational to the last moment, made disposition of her funeral arrangements, selected her text and then fell asleep in Jesus surrounded by her family. Her body was laid away this Christmas Day at Freeburg, followed by a large concourse of friends, not mourning a defeat, but celebrating a glorious victory. Services were conducted by the brethren Wm. Seiber and Banks Winey.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington


Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 41 - January 8, 1908, page 656

BURKHOLDER.-On Dec. 27, 1907, of consumption, near Mt. Clinton, Rockingham Co., Va., Bro. Martin Burkholder departed this life; aged 56 y. 4 m. 23 d.

BLOSSER.-Near Dale Enterprise, Rockingham Co., Va., of the infirmities of old age, Sarah Blosser, consort of Abraham Blosser, departed this life at the advanced age of 80 y. 9 m. and 12 d. From early life she was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral on Dec. 20, at Weaver's M. H., L. J. Heatwole and A. B. Burkholder officiating.

SCHROCK.-Catherine (Troyer) Schrock was born in Logan Co., Ohio, Mar. 22, 1844; died at her home in Middlebury, Ind., Dec. 24, 1907, aged 63 y. 9 m. Her death was caused by appendicitis. She came with her parents to Ohio when ten years of age. At the age of fifteen she united with the Mennonite Church of which she remained a faithful member till death. On Mar. 4, 1860, she was married to Joseph Schrock, who survives her, together with ten of their eleven children, 31 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, four brothers and one sister. Funeral services were held in the Mennonite Church at Middlebury, Ind., Dec. 28, 1907, conducted by A. J. Hostetler, assisted by A. J. Fike. Burial took place at Forest Grove.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington


Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 42 - January 15, 1908, pages 671 and 672

REAM.-Sister Rebecca, wife of Bro. Eli Ream, died at the home of Bro. Ephraim Ream near Ada, Ohio, on Jan. 5, 1908; aged 65 y. 5 m. 6 d. Funeral services at the Chapel Church by John Blosser.

MILLER.-Mary Miller, nee Graber, was born in France, May 20, 1819, and died Nov. 3, 1907; aged 88 y. 5 m. 15 d. She was united in marriage with Christian Miller in 1849 and emigrated to America in 1854. This union was blest with 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters. The husband, one son and two daughters preceded her to the spirit world. Services were conducted by Ben. Gerig and John Sommers.

DUTROW.-Howard Christian, infant son of Alvin and Ellen Dutrow, of Washingtonville Ohio, was born Dec. 22, 1907; died Dec. 27, 1907; aged 5 days. The first child of the family, a little bud, has been transplanted from earth into heaven, giving the parents greater interest in heaven because of the dear little child there. Buried at Midway Cemetery, Dec. 29, 1907. Services by Jonas Horst of the Brethren Church and E. M. Detweiler. Text. Job 1:21.

EASH.-Sister Fannie, wife of Bro. Em. Eash, died at her home near Hollsopple, Pa., Dec. 10, 1907; aged 79y. 8m. l1d. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. She had a paralytic stroke about five weeks before she died. She suffered a great deal during her sickness, but we believe she is now resting from all sorrow and pain. Funeral Dec. 12, at the Blough M. H. Services were conducted by S. D. Yoder Simon Layman and S. Gindlesperger. Her descendants were 11 children 5 of whom survive, 38 grandchildren, 33 surviving, and 23 great-grandchildren, 20 surviving. She is also survived by her husband and many relatives and friends. Peace to her ashes.

EASH.-William Irvin Eash was born near Hollsopple, Somerset Co., Pa., Jan. 17, 1890; died Jan. 3, 1908; aged 17y. 11m. 17d. Buried on the 5, at the Blough M. H. where about 500 people had assembled. Bro. Eash accepted Christ about a year ago and was faithful in Sunday school and church whenever health permitted. He took part in communion about three months ago and when stricken down with consumption and thought his end was near he desired to have communion once more, which was granted. He expressed himself happy because he gave his heart to the Lord in his young days, then he quietly passed away without a struggle. He leaves mother, and one brother, besides a host of relatives and friends. His father preceded him about seventeen years ago. May God comfort and bless the bereaved. Funeral services were conducted by Jas. Saylor, S. Gindlesperger, L. A. Blough, S. D. Yoder and W. C. Hershberger.

WITMER.-Levi Witmer died on Dec. 29, 1907, at the home of his son, Isaac, at the old Witmer homestead, Akron, Pa., where he resided for forty-two years. Death resulted from pneumonia after an illness of four days. His age was 73y. 9m. 10d. Funeral services were conducted by N. H. Mack and Benj. Weaver at Metzler's M. H. Interment in adjoining cemetery. He was a member of the Mennonite Church from early manhood. His wife preceded him to the great unspeakable paradise a little over four years ago. To this union were born thirteen children, three of whom preceded their parents to the spirit world. Forty-nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.

Through faith in Christ
Our Savior he will be
Moulding us for better life
By grace for eternity to see.

SHENK.-On Dec. 27, in Manor Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Daniel Shenk died, aged 72 y. 3m. 23 d. Bro. Shenk had been in ill health for several weeks but had improved some and his family were hopeful of his recovery. But on the evening of Dec. 26, as he seated himself in a chair, which was lovingly given him by his family as a Christmas gift, he remarked that he believes he could rest better in bed. As he arose he was stricken with paralysis and became weaker until the next day at ten o'clock he fell asleep in Jesus. He recognized the members of the family who had gathered around his bedside but was unable to speak. A sorrowing widow, five sons, five daughters and fifteen grandchildren mourn his departure, but are comforted with the hope that by living faithful to God they may again meet him in the realms of bliss. Funeral services were held Dec. 30, in the Masonville Church, where he always attended when health permitted, and were conducted by the brethren Abram Herr, Henry Haverstick and Peter Ebersole. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

SMITH.-Sister Kate Smith (nee Schrock) was born near Roanoke, Ill., Oct. 7, 1876; died Dec. 24, 1907; aged 31 y. 2 m. 17 d. She united with the A. M. Church in early youth and was a faithful member until death. Feb. 20, 1896 she was united in marriage with Samuel E. Smith. This union was blessed with three children, a son and two daughters, little Raymond having preceded her at the age of two years. She leaves husband, two daughters, mother, two sisters, three brothers and many friends to mourn her early departure. Sister Smith was of a loving, sociable, and patient disposition. At ten o' clock, Dec. 17, she was taken sick with a severe attack of pneumonia, at 12:40, Dec. 24, death delivered her of all pain and sickness. She was conscious to the very last, just a few minutes before she passed away she expressed her trust in the Lord and spoke of how nice it is to have a home prepared. Her closing words were "Good-bye, now I am going," and fell asleep to wake in the better kingdom. Funeral services on Dec. 27, conducted at the house by A. L. Buzzard. Text, Psa. 90. At the Roanoke A. M. Church Sam Gerber spoke in German from I Kings 20:1, and A. L. Buzzard in English from Jno. 11:23. Interment in the cemetery near by.

STEMEN. -Lydia Stemen, daughter of John and Nancy Brenneman, was born Dec. 29, 1829, and departed this life Jan. 2, 1908; aged 78 y. 4 d. She was married to Nicholas Stemen, Feb. 24, 1853. To this union were born 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom reside in and near Pickerington, Ohio. She with her husband united with the Mennonite Church soon after their marriage, and she remained a faithful member until death. On account of affliction she was not permitted to attend public services the last two years, but served her Master loyally in her house and during the bitter months of suffering she developed a true Christian character and bore her suffering with great patience and without a murmur. Her life was an open book to all; she was a devoted mother. A loving friend has left us, other hands are beckoning us to the haven of rest. She realized that she could not recover, and longed to hear the Master's voice calling her home. Finally the gates of everlasting bliss opened and received her into that land where there is no sorrow. Where we too may some time understand fully why God's ways are best. She leaves to mourn her departure, 3 sons, 2 daughters, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 5 brothers and one sister. On Feb. 17, 1896, her husband preceded her to the better land. Also 2 brothers, 2 sisters and 3 grandchildren were waiting to receive her on the other shore. The family and the entire community have lost a true friend. There is a vacancy in the house that can never be filled, and we can truly say, A good mother has gone home. Funeral services at the Stemen Church near Pickerington, O., by John Blosser. Text, Job 16:22-J. B.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington


Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 43 - January 22, 1908, pages 687 and 688

SMITH.-Grandma Smith died Jan. 3, 1908; aged 85y. l0m. She lived near Job, W. Va. Her husband died about five years ago, at the age of 81. Sister Smith has been a member of the Mennonite Church for some forty years. She was the mother of seven children, four boys and three girls, five surviving to mourn her death. She has also 64 grandchildren. Grandma had fair health up to the day she died. She got up in the morning as usual, later going to bed, when on going to call her for dinner she was found dead. Burial in Kerns Graveyard on the Allegheny Mountains. She was widely known and loved by all who knew her. She let her light shine to all those around her.

KAUFFMAN.-Esther Kauffman, nee Yoder, was born in Juniata Co., Pa., April 13, 1840; died at the home of her daughter near East Lynn, Mo., Jan. 9, 1908; aged 67 y. 8 m. 26 d. On June 4, 1868, she was married to Solomon Kauffman, who with two daughters survive her and mourn the loss of a faithful companion and loving mother. Yet they mourn not as those who have no hope. At the age of eighteen she united with the Amish Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member unto death. While her last sickness was long and her sufferings at times severe, yet she bore it patiently and was willing to submit to the Lord's will. Funeral services were held at the Sycamore Grove Church by J. J. and C. A. Hartzler. Text, II Tim. 4:7,8, which was her own selection.

SHEPPERD.-Rachel Ann Shepperd, nee Whitlock, was born in Middlesex Co., N. J., Mar. 24, 1827, and died near Scottdale, Pa., Jan. 14, 1908; aged 78 y. 9 m. 26 d. She was married to John Shepperd in 1844, and later moved with her husband to Fayette Co., Pa. They had no children, and husband dying two years ago, the widow had no suitable home, so was taken into the home of Bro. and Sister E. T. Saylor, residing near Scottdale. On Jan. 6, she fell down the cellar steps suffering injuries from which she died about a week later. A brother and a niece came to her bedside a few days before she passed away. Some time in life she had been a member of the Methodist Church. Funeral services were conducted at the house on Wednesday evening by D. H. Bender and Aaron Loucks. Text, Rom. 6:23. The body was taken to Uniontown, Pa., the next morning for interment.

STUTSMAN.-Menno S. Stutsman was born in Johnson Co., Ia., Dec. 12, 1878, and died Jan. 1, 1908. He grew to manhood in his father's home, his being the first death in the family. Five years ago he was happily converted to God and joined the United Evangelical Church, of which he remained a faithful member until death. Four years ago he went to the state of Washington, where he took a homestead and purchased other land. Last July he became ill, from which he never fully recovered. On Nov. 20, he returned home with his father for a visit and medical treatment. On Dec. 4, he went to Iowa City for a minor operation; typhoid developed which, with other complications, proved too much for his weakened vitality, and he answered the summons, "Child, come home." He sank sweetly to rest on New Year's day. He leaves mother, father, six brothers and two sisters. The funeral was held from the E. Union Church, conducted by G. W. Mullen, assisted by J. S. Yoder, on Jan. 5. Interment in cemetery close by.

EGLI.-Pre. John Egli was born in Baden, Germany, June 16, 1821. One year later the family moved to Strasburg, Alsace, where he grew to manhood. He came to America in 1837, settling in Huron Co., Ontario, Canada. He was married to Magdalena Gascho, in 1850, with whom he lived happily until her death in 1902. In 1867 they came to Illinois. In 1886 they went to Offerle, Kans., coming back in 1888 to their home five miles southwest of Minier, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom survive, six sons and four daughters, also 76 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held at the A. M. church south of Hopedale, with the sermon by Samuel Garber of Groveland, Ill., and P. Sommers and P. D. Schertz of Metamora, Ill. The deceased was a member of the Mennonite Church for 70 years and for 46 years a minister. He was loved and respected by all. He died Dec. 11, at the age of 86y. 5m. 24d.

CULLAR.-Noah Cullar was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Dec. 9,1878; and was taken out of this world almost in the twinkling of an eye Jan. 13, 1908; aged 29 y. 1 m. 4 d. On Monday morning he left home with prospects of a long life, but it was his lot, never to return again. He had gone to Bro. Henry Zeigler's, his father-in-law, a distance of about three miles to saw cord wood with a gasoline engine. They had not yet sawed any wood and had just started the engine when the belt jumped off the wheel at the saw and in some manner his leg was caught drawing him up to the engine, whirling him around several times until his leg was torn off below the knee, striking his head against the engine, causing instant death. He was buried Jan. 15. Funeral held at Bro. Zeigler's and at the North Lima Church by Bro. E. M. Detweiler. He leaves a sorrowing mother, one brother, a wife and two children. The bereft family have the sympathy of the entire community. This again reminds us of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death. "There is but a step between me and death." This indeed is a loud call to the unsaved and should be the means of causing those who have accepted Him to live near Him, for we may be called out of this world at a time when we think not.

FENSTERMACHER.-Harvey, only son of Bro. Elmer and Sister Bertha Fenstermacher, died at the home of his parents, in Rohrerstown, Pa., on Jan. 7, 1908; aged ly. 7m. Little Harry was sick only a few short hours with pneumonia. Though we believe the parents would not wish their darling back into this world of sin and sorrow, yet we believe also that their hearts often yearn for a clasp of the hand that has so suddenly vanished and the sound of the voice that was so unexpectedly hushed. Funeral services were conducted at the Mennonite Church in Rohrerstown. by the brethren Henry Longenecker and A. D. Wenger, from Matt. 18:3. The brotherhood and community at large deeply sympathize with the parents in their sad and sudden bereavement, yet we feel also to rejoice with them in the sweet assurance, that their little jewel is forever "safe in the arms of Jesus." That God may comfort and console, and give them the needed grace so to live that they, like David of old, shall some day go to meet their darling in the Father's home on high, is our sincere wish and prayer.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington


Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 44 - January 29, 1908, pages 703 and 704

WEAVER.-Grace, daughter of Bro. David and Sister Barbara Weaver died with pneumonia Jan. 8, 1908; aged 1 y. 3 m. 1 d. A short service was held at the home of Jacob Heatwole and at La Junta, by J. F. and D. S. Brunk from Psa. 39:4. Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God."

LANTZ.-Martha, daughter of Aaron Lantz, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Jan. 19, 1902; died of scarlet fever Dec. 8, 1907; aged 5y. l0m. 18d. While the earthly tie is broken and we cannot undertstand why, but may the heavenly tie be stronger that when He comes that we might be numbered with the righteous. On account of the contagious disease the funeral service was not held until Jan. 12 at the Clinton Brick Church, by D. D. Troyer from Ecc. 9:5, and Silas Yoder from II Sam. 12:23.

FRICK.-Sister Mary Frick, wife of Albert S. Frick (deceased) was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Apr. 25, 1850; died at Aurora, Ill., Jan. 10, 1908; aged 57y. 8m. l5d. She was united in marriage with Albert S. Frick in the year 1875, moving to the state of Illinois ten years later, where they have since resided. Three children survive to mourn the loss of a loving mother, viz.: Benj G., Grandville M., and Mrs. Mary Norr, all of Aurora, Ill. Sister Frick was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. According to her request, her remains were brought to Sterling, Ill, for interment at the Science Ridge Church. Funeral was held Jan. 13, at the home of Bro. Phares Lefever and at the church by J. S. Shoemaker. Text, Rev. 22: 12-14.

BECHTEL.-John E., son of Jacob and Catherine Bechtel, was born in Colebrookdale Twp., Berks Co., Pa., Mar. 3, 1852; died Jan. 5, 1908; aged 55y. l0m. 2d. He united with the Mennonite Church in youth and was a faithful member until death. He was married to Elizabeth B. Bower, Oct. 27, 1877. This union was blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters, of which two sons and two daughters survive, also a bereaved widow, one sister and an aged father. He had been in ill health for the past year, but was not thought to be serious, until Jan. 4, when he had an attack of convulsions, from which he did not gain consciousness, and at 9 o'clock, Jan. 5, death relieved him of all pain and sorrow. Funeral services were held Jan. 11, in the Boyertown Mennonite M. H. by A. S. Mack in German from John 11:25, 26. Interment in the adjoining Cemetery.

BYERS.-Frederick N. Byers was born Feb. 12, 1848; died at his home near Henrietta, Pa., Jan. 19, 1908; aged 59y. 11m. 4d. Bro. Byers was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church and served as Sunday school superintendent for a number of years, and as secretary of the Quarterly Meeting from the time it was inaugurated about nine years ago, he having missed only two sessions in that time. He was a faithful attendant at the regular church services and took an active interest in the building up of the congregation. His presence and help will be greatly missed by the brotherhood. He was of a quiet and modest disposition and had won a host of friends in his social and business relations in the community in which he lived. He leaves behind two daughters and four sisters, his wife having preceded him in death a few years ago. Funeral services were conducted at the Bethel Church in Henrietta, Jan. 19, by the brethren J. N. Durr, Jacob Snyder and ______ Boughten. Text. Psa. 23:4. Buried in the Nicodemus Cemetery.

NAFZINGER.-Peter Nafzinger died at his home in Long Green, Md., on Jan. 18, 1908; aged 81 y. 10 m. 12 d. Bro. Nafziger came to this country from Germany when about l 1/2 years old, with his mother and several brothers and sisters. His father and one brother died on the way to America. They settled in Lancaster Co., Pa., where Bro. Nafzinger united with the Mennonite Church at an early age. Later he settled at Long Green. Md., where he resided to the time of his death. About 55 years ago Bro. Nafzinger was married to Lydia Yoder. He is survived by his widow, 2 sons and 2 daughters, about 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held on Jan. 22, services conducted by Bro. J. S. Mast of Elverson, Pa., from Heb. 11:9. He was assisted by Pre. Abram Snyder of the Dunkard Church and Pre. Jacob Mast of the Methodist Church. A large assembly of people gathered to pay their last token of respect to the one they loved so much.

MILLER.-Bro. Stephen Miller was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, July 12, 1839; died at his home near Middlebury, Ind., Jan. 10, 1908, of paralysis; aged 68y. 5m. 28d. He came with his parents from Ohio at the age of 12 years. In early manhood he united with the Amish Mennonite Church, of which he was a faithful member at the time of his death. On May 5, 1863 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Troyer who survives him with two daughters, five grand children, four brothers and two sisters. While his death was sudden and unexpected to many, yet we believe it was not so to him, for when apparently well he remarked to his neighbors and friends that he would not be on earth very long any more. Finally the messenger of death came to him and bore him into the great beyond. His seat in church was seldom vacant and he was always ready to give advice when asked for it. May his example and virtues be long remembered. Funeral service was held at the Clinton Amish Church, Jan. 13, by Jonathan Kurtz in German from Phil. 1:23 and Silas Yoder in English from II Kings 20:1.

MOYER.-Mariah Moyer, nee High, was born in Clinton Twp., Lincoln Co., Ont., Feb. 1834; died at her late home in South Twp., Dec. 30, 1907; aged 73y. 10m. 23d. She was married to Christian Moyer, Oct. 1860 which union was blessed with three sons and two daughters, three sons and one daughter surviving her. Sister Moyer suffered very severely for about eight weeks with gangrene. She seemed to realize that her time was short and bore her sufferings patiently and waited calmly for the time when she would be free from suffering and enter into peace. The bereaved husband and children who saw their beloved pass away have the blessed promise of meeting her again. Funeral services were held at the Moyer M. H. near Vineland, Ont., Jan. 2, 1908. A very large gathering of relatives and friends bore evidence of the esteem in which the beloved sister was held. Her kindly, sympathetic and earnest Christian character had endeared her to all and may her example be an encouragement and incentive for others to follow. Interment was made in the burying ground near Campden, Ont. Service conducted by S. F. Coffman and Gilbert Bearss. Text. Phil. 3:10.

DODD.-James Martin Dodd was born at Milledgeville, Ill., Dec. 4, 1858; died in Kansas City, Kan, Jan. 20, 1908, aged 49 y. 1 m. 6 d. He leaves to mourn his departure a wife, four sons and five daughters. Mr. Dodd spent many years without a Savior but during his last illness, which was over a year's duration, he decided to accept Christ, and in November, 1907, he sealed his faith by water baptism. Services at the home by C. A. Hartzler from Acts 17:18.

Transcribed by: Nancy Regan, Washington


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