Herald of Truth Obituaries - April, 1908

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Herald of Truth - Volume XLV, Number 14 - April 2, 1908, page 114

Cressman. - On Feb. 26, 1908, in High River, Alta., Bro. John C. Cressman, aged 56 Y., 4 M., 2 D. Buried in the Mountview bury-ground. Funeral services were conducted by N. B. Stauffer from Psa. 39:4.

Moyer. - Bro. Abraham F. Moyer of Franconia Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., died of the infirmities of old age on Saturday, March 23, 1908, in his 88th year. Funeral was held at the Franconia meeting-house on the 26th. He died at the home of his son-in-law, Henry M. Nyce, near the meeting-house.

Eby. - On the 21st of March, 1908, at his home near Markham, Ont., suddenly, John W. Eby, aged 48 Y., 6 M., 9 D. Bro. Eby left his home in the morning and went with Bro. Albert Wideman to a nearby woods to fell a tree. The tree lodged in its fall, and when it was pulled down by a team, part of the top flew out, striking Bro. Eby on the head, fracturing his skull. He was at once taken to his home, but he never regained consciousness and died about two hours after the accident. This again is a loud call to all who are out of the fold of God. Deceased leaves a sorrowing widow and two step-sons. He was for a number of years a faithful member of the Mennonite church. Burial took place at Wideman M. H. on the 23rd in the presence of many neighbors and friends. Services were conducted by L. J. Burkholder, assisted by S. R. Hoover and S. Wideman. Text, "There is but a step between me and death." (I Sam. 20:3).

Transcribed by: Mary Teeter, Michigan


Herald of Truth - Volume XLV, Number 15 - April 9, 1908, page 121, 122

Mumaw. - Henry A. Mumaw was born near Winesburg, Holmes Co., Ohio, Jan. 27, 1850. Died in Elkhart, Ind., of Bright,s disease, April 1, 1908, at the age of 58 Y., 2 M., 4 D. On June 27, 1872, he was married to Sister Malinda Blosser of Hocking Co., Ohio. To this union were born three children - two daughters, Phoebe, wife of Bro. A. C. Kolb, and Clara - and one son, Andrew, all of whom, with his beloved companion, survive him. Of a family of eight children, he was the second, three having preceded him to the glory world. Those still living are three sisters - Susan, wife of Bro. John K. Weldy, Rachel and Fanny - and one brother, John. Bro. Mumaw was always active in whatever he was engaged. At the age of sixteen he began teaching public school. After he was married he moved to Elkhart, Ind., and engaged with the Mennonite Publishing Co., where he had charge of the job room. He followed the printing business for fourteen years. In April, 1876, he began the publication of "Words of Cheer," our Sunday school paper, so familiar in nearly every Mennonite home, as well as in many others. After publishing it for several years he transferred it to the Mennonite Publishing Co. Bro. Mumaw was always a friend of the young people and was deeply interested in their proper education. In his early years he organized a Normal School in Elkhart, continuing it until his removal to Ohio, returning to Elkhart again after several years absence. In February, 1886, he graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, with honorable mention, and continued the practice of medicine to the close of his life. However, he always had a great love for education and literary work. For a time he published a weekly paper, "Evenings at Home," and also a neat little volume, "Fireside Readings," which found ready sale. After he had entered the medical profession he published several medical journals. In the fall of 1894 he founded and established the Elkhart Institute, and after one year,s successful work, when the Elkhart Institute Association was formed as a stock company, he was elected its first president. This school is now known as Goshen College. After disposing of his interests in the Elkhart Institute in 1898, he opened the Elkhart Normal School and Business Institute, now known as the Elkhart Business College, enrolling over two hundred students the first year. Bro. Mumaw was always deeply interested in church work and on one occasion was in the lot for the ministry, but the lot fell on (now) Bish. Michael Horst. He was a kind father and a devoted husband, and he will be greatly missed in the family circle, and also elsewhere, for he had a very wide acquaintance. Many a time did he speak words of cheer which helped others to look upon the bright side of life, and although at times during his illness he suffered great pain, he never murmured, but was patient and fully resigned, and expressed repeatedly his desire to go home. He said he was going on before and would just wait for the others. He fell asleep peacefully. The funeral was largely attended, exceeding the seating capacity of the Elkhart church. His fellow-physicians showed their esteem in this that nearly thirty attended the funeral. Services were conducted at the Mennonite church by J. K. Bixler and John F. Funk from Rom. 8:16-18, assisted by J. S. Lehman, Samuel Yoder and George Lambert. Interment in the South Prairie street cemetery. May the Lord comfort and bless the sorrowing family and relatives, and may the influence of his life be a lasting blessing and his triumphant death an inspiration to all who knew him.

Swartley. - Catharine Funk Swartley died of a complication of diseases at the home of her son-in-law, Francis P. Shelp, in Doylestown, Bucks Co., Pa., on March 20, 1908; aged 83 Y., 11 M., 25 D. She was born March 25, 1824, in Hilltown township and was united in marriage Nov. 8, 1842, to George Swartley, who died in May, 1901. She is survived by one daughter (Mrs. Francis P. Shelp), a son (Jacob F. Swartley) and three grandchildren; also two sisters (Mrs. Esther Frick of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Henry W. Gross of Doylestown) and two brothers (John F. and Abraham K. Funk of Elkhart, Ind.) One son, Oliver, died many years ago. She with her husband united with the Mennonite church a few years after their marriage. She was a patient sufferer and during the last several years of her life had many evidences of future hopes and blessedness. >From her daughter, who was with her almost constantly during her illness, we have the following: "Mother is gone to that place from whence she will never return, but our loss is her reward. I have the assurance that she has gone to her heavenly home. She spoke many comforting words to me and offered many prayers during the midnight watches, praying to her heavenly Father to take her home. At times a sweet smile lighted up her face when she would call our attention, raising her hands and telling us to look, saying, Oh, how beautiful!, She had many bright visions like these during the last few weeks that she lived." She was buried at the Line Lexington Mennonite burying-ground. Services were conducted at the home by A. H. Hiestand and at the M. H. by J. G. Ruth and H. B. Rosenberger. Peace to her ashes.

Reber - Mary Delila Reber, only daughter of Bro. George and Sister _____ Reber of La Junta, Colo., was born June 20, 1905; died Feb. 21, 1908; age 2 Y., 8 M., 1 D. Funeral services at the La Junta Mennonite M. H. by D. G. Lapp. The little one is now safe within the Shepherd,s fold above. May God comfort the parents.

Weber. - On Feb. 22, 198, near Alleghenyville, Berks Co., Pa., of diphtheria, Elsie, daughter of John and Lizzie Weber; aged 7 Y., 8 M., 9 D. Her remains were laid to rest, Feb. 23, in the Allegheny graveyard, in the presence of a number of relatives and friends. On account of the epidemic, no funeral services could be held at the time, except services at the grave, which were conducted by Bro. Henry Good. She leaves to mourn her early departure, father, mother, three sisters and two brothers. Two little sisters preceded her to the spirit world.
"Not now, but in coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We'll read the meaning of our tears,
And there some time we,ll understand."

Landis. - Joseph Landis died at his home in Lansdale, Montgomery Co., Pa., of phthysic, at the age of one day less than 72 years. He was not confined to his bed during his entire illness. He was a son of Abraham and Barbara Geil Landis, his mother being a daughter of the well-known Mennonite preacher John Geil of the Line Lexington congregation. He was born in Buckingham township, March 21, 1836. He is survived by his widow and three children and one brother, Jacob, of Philadelphia.

Ranck. - John M. Ranck of Paradise Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., died on March 30, 1908, in his 66th year. He had been in failing health for some time. Death resulted from the effects of a stroke of paralysis. He was a member of the Old Mennonite church. His wife preceded him in death, but four sons survive. Buried April 2 at the Strasburg Mennonite M. H.

Helmuth. - Calvin, twin son of G. B. and Barbara Helmuth of Millersburg, O., died on March 26, 1908, of whooping cough; aged 2 Y., 9 M. Interment March 29 at the Walnut Creek cemetery. Funeral services by Fred Mast, J. F. Mast and David Hochstetler. He leaves a lonesome father and mother, three little brothers and one little sister. Calvin enjoyed his short time in this life very much, being unusually happy and cheerful. He took great delight in singing little songs and asking father and mother about heaven and the heavenly Father. "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Shirk. - On the 27th of March, 1908, near Neffsville, Lancaster Co., Pa., at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. Fissel, Benj. W. Shirk, aged 71 Y., 3 M., 25 D. Five years ago the brother was afflicted with a stroke of paralysis, from which he never fully recovered, and the last few years he was very feeble. He leaves a widow, three sons and three daughters. He was a member of the Old Mennonite church. Funeral was held at Groffsdale. Services by Bish. Benj. Weaver and John Lefever.

Hiestand. - Anna, widow of the late Samuel Hiestand, died at her home in Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa., on March 30, 1908, of the infirmities of old age; aged 72 years. She suffered about six months. She was a member of the Old. Menn. church, and is survived by two sons and one daughter. Buried at Landisville M. H., Apr. 2.

Stoner. - Mrs. Katie Stoner, a resident of Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa., on March 30, 1908, of a complication of diseases; aged 68 years. The husband of the deceased died some years ago, while one son survives. Services on Friday, April 3, at the Menn. M. H. at Manheim. Burial at Landis Valley.

Transcribed by: Mary Teeter, Michigan


Transcriber's Note: April 9th is the last issue for this month....... (and for Herald of Truth. dk)


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