Gospel Herald Obituaries - October, 1920

| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |


Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 28 - October 7, 1920 - page 543

Christner.--John Christner was born near Middlebury, Indiana, Sept. 5, 1880; died near Pigeon, Michigan, Sept. 9, 1920; aged 40 y. 4 d. He leaves a sorrowing wife, three sons, four daughters, father, and two brothers. Funeral services were held at the Pigeon River Church Sept. 12, 1920, conducted by Bros. S. J. Swartzendruber, Peter Ropp, and Alfred Wideman.

Miller.--Fayma Irene, daughter of Bro. and Sister Samuel and Katy Miller, was born July 22, 1908, in La Grange Co., Ind.; died Sept. 22, 1920, at the same home; aged 12 y. 2 m. She was afflicted with consumption for several years. The last four days of her life she had a severe attack of pneumonia. She leaves to mourn her early departure a sorrowing mother, two little sisters, Maude Adeline and Mary Elizabeth, two brothers, Freeman S. and Oscar Moses, also one grandfather. Her father and two little sisters preceded her to the spirit world.
A precious one from us has gone
A voice we loved, is stilled
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.

God in His wisdom has recalled
The boon His love had given
And tho the body slumbers here
The soul is safe in heaven
Funeral at Emma Church conducted by Oscar Hostetler and D. D. Miller.

Kauffman.--Nettie May Kauffman was born March 6, 1904, near Garden City, Cass Co., Mo.; died July 28, 1920, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Minot, N. Dak; aged 16 y. 4 m. 22 d. She lived with her parents in Cass Co. until the fall of 1915, when the family moved to Kenmare, N. Dak., and lived there 3 years, when they moved south east of Surrey, North Dak., where they now live. She accepted Christ as her Savior the summer of 1918, united with the Mennonite Church, to whose principles we believe, according to her understanding, she lived a consistent life, always ready to take any part assigned her At home she was always ready to share her part of the burden, even when physicians advised her to remain quiet in bed. She seemed not to think of her own condition but desired to help her mother with the household duties. She continued getting worse until it was decided to take her to Minot, so the doctors could give her better care. Then her case was announced bronchial pneumonia. It was decided to move her to the hospital that she might receive the best of care from experienced hands. But with all that human hands could do God saw best to call her away. She leaves father, mother, 4 brothers, 1 sister, and many friends to mourn her early departure, one brother having preceded her to the glory world.

Weaver.--Magdalena Yoder Weaver was born August 18, 1854, in La Grange Co., Indiana, and died at the home of her son, Samuel E., near Goshen on September 21, 1920, aged 66 y. 1 m. 3 d. At the age of 9 years she was left an orphan. At an early age she joined the Mennonite Church and was a faithful member until death. In 1876 she was united in marriage to Emanuel Weaver to which union were born 7 sons and 4 daughters. Surviving her are three sons, (Samuel E., John E., and William B., all of Goshen), four daughters (Mrs. C. P. Shideler of Chicago, Mrs. Albert Sauder of Archbold, Ohio, Mrs. Chester Dunithan, Topeka, Indiana, and Vinora of Goshen); fourteen grandchildren, one brother, Noah J. Yoder of Shipshewana and one sister, Mrs. Barbara Yoder of Newton, Kansas. Four sons died in infancy. Her husband preceded her to the spirit world ten weeks to the day.
Weep not that her toils are over,
Weep not that her race is run,
God grant we may rest as calmly,
When our work, like hers, is done,
Till then we yield with gladness
Our mother to Him to keep,
And rejoice in the sweet assurance,
"He giveth His loved one sleep."
Funeral at Forks Church Sept. 24, conducted by Amos Cripe and D. D. Miller.

Burkholder. -- Mary Burkholder (nee Goldsmith) was born near Basel, Switzerland, Jan. 14, 1846; died at the home of her daughter, Mary Roth, in Fulton Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1920, at the age of 74 y. 7 m. 23 d. In 1869 she was married to Joseph Goldsmith with whom she came to America in 1883. Her first husband died Feb. 3, 1888. To this union were born 10 children, 3 of whom preceded her in death. Her second marriage was with Bro. Samuel Burkholder of Allen Co., Ohio, in 1897. She lived with him in matrimony 23 y. 7 m. 21 d. She leaves to mourn their loss, her blind husband, 7 children, 24 grandchildren, 6 step-sons and 1 step-daughter, and 3 brothers, Peter Goldsmith of Wauseon, Ohio, and Christian and John who are still in Switzerland. Sister Mary united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth, and accepted Christ as her personal Savior, in whom she trusted, and who gave her strength to bear her lingering and painful afflictions, taking delight in His Word and comfort in His promises. She fell peacefully asleep in the arms of her daughter Mary. Her last words were "O my Savior come and take me home." This she repeated three times.
And the prayers for us she prayed:
We thank God for such a mother.
Great and blessed we shall call her,
May her precepts be obeyed
--From the children.

Cooprider.--Pre. Mathias Cooprider was born at Clay City, Ind., Feb. 6, 1836; died near Windom, Kans., Sept. 25, 1920; aged 84 y. 7 m. 19 d. On Feb. 3, 1850, he was married to Sarah C. Friedly. To this union were born John A., Jacob N., and Walter N. The mother died Oct. 30, 1866. On June 12, 1867, he was married to Nancy McCully Mace. To this union was born Thomas J., his mother dying Dec. 11, 1877. Bro. Cooprider was married the third time on June 27, 1878, taking to wife Susan (Heatwole) Brunk. The children born to this union are Lucy O., Charles W., and Nettie May. On Mar. 12, 1909, Bro. Cooprider was the third time bereft of a bosom companion. He is survived by all his children except Jacob, who died in infancy, and all were present at his funeral. Other living descendants are twenty-five grandchildren, four step-children, J. F. and G. R. Brunk, and Minnie and Henrietta Cooprider, five great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters. Bro. Cooprider was one of the pioneers of the Mennonite Church in McPherson Co., Kans. He was ordained to the ministry in 1885, at the West Liberty Church where he spent his life of service for the church, except for a short time when he lived near the Spring Valley Church. He was a faithful minister of the Gospel, defending the faith ardently until his health failed a few years ago. Since then he suffered a great deal and for ten weeks before his death he was confined to his room. Funeral services were held at the West Liberty Church on Sept. 27, conducted by Bishops T. M. Erb and D. H. Bender. Text, II Tim. 4:6-8.

Yotty.--Jacob Yotty, was born in Woodford Co., Ill., April 27, 1853; died at his home west of Kalona, Iowa, Aug. 23, 1920; aged 67 y. 3 m. 26 d. During the fore part of the summer he was taken to the Hospital at Iowa City, Ia., for an operation, during the process of which it was discovered that he was afflicted with a cancer of the liver, which had made such progress that all surgical help was of no avail. He recovered after the operation and returned to his home but the disease developed rapidly and in spite of all that friends and loving hands could do, he passed away. Early in life he united with the Mennonite Church, of which he was a member until his death. On Jan. 26, 1882, he was united in marriage with Annie Bauchman. To them were born four children: two sons, Chris S. and Bartholomew J., and two daughters: Elizabeth A., wife of John Speas and Jacobena C., wife of Jake Speas. All are living and with their mother were at his bedside at the time of his death. Besides this he is survived by one brother and one sister both of Ill., and five grandchildren, who with a host of friends mourn his departure. Father, mother, two brothers and two sisters preceded him to the great beyond. Funeral services were held at the East Union Church near Kalona, Iowa, conducted by Bishop S. C. Yoder after which the remains were taken to Iowa City and shipped to his old home near Cazenovia, Ill., which he left six years ago to make a new home for himself and family in Iowa. A service was conducted at Roanoke Church after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near by.

Transcribed by: Martha Heath, Indiana

UP


Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 29 - October 14, 1920 - page 575

Blough. -- Marian, daughter of Omar and Effie Blough, was born Sept. 6, 1920; departed this life, Sept. 21, 1920; aged 15 days. She is survived by one sister, father, mother, grandmother and both grandfathers. Interment in the Plainview cemetery.

Blough..--Marlin, son of Omar and Effie Blough, was born Sept. 6, 1920; died Sept. 29, aged 21 days. His twin sister preceded him to their far away home only a few days previous to his death. Again they are together and may they rest in peace. Interment in nearby cemetery.

Lauver. -- Mary (Moyer) Lauver was born April 21, 1832. Died Sept. 27, 1920. Aged 88 y. 5 m. 6 d. Deceased was born near Morwood, Montgomery Co., Pa., and at the age of ten moved to Juniata Co. She was united in marriage to deacon Joseph A. Lauver, Sept. 15, 1853, who preceded her in death six years ago. To this union were born twelve children of which number seven survive, one daughter and six sons. There are sixty-four grandchildren; fifty-six are living. There are also forty-two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
She united with the Mennonite Church while yet young in years and remained a consistent member until death. She was always interested in church and religious work.
She was in bed a year and five months. The last five weeks she lived she was as helpless as a child. She was patient altho she suffered much.
Funeral services were held Thursday A. M., from the home of her son, Jacob M. Lauver, where she resided. Interment at Lauvers Church, the brethren Samuel Leiter and Wm. Seiber officiating.
God saw fit to call her higher,
But seems it cannot be,
And our home is now so lonely,
Since her form no more we see.
Granddaughters.

Bontrager.--John C., son of Christian and Elizabeth Bontrager, was born in Lagrange Co., Ind., Jan. 10, 1843; died Aug. 23, 1920; aged 77y. 7m. 13d. In 1863 he was married to Elizabeth Miller. To this union were born 8 children, 5 of whom preceded him. In 1876 his companion was taken away from him. In March 1877 he was married to Lydia Yoder. To this union 8 children were born, 4 of whom preceded him. In 1882 he with his family moved to McPherson Co., Kans., being one of the first Mennonite families there. In 1895 they moved Jet, Okla., again being among the pioneer Mennonite families. He lived in that vicinity 20 years. Five years ago he with his wife moved to Emma, Ind. Aug. 9, 1917 his second wife passed away. His health began to fail rapidly, being afflicted with Bright's disease and rheumatism. In the fall of 1918 he with two of his children moved to Topeka, Ind., where he lived at the time of his death. He was a kind and loving husband and father. He bore his sickness patiently. He leaves 3 sons and four daughters (Mrs Mary Herschberger, Chris, Lizzie Hostetler, Katie Miller, Noah, Maude, and Abe), 25 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, one brother (Amos), and 4 sisters (Mary and Maggie Yoder, Lizzie Troyer, and Anna Weaver), besides a host of relatives and friends. We mourn not as those who have no hope. Funeral services were held at the Emma Mennonite Church, conducted by Jonathan Kurtz and P. S. Hostetler.

Transcribed by: Martha Heath, Indiana

UP


Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 30 - October 21, 1920 - pages 591, 592

Sala.--Emma Beatrice Sala, daughter of Bro. and Sister Ammon Sala was born Sept. 4, 1920; died Sept. 29, aged 25 d. She died of Bronchial Pneumonia. Funeral services were conducted by Wm. C. Hershberger at the Stahl Church near Johnstown, Pa. Burial in the cemetery near the Church.

Smith.--Bro. Andrew Smith died Aug. 11, 1920; aged 75 y. 5 m. 14 d. Bro. Smith was a kind neighbor always ready to do good and to help in time of need. Funeral from his late home. Interment in the Delaware cemetery, near Mifflintown, Pa. Sermon by Samuel Leiter assisted by Wm. G. Sieber.

Fisher.--Isaac, son of Amos and Naomi Fisher, was born July 1, 1920; died Oct. 9, 1920; aged 3 m. 9 d. Death was caused by a few days' sickness from a bad cold. Funeral services were held at the home of the parents in the Millcreek A. M. district and were conducted by John and Christian Fisher. Text, Mark 10:13-16.

Groff.--Jacob Groff was born April 3, 1834; died Oct. 3, 1920; aged 86 y. 6 m. In 1862 he united in matrimony with Lydia Martin, living together for about 53 years, when she died. In early youth he united with the Mennonite Church and we believe was faithful to the end, as he often expressed himself during his sickness to have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better. He leaves to mourn his departure 5 children, 18 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild, but not as such that have no hope.
Funeral services at the Waterloo Church by Bro. Jonas Snider from II Tim. 4:6-8, and Allen Good from Amos 4:12. Buried at Martins Cemetery.

Eichelberger.--Sister Anna Eichelberger, maiden name Unzicker, was born in Lirdorf, Germany, Apr. 3, 1864; died Oct. 8, 1920, aged 56 y. 6 m. 4 d. She leaves a sorrowing husband and 7 children as follows: Maria. Joseph John, Anna. Willie, Erwin, and Alma. Two preceded her in death in infancy. She also leaves 3 brothers and 2 sisters, 2 brothers residing here, and 1 brother and 2 sisters in Germany. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and was a faithful member until death. Funeral services were held Sunday, Oct. 10, in German by Bro. Daniel Grieser. Text, Rev. 14:13; in English by Bro. Samuel Gerber, Pekin, Ill., using the same text.

Transcriber's note: -- 7 children as follows: Maria. Joseph John, Anna. Willie, Erwin, and Alma. punctuation is off -- Maria"," Joseph"," John, Anna"," Willie, Erwin, and Alma -- in order to make 7 kids and have commas everywhere -- no periods

Burkhart.--Annie Burkhart, wife of Samuel H. Burkhart of near Mellingers Meeting House, Lancaster Co., Pa., departed this life Sept. 13, 1920, aged 54 y. 10 m 15d. She had been in failing health for several years but was with us in God's house for worship whenever she was strong enough. She realized her life was drawing to a close and was ready.
Sister Annie was twice married, her first marriage was to Samuel Witmer, who died Dec. 2, 1888. To this union 3 children were born, Bennie who died at the age of 2 years, Nov. 2, 1890. She is survived by her husband, 3 children, Jacob Witmer, Amelia (Witmer) wife of Elias Groff, and Samuel Burkhart, 13 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and 1 sister to mourn her departure. She had a smile for every one who knew her, therefore she will be greatly missed. Services were held Sept. 15, 1920, at Mellingers Meeting House by the Brethren Sanford and David Landis. Text, Rev. 7:14-17.
"Gone but not forgotten."

Augsburger.--Barbara (Leichty) Augsburger was born Feb. 26, 1842; departed this life Oct. 1, 1920; aged 78 y. 7 m. 5 d.
On Dec. 1, 1839, she was married to Pre. Christian Augsburger who preceded her in death 17 years ago. To this union were born 16 children, 4 having died in infancy while 12 grew to manhood and womanhood. She confessed Christ at about the age of 17 and continued in the service of the Lord till the end. She leaves to mourn her departure 7 sons, 4 daughters, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, 28 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held near Berne, Ind., at the Defenseless Mennonite Church. Services conducted by Eli Lantz in the German and Ben B. King in English.
"She is sleeping, calmly sleeping,
In a new made grave today,
We are weeping, sadly weeping,
For our Mother gone away.
One by one the tender Shepherd
Gathers loved ones to His fold,
And He draws them to His bosom,
With a tenderness untold."
B. B. K.

Lauver.--Sister Mary Moyer Lauver was born April 21, 1832, near Norwood, Montgomery Co., Pa., and at the age of 10 years moved to Juniata Co., Pa. She was united to Joseph Lauver in marriage, Sept. 15, 1858, who preceded her in death 6 years ago. To this union were born 12 children of which number 7 survive. Sixty-four grandchildren (54 living) 42 great-grandchildren are descendants. Sister Lauver was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years. Her place at Church was seldom vacant when health permitted. She has always lived an exemplary Christian life. Many were the people that were entertained at their home. She was a lover of humanity, always ready to do good to all persons. Her husband was deacon many years and she was a good helpmeet to him, always ready to go with him to visit the poor and needy, the sick and afflicted. She was of a cheerful disposition and it seemed they always left a blessing wherever they went. She will be missed by many, not only of her offspring but she was a friend of every person. Funeral from the home of her son Jacob Lauver, where she made her home since the death of her husband, on September 30. Interment at Lauver Church. Sermon by Samuel Leiter assisted by Wm. G. Sieber, Menno Brubaker, and Ammon Brubaker. Peace to her ashes.

Swartzendruber.--Christian C. Swartzendruber was born near Grantsville, Md., Jan. 19, 1832; died at his home in Johnson Co., Iowa, (of Bright's Disease and infirmities of old age) Oct. 5, 1920, aged 88 y. 8 m. 16 d. He was the youngest son of Christian and Catherine (Kinsinger) Swartzendruber who immigrated to this country from Germany one hundred years ago. He was the only surviving member of the above named family. He immigrated to Iowa when a young man seeking a home in what was then a large and unsettled tract of land owned by the Government. In the year 1858 he was married to Elizabeth Eash who preceded him in death twelve years ago. To this union were born six sons and five daughters who are all living. He was a consistent member of the Amish Mennonite Church for many years and reared his family in the same faith. He leaves to mourn his departure eleven children, 49 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, besides a large number of relatives and friends. He exercised much patience during his latter years, waiting for the Lord to call him home.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Funeral services were conducted Friday, Oct. 8, at the Lower Deer Creek Church by J. F. Swartzendruber in German, and Perry Shenk in English, using as texts I Cor. 15 latter part.
C. E. Hershberger.

Transcribed by: Martha Heath, Indiana

UP


Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 31 - October 28, 1920 - page 605

Birky.--Christian H., oldest son of Christian and Katie Birky, was born near Tremont, Ill., May 13, 1847; died Sept. 25, 1920; age 73 y. 4 m. 13 d. He was married to Barbara Witrig of Wayland, Ia., Feb. 17, 1878. To this union were born 10 children 2 of whom preceded him to the spirit world. He also is survived by 26 grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. Early in life he united with the Amish Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member until the end. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale, Ill., church, Sept. 28, conducted by Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill.

Settle.--Dorothy May, daughter of Bro. George and Sister Lizzie Settle, was born May 26, 1909; died Oct. 11, 1920; age 11 y. 7 m. 24 d. A short time before she took sick she expressed the desire to become a Christian. She was seized with a severe attack of tonsilitis, also an abscess on the lung. She lingered about three weeks and passed away rather unexpectedly. We are made to wonder why God removes those whom we think are most needed in the home. She was the oldest of five children and was much help to her mother and grandparents. She leaves mother, grandparents, one brother, three sisters, and many friends. Her father preceded her to the spirit world three years ago. Services conducted by John E. Kauffman, Harry E. Kauffman, and Charly Heister. Text, Matt. 19:14. Interment in the Mattawana, Pa., Cemetery.

Transcriber's note: "tonsilitis," is spelled wrong in the Settle obit

Shetler.--Eliza Jane Kempf Shetler was born in Polk Co., Iowa, July 18, 1871; died Oct. 9, 1920; aged 49 y. 2 m. 21 d. She was married to John J. Shetler Dec. 4, 1892. She leaves husband, 5 children, (Ella Mae Beachy, Jesse R., Lydia A., John F., Mary E.) 3 grandchildren, 1 sister (Mrs. Lou Schlabaugh), 4 brothers (Menno, Milo, Henry, and Charles), and a host of relatives and friends. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church at the age of 18 years and was a faithful member until death. The funeral services were held at the home Oct. 11, conducted by Emanuel Beachy, J. F. Swartzendruber, and Christian Swartzendruber. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near by.
"There's a shadow in our home now
There's a voice that's hushed and still
There's a mother's face that's missing,
And a place no one can fill.
How she longed to see her Jesus
And to clasp him to her breast.
Farewell mother how we miss thee.
But we know God's ways are best."

Swartzendruber.--Christian C. Swartzendruber was born near Grantsville, Md., Jan. 19, 1832; died at his home in Johnson Co., Iowa, of Bright's disease and infirmities of old age Oct. 5, 1920; aged 88 y. 8 m. 16 d. He was the youngest son of Christian and Catherine (Kinsinger) Swartzendruber who immigrated to this country from Germany 100 years ago. He was the only surviving member of this family. He immigrated to Iowa when a young man seeking a home in which was then a vast and unsettled tract of land owned by the Government, and by hard labor and thrift acquired enough of this world's goods so that in his declining years he could live from the fruits of his labors. In the year 1858 he was married to Elizabeth Eash, who preceded him in death 12 years ago. To this union were born 6 sons and 5 daughters, all living. He was a consistent member of the Amish Mennonite Church for many years and reared his family in the same faith, and of which all are members. He leaves 11 children, 49 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and a large circle of relatives and friends. He exercised much patience during his latter years waiting for the Lord to call him home. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

Transcribed by: Martha Heath, Indiana


||| UP ||| Next --> | <-- Previous |

Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved - Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA
Used with permission by the Archives of the Mennonite Church, Goshen, INDIANA
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.