Gospel Herald Obituaries - August, 1923

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Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 18 - August 2, 1923

AXT - Andrew Axt was born Jan. 28, 1850 in Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany; came to Canada with his parents when four years of age; was married to Kathrine Shantz, Dec. 25, 1873. This union was blessed with 2 sons and 4 daughters. One daughter died in infancy. He died near Baden, Ont., July 7, 1923; aged 73y. 5m. 9d. He leaves a deeply bereaved widow, 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; also 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services were conducted by Orphen Wismer and Mannassah Hallman. Text, II Cor. 5:1. Interment in Shantz Cemetery. May God comfort the bereaved family. "All is over. Hands are folded, O'er a quiet and peaceful breast; All is over, pain is ended, Now dear father is at rest."

HOOVER - David E. Hoover was born in Haldimand Co., Ont., Nbov. 25, 1841; died at his home near Selkirk, Ont., April 27, 1923; aged 81y. 5m. 2d. He had been failing in health about a year, but only kept his bed one week. He is survived by a brother, 5 sisters, 27 nieces and nephews. One brother and 3 sisters have preceded him. About 30 years ago he accepted Christ as his Savior, united with the Mennonite Church, and was faithful until the end. His desire was to go home and be with the Lord. Funeral services were conducted by Bro. S.F. Coffman of Vineland and Bro. Bauman at the Rainham Mennonite Church April 30,, in the presence of a large circle of friends and relatives. Text, Rev. 14:15.

KAUFFMAN - Dorothy, oldest daughter of Israel and Emily Kauffman, was born Sept. 27, 1901; died near Scarsdale, N.Y., July 3, 1923; aged 21y. 9m. 6d. She became a member of the Mennonite Church at the age of 12. The body was sent to her home at Westover, Md., for burial. Services were held July 8, at the home by Bro. Geo. Hostetler, and at the Holly Grove Church by Bro. Aaron Mast. Text, I Sam. 20:18: "And thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty." She leaves to mourn her departure father, mother, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and a host of relatives and friends. Interment in the Holly Grove Cemetery "More and more we miss thee, Friends may think the wound is healed, But they little know the sorrow, That lies within the heart concealed."

DILLER - Irene Mildred, daughter of Samuel and Elsie Diller, was born near Elida, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1917; died at the city hospital of Lima, O., June 30, 1923; aged 6y. 5m. 22d. About 4 weeks ago she took sick with measles; soon after complications set in from which she never recovered. She leaves to mourn her departure father, mother, one brother, one sister, one grandfather, two grandmothers, and many other relatives and friends. Two brothers, Dale and Doyle (twins), preceded her to the spirit world. During her sickness she suffered intense pain, but we believe she is now safe in the arms of Jesus, and free from all pain and sickness. "Teach me to live that I may dread, The grave as little as my bed. Teach me to die so that I may, Rise glorious at the judgement day."

Services were conducted at the Salem Church, July 3 by Andrew Brennerman, assisted by J.M. Shenk. Text, Rom. 8:18. Burial in the Salem cemetery.

KAUFMAN - Sarah B. Stutzman Kaufman was born at Goshen, Ind., Feb. 15, 1849; died at Shelbyville Memorial Hospital, Shelbyville, Ill., June 22, 1923. She underwent an operation which proved fatal. Her age was 74y. 4m. 7d. She was married to John D. Kaufman who preceded her in death nearly ten years ago. She leaves to mourn her departure one sister Mrs. Moses Kaufman of Shelbyville and three brothers: Samuel of Harrisburg, Oreg.; Jonathan of Goshen, Ind.; and Uriah of Mio, Mich. Two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Sarah was sick only three days. Before going to the hospital she wished to be anointed and her wish was granted. She could hardly wait until the Lord could call her home and admonished everybody to live a more consistent Christian life, so we could all meet in heaven. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite Church on June 25, conducted by Joseph Reber of the home church, Joseph Kennell of Roanoke and Solomon Yoder of Delafield. Remains were laid to rest in cemetery nearby.

GINGERICH - Jonas Gingerich was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., June 22, 1834; died at the home of his son, Menno S. Gingerich, Terra Bella, Calif., July 9, 1923; aged 89y. 17d. He united with the Mennonite Church when quite young and was a faithful member until death. He often expressed his desire to leave this world, and was always patient and cheerful. He fell and hurt his hip last September and had not been able to walk since, getting around on his crutches and wheelchair. A few days before his death he complained of having a pain in his arm and chest but on Sunday he apparently felt better. The next morning at 2:30 he passed quietly away in his sleep. He had the best of care and all was done that loving hands could do while he lived. His companion died 290 years ago at Garden City, Mo., and his daughter, Mary A., died 5 years ago. He leaves to mourn his departure 6 children: Jacob, of Long Beach, Cal., John and Menno of Terra Bella, Calif., Mrs. Catherine Connell, La Grand, Calif., Mrs. J.K. Wought, Cullom, Ill., Mrs. J.R. Miller, Terra Bella, Calif., 19 grandchildren, and 12 gret-grandchildren also survive. He and his daughter, Mary, moved from Garden City, Mo., to Hesston, Kans., about 13 years ago. A few years later they moved near Terra Bella, Calif. Funeral services were conducted at the Poplar Church by Emanuel Stahly. Text, Phil. 3:21. He was laid to rest by the side of his daughter, Mary, in the cemetery of Porterville. His grandsons were pall bearers.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy) California

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GOSPEL HERALD - Volume XVI, Number 19 - August 9, 1923

SHORT - Clayton Dee, son of Eddie and Dora Short, died June 26, 1923; aged 7m. 20d. Little Clayton was afflicted more or less every day of his life, until some time ago he became afflicted with whooping cough which caused his death. He leaves his sorrowing parents, one brother (Hubert), grandparents on both sides, together with many relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Lockport Church, Fulton Co., Ohio, June 28 conducted by E.L. Frey. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

REITZ - Martha (Weaver) Reitz was born Jan. 12, 1859; died May 22, 1923; aged 64y. 4m. 10d. She joined the Mennonite Church in early life, of which she remained a faithful member until death. In 1`889 she was united in marriage to Peter Reitz. To this union were born 2 sons of which the younger (Weaver) preceded her in death 12 years ago. She leaves her husband, one son (Harry) and 3 grandchildren, 1 sister, and 3 brothers. She is greatly missed by her family and Church. She had a desire to take communion, which was given to her only 12 hours before death. Funeral services were held at the East Chestnut St. Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa., on May 25 by Bro. John H. Mosemann. Text, Jno. 5:24-28. Interment in Groffdale Mennonite Cemetery.

ZEHR - John B. Zehr was born near Croghan, N.Y., Oct. 22, 1847; died near Elkton, Mich., July 23, 1923; aged 75y. 9m. 1d. On Jan. 31, 1868 he was married to Barbara Gerber, who died July 9, 1908. To this union were born 2 sons and 2 daughters. Two sons and a daughter preceded him to the world beyond. He was married again May 14, 1914, to Barbara Jantzi (nee Zehr) of Caseville, Mich., who survives with one daughter (Mrs. M.S. Zehr of Pigeon, Mich.), one granddaughter, 3 brothers and 1 sister (Christian, Andrew P., Mrs. Nancy Saur, and Joseph). He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 18 and united with the Amish Mennonite Church, in which faith he remained faithful till the end. Death was due to cancer, from which he suffered much, but endured it patiently in the name of Him who suffered for him. Funeral was held at the Pigeon River Church, July 25, conducted by S.J. Swartzendruber in German and Alfred Wideman in English. The remains were laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

YODER - Amos A. Yoder was born Dec. 6, 1876; died at his home in Lagrange Co., Ind., July 23, 1923; aged 46y. 7m. 17d. He lived in matrimony with Mattie, daughter of Bishop Abraham A. Troyer (deceased) for 20 y. 5m. 6d. To this union were born 5 sons and 3 daughters. On Oct. 19, 1902, he was ordained to the ministry in the Old Order Amish Church and on Oct. 20, 1912, he was ordained a bishop. He labored faithfully for the welfare of his home congregation and the Church in general. He was sick with influenza and double pneumonia and further complications for nearly two weeks. He will be greatly missed by his family, by the neighborhood, the congregation, and the surrounding churches and his fellow bishop. His funeral was held on the 26th. when about 1200 people assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed bishop. Funeral services by Cornelius Christner, assisted by Moses H. Lehman and Eli E. Bontreger, the aged bishop, who will again have to assume full charge of the congregation which the departed brother so ably conducted for ten years.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy) California

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Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 20 - August 16, 1923

BLOUGH - Martha and Mary, twin infants of Bro. Harry and Sister Lottie Blough of near Davidsville, Pa., died July 21. Funeral services at the home on the 22nd. by L.A. Blough. Buried in the cemetery at the Blough church.

HESS - Dorothy Jane, daughter of Bro. Christian and Sister Edna Snyder Hess, died July 4, 1923; aged 2m. 16d. Little Dorothy was sick only 5 days. Her stay on earth was short, but we can see her safe in the arms of Jesus and would therefore say, God's will be done. She is survived by her parents , 1 brother (Eugene) and 4 grandparents. Funeral services were held at the Landis Valley Church, Lancaster Co., Pa., July 7, conducted by Bro. Noah L. Landis. She was carried to her last resting place by her four little cousins.

BUCKWALTER - John, son of Park and Malinda Buckwalter, was born Feb. 1, 1921; died July 22, 1923; aged 2y. 5m. 21d. He leaves father, mother, two little sisters (Blanche and Lila), two grandfathers, two grandmothers, one great-grandmother, and many other relatives and friends. Services at the house by Amos B. Stoltzfus and at the Maple Grove Church by John A. Kennel and John S. Mast. Text, Isa. 11:6 - "And a little child shall lead them." Interment in adjoining cemetery. "By thy hands the boon was given, Thou hast taken but thine own; Lord of earth and God of heaven, Ever more thy will be done."

SCHERTZ - John Shertz was born in Peoria, Ill., Aug. 10, 1842; died July 20, 1923; aged 80y. 11m. 9d. When 9 years of age he with his parents located near Washington, Ill., where he spent his boyhood days. On Jan. 24, 1867, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Schertz. To this union 7 children were born: Susan (deceased), Martha Garber, Solomon, Peter, Anna Camp, John and Emanuel. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and was a faithful member until the end. He was of a generous nature and enjoyed the company of Christian associations. One of his favorite chapters of the Bible was Romans 8, which he requested to be read the day before his death. He leaves 4 sons, 2 daughters, 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and many friends. Funeral services, July 22, by A.A. Schrock at the house and at Harmony Church by H.R. Schertz. Buried in cemetery nearby.

ZIMMERLY - Sarah Amstutz Zimmerly was born in Wayne Co., O., May 27, 1866; died July 26, 1923; aged 57y. 1m. 29d. April 11, 1884 she accepted Christ as her Savior, and united with the Swiss Mennonite Church and was faithful till the end. May 31, 1894, she was married to Chr. Zimmerly of Crown Hill church. To this union were born 4 sons and 3 daughters. Two daughters preceded her in death. She leaves her husband, 4 sons, one daughter, 1 brother (P.J. Amstutz), 1 sister (Mrs. C.W. Steiner) and a host of other relatives to mourn her departure. She had a desire to depart when she learned that she could not recover. She had been a sufferer for several months with the dreaded disease, cancer. She is now free from all pains and sickness. Funeral services were held by C.N. Amstutz in German (Text, Mal. 3:16-18) and Enos Hartzler in English (Text, Amos 4:12). She was laid to rest by the side of her daughter Hulda which had been her request.

WITMER - Julia Witmer was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., (near the home where she died) Sept. 8, 1862; died July 15, 1923; aged 60y. 10m. 7d. She was united in marriage to John Witmer Aug. 30, 1884, To this union were born 3 children (Harvey S., Ellis E. And Mrs. Jay M. Blake). At the age of 20 years she united with the Mennonite Church, worshipping in the Holdeman Congregation, in which she remained faithful until death. She was stricken with paralysis five years ago and had been in failing health ever afterward. In May of this year she had another light stroke, and on July 8 she suffered another stroke which proved fatal. She never regained consciousness. She leaves a sorrowing husband, two sons, one daughter, one granddaughter, one sister, six brothers, and many others who held her dear to them. The funeral was held at the Olive Church, conducted by Brethren Henry Weldy and Silas Weldy. Burial in the adjoining cemetery. Peace to her ashes. "Mother, thou art sweetly resting, Here thy toils and cares are o'er, Pain and sickness, death and sorrow Never can distress thee more."

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy) California

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Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 21 - August 23, 1923

EBY - Jonas W. Eby was born Sept. 20, 1840; died July 30, 1923; aged 82y. 10m. 10d. He was married to Sarah Grumbein Nov. 17, 1877. This union was blest with one daughter and tow sons. He is survived by his faithful wife, one daughter, and one step-daughter, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The sons preceded him in death. He was a faithful member of the Stauffer's Mennonite Church. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services were held on August 2 at Campbelltown Reformed Church by Bishops John G. Ebersole and Noah W. Reiser. Text, Psa. 90:10.

ROCKWELL - Bro. Samuel Rockwell of Carmichaels, Greene Co., Pa., was born Jan. 28, 1851; died Aug. 12, 1923; aged 72y. 6m. 14d. He was married to Mary Durr in 1883. In early life he united with the Baptist and later transferred his membership to the Mennonite Church. Though living in a community where services by his own people were seldom conducted, he was considered a pillar in his home community. He was loved and respected by many people, and he took a keen interest in the affairs of his people. Funeral services at the home and at the Masontown Mennonite Church, conducted by E.D. Hess, Aaron Loucks, and Daniel Kauffman. Text, I Cor. 15:51-58.

HALDEMAN - Emma Haldeman was born July 17, 1872; died Aug. 7, 1923; aged 51y. 20d. To this union were born 2 children; one preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, one son, and one grandchild. (NOTE: No husband's name listed.) She was a faithful member of Stauffer's Mennonite Church where she will be greatly missed, as her place was seldom vacant as long as health permitted. Funeral services were held at Risser's Mennonite Church Aug. 10, 1923, conducted by John G. Ebersole, Samuel Oberholtzer, and Noah W. Risser. Text, John 14:1-3. "Mother's chair is vacant,
And her voice is stilled,
But her place o'er yonder,
We know is filled."

FREY - John L. Frey of Chambersburg, Pa., was born Jan. 14, 1858; died July 27, 1923; aged 65y. 6m. 13d. He suffered from Pernicious anemia for quite a period before his death but was patient and resigned in his lingering illness. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years. He was married to Lucy Hamsher, who survives him. He is also survived by two daughters, Carrie and Mrs. Harvey Siegrist, and one granddaughter, besides numerous relatives and friends. The deceased spent nearly all his life in the vicinity of Chambersburg, Pa., and was widely known. A large concourse of people gathered at the Chambersburg Church to pay their tribute of respect. Services were conducted at the home by J.S. Burkholder and at the church by D.E. Kuhns and Wm. Kump. Text, I Cor. 15. Interment in the cemetery at the Chambersburg Church.

SCHWEITZER - Mary Schweitzer was born Oct. 5, 1861 in Holmes Co., Ohio; died at Milford, July 31, 1923; aged 61y. 9m. 5d. She was united in marriage to John Schweitzer Dec. 19, 1886, who preceded her to eternity May 22, 1915. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and was a faithful member until death. Her husband, father, mother, three sons, two daughters, one daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, one sister, and one brother preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her loss two sons (John and Edward), two daughters (Anna and Carrie), twelve grandchildren, one great-grandchild, three brothers (App, John and Joe) and two sisters (Amanda Beckler and Lavina Jantzi).
"A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in the home,
Which never can be filled."

ALLEBACH - Joseph B. Allebach was born near Sellersville, Pa., June 9, 1844. Sept. 30, 1865 he was married to Vrey S. Gulick who preceded him to the heavenly home Dec. 27, 1915. To this union were born 3 sons and 3 daughters. One daughter died in infancy. He died at the home of his son, Wilson, near Sellersville, Pa., April 24, 1923; aged 78y. 10m. 15d. He was the youngest son of Pre. John S. and Elizabeth (Bergey) Allebach. In early life he accepted Christ as his Savior, and for many years held the responsible office as deacon of the Rockhill Mennonite Church. He is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters (John, Wilson, Merari, Mrs. Samuel K. Alderfer, Mrs. Howard B. Yoder). Funeral services were conducted at the house by William Landis and at the Rockhill Mennonite Church by A.O. Histand and Jacob A. Clemmens. Text, Psa. 27:4. Interment in adjoining cemetery.
A grandson.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy) California

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Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 22 - August 30, 1923

SHOWALTER - Lewis Menno, son of Bro. Lewis and Sister Annie Showalter, of near Broadway, Va., died August 16, 1923; aged 2y. 5m. 20d. He was sick only a week. His parents, a brother (John), and a sister (Ruth), survive and mourn his early departure. Little Lewis is safely resting in the arms of Jesus. The funeral was held at Zion Church, conducted by the brethren, Lewis Shank and Perry Shank. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

STUCKEY - Lotta Mary Stuckey (nee Klinger) was born at Convoy, Ohio, Jan 29, 1900; died at her home near West Unity, O., July 31, 1923, at the age of 23y. 6m. 2d. Lotta's sickness was typhoid fever which was short bur very severe from the beginning. She was united in marriage to Aaron Stuckey, Mar. 21, 1918. This union was blest with two children, Bernada Darlene and Melvin Charles. Sister Stuckey leaves to mourn her early death, her companion, 2 children, parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and many relatives and friends. About six years ago she confessed Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Amish Mennonite Church and kept her faith until death. Funeral services were held August 2, conducted by H. Rychener and S.D. Grieser. Interment in Lockport cemetery.

NEUHOUSER - Laura Neuhouser (nee Slagel) was born Feb. 25, 1889, at Flanagan, Mich.; aged 34y. 5m. 19d. Dec. 23, 1908, she was married to John E. Neuhouser. To this union were born 4 daughters - Lucille, Mildred, Laverne, Helen - and 2 sons, Kenneth and Milton. She leaves to mourn her early departure, her children, her husband, father and mother, 7 brothers, 4 sisters, and many relatives and friends. She united with the Mennonite Church in her young years and remained true until the Lord called her home.
"More and more we miss thee,
Friends may think the wound is healed,
But they little know the sorrow,
That lies within the heart concealed."
The funeral was held at the Bethel Church, conducted by Geo. H. Summer and D.H. Oyer. Burial in the cemetery nearby.

HERTZLER - Bro. Ulrich Hertzler was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., June 18, 1842; died at his home in Millersville, Pa., Aug. 14, 1923; aged 81y. 1m. 26d. His companion preceded him almost three years. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for more than sixty years and he was interested in its welfare. The funeral services were held Aug. 17, 1923, and were conducted by Bro. D.N. Gish. He read the ninth Psalm. At the church the services were conducted by Bish, (NOTE: believe this should be Gish or the former name should be Bish) D.N. Lehman and Bro. Jacob Hess. Interment in the Millersville Mennonite cemetery.

MILLER - John S. Miller was born Dec. 24, 1841; died Aug. 11, 1923; aged 81y. 7m. 17d. On May 21, 1868, he was married to Lizzie H. Shreiner. To this union were born 2 sons and 1 daughter. The daughter passed away several years ago. He was a member of the Mennonite Church and a Civil War veteran. He was sick several years but was confined to bed only the last two weeks. He died at the home of his son, William. The funeral was held Aug. 14, by Noah Landis, and Hiram Kauffman at the Mennonite Church, Manheim, and burial at Kauffman's cemetery. "Father, thou art sweetly resting, Here thy toils and cares are o'er, Pain and sickness, death and sorrow Never can distress thee more."
The Family

BOMBERGER - John H. Bomberger was born near Lititz, Pa., June 11, 1845; died in the Lancaster General Hospital June 27, 1923; aged 78y. 16d. He was married Oct. 18, 1877, to Lizzie M. Stern, who died ten years ago. They had no children. He is survived by 3 brothers and 3 sisters who mourn his loss. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years. His health was failing for several years but most of the time he was able to be about and could go away when the weather was pleasant. He had been visiting and came home and retired as usual but became very sick toward morning. The doctor was called who advised him to go to the hospital where he underwent an operation. When visited by one of his sisters before the operation he expressed himself as resigned to God's will. He did not regain full consciousness after the operation but fell peacefully asleep about 8 hours after the operation. It was quite a shock for the brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends. He was of a pleasant disposition and had a smile for all. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services were conducted from his late home in Lititz by Brethren Noah Landis and Jacob Hershey with further services at Erb's Mennonite Church. Interment in adjoining cemetery. Peaceful be his silent slumber until we all meet on the other shore where parting is not known.

By a Sister.

Transcribed by Margaret Day Grant (Peggy) California


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