Gospel Herald Obituaries - June, 1909

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Gospel Herald - Vol. II, No. 10 - June 3, 1909, page 159, 160

Gingrich.-- Magdalena (Kropf) Gingerich [sic] died May 19, 1909, aged 70 y. 6 m. 18 d. She was the mother of 12 children; 5 preceded her to the spirit world. Of 36 grandchildren 6 preceded her. When 20 years of age she was married to Peter Gingrich. In 1886 she with her husband moved to Schuyler Co., Mo. She longed for the time to depart and died in the hope of eternal life. She suffered much and bore it with Christian patience. The funeral was preached by J. A. Holdeman.

Transcriber's note: Surname spelled two ways in the text: Gingrich and Gingerich.

Eash.- Elizabeth Eash, wife of Jos. Eash, died at her home near Johnstown, Pa.; aged 64 y. 6 m. 28 d. She lived in matrimony 43 years. She was the mother of one son and three daughters, all living. Besides these, her husband, one brother, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive her. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for some forty years. The Church feels the loss of a devoted member. She always occupied her seat in church when health permitted. The departed sister was sick for over a year, but lived faithful till death. Services were conducted by S. G. Shetler and Jonas Yoder and James Saylor, using as a text Psa. 35:14.

Holdeman.- Roscoe Holdeman, son of Abner and Emma Holdeman, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Aug. 14, 1889. On the morning of May 23, 1909, he was struck by a freight train while crossing the track near his home and instantly killed. He was aged 19 y. 9 m. 9 d. He leaves father, mother, 4 brothers and 3 sisters to mourn his early departure. Many relatives and friends mourn and sympathize with the bereaved family in their affliction and sorrow. While he was a young man liked and respected by every one, he had not accepted Christ and we commit him into the hands of a merciful God. Funeral services were held at the Olive M. H. on May 25, conducted by David A. Yoder and Jacob K. Bixler from the texts, Eccl. 12:1 and Amos 4:12. A conservative estimate of the people present was 1400. May God comfort the bereaved family.

Stutzman.-- Evalena Stutzman, daughter of John and Anna Stutzman, died May 19, near Shickley, Nebr., of pulmonary troubles, aged 15 y. 4 m. 15 d. She leaves father, mother, one brother and five sisters to mourn their loss. But they mourn not as those that have no hope. She left bright evidence that she was going to her Savior.
About two weeks ago a brother, some years older, died with pneumonia. The hand of affliction is laid heavily upon this family.
The sister was buried at the Salem Cemetery near Shickley, Nebr. Funeral services by Jacob Swartzendruber in German from Rev. 14:13 and Bish. N. E. Roth, of Milford, Nebr., from Luke 13:23, 24. May God comfort the bereaved ones is our prayer.

Martin.-- Bro. J. H. Martin of Augusta Co., Va., was called to his reward on May 4, 1909 after a lingering illness of heart trouble. Aged 69 y. 1 m. His first wife who was Elizabeth Roth, died July 4, 1904. Two children were born to this union, a son and a daughter. The daughter died six weeks after her mother. In the fall of 1906 he was united in marriage to Margaret Blosser, who with one son, fourteen grandchildren, six brothers and three sisters and many other relatives and friends are left to mourn their loss. He will be much missed in the community, church and home. His place at church was never vacant when he was at all able to attend. He served as minister for a number of years to do what he could. He was born and raised in Maryland. The funeral was largely attended on the 6th at Springdale church. His brothers and sisters were all present but one. Sermon by A. P. Heatwole, assisted by the brethren E. C. Shank and E. F. Heatwole. Text II Tim. 4:-8. [sic]

Snyder.- Harry William, son of H. L. and Sarah Snyder of Chamberburg, [sic] Pa., died May 18, 1909; aged 15 y. 1 m. 11 d. He underwent an operation for appendicitis and survived the operation but a few days. He was a pleasant boy and loved by all who knew him. It was hard to give him up, but we know our loss is his gain. God's will, not ours be done. Before he went to the hospital, his father asked him if it was allright [sic] with his soul. He said, "Yes, papa and mamma; don't worry about me; I'm allright." [sic] He was very patient, and endured his sufferings with Christian fortitude. His parents and two brothers survive. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite Church near Chambersburg, Pa., on May 21, conducted by Bish. Geo. S. Keener and _____. Wolford. Texts, Prov. 20:11 and John 14:3. Interment in adjoining cemetery. Peace to his ashes.

Rosenberger. - Carrie, youngest daughter of Bro. Abram Rosenberger, was born Dec. 29, 1884; died at her home in Hatfield, Bucks Co.,Pa., May 1, 1909; aged 24 y. 4 m. 2 d. She took sick of quinsy which soon developed into diphtheria, from which she died. Carrie was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church at Lexington. She also attended the afternoon and evening services at Souderton. Two young sisters are now absent from their place. Sister Ebersole departed but ten weeks before. We trust that our loss is their etenal gain. She being her father's housekeeper, he especially misses her. Her mother died in July, 1906. Owing to quarentine only her father could be with her during her sickness and death, thus making the wound still deeper for the surviving sisters. Her body was quietly laid to rest, May 3, in the Lexington graveyard. Funeral services to be held later.
'Tis only such a narrow line,
Twixt this world and the other,
That almost every day we miss
A sister or a brother.

'Twas only such a little while,
For Carrie to be with us,
Then let us try as she has tried,
To meet her God in heaven.
A Friend

Godshall. - John A. Godshall died May 5, 1909, in Franconia township, Montgomery Co., Pa.; aged 67 y. 8 m. 4 d. He is survived by a widow and two children. He was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. Funeral services were held on May 9, at the Souderton Mennonite Church, Conducted by Michael Moyer and Christian Allebach.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona

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Gospel Herald - Vol. II, No. 11 - June 10, 1909, page 175, 176

Longenecker. - Alvin Z., son of Bro. Harry and Sister Irene Longenecker, died of fetanus (sic) on Sunday, May 30, 1909; aged 3y. 2m. 6d. The boy had run a splinter in his foot about nine days previous to his death. In a few days everything appeared to be allright (sic) until on Friday he complained about his throat, suffering a good bit on Saturday, and on Sunday his head and feet were almost drawn together at times on account of the pain he suffered. The brother and sister suffered a great loss, but we know it is heaven's gain. Bro. John Erb and Bro. David Miller officiated at the funeral.

Horst. - Sister Elizabeth, daughter of the late Peter and Christena Horst, was born in Mt. Joy Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec. 15, 1826; died May 18, 1909; aged 62 y. 5 m. 3 d. Death was due to the infirmities of old age, which she bore very patiently. She is survived by one sister. Funeral services were held in the Mennonite M. H. At Mt. Joy, conducted by Bish. J. N. Brubacher, assisted by Bish. Abr. Herr, Henry Longenecker and Peter Nissley. We express our hope that even so great a loss to us all may be overruled for good by Him who doesth all things well.

Graybill. - Hannah Zimmerman Graybill was born in Snyder Co., Pa., Jan 13, 1829; died near Bloomington Kans., April 24, 1909; aged 80y. 3m. 11d. She was married to Michael S. Graybill in January 1847. To this union were born nine children. The husband and four children preceded her to the spirit world. Sister Graybill occupied her wheelchair for a number of years, and towards the last became entirely helpless. She always enjoyed the religious services which were frequently held at the home of her son-in-law, Bro. J. L. Shellenberger, with whom she stayed. Funeral services were conducted at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 25, by G. B. Landis of Canton, Kans. Text Job 14:10.

Hollinger. - Lester, only son of Bro. and Sister George Hollinger of near Sterling, Ill., was born Dec. 1, 1908; died, May 23, 1909; aged 5m. 23d. Funeral at the Mennonite Church near Sterling, Ill., May 25, by John McCulloh of Morrison, Ill. Little Lester was a very bright baby and will be greatly missed by his parents.

Yohner. - Marguerite Yohner was born in Switzerland; died at her home near Shipshewana, Ind., May 26, 1909; aged 68 y. 2 m. 29 d. She leaves to mourn an aged brother and two sisters in Switzerland. She was a member in the A. M. Church for many years. The aged sister was nearly blind for a few years. Services were conducted at the house of Y. C. Miller and at the Shore Mennonite Church by the brethren Y. C. Miller in English from Romans 10:9, 10 and in German by Bro. John M. Hostetler.

Garberich. - John Wesley Garberich was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 20 1880; died May 15, 1909; aged 28y. 7m. 25d. He was the oldest child of S. J. and Anna Garberich, grandson of Abram and Mary Means. He lived at Pratt, Kans. He took sick on April 18, and the doctor called it appendicitis, which developed into peritonitis. They brought him to the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kans., where he was operated upon, but all loving hands and nurses and doctors could do for him could not restore him to health. But the great Healer of the soul heard and answered prayer. He realized pardon, desired to depart and passed peacefully away. He leaves to mourn his loss, a wife, two brothers, two sisters, an aged grandmother and a host of friends. One sister preceded him to the spirit world. The funeral was held and largely attended from the St. Paul M. E. Church, Wichita, Kans., by C. N. Kessler, assisted by ------- Pickard. Buried in Maple Grove Cemetery near Wichita.

Stauffer. - Lydia (nee Stutzman) wife of Henry Stauffer, was born in Holmes Co., O., Dec. 13, 1873; died in Seward Co., Neb., May 22, 1909; aged 35y. 5m. 22d. She lived in the holy bonds of matrimony 11 y. 8 d. To this union were born two children. She leaves a bereaved husband and daughter, father, mother, five brothers, one sister and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss. Interment in the East Fairview burial ground.
Sister Stauffer was a faithful member in the A. M. Church. Her health had been failing nearly seven years. The intense pain with which she suffered at times was endured with Christian patience. Services were conducted by the brethren Christian Steckley, Joseph Whitaker and Joseph Schlegel.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona

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Gospel Herald - Vol. II, No. 12 - June 17, 1909, page 190, 191



IN MEMORY Of Elmer Joseph,
son of Bro. Ed and Sister Lizzie Wenger , died March 25, 1909.
By Clara Koebel For the Gospel Herald.

Dearest Elmer, thou hast left us,
Thy sweet smile no more we see,
Thy sweet voice no more can cheer us,
Elmer, dear, we mourn for thee.

Yes, bright angels quickly bore him
Upward, heavenward, home to God,
While we weeping, brokenhearted,
Bowed beneath the chastening rod.

He left us when we least supposed,
To cross over Jordan's wave.
But who dare God's will oppose,
That mighty one to save?

Farewell, dear Elmer, thou art at rest,
And so forevermore will be;
You could not stay on earth with us,
But we can come to thee.

Thou art not forgotten, Elmer,
Nor will you, will you ever be,
As long as life and memory last,
We will remember thee.
________________

Miller.-- Nina, daughter of Bro. Moses M. and Sister Lydia Miller, was born near Emma, Ind., April 11, 1909; died, April 30, 1909; aged 19 d. Funeral May 1, at the home of the parents, where a goodly number of neighbors and friends met in sympathy with Bro. Miller and family in their sad bereavement. Little Nina budded on earth, but bloometh in heaven. Funeral services by Amos S. Cripe from Luke 18:16. Interment in the Miller burying ground.

Wenger. -- Benjamin B. Wenger died of pneumonia at the home of his son-in-law, P. M. Shiflett, near Dayton, Va., May 21, 1909; aged 67y. 4m. 5d. He leaves six sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. Funeral services were held at Weaver's church, May 23, by J. S. Martin and S. H. Rhodes, from Amos 4:12, "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel!" Buried in the cemetery nearby.

Christophel.-- Irene, infant daughter of Peter R. and Julia Christophel of Lake Charles, La., was born March 21, 1909; died of cholera infantum, May 9, 1909; aged 1 m. 20 d. All that human hands could do could not save her, but now she is a bright little angel to bloom in heaven.
Gone to heaven is our darling,
Gone to her bright home above;
She has left us here so lonely,
How we miss her whom we loved.

Hostetler.* - Magdalena Shank was born Dec. 16, 1864; died in the asylum May 31, 1909; aged 44 y. 5 m. 16 d. She was married to Christian Hochstetler* Dec. 21, 1888. To this union were born 10 children, 5 of whom survive their mother. She was brought to Howard Co., Ind., and buried beside her children in the Hensel Cemetery. Short services were held at the grave by J. H. McGowen.

* Transcriber's note: Name spelled two ways in the original.

Yordy. - Peter Yordy was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Feb. 29, 1856. He came to his death near his home in Woodford Co., Ill., by a stroke of lightning, June 4, 1909. He united with the A. M. Church in his youth. He was never married. He leaves three brothers and three sisters.
Services were held at the house by Peter D. Schertz from Matt. 24:44, and at the church by Peter Zimmerman from Luke 12:40 in German, and John Switzer in English. Surely life is uncertain, and it behooves us to heed Christ's warning recorded in Matt. 24:44.

Bechtel.-- Mary Ann, daughter of Bro. Menno and Elizabeth Bechtel, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., June 28, 1897; died of typhoid fever near Nappanee, Ind., May 22, 1909; aged 11 y. 10 m. 6 d. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church March 29, 1908, and lived a child-like Christian life until God called her home. She leaves father, mother, two brothers and five sisters. Funeral was held May 24, at Nappanee, Ind., by J. H. McGowen from Luke 10:42. May God comfort the sorrowing ones.

Musselman.-- Paul, infant son of Bro. Ed. And Sister Lizzie M. Musselman of Fentress, Va., died June 1, 1909, of cholera infantum. He was sick only twenty hours. Aged 1 y. 7 m. 27 d. Funeral, June 3; interment in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery. Funeral services will be preached by the brethren, J. D. Wert and A. D. Wenger. This is a hard stroke on the bereaved parents, one sister and three little brothers. He was such a bright and loving boy. He was too sweet for this sinful world to hold him. But their loss is his eternal gain.
His Grandfather, I. W. Eby.

Funk. - Heinrich Funk of Neipperg, Wurtemberg, Germany, was born April 7, 1836, at Bonartshausen near Bretten, Baden; died May 12, 1909; aged 73 y. 1 m. 5 d. In 1864 he was married to Babette Baer of Neipperg. This union was blessed with nine children of whom one son and four daughters (among them Sister Christine Horsch of Scottdale, Pa.) survive. In 1872 the congregation at Ittlingen chose him to the ministry and in 1880 he was ordained to the office of bishop. He was for many years the treasurer of the Mission Board of the Mennonites in South Germany. He was a faithful preacher of the Gospel, and a strict disciplinarian. The funeral sermon was preached by Bish. Jacob Hege of Reihen. Text, John 11:25-27.

Geil.-- Abram Geil was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Oct. 19, 1824, and died of paralysis and old age, May 30, 1909; aged 84 y. 7 m. 11 d. Funeral and burial service was held on June 1, from Lindale Mennonite Church near Edom, Va. Services were conducted by Lewis Shank and L. J. Heatwole, from Job 5:26. His aged companion in life, who was Lizzie Wenger before marriage, was too much prostrated and enfeebled to attend the funeral. Both have from early life continued as faithful members of the Mennonite Church. Besides his wife, deceased is survived by three sons and two daughters.
L. J. H.

Funk. - John Funk was born in Bucks Co., Pa., April 17, 1826, died in Telford, May 7, 1909; 83y. 20d. He was married to Mary Fretz, Oct. 17, 1852; to this union were born two children, both died many years ago. His companion passed away about three years ago. Thus he was without family ties, having neither a sister or brother, but he was a friend to every one. His quiet, easy life was a good example of the Mennonite faith of which he was a member from his youth. He usually walked to the services about a mile from his home, until the last few weeks he when he was sick. During his sickness he was never heard to complain, but bore up bravely to the end, quietly falling asleep in Jesus. Funeral services were held May 12, conducted by Samuel Detweiler at the home, Christian Allebach and Mahlon Souder at the Rockhill Mennonite church. Text Ps. 27:4.

Shelley. - Bro. Addison Shelley was born in Beaver Co., Pa., Oct. 8, 1847; died at his home near Freeport, Ill., June 5, 1909, of a complication of diseases; aged 61 y. 7 m. 27 d. He came west with his parents to Livingston Co., Ill., in 1856. In later years he moved to Whiteside Co., Ill. In 1887 he was united in marriage to Esther Lapp of Freeport, Ill., who with four orphan children which were later taken into their home are left to mourn the loss of a loving husband and kind foster father. His aged mother, two brothers and five sisters also survive him. He was buried at the Mennonite Cemetery near Freeport, on Monday, June 7. Services were conducted by E. M. Shellenberger, John Nice and J. S. Shoemaker. Text, Phil. 1:21. Bro. Shelley was an earnest and consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years. He had a great longing to depart and be with Christ.

Coffman. - Lizzie Coffman was born in Greenbrier Co., W. Va., July 20 1824, and died of kidney trouble and the infirmities of age at her home near Fort Spring, W. Va. June 3, 1909; aged 84 y, 10 m. 14 d. Burial was made at Coffman Cemetery, while the funeral service is announced for a later date at the Old Fort Spring Church. We need not mourn as those who have no hope, for she lived the true Christian life, and leaves an example worthy of imitation. She has been long separated from the church of her choice (Mennonite), yet being deprived of its privileges, she continued loyal to all its teachings to the end of life. An aged relative, who is now in her 90th year (Anna Hedrick, a sister to the late Bish. Samuel Coffman), is now the only surviving member of the Mennonite Church in Greenbrier Co., W. Va., and it is with her own hand that the greater part of this obituary notice was written, with the request that it appear in the Gospel Herald. The deceased was never married. She has numerous family connections with the Burkholders, Coffmans, Rhodes,' and others of Rockingham Co., Va
L. J. H.

King. - Lizzie M. (Glick) King was born in Union Co., Pa., Oct. 13, 1876; died near Belleville, Pa., May 30, 1909; aged 32 y. 7 m. 17 d. In the fall of 1902 she was united in married to Rufus King, Lawrence Co., Pa., where they moved the following spring, living there till 1907, when they moved to Mifflin Co., Pa., and have resided here ever since. She was a consistent member of the A. M. Church since her youth. She realized that her time was short, and told the ones near her that her time would not be long, and when they dug the grave for her infant child they should dig hers also, and peacefully fell asleep. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband and son, an aged mother, five brothers and three sisters. Funeral services at the Locust Grove Church, conducted by J. L. Mast and J. D. Yoder. May God comfort the bereaved husband and five-year old son who will never be able to realize the worth of a true mother. Peace to her ashes.

Schrock. - On April 31, 1909 at the Axtell Hospital, Newton, Kans., Joseph W. Schrock died; aged 70 y. 3m. He died after an operation for gall stones which was successfully performed 5 days prior to his death. Bro. Schrock had been afflicted with this ailment for more than eight years and the last year of his life especially was one of untold suffering during which time he murmured not, but manifested remarkable Christian fortitude. He submitted reluctantly to a surgical operation only as a last resort but the disease had advanced to its final stages and no human help could avail. His last and only desire was to depart and be with the Lord. His wife and four children survive him, all of which were present at his death and burial. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite Meeting House near Trousdale. Sermon by Bro. D. D. Zook from II Cor. 5-1. A large concourse of relatives and friends followed the remains to the last earthly resting place.

Hartzler.- Allie, wife of Bro. Jacob A. Hartzler of near Allensville, Pa., passed from labor to reward on Wednesday morning, June 2, 1909, after a few days of illness; aged 30 y. 2 d. She was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., May 30, 1879, and spent all her life except two years in Big Valley. She was the daughter of Pre. Jos. H. Byler, and on account of the ill health of her mother it fell to her lot early in life to help care for the rest of the family. At the age of 15 she united with the A. M. Church and remained an obedient, faithful member until she was called home. On Jan. 26, 1901, she was married to Jacob A. Hartzler, and to this union were born four children, the youngest being only three weeks old at the time of her death. She was a devoted wife, a kind mother and a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed. Funeral services were conducted in German by Bish. Jonas Yoder of West Liberty, O., from Rev. 14:13 and in English by Joshua B. Zook from John 11:25,26. The funeral was largely attended. She leaves her grief-stricken husband, four children, her father, two brothers, four sisters, besides many other relatives and friends. May God richly bless and comfort them in this sad hour of bereavement.

Transcribed by Mona M. Mann, Arizona

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Gospel Herald - Vol. II, No. 13 - June 24, 1909, page 207, 208



Baer.-- John Bear was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 15, 1823. Came to Darke Co., O., in 1847, where he resided until his death, May 21, 1909. Aged 85 y. 10 m. 6 d.

Stutzman.-- Alexander Bentley, infant son of Alex. and Cora Stutzman of Aurora, O., departed this life June 13, 1909. He is the first to be buried at this place. Funeral services at the church were conducted by E. B. Stolzfus (sic) from Job 14:1, 2. Interment in cemetery nearby. "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Esh.-- On Saturday, May 29, the remains of Bro. Daniel Esh were laid away in the Beiler cemetery, near Intercourse, Pa. He had reached the age of 75 y. 8 m. 23 d., having been a faithful minister of the Gospel for thirty years. He was the father of six sons and six daughters, who with a large number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many sympathizing friends survive. His voice on earth is hushed, but his influence still lives. May God comfort the bereaved.

Hess.-- Emil Frederick Hess was born in Germany, Sept. 28, 1835; died May 30, 1909; age 73 y. 8 m. 2 d. Im (sic) 1863 he was united in marriage with Pauline Aem, to which union were born nine children. Of these four died in Germany, while five, together with the wife, yet remain to mourn the loss of a father and companion. In 1888 he came to America. For the past 12 or 14 years he was a member of the German Springs Mennonite Church and was an active member. Funeral services were held at church, June 1, 1909. Bro. J. J. Zimmerman of Harper Hans. Preached in German, L. O. King in English.

Roth.-- Emery Leon, infant son of Jacob G. and Bertha Roth, near Noble, Ia., died of pneumonia, June 10, 1909; he was born Nov 11, 1908; aged 6 m. 29 d. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 12, at the Sugar Creek Church and buried in the cemetery nearby.

Saltzman.-- Mattie A., daughter of John H. and Anna Saltzman, was born in Livingston Co., Ill., June 10 1890; died with her parents in Henry Co., Ia., June 11, 1909; aged 19 y. 1 d. On Oct. 21, 1905, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, remaining a faithful member unto the end. She leaves father, mother, one sister and four brothers and a host of friends to mourn her early departure. However, our loss is heaven's gain. Her body was laid to rest in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, at which time appropriate services were held, conducted by the brethren Alvin Ropp of Goshen, Ind., and S. Gerig and Simon Gingerich of her home church.

Shank.-- Sister Sallie, widow of Bishop Abraham Shank, deceased, died at her home near Broadway, VA., May 1, 1909; aged 72 y. 11 m. 6 d. Sister Shank was a daughter of Pre. Daniel Showalter, deceased, and was the last one of her father's family. She had been a sufferer from rheumatism for some years, and for the last half year or more she had been almost entirely confined to her home on account of a general break-down in her health. While she was much afflicted, her sudden death came as a surprise and a shock to her family and friends. Sister Shank was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years. The funeral was held June 3, at Zion church, where a large number of relatives and friends assembled to pay a last tribute of respect to one who had spent a long and useful life in the community. The funeral services were conducted by the brethren, Bish. A. P. Heatwole and J. W. Geil. Text, I Cor. 15:26. Her body was laid to rest in the cemetery by the side of her husband who had preceded her to the grave about eight years.

Harshberger.-- Joshua, son of William and Leah Harshberger, was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., Dec. 18, 1829; died, June 2, 1909; aged, 79 y. 5 m. 15 d. March 28, 1858, he was united in matrimony with Elizabeth Sheerer, who was born Oct. 10, 1836, and died June 2, 1898. To this union nine children were born, two sons and seven daughters, all of whom survive except one son, Harvey, who died in 1889. Bro Harshberger was a devoted and active member of the Amish Mennonite church (Mattawana Congregation) for many years. He was a leader in the temporal affairs of the church, acting as janitor of the house of worship from the time of its erection in 1871, and without any renummeration (sic) in dollars and cents for his services. He will long be remembered by the many who accepted the pressing invitation to dine with him after the usual church services as well as on other occasions. His liberality shown out very brightly indeed. God had richly blessed the labor of his hands and mind, and he shared it freely with those in need of help. As a citizen he was very widely known and respected as a straightforward, honest business man. The question confronts both church and community, who will take his place? Let us look up and take courage, trust in God who is able to raise up men and women to take the place of those who pass away and leave a seeming void. Of a large family of brothers and sisters only three remain, Katie, Jacob and Joseph, all well advanced in years. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 5, conducted by Elders Michael Yoder and John E. Kauffman, the former at the house and the latter at the church. Many were present to mingle their tears with those of the grief-stricken family. After the services the body was tenderly laid to rest in the little cemetery on the hillside, looking down on the world renowned Pennsylvania Rail Road Line. Peace to his ashes.
Cousin Davy.

Transcribed by David W. Mann, Arizona


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