Gospel Herald Obituaries - July, 1912

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Gospel Herald - Volume V, Number 14 - July 4, 1912 - page 223, 224

Binkley. - Alton Franklin, son of Brinton and Harriet Binkley of Greencastle, Pa., after a lingering illness of six weeks, died June 23, 1912; aged 1 y. 11 m. 2 d. Funeral June 25, at the home, by A. D. Martin. Interment at the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Keim. - Lawrence, son of N. W. and Lydia Keim, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Jan. 12, 1893; died near Fentress, Va., June 12, 1912; aged 19 y. 5 m. He accepted Christ as his Savior when he was 12 years old, and was a consistent member in the Mennonite Church until death, so far as we know. The sudden death of our brother was a shock to the entire community. Right after dinner he took the cows to pasture and before returning he took a bath in the canal, and was drowned. He leaves father, mother, 6 sisters and grandfather, with a number of friends to mourn their loss. We trust their loss is his gain. Funeral services by A. D. Wenger at the Mt. Pleasant Church. Text, Mark 13:33.

Mast. - Isaac, son of Aaron and Katie Mast, was born near Morgantown, Pa., Aug. 1, 1910; died May 21, 1912; aged 1 y. 9 m. 20 d. His death was caused by tuberculosis of the intestines, being sick nearly four weeks. He was a very patient little sufferer. We miss his smiling face, but we know that He who doeth all things well thought it best to take him where suffering is unknown and hope to meet him some day. He leaves father, mother, 1 brother and 1 sister to mourn his early departure. Funeral May 23, conducted by J. S. Mast and Christian Stoltzfus at the A. M. Church. Text, Psa. 16:6.
"Loved ones often die and leave us,
In this dark, cold world alone;
But if we will go to Jesus,
He will love us as His own."

Brubacher. - Sister Elizabeth B., widow of Bro. Daniel F. Brubacher of East Petersburg, Pa., was born May 24, 1832; died June 16, 1912; aged 80 y. 22 d. Death was due to a two weeks' illness of pleuro- pneumonia. During this time she suffered very much, but bore it very patiently. She realized that her time was here, and had a great longing to depart and be with her Master. Her hope and desire was granted when she peacefully fell asleep on Sunday afternoon. Grandmother was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years. She is survived by 2 daughters, 1 son and 10 grandchildren, 2 daughters having died some years ago. Funeral services June 19, conducted by Bro. C. Lefever at the house, Bro. F. N. Kreider in English and Bro. J. N. Brubacher in German at the church. Text, Rev. 14:12, 13.

Kindig. - Sallie Overholt Kindig was born in Wadsworth Twp., Medina Co., O., Sept. 10, 1829; was married to Wm. D. Kindig Jan. 21, 1857; died at the home of her daughter in Wadsworth, O., May 22, 1912; aged 82 y. 8 m. 12 d. To this union were born 4 sons and 4 daughters. Five children survive to mourn her departure; Reuben, Denver, Colo.; Levi, Los Angeles, Calif.; Maria, Wadsworth, O.; Edwin, Ellyria, O., and Willis of Medina, O. In early life she united with the Mennonite Church and has ever been a faithful and earnest Christian since. Funeral and burial at the Guilford Church, May 25, conducted by N. A. Lind. Text, Phil. 1:20.

Kopp. - Leah Overholt Kopp was born March 14, 1827, at Mt. Bethel, Northampton Co., Pa.; died at River Styx, O., June 19, 1912; aged 85 y. 3 m. 5 d. She was married to Michael Kopp Oct. 4, 1849, who died in May, 1901. To this union were born 4 sons, 3 of which survive the deceased: John O., Brooklyn, N. Y.; Samuel S., Oakland, Calif., and Dr. Michael Wm., San Jose, Calif. There are also 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was a loyal member of the Mennonite Church and anxiously awaited the Savior's call. Funeral and burial at the Guilford Church, conducted by N. A. Lind, Isaac Good and Ed. Koppes assisting. Text, Gen. 30:20.

Birkey. - Magdalena Birkey, nee Gerber, was born in Germany, Dec. 22, 1823; died at her home near Dewey, Ill., of infirmities of old age, June 12, 1912; aged 88 y. 5 m. 20 d. Mother Birkey united with the A. M. Church in her younger years and remained a faithful member to the end. She united in marriage with Andrew Birkey. This union was blessed with 6 children. She lived in matrimony with her husband 48 years and lived a widow about 20 years. She leaves 5 children, 30 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and many friends to mourn her departure. Her husband and 1 daughter preceded her to the world beyond. Funeral services at the home by Peter Zehr in German and at the church by Daniel Greiser and J. C. Birkey in German and Peter Zehr in English. Texts, Psa. 90, Deut. 31.14, II Cor. 5:1, and II Tim. 4:6-8. Buried in cemetery near by.

Meck. - Philip Meck, an aged and highly respected citizen and retired farmer, passed to his reward June 4, 1912, after a lingering illness of several months duration, in his 83rd year. He united with the Mennonite Church in early life and had been a consistent member ever since. His place was never vacant when he was able to attend Church, and he had a kind word and smile for every one he met. His wife, who was Esther Wade, preceded him to the spirit world 10 years ago. He leaves to mourn his early departure 9 children: Geo. W., of Lampeter; Mrs. B. S. Brubacher and Aaron Meck, Freeport, Ill.; Amos W., New Providence; Mrs. Adam Tout, Hempfield Twp.; Mrs. E. H. Kauffman, Manor Twp.; Mrs. C. L. Herr, Lancaster Twp.; Mrs N. B. Rohrer, Strasburg Twp., and Emma at home. May they all strive to live so that they may again be united as one family around the throne of God where sickness is unknown and death never separates loved ones.
A daughter.

Troyer. - Sister Dorothy Troyer, nee Yoder, was born in Tuscarawas Co., O., Mar. 4, 1848; died at her home near Crystal Springs, Kans., June 14, 1912. She was married to A. D. Troyer Jan. 9, 1868. This union was blessed with 13 children. She is [trans. note: begin p. 224] survived by her husband, 4 sons, 4 daughters and 28 grandchildren, all the children living near home but one daughter who lives in Brandon, Colo. She has a sister living in Michigan and a brother in Indiana. She suffered very much at times in the last few years. She had heart trouble and then pneumonia set in which caused her to suffer very much the last few days. She accepted Christ as her Savior in her youth, was faithful to the end. She was ready and willing to go. She chose her text and songs. Funeral services conducted by Bros. J. P. Berkey and J. T. Hamilton. Text, II Cor. 1:3, 8.
"Mother, thou hast left us lonely,
Here our loss we deeply feel,
But 'twas God that has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal."

Wenger. - Magdalena, widow of Michael E. Wenger, was born near New Holland, Pa., May 7, 1842; died of pneumonia, at her home in Farmersville, Pa., June 19, 1912; aged 70 y. 1 m. 12 d. On April 16, 1863, she was united in marriage with her husband, who preceeded [sic] her to the spirit world 9 months ago. In her early years she was received into the Mennonite Church, in which she was a faithful member until death. Through all her distress and trials she looked forward with a hope of Christian fortitude. During her illness of five days she bore it all patiently, and was fully resigned to the holy will of God. She is survived by 9 children, 40 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral services on June 22 at the Groffdale Mennonite Church, conducted by Benj. W. Weaver and Banks Winey. Text, Mark 14:8. We can say, with all who have lost a kind, devoted mother, and with the poet:
"Mother now has left us lonely,
Here her loss we deeply feel,
But 'tis God who has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows hear.

Yet again we hope to meet her,
When the day of life is fled;
Then in heaven, with joy to greet her,
Where no farewell tear is shed."

Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania
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[The following is an addition to July 4, 1912, Gospel Herald, Page 223]

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Menno D. Schantz, who died May 27, 1912

For the Gospel Herald.

How sad and sudden was the call,
To one so dearly loved by all;
His memory still is ever dear,
How oft we shed a silent tear.

Time cannot alter love so true,
One year brings back our grief anew,
It is one year ago today,
That our loved one was taken away.

God called him home, it was His will,
But in our hearts he liveth still,
The golden gates were opened
A gentle voice said, "Come."
And with farewell unspoken,
He calmly entered home.

By his loving widow and two daughters.

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Gospel Herald - Volume V, Number 15 - July 11, 1912 - page 239, 240

Jackson. - Raymond Jackson was born Sept. 29, 1894; died June 19, 1912; aged 17 y. 8 m. 20 d. The death was caused by accidental drowning while in bathing in the Don River. He was no Christian. Services in the Mennonite Gospel Mission, Toronto, Ont., on June 21 and conducted by the workers. Text, "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh." This was indeed a sad funeral. "Oh to have no hope in Jesus, How dark this world must be."

Newschwanger. - John Newschwanger died at the home of his son, Christian, Mt. Carmel, Ill., April 30, 1912; aged 82 y. 9 m. 28 d. He was born in Germany, from which place he came to Canada June 1, 1849, thence to Illinois, in March, 1850. He was married to Barbara Bahr in 1852. To this union were born 5 children of whom 2 survive; also 17 grandchildren, all but one of whom survive. He united with the Mennonite Church in early life and remained faithful to the end.

Snyder. - Malinda Snyder was born Oct. 3, 1887; died June 28, 1912; aged 24 y. 8 m. 25d. Her sickness was tuberculosis, which lasted about two years. She leaves to mourn her departure father, step-mother, 1 sister, 3 half-brothers and a host of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Noah Schrock adopted her when she was six years old. She was a member of the A. M. Church of Walnut Creek, O. A large concourse of friends attended the funeral on June 30. She selected I Cor. 15 for her funeral text, from which chapter Bros. S. H. Miller and M. A. Mast preached to the congregation.

Miller. - Barbara K. Miller was born in Manor Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 2, 1824; died June 4, 1912; aged 87 y. 7 m. 2 d. She was the last of her family but is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years and was of a kind and loving disposition. The funeral was held June 7 at the home of a niece on the old homestead where she lived all her life. Burial in the family graveyard. Services by Bros. J. C. Habecker, H. H. Haverstick and Abram B. Herr.

"She has left this world of sin and woe, While here we wait and long to go Where she has gone with Christ to dwell And bid no more the sad farewell." B. M. B.

Landis. - Sister Lavinia, wife of Bro. Adam Landis, near Bird-in- Hand, Pa., died June 3, 1912; aged 70 y. 7 m. 6 d. She was in feeble health for some time, and confined to her bed for 2 months. She was patient and had a desire to leave this world. She leaves a sorrowing husband, 1 daughter, 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters to mourn her departure. Funeral services at the house by Elias Groff, at the church by Christian Brackbill. Text, Job 14:14. What is our loss is her eternal gain. She is missed by all. Companion, mother, grandmother, neighbor, Now is o'er your weary labor, But in fancy still we hear you. Softly whisper, "God be with you." A friend.

Hostetler. - Loma May, infant daughter of Milton and Ida Hostetler, of Pryor, Okla., died June 15, 1912; aged 4 days. This baby did not seem to suffer any the first days but did not sleep any to speak of, like babies do, but later suffered some and soon passed away. The parents and 5 brothers gave it up with sorrowful hearts, but have a bright light to shine in this dark time, knowing they can go to it sometime if they do God's will. This was the third infant daughter they have buried. Short funeral services at the grave on Sunday morning. In Psa. 127:3 we find that "Children are an heritage of the Lord," and though they are taken away yet are they a treasure in heaven worth more than all the millions of earth's natural store. We believe that those who die in innocence are taken to that heavenly home to remain ever there in their spiritual or glorified body. P. Hostetler.

Henderson. - The funeral of Harvey M. Henderson, aged 22 years, took place on Monday, June 17, from the residence of his uncle, Harvey L. Snyder, Chambersburg, Pa. He was a son of Mrs. B. F. Gelwix of Scotland, Pa., and was graduated from Ohio Northern University of Ada, O., in June, 1911. To the time of his death he was employed by the Westinghouse Electric Co., and had a bright future before him. Last January he came home very sick with a severe attack of rheumatism, but after several months' treatment he improved sufficiently to return to his work in Cleveland, O.; but later his heart became affected and he gradually became weaker when suddenly the end came. His mother reached his bed side in time to talk to him. He was glad to see her and expressed himself ready for the change. The very sad part of the death is that he was to have married the following week Miss Mabelle A. O'Neil of Cleveland, who accompanied the body here. The funeral services were conducted by J. W. Burton of the United Brethren Church and W. W. Hege of the Mennonite Church. Interment at the Mennonite Church at Chambersburg.

Hostetter. - On June 29, 1912, at the home of his father-in-law at Mechanicsville, Pa., Bro. Levi, son of Cephas and Emma Hostetter, departed from this life to be with Christ; aged 25 y. 8 m. 13 d. He leaves a sorrowing widow with whom he was joined in wedlock Nov, 1909. About a week before his death, while tearing down some scaffolding at a building which he had intended erecting for the purpose of starting a business for himself this fall, a piece of timber with a nail in it, fell on his foot, the nail penetrating his flesh. He had the wound treated immediately, but nothing serious was thought of until the following Thursday morning when he began suffering from lock-jaw. He suffered for two days, but God saw fit to take him from us. Everything that human hands could do, was [transcriber note: begin p. 240] done for him. The prayers of God's people went up to the throne of grace in his behalf, but God's ways are not our ways. His ways are best, so we humbly bow in submission and say, "Thy will be done." Our tears today flow in sympathy with the bereft ones, but we mourn not as they without hope. A few years ago, through the sudden death of a dear one, Bro. Levi and wife were led to see the necessity of preparing for eternity. Since that time he has lived a devoted Christian life. His seat in the services of the Lord was seldom vacant. We will miss him in the home, the Church, the Sunday school, but we look forward with joy to the time we hope to meet him in heaven above. He leaves to mourn his departure a widow (who was Miss Grace Bear before marriage), father, mother, 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services were held July 2, at East Petersburg, Pa., where a large concourse of people had assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to one they loved. The services at the home of Bro. Bear, with whom they had their home, were conducted by Bros. Hiram Kauffman and at the church by Bros. Frank Kreider and David Mosemann. Bro. Mosemann using Job 13:15, "Yet will I trust in him," as a text. This is a loud call to the community, especially so to the young friends of the departed one, many of whom are still in sin. Pray with us that this call may not go unheeded, but that it might be the means of drawing us all closer to Him, who died to save us. May God comfort the bereft ones.

"Does Jesus care, when I've said good-bye,
To the dearest on earth to me?
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks -
Is it naught to Him? does He see?

"O yes, He cares, I know He cares.
His heart is touched with my grief,
When the days are weary,
The long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares."
By a devoted friend.

Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania

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Gospel Herald - Volume V, Number 16 - July 18, 1912 - page 255, 256

Kiser. - Thomas H. Kiser died June 19, 1912; aged 58 y. 4 m. 20 d. He leaves wife, 11 children, 3 brothers, 2 sisters. Funeral at Weaver's Church near Harrisonburg, Va., conducted by his pastor, Daniel Garber.
"Farewell dear family, I am at rest,
My voice no more you'll hear,
Live faithfully and you'll be blest,
And death you need not fear."

Graham. - William Graham was born May 17, 1895; died June 28, 1912; aged 17 y. 1 m. 11 d. His sudden death was caused while going out for a load of hay he jumped off the wagon to go to the horses which were trotting and was struck about the head he fell under the wagon, the wheel passing over his chest, killing him instantly. [transcriber's note: run-on sentence copied as printed] He was the hired help of Bro. Benj. and Sister Annie E. Witmer at whose place the accident occurred. May the Lord comfort the broken-hearted souls he leaves to mourn his loss - 3 sisters and a host of friends. Funeral services were held at the Cressville Church by Bro. Haefner. Text, Psa. 8:4. A friend.

Nice. - Gideon M. Nice was born Feb. 7, 1852; died June 22, 1912, at his home in Souderton, Pa., aged 60 y. 4 m. 15 d. Nov. 18, 1876, he was married to Emma Price. To this union were born 13 children. Two died in infancy. He leaves a sorrowing widow, 5 sons, 6 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 1 sister, and many relatives and friends who sympathize with the bereaved family. Bro. Nice attended the [transcriber's note: begin p. 256] Philadelphia market and it was while there on June 14 that he was taken sick. He was brought to his home, but after a few days was about again, but not to return to his work. Just a week later he was again attacked with severe pain which no medical care could relieve; but an all-wise Father gave him a sleep from which none ever wakes on earth. Although he has only been a Christian of late years, he has been urging his children not to delay it as he had, and we believe he has won a crown in heaven. Funeral services were held at the Souderton Mennonite Church by J. C. Clemmens and Jonas Minninger. At the house by Jos. Ruth and Chrisitian Allbach. Text, Rom. 1:16, 17.

Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania

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[The following is an addition to July 18, 1912, Gospel Herald, Page 255]

IN MEMORY
Of William Graham, who died June 28, 1912

For the Gospel Herald

William thou wast mild and lovely,
Gentle as the summer breeze;
Pleasant as the air of evening,
When it floats among the trees.

Peaceful be thy silent slumber
Peaceful in the grave below
Thou no more wilt join our number
Thou no more our songs shalt know.

Dearest William thou hast left us,
Here thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God that hath bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.

Yet we hope that we may meet thee,
When the days of life are fled,
And with joy we hope to greet thee,
Were no farewell tears are shed.

A friend.

UP


Gospel Herald - Volume V, Number 17 - July 25, 1912 - page 271, 272

Myers. -Abraham L. Myers died July 9, 1912; aged 64 y. 5 m. 16 d. Funeral services were held at Leetonia, O., July 11, 1912. He was the son of Abraham and Susanna Moyer, was born and lived all his life on their farm three miles south of Columbiana, O. Apoplexy was the cause of his death, he was hitching his team to the wagon intending to haul hay and dropped dead before he was through hitching up.

Landes. - Alpheus Landes was born in Holmes Co., O., Dec. 25, 1830; died at his home near Canton, Kans., June 12, 1912; aged 81 y. 5 m. 18 d. On Aug. 18, 1850, he was married to Barbara Miller. To this union were born 6 sons and 4 daughters, all of whom survive except one daughter, and all were present at the funeral except one daughter, Fannie Landes. Besides these he is survived by a loving wife, 2 sisters, 51 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of friends. He was a member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services conducted by Bro. John Brunk. Text, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
C. W. Miller

Beer. - On July 12, 1912, Mrs. Caroline E. Beer departed this life at her home in Rockton, aged 78 y. 9 m. 28 d. She was born at Georgetown, Indiana Co., Pa., Sept., 1833, and married Jan., 1855. She is survived by 3 sons, 3 daughters, 33 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. For six years she was an invalid but patiently endured her suffering until relieved by death. On Sunday afternoon a large concourse of people followed her body to its last resting place. The services were in charge of her pastor, Pre. George Cleaver. She had been a member of the Brethren Church for more than half a century. Interment in the Rockton Cemetery.

Lehman. - Hanna (Lohr) Lehman, wife of Samuel Lehman, was born May 29, 1841; died at her home in Windber, Pa., July 1, 1912; aged 71 y. 1 m. 2 d. She has been ill for 18 months of a complication of diseases. She was confined to her room for the last 4 months, and unable to leave her bed for the last 2 months. She had a desire to leave this world, and bore her sufferings patiently. She often said, "Whatever God wills will be all right to me." She seemed to have all things ready and patiently waited for the time to come when God saw best to relieve her of her sufferings. When asked if ready for the call she said she was. She leaves to mourn her departure a sorrowing husband almost 80 years old, 5 daughters and 4 sons, all of whom are married except the youngest daughter who is at home and had cared for mother. She deeply feels her loss.
She was a kind and devoted wife and mother and will be greatly missed. Though her death was expected it was a severe blow to the family, for it was hard to part with mother. But God deals with us for the best.
Funeral services were held at the Weaver Church near Scalp Level July 3. Services were in charge of the brethren, L. A. Blough and S. G. Shetler. Text, Heb. 4:9.
She and her husband have both been members of the Mennonite Church for about 30 years. They were married 48 years ago. Two children preceded mother to the spirit world. Since then the family circle had not been broken. We feel that mother is awaiting us in heaven and her sufferings are ended.
A daughter.

Coldwell. - On July 3, 1912, Reva Coldwell, daughter of George H. and Bertha Coldwell of Rockton, Pa., died, aged 10 y. 5 m. 2 d. She had been confined to the house just a few days and her death came as a shock to the community. She was a child of loving disposition, winning many friends. She is survived by her parents, 2 sisters and 6 brothers. One brother preceded her to the better world. Her funeral on the fourth saddened the day in the village. The bereaved family has the sympathy of the community. They sorrow, but not without hope.

When I look across the table
And see the empty chair,
My heart is filled with sorrow
For my Reva is not there.

I miss my little darling,
Our little daughter fair,
As she used to take her place,
By her little brother's chair;
Now my heart is filled with sorrow,
For my Reva is not there.

The angels came and took her
From this earthly home of ours,
Transplanted her in heaven
Among the Savior's fairest flowers.

When my saddened thoughts still wander
From this world of sin and care
What a joy 'twill be to know
That my Reva, she is there.

Oh! how I long to see her
In her home so bright and fair;
It will be a solace ever
To know that Reva's there.
By her father

Good. - On June 24, 1912, Bro. Israel Good of Spring City, Pa., died of consumption; aged 67 y. 5 m. 4 d. He was the oldest son of the late Joel and Catharine Good. He was married to Kate Histand, Oct. 5, 1871, who died July 15, 1889. On Sept. 20, 1890, he was again married to Lizzie Merkey, who with one brother, Solomon Good, and one sister, Fanny Bechtel, and a number of relatives and friends, survive him. He left no children, and he enjoyed himself very much in company of young people, among whom he is also missed. Seven years ago he was chosen deacon of the Vincent Mennonite Church in which office he served to the best of his ability.. He was always present, when health permitted, in Sunday school, Bible reading and church services. Also due honor must be given him for helping to get out the program for the Bible instruction meeting held here two years ago, which spiritual feast was enjoyed by many. He was buried on June 29. Services at the house by Pre. J. C. Kolb and at the Vincent meeting house by Pre. J. B. Hunsberger in English from Rev. 2:10, last clause, and Bishop A. S. Mack in German from Matt. 25:21. Interment in graveyard adjoining. May he rest in peace.
May thy rest be sweet and lasting,
Thou hast finished thy work of love,
When we leave this stage of action
We shall meet thee up above.
Francis Bechtel.

Transcribed by Debbie Kapp, Pennsylvania


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