Gospel Herald Obituaries - September, 1913

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Gospel Herald - Volume VI, Number 23 - September 4, 1913 - page 367

Miller. Leah S., a little daughter of Bro. and Sister Edwin Miller, died Aug. 14, 1913. Her stay in this world was short, but God thought it best so. His ways of doing are so much higher than ours and we must say, "Well done." Death was due to cholera infantism. Services conducted Sunday, Aug. 17, 2 P.M. at Elizabethtown by S. E. Garber and John E. Landis. Interment at Risers' cemetery. Age 1 y. 8 m. 23 d.

Lamson. Earl Benjamin Lamson, one of the many fatherless children in this world who must have the care and oversight of some kindhearted families, who found his way to Bro. and Sister David E. Landis through the medium of the Millersville Orphans' Home died of appendicitis, Aug. 21, 1913. He was a patient sufferer for about two weeks. When told that he must go to the hospital he declined and said he would rather die than to go there. He did not make any open profession of religion but he leaves bright evidences behind that he realized the contrast between the celestial city and the life of a little orphan, who has many sadnesses and troubles.
He was a regular attendant of the Goods' S. S. and he will be missed by his classmates and teacher and the whole school.
The text which was his favorite was Rev. 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes," etc. Funeral services at Goods' church, Sunday Aug. 24, 2 P.M. conducted by J. H. Moseman and Simon E. Garber. The age of Earl was 13 y. 1 m. 10 d. The corpse was taken to Mount Rose, Susquehanna County, to his sorowing mother and brother for interment.

Nice. Emanuel Nice was Born in Clay Co., Ind., Dec. 25, 1866. Died in Otero Co., Colo., Aug. 19, 1913, aged 46 y. 7 m. 25 d. He was the son of the late Valentine and Sarah Nice. He became a member of the Mennonite Church at the age of 26, and was a consistent member until death. He united in wedlock with Ida Shultz in the year of 1890 which union God blessed with 5 sons and 5 daughters. All were at home at the time of the father's death but one son who preceded father to heavenly home. Bro. Nice had always lived at Neutral, Kans. until 7 years ago, when he moved to Colorado. Last fall while grinding hay, he suddenly became helpless and since that time has suffered severe pains and tried every means to regain his health, but his case seemed to be a puzzle to the doctors. Several weeks before his death he called for the ministers and was anointed in the name of the Lord, but even though he did not receive health, he gave a testimony awhile before his death that he was ready to die, waiting to go. He said, "Tell the world they have their fun but I have something I cannot tell how grand it is." He was especially concerned about his family and on hisdeath bed preached and prayed and called for the Church to pray and he said that was the best day of his life when all the children from the oldest down confessed the Saviour. The funeral sermon was preached by Bro. J. A Heatwole at the Cheron Church. Text, Job 14:14. And interment was made at the Holbrook church burying ground.

Transcribed by Betty Ann Tyson, Massachusetts

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Gospel Herald - Volume VI, Number 24 - September 11, 1913 - page 383

Klopfenstein. Michael Klopfenstein, of Middlebranch, Ohio, was born in Alsace, France, Dec. 26, 1843; died Aug. 21, 1913; aged 69 y. 7 m. 25 d. He leaves to mourn his departure 2 brothers and 1 sister. He had a kindly disposition and lived a quiet and peaceful life. He had united with the Amish Mennonite Church early in life of which he was a consistent member. Funeral services took place at the Amish Mennonite Church, Sunday, conducted by J. A. Leichty and John Sommers.

Becher. Mary Becher, nee Kraybill, died at her home near Harrisburg, O., Aug. 8, 1913, after a long illness with dropsy. She was born in Alsace, France, Feb. 26, 1834, and her age at the time of her death was 79 y. 5 m. 12 d. When four years old she came to America with her parents, who settled near Louisville, and early in her youth she sought her Savior and united with the Amish Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until death. At the age of 23 she was married to Joseph Becher who preceded her in death nine years. To this union were born 4 sons and 2 daughters. One son, Daniel, died several years ago. Sister Becher was the last member of her family and one of the few older members of the Amish Mennonite Church. funeral services were held at the church on Monday morning and were conducted by the home ministers, John Sommers, J. A. Liechty, and John D. Miller. Burial was made in the cemetery south of the church.

Bucher. Margaret G. Bucher (nee Hygema) was born on the Atlantic Ocean, May 14, 1853, during the time of the voyage of a large number of her relatives from Holland to America. Her parents located in Elkhart Co., Ind. She was united in marriage to Peter H. Bucher June 13, 1886, and to this union were born 3 children, James, Jacob, and Bertha. She accepted her Savior when about 20 years of age and united with the Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until death. She devoted her life, first to her Savior, then to her family. She was highly respected in the home, the church, and the community. She died Aug. 13, 1913; aged 60 y. 3 m. 9 d. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, 3 children, 2 stepsons, 6 grandchildren, 4 brothers, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the Union Center (Brethren) Church in Elkhart Co., Ind. by Henry Wysong and J. S. Hartzler from Luke 30:38, 39.

Zook. Jonathan K. Zook was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., Aug. 23, 1831; died at his home near Gunn City, Mo., July 29, 1913; aged 81 y. 11 m. 6 d. In Dec., 1854, he married Rachel Kauffman of Mifflin Co., Pa. This union was blessed with 11 children. Only one remains, Levi D., living on the home place and who for a number of years has cared for his aged father. His first wife died Oct. 6, 1875, and in March, 1877, he was married to Leah Kauffman, nee Hooley, who died July 8, 1880. In Jan., 1886, he married Katie King, who survives him. Eight grandchildren and one brother, Jacob, of Odessa, Mo., are also living. Bro Zook moved from Mifflin Co., Pa., to Cass Co., Mo., in March, 1868. He united with the A. M. Church in his youth and remained true to his end. He was a firm, industrious church and Sunday school worker, very rigid in the teaching of the Bible, a noted writer, strong, but true. For some time before his death there seemed to be a blank of about 60 years of his life that seemed to have left him yet he expressed a bright hope of a home beyond this vale. Funeral on July 31, at the Sycamore Church By L. J. Miller and J. J. Hartzler. Texts, II Cor. 5:8; II Pet. 3. Interment in Clearfork Cemetery.

Hess. Christian Harry Hess was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 2, 1852; fell asleep Aug. 29, 1913; aged 61 y. 7 m. 27 d. He was twice married. His first wife was Christiana Charles. She died in 1891. To this union were born 3 daughters who survive him. He was later married to Emma Harnish, who also survives him. He took sick in January and we thought then he might leave us and he was resigned to the Lord's way, to go home or remain with his family. But the Lord strengthened him, and he was able to be around again. Then he always wanted to go to the house of worship whenever he could. When he was stronger he had a desire to stay here, but about a month ago he again took his bed and gradually grew weaker. He then longed to go home to glory. He often said if only the purpose will be worked out for which God intended his sickness, then he is willing to suffer. He peacefully fell asleep without any struggle, on Friday morning at twenty minutes of one.
The funeral was held at New Danville Mennonite Church Sept. 2 and was largely attended by his many friends and relatives. The service was conducted by Aaron Harnish at the house, and Abram Herr and Jacob Thomas at the church. Text, II Cor. 5:1, 2. By the family.

Beyler. Frederick Beyler was born on Jan. 8, 1862, at Canton, Berne, Switzerland; died Aug. 19, 1903; [as magazine] aged 51 y. 7 m. 11 d.
He came to America about 33 years ago, and moved to Harper Co., Kans., soon afterward. He had lived upon the same farm, near the town of Harper, Kans., he occupied at his death, for the past sixteen years. He was married to Saloma A. Gerber on Oct. 11, 1888. To this union 3 children were born, Leah, Christian, and Alfred. His wife was taken to her eternal reward May 31, 1897. On Jan. 1, 1903, the deceased was united in marriage to Sarah A. Gerber.
Bro. Frederick was sick two weeks with typhoid fever when the summons came to come up higher.
He united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 25 years and had since been a faithful member. He expressed himself at peace with God and man and longed to depart and be with Christ. What a comfort to the bereaved ones, that he is at rest, and if they live true to God they can meet him in that heavenly home where no partings will ever come.
Besides his wife and 3 children Bro. Beyer [sic] is survived by 3 brothers and 2 sisters in Ohio, and 1 sister in Switzerland.
The funeral was held on the 21st at the Pleasant Valley Church. Services conducted by R. M. Weaver, assisted by J. P. Berkey. Text, I Chron. 29:15. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Transcribed by Betty Ann Tyson, Massachusetts

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Gospel Herald - Volume VI, Number 25 - September 18, 1913 - page 399, 400

Harmon. Elizabeth Harmon was born March 28, 1834; died Sept. 1, 1913; aged 79 y. 5 m. 3 d. She leaves 3 sons, 5 daughters, and relatives and friends. She was a member of the Brethren Church. Funeral services conducted by Sam Burger and S. H. Miller. Buried in Walnut Creek A. M. Cemetery.

Rupert. Jacob Rupert was born May 22, 1828; died Aug. 30, 1913, at the Old People's Home near Marshallville, O.; aged 85 y. 3 m. 8 d. he and his wife have been at the Home for about 8 years. His second wife, 3 sons and 1 daughter survive him. Bro. Allen Rickert of North Lima, Ohio, preached the funeral, assisted by Bro. D. C. Amstutz and E. F. Hartzler. Buried at the Crown Hill Cemetery.

Bare. Theodore, youngest son and one of the three children of David and Barbara Bare, of whom one brother survives. Theodore was born in Pennsylvania, May 11 1853; died at his home in East Lewistown, Ohio, Aug. 1, 1913; aged 60 y. 2 m. 20 d. He was married Feb. 20, 1873, to Mary J. Shank. To this union were born 6 children, 4 of whom survive. He had 7 grandchildren. Funeral at the East Lewistown Union Church by E. M. Detweiler. Text, Rom. 14:7. Buried at the North Lima Cemetery.

Hershberger. Christena Weaver Hershberger, wife of Br. Cyrus Hershberger, of near Johnstown, Pa., was born Feb. 20, 1848; died Sept. 4, 1913; aged 65 y. 6 m. 14 d. She lived in matrimony 45 years. To this union were born 6 children, one of whom preceded her to the spirit world. Sister Hershberger was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for 44 years. Funeral services were conducted Sept. 7 by the brethren, S. G. Shetler, L. A. Blough, and James Saylor, at the Thomas Church. Text, Ezek. 24:18. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Schertz. Peter M. Schertz was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Apr. 17, 1856; died Sept. 2, 1913, at his home near Flanagan, Ill.; aged 57 y. 4 m. 15 d. He united with the A. M. Church in his young years and was married to Mary Salzman March 5, 1878. This union was blessed with 7 children. He leaves to mourn his departure his faithful companion, 2 sons, 5 daughters, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and 1 sister having gone on before. He said he was ready to go whenever it pleased Gord to call him.
Short services were held at the house by D. W. Slagel (Text, Job 19:25) and at the church by Geo. Sommer from 1 Pet. 1:1, and Chauncy Hartzler from Heb. 11:10. Buried at the Waldo Cemetery. "And when the chief shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

Hochstetler. John F. Hochstetler was born in Walnutcreek Twp., Holmes Co., O., March 14, 1856; died at the same place Aug. 29, 1913; aged 57 y. 5 m. 15 d. He leaves his widow, 4 sons, 2 daughters, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He lived in matrimony 21 y. 8 m. 23 d. He died very suddenly. He was hauling the last load of slack from the coal bank for his lime kiln, and died not far from the bank. He seldom took one of his children along with him, but that morning he said to one of them that he should go along. He was buried Aug. 31 at the Walnut Creek Church where he had held membership from early youth. A large concourse of people attended. He was a cabinet maker by trade during the winter. Services by the home ministers, S. H. Miller, Corson Mast, and M. A. Mast. Text, I Cor. 15:30.

Heatwole. Mary Ann Heatwole was born July 27, 1860, and after a prolonged period of suffering from pleurisy and tubercular trouble generally, died Sept. 2 at the ancestral home of her family at Dale Enterprise, Rockingham Co., Va.; aged 53 y. 1 m. 6 d.
The deceased was never married, but spent her life in the family home in which she was born, where she filled the place of all-round family help and hostess first for her aged parents, who in recent years have gone before, then her brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces, up until the time that her bodily strength began to fail early in February of the present year.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the funeral, which was held on the 4th, from Weaver's Mennonite Church, was conducted by Pre. Wilson of that denomination, assisted by J. E. Suter of the Mennonite Church. Peace to her memory.

Young. Daniel Young was born in Ashland Co., O., Dec 5, 1843; died of cancer of the stomach at the home of his brother, John, Nappanee, Ind., Sept. 5, 1913; aged 69 y. 9 m. He was married to Sarah Hoover, Sept. 17, 1874. To this union were born 1 son and 5 daughters. He is survived ab a bereaved wife, a son and 4 daughters, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, also 3 brothers and a sister. The family lived for a number of years near Canton, Kans., and worshiped with the Spring Valley congregation. He was a member of the United Brethren Church in earlier life, but united with the Mennonite church a little more than a year ago. He had been unwell for some time and while on a visit to Nappanee, Ind., took seriously ill and died. The body was sent to his home in Kansas where funeral services were conducted at Spring Valley Church on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7, by D. H. Bender and D. A. Diener. Text, Heb. 9:27. Interment in the cemetery adjoining.

Martin. Oscar Henry, youngest son of John and Elizabeth Martin, was born Jan. 23, 1889; died in the same house on the night of Aug. 28, 1913; aged 24 y. 7 m. 5 d.
They were threshing on his father's farm on that day and while eating dinner the barn in some way caught fire and burned. Oscar ran in to save some of the horses, and while in, his clothing caught fire. He was terribly burned but remained conscious until about 9 o'clock, when he gradually sank until just before midnight he died.
Oscar was united in marriage to Anna Leoma, daughter of David S. and Eva Wenger, Nov. 19, 1910. He is survived by his faithful wife, 1 son, David Wilber, father, mother, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters, besides many relatives and friends.
Early in the year 1906 he united with the Mennonite Church, of which Church he has been faithful member since.
Funeral services conducted by J. K. Bixler and D. A. Yoder at the Olive Church near Elkhart, Ind. Text, Psa. 39:4-7. About 1600 people gathered at the church to pay a last tribute of respect to our departed brother.

Bergey. Harry K. Bergey was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Nov. 25, 1872; died at the Mennonite Sanitarium near La Junta, Colo., Sept. 5, 1913; aged 40 y. 9 m. 10 d. On June 3, 1905, he was married to Elizabeth H. Berry, who survives him. They were converted and received into the Mennonite Church at Souderton, Pa., Oct. 25, 1907. They came to Colorado about 5 years ago on account of Bro. Bergey's health, he having contracted that dread disease, tuberculosis, and was in a very critical condition at the time. The doctor said he could not live more than a very few months, but God saw fit to spare him to us for 5 years, and they were years well spent in the Master's service. His life alone was one continual sermon, but he also used his tongue in the Master's service and we feel safe in saying that in the many sheaves that were gathered for the Master at this place Bro. Bergey got a full share of them; and as one who was with him daily for nearly the whole time I feel sure that it was the Lord's hand that brought him and Sister Bergey here, and while they had their sad hours on account of being away from those who were near and dear to them, they had in return many, many happy days in the service of the Lord, and I feel sure they never regretted their coming to Colorado. We also feel sure that God will greatly bless Sister Bergey for the many noble sacrifices she has made for the one who was as dear to her as her own life and at whose earnest solicitation she took up training for graduate nurse and has now almost completed her course. We believe God has given Sister Bergey a talent to help suffering humanity and we feel sure she will improve it, and God will bless her. J. M. H.

Transcribed by Betty Ann Tyson, Massachusetts

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Gospel Herald - Volume VI, Number 26 - September 25, 1913 - page 415

Hartzler.-Sarah Hartzler, (nee Yoder) was born June 25, 1829, in Lancaster Co., Pa.; died Sept. 10, 1913; aged 84 y. 2 m. 15 d. She united in marriage with Joel Hartzler Apr. 25, 1850, and this union was blessed with 3 sons and 1 daughter. Her husband and one son preceded her to the spirit world. She confessed Christ as her Savior and united with the A. M. Church and was a faithful member until death. Her remains were laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery near Smithville, Ohio. Services conducted by J. S. Gerig and J. F. Brunk.

Unzicker.--- Frank Russel, a little four months old son of Bro.and Sister Frank and Elta Unzicker, died the morning of Aug. 29, 1913, and was buried the afternoon of Aug. 30. Services were conducted at the home in Freeport, Ill., by S. E. Graybill. Text, Luke 18:16. Interment in cemetery adjoining the Mennonite Church 7 miles northeast of Freeport, Ill.

Schertz.--- Christian D. Schertz was born Jan. 29, 1842, in Woodford Co., Ill.; married to Magdalena Schertz March 11, 1866; united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his youth, of which he remained a member until death; died near Eureka, Woodford Co., Ill., of diabetes, Aug. 14, 1913; aged 71 y. 6 m. 6 d., leaving 1 son, David, 7 grandchildren, and 2 brothers. His companion preceded him to the spirit world April 16, 1911. Funeral services were held Aug. 16, 1911. Funeral services were held Aug. 16 at the Roanoke M. H. conducted by A. A. Schrock, J. C. Birky, and Samuel Gerber.

Kauffman. --- Christiana, wife of Abram Kauffman, near Martinsburg, Blair Co., Pa., died Sept. 9, 1913; aged 70 y. 9 m. 11 d. funeral on the 11th. Services at the Martinsburg Mennonite Chucrch conducted by Abram Metzler and J. N. Durr. Funeral was largely attended. Sister Kauffman was a faithful, devoted member of the Mennonite Church for many years, of a quiet, peaceable disposition, manifesting a deep interest in the welfare of the Church until she was suddenly stricken down with paralysis, lingering for about seven days, when her spirit passed over, as we believe to Paradise, leaving a devoted husband, one brother, 1 sister, and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. She has only gone before. Peace to her ashes.

Shelley. --- Henry S. Shelley was born Dec.13, 1828, in Butler Co., Pa. He was united in marriage to Margaret Droshell of Beaver Co., Pa., Jan. 8, 1850. To this union were born 5 children, 4 living and 1 daughter seven years old preceding him to the spirit world. They moved to Livingston Co., Ill, Aug. 15, 1864. The following year Bro. Shelley was ordained to the ministry. About the year 1889 they moved to Ogal Co., Ill., where he resided until he was called to his eternal reward Aug. 31, 1913, aged 84 y. 8 m. 18 d. Deceased leaves to mourn his departure, his aged companion 1 son, 3 daughters, 36 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren. The services were conducted at the home by E. M. Shellenberger and S. E. Graybill of Freeport, Ill. Text, Num. 23:10.

Keefer. --- Caroline Keefer, maiden name Ringler, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., May, 1837; died Sept. 3, 1913; aged 76 years and a few months. She was a faithful member of the Reformed Church. She was married to Israel Keefer Sept. 16, 1860. She was of a family of 12, of which one brother, Henry Ringler, survives her. She was the mother of 10 children, 2 preceding her to the spirit world. She was the grandmother of 57 children, great-grandmother of 11 children. Her aged husband, 2 sons, and 6 daughters are left to mourn her departure. The names of the children are: William and James of Berlin, Pa.; Mrs. Elizabeth Murray and Mrs. Anna Sarver of Cumberland, Md.; Mrs. Julia Close, Wellersburg, Pa.; Mrs. Alice Stevanus, Coal Run, Pa.; Sister Rebecca Stevanus, Springs, Pa., and Mrs. Mary Huff, Macdonaldton, Pa. May peace be to her soul.

Herr.--- Adaline S. Herr (nee Harnish) died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Isaac M. Neff, Manor Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., after several months' illness. She was born near Slackwater, Pa., Aug. 18, 1848; died Aug. 13, 1913; aged 64 y. 11 m. 26 d. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years, and remained a member until her death. At the age of 18 she was married to Daniel D. Herr, who preceded her in death 18 months ago. To this union were born 4 daughters. Sister Herr leaves one sister, youngest in the family. Funeral services were conducted at the house, Aug. 16, by D. N. Leaman and at the church by John H. Mosemann. Burial in the cemetery adjoining.
"How oft we thought her dying when she slept,
As we watched her day and night;
But, oh, how peaceful and calm
We thought her sleeping when she died."
A daughter.

Garber.--- Lucinda Penrod was born in Tuscarawas Co., O., Sept. 24, 1860; died in Miami Co., Ind., Sept. 14, 1913; aged 52 y. 11 m. 20 d. She was united in marriage to Silas Garber June 30, 1878. To this union were born 3 sons and 4 daughters. Three sons and one daughter preceded her to the spirit world. Sister Garber was converted and joined the Amish Mennonite Church when but 19 years old and lived a faithful and exemplary life until death. Seldom her seat was vacant in church and Sunday school when she was able to attend. Several years ago she became afflicted with cancer and underwent two different surgical operations, but of no avail. Sister Garber suffered intensely but bore her sufferings with Christian patience. In her last days she talked much about the beauties of heaven. She said she would like to be well and stay with her family if God so willed, but if not she was ready to meet her Savior. She leaves to mourn her departure husband, 2 daughters, 1 sister, 4 grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Funeral on the 16th. Services at the Mennonite Church conducted by J. S. Horner and E. A. Mast. Text, Phil. 1:21. Buried in the Hershberger graveyard. Peace to her ashes.

Transcribed by Betty Ann Tyson, Massachusetts


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