RAMER- On the 9th of Feb., in the City of Elkhart, Ind., of dropsy, Libbie, wife of Louis Ramer, aged 40 years and 1 month. Services were held at the house by J. S. Coffman. Buried at the Elkhart Cemetery.
LANTZ- On the 29th of Jan., near Gap, Lancaster Co.,
Pa., of infirmities of old age, Leah, wife of Christian
Lantz, aged 75 years and 26 days. She was born in Mifflin Co.,
Pa., and was the daughter of David Zook, and was married
in 1831. Her one desire through-out life was so to live and instruct
her children that they might all live to the glory of God. She
was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church from her youth,
and when in her declining years she was no longer able to attend
meeting, she was always glad to have service in her home. For
more than seven years she was quite feeble, and in the last two
she was almost blind, but her bodily infirmities only served to
strengthen her spiritually, and many who saw her resignation and
happiness were benefited thereby. Shortly before her death, having
unpleasant sensation of noise, and finding that it could not be
removed, she meekly repeated the words:
Allein auf Gott setz dein Vertruen,
Auf Menchen Hilf sollst du nicht bauen,
Gott ists allein, der Glauben haelt;
Du findest wenig in der Welt.
Soon after she gently fell asleep in Jesus, leaving a sorrowing
husband and seven children to mourn her departure, but with the
blessed assurance that she is at rest. Funeral services were held
at the Millwood Amish Mennonite Church by G. Stoltzfus, I. Eby
and J. P. Mast, from 1 Phil. 1:21 and 1 Thess. 4:13, 14.
FINK- On the 8th of Dec., 1885, in Oblong, Crawford county, Ill., Elias S. Fink, aged 55 years, 1 month and 19 days. He did not enjoy good health for many years. He bore his sufferings with patience and died in the hope of a glorious resurrection. He leaves a wife, two daughters and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss, four of his children having died before him. Funeral services by William Tibroe, from Tim. 4:6- 8. May God comfort the sorrowing companion and children, and may they, by this affliction be drawn nearer to the dear Savior.
BOYER- On the 31st of Jan., Sarah, widow of George Boyer, aged 86 years and 11 days. She was born in Montgomery Co., Pa.; when four years of age, she moved with her father, ____ Moyer to Northumberland Co., Pa., from whence in 1817 they moved to Butler Co., Pa. In 1818 she was married to George Boyer of Butler Co., and remained there till 1839, when they moved to Ashland Co., Ohio, where she spent the remainder of her life. She joined the Mennonite Church in 1849, and lived an upright Christian life until death took her away. Her husband died in 1871. She was buried in the Mennonite burying-ground followed by a large concourse of neighbors and friends. Funeral services were conducted by C. Von der Smissen, _____ Hoover and _____ Murray. From 2 Tim. 4:6- 8. She leaves a family of 15 children, 116 grandchildren, 127 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.
EBERSOLE- On the 19th of Jan., near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., of apoplexy, Bro. Jacob Ebersole, aged 66 years and 1 month. He was buried in the family graveyard on the 21st, followed by many friends and relatives, among whom were the brothers of the deceased, Michael and Christian Ebersole from Sterling, Whiteside county, Ill. Services were conducted by Philip Wadel, P. H. Parret, and Josiah Brewer from Clearspring, Washington county, Md., from 2 Cor. 5:1, 2. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church and leaves a widow and daughter to mourn their loss.
HOCHSTETLER- On the 26th of Jan., in New Carlisle, Holmes county, Ohio, infant son of Amos and Joanna Hochstetler, aged 8 days. Funeral services by A. Mast and P. A. Miller, in the Walnut Creek Mennonite Meeting-house.
PETERS- On the 28th of Jan., near Fairbury, Jefferson county, Neb., Anna, wife of Gerhard Peters, aged 40 years, 4 months and 20 days. She suffered severely for four days, but bore it all with patience, and longed to be with Jesus. She leaves a bereaved husband and six children to mourn her early departure.
KOLB- On the 6th of Feb., in Montgomery county, Pa., suddenly of apoplexy, Abraham Kolb, aged 80 years and 25 days. He was a member of the Mennonite Church, and was buried on the 9th at the Franconia Meeting-house.
STONER- On the 8th of Feb., in Dunn Tp., Haldimand county, Ont., of erysipelas of the bone, after suffering severely for seven months, Jacob Stoner, aged 80 years, 10 months and 14 days. He was buried in the South Cayuga Mennonite graveyard followed by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Services were conducted by Christian Gehman and Isaac Rittenhouse. The deceased brother bore his pain with christian fortitude and longed to be at rest. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth.
GRAYBILL- On the 10th of Feb., in Union Tp., Elkhart county, Ind., Elizabeth, daughter of Ephraim and Katy Graybill, of Livingston county, Ill., aged 4 months and 21 days. The mother has been visiting with her father's (J. M. Christophel) family during the past six weeks, and while here the child took sick and died. Buried at Yellow Creek. Services by Henry Pletcher and Noah Metzler from Luke 23:28. May God bless this affliction to the sorrowing parents and to all mourning friends.
HERR- On the 6th of Feb., near New Danville, Lancaster
county, Pa., of consumption, Anna, wife of Pre. Abraham
B. Herr, aged 36 years, 8 months and 29 days. She was buried on
the 9th, at the Stone Meeting-house, where a very large congregation
met to pay their last tribute of respect to a loving wife, a gentle
mother, a kind-hearted neighbor, and extend their sympathies to
the bereaved brother and family. She was a true helpmeet to her
husband, and a bright and shining light, and a living epistle
read by all who knew her. She suffered for six months, gradually
failing, until death came. She leaves a husband and six children
to mourn their loss.
Dearest mother, thou hast left us;
Without thee we lonely feel,
But tis God that hath bereft us,
He will all our sorrows heal.
Dearest children, I have left you,
It was God that called me home,
But again I hope you'll meet me
Over on the other shore.
FRY- On the 9th of Feb., at John H. Moore's Mill, Lancaster Co., Pa., Martin Fry, aged 74 years, 1 month and 14 days. Funeral on the 11th, at Rohrerstown. Text, Ezek. 18:10, and 30:32.
HERSHEY- On the 9th of Feb., near D. H. Snavely's Mill, Lancaster Co., Pa., of scarlet fever, Harry B., son of Susan H. Hershey, widow, aged 6 years, 6 months and 23 days. Funeral on the 12th, at Landisville. Text, Rev. 6:3.
SHEETZ- On the 14th of Feb., near Petersburg, Lancaster county, Pa., Fannie, wife of Bro. Frederick Sheetz, aged 72 years, 1 month and 9 days. She was buried on the 17th at the Petersburg Meeting-house. Text, John 11:35. Sister Sheetz was an ornament of the Old Mennonite Church.
NISSLY- On the 15th of Feb., near Landisville, Lancaster county, Pa., Sister Barbara Nissly, widow, aged 82 years, 6 months and 16 days. Buried on the 18th at Sporting Hill. Services from Isaiah 57:2. Sister Nissly was a faithful member of the Old Mennonite Church.
Page 77.
BRUBACHER- On the 17th of Feb., near Shenk's Mill, Lancaster county, Pa., of scarlet fever, Susan B., youngest child of Bro. and Sister Isaac H. Brubacher, aged 1 year, 3 months and 24 days. Buried on the 19th at Landisville Meeting house. Text, Psalm 32:1.
BRUBACHER- On the 30th of Jan., near Shenk's Mill, Lancaster county, Pa., of scarlet fever, Emma B., eldest child of Bro. and Sister Isaac H. Brubacher, aged 6 years, 3 months and 10 days. Buried on the 2d of Feb., in the Landisville Mennonite graveyard. Text, Luke 8:52.
LEHMAN- On the 15th of Feb., in Elkhart county, Ind., of glandular abcesses, [sic] David P., son of Benjamin and Susan U. Lehman, aged 35 years and 7 months. He was born in Williams county, Ohio, and resided in St. Joseph county, Ind. As the disease, from which he suffered some six months, kept growing on him and disabled him from work, he returned to the parental home, where he could enjoy the tender care of those nearest and dearest in the world. He was buried at Shaum's burying-ground on the 18th. He leaves a companion, who for a number of years has been confined to the Insane asylum, two children, a sorrowing father and mother, brothers and sisters to mourn his early death. May God comfort them and sanctify their deep sorrow to the salvation of souls.
GRAYBILL- On the 9th of Feb., in Juniata county, Pa., very suddenly, Mary S., daughter of Calvin and Lydia Graybill, aged 4 months and 2 days. Buried in the family graveyard, where many friends met to show their sympathy with the bereaved parents. Services were held by William Graybill from Psalm 23:1.
TROYER- On the 14th of Feb., in Miami county, Ind., Mary, daughter of John and Mary Troyer, aged 7 years, 6 months and 7 days. Buried on the 15th. Services were conducted by Moses P. Miller.
MARTIN- On the 22d of Jan., in East Earl Tp., Lancaster county, Pa., Lizzie, widow of Jacob Martin, aged 83 years 9 months and 1 day. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church and was greatly loved by all who knew her. She leaves three sons and two daughters (all married), and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services were held by Jonas Martin, John Landis, Benjamin Horning and Joseph Wenger. She was buried at Weaverland.
PEACHEY- On the ____, in Menno Tp., Mifflin county, Pa., Christian Peachey, aged 82 years, 4 months and 6 days. He was married twice, his first wife died about 50 years ago and his second wife about 18 years ago. He was the father of 18 children, 31 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church. He was always ready to help the poor, and there is good evidence that his spirit is at rest. Funeral services were held by David and Christian Peachey, from John 5. The funeral was largely attended.
YODER- On the 2d of Feb., in Juniata county, Pa., Sarah, widow of Christian Yoder, aged 68 years and 4 months. She leaves 1 brother, 6 sisters, 3 sons and 11 grandchildren. She bore her suffering patiently. She was buried on the 5th. Funeral services were conducted by Benjamin Hartzler.
OBERHOLTZER- On the 2d of Feb., in Walker Tp., Juniata
county, Pa., John Oberholtzer, aged 61 years, 11 months
and 22 days. He was sick four days, during which time he suffered
greatly, but he bore it all patiently. He was a consistent member
of the Mennonite Church for many years, his seat being seldom
vacant in the house of God. He was highly respected by all who
knew him. The funeral, which was one of the largest in the vicinity
for many years, took place at Lost Creek. Services were held by
William Auker and Jacob Shirk from John 5:17.
They who put their trust in God
Shall be like Zion's hill,
Which can and will not be removed,
But standeth ever still.
FULMER- On the 20th of Feb., in Elkhart county, Ind.,
Jose, infant daughter of John and Jennie Fulmer, aged two
months and 1 day. Buried on the 22d. Services were held by Rev.
McCurdy in English and J. F. Funk in German from Luke 18:3.
"Little children gather'dst Thou,
Faithful Shepherd, to thy rest;
Far from sorrow, far from woe,
They with thee are ever blest."
JOLES- On the 20th of Nov., 1885, in Bethel Tp., Branch county, Mich., George W. Joles, age 76 years, 7 months and 9 days. He was the father of 8 children, of which 5 survive him, 30 grandchildren of which 18 survive him, and 3 great grandchildren. Services were held by Elder Hunt of the U. B. Church of Bethel from 1 Cor. 15;22.*
[Transcriber's note: * This obituary was also printed in Herald of Truth, January 1st, 1886. mm]
SCHNELL- On the 7th of Feb., in Holmes county, Ohio, Lydia, wife of George Schnell, aged 23 years, 4 months and 24 days. She was the oldest daughter of Eli D. Miller. She was buried in the Martin's creek burying-ground. Services were held by Fred. Mast in German and by Josiah Hochstetter in English.
BETZNER- On the 18th of Feb., in Doon, Waterloo county,
Ont., of spasms, Willie, infant son of Moses and Leah Betzner,
aged _____. Buried in Eby's graveyard, Berlin.
We loved the tender little one,
And would have wished it stay;
But let the Father's will be done,
Twill shine in endless day.
HEINTZELMAN- On the 20th of Feb., near East Lewistown, Mahoning county, O, Cornelius Heintzelman, aged 45 years. He was buried at Messerly's (Reformed) Church, where a large number of people were assembled. Services were held by C. M. Schaaf, from Hab. 3:16. He had been deranged for about a year, but seemed to be improving when, a week before his death, he attempted to take his own life. It was sad to witness the deep sorrow of the widow and small children, as they wept over the remains of the husband and father who had taken his own life.
CHRISTNER- On the 12th of Feb., near Hubbard, Oregon of fourteen months suffering with consumption, Fanny, wife of Jacob Christner, aged 20 years, 8 months and 24 days. She was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church. She was patient unto the end. Ten days before her death she and her husband were conveyed to the home of Bro. P. Mishler, where she died. In her last days she often desired singing, praying and reading, which was always done at her request. She was buried on Sunday, the 14th of Feb., at the Miller graveyard. Services were held by P. Mishler and W. H. Palmer from Luke 13:23- 29. She leaves a sorrowing husband and one child.
MAST- On the 30th of Jan., near Berlin, Holmes county, Ohio, Catharine, wife of Daniel E. Mast, aged 36 years, 3 months and 14 days. She was a faithful member of the Amish church. Her husband went to the sawmill, and when he returned to the house he found her dead. It was a terrible shock to the afflicted husband and nine small children, as well as to the whole neighborhood. She was loved and highly respected by all who knew her, and they mourn, therefore, not as those who have no hope. She was buried on the 2d of Feb., followed by a very large circle of relatives and friends. Services were conducted by Moses I. and Shem Miiler. [sic]
Transcribed by: Mona M. Mann, Arizona
LINES
Written on the death of Elizabeth Brenneman, who died
Feb. 27, 1886, by J.S.
_______
We miss you dear mother and silently weep
To think that you are gone, that you're fallen asleep;
We feel, O, so lonely since you are not here,
And have learned since you're gone home how we loved you so dear.
We wonder that while you were with us in life,
We knew not your value as mother and wife,
That we were not more careful to show you our love,
And help you to work for that fair home above.
We trust through God's grace who has called us so loud,
We'll not soon forget the grave and the shroud,
But will set our affections on things upon high,
And ever remember that we too must die.
Dear Savior, we pray thee to hear our complaints,
And make us all worthy to dwell with the saints;
Oh grant that we gladly thy voice may obey,
Though trials and crosses may lie in our way.
Help us to rejoice in the hope which we have,
That we by thy grace at last may be saved.
That with dear mother in heaven may share,
The joys thou hast gone for thy "friends" to prepare.
KURTZ - On the 20th of February, in Wayne Co., Ohio, of paralysis, Elizabeth, wife of Adam Kurtz, aged 37 years, 3 months and 8 days. She had suffered from a light stroke of paralysis since 1872, from the effects of which she became weaker and weaker until in 1882 she became unable to walk. The remaining time of her life was spent in her chair. During her long period of suffering and trial she was always patient, and was never heard to complain. It was her greatest joy to have her friends come in and read, sing, talk and pray with her. She was buried on the 22d at the Oak Grove Meeting-house, where a very large concourse of friends was present. Funeral services were held by D. Z. and J. K. Yoder and Edward Loomis from Psalms 31:6, Phil. 1:19-21 and Rev 14:13. The deceased sister leaves a husband and four children to mourn their great loss. Besides these, she leaves an aged mother, five brothers and three sisters. May God in his infinite mercy comfort and console the bereaved friends.
BRENNEMAN - On the 27th of February, in Allen Co., Ohio,
of Diabetes, of which she was afflicted seven years, Elizabeth,
wife of John L. Brenneman, aged 57 years, 8 months and
21 days. She was married upwards of forty years, was the mother
of eleven children, ten of whom are living and nineteen grandchildren.
She was buried at the Salem Church where a large number of relatives
and friends assembled. Funeral services by Moses Brenneman and
John Shenk, from 1 Thess 4:13, 14. A short time before she died
she was asked by one of the family if she desired to get well.
She replied: "Yes, if it could be so, but if not, I am ready
to go." The sorrowing husband and children feel deeply the
loss of a faithful wife and kind mother. May this be a means of
leading them all to a true and loving obedience of that Savior,
through whose wondrous love and grace they need not sorrow now
as those having no hope.
"Farewell, my earthly husband dear,
I'm loth to go and leave you here;
Yet, since our God doeth all things well,
We'll be resigned to his good will.
"Our children dear who still are here,
Admonish oft in love sincere;
Teach them to love that Savior kind,
Who came to be the sinner's Friend."
WEIRICH - On the 8th of Jan., near Mancelona, Antrim Co., Mich., of consumption, wife of Jaret Weirich, aged 46 years, 11 months and 21 days. She was a faithful sister in the Dunker Church, and felt perfectly resigned to the will of God. She admonished her family so to live that they might all meet in heaven. She leaves a husband, seven children and many friends to mourn her departure. Funeral services were conducted by Samuel Weimer from Job 19:25, 26.
SCHETLER - On the 17th of Feb., in Johnson Co., Iowa, Lydia, daughter of Joseph and Lydia Schetler, aged 6 years, 6 months and 21 days. Her remains were laid in the family graveyard on the 22d. Her death has caused a deep sorrow among her family and young friends, for she was beloved of all who knew her. Funeral services were held by C. Miller and P. Kinsinger, from Luke 18:15-17.
TROYER - On the 14th of Feb., in Miami Co., Ind., Mary, daughter of John and Mary Troyer, aged 7 years, 6 months and 7 days. She was buried on the 15th. Funeral services were conducted by Moses P. Miller, from John 18:5. Her disease was brain fever.
GERBER - On the 23rd of Feb., in Miami Co., Ind., of brain fever, Rebecca, daughter of Silas and Lucinda Gerber, aged 6 months and 1 day. She was buried on the 25th. Funeral services were held by Daniel C. Miller and Norbert Sproll from Heb. 4.
KINDIG - On December 18th, 1885, in East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster county, Pa., of pneumonia and old age, Anna, widow of Henry Kindig, aged 79 years, 2 months and 12 days. On the following Monday her remains were interred in Eby's cemetery, followed by the friends, relatives and mourners, Preachers, Joseph Moyer and John Landes. She leaves one son and a daughter to mourn their loss.
KINDIG - On January 4th, 1886, in East Lampeter, Twp., Lancaster county, Pa., of apoplexy, Christian H. Kindig, aged 56 years and 12 days. Just two weeks before his death, he made application to unite himself with the old Mennonite Church, and desired the prayers of the congregation in his behalf that he may become a living branch in Christ. But the monster of death called suddenly before he got his desire accomplished hoping, the will was taken for the deed, and that the loss sustained by his demise was his eternal gain; and that he was received into the Church Triumphant. On the following Wednesday his remains were interred in the old Mennonite cemetery at Strasburg, followed by a large congregation of friends, relatives and mourners, by which occasion the brethren John L. Landis and Amos Herr made impressive remarks. Text Mark 13:23.
HOOVER - On the 1st of Feb., near White Hall, in Hopkins Gap, Rockingham Co., Va., Sister Sarah C. Hoover, aged 23 years, 7 months and 20 days. Funeral services were conducted on the 4th, at the Mt. Carmel Meeting-house, by Daniel S. and G. D. Heatwole, from Matt 20:6.
SHOWALTER - On the 17th of Feb., near Dale Enterprise, Rockingham, Co., Va.., Sallie, wife of Christian Showalter, aged 65 years, 7 months and 20 days. She was buried at Weaver's Church. Deceased was a consistent member of the Dunker Church. Funeral services were conducted by Jacob Thomas and Peter S. Miller, from Psalms 30:9.
KAUFFMAN - On the 17th of Feb., in Walker Twp., Juniata Co., Pa., of consumption, Abraham Kauffman, aged 53 years, 6 months and 12 days. Brother Kauffman was a faithful worker for Christ in the Mennonite Church, and leaves 7 children, who feel their loss very keenly. He was buried at Lost Creek graveyard. Funeral services wee conducted by Benjamin Lesher and Samuel Gayman, from 1 Cor. 2.
BIXLER - On the 24th of Feb., in Allen Co., Ind., Jacob Bixler, aged 70 years, 7 months and 21 days. He was buried on the 26th, in the Gar Creek graveyard, in the presence of a large number of persons. Services were conducted by Eli Stofer.
Companion dear, weep not for me,
While here my grave you chance to see;
My body here with peace is blest,
From pain and labor I'm at rest.
NEWCOMER - On the 5th of March, in DeKalb Co., Ind., of whooping cough, _____, son of George and ______ Newcomer, aged 7 months and 4 days. Buried in the family graveyard on the 7th. Funeral services by Eli Stofer.
KAUFFMAN - On the 24th of Feb., in Conemaugh Twp., Sumerset Co., Pa., of old age, Joseph Kauffman, aged 75 years, 11 months and 2 days. He was buried on the 25th in the family graveyard. Services were held in the Stahl Meeting-house by Moses B. Miller and Jonathan Harshbarger. The deceased was a faithful member of the Amish Church, and as long as he could go, his seat was seldom empty in the place of worship. He was a widower for about 12 years, and leaves four children to mourn the death of a beloved father.
BURKEY - On the 5th of March, near Milford, Seward county, Neb., of old age, Andrew Burky,* aged 84 years, 2 months and 4 days. He was married forty-eight years and leaves five children. Services were held by Joseph Shlegel, Joseph Gascho and Pre. _____ Shupp, from 2 Cor. 5:1-3.
*[Transcriber's note: The name spelled two ways in the original. mm]
SOMMERS - On the 28th of Feb., near Carlisle, Holmes county, Ohio, of consumption, Joseph Sommers, aged 77 years. He was buried in the family burial ground. Services by Moses Beachy and Moses J. Miller.
EBERLY - On the 22nd of Feb., in Sporting Hill, Cumberland county, Pa., of pneumonia, Fanny, wife of Samuel Eberly, aged 56 years. She was buried in the family burial place, when services were held by John Brubacher and Henry Weaver. She was a faithful member of the Church, an affectionate wife and a kind mother. She leaves a sorrowing husband and eight children.
YODER - On the 24th of Feb., in St. Joseph county, Ind., Mary, wife of Peter Yoder, aged 21 years, 7 months and 22 days. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church and the kindest of companions and mothers. She leaves a sorrowing husband and two children to mourn their loss, which we hope, is her eternal gain. She was buried on the 26th, in the South Union graveyard, where a large concourse of friends and relatives assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased sister. Funeral services were conducted by J. A. Bentler, Noah Metzler and David Burkholder, from 1 Peter 1:24.
HECKMAN - On the 5th of March, at the residence of his son-in-law Wm. Ammons, in Warren Tp., St. Joseph county, Ind., of the infirmities of old age, Jacob Heckman, aged 91 years, 10 months and 21 days. He was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in 1794, from whence he moved to Ohio, thence to Michigan, and lastly to Indiana, where he died. He leaves nine children to mourn the loss of their aged father. He was a member of the Dunkard Church for fifty-four years.
Transcribed by: David W. Mann, Arizona