Herald of Truth Obituaries - December, 1888

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XXV, Number 23, December 1, 1888 - page 364, 365

OBITUARY.

Elizabeth Hartman, widow of David Hartman, and daughter of Bishop Peter Burkholder, died on the 11th of October (on her birthday), aged 73 years. She was buried on the 12th at Weaver's church, Funeral services were conducted by the Brethren Samuel Coffman, Daniel Heatwole, and Gabriel Heatwole. Text, Luke 12:40. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. She was the mother of 12 children, seven of whom remain, with one sister to mourn the loss of a kind, loving, and devoted mother and sister. She chose early piety, lived an exemplary life, and delighted in the ways of the Lord. She dearly loved her children, and was ever ready to instruct and reprove them, but with so much kindness that they could not but love her. Yes, her children say, "Dear mother, we did not know how much we loved thee, until you were laid upon the bed of affliction. We waited with hope for your recovery, but the death-angel came nearer and nearer, to take your spirit to God who gave it. Oh how often your kind words sound in our ears, while you are sleeping so sweetly 'beneath the clods of the valley.' Peace to thy sweet slumbers."

Several weeks before she died she desired to have a family reunion, so that she might have an opportunity of once more teaching her children to bring up their children in the fear of the Lord, and thus keep them in the fold of Christ.

While she was seated at the table, surrounded by her family, she expressed a hope that they might once all be permitted to surround the table of the marriage supper of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem. She told her children that she would soon have to leave them, and tried to impress deeply upon their minds the importance of living in Christ. The day was spent in singing and prayer and reading in the Bible, which she enjoyed much.

She also gave her grand-children many good instructions, and they were ever the objects of her care. Her life was an untiring service for others, and many outside of the home circle shared in her generous sympathy and friendly good-will. Many a poor and distressed one left her door with a "God bless you" for kindness received. "She stretched out her hand to the poor, yea, she reached her hand to the needy." She was remarkable for simplicity of character, and her piety was sincere and unaffected. Her physician said that her life, sickness and death was one of the most beautiful examples of piety he ever witnessed. She was known and loved by a large circle of neighbors, friends and relatives, who mourn only their loss, but have a bright hope that with her "all is well." Her last words were, "Oh give me grace."

Dear mother, sweet may be they calm repose,
Now safe within the vail, from earthly woes;
So calmly, so sweetly may they body lie,
Till God will pledge it to soar in the sky.

May thy sweet spirit still direct us on;
Still pointing and leading to heaven's bright throne;
God hear, and grant, in heaven we all may
To live, to love, and worship at they feet!

OBITUARY.

Barbara Shank died August 16th, 1888, aged 82 years, 4 months and 26 days. She was born in 1806, in Washington Co., Maryland. She was a member of the Mennonie Church forty-nine years, and carried the weight of her four score years with reasonable health and unimpaired intellect. The deceased was one of the first settlers in Northern Ohio and endured her share of the hardships and privations incident to the settlement of a new country. All who knew her found her to be one of the women who thought, spoke and lived in charity with every one; her doors were always open to the weak, needy and oppressed. But her silent dust is alike indifferent to praise or blame; she has passed far beyond our call; we miss her, we mourn for her, yet her going from us was not untimely, nor unlooked for, and we can only say "'Tis done" and that spark which makes man immortal has fled; that brave soul which for fourscore years guided her children and prompted them to deeds of true nobility and love, has departed, has reached and now enjoys its expected and immortal rest among kindred spirits.

MOTHER IS RESTING.
"The long rough road is ended
Her weary feet have pressed;
How rough to her weak footsteps,
Perhaps we never guessed;
But-with the weary journey,
She'll be no more distressed,
The face we bend and softly kissed
Bears no impress but that of bliss.

"We know that many pages
Within the book of years
She has perused with anguish,
Amid her falling tears,
That partings, change and doubting
Have caused her many fears.
Forgotten now, each pang of woe,
No grief again her soul shall know.

"We gaze at her dear features,
Within the casket bound,
And think that she is dwelling
Where changeless peace is found;
That there's no painful parting,
Her loving heart will wound;
And weeping for her, "loved and gone,"
We gather strength to walk alone.

"Along the way before us,
Whither-we do not know,
It may be strewn with blessings,
And pleasures we may know;
Or, thickly set with dangers,
May bring us naught but woe;
Yet, o'er life's pathway she has come
At last unto her heavenly home."
Lizzie A. Brenneman.
--Rushmore, Ohio.

DIED.

PAIRISH. ­ On the 28th of September, at Rockton, Clearfield Co., Pa., Agnes, youngest daughter of Sister Annie Pairish, aged 2 years, 9 months and 4 days. Services by H. M. Gelnett from 90th Psalm.
"Ere sin could blight or sorrow mar,
Death came with friendly care,
The opening bud to rest conveyed
And bid it blossom there."

WALLACE. ­ In Elkhart county, Indiana, the 19th of November, of the infirmities of old age, ______, wife of William Wallace, aged 72 years. She was buried on the 21st. She was formerly from Lancaster county, Pa. She leaves an aged husband and a number of children and grand-children. Peace to her ashes.

BYLER. ­ Allie, daughter of S. L. and F. Byler died at her home 3 _ miles south of East Lynne, Mo., October 26th, of pneumonia and diphtheria, after an illness of about a week, aged 18 years, 5 months and 21 days. She had been to Ohio on a six weeks' visit and returned home the Friday before her death. Buried on the 8th in the Clear Fork graveyard. Services by Daniel F. Driver from Isaiah 40:8.. A large concourse of friends followed her remains to their last resting-place. Allie had a very bright foretaste of her future home. "Oh!" she said, what beautiful things I see! Sing for me hymn No. 47 in the Triumphant Songs," and requested to have the same hymn sung at her funeral.
"My heavenly home is bright and fair,
I long to be there.
That heavenly mansion mine shall be,
I long to be there, etc.
Oh angels guide me home, angels guide me home," etc.

MISHLER. ­ On the 12th of November, in Sterling, Whiteside Co., Ill., of inflammation. Sister Elizabeth, wife of Jesse Mishler, aged 42 years, 4 months and 24 days. She was buried on the 13th at the Sterline M. H. She suffered much for five days. Shortly before she passed away she was received as a member of the church, having expressed peace of heart. Services by A. Ebersole and Joseph Lehman of Stephenson Co., from Isa. 38:1. She leaves four children and a deeply bereaved husband to mourn her death.

KULP. ­ On the 19th of November, in the city of Elkhart, Indiana of congestion of the lungs and spinal fever, Gertrude, daughter of Enos and ____ Kulp, aged 16 years. She was a bright girl and much beloved by her associates, and her early death has cast a deep gloom over the hearts of the sorrowing household. The funeral was a very solemn one, and we trust that the deep impression made will bear fruit unto everlasting life in many hearts. May God comfort the bereaved household and draw them nearer unto himself.

RITTENHOUSE. ­ On the 13th of November, in Clinton township, Lincoln county, Ontario, suddenly of heart disease, Michael H. Rittenhouse, aged 73 years, 7 months and 17 days. He was buried on the 16th at the Moyer church where a large number of friends and relatives assembled to pay their last respects to a kind brother and a good friend to all. He leaves a widow and seven children to mourn their loss, but not to mourn as those who have no hope of a blessed resurrection. Funeral services were conducted by Bish. Daniel Wismer from Matt. 24:44. He was the last one of a family of 12 brothers and sisters; so we can see that the time will come for us to be called hence; "Therefore be ye also ready."

MYERS. ­ On the 10th of November in Miami county, Ind., of dropsy, Mary Anne, wife of John Myers, aged 37 years, 2 months and 7 days. Funeral services were held in the Amish Mennonite Church by Andrew Troyer and J. S. Coffman, from Phil. 1:21. The deceased was an earnest Christian and comforted herself with the precious truths of the gospel.

PEACHEY. ­ On the 7th of November, in Mifflin county Pa., Jonas, son of Enos and Barbara Peachey, aged 2 years, 9 months and 12 days.

WISLER. ­ On the 19th of November, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., after a brief illness, Katy, wife of Pre. Jacob Wisler, in the 70th year of her age. Her maiden name was Knopp. She was formerly of Ohio. She was buried at Yellow Creek on the 21st. Services by Christian Shaum and Christian Baer.

ZOOK. ­ On the 9th of November, in Mifflin county, Pa., Bro. Jacob J. Zook, aged 50 years, 2 months and 18 days. Bro. Z. was at meeting on Sunday Nov 4th, apparently in good health. The next Sunday afternoon he was laid in the grave. He had taken a severe cold, followed by an attack of pneumonia, and in a few days death ensued. Truly our lives hang by a brittle thread. "Who'll be the next?"

WEISE. ­ On the 27th of October in Westfield, Medina county, Ohio, of consumption, George, son of George and Debby Weise, aged 27 years, 3 months and 22 days. He accepted Christ and was baptized but a few weeks before his death. Services at Morses' Corners by L. P. Gross and Martin Leatherman from Gen. 48:21. He leaves a young wife and many friends to mourn his early death.

CROYLE. ­ On the 11th of November, in Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., of deranged action of the heart, Elizabeth, wife of Moses Croyle, aged 53 years, 10 months and 8 days. She was the mother of 8 children, one of whom survives her, and 9 grand children. She was a worthy member of the church for many years and died trusting in the Lord. She was buried at the Thomas M. H. on the 13th, followed to the grave by many sympathizing friends. Funeral services by Jonas Blough, S. Gindelaperger and C. Herschberger from a part of 1 Cor. 15.

SHANK. ­ On the first of Oct., near Biglerville, Adams Co., Pa., of typhoid fever, Sister Susannah C., youngest daughter of Bish. Daniel Shank, in the 27th year of her age. She was conscious to the last, she bade them all farewell and said, "Weep not for me; I shall meet you all again." Buried on the 3d in the Mummasburg grave-yard. Services by Samuel Myers in German and Philip P. Parrett in English.

SHANK. ­ On the 6th of Nov., of typhoid fever, Sister Hettie M., daughter of Bish. Daniel Shank, aged 29 years and 27 days. May the Lord strengthen the parents in their sad bereavement, they have the hope however that they are not lost, but gone before. This is indeed a sad bereavement to the parents and remaining sister and two brothers, and also for the neighborhood. She was buried on the 8th beside her sister, who was buried but five weeks before. Services by Philip P. Parrett and Martin Whisler in English and Samuel Myers in German.
"Asleep in Jesus! Blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep.
A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the last of foes.

Asleep in Jesus! Peaceful rest.
Whose waking is supremely blest;
No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour,
That manifests the Savior's power.

Transcribed by Beverly Telfer, Indiana

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Herald of Truth , Vol. XXV, Number 24, December 15, 1888 ­ page 380, 381

HALTER ­ On the 24th of Sept., near Rolling Prairie, LaPorte Co., Ind. Sister Elizabeth wife of Bro. Peter Halter, aged 70 years, 11 months and 19 days. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., and united with the Mennonite Church some 30 years ago. Funeral services by Henry Shaum and Samuel Yoder of Elkhart.

SMELTZER ­ On the 10th of Nov. in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of palsy, Bro. John Smeltzer, aged 70 years and 14 days. He was buried at Yellow Creek, on the 13th. Funeral services by John F. Funk and Jonas Loux, from Isa. 38:1. and Rev. 2:10. A very large concourse of people had assembled to follow the remains to their last resting place. Bro. Smeltzer was a faithful Bro. In the Mennonite Church for many years, and a faithful attendent in the church services. May the Lord bless and direct the dear children who mourn the loss of a beloved father.

FLY ­ On the 10th of October, in New Brittain Twp., Bucks county, Pa., Henry Fly, aged 66 years, 4 months and 21 days. He was buried at the Doylestown Mennonite Meetinghouse followed by many sympathizing friends. A widow, two children, and a number of grandchildren remain to mourn their loss.
Weep not for me my friends so dear
But live in godly fear;
We soon shall meet in heaven above
Where all is bliss and love.

HARROLD ­ On the 10th of November, in Columbiana, Ohio, of dyphtheria, Clyde C, son of Samuel and Nancy Harrold, aged 3 years, 5 months and 16 days. Buried on the 1_th at the Oberholtzer Meeting-house. Services by Jacob Stauffer and John Burkholder from Mark 10:14. The bereaved parents deeply mourn the loss of their son who had gone home.
"That unchangeable home is for you and for me,
Where Jesus of Nazareth stands
The King of all kingdoms forever is he
And he holdeth our crowns in his hands.
Of, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,
So free from a'l sorrow and pain;
With songs on our lips and with palms in our hands
To meet one another again."

WITMER ­ On the 18th of November, near Hinkletown, Lancaster county, Pa. Sister Maria, wife of David S. Witmer, in her 5 d year. She had been sick for years, yet her death was sudden and unexpected to the family. She leaves her husband and two children to mourn her departure. She was buried on the 21st at Stauffer's Meeting-house. Services by Joseph Brubaker and Samuel Weber from Matt. 24:44.

MILLER ­ On the 29th of November, in Clinton Twp Elkhart county, Ind., an infant son of Jonas and Lydia Miller, aged 19 days. This is the 9th out of a family of 20 children that has been called home. Services by David J. Hochstetler from Luke 18:15-25.

SPANGLER ­ Nov 18th near Shiremanstown, Cumberland county, Pa., after an illness of a few days, Sister Sarah Spangler, aged 72 years, 11 months. Sister Spangler was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years and before she died gave evidence of a bright hope of immortality. Buried the 20th in presence of many relatives and friends at Slate Hill. The occasion was improved by Banj. Zimmerman, J. M. Herr, and Sam'l Hess.

GUENGERICH ­ On the 11th of July in Washingtocounty, Iowa, Sister Elizabeth Brenneman wife of Daniel J. Guengerich (who died on the 4th of Jan. 1877), aged 65 years, 7 months and 17 days. They were united in matrimony in 1844 in Fairfield, Ohio. In 1851 they moved to Iowa. Three of their children preceded her to the grave. Three sons and six daughters remain to mourn her departure. Services by John Gundy and Frederick Schwartzentruber from 1 Cor.

WHISLER ­ On the 11th of October, near Hanover, York county, Pa., of typhoid fever, Emma R. daughter of Pre. Martin and Elizabeth Whisler, aged 19 years and 3 days. Funeral services from Eccl. 9:8. In the evening of the day preceding death, although very weak she sang with a firm voice the first stanza of the hymn..
"There is a fountain filled with blood," etc.

LANDIS ­ On the 29th of November at the residence of her sons, Levi and Jacob Landis, in New Britain, Bucks county, Pa., Margaret Landis, widow of the late Henry Landis, aged 91 years, 6 months and 14 days. Buried in the Line Lexington Burying-ground on the 3d of December, followed by her children and grandchildren and a goodly number of friends and relatives. Services by John Walter in English, and Samuel Letherman in German, from 2 Tim. 4:6-8. She was blind some six or eight years, otherwise she was in good health until a year ago her strength began to fail. The last two months she failed fast. She had occasional convulsions. She died sitting in her chair as if quietly going to sleep. She was a member of the Mennonite Church. Her cross was borne with Christian resignation. She was zealous in doing the will of her Master, and we hope she has attained to that rest which is prepared for the children of God, and has taken a place in that blood-washed throng, which is before the throne of God, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

ROYER ­ On the 21st of November in Clay county, Ind., of palsy and old age, Catherine Royer, aged 86 years, 1 month and 9 days. She was born on the 12 of October, 1802. Her maiden name was Funk. She was married in Virginia to John Royer on the 5th of April 1827, and moved to Ohio in the fall of 1830, and to Indiana in the Spring of 1853. She was a member of the Mennonite Church for about 30 years. She leaves seven children, 49 grand-children, and 38 great-grand-children. Funeral services on the 23d from Matt. 25:23.

MILLER ­ On the 19th of November, near Monitor, McPherson county, Kansas, of lung fever, Annie, Daughter of P. J. and Katie Miller, aged 9 years, 10 months and 16 days. Services by John Linderman in German and S. C. Miller in English, from Rom. 8, and Matt. 19:14.

YODER ­ On the 20th of November, near West Liberty, Champaign county, Ohio, of brain trouble, of which he suffered only 12 hours, Charles C., son of Samuel L. and Libbie Yoder, aged 9 months and 22 days. Services by C. K. Yoder in German, and Pre. Garber in English, from Luke 18:15 ­17.

HURST ­ On the 10th of November, in Mechanicsburg, Pa., of the infirmities of old age, Elizabeth Hurst, widow of the late Christian Hurst, and a sister of Pre. George Rupp deceased, of Shiremanstown, Pa. Aged 88 years and 21 days. Buried at Slate Hill Church on the 14th. She was a widow for 28 years and a faithful and consistent member of the old Mennonite Church for upwards of 60 years. She lived an exemplary and Christian life and died in the hope of a blessed immortality.

ACKER ­ On the 19th October, in Lancaster Co., Pa., a son of Eugene, and Lizzie Acker, aged 4 years. Buried at Weaverland.

EBY ­ On the 2d of November, in East Earl, Lancaster Co., Pa., Henry Eby, aged 84 years, 3 months and 20 days. Buried at Weaverland, where many people assembled. He was long a member of the Mennonite Church. Services by John Landis and Bishop Jonas Martin.

RUTT ­ On the 2d of November, at Blue Ball, Lancaster county, Pa., Susanna, widow of the late George Rutt, aged 81 years. The funeral was held at Weaverland where John Zimmerman, and Bish. Jonas Martin, preached to a crowded house. Deceased was a member of the Mennonite Church since her youth.

BUCKWALTER ­ On the 3d of November, in Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., David Buckwalter, aged 30 years and 10 months. He leaves a wife and five children, also his aged parents, whose only son he was. The young man was a member of the old Mennonite Church.

EBERSOLE ­ On the 29th of November, in Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of Pneumonia, Sister Fannie Ebersole, widow, aged 76 years and 7 days. Buried on the 2d of December, near Good's Meeting house. Text, Rev. 7:16, 17. A large congregation assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased sister. Sister Ebersole led a Christian life.

ADAMS ­ On the 30th of November, in Marietta, Lancaster Co., Pa., of palsy, Levi Adams, aged 78 years, 5 months, and 25 days. Funeral on the 3d of December. Text, Isaiah 38:1. Buried in the Marietta Cemetery. A sorrowing family followed his remains to the grave.

Transcribed by Beverly Telfer, Indiana


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