Herald of Truth Obituaries - January, 1897

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Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1, January 1, 1897 - Page 18, 19

A DOUBLE FUNERAL - STOLTZFUS AND STOLTZFUS -

On Nov. 23d, 1896, near West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, Bro. David S. Stoltzfus departed this life at the age of 43 years, 6 months and 12 days.
About eight hours later at the same place, his aged mother-in-law, Sister Lydia H Stoltzfus, followed him to the world beyond, at the age of 76 years, 3 months and 5 days. She was born in Mifflin Co., Pa. and was the widow of Deacon Christian Stoltzfus, who lived and died in Union Co., Pa. She was a member of the Amish Mennonite church from her youth, and was a model Christian woman and a lover of the Bible. She was fully resigned to the will of God. Bidding farewell to her loved ones she anxiously waited for the end and died with a full assurance of the life beyond. Bro. Stoltzfus was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., and was united in married to Lizzie Stoltzfus, Dec. 11th, 1879. On June 17th, 1883, he was ordained to the ministry in the Amish Mennonite church in Union Co., Pa., which position he faithfully filled until death. In 1885 he moved to Lyon Co., Kansas. In 1891 to Logan Co., Ohio. He was an earnest Christian, highly respected by his neighbors, a kind father and a loving companion. He leaves a wife and five daughters and a large circle of friends to mourn his early departure; one son preceded him to the heavenly home. How sad to see a father taken from his family in the prime of life and yet how consoling that he has left sufficient evidence to prove that he is at rest. How comforting it is to be at the bedside of one who is so ready, and looking forward with pleasure to the time of meeting the Savior and hearing the welcome tidings, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Pneumonia was the cause of both deaths. The funeral services were held at the Oak Grove meeting house, Champaign Co., on Thanksgiving Day, where an unusually large audience assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed Bro. and Sister. And when the bereaved sister and family came to the caskets, that were placed side by side, and took the last long look at the mother and husband, the scene was indeed sad and we believe the hardest heart present was moved in sympathy. Services were conducted in German by Pre. David Plank and in English by Pre. Abednego Miller from Phil. 1:21. Interment in the Hooley cemetery. S.E.A.

IN MEMORY OF J.J. LANTZ, WHO DIED DEC. 26, 1895.
Brother, thou art gone, far, far on high;
God has called thee home, no more to die.
Brother, thou art gone, where all are blest;
God has bid thee come, home to thy rest.
Brother, thou art gone, we feel thy loss;
Humbly would we bow, low at the cross.
Brother, thou art gone, though we may weep;
God in perfect peace, thy soul will keep.
Farewell, farewell, on earth we meet no more;
Farewell, farewell, we'll meet on Canaan's shore.
SELECTED BY A SISTER

SCHANTZ - Jerome Schantz, after passing through a long season of affliction, departed this life, Aug. 30th, 1896. Bro. Schantz became afflicted in Aug. 1894, then supposed to be rheumatism, but later on his suffering developed itself into hip joint disease, which gradually grew worse until Feb. 1895, he was confined to his bed, where he spent nearly all of his time, much of his time suffering intensely, yet he bore it all patiently, submitting cheerfully to his fate. On Feb. 28th, 1896, Dr. Allen of Cleveland removed his hip joint, but to no avail. He gradually grew weaker until death relieved him from his sufferings. Bro. Schantz in his youth united with the German Baptist Brethren church, lived a peaceful life and during his days of affliction, much enjoyed the hours of devotion, exercising in singing Gospel songs, praying and reading the sacred pages of the Bible with all who were disposed to participate in such exercises. In his latter days he partook of the sacred emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ and finally closed his life of suffering by selecting and helping to sing, "My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine." Funeral services and interment at the Oak Grove church and cemetery near Smithville, Ohio, conducted by C.F. English, J.K. Yoder, and Aaron Hiestand.

RISSER - December 1st, 1896, near Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Joseph Risser, aged 76 years, 8 months and 11 days. Funeral on the 4th. Text, 1 Thess. 4:16-18. Buried at Risser's meeting house. A large congregation assembled in token of respect for the beloved brother and in sympathy with the bereft family. Bro. Risser was a faithful Christian.

DULABONE - On Dec. 4th, 1896, near Wadsworth, Ohio, of bronchial trouble, George Ion, infant son of Levy and Amelia Dulabone, aged 1 month and 22 days. Buried on the 6th in the Mennonite graveyard. Services by Jonas Kreider and David Amstutz.
"This lovely bud, so young and fair, called hence by early doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower in Paradise would bloom.
Ere sin could harm or sorrow fade, death came with friendly care;
The opening bud to heaven conveyed, and bade it blossom there."

GERBER - On Nov. 22d, 1896, near West Lebanon, Wayne Co., Ohio, Sister Magdalena Gerber of heart disease, Sister Gerber was suddenly called when walking out in her dooryard. Buried at the Sonneberg meeting house on the 25th where many friends assembled to pay their last respects. She leaves one son, one daughter and a number of grandchildren to mourn her departure. Her age was 55 years, 4 months and 5 days. Funeral services by Jacob Nussbaum from Mark 13:33-37.

STEINER - On Dec. 1st, 1896, near Orrville, Wayne Co., Ohio, Catharine, wife of Pre. C.D. Steiner of heart disease. She dropped dead while she was at the barn milking. Her age was 66 years, 1 month and 25 days. She was buried on the 4th at the Salem church, Sonneberg. Funeral services in German by Jacob Nussbaum and by David Hofstetler of Wellersville in English.

SALZMAN - On the 13th of November 1896, at Aurora, Hamilton Co., Neb., after suffering for two weeks of kidney trouble, Andrew Salzman, aged 70 years and 13 days. He leaves his widow, one son and two daughters, besides many friends to mourn their loss. Buried on the 15th in the Prairie church graveyard. Funeral services by Chr. Rediger, J. Stauffer of Seward Co., Neb., and W. Thompson from John 11.

KREIDER - Bro. Jacob Kreider died Dec. 4th, 1896, at the home of his son-in-law, J.B. Eckman, in Providence Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of apoplexy. He lingered in ill health for about six months. He reached the age of 75 years, 1 month and 26 days. His wife, one son and seven daughters survive him. His remains were laid to rest at the Byerland meeting house. Funeral services by Bro. John Harnish and Abm. Herr.

STAHLY - Dec. 12th, 1896, near Nappanee, Ind., Mabel May, daughter of Henry and Barbara Stahly, aged 2 years, 1 month and 24 days. She was buried on the 14th at the Brick church cemetery. Funeral services in Mennonite meeting house by David Burkholder, where a large concourse of friends had assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the mortal remains of a dearly beloved innocent one, whose blood washed soul has joined the host of Christ's redeemed in the glory world, by whom God has not attributed sin. The bereaved family has the sympathies of the friends and neighbors. D.B.

HERSHEY - December 15th, 1896, on Sporting Hill, Lancaster Co., Pa., Sister Anna Hershey, widow, aged 83 years, 9 months and 8 days. Funeral on the 18th. Text, John 14:1-3. Buried at the Erisman's meeting house. A sorrowing family followed her remains to the grave. Sister Hershey was a faithful follower of Christ. Peace to her ashes.

GINGRICH - December 13th, 1896, at St. Joseph Hospital, Lancaster City, Levi S. Gingrich, of Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa. Funeral on the 15th. Texts, John 9:4 and Matt. 24:44. Buried at the Landisville meeting house. A sorrowing family and circle of relatives mourn his death.

WITTMER - December 14th, 1896, near Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Sister Clara A., wife of Bro. Amos Wittmer, aged 25 years, 7 months and 12 days. Funeral on the 17th. Text, Rev. 14:12, 13. Buried at Landisville meeting house. Sister Wittmer left a little babe a few weeks old, a sorrowing husband, parents, brothers and sisters and a large circle of friends to mourn her early death. May the good Lord comfort them. Sister Wittmer was a faithful Christian.

FLORY - At her home, two miles east of South English, Iowa, on Dec. 4th, 1896, Elizabeth Flory, maiden name Yount, wife of Samuel Flory, aged 67 years and 17 days. She was born and raised in Rockingham Co., Va. She lived for a number of years in Augusta Co., Va., came to Iowa about twenty-three years ago. She was a faithful zealous member of the Dunkard church for many years. Was highly respected and loved by all who knew her. During her few months of sickness she often expressed a desire to depart this life and be with her Savior.

WEAVER - On the 13th of Dec. 1896, near Mechanicsburg, Lancaster Co., Pa., of cancer, Bro. Martin H. Weaver, aged 48 years, 11 months and 28 days. He leaves a wife, seven children and many friends to mourn their loss. Buried Dec. 16th at the Mennonite meeting house at Groffdale. Many warm and sympathizing friends followed him to his grave. Funeral services were conducted by Bish. Isaac Eby in English and David Buckwalter in German. Bish. Eby used for his text John 20:29. "Blessed are they that have not seen and yet believe." Bro. Weaver united with the Mennonite church when he was quite young and lived a devoted Christian life till the Master called him home. He was teacher of vocal music to Groffdale Sunday school and an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Bro. Weaver spent part of his last afternoon in prayer, such as was never heard before from him, in advising his children to look forward with bright hope to meet him in the eternal world where everything is joy and pleasure. He had the pleasure to know that some of his children have already found peace with God. Bro. Weaver died in peace with God and man. Therefore the bereaved ones may indeed comfort their hearts in the promise of God, for they need not mourn as those who have no hope. God bless and comfort the bereaved family to which he was strongly attached.
We miss thee, father dear, from thy old familiar place;
We do not hear thy footsteps near, nor see thy cheerful face.
We miss thee at the table, we feel the absence there;
And oh, what sorrows pierce our hearts to see thy vacant chair.
Father, how hast thou bereft us, in this sad world below;
Yet a mother still is left us, for our God would have it so. J.F. DENLINGER

GARBER - December 6th, 1896, near Newtown, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Jacob C. Garber, aged 71 years, 2 months and 19 days. Funeral on the 9th. Text, Isaiah 38:1. Buried at Kraybill's meeting house. Bro. Garber became obedient to the Lord several weeks before his death.

MORRISON - John Uriel, infant son of W.W. and Nettie (Yoder) Morrison, died very suddenly Nov. 5th at 11 o'clock A.M. It was a dreadful shock to the whole community, for all loved him dearly. He was an unusually bright, healthy child, bubbling over with happiness and good nature, a little sunbeam in a happy home. He was born Feb. 24th, 1896 and was aged 8 months and 12 days. Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor in charge, Mr. KcKinley.
Never a fairer form, never a brighter smile,
Never a sweeter bloom, blossoming here but awhile,
Transplanted by God's loving care, to bloom forever up there.
Never a child more loving, tender, obedient, mild;
Never a sunbeam brighter than our darling child.
Light of his father's eyes, joy of his mother's heart.
Broken and bleeding with grief, with her darling to part.
Dear old grandmamma's pet has gone to the Savior's Arms,
There to be happy forever, safe from all ills and harms.
We would not wish thee back darling, though our hearts cry out with pain.
Dear baby, be happy in heaven, there we will meet thee again.

YODER - Near Wellersville, Wayne Co., Ohio, Nov. 4th, 1896, of pneumonia, Bro. Jonathan S. Yoder, aged 56 years, 10 months and 1 day. He was married March 10th, 1864 to Leah Stultzfuse of Lancaster Co., Penn. She died Sept. 4th, 1881, leaving four daughters and three sons. In October 1883 he was married to Mary Zook of Mifflin Co., Pa., with whom he lived the remainder of his life. He was sick nine days and bore his afflictions very patiently. He told his children and companion that he was going home to Jesus and wanted to meet them all there. He also told them how they should live in this world, to meet him in the world to come. Besides his sorrowing widow, he leaves four daughters, three sons, one grandchild. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church. Funeral on the 6th, at the Oak Grove meeting house. His remains were followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and neighbors. Funeral services by Benjamin Gerig, in German, and by Aaron Heastond, in English. Text, "Behold I come as a thief."
"Farewell father, farewell father, thou hast always loved us well.
How we miss thee none can tell, God has called thee, all is well."

LEIS - On the 9th of November 1896, in Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., Catharine, wife of Joseph Leis, aged 41 years and 9 months. She leaves her husband, three sons and five daughters to mourn her early death. Buried on the 12th at the Third Line meeting house. Funeral services by Christian Bascho, Chr. Litwiller and John Gascho.

YODER - On Nov. 7th, 1896, near Bellefontaine, Ohio, of the infirmities of old age, Sister Magdalena Yoder, aged 87 years, 8 months and 24 days. Funeral services were held at South Union meeting house on the 9th, conducted by D. Plank in German and A. Miller in English. Buried in the Yoder burying-ground on Ludlow Road.

HOOVER - December 5th, 1896, in Salunga, Lancaster Co., Pa., Bro. Jacob L. Hoover, aged 73 years, 8 months and 9 days. Funeral on the 8th. Text, Amos 4:12. Buried at Landisville meeting house. A large congregation assembled in token of respect for the deceased. Bro. Hoover was a faithful member of the Mennonite church.

SELDERS - Christian Selders, of near Bittinger, Garrett Co., Md., departed from the shores of time on Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 1896. He and a brother-in-law were cutting corn fodder at Joel D. Brenneman's, near Keyser, Md., which is about six miles from where the deceased lived. They had only done a little cutting, as the hands who were to help had not yet all arrived, when the governor of the engine failed to work properly. Bro. Selders who was feeding the cutter, signaled for more power, but when the fireman observed the defective action of the governor, he went into the barn to apprise him of the fact, and while in the barn it is supposed a knife which had become loose in the cylinder of the cutter caught or struck against the side of the machine, the jolt of which opened the restrainant of the governor, but it failed to settle in its accustomed function and then, instead of not permitting enough steam to enter the engine's cylinder, an awful and fatal volume of steam escaped; and before the fireman could get half way to the engine its speed had become so great as to burst the balance wheel of the cutter into fragments, one of which struck Bro. Selders on the leg above the knee and tore away the flesh to the bone; another struck him on the chest. Surgical aid was immediately summoned, and also his wife and several of the children, but he died from loss of blood before either arrived, surviving after the accident only about one hour. He suffered greatly before his death. One fragment of the wheel grazed and scarred the back of the head of one of the hands; another flew through the plank threshing floor and knocked a piece out of a hobhead in the basement; another shot out of the roof, breaking its passage through an oak lath; a piece, supposed from its position, etc., to have been the one which went through the roof, was found eighty paces from the barn.
Wife and four children, the oldest about thirteen, and the youngest about three years old, and a son by his first wife, aged about nineteen years, survive of the immediate family to mourn the dearly departure of the deceased. Funeral was held on Thursday, the 10th inst. at the Cherry Valley or Forks Amish Mennonite meeting house, of which congregation the departed was a highly esteemed member. Services were conducted by Jacob S. and Joel J. Miller. Deceased was 42 years old, having died on his birthday. He was very helpful and neighborly, a devoted husband and father, in the lead in his community to alleviate distress and we trust he has gone to a Christian's reward.

DUNLAP - On Oct. 19th, 1896, in Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., of membraneous croup, Leamon B., only child of Harry B. and Ida C. Dunlop, aged 10 years, 2 months and 28 days. Little Leamon who was called away so early in life was an unusually bright and intelligent boy and was loved by all who knew him. He suffered considerably during his few days of sickness, but bore it very patiently. A short time before he died he told his weeping parents that in eight days God can remove mountains and he was four steps higher. The blow falls heavily upon the parents and they have the sympathy of their friends in this sad bereavement; may they find consolation in Him who does all things well, looking forward to the reunion with their loved one in that land where sorrow is unknown and where God shall wipe away all tears. The remains were buried in the Hess burying-ground. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Amos Hoover and Christian Brackbill.
"Farewell, my kind father and mother, my Savior is calling me home;
At the gate of the city eternal I'll watch and I'll wait till you come.
Little Leamon kind and true, with bitter tears we part with you;
We had no thoughts to see so soon your sun go down at early noon.
We thought to have you many days, but ours are not the Father's ways;
Then, Savior, help to bear the stroke, give grace to bow beneath the yoke.'
BY HIS AUNT, A.E.N.

YODER - November 20th, 1896, near East Lynne, Mo., of typhoid fever, Bro. Levi E. Yoder, aged 51 years, 10 months and 26 days. Buried in the Clearfork cemetery on the 21st. Funeral services were conducted at Sycamore Grove church by J.J. Hartzler in German and by Daniel Kauffman in English. While the congregation in which our brother labored with an ardent zeal for the Master as an "Elder" or "Visiting brother" with more than ordinary judgment and skill, as well as the community at large has sustained a serious loss, yet we have reason to believe the "departure" was his gain. He leaves one son, a deeply afflicted widow and an aged father with whom the community at large sympathizes in their bereavement. Z.

EASH - LeRoy J., only son of Bro. Jacob J. and Sister Matilda Eash, of near Shipshewana, LaGrange Co., Ind., was born May 15th, 1896, died Dec. 17th, 1896, aged 7 months and 2 days. Little Roy had an attack of lung fever, from which he had partly recovered, when he was suddenly taken with something that baffled the skill of the physician and ended his temporal life in about six hours from the time the doctor was sent for. Funeral on the 19th at the Shore Mennonite meeting house. Services by J.J. Weaver, Y.C. Miller and A.S. Cripe, from the text selected by the parents, Matt. 18:1-3.
"The Master loved our little one, and took him from our care;
May we then say, Thy will be done; we'll meet our darling over there."

MISHLER - Lydia, beloved wife of Deacon James Mishler of the Shore Mennonite Cong., LaGrange Co., Ind., was born in Somerset Co., Pa., March 9th, 1858, died Dec. 3d, 1896, aged 38 years, 8 months and 24 days. She leaves a sorrowing husband and 7 children, a father, brothers and sisters to mourn their loss, which we trust is her eternal gain. She was afflicted only a short time with something like dropsy, and was apparently better, and on the morning of her death she engaged with the family in worship and breakfast, after which Bro. Mishler went to help a neighbor thresh corn fodder. Before the children went to school she lay on the lounge to rest, as they supposed. About 10 o'clock the baby began to cry and the hired girl noticed that the mother didn't get awake and went to waken her when she found that she was dead. Sister Mishler was a quite and peaceable Christian, a ornament to any church, a perfect type of true Christian piety, loved and respected by all who knew her. Funeral on the 5th at the Shore meeting house. Services by J.J. Weaver, Y.C. Miller and A.S. Cripe to a large and sympathizing audience. Text, Heb. 4:9.
Where is our mother? Gone from her children.
Tell me, my brother, where has she gone?
She who so sweetly, watched o'er our slumbers,
She who so neatly, dressed us a morn.
Home is so lonely, oft I am weeping,
Knowing this only, Mother is gone.
All was so cheerful when she was with us.
Now all is tearful, sad and forlorn.

HERSHBERGER - Perry Floyd, son of Jacob and Martha Hershberger, was born Nov. 2d, 1882, and died Oct. 24th, 1896, aged 13 years, 11 months and 24 days. His sickness was a complication of diseases, the result of measles. He was sick upwards of a year -- during all this time he suffered no pains, but was annoyed by a continual and almost intolerable itching, yet not murmur ever escaped his lips. Little Perry was an exemplary child, both in his home and at school--and, altho' gone, his amiable and peaceful nature; his truthfulness and obedience; and his readiness, always for Sunday school and church stand as a monument to the duties of those who knew him. He had many friends, and his loss is keenly felt by all, but more especially by the sorrowing and grief-stricken parents, the brother and the sisters. May a loving, heavenly Father comfort them. Altho' so young he realized that his life was drawing to a close, and before passing away he called the family around his bedside and with a kiss, bade each one goodbye--he then took from each a solemn promise to meet him in heaven and earnestly admonished the parents to teach his little brother and sister, Fred and Gracie, to meet him there, closing with a gesture and the words, "Now remember." God grant that all these promises may be kept and verified. Funeral services were conducted at Forest Grove by P.Y. Lehman form Psalm 103:15 and John Garber, Luke 18:16, 17.
"Meet me there! Oh, meet me there!
In the heavenly world so fair.
There no sighings for the dead.
There no farewell tear is shed;
We shall, safe from all alarms.
Clasp our loved ones in our arms,
And in Jesus glory share,
Meet me there! Yes, meet me there!

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

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Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIV, No. 2, January 15, 1897 - Page 20, 21

OBITUARY
A sad accident by which a young man shot off his left hand and the fatal blow penetrated his left side, occurred on the 12th of Nov. 1896 near Masontown, Pa. The young man, Newton Deffenbaugh, with some of his comrades, was out hunting, and while standing on a log and talking, he made a misstep and the gun slipped, striking the trigger against the log which caused the deadly discharge. Neither he nor his comrades were Christians, and among the first things that he said was that it was a fatal shot, and he implored God for mercy. He was taken to the nearest neighbors, and three physicians were summoned. Afterwards he was taken to his home, and his arm amputated, but with no relief. The writer was sent for and we found him soon willing to accept the offers of salvation and by request he was taken into church fellowship; services by J.N. Durr and E.J. Berkey. He seemed very happy in his new relation with Christ and declared peace with his God. His sufferings were so intense that he would be comforted only by the thought that His grace was sufficient for him and he would patiently wait for relief. He was constant in prayer and often asked about his brother and sisters. There were nine children in the family and the mother and three children were the only ones who had confessed Christ. It has been a warning to the neighborhood and we have had the privilege of seeing the father and four of the children accept their Savior. Oh, the tender mercy of God! though he called very loudly, yet He granted time and strength to this young man to make peace with his God. He grew weaker and on Nov. 18 he sang in broken accents the sweet strain, "I'm going home," and in the afternoon his lamp of life flickered and seemingly went out, but, we trust, only to shine in perfect brightness in the Land of Eternal day. His age was 23 years, 9 months and 8 days. Funeral services were conducted by Bro. J.N. Durr assisted by Pre. Stauffer and Bro. E.J. Berkey at the Lutheran church, where the funeral took place on the 20th. E.J. BERKEY

BIXLER - On the 24th of Decmeber, 1896, near Wakarusa, Ind., of heart disease, sister Nancy, wife of John Bixler, aged 85 years, 8 days. She was born in Green Co., Pa., and was married to her surviving husband in 1834. She was the mother of nine children, seven of whom are still living. She leaves also thirty-five grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Mennonite church for about sixty years. She was buried on Sunday Dec. 27th at the Olive M.H. A large concourse of people had congregated on the occasion. Services were conducted by Bro. J.K. Brubaker of Lancaster, Pa., assisted by Bro. Amos Mumaw. Text, Job 5:26. The Lord comfort the sorrowing ones.

BRENNEMAN - Rhoda May, infant daughter of William N. and Lizzie Brenneman, aged 5 months and 20 days, died Nov. 20th, 1896, and Blanche Brenneman, their oldest child died Dec. 12th, 1896, aged 10 years, 2 months, 7 days.
Rhoda May was stricken down by dropsy of the brain and for three weeks was a great sufferer, but relief came in death, and she was laid to rest in the cemetery at New Harmony, Kansas. Little did the parents realize they so soon would be called to bury their oldest daughter. Blanche was taken with membraneous croup in a very serious form. Both doctor and friends were faithful and unceasing in their efforts to stay the disease, but with all their skill the disease made rapid progress. It seemed unusual strength was given her with a strong will power and she withstood the advance of the disease with a heroic, determined spirit, but all was of no avail. She was a very generous hearted and lovable child and everybody loved her. She was a devoted Sunday school scholar at Birmingham. The funeral services for both children were held at the New Harmony church, that of Blanche on Sunday afternoon Dec. 13th. The services were conducted by the writer assisted by J.L. Winey. Her Sunday school class sang two beautiful hymns, one in the church and the other at the grave. A very large congregation was present and moved to tears in sorrow for the bereaved in their double affliction. In this sorrow they have hope of a happy reunion in heaven.
E.F. HOLLAND

LECHLITNER - On December 26th 1896, in Elkhart Co., Ind., infant child of Samual and Catharine Lechlitner, aged 17 days. Buried on the 27th at the Olive Mennonite church. Services were conducted by Pre. M. Schwalm, assisted by J.F. Funk.

AMES - On the 10th of Decmeber 1896, near Hudson, McLean Co., Ill., Barbara Ames, maiden mane Rediger. She was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., on the 7th of July 1856, and died in the triumphs of faith, aged 40 years, 5 months, 3 days. She was married to George Ames with whom she lived a happy married life until death severed the happy union. Shortly before her death she told her friends that she was not afraid of death, and her last breath was spent in prayer, ending with a threefold "Amen," then she calmly fell asleep. She leaves her husband, parents, four brothers, five sisters. She was buried on the 12th, followed to the grave by many friends. Funeral services from 1 Cor. 15:55, 56, by two ministers of the Christian church, of which denomination deceased had been for sixteen years a faithful member.

HERSHEY - Died Nov. 28th 1896, at the home of her son-in-law, Eli Krady, in North Dickinson Co., Kans., sister Mary Hershey, aged 82 years, 9 months, 16 days. Deceased was widow of Jacob Hershey who preceded her nearly six years ago. She was almost a lifelong member of the Mennonite church, but only in her last days experienced a real living hope in Christ, after which she greatly desired to depart and be with Him. She enjoyed good health, considering her age, up to within a few weeks of her death, which was caused by pneumonia. She leaves three daughters, sister Eli Krady, sister Adam Fry, and sister Eliza, who is unmarried -- sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services Dec. 1st at the Zion church, by Elder Mowry of the Old Order Dunkard church, and E.H. Martin. Evang. Visitor.

WERTZ - On the 30th of Oct. 1896, near Amish, Johnson Co., Iowa, Dannie W. Wertz, died at the home of his parents, aged 12 years, 3 days. Dannie was playing in the barn when a horse kicked him. Medical aid was summoned but to no avail. He lived about twenty-four hours after the sad accident. When death came to him, he said, "I am ready to go." It was a loud call to the friends and neighbors of the vicinity. It was a very plain example for both young and old. Father, mother, two brothers and four sisters are left to mourn his loss. The burial took place Nov. 1st in the Amish cemetery. Funeral services by J. Guengerich and J.F. Swartzendruber.
"Dearest Dannie, thou has left us, here thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God that has bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal.
Yet again we hope to meet three, when the day of grace is fled;
When in heaven we hope to greet thee, where no farewell tear is shed."

CHRISTOPHEL - Harriet Christophel departed this life Nov. 21st 1896. She was born in Rockingham Co., Va., April 5th 1824. Moved with her parents in 1830 to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where she was married to Bro. John M. Christophel in the early winter of 1847. To this union were born five sons and four daughters. Two sons died in their infancy, and one daughter at the age of nineteen years. In the spring of 1850 she moved with her husband to Elkhart Co., Ind., where she lived until her death. Sister Christophel had a stroke of paralysis in September 1890, completing paralyzing her right side, so that she had to be lifted in and out of her bed, but she could use her left hand to eat. During the last six years she spent her time sitting in a bed and a few hours each day in a chair. She was left a widow on Mar. 31 1886. She often expressed a desire to go home to her Savior, and on Friday morning Nov. 13th, she received a third stroke, paralyzing all her limbs, and slowly but surely death was approaching. In three days her tongue and neck became stiff, so that she could not eat or drink. She suffered no pain, but seemed to be sleeping most of the time, until Saturday morning Nov. 21st death relieved her of her troubles, at the age of 72 years, 7 months and 16 days. Buried on the 23d in the Yellow Creek cemetery. Services by Henry Weldy and Amos Mumaw from John 5:25.

SNIDER - Harvey B. Snider was born Jan. 8th 1896, in Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., Ind., died Dec. 12th, 1896, aged 11 months, 4 days. He leaves parents and two sister to mourn the loss of a little jewel. This was the first to be plucked out of the family and may this be the means of drawing the parents to Christ. Funeral at Yellow Creek on the 14th. Services were conducted by Christian Shaum and Henry Weldy.
"Fond parents, calm the heaving breast,
The Savior called him home;
Grieve not, your darling is at rest,
Beyond this vale of gloom.
Let hope's bright beams dispel the gloom
That fills your throbbing breast.
'Twas Jesus kindly bade him come,
And called him to his rest."

GLICK - David Glick was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., May 4th 1837, died of consumption in Lagrange Co., Ind., near the Pleasant Valley church on the Dec. 25th 1896, aged 59 years, 7 months, 21 days. He leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn his departure, one son and two daughters preceded him to the spirit world. Bro. Glick was a member of the A.M. church and we believe was wholly resigned to the Master's will. He was buried on the 27th in the family graveyard. Services at the Pleasant Valley church by D.D. Miller in English from John 5:28, 29, and by J.D. Miller in German from Matt. 13:43.

MILLER - On the 29th of Decmeber 1896, near Shipshewana, Lagrange Co., Ind., John A., youngest son of Bro. Abraham and Mattie Miller. He was born Dec. 3d 1877, and was aged 19 years, 25 days. In the summer of 1895 he had typhoid fever, after partly recovering he got the measles from which he never fully recovered, but during his long illness he was able to go to church several times and then united with the A.M. church. He was patient during his illness awaiting the Master's call. He leaves parents, two brothers and three sisters to mourn his early departure. Services on Dec. 31st, at the Pleasant Valley church by Yost Miller in German from 2 Cor. 5:1, 2, and J.D. Miller in English from 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

GOUDIE - Bro. David Goudie was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, died near Breslau, Ont., Dec. 25th 1896, aged 80 years, 6 months, 27 days. He leaves a companion almost blind, 9 children and one sister. He was a brother-in-law to sister Mary Groh (see other death notice). He had many friends and relatives. Buried Dec. 27th at Wanner's graveyard. Services were conducted by J. Woolner, from Rev. 20:6, first clause, and N. Stauffer from 2 Cor. 5:8.
My wife and children dear, while on this earth I loved you well;
'Tis true, but Jesus loves you more than mortal tongue can tell.

HERR - On Dec. 4th 1896, near Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster Co., Pa., of heart failure, sister Elizabeth, wife of Abraham S. Herr, aged 62 years, 8 months, 24 days. She leaves a husband and eight children to mourn their loss. One daughter has preceded her to the spirit world. Mother died with a bright hope and full assurance of the life beyond. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, a devoted wife, a kind mother, and esteemed by all who knew her. Her death was very unexpected. Although she had for a number of years been troubled with heart disease, of late she seemed to be in better health, especially on Friday night when she went to bed as usual. But about 11 o'clock she was taken violently ill and in less that half an hour she had calmly passed from this world to the world beyond. A large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives followed the remains to the grave. Funeral services were conducted by John Landis and David Buckwalter at the house and at Mellinger's church by John Landis, David Buckwalter, and J.S. Coffman from Elkhart, Ind., who was on a ministerial tour through Lancaster Co. Text, Psalm 35, last clause of the 14th verse, and Rev. 7:16, 17.
Our mother dear has left us, here in our humble home;
She went to live with Jesus, no more on earth to roam.
Yet we hope again to meet her, in that heavenly home so bright,
And sing praises to our Savior, with the saints all robed in white.
I can't forget the night she died, when we around her stood;
These were the last words that she said, "Dear children, do be good."
We all bow down so heavily, and mourn for mother dear;
It seems so very lonely now, since she no more is here.
Oh, it is very lonely since her lovely voice is still;
But yet we will not murmur, for we know it was God's will.
But she has gone and left us, gone home beyond the skies,
Where God was waiting, there to wipe, the tears from mother's eyes.
A home without a mother, how sad it makes us feel,
But if we trust in Jesus, he will all our sorrows heal." BY HER SON JACOB

REAM - On the 20th of December 1896, sister Maria Ream, wife of S.D. Ream, from near New Stark, Ohio, calmly passed from this life to her spiritual home, aged 65 years, 5 months, 12 days. Buried in the Hassan graveyard. Sister Ream received a stroke of paralysis on Tuesday morning Dec. 15th, and was unconscious until death relieved her. Of eight children seven are left to mourn her death; of twenty-three grandchildren twenty-one survive. She with her husband united with the Mennonite church in the spring of 1855 where she remained a faithful member. Funeral services by John Blosser from Isa. 66:13, "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you."
"Gently fold the weary hands that toiled so long and well;
The spirit rose to angel bands when off earth's mantle fell.
She's safe within her Father's house where many mansions be,
O pray that thus such rest may come, dear heart to thee and me."

GROH - Dec. 21st, 1896, near Hespeler, Ont., sister Mary Groh, wife of Isaac Groh, aged 68 years, 1 month, 11 days. One Monday she worked all day, the next Monday she was a corpse. She leaves a husband, nine sons, two daughters, twenty-nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, five sisters, beside many other friends and relatives. Her desire was to go home and often would say that she soon would go. She was the first one to be severed from this family by death. Her children all followed her to the grave on Dec. 24th in Wanner's burying-ground. Funeral services by N. Stauffer, from John 14:4, connected with Prov. 31:27, 28.
I had many trials while upon earth, dear friends do no grieve for me at my death;
For all my trials are now o'er and I am on the blissful shore;
So then prepare to meet me here where Jesus and the blood-washed are.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia


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