OTTERBEIN - On April 14th, 1897, in Dashwood, Huron Co., Ont., of consumption, Sister Annie, wife of Ezra Otterbein, aged 36 years, 11 months and 4 days. She leave a husband, three children and six brothers to mourn their loss. Buried on the 6th in the Mennonite graveyard. Services by Noah Stauffer. Text, Rev. 14:13.

YOUNG - Reuben M. Young, son of Joseph and Myria Young, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec. 15th, 1833, was married to Elizabeth Long in 1853. Died May 17th, 1897, aged 63 years, 5 months and 2 days. He leaves to mourn their great loss, a wife, three children--one son and two daughters--and fourteen grandchildren, besides a large circle of friends.

HERSHBERGER - Amos was born in Clinton Twp., Lincoln Co., Ont., June 8th, 1835, died May 9th, 1897, at his home near South Cayuga, Ont., aged 61 years, 11 months and 1 day. The immediate cause of his death was paralysis, from which affliction he was prostrated for eight weeks. Our little congregation at South Cayuga has laid to rest another dear brother with a strong assurance of meeting the departed soul with the resurrected body at the coming of our Lord. His widow, adopted son, two sisters and a brother mourn his departure. Funeral service was conducted on the 12th, by Moses Hoover and S.F. Coffman. Text, Gen. 35:29, "Gathered unto his people."

REESOR - On the 13th of April 1897, at Box Grove, Ont., Deacon Jacob G. Reesor, aged 68 years, 10 months and 17 days. Buried on the 16th at Wideman's burying ground where a very large concourse of friends assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed. Services at his home by S.R. Hoover. Discourse at the meeting house by John. G. Hoover from 1 Peter 1:24.
M.R. FRETZ

GRAYBILL - On the 21st of April, 1897, in Juniata Co., Pa., near Thompsontown, after an illness of nine days of pneumonia, Beneul S. Graybill, aged 41 years, 11 months and 16 days. Buried on the 24th at the Locust Run graveyard, where a large concourse of friends and neighbors met to pay the last tribute of respect to one that was widely known. Services by William Graybill. Text, Psa. 132:14. The deceased leaves a sorrowing wife and sons, two brothers, four sisters and an aged mother to mourn the loss of one that was near and dear to us. He was a member of the Mennonite church for about fifteen years.
"Brother, thou hast left us lonely, here thy loss we deeply feel.
But 'tis God that has bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal."

HERTZLER - At Mattawana, Mifflin Co., Pa., May 9th, 1897, Elizabeth, widow of Henry Hertzler, aged 76 years, 3 months and 6 days. Funeral services by Michael Yoder and Abram Myers. She had neither brothers, sisters, nor children to minister to her in her last sickness, but the Lord remembered her and moved a few sisters to minister to her, day and night, with such self-denying and loving service as showed that the Savior's lesson about the "good Samaritan" had been well learned by these sisters.

MUSSER - On the 5th of Feb., 1897, near Bowmansville, of infirmities of old age, Jacob Musser, aged 75 years, 2 months and 21 days. He was thrice married, but his three wives, two sons and one daughter preceded him. He united with the Mennonite church in his youth and was a consistent member ever since. His seat was seldom vacant at the hour of worship. Buried on the 8th in the Mennonite graveyard. Services at Bowmansville Mennonite meeting house by Benjamin Horning, John Zimmerman, Elias Nolt and Joseph Wenger. He leaves one son, two daughters and many friends to mourn his departure, but not as those who have no hope. A GRANDSON

MAST - Near Arthur, Ill., on the 29th of July, 1896, of typhoid fever, Charley, son of A.D. and Barbara Mast, aged 1 year, 6 months and 11 days. Funeral services by J.S. Horner. Text, Job. 14:1, 2.

DEARENDORFF - In Howard Co., Ind., on the 16th of August, 1896, of cholera infantum, Roy, son of Samuel and Annie Dearendorff, aged 1 month and 26 days. Funeral services by J.S. Horner and Peter Hawk. Text, 2 Kings 4:26. May God console the dear young parents of little Roy.
"Death has robbed us of our Roy, whom we loved and cherished dear;
It was Roy, oh yes, dear Roy, can we help but shed a tear?"

CLOUSER - On April 15th, 1897, Bro. James B. Clouser died at his home in Rockton, Clearfield Co., Pa., of disease of the bladder from which we suffered for more than a year. Buried on the 18th in the Rockton cemetery. Funeral services were conducted by A.D. Wenger and Aaron Loucks. Texts, Psa. 34:6: Job 14:14.
Father, thou has left us lonely, sorrow fills our hearts to-day;
But beyond this vale of sorrow tears will all be wiped away.
Husband, thou art sweetly resting, here thy toils and cares are o'er;
Pain and sickness, death and sorrow; never can distress thee more.

OVERHOLT - On the 10th of Sept., 1896, in Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., Ind., of typhoid fever, Emma daughter of Jonas and Hannah Overholt, aged 19 years, 11 months and 13 days. Buried on the 12th at the Yellow Creek graveyard. Funeral services by George Lambert and Amos Mumaw. Text, Psa. 39:4.

SMELTZER - On the 25th of Sept., 1896, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., Elizabeth Smeltzer, aged 50 years, 8 months and 4 days. She was received into church fellowship by water baptism about two weeks previous to her death. Buried on the 26th in the Yellow Creek graveyard. Funeral services by Amos Mumaw assisted by Jonas Loucks and Jacob Christophel. Text, Esslesiates 8:8.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

UP

YODER - April 28, 1897, near Allensville, Mifflin Co., Pa., David F. Yoder, aged 76 years, 3 months and 16 days. Bro. Yoder served in the church as deacon many years. He was kind hearted and upright.

PEACHEY - May 15, 1897, in Menno Twp., Mifflin Co., Pa., John Peachey, aged 68 years, 7 months and 5 days. Bro. Peachey was a minister many years.

POTTER - Martha, wife of Alonzo Potter, of near Springs, Okla, died May 20th, 1897, aged 62 years and 3 months. Sister Martha was fully resigned to the will of the Lord. She leaves a sorrowing husband and four sons and one daughter to mourn, but not as those who have no hope. Funeral services at the Sod meeting house by A.P. Eaton from Rev. 14:13, and S. Hetrick from 2 Tim. 4:6--8.

ORR - On May 4th, 1897, near Springs, Okla., of the infirmities of old age and dropsy, Lectia J. Orr, aged 72 years 10 months and 19 days She was buried on May 5th in the Anthony burying ground, Kansas. Funeral services by S. Hetrick from Job 14:25--27.

BLOCHER - On the 12th of May, 1897, in Olive Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of a lingering disease, Susannah, widow of the late Christian Blocher, aged 59 years, 11 months and 6 days. She was born in Clarence Center, Erie Co., N.Y., June 6th, 1837, was married to Christian Blocher June 18th, 1865, and the same year they moved to Elkhart Co., Ind. She was a devoted member of the Mennonite church about thirty years. She leaves four children and five brothers to mourn her death. Funeral services were conducted by Amos Mumaw and John F. Funk. Text, Prov. 16:32. The funeral was largely attended. May God comfort the sorrowing children and friends.

MEGARY - Near Forest Grove., Elkhart Co., Ind., of consumption, Catharine Scott, wife of George Megary, aged 40 years and 18 days. She was born in Richland Co., Ohio, May 9th, 1857, was married to George Megary in 1874. To this union were born four children, one of whom preceded her to the spirit world. She died rejoicing in her Savior. Funeral Sunday, May 30th at Forest Grove by J.S. Hartzler from 1 Thess. 4:13, 14.

MILLER - on the 20th of May, 1897, at Sturgis, Mich., John, son of Tobias and Mary Miller, aged 18 years, 2 months and 3 days. He was born in La Grange, Ind., and moved with his father to Sturgis, Mich., but his health soon gave way and since last December he was obliged to spend the greater part of his time in bed. During his sickness he gave his heart to Christ and died in the triumphs of living faith. Buried in the Pretty Prairie graveyard Monday, May 31st. Funeral services by J.S. Hartzler and Noah Shutt from 1 Cor. 15:58, 59.

YODER - On the 25th of March, 1897, in Conemaugh Twp., Somerset Co., Pa., Susannah wife of Isaac Yoder, aged 70 years and 9 months. The following lines were selected by her son-in-law, Levi Blauch, and her daughter Barbara.
Dearest mother, thou hast left us, here thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal.
Yonder in the graveyard gently, rests the form we loved so well;
But we look to heaven and glory, where there will be no farewell.
Mother, thou hast left us lonely, in this world alone to roam;
We may truly ask the question, What is home since thou art gone?
For a year thy strength was waning, till in March the thirteenth day;
Then two weeks in cheerful silence, death is awaiting gently lay.
Farewell mother, till we meet thee, in thy heavenly home above;
There to sing God's praises with thee, in the land of joy and love.

COX - On the 19th of May, 1897, near Plevna, Howard Co., Ind., after a few days' illness, Mary Ellen, wife of Wm. Cox, aged 22 years. She leaves her husband, and two children, one an infant about a week old. Funeral services at the Zion church by A.J. Troyer from John 5:24, 25. May this call bring the husband near to his God.

HOSTETLER - On the 18th of May, 1897, at Bunker Mill, Miami Co., Ind., of stomach trouble, Ray, son of David and Katie Hostetler, aged 1 year and 5 months. Funeral services on the 19th at the Zion meeting house by J.S. Horner in English from Mark 10:22, and by Pre. Brooker in German from 2 Kings 4:26.

STEEP - On May 13th, 1897, near Breslau, Ont., George Steep, aged about 59 years. Buried in Wanner's cemetery on the 15th. Funeral services by Pre. Ia. Wambold. Text, Isa. 38:1.

MILLER - Jacob Miller was born May 14, 1816, and died May 15, 1897, aged 81 years and 1 day. He was a member of the Amish church, and was faithful to the end. Funeral took place May 17, at his residence near Berlin, Holmes Co., Ohio, and was attended by an immense host of friends and relatives. Funeral sermon was preached by Moses Beachy and Abraham Yoder.

MILLER - Pre. Moses Miller was born Jan. 12, 1811 and died May 6, 1897, aged 86 years, 3 months and 24 days. In 1835 he was ordained to the ministry in the Amish church and twelve years later he was ordained to the office of bishop in which capacity he served faithfully until God called him home. The deceased, it is said, was the first child born to Amish parents in Holmes Co., Ohio. He was born and raised, lived and died in Walnut Creek Twp. He lived an honest, exemplary life and was held in high esteem in his church and neighborhood. Funeral took place at his residence Saturday, May 8th, attended by an immense concourse of friends and acquaintances. Services were conducted by Moses Mast and Samuel Miller.

KING - Lydia Fern, daughter of Amandus P. and Jemina King of near East Lynne, Cass Co., Mo., died of summer complaint, May 30th, 1897, aged 2 years and 12 days. She was sick but four days. Thus another soul has escaped the many temptations and pitfalls of this life, and has been taken to a world where there will not be more sickness nor pain nor death. Funeral services at the Sugar Grove church on June 1st, by L.J. Miller in English and J.J. Hartzler in German from Matt. 18:10--14.

HARTMAN - On the 1st of June, 1897, near Nappanee, Ind., of a complication of diseases, Anna, daughter of Adam and Nancy Hartman, aged 25 years, 9 months and 6 days. She had been afflicted for several years, but bore her sufferings with patience, and meekness. She was a devoted Christian, trusting in the Lord. She desired the family and relatives to come to her bedside and she admonished them and requested they should all meet her in heaven. She made a special request that her uncles and aunts should meet her in that better home. She told her parents and brothers and sisters she was prepared to go home and they should not weep for her. She was buried on the 4th at Yellow Creek meeting house. Funeral was conducted by David Burkholder and John F. Funk from Mark 14:8 and Phil 1:21. She was not strong in body, and yet she has done what she could for her own soul and for others. And we rejoice that in her death we need not mourn as those who have no hope.
"Dearest sister, thou hast left us, here thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God who has bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal."

HECKADON - Jacob Henry, youngest son of Alex. and Mary Heckadon. He died on May 11th, 1897, of a severe attack of croup, aged 6 years, 10 months and 14 day. Funeral and interment at the Bridgeport church near Jordan, Ont. Services conducted by Israel Moyer.

OVERHOLT - At his home near Jordan, Ont., Bro. Jacob Overholt departed this life, aged 72 years, 10 months and 21 days. On the day before his death he attended the funeral of his little grandson to whom he was very much attached. His son-in-law, Alex. Heckadon, lived in the same house, and little Jakie and his grandpa were much in company. On the way home from the funeral Bro. Overholt was stricken with paralysis and died in a few hours. The funeral was held on the 15th. A large number of people were present, showing that his quiet and peaceful Christian life had won for him many friends. His widow, three sons and daughter survive him. Funeral services were held in the meeting house of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. He was buried in the Moyer burying-ground. Services were conducted by Gilbert Bearss, Israel Moyer and S.F. Coffman from Rev. 14:13. "That they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

BYLER - Brother Henry Byler was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., on Dec. 15th, 1816. He was married to Miss Rebecca Kurtz on the 12th of April, 1855. To this union were born six children, four of whom with their mother, and four grandchildren survive him. He moved to Fairfield Co., Ohio with his parents in 1844. From there he removed to Wayne Co., where he was married. He moved to Champaign Co., in 1874, where he lived until his removal to West Liberty four years ago. He was for many years a member of the Amish church and lived a consistent Christian life. He was a man always true to his calling, and by his death the family has been bereft of a kind and indulgent husband and father, and the community of a good citizen. He was devoted to his life partner, and she to him. His children reverenced him, and cherish the memory of their father. He lived peaceably with all men until the good Lord was pleased to take him home where parting is no more. He died at his home in West Liberty, Ohio, May 14th, 1897, after a long illness of kidney trouble, in the eighty-first year of his age. The funeral services took place Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, at his late residence on West Columbus Street. A large concourse of people were present. David Blyth, paster of the Presbyterian church, preached the sermon, his text being 1 Cor. 15:19, 20. Appropriate remarks were also made by Pre. David Hilty, pastor of the Mennonite church. Interment in the Fair View cemetery.
To-night we are thinking, dear father, of the grief that has come to our home;
How you left us in silence one afternoon, you left us in silence and gloom.
At your sick-bed, dear husband, I watched with the tenderest care,
Through the weary days that you suffered, while my heart was uplifted in prayer.
We loved thee, dear husband and father, and would have wished thee stay;
But let the Father's will be done, 'twill shine in endless day. J.A. ZOOK

HECKADON - Clara Ethel, youngest child of Alex. and Mary Heckadon, died of an attack of croup on the 23rd of May, 1897, aged 4 years, 10 months and 5 days. The third time in less than two weeks, the death messenger came to call from this home one who was very dear. God's will be done. Funeral services was held at the Bridgeport Methodist Church by S.F. Coffman. Text, Luke 8:54. Her form now rests beside that of her little brother. Playmates in life, companions in death.
Thus comes the great messenger, summons here, summons there;
God sends the swift messenger, calling some, others spare.
We're sad; but this messenger leads our hearts, worn with care.
To Him, a kind messenger, who in each sorrow will share.
Jacob has now gone away, to his home in the sky.
Grandpa would so gladly stay with his friends, but on high
He'll wait; Clara too. We may greet them there bye and bye.

FREED - On March 13th, 1897, near Wakarusa, Ind., of typhoid pneumonia, Henry Freed, aged 45 years, 11 months and 13 days. Buried in the North Union cemetery. Funeral services by Amos Mumaw, Henry Weldy and John Coffman. Bro. Freed was a very devoted member of the church, and his life, and conversation gave evidence that he had experienced that change of heart that assures one that Christ is a living Savior to all them that believe in His name. He leaves a family of children to the care of his bereaved companion, some of whom have confessed Christ and have united with the church of their parents. The attachment of the family was so deep and tender that it was hard to look upon the parting scene. In the meetings held at North Union shortly before his death he was deeply interested for the prosperity of the church and the salvation of souls. He spoke to many personally of the necessity of accepting Christ as their Savior. The church and the neighborhood have suffered a bereavement that appears sad in the sight of men, but we trust it is well in the sight of Him who is good to all. May God comfort the loving bereaved ones.

CROSS - Fannie Yoder, daughter of Bro. and Sister A. Yoder of Green Twp., Iowa Co., Iowa, was born on the 23d of January, 1878. On the 4th of May, 1896 she left home, and, unknown to her family she was married to D.S. Cross, the next day, conscious that she was transgressing the apostolic ordinance. After a while the desire to return home became to strong that she prayed to God to open the way for her to return, which she did on the 3d of February, 1897, and on the 16th of the month she came repentant and was received back into church fellowship. She remained at home until she died, of consumption, on the 16th of May, 1897, at the early age of 19 years, 3 months and 23 days. She earnestly admonished her husband to forsake sin and prepare to meet her in heaven. She entreated all to work for Jesus and closed with the Lord's Prayer, and said, "I am ready to go." As the days went by she became anxious to depart, and at last the message came and she calmly passed away to the land beyond where there's no more weeping, pain or death. It is sad indeed to lose a friend so young in years, but to know that she was a devoted believer in her Savior and longed for His coming, creates joy even in sorrow. Funeral services were held at the Champion Hill church by Bish. Werey in German and Pre. McFarlane in English, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Yost Yoder cemetery, followed by an unusually large concourse of relation and friends. She had selected hymn No. 152, "Finest of the Wheat." Out of her parents' family of five sons and four daughters she was the first to be called away by death. All the members of the family were present at the burial. May we all look up to Jesus for help and labor faithfully until we shall meet her in that land of life where partings are unknown. A. YODER

POWELL - John W. Powell died at his home near Elida, Allen Co., Ohio, May 12th, 1897, aged 36 years, 3 months and 25 days. He is survived by a sorrowing widow, one son and three daughters. Bro. Powell was born in Rockingham Co., Va. In 1881 he came to Allen Co., Ohio, and in 1882 he united with the Mennonite church and was a faithful member to the time of his death. He was much concerned for the welfare of the church, and wished that his suffering might be a benefit to all. Bro. Powell was a very strong and robust young man, and was always blessed with good health until about four months prior to his death he began to complain of pain in his jaw; soon after a lump appeared and grew very fast. He was advised by his physician to have it removed, which was done, but it only appeared to make the matter worse; the disease took its course very rapidly until it ended in death. The physician called his disease a carcamo cancer. He was buried on the 14th in the Salem graveyard. Funeral services were conducted by C.B. Brenneman and D.S. Brunk before a well filled house. Peace to his ashes.
Farewell, dear wife, God has called me, weep not for me when I am gone,
But prepare to meet me yonder when the Christian's work is done.
We miss thee husband 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 thy absence there;
And oh what sorrow fills our heart, to see thy vacant chair.
Thy room looks vacant without thee, how desolate every heart;
Oh could we hear thy voice again, what joy it would impart.
Farewell, dear wife and children dear, I loved you all while I was here;
Grieve not for me, nor sorrow make, but love each other for my sake.

SOLVEY - Barbara, wife of Jacob Solvey, died May 13th, 1897, near Middleburg, Frank Co., Pa. She was born in Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Pa. They moved from Pennsylvania to Maryland in 1871. No children were born to this union, and so the husband expects to stay with friends. For about seven months the deceased had sore trials and afflictions of body. She suffered all that human flesh could suffer. She was buried on the 16th of May at Rife's Mennonite church of which congregation she was a member for many years. Services were held by George Keener and Henry Baer.
Why should we start and fear to die? What timorous worms we mortals are;
Death is the gate to endless joy, and yet we dread to enter there.
The pains, the groans, and dying strife, fright our approaching souls away;
Still we shrink back again to life, fond of our prison and our day. BY E.B.E.

HERSHEY - On the 11th of May, 1897, in Lancaster Co., Pa., near Gordonville, Bro. Benjamin L. Hershey, aged 58 years, 7 months and some days. Our brother met with a very sudden death. In the afternoon of the same day he was hauling stones a short distance from his home, and not returning for some time, his wife became alarmed, and quickly sent a nephew who was working near by. When he came near he found that life was extinct, heart trouble being the cause. Kind neighbors bore his lifeless body to his home, and oh what sorrow filled that home in so short a time. He leaves a wife, two sons and two daughters and two grandchildren; also four brothers and three sisters. Brother Hershey was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, and for some years was superintendent of the Sunday school at Stumptown. He was loved by all who knew him, being of a kind and amiable disposition. By his death his companion and children have lost a kind, affectionate husband and father, the church a bright and shining light, and his family circle a beloved brother. He has now gone home to dwell with the redeemed on Canaan's happy shore. Funeral services at the house, on the 15th, were conducted by John K. Brubaker. Text, John 11:23, "Thy brother shall rise again." Services at Hershey's meeting house by Bish. Isaac Eby from Psa. 84:4, where a large number of people had gathered to pay their last respects to our departed brother. His remains were laid in the cemetery close by.
"Husband thou hast gone and left me to bear life's burdens all alone?"
But an Angel came and softly whispered he has come to dwell with us at home.
Father thou hast left us weeping, we could not even say farewell;
But again the angel softly whispers we brought him home with us to dwell.
Brother, thou hast done and left us, thy face on earth we see no more;
But again the angel softly whispers, he dwells with us on Canaan's shore.
SISTER A.B.L.

MEANS - Of heart disease, Abraham Mean, May 18th, 1897, aged 69 years, 2 months and 4 days. Abraham Means was born in Bucks Co., Pa. When only thirteen years of age he moved with his parents to Medina Co., Ohio; he was united in marriage to Mary Leatherman, of the same place, at the age of twenty-three. He with his family soon after moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., settling in Harrison Twp., where he resided until Jan. 1884, when he moved his family to Cowley Co., Kansas, where they resided at the time of his death. Brother Means lived a true and consistent Christian for many years. In his death the community loses an earnest Christian worker and his family a loving and kind husband and father. His beloved companion, two sons, one daughter and eleven grandchildren remain to mourn his departure; but they are comforted in the hope and assurance that their loss is his eternal gain. The funeral services were conducted by E.D. Swartz, assisted by preachers Harrider and Jones, from the text, "Blessed are those who die in the Lord." Rev. 14:13. The remains were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives, and were lovingly laid to rest in the Mt. Hope cemetery near father Means' home. D.L.M.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia