OBITUARIES
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PRE. JOHN GEIL
In the death of this servant of the Lord Jesus the church has
lost a devoted minister of the gospel and the family a devoted
husband and father. On the 5th of September, 1875, at the age
of 45 years he was chosen by lot and ordained to the ministry.
From that time to the day of his death he has been recognized
as a faithful laborer in the Lord's harvest field, as well as
a wise counsellor in the church and in the conference. The voice
that is now hushed and still in death was often heard in defense
of the gospel and in behalf of our beloved church - in the welfare
of which he seemed to hold a constant and abiding interest. Owing
to bodily infirmity, in the later years of his life he was prevented
from entering upon the more active duties of the ministry, yet
his kind works of counsel and advice always served to inspire
zeal and courage in his co-workers in the Master's vineyard. His
death occurred at his home near Ambuly, Rodeingham Co., Va., on
July 28th, 1900, at the age of 70 years, 5 months and 1 day. Funeral
services at the Brenneman M.H. by C. Brunk, D.S. Brunk and C.
Good.
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REESOR - On July 5, 1901, at Cedar Grove, Ont., Samuel Reesor quietly fell asleep at the ripe old age of 84 years and 3 months. Deceased was well as usual when he retired in the evening and was found dead in his room in the morning. He imitated some time before that he expected to pass away. He ascribed his continual health to the Lord's keeping and mercy. Grandfather entered the Master's service when a young man, and was a prominent member of the Mennonite church for over sixty years. His noble Christian example and deep interest in the welfare of Christ's cause was productive of much good, and truly his works follow him. His pointed sayings and timely advice will long be remembered by those who became acquainted with him. Owing to the large gathering of people the funeral sermon was preached in the open air on the homestead; preaching by Eli S. Hallman; text, Rev. 14:13. Buried in the Cedar Grove cemetery on the 7th of July. His wife, two sons and one daughter preceded him into eternity, while four sons, two daughters, thirty-one grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive him. L.J. BURKHOLDER
HURSH - On the 27th of April, 1901, at his home near Stoney Brook, Pa., of pneumonia, Pre. Eli Hursh, aged 61 years, 2 months and 23 days. He was sick only a very short time, and died very unexpectedly. He was an active, faithful laborer in the minister about 10 years. A widow, four sons, two daughters and six grandchildren survive him. He was buried at the Stoney Brook M.H., on the 30th, in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. Services by Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher, of Mt. Joy, and Pre. Theo. B. Forry. Text, Matt. 25:23.
NEUSCHWANGER - July 9th, 1901, Bro. Nelson Neuschwanger, aged 16 years, 3 months and 9 days, died from an injury caused by a runaway team, frightened by a lightening striking a short distance away. He was dragged behind a cultivator about 160 feet; meanwhile a shovel striking his head broke his skull and injured his brain so he lived only about ten days. Sudden as death came he was found ready having given his heart to God some years ago after which he strove manfully onward in the love of his Redeemer, manifesting itself in obedience to God, his parents, and the ministry. He leaves parents, one brother and three sisters in mourning because of his departure. Funeral services were conducted by Abram M. Unruh and J.L. Brubaker.
WEIDEMAN - On June 26th, 1901, in Markham, York Co.,
Ont., of heart trouble and dropsy, Margaret, beloved wife
of Daniel Wideman, aged 52 years, 1 month and 12 days. Buried
on the Wideman burying ground where many friends and neighbors
assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to one loved by
all. She was afflicted for a number of years but bore it all with
Christian patience. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite
church for a number of years, was fully resigned to the Lord's
will and earnestly entreated all the surviving family to meet
her in heaven. Services conducted at the house by John J. Hoover;
at the M.H. by S.R. Hoover and F. Elliott. Text, John 5:25. God
bless the bereaved family.
Transcriber's Notes: Surname is first written as Weideman and
then as Wideman.
ALBRIGHT - On the 5th of July, 1901, near Fiskilwa,
Ill., Anna M., daughter of John and Elizabeth Albrecht,
aged 14 years, 9 months and 20 days. She leaves father, mother,
two sisters and three brothers to mourn her death. She was buried
July 7th. Funeral services were conducted by Jacob Ringenberg,
of Groveland, and Sem. Garber in German, and Alvin Taylor in English.
Transcriber's Notes: Surname is written as Albright and the
parents' surname is written as Albrecht.
FUNK - On the 6th of January, 1901, in the vicinity of Bowling Green, Clay Co., Ind., of heart disease, Sarah Jane Ellis, wife of Daniel Funk, aged 77 years, 2 months and 1 day. She was born Nov. 5, 1823, in Berkley Co., Va. She came to Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1845, where she was married to her surviving husband, Aug. 6, 1846. She came with her husband to Clay Co., Ind., in 1854. She was the mother of three children, - two sons and a daughter. The daughter preceded her to the better world, Sept. 10, 1872. She leaves a sorrowing husband, two sons, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for a number of years. Funeral services were held at the Otterbine U.B. church on the 14th of July, 1901, by John F. Funk, of Elkhart, from 2 Cor. 5:1. Peace to her ashes.
BLOSSER - On July 3d, 1901, near Wakarusa, Indiana, of a lingering illness, Susanna Brunk, wife of Joseph Blosser, aged 68 years, 10 months and 17 days. She had been suffering for about two years, but continued "up and around" until the last seven weeks of her life, during which time she suffered greatly. She appeared to be fully resigned to the will of God. She said she was ready to go. When she knew her time was short, she gave directions as to some of the arrangements for her funeral. Services were conducted by Henry Weldy and George Lambert from 2 Tin. 4:7-8. She leaves a sorrowing husband and one daughter. Interment at Yellow Creek M.H. on the 5th.
THOMAS - On the 5th of July, 1901, in Conemaugh township, Somerset Co., Pa., Sister Rachel, wife of Jacob E. Thomas (deceased), aged 75 years, 3 months and 8 days. She was buried on the 7th at the Thomas church; funeral services were conducted at the house by Bro. S. Gindlesperger, and at the church by S. Layman, Jonas Blough, S.D. Shetler and L.A. Blough, and at the grave by James Saylor. Text, Psa. 35:14. Sister Thomas was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years. She left behind three sons, two daughters, and many other friends, but they need not mourn as those that have no hope.
SCHNADER - On the 19th of July, 1901, in Goodville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Hetzel Schnader, of heart failure, aged 73 years, 6 months and 9 days. Funeral on the 23rd. Services were conducted by Benj. Weaver, at the Goodville meeting house; text, Job 14:10, with appropriate remarks. Interment at Weaverland burial ground. He was a resident of Goodville for about fifty years. He united in the bonds of matrimony with Sarah Stauffer, May 11th, 1863, who survives him. He was a kind and obliging neighbor and highly esteemed. He was a regular attendant at the Goodville Mennonite church and Sunday school, where his place is vacant. But we have the blessed hope that he is at rest in glory.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia
WENGER - On the 29th of June, 1901, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Fink, at Oblong, Ill., Bro. Adam Wenger, at the ripe age of 84 years, 7 months and 27 days. The last few weeks of his life were spent under great suffering, but never a murmur was heard to pass his lips. He said he was willing to suffer all for Christ's sake. He had a desire to depart and be with Jesus. He chose for his text 2 Tim. 4:6--8. Funeral services were conducted at the M.E. Church by Pre. McHenry of the U.B., and Pre. Turner of the M.E. Church. Ten children survive him, four sons and six daughters. Four daughters and one son were present at the funeral. Those absent are H.H. Wenger, Palisade, Colo., A.M. Wenger, Burlington, Ks. Bro. Wenger was born Nov. 2, A.D. 1816, in Lancaster Co., Pa. In the spring of 1837 he came with his parents to Wayne Co., O., where on Nov. 5, 1840, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Mary Hoover. In the year 1850 they moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., when in the Fall of 1860 they united with the Mennonite Church. In the fall of 1870 they moved to Crawford Co., Ill. In 1881 Sister Wenger died and went to try the realities of a future world. From the time that Bro. Wenger left Elkhart Co., he had no opportunity to worship with his own people, except on one or two occasions when he visited with the brethren in Owen Co., Ind. Both Bro. Wenger and his companion remained steadfast in the doctrine of the Church. Since the death of Sister Wenger, Bro. Wenger had his home with his daughter, Mrs. Anna Fink, of Oblong, Ill., where he died as above stated.
EBY - On the 30th of July, 1901, at Ebersole, Waterloo Co., Ont., from the effects of a paralytic stroke which came upon him about ten days before his death. He was the youngest surviving son of the late Bro. Isaac Eby of near Berlin, who died many years ago. Deceased was born August 9, 1850, and was married to Mary Ann Clemmer, who with three sons and one daughter survive him. One son preceded him. Deceased was for upwards of twenty years a teacher in the public schools and was well known throughout the country, the editor having been for several years a pupil of his. He was also for several years engaged in the publishing business and is the author of several works, one of which is an excellent biographical "History of Waterloo Township" in two volumes, published in 1895. His burial on the 2d of August, in the C. Eby graveyard, Berlin, was very largely attended. Funeral services by S.R. Knechtel in German and D.B. Sherk in English.
Transcriber's note: first name not given
MICHAEL - On July 25th, 1901, Emmerson Franklin Michael, son of Pre. Nelson Michael, of Bertie, Ontario aged 22 years, 2 months and 11 days. He died from the effects of a sunstroke. On his death bed he saw the importance of preparing to meet his God, and after earnest prayer he found peace and was baptized. Oh, may this be a loud call for all his young friends. May they without delay seek their refuge in Christ. Funeral services were conducted by Bishop Daniel Wismer. Text, John 5:24, 25. His remains were laid to rest in the Bertie burying-ground.
MOYER - On July 7th, 1901, Brother Tilman W. Moyer, undertaker of Campden, Ontario, aged 71 years, 5 months and 25 days. He died from the effects of the heat. He was a member of the Mennonite Church and a pillar in the Mountain congregation. He will be greatly missed in the family neighborhood and church, but we hope that our loss will be his eternal gain. May the God of all grace comfort the sorrows of a bereaved widow, children, and grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted by E.S. Hallman. Text, 1 Cor. 15:57. Remarks were made by ministers Jaegar and Moyer of the Evangelical Church. His remains were laid to rest in the Mountain church burying-ground.
MASSEY - On Sunday, July 21, 1901, at the house of Peter Reeser, in Salisbury Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Mary Massey, aged 66 years, 10 months and 6 days. She suffered for several months from a broken down constitution, but bore her afflictions with Christian fortitude, patiently waiting the Master's call to eternity. She had been for many years a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite church. Services by Bish. Isaac Eby and Pre. John B. Senger. Text, Rev. 14:13. Burial at the old burying-ground at Hershey's M.H. She leaves two sisters and many friends, who mourn their loss, which they believe to be her eternal gain.
DOMBACH - On the 19th of July, near Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa., Elizabeth Hen Dombach, relict of the late Martin Dombach, from a general breaking up of the system, incident to old age, which she brought to 85 years, 1 month and 23 days. She left twelve children, fifty-eight grandchildren and forty-four great-grandchildren. Funeral services on the 22nd, at 12 o'clock at the house and at 1:30 P.M. at Habecker's meeting house, conducted by A.M. Witmer and Jacob Brubaker, from Isa. 66:13. "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you: And ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem!" Interment at A.M. Witmer's burial ground, where her husband was laid to rest on the 15th of November, 1875.
HIESTAND - On the 24th of July, 1901, near German Mills, Waterloo Co., Ont., Bro. George Hiestand, eldest son of the late Bro. David Hiestand, who moved from Chester Co., Pa., to Canada, in 1816. Bro. George Hiestand was born Nov. 1, 1820, was married March 10, 1844, to Esther Scheirich who died Feb. 18, 1845. He was married to his deceased wife's sister, Veronica Scheirich, who died Nov. 10, 1848. After her decease he was married to another sister, Elizabeth Scheirich, widow of the late Jacob Bleam. She died Dec 17, 1890. On the 10th of July, 1892, he was married to Magdalena Biehn. He reached the ripe old age of 80 years, 8 months and 23 days, and was for many years a member of the Mennonite Church. Of his family of one son and three daughters, one daughter survives. The funeral, at the C. Eby meeting house, Berlin, was very largely attended, there being 136 vehicles in the funeral cortege.
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OBITUARY
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On June 22nd, 1901, after an illness of only a few days, Bishop
Abraham Shank departed this life at his home near Broadway,
Rockingham Co., Va., aged 71 years, 8 months and 3 days. His death
was a surprise and shock to all; even his own household thought
he was almost well when his condition suddenly changed and death
came in a few moments. Bro. Shank was a faithful and valued member
of the Mennonite Church for many years, having labored in the
church as minister for about forty years. About twenty-five years
of this time he served as bishop, which office he filled with
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the church. He was
actively engaged in the Master's service to the time of his death.
He preached on the last Sunday of his life as did also his brother,
Samuel, who died April 30th, last. These two brothers lived on
adjoining farms all their lives, labored in the church together
as ministers many years and died less than two months apart. Bro.
Shank certainly "bore the heat and burden of the day"
in his ministerial labors. He never let business matters interfere
with his church work, yet he was successful financially. He was
very attentative to the congregation under his care, both at home
and in West Va., preferring to make many trips across the mountains
himself rather than burden his co-laborers. Bro. Shank possessed
a mild and gentle disposition with the other qualifications combined
to "magnify his office." Our brother will be greatly
missed, not only in the home and neighborhood, but the church
deeply feels her loss. He was married August 17th, 1854,
to Sallie Showaiter, who survives him. To this union were born
two daughters, one of which preceded her father to the spirit
world several months. A widow, one daughter, eight grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren, with a host of relatives and friends
remain to mourn their loss, but our loss we believe is His eternal
gain. He was buried at Zion meeting house on the 24th, in the
presence of a large concourse of people which bore evidence of
the esteem in which he was held. A short service was held at the
house by Bish. A.P. Heatwole and the services were concluded at
the church by the brethren, A.P. Heatwole and J.W. Geil, from
Rev. 14:13.
Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia