OBITUARY
-----
PRE. SAMUEL SHANK
On April 30, 1901, Pre. Samuel Shank closed a long and useful life at his home near Broadway, Rockingham, Co., Va., aged 73 years and 3 months. Bro. Shank was a faithful and valued member of the Mennonite Church for many years. For about thirty-five years he served the church as a minister and as such was firm in his convictions and unswerving in upholding the faith and doctrines which Christ "delivered unto the saints." He was actively engaged in his ministerial work up to the time of his death, having filled an appointment about fifteen miles from home on Sunday previous to his death on Tuesday morning, He died suddenly, having been in his usual health until sometime during the night before his death he complained of a pain in his stomach. His wants were administered to, and the next morning after eating his breakfast which had been brought to him, he expressed himself as feeling better. His wife went out of the room a short time to attend to some household duties, and on returning found him at the point of death. What a blessing it is to be ready when the messenger comes, whether it be in the evening or at midnight or in the morning, as we believe our beloved brother was ready to rest from his labors. In the death of Bro. Shank, the church has lost a pillar, the community a valued citizen and the home a devoted husband and father. A widow, four sons, one daughter and fourteen grandchildren survive him. One son having gone to his reward about nine years ago. He was buried at the Zion M.H., on May 2nd, in the presence of a large assemblage of relatives and friends. Services by Bish. A.P. Heatwole, J.W. Geil and Gabriel Heatwole. Text. Num. 23:10, latter part.

SCHLABACH - On the 5th of June, 1901, of consumption, Sarah J. Schlabach, aged 19 years, 5 months and 20 days. She leaves father, mother, four brothers and three sisters to mourn her early death. When blooming youth is called away, we should be reminded of the fact that death may be very near, and the words of the wise man, "Remember, now, thy Creator in the days of thy youth," come up to us with a wonderful depth of meaning. "Be ye also ready."

HARMAN - On April 3d, 1901, near Red Creek, Tucker Co., W. Va., very suddenly of heart disease, Bro. George W. Harman, aged 43 years, 7 months and 20 days. The funeral discourse was preached at White's S.H., on Sunday, June 23d, 1901, by Pre. E.C. Shank, from 1 Peter, 1:3, 4. He was the first person to embrace the Mennonite faith in Tucker county, and ever since his connection with the church he has remained a faithful and earnest member. Peace to his memory.
L.F.H.

STREBENS - On the 12th of June, 1901, James Stebens, aged 23 years, 3 months, 16 days. He had just finished plowing corn, when a bolt of lightening struck him just as he was turning around at the end. His brother was standing behind him at the same time, but escaped unhurt. The horse was killed. The young man was buried on the 14th. Services were held at the Amish M.H. He was a member of the Brethren Church.

MARNER - On the night of June 16, of heart disease, Abraham Marner, aged 35 years, 8 months and 12 days. He went to bed as usual, and was found dead. He leaves a wife and one son and many friends to mourn his death. Funeral services were held on the 18th by C.E. Hochstettler from 1 Cor. 15, and E.J.S. Miller, from 1 Thess. 4:13 to the end. "Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

BURKHOLDER - On May 16, 1901, in Cumberland Co., Pa., Sister Barbara Burkholder, aged 71 years, 1 month and 1 day. Buried on the 18th at the Diller church burying ground, where a number of friends and neighbors assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to one that had been with them for so many years. She was afflicted for about five years. For the past few years she has been a great care. She bore her suffering with Christian fortitude. She longed to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. We trust that through the merits of a crucified Redeemer, she landed in the heavenly mansions, where parting will be no more. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church for many years; was unmarried. Eighteen years ago she took one of her brother's daughters, at that time but three months old, (its mother died), and raised the child in nurture and admonition of the Lord. Last winter she gave her heart to Christ, at which her aunt greatly rejoiced She administered to her wants, sat by her dear old aunt until her lamp of life went out. J.M. Herr conducted the services. Text, Ps. 132:14.

MAURER - On the 5th of June, 1901, near Milford, Nebraska, Leah, beloved wife of John Maurer, aged 43 years, 1 month, 8 days. She was born on the 28th of April, 1858, in E. Zara, Oxford Co., Ont., and was a daughter of David and Lydia Bender. She leaves a faithful husband, two sons, two daughters, three brothers and three sisters to mourn her early death. She suffered for some time with consumption of the bowels. She suffered little pain and earnest desire was that she might go home and be with Jesus, which is far batter, and now she no doubt can behold and see what before she looked forward to by faith, and so much desired to enjoy. Appropriate services were held by the brethren, Joseph Rediger and Jacob Stauffer, in German, and N.E. Roth in English. She was buried at Fair View, where many people were present to manifest the last tribute of love and respect toward one so much esteemed and loved by all who knew her.

BOOK - On the 17th of April, 1901, near Sterling, Ill., of apoplexy, ____, wife of Jacob Book, aged about 55 years. Her maiden name was Andrews; she was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., came to sterling, 34 years ago at the age of 17 years, was united in marriage with her surviving husband, who deeply mourns her death. Her father, Peter Andrews, is still living; also four brothers and three sisters. The deceased leaves ten children; she was a woman beloved by all who knew her. She was a good wife and mother, a thoughtful neighbor and a loving friend. She never united with any church, always waiting for her husband. Funeral services were conducted by Philip Nice, on the 18th, near the home of the deceased. Buried in Riverside cemetery, at Sterling. May God bless the bereaved husband and children.

GOTWALS - On the 7th of May, 1901, of pneumonia, Susan G. Gotwals, daughter of the late Joseph S. Gotwals, near Yerkes, Montgomery Co., Pa., aged 65 years, 7 months, 6 days. She leaves four brothers, and two sisters to mourn her death. She leaves also an aged mother whose constant companion she had been for years, and while her loss is irreparable to those who have loved her, her death, we hope, is her eternal gain. She was devoted in the service of her Master, and many are the testimonies of her self-sacrifices and self-denials that she made to do good to others, and thereby glorify the name of her heavenly Father. She was a constant reader of her church paper, the HERALD OF TRUTH, and also the YOUNG PEOPLE'S PAPER; she was also a faithful member of the church of her choice. Funeral was held on the 13th of May at the Providence Mennonite M.H. Services were conducted by the brethren, Jacob B. Mensch, Jesse Mack, and Jacob Hunsberger, and was largely attended by the sorrowing friends and relatives, yet they mourn not as those who have no hope, believing that God does all things well. We feel sure that it would be hard, yes very hard to bear the trails, pains and conflicts of this present evil world, if it were not for the hope, both sure and steadfast, that awaits all God's faithful ones in the world of bliss. The Lord help up that we may ever look forward to the joys beyond through "faith's enduring ties."

SWARTLEY - On the 31st of May, 1901, near Line Lexington, Bucks Co., Pa., of dropsy and kidney trouble, Geo. Swartley, aged 80 years, 10 months and 19 days. On November 8th, 1842, he was married to Catharine Funk (sister of John F. Funk, Elkhart, Indiana). To this union were born three children, two sons and one daughter. The oldest son died 48 years ago. He became a member of the Mennonite Church many years ago. He was buried on the 6th of June, at the Line Lexington burying ground. Services were conducted at the house by Pre. John Walter in English, and Josiah Clemmer in German. At the meeting house services were conducted by Pre. Henry Rosenberger, in German, and Frank P. Cassel in English.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia

UP

FRETZ - On July 2nd, 1901, at Campden, Ont., Bro. Henry Fretz, aged 71 years, 3 months and 13 days. He died from the effects of a sunstroke. He had been a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years and was one of the pillars of the Mountain Cong. The remains were laid to rest in the Mountain cemetery. He leaves behind him a sorrowing widow, one son, five daughters and several grandchildren to mourn their loss, but we hope his departure may have been with the redeemed. Services at the house were conducted by J.F. Ruttenhouse and at the church by E.S. Hallman. Text, 39:4. Their daughter, Maggie, and her husband were here from Bucks Co., Pa. Martha and her husband from Germantown, Pa., and Emma and her husband from Buffalo, N.Y.

BIRKY - Valentine Birky was born on Oct. 12, 1821, and died June 28, 1901, aged 79 years, 8 months and 16 days. He came to America in 1846 and settled in Tazewell Co., Ill. In 1880 he was married to Elizabeth Springer. To this union were born thirteen children, three of whom preceded him to the spirit world. The deceased leaves ten children, twenty-four grandchildren, one great grandchild, three brothers, and three sisters to mourn his death. The funeral services were conducted by Jacob Ringenberg from Tiskilwa, and Peter Hochsettler, Groveland, Ill.

GRIESZER - On the 22nd of June, 1901, Sister Jakobina Grieszer, aged 65 years and 8 months. She leaves three brothers and one sister. Deceased suffered with liver complaint. Services on Sunday, June 23d, by N.E. Roth and Jos. Schlegel.

MILLER - On the 25th of June, 1901, Bro. Emanuel S. Miller, of Topeka, LaGrange Co., Ind., while trying to take a load of hay to a neighbor fell from the load and died within an hour. It is believed that his falling was due to an attack of sunstroke, as it was a very warm day. Bro. Miller died at the age of 57 years, 6 months and 7 days. The deceased leaves a wife, one son, four daughters, five brothers, one sister and many friends and acquaintances to mourn over the loss of one who was highly esteemed by all. He was also a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church. The funeral services were conducted by D.I. Hochstettler and E.I. Miller. Text, 2 Cor, 5:1.
D.I.H.

GOCHNANER - On the 20th of May, 1901, near Landisville, Lane Co., Pa., Sister Martha H. Gochnaner, aged 64 years, 8 months and 28 days. She had been in failing health for about a year. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church. She leaves two brothers and one sister. Buried at Petersburg on the 23d of May. Pre. John Rohrer spoke at the house from Psalm 29:4. Services at the Petersburg M.H., by John Landis from Prov. 14:32 and Hiram Kauffman from St. John 11:25.

EBERSOLE - Andrew Lester, infant son of David and Sister Alice Ebersole, of Ashton, Ind., died of pneumonia, December, 1901, aged about 6 months. He was a frail little flower and God in his wisdom transplanted the little bud in the world unknown. Services by Bishop Keener and Pre. Strite. Interment in the Mennonite cemetery.
Transcriber's Notes: The year of death is written as 1901, but must have intended to write 1900 as this is the July 1901 issue of the Herald of Truth.

BOWMAN - On the 4th of July, 1901, of paralysis of the spine, from which we had been suffering for the past fifteen months, Samuel Bowman, aged 72 years, 2 months and 7 days. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon. Services were conducted by J.C. Koller and Daniel Stump. The burial took place at Bear's M.H.

PLANK - On the 2nd of May, 1901, near Pleasant Hope, Mo., Frank Plank, aged about 29 years. Buried in the Pleasant Hope burying ground on the 3rd. He was a carpenter, engaged in building a barn. He wanted to descend from the roof by means of a rope and tackle which had been arranged for hoisting materials. As he put his foot into the loop, the rope became loose, and he fell a distance of 40 feet to the ground, passing between two sets of joist and turning in the fall, struck his head and died within a hour. He leaves a wife and many relatives to mourn his death. He was a son of John Plank, of Goshen, Ind., and a grandson of the late Christian S. Plank, deceased, of Middlebury, Ind. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Congregation with which he united four years ago.

GRAYBILL - Bro. Amos Graybill, Sr., was born in Thompsontown, Pa., Dec. 26, 1830. He was married to Mary Shelley, Jan. 27, 1857. This union was blessed with seven sons and three daughters; one son preceded him, having met death in a railway accident in Colorado, Oct. 13, 1898. Bro. Graybill united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 27, and was a consistent member until death. In 1877 he moved to Harvey Co., Kansas, and five years after he moved to the city of Newton, where he spent the rest of his life. Of late years his advanced aged began to tell on his health, although he was still able to be about until a week before his death, when bronchial trouble hastened his end. His end was peaceful and painless. Funeral services were held at the house on the 1st by J.Y. Ewert and at the Trousdale M.H. by J.M.H. Weaver, from a text chosen by the deceased shortly before his death. Burial near Trousdale.

STUTZMAN - On the 24th of May, 1901, near Middlebury, Indiana, of diabetes and consumption, from which she suffered for many years, Betsy Hochstetler, wife of Samuel Stutzman, aged 59 years, 9 months and 8 days. She was able to be around until the last two weeks of her life. She was anxiously waiting for the time when she would be taken home. She was born near Dandsville, Somerset Co., Pa., August 16, 1841. She united with the Amish Mennonite church in her young years and was faithful to the end. She was married to her surviving husband, March 4, 1860. In 1865 they moved to Indiana. She was buried May 27th in the Miller cemetery. She leaves besides her husband a brother and many friends and relatives to mourn her death, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. Funeral services were conducted by D.J. Johns, Em. Mast, and Amos Cripe, from Rev. 16:13.

MYERS - On the 16th of May, 1901, in Bedminster Twp., Bucks Co., Pa., Winfield, son of Manion and Mary Myers, aged 4 months. He was buried on the 18th of May, at the Deep Run M.M.H. The little lamb has now gone to live with Jesus and with the loved ones that went before him.
Your little crib is empty, your clothes are now laid by;
You've gone to live with Jesus, within your home on high.
Farewell, my dearest mamma, you've rocked and loved me here,
But Jesus loved your darling, so farewell, mamma dear.
Farewell, my dearest papa, you to your bosom pressed,
Your darling little Winfield, who now has gone to rest.
Farewell brothers and sisters, you've loved and cared for me,
Prepare to meet dear Winfield, where we shall happy be.

Transcribed by C. Wheeler - British Columbia