Martin.-Anna, widow of Michael Martin, was born May 24, 1823, and died at her home in Lincoln Co., Ont., April 24, 1903. She had been many years a faithful member of the Mennonite church. The remaining family have the sympathy of their many friends. The burial took place at the Moyer burying ground. Funeral services were held by Isaac Rittenhouse of South Cayuga, Ont. Text, Rom. 8:18.
Fretz.-Magdalena Sherk, the beloved wife of Jacob Fretz, died at her home near Jordan, Ont., after a lingering illness of several years, April 27, 1903. She was born Sept. 4, 1844. For nearly 40 years she was wedded to her now sorrowing companion. Five sons and two daughters are also bereft of a kind and affectionate mother. She bore the pains of her suffering (diabetes) with patience and looked forward with longing to the rest promised the saints. A large number of friends were present at the funeral services, which were held April 30, and conducted by Isaac Rittenhouse in the Moyer meeting house. Text, I Cor. 2:9.
Honsberger.-Mary Anne Snyder, beloved wife of Franklin Honsberger, of Jordan, Ont., passed away at the home of her parents, Bro. And Sister John Snyder of German Mills, Ont. She had been a patient sufferer, but was soon cut off from her useful life and leaves a sorrowing companion and two small children, who have the sympathy of many friends. Funeral services were conducted at the home of Bro. Snyder in Waterloo Co. by Noah Stouffer and Eli Hallman. The corpse was then brought to Jordan to the home from which she had gone last fall and to which she had soon expected to return to be with her beloved family. Funeral services were held on Sunday, when an exceptionally large congregation assembled, it being also the occasion of the funeral services of the above Sister Martin. On this afternoon within an hour these two bodies were laid away to rest until the day of resurrection. May God give especial comfort to the parents, brothers, sister and beloved companion and children of the esteemed young sister. Services conducted by the ministers J.F. Rittenhouse, Gilbert, Bearss and S.F. Coffman.
Mishler.-On the 18th of May 1903, in Johnstown, Pa., Sister Mary, wife of Bro. Christian Mishler, who died about twelve years ago. She was aged 64 Y., 5 M., 18 D. Buried on the 20th. Funeral services were conducted by S.G. Shetler and S. Gindlesperger. Text, Acts 9:37. She died with the hope of a happy eternity.
Moyer.-On the 17th of May 1903, in Hatfield, Montgomery Co., Pa., of puerperal fever, Sister Lizzie C., beloved wife of Bro. Frank G. Moyer and daughter of Bro. And Sister Jacob and Eliza Rittenhouse, aged 25 Y., 10 M., 15 D. She leaves her deeply bereaved husband, an infant son, her parents and many friends to mourn her early death. The remains were laid to rest on the 21st at the Plain Mennonite M.H. Funeral services at the house by M.R. Moyer and Jonas Mininger, and at the M.H. by Henry Godshall and Bish. Josiah Clemmer. Text, Matt. 24:44. Peace to her ashes.
Moyer.-Sister Sarah Moyer (nee Baum), wife of Bro. Christian F. Moyer, of Dublin, Bucks Co., Pa., after suffering for about half a year from consumption and a rupture, passed to her final rest Tuesday, May 19, 1903, aged 68 Y., 10 M., 19 D. She was born June 30, 1834, and on Jan. 18, 1883, she was married to Christian Moyer, who survives her. She united with the Mennonite church in her early life and remained faithful unto death. She was buried at the Deep Run Mennonite M.H. Services at the house were conducted by Pre. Peter B. Loux in German, and by Pre. A.M. Fretz in English. Text, 2 Tim. 4:7,8; at the meeting house by Pre. John Leatherman in German, and by Pre. Jacob Rush in English. Text, Ps. 27:10. May the Father of love, who is ever near to comfort the sad and sorrowing, be the hope and consolation of the bereaved husband.
Shelly.-On the 17th of May, 1903, at the residence of her son-in-law, E. Brubacher, Berlin, Ont., of a complication of diseases, of which she suffered severely for some time, all of which was borne in Christian fortitude. Christina, relict of the late David Shelly, aged 61 Y., 11 M., 19 D. Burial in the Freeport cemetery by the side of her husband, who died 26 years ago. She leaves one son and one daughter and many friends to mourn her departure, but they mourn not as those who have no hope.
Miller.-On the 23rd of May 1903, in Seward Co., Neb.,
H.H. Miller, aged 49 Y., 9 M., 1 D. The remains were sent
to the former home of the deceased, in Holmes Co., Ohio, and laid
to rest in the Walnut Creek graveyard on the 27th. A large concourse
of relatives and friends followed him to the grave. He leaves
his wife, two sons and one daughter. One son and one daughter
preceded him. Funeral services by A.W. Hershberger from John 14:1-16,
C.D. Miller of Martin's Creek from Psa. 39:5, and Ed Shepfer of
Sugar Creek. He was a brother in the Dunkard church.
E. A. Hershberger.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Byer.-Sister Byer, beloved wife of Peter Byer, near Markham, Ont., was called from this life on Monday, June 1, 1903, after several months of patient suffering. The family, the church and community have sustained a great loss, Sister Byer having been widely known for her devotion to her home and her hospitality toward all. The bereaved husband and children, the sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters have the sympathy of all who knew her. Sister Byer has been a faithful and devoted Christian and during her illness was ever resigned to the will of God. The funeral services were attended by a very large number of people from near and far. She was buried on June 4 in the burying ground at the Wideman meeting house. Services conducted by S. F. Coffman. Text, Matt. 13:43. May the hope of the glory that shall be revealed be the comfort of all the bereaved ones.
Beery.-Harvey, son of Daniel F. and Rebecca Beery, was born in Noble Twp., Branch Co., Mich., March 5, 1878, and met his death May 20, 1903, aged 25 Y., 2 M., 15 D. The deceased was struck and instantly killed by a Lake Shore passenger train one mile east of Bronson, Mich. The engineer, David Snader of Elkhart, Ind., says that his train overtook Beery on the path that parallels the track from Bronson to the Cement Factory, and when he first saw Beery he was leaning on his wheel apparently waiting for the train to pass. When the train came nearer he laid the wheel down on the grass and stepped in the center of the track, as though to pick up something he had suddenly noticed. Quick as a flash the engine struck him and his body rolled up over the pilot beam and fell off down a slight embankment. The deceased was married in Oct. 1901. He leaves a young widow, parents, five brothers and three sisters, besides a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his early departure. Funeral was held on the 22d at the home of the wife's grandparents, conducted by Preachers Tree and Bonny of Bronson. Buried in the Curtis graveyard. Harvey Friesner
Hershberger.-On the 18th of April 1903, near Shipshewana, Ind., Josee Oliver, son of Bro. Joseph and Sister Hershberger, aged 1 Y., 1 M., 4 D. Sister Hershberger and child were visiting friends in Middlebury and while little Josee was out at play he fell into the cistern and was drowned when they found him. Funeral services were conducted by D. J. Johns in English and Y. C. Miller in German. Text, 1 Peter 1:3, 4, at the Forks M.H. The remains were laid in the Hostetler cemetery.
Gehman.-On May 18, 1903, near Doylestown, Bucks Co., Pa., of heart failure, Sister Hannah M. Gehman, aged 60 Y. 6 D. She conversed with her husband in the morning, and he had left her bedside only a short time when he was called back to find that she had expired. In former years she was a sister in the Lexington Mennonite church, now at Doylestown. In 1873 she was married to John W. Lapp, who died, and on Nov. 30, 1878, she was married to Pre. David L. Gehman. This latter marriage was blessed with two sons. The husband and one son survive. Funeral services on the 21st of May at the Doylestown M. H., where a large concourse of friends assembled to pay a last tribute of respect. Services by John Beldler, H. Anglemoyer and Hiestand at the house; by Jacob Rush, Bish. Samuel Detweiler, Rosenberger and Mack at the meeting house.
Culp.-On May 25, 1903, in Elkhart Co., Ind., Franklin, son of Joseph and Maggie Culp, aged 18 Y., 8 M., 4 D. Feeling his lost condition in the early days of his sickness he committed himself to God and was happily converted and longed to be baptized and connected with the church. He died leaving a bright evidence of a happy death. He leaves father, mother, five brothers and sisters to mourn his departure, but not as those who have no hope. May the Lord console the bereaved family. Buried at the Yellow Creek cemetery, May 28. Services by Geo. Lambert and Jonas Loucks.
Hostetler.-On the 23d of May, 1903, in Newberg Twp., LaGrange Co., Ind., Esaias Hostetler, aged 84 Y., 2 M., 6 D. He was born in Somerset Co., Pa., and moved to Indiana in his early married life. His wife preceded him to the grave nearly eight years. He is survived by one daughter, four having gone before. Sixteen grandchildren survive, fourteen have died; five great-grandchildren are living and five have died. Funeral services were conducted in the presence of a large congregation, at the Forks M.H., by Bro. D.D. Miller in English and by Bro. Y.C. Miller in German. Text, Job 5.-"Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age." May our loss be his eternal gain.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Mast.-On the 5th of June 1903, at the home of one of her sons, in Holmes Co., Ohio, Anna Mast (nee Beachy), widow of Pre. A. Mast, aged 81 Y., 3 M., 29 D. she leaves to mourn her loss 7 sons, 7 daughters, 128 grandchildren and 124 great-grandchildren. Her husband, one son and three daughters preceded her. Funeral services by L.D. Miller from John 19:27: "Behold they mother"; and by Fred Mast from 2 Tim. 4:7,8, both of the Martin's Creek Cong. Burial took place at the Walnut Creek M.H.
Rutt.-On the 3d of June 1903, Minnie N., daughter of David B. and Elizabeth K. Rutt of Sterling, Ill., died at the home of her parents, at the age of 25 Y., 10 M., 29 D. She was taken ill on the morning of May 29 and gradually grew weaker. Medical assistance was immediately summoned, and all that the physician's skill and careful nursing could provide was given, but she being in the hands of Him who does all things well, was called to pass over the chilly river. Her remains were interred in Science Ridge cemetery near Sterling, Ill., on Saturday afternoon, June 6, in the presence of a large concourse of sympathizing friends. Service were conducted by J.S. Shoemaker, assisted by John McColloh. Text, Job 16:22. Minnie was born in Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Pa., on July 4, 1877. She was loved and respected by all who knew her, was ever of a cheerful disposition and the sunshine of the home, but love and affection could not retain that which the messenger of death would claim.
Kauffman.-On Tuesday, June 2, 1903, Bro. Stephen Kauffman died at his home near Garden City, Cass Co., Mo., of relapse of la grippe and old age. He was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., July 8, 1832. His age was 70 Y., 10 M., 24 D. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the Amish Mennonite church and remained an active member. When health permitted, his place at church was seldom vacant. The deceased was one of the first Amish settlers in Cass Co. Funeral services were conducted at the Sycamore M.H. June 4, where a large concourse of friends had assembled to pay their last tribute of respect. Services were conducted by Levi Miller and Ben Hartzler in English and Bish. John Hartzler in German. Text, 2 Tim.4:7, 8. A few days before his death he said he knew he would soon depart this life, and that he was going home to see his departed children, father, mother, and the old bishop who had so often pointed out the way of salvation for him. He leaves a sorrowing companion, six children, brothers and sisters, and a large host of friends who join the sympathies with that of the bereaved ones. J.A.M.
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois
Pitsnogle.-On June 7, 1903, in Washington Co., Md., of inflammation of the bowels, Mary Susan, daughter of Bro. Edward and Sister Lizzie Pitsnogle, aged 13 Y., 4 M., 15 D. She was buried in the Paradise graveyard on Wednesday, June 10. Services were conducted by the brethren C. R. Strite, G. S. Keener and D. Strite. Text, Job 7:21; "And thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be." We sympathize with the dear brother and sister in their bereavement of one so young in years, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. When she said good bye to all around her she told her parents to tell her friends, whom she should no more meet here below, good bye, and admonished them to follow her as she was going to rest. May we all take this warning and be also ready, for "in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Benj. B. Weber
Dedels.-On the 5th of May, 1903, near Breslau, Ont., Nancy, belover (sic) wife of Henry Dedels, and fifth daughter of Wendell and Nancy Hallman, aged 41 Y., 8 M., 28 D. She entered the holy bonds of matrimony March 20, 1882, lived in matrimony a little over 21 years. To this union were born 11 children, of whom 4 preceded her to the spirit world, leaving a bereaved husband, 3 sons and 4 daughters, kind parents, 5 brothers and 6 sisters, besides many relatives and friends to mourn their loss. Buried at the Cressman M.H., followed to the grave by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Funeral sermon by C. R. Good (text, 1 Peter 4:18), and J.S. Woolner from Rev. 22:14. J.S.W.
Prange.-Pearl Gladys, youngest daughter of Henry and Leah Prange, was born Nov. 23, 1902, died near Breslau, Ont., May 30, 1903, aged 6 M., 7 D., leaving her parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters to mourn her departure, but their loss is her gain. She was a tiny flower, transplanted out of its earthly home into the heavenly, there to bloom throughout eternity. Funeral services by J.S. Woolner from Mark 10:13-16. J.S.W
Transcribed by Donna Schrock Birkey, Illinois