OBITUARY.
Pre. Isaac A. Miller was born near Johnstown, Pa., May
4, 1839, and passed peacefully away while sitting in his chair
at Fairview, Oscoda Co, Mich., on April 19, 1904, aged 64 Y.,
11 M., 15 D. Bro. Miller was twice married. He was first married
to Catherine Yoder, March 25, 1860. To this union were born eleven
children, nine of whom survive him, two sons and seven daughters.
He was bereft of his wife Dec. 26, 1886, and on Jan. 4, 1888 he
was again married to Magdalena Miller, widow of Simon Miller,
who survives him. Bro. Miller also has four brother and five sister
living. The subject of this sketch served the church asa faithful
minister in several different states, moving from Illinois to
Michigan last December. He was an earnest and faithful worker
and preached the Word in both languages, with a preference, however,
to the German. Funeral services were held April 21st at the Fairview
school-house and conducted by Eli A. Bontrager. Text, Job 19:25.
Peace to his ashes.
MYERS.-Ellie Esther Myers was born May 24, 1890, and died April 14, 1904, aged 13 Y., 10 M., 20 D. She was the eldest child of Susan L. and Henry J. Myers. He death was caused by appendicitis. It was thought that an operation would save her life, but it was of no avail. The operation was performed on Sunday, and on the following Thursday she died. She is survived by her father and mother and one brother and sister. Funeral services were conducted at the Marion M. H. by Philip Parret and George Ernst. Text, Luke 9:52.
YODER.-On the 23d of April 1904, in Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., of the infirmities of old age, Susannah, widow of the late Henry Yoder, aged 90 Y., 4 M., 19 D. She was born in Bucks Co., Pa., on the 4th of December 1813. At the age of 17 years she united with the Mennonite church, of which she was a member at the time of her death. She was married to her late husband, Feb. 12, 1830. There were born unto them three sons and three daughters. She leaves one daughter, six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren to mourn her death. Her husband, three sons and two daughters preceded her to the spirit land many years ago. Funeral was held at the Yellow Creek M. H. on the 26th, where services were conducted in German by John Martin and in English by John F. Funk, from the text selected by herself, Rev. 14:13. This same text was also used at the funeral of her husband. The funeral was largely attended.
YODER.-Christian M. Yoder was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, April 13, 1842; died near East Lynne, Mo., April 24, 1904, aged 62 Y., 11 D. Bro. Yoder had been ailing for several years, the disease terminating in dropsy. He bore his sufferings with Christian fortitude. He was a member of the A. M. church. He leaves one son, three daughters, five brothers and one sister to mourn their loss. Two sons and his life companion had preceded him to the spirit world. Buried in the Clear Fork cemetery, on the 26th. Funeral services by the home ministers.
HEPNER.-Cora Hepner, daughter of Benjamin and Deva Hepner, died in Juniata Co., Pa., April 11, 1904, aged 23 Y., 1 M., 13 D. She leaves her aged father and mother, two sisters and one brother to mourn her departure, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. She was ill most of the winter and during this time 415 friends visited her. She selected Job 14:1,2 for her funeral text and hymns 170 and 179 to be sung at the solemn services which were conducted by Samuel Leiter and Simon Auker. She is greatly missed. The Lord comfort the sorrowing friends. J. M.
HOSTETLER.-On April 24, 1904, Malissa Hostetler passed away from works to reward, aged 36 Y., 8 M., 24 D. She united with the church in her youth, but like many of us, had her trials of life, which we trust has only worked for her a greater reward. She leaves two daughters, two brothers, and one sister to mourn their loss. Interment in the Mennonite cemetery at Masontown, Pa. Sermon from 1 Cor. 15:49. J.A. Brilhart.
BIXLER.-On April 17, 1904, near Dalton, O., Aldis, son of Daniel and Rosa Bixler, aged 4 M., 24 D. Funeral services on the 19th at the Sonnenberg M. H. by C.N. Amstutz and Jacob Nussbaum.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
WENGER.-On April 28, 1904, near Linville Station, Rockingham Co, Va., of dropsy and the infirmities of age, Isaac Wenger, Sr., aged 80 Y., 5 M., 3 D The funeral was held on the 30th from the Lindale M. H. near Edom, in the presence of a large congregation of relations and sympathizing neighbors and friends. Bish. Lewis Shank and the writer spoke on the occasion from Heb. 11:13, after which the body was laid away in the cemetery near by, alongside that of his wife, Lydia Brenneman Wenger, who had preceded him to the grave but thirteen months. He was one of those striking examples of sturdy, robust manhood and during a long life, in which he was blessed with much of this world's goods, ti was characteristic of him to remain always the same plain and unpretentious Isaac Wenger. He cast his lot with the Mennonite church in early life, with which body he held membership for fifty-five years. He leaves behind him a family of nine children, fifty-two grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. L.J.H.
GERBER.-On April 30, 1904, near Walnut Creek, O., of rheumatism and Bright's disease, Wesley C. Gerber, aged 38 Y., 4 M., 7 D. He leaves two sons, five brothers and his mother to mourn their loss. Buried on May 2d, at the Walnut Creek M. H. Services by A.W. Hershberger from Mark 7:37, and M.A. Mast from Phil. 3:20,21.
WYSE.-Bro. Samuel W. Wyse died near Pettisville, Fulton Co., O., on April 30, 1904, aged 69 Y., 9 M., 12 D. Funeral services were held at the Union M. H. on May 3d, in the presence of a large concourse of people. Services were conducted by Christian Freyenberger, assisted by Henry Rychener, from John 12:26, 27.
MOCKLER.-On April 22, 1904, near Elmira, Fulton Co., O., after a long and painful illness, Wilhelmina Mockler, wife of George Mockler. She leaves her husband, two sons and two daughters to mourn their loss; two children having preceded her to the spirit world. She was a member of the Defenceless Mennonite church. Funeral on the 25th by Daniel Rupp in German and J.A. Lucy in English. Buried in the Mennonite cemetery.
SHELLENBERGER,-Elizabeth Shellenberger, maiden name Dorrey, was born in Snyder Co., Pa., July 18, 1830; died at her home at Kill Creek, Osborn Co, Kansas, Apr. 25, 1904, aged 73 Y., 9 M., 7 D. She was married to Abraham Shellenberger, Nov. 2, 1854. To this union were born seven children, four sons and three daughters; one daughter died in infancy and one son in his 36th year. One son resides in Iowa. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for 45 years. She went to bed in usual health, complaining of being tired; nothing serious was noticed until 4:30 o'clock in the morning when in a few minutes she expired.
ZOOK.-Near Belleville, Pa., April 14, 1904, Jacob B. Zook, aged about 55 years. Bro. Zook leaves a widow and son and a wide circle of friends who will sadly miss him. He won the confidence of people who knew him well because he was a God-fearing man. He was a good counsellor and in business he did not wait for things to go, but put forth efforts to make them go. As a business man and as a Christian he had many qualities worthy of imitation. H.
YODER.-At Mattawana, Pa., April 28, 1904, Lydia Bertha, daughter of William G. and Fannie Yoder, aged 11 weeks and 5 days.
RITTENHOUSE.-At her home near South Cayuga, Ont., Elizabeth (Lapp), wife of Christian Rittenhouse, passed away on the 25th of April 1904, aged 47 Y., 8 M., 25 D. Bro. Rittenhouse, wife and son had spent the winter with her sister in California and had returned home only about two weeks when she was stricken with paralysis, which in five days terminated fatally. She leaves a sorrowing husband, three daughters and a son. Thus a happy home-coming was soon changed to sadness, but all may be again made to rejoice by a blessed meeting in heaven. Funeral services by S.F. Coffman at the church in S. Cayuga on April 28th. Text, Matt. 23:38.
FRETZ.-Anna Fretz, widow of the late Henry Fretz of Campden, Ont., died at her home on April 18, 1904, aged 72 Y., 4 M., 22 D. Sister Fretz had been afflicted with heart trouble and dropsy for some time and while her death was not unexpected her last sickness continued only a day. Her oft repeated desire to be at rest was granted her, and her life bore such Christian fruits that the bereaved ones may be comforted in their hopes. Funeral services were held on the 22d at the Campden church by S.F. Coffman and Gilbert Bearss. Text, John 11:23.
MEYERS.-Sophia Meyers (nee Shenk) was born near Leitersburg, Washington Co., Md., July 31, 1828; died near Oakwood, Paulding Co., Ohio, May 3, 1904, aged 80 Y., 9 M., 2 D. She was united in matrimony to Henry N. Meyers, Dec. 29, 1842, to which union were born nine children, of whom seven survive her; 29 grandchildren, of whom 19 survive, and 9 great-grandchildren, of whom one had gone before. In 1831 Bro. Meyers came to the wilds of northwestern Ohio and took up a claim which he improved. After their marriage the young couple made their home on this place, where they resided until their departure. Bro. Meyers died Jan. 10. 1859, and left the wife with the family of children to make their way in the world. They had united with the Mennonite church soon after their marriage and held their faith in Christ to the end. Funeral on May 5, 1904, at Cloverdale, O., conducted by M.S. Steiner. Text, Jer. 12:5.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
BLOSSER.-On May 2, 1904, near North Lima, Mahoning Co., Ohio, after a short illness of a complication of diseases, Anna, wife of John Blosser, aged 54 Y., 3 M., 28 D. Sister Blosser was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for many years. She leaves a husband, one son, two brothers, one sister, and many friends to mourn he departure, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. Funeral services were held on the 5th at t he Midway M. H., where a large concourse of sympathizing friends and neighbors were assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to one whom they loved. Services were conducted by Bish. John Burkholder, Allen Rickert and D.S. Lehman. Text, 2 Tim. 4:6-8. P.M.
NAIR.-On May 7, 1904, near Hinton, Rockingham Co., Va., of indigestion and stomach trouble, John H. Nair, aged 45 Y., 8 M., 13 D. The taking away of Bro. Nair by the hand of death is a severe blow to his family - wife and two children. His sickness covered the period of about six weeks, during which time he suffered greatly and from which he had relief only in death. Funeral on the 9th from Weaver's M. H., with C. Good and the writer officiating. Text, Isa. 38:1. From early life he has remained a faithful member of the Mennonite church and his departure from this life in the prime of his days is a great loss to the family, the church and the community in which he resided. Peace to his memory. L.J.H.
SHAEFFER.-On April 29, 1904, at her home in Farmersville, Lancaster Co., Pa., of pneumonia and pleurisy, Sister Emma (Burkholder) Shaeffer, aged 34 Y., 2 M., 23 D. She leaves one son and twelve brothers and sisters to mourn her departure. Her husband and a son preceded her to the spirit world two years ago. She was bedfast only five days. Funeral services on May 3d at the house by Sanford Landis and at the M. H. by John Landis and N.H. Mack. Text, Heb. 13:14. Interment in the Groffdale cemetery.
BERKEY.-On the 27th of April, near Middlebury, Ind., of sarcoma, Lydia, wife of Bro. Daniel C. Berkey, aged 60 Y., 4 M., 18 D. She was born in Logan Co., Ohio. In early life she moved with her parents to Elkhart Co., Ind. At the age of eighteen she united with the A. M. Church and remained a faithful and consistent member until death called her away, always interested in the welfare of the church. She was the mother of two daughters, who preceded her to the spirit world. Some years ago she felt that all was not well, but nothing serious resulted until a few months before her death when she began to suffer severe pain in her right arm. The doctors pronounced it sarcoma and her case incurable. She suffered very greatly at times, but bore it with Christian fortitude, not fearing but welcoming the departing hours, longing to go home and admonishing others to meet her there . She fell quietly asleep in Jesus, rejoicing that those who suffer with him shall also reign with him. Services a the Forks M. H. by D.D. Miller and D.J. Johns. Text, 2 Pet. 3:14. A large concourse of friends and neighbors had gathered to show the esteem in which she was held. Peace to her ashes.
BLOUGH.-Harry Sylvester, son of Samuel Y. Blough of near Davidsville, Pa., departed this life May 4, 1904, aged 10 Y., 6 M., 28 D. He was taken sick with diphtheria about eight weeks ago, which turned into other complications and ended in death. He was a bright, intelligent boy for his age and before he died he desired to be baptized and received into the church. Bro. Simon Layman was sent for, who baptized him and received him into the church. This should be an example to those older in years to follow. He is survived by father, five brothers and two sisters. Funeral services at the Blough M. H. on the 6th by Simon Layman and S.D. Yoder. Text, Gen. 37:35. L.A. Blough.
ALDERFER.-Mary Ann, wife of Bro. Henry Alderfer of Souderton, Pa., died May 5, 1904, aged 44 Y., 9 M., 10 D. She united with the Mennonite church in early life and remained a faithful member until death. She leaves a husband, seven children and four grandchildren, two children having preceded her to the spirit world. Funeral services were conducted by Pre. Henry Anglemoyer and Michael Moyer.
SOUDER.-Elizabeth, wife of the late Henry Souder of Souderton, Pa., aged 85 Y., 15 D. Her husband had preceded her to the spirit world. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church from her early life. Funeral services ere conducted by Pre. Mahlon D. Souder of Seilersville, Pa. Text, Isa. 3:10. Interment at the Rockhill cemetery.
HOOLEY.-On March 22, 1904, near Surrey, N. D., of scarlet fever, Omer B. Hooley, aged 4 Y., 9 M., 11 D. Funeral services by Isaac S. Mast on May 8th. Text, Mark 10:14, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
RUTT.-John W. Rutt was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., April 16, 1819, and died in Sterling, Ill., May 6, 1904, aged 85 Y., 20 D. He was married to Barbara Rutt, Oct. 8, 1840. To this union were born six sons and one daughter. His companion and two sons preceded him to the spirit world. He spent his declining years with his daughter ,Mrs. Frank S. Weaver, who tenderly cared for her father. Bro. Rutt was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years, and was a man possessed of many good qualities of mind and heart. Funeral Sunday afternoon, May 8th, at the Sterling Mennonite M. H. Interment in the cemetery adjoining.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah
HARTZLER.-On April 18, 904, in Belleville, Pa., Fannie, wife of John Y. Hartzler, aged 63 Y., 8 M., 11 D.
RENNO.-On April 8, 1904, near Belleville, Pa., Lydia, wife of John Renno, aged 57 Y., 11 M., 13 D.
MILL.-On April 27, 1904, near Deep Run, Bucks Co., Pa., after a lingering illness of seven months, - Mill, wife of Jonas Mill, aged 56 Y., 7 M., 29 D. She is survived by her husband, two sons and one daughter. She was a member of the Mennonite church. Funeral at the Deep Run M. H. on May 2d.
MYERS.-On May 10, 1904, near Nappanee, Ind., Jacob D. Myers, aged 69 Y., 26 D. He was born in Mahoning Co., O.; on No. 28, 1858, he was married to Catharine Wisler. To this union were born two children, Isaac W. and Mrs. F.E. Berlin, who, with the wife and mother and four grandchildren, survive him. They moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1864, and for 35 years resided on a farm near Wakarusa. The last few years they lived with their daughter near Nappanee. He was a member of the Mennonite church. Funeral services were conducted by David Burkholder and Geo. Lambert.
ANGLEMEYER.-On May 12, 1904, in Union Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., Lowell A., son of Oliver and Gertrude Anglemeyer, aged 1 Y., 1 M., 7 D. This is exceptionally sad as their three children were taken at about the same age. May the Lord console the dear parents. Jesus said "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." Geo. Lambert.
TROYER.-The twin daughters of S.S. and Mary Troyer,
of Iowa, La., Fannie on May 13th , aged 4 M., 17 D., and
Barbara on May 14th, aged 4 M., 18 D. Both were laid away
in the same coffin on May 15th. Services by J.T. Nice. The Lord
comfort the sorrowing parents.
PFILE.-On April 28, 1904, near Freeport, Ill., of diphtheria,
Mathias Pfile, aged 62 Y., 3 M., 14 D. He was born in Germany,
Jan. 14, 1842; emigrated to America at the age of fourteen; was
united in marriage to Elizabeth Dahlem in the year 1867. To this
union were born 9 children, 5 sons and 4 daughters, all of whom,
with the wife and mother, are left to mourn the loss of an affectionate
husband and kind father. Bro. Pfile was a faithful member of the
Mennonite church for many years, and in his death the church has
lost a wise counselor and faithful fellow worker. He was sick
but a few days, and on account of the nature of the disease he
was conveyed to the tomb on the 30th with but few present outside
of the near relatives, E.M. Shellenberger officiating. The funeral
services proper were held at the Mennonite church on Sunday afternoon,
May 30th, conducted by J.S. Shoemaker, assisted by E.M. Shellenberger
and Pre. Wunderlich of the Ger. Evang. Church of Freeport, Ill.
Many sympathizing friends were present to pay the last tribute
of love and respect to one who was held in high esteem by all
who knew him.
GINGRICH.-On May 7th, at his home near Lombardville, Bureau Co., Ill., Orrville Clinton Gingrich, aged 16 Y., 2 M., 11 D. Several years ago his health was impaired by an attack of measles, resulting in diabetes, which caused his death. On Dec. 21, 1892, he was baptized and received into the A. M. church, to which vow he was faithful until death. He leaves a father, mother, six brothers, one sister and an aged grandfather with many friends to mourn their loss. Funeral services at the house from Phil. 1:21, and at the church from Rev. 6:8, by the writer. May the Lord comfort the sorrowing ones. L.J. Lehman.
PLANK.-May 9th, on Pretty Prairie, Lagrange Co., Ind., of the infirmities of old age, Elizbaeth (Nofsinger) Plank, aged 80 Y., 4 M., 14 D. She was one of a family of nine children, all of whom preceded her to the spirit world. She was the mother of six children, three of whom survive her. At an early age she united with the Amish Mennonite church and remained faithful to the end. Her husband (Bro. Isaac Plank) preceded her just seven weeks. She had a strong desire to follow him and be freed from the cares and sufferings of this life and rest with the blood-washed saints who have gone before. Funeral services by D.J. Johns, assisted by Samuel Berger and Peter Long. Text, Isa. 25:8.
MOYER.-Sister Salome Moyer, beloved wife of Bro. John H. Moyer of Lincoln Co., Ont., died on May 15, 1904, aged 77 Y., 4 M., 5 D. Sister Moyer had previously been married to John Kratz, which union was blessed with a family of seven children. Afterwards she married Chr. Honsberger, who was killed about a year later by a falling tree. About 23 years ago she was united in marriage to John H. Moyer, who now survives her. Sister Moyer had just passed through a serious illness, from which she was convalescent and had called on her daughter, Mrs. Frank Eckhardt, where she became worse and after two weeks of sickness passed away. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 17th, and the body laid to rest in the Mennonite burying-ground near Campden. May the Lord bless the bereft husband and family.
Transcribed by Jan Wilbur, Utah