Gospel Witness Obituaries - June, 1905

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The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 10 - June 7, 1905, page 80

Parret
--On May 15, 1905, at his home in Chambersburg, Pa., after an illness of four days from a paralytic stroke, Pre. Philip H. Parret, passed on his reward, aged 62y., 8 m. and 15 d. He was a native of Rockingham County, Va. In 1864 he came to Franklin Co., Pa. In 1866 he married Catherine Lesher and engaged in farming until 15 years ago, when on account of failing health he retired After a few years residence at Red Bridge he removed to Chambersburg, where he has since resided.

Bro. Parret was a man of deep Christian piety. He united with the Mennonite church when a young man, and was ordained to the ministry in 1872, in which capacity he faithfully served the church all these years.

During the civil war, in 1862 he was drafted into the Confederate army, and placed in the 2nd regiment, Colonel Allen's which was a part of "Stonewall's Brigade."

Bro. Parret sought his first and only opportunity to quit the Confederate service, in the spring of 1864, when he was given a fifteen days furlough. He entered his home on Easter morning, while the family were at breakfast, and in a few days thereafter, with a number of comrades--all union men--he made his way through Virginia, and to the west.

Besides his wife Bro. Parret is survived by one son, John Parret, Reading, Pa., and one daughter, Mrs. Anna Cump, at home. Also two brothers and two sisters. Funeral services were held at the Chambersburg church on the 18th., conducted by George S. Keener, of Hagerstown, Md., and J. N. Durr, of Martinsburg, Pa. Text, 2 Tim 4:6-8. Almost a score of Mennonite ministers were in attendanc, besides friends coming from all parts of Franklin and Cumberlund Counties, and from Maryland and Virginia. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

Schrock.--On May 22nd., 1905 near Middlebury, Ind., of consumption Lydia*, wife of Bro. Jacob P. Schrock, aged 73y. 7m. and 27d. Sister Schrock was born in Somerset Co., Pa., and at the age of about ten years she came with her parents to Elkhart, Ind. Her father was one of the ministers when the first A. M. meeting was held in Ind., being held at his house in April 1842, on Easter Sunday. At the age of 18 she united with the A. M. church, and continued faithful to the end. In Nov. 1850 she united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Bro. Jacob P. Schrock. To this union were born six children, three of whom preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves a sorrowing husband, one daughter and two sons to mourn her departure, but may their mourning be mixed with the hope of striking glad hands in the resurrection morn, never to part again. Services at the Forks M. H. on the 24th., by D. J. Johns, assisted by Silas Yoder.
*Research note: Maiden name was Miller - see Jacob P. Schrock ..... July 15, 1920


Landis.--The funeral of Benjamin Landis, of Deep Run, Bucks Co., Pa., was held May 29, 1905, at the Deep Run M. H. Aged 68y. 7 m. and 19 d. He leaves a widow and four children, two sons and two daughters, to mourn their loss. Services were conducted by Bishop Andrew Mack in German. Text 2 Tim. 4 : 7,8, assisted by A. O. Heistand in English.

Hostetler.--Emma Valetta Hostetler (nee Cripe) was born near Goshen, Ind., Oct. 7, 1869. United in marriage with Adam Hostetler, Sept. 25, 1891. Died at her home near Emma, Ind., May 26, 1905, aged 35 years, 7 months, and 19 days. Her husband, four children survive her, and three children have preceded her to the home beyond. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church, and a teacher in the S. S. for some years. Funeral services at the Dunkard church, near Shipshewanna, by J. H. Fyke and Y. C. Miller, where a very large audience had gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed, and sympathize with the bereft ones. May the Lord comfort them.

Eby.--The funeral of Jacob Eby of near Bareville, Pa., was held May 29, 1905. The services were conducted by Bishop Benjamin Weaver and Joseph Wenger, from Rev. 19:9. Bro. Eby was just growing into young manhood being 18 years of age. During his sickness he became conscious of the need of a Savior and was baptized and received into church fellowship by Bish. Benj. Weaver. May the many young friends of our brother hear early the voice that says, "Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth." The interment took place at Monterey.

Transcribed by: Cheri Salz, Illinois


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 11 - June 14, 1905, page 84

Shoemaker
.--Benjamin Shoemaker was born in Montgomery County, Pa., March 2, 1825, and died at his home, near Freeport, Ill., June 1, 1905, aged 80y., 2m., 20d.

He was united in marriage to Veronica Shellenberger in Juniata Co., Pa., Jan. 27, 1853. To this union were born five children, as follows: Jos. S., Geo. E. and Charles C. Shoemaker; Martha Rozella, wife of J. V. Fortner; and Emma, wife of A. J. Meck, all of Freeport and vicinity.

He united with the Mennonite church in 1855, and remained a faithful member until death. His quiet and unassuming life and staunch adherence to the principles of the Gospel won him a warm place in the hearts of all who knew him. God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to remove from among us one whose influence did much to mold the character of his family and his congregation. Though dead, his influence still lives; and fondly we do look forward to the time when we may meet him on the other shore.

For years he has been afflicted with shaking palsy, and gradually grew feebler with age, being unable to rise from his bed during the last six or eight months. He bore all his afflictions patiently expressed a desire to depart, and with a firm hope in the Rock of his salvation, he peacefully fell asleep. He leaves a widow, three sons, two daughters, 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and many friends to mourn his departure. May God comfort them in their bereavement.

Funeral services were conducted at the house by Simon Graybill and at the church by John Nice and Daniel Kauffman. Text, Rev. 14:13.

Shank.--On June 6, 1905, at the hospital in Richmond, Va., Davie Esther Gifford Shank. She was a daughter of David and Lessie Shank. Her father died when she was quite small, and her mother is now the wife of Michael Brunk of Warwick County, Virginia. She was attending school at Elton College, North Carolina. Last week, not feeling very well, she was advised to go to the hospital, being accompied by a physician to Richmond, Va. Her mother was summoned to her bedside. After consultation, it was to perform an operation, which was done June 5. She died the following day. Age 20y., 11m.,2d.

Her remains were brought to Halifax County Va., and buried at Black Walnut, nearby the farm which they recently bought, and expect to move to in the near future. Davie had confessed Christ a number of years ago.

This is a heavy stroke to her mother, as Davie was her only child. It is also a warning to all our young people, as it teaches us the brevity of life. Short services were held by the writer; and it is the intention to have a funeral sermon preached at some more convenient time.

May God comfort the bereaved family. June 9, 1905. H. H. Good.

Nafziger.--On June 1st., 1905 near Nampa, Idaho, by drowning in a small irrigating ditch, Freda, daughter of John and Lytha Nafziger. She was born December 14, 1903. Aged 1 yr., 5 mon. and 17 days. She was a bright and cheerful child, always kind and loving to all. The grief stricken parents have the sympathy of the entire community. Funeral services were held at the Antioch church, near Nampa, by David Hilty. Text, "And a little child shall lead them."

Beiler.--On May 25, 1905, near Belleville, Pa., Joseph W. Beiler aged 77 y. 3 m. 12 d. This brother's loving and gentle disposition and quiet, upright life won him many friends. Three daughters and a son survive him. Funeral services conducted by John Yoder.--H.

Schrock--On May 4, 1905, near Shore, Lagrange Co. Ind., a son of Bro. and Sister Harvey Schrock, aged 2 y.20d. Funeral services conducted by Y. C. Miller in German and John Garber in English. Text, Mark 7:37.

Transcribed by: Cheri Salz, Illinois


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 12 - June 21, 1905, page 92

Hoover
--On June 13, 1905 near Wakarusa Elkhart Co. Ind. Abraham Hoover aged 75 y. 4m. 4d. Bro. Hoover was born in Canada. Moved with his parents to Medina Co., Ohio, when a child. Came to Elkhart Co., Ind., about 1857. Was married to Susanna Landis 1858. To this union were born one son and one daughter. The son died several years ago. He has been feeble in body and mind for several years. About two years ago he had a stroke of paralysis, since which he required the care of a child. Sister Hoover is also afflicted in body and mind, and requires much care.

Bro. and Sister Hoover have lived with their daughter since they have been unable to care for themselves. Funeral services were conducted by Henry Weldy and Eli Roose at the Yellow Creek Mennonite M. H. June 15, 1905.

Transcribed by: Cheri Salz, Illinois


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 13 - June 28, 1905, page 104

Yoder
.--Yost Yoder was born in Somerset Co., Pa., May 16, 1829; died in Iowa co., Iowa, May 27, 1905, aged 76 years and 11 days. Funeral was held Monday May 29th at his residence, and the home of his son-in-law, A. C. Schwartzendruber. Buried in the Cemetery near by. Services were conducted by G. A. Yoder, assisted by others. Text, Heb, 4,9--12. A very large number of people assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. He leaves to mourn his departure, 10 children, 32 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, He was married twice and had lived as a widower for a number of years. He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite church (Old Order). May we all take heed the warnings that the Lord gives us, and so live that we may be ready to go with Him when He comes again to gather His elect.

Neuhouser--Benedict, oldest son of Peter and Katy Neuhouser, died at their home near Leo. Ind., June 14, 1905, aged 18 y. 1 m.11 d. He had been afflicted with diabetes for several years but they thought he was better; when quite suddenly he got a carbuncle on his neck, and he got blood poison and died in several days. When he say his end was near, he called for a minister and was baptized. He was buried in the family grave yard on June 16., when a large number of people met to sympathize with the parents and friends. Funeral services by C. S. Stuckey in German and D. D. Miller in English, from Psa. 90:12

Martin.--On June 3, 1905, at his home near Middlebury, Md., after brief illness of about one week from congestion of the lungs. Bro, David Martin; aged 56 y. 20 d. Bro. Martin was twice married, his first wife being Mary Eshelma, and his second wife, Mary Horst, who survive him. He leaves a wife and a large family of children to mourn his departure. May God comfort them in their bereavement. Funeral at Miller's Church, conducted by Henry Baer and George Keener. Text Heb. 12:6.

Transcribed by: Cheri Salz, Illinois


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