Gospel Witness Obituaries - May, 1905

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The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 5 - May 3, 1905 - page 40

Snavely.-Christian C. Snavely was born near Willow Street, Lancaster Co. Pa. Feb. 18th, 1831. Died April 20th, 1905, Aged 74 yrs. 2 mo. 2 da. He was united in marriage with Anna Burkholder, daughter of Bishop Abr. Burkholder of Lancaster Co. Pa. March 15th, 1853. To this union were born 9 children, 6 sons and 3 daughters. Two sons died in their infancy. The wife and 7 children are left to mourn the loss of a loving husband and a kind and indulgent father; those who survive, are Christian, Amos, Mares, Frank, Mrs. Henry Gsell, Mrs. Robert Sherk, all of Shannon, Ill., and Mrs. John Synder of Glidden, Iowa. Brother and Sister Snavely came west with their family in the year 1865, and located on a farm near Shannon, Ill., where they resided until 8 years ago, when they retired from the farm and moved to the village of Shannon, at which place they resided at the time of his death. He united with the Mennonite Church in the year 1857, and was ordained to the ministry at Freeport, Ill., in the year 1857, in which capacity he ably and faithfully served, as long as his health would permit. His preaching was plain and practical, his faith in Christ unwavering, his life was exemplary. Love, kindness, patience, zeal and humility were the chief characteristics of his life. He was loved and highly esteemed by all who knew him. In his death the family have sustained the loss of a true husband and father, the community a faithful friend and neighbor, and the church a noble Christian worker, and faithful minister of the Gospel. A large concourse of sympathizing friends attended the funeral services, which were held in the Brethren Church in the village where he lived. Services were conducted at the house by William Kryder, and at the Church by John Nice and J. S. Shoemaker, assisted by Pre. Roland and Pre. Yeakle. Text II Tim. 4:7,8.

Gross.-Isaac Gross of Plumstead, Pa., died April 19, 1905, from a complication of diseases, aged 83 years and 9 months. Funeral from his late residence, April 22, by the brethren John M. Leathman in German and Henry G. Anglemoyer in English; spoke words of comfort, text- "What I say unto you I say unto all, watch." At the church Bishop Henry Rosenberger and Jacob Ruth spoke. Text- Set thye* house in order." The deceased expressed a readiness to meet his maker, which is most gratifying, both to the bereaved as well as those who are to officiate at such occasions. Isaac Gross was the son of Minister Christian Gross, and grandson of Bishop Jacob Gross, who emigrated from Germany to Deep Run, Pa. He lived and died on the same farm, was a farmer all his life. Up to his death he had the farm under his jurisdiction. He was married twice and left a sorrowing widow and six children, four sons and two daughters. Samuel W. Gross, Sarah W. Gross Gaymen, May W. Gross Moyer and Ephraim W. Gross from first marriage; Isaac Gross and Alfred Gross of second marriage. Brother Gross was a strong and robust man physically until a short time before his death when his tabernacle gave way, and it soon proved that his end was nigh. Peace to his ashes until the great resurrection day when all the saints shall meet our resurrected Savior in glory.

Basinger.-John C. Basinger of near Columbus Grove, Ohio, of apoplexy, aged 70 years, 5 months, 22 days. He leaves four children, 25 grand children and many friends to mourn his departure. He was a faithful member of the Swiss Mennonite church for over 50 years. Services at the Ebenezer church by J. B. Bare and M. S. Steiner.

* Transcriber's note: transcribed as written

Transcribed by Sandra Poulton, Ontario


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 6 - May 10, 1905 - page 44

Moyers - On April 27th at Dayton, Rockinham Co., Va. of pneumonia, Isaac B. Moyers aged 49 years 4 months and 10 days. Funeral services were held at Dayton on Sunday April 30th, and the remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife in the cemetery at the same place. His sickness covered the period of but nine days and his death proved to be quite a shock to many relatives and friends in the county. His wife died but 12 months ago, also of pneumonia. In the death of these parents six children are left orphans.

Musser. - Brother David Musser of Bowmansville, passed away on Friday, April 28th., after a few weeks illness from pneumonia. The funeral was held on May 1st. Bishop Benjamin Weaver preached from Job 14:2. Brother Noah Bowman and Henry Good also took part in the services. The departed brother was 76 years and 25 days old. He was a member of the Mennonite church for many years, and his place was seldom vacant.

Shifflet - On April 23rd, 1905, at the home of her son Peter M. Shifflet near Dayton, Rockinham Co. Va. Of cancer, sister Catharine Shifflet aged 68 years. Funeral services were held from Weavers M. H. on the 26th by Jos. F. and Jac. A. Heatwole. Text Dan. 12: 2-3.

Transcribed by Sandra Poulton, Ontario


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 7 - May 17, 1905 - page 52

Loucks - Mary, wife of Jacob S. Loucks, died May 12th, 1905, age 71 years, 4 months and 22 days. She was the daughter of John and Barbara Saylor, was born near Meyersdale, Somerset county, Pa. She was the mother of eleven children, of which nine are living, Joseph R., Martin R., David S., Abram R., Aaron, John R., George S., Mrs. A. D. Martin, and Mrs. C. A. Brilhart. Thirty-one grand children survive her, also six great-grand children. She united with the Mennonite church at 18 years of age, and since has been a consistent member and ardent supporter of the same. She was always faithful in attendance at the services of the church. To the best of her knowledge, she was absent from but two communions during her long membership, and that was on account of sickness. She was a faithful wife and loving mother; hospitable, entertaining many strangers as well as friends; unassuming in her manner. Her heart was filled with a desire to glorify her Savior, being always ready to distribute to those in need, and sympathetic toward those in trouble. Her house was a home for ministers. Among the last words spoken to the writer was that she had so much to be thankful for, that the Lord had been very good to her. She realized her weakness and thought if she could live her life over again she could do better. Mother was very closely attached to her family, never being absent from home more than two weeks at one time. For the last few years she was afflicted with heart disease. She was confined to her home during the last four months. In all her sickness she was patient and hopeful. Being consious* that her end was near, she spoke to her children of her trust in the Lord and of the assurance that she would "soon go home. She retained the right use of her mind up to the moment of her death. It was on the evening of her fifty-second marriage anniversary that she peacefully passed away. Funeral services were conducted at the Scottdale Mennonite church May 15th, by the brethren J. N. Durr and Abram Metzler. Interment in the Alverton cemetery.

Godshalk. - Jno. Godshalk of Doylestown, Pa, died May 8, 1905, from pneumonia, aged 77 years 11 months and 17 days. Funeral from his residence May 11. Words of comfort were spoken by the Brethren D. L. Gaymen and A. O. Heistand. Text Psalm 39. 3-5. Deceased was twice married. Had nine children by his first marriage and six by his second marriage, of whom two sons and three daughters survive, ten children and both companions having gone to their reward before him. Bro. Godshalk was buried in the Doyletown Mennonite burying ground upon the lot where both companions and a groupe* of his children are resting. There his body shall rest until the great day, when our dear Savior will return and take with him the blood-washed saints, which we trust will include this whole groupe*.

Hathaway - On Thursday, May 4th, of rheumatism and paralysis, Martin V. Hathaway died, aged 69 years 8 months and 14 days. He leaves a wife and four children, a number of grandchildren, and a large circle of friends to mourn his departure. He lived a life which might be followed in many ways with profit. He was a member of the Christian Church and we believe he was consistent to the best of his knowledge. He expressed his readiness to meet the Lord, several weeks before his death. Funeral service was conducted by Bro. Rhodes of the Christian Church from Rev. 14: 13. Let the living be comforted, for "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
J. R. Shank

* Transcribers note: as written

Transcribed by Sandra Poulton, Ontario


The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 8 - May 24, 1905 - page 60

Harris. - Monroe Harris was born in Howard County, Ind., September 25, 1883. After the death of his mother, May 12, 1885, he was taken into the home of his uncle, Samuel A. Mast where he was well cared for, and raised to manhood. In 1901 he united with the Mennonite church in Lagrange County, Ind., (Shore congregation), and abided in the faith until death. Last February he went to Illinois to work. About April 1, he took sick with a complicated disease, and on Tuesday the 18th he reached his home near White Cloud, Mich. On Tuesday morning, the 20th a blood vessel bursted* near his heart, and his life expired immediately. Funeral services were held on the 23., by J. P. Miller, in English and J. C. Springer in German, from Ecc. 12:1 and Psa. 39:4. He leaves a father and one sister and a host of friends and relatives to mourn his departure, but their loss is his eternal gain. Peace to his ashes.
G. W. N.

Tarr. - Mae Tarr was born March 2nd, 1879. Died Saturday May 13th., 1905, aged 26 years, two months, 11 days. She was married to Lewis Vawnatti, Feb. 13, 1903, living in wedlock two years, two months and 26 days. A eulogy of her life is unnecessary, as her devotedness to her home, her religious inclinations and her affectionate nature speak louder than words. She was converted during meetings held at the McElroy school house, united with the M. P. church and lived a consistent Christian life. During her sickness she spent much time in prayer for herself, her husband, father, mother, brothers and friends Life to her consisted, not in the abundance of the things about her, but she claimed that abundant life which Jesus Christ gives to each one, and was very anxious that others might possess the same.

Swope: - On May 11, 1905 at Mt. Clinton, Rockingham Co. Va. very unexpectedly of cramps, sister Fannie, wife of Bro. Jos. H. Swope, aged 37 years. Funeral on the 12th from Weavers M. H. by C. Good and Jos. F. Heatwole. She leaves a sorrowing husband and five small children-the youngest a babe of but three weeks-to mourn her untimely departure. Funeral services were held May 16 at the Chapel Mennonite church, conducted by John Blosser, from the text, "For all things are your's." I Cor. 3: 21. Interment in the Hassan cemetery.

* Transcribers note: as written

Transcribed by Sandra Poulton, Ontario


Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 9 - May 31, 1905 - page 72

White. - On May 22, 1905, at her home ten miles west of Palmyra, Mo., of erysipelas*. Mary Jane, wife of Jas. H. White, aged 54 years, 4 months, 2 days. She leaves a husband, seven children and twelve grandchildren to mourn their loss. Funeral on the 24th at the Mennonite church at Palmyra, by J. M. Kreider assisted by Daniel Kauffman and J. R. Shank. Text Jas. 4:14; Rev. 14:13. May God comfort the bereaved in their affliction.

Martin - On May 19, 1905, near Wakarusa, Elkhart Co., Ind, of heart disease sister Kate Martin Aged* 37 years 4 months and 22 days. She was a member of the Mennonite church a number of years. She leaves four sisters and two brothers to mourn her departure. One of her sisters has been an invalid for years. She will be greatly missed by her brothers and sisters. The funeral was held at the yellow* Creek Mennonite meeting house on Sunday afternoon May 21, and was largely attended. Services were conducted by J. W. Christophel and Jonas Loucks.

Shank - Cora G., infant child of Bro. Aaron and Sister Ida Shank of near Maugansville, Md., died, May. 20, aged 5 months. The child was in perfect health and the mother had given it her attention about 5 o,clock in the morning and laying it in her bed went about her household duties, thinking her baby was sleeping. About 8 o,clock she went into the room and noticed it was covered over, and found it lying on its face, smothered. It in some way rolled on its face, and in struggling got under the cover. The mother tried every way possible to get life but the little soul had taken its flight. It budded here to bloom in heaven. The parents have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. There yet remains to them a little girl three years old. Services in the Reiffs M. H. by George Keener and Christian Strite.
M. L. M.

* Transcribers note: as written

Transcribed by Sandra Poulton, Ontario


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