Week 1: May 2, 1907, page 167, 168. Volume XLIV, Number 18

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Gehman.- On April 6, 1907, near Farmersville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Eli Henry, son of Bro. Jonathan and Sister Ella M. Gehman, aged 24 days. Funeral on the 8th at the house, conducted by Bish. Benj. Weaver. Text: Isa.11:6: "A little child shall lead them." May the mission the dear little one accomplished, be the means of bringing its parents and relatives into close communion with God and thus prepare to meet it in heaven. Buried in Weaverland.

Weaver.- Died on April 22, 1907, at the asylum in Logansport, Ind., of the effects of a stroke of paralysis, Issac Weaver, of Harrison Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., aged 70 Y., 5 M., 4 D. He was born in Juniata Co., Pa., on Nov. 18, 1836, and came to Indiana may years ago. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Musser, in 1872. The fruit of this union was one son, who with the wife, two brothers and three sisters survive him. His remains were brought to his home and the funeral services were held at the Yellow Creek Mennonite M. H. on the 25th. Services were conducted by John F. Funk and John Martin assisted by Frank Kreider, from I Cor. 5:17. We hope our loss is his eternal gain. May God comfort the sorrowing ones and lead them all to make their calling and election sure.

Mast.- Laura Emma, daughter of Samuel and Emma Swartzentruber Mast, died in Holmes Co., Ohio, April 16, 1907, aged one year and twenty-four days. The mother preceded her to the spirit world March 27, 1906. The bereavement of Bro. Mast is certainly a very sad affliction, but the grace of God is sufficient to comfort the mourning hearts. Funeral was held on the 19th. Services were conducted by S. H. Miller, from Rev. 22:12. The grandparents, S. J. and Katie Swartzentruber from Bay Port, Mich., accompanied by their son, attended the funeral. A large concourse of people were present at the funeral.

Blosser.- On April 21, 1907, in Rockingham Co., Va., Anna Blosser, wife of Jonas H. Blosser, aged 57 Y., 3 M., 18 D., of slow paralysis which commenced more than a year ago, gradually growing worse until the end came. Medical skill was of no avail. She bore her affliction with patience. She leaves a husband but no children. She has left a bright hope that she went to her eternal rest. She always attended church services whenever she was able, and desired to meet her Savior in peace. In her last days when she could not speak any more, and we had a minister come to see her, she would point to the minister and then to the Bible, desiring him to read a scripture lesson and pray with her. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for more than 35 years. Buried at the Weaver M. H. on the 23d. Funeral services by Jos. F. Heatwole and Christian Good. Text, Ps. 55:6.

Frank.- On April 22, 1907, near Lititz, Pa., of Brights disease, Amos H. Frank, aged 48 Y., 5 M., 26 D. He had been ailing for several years, but was seriously ill only a week. He was a member of the Old Mennonite church. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, one brother. Funeral services on the 25th at the Petersburg Old Mennonite M. H. Services by Christian Lefever, Noah Landis and Frank Kreider.

Witmer.- On April 16, 1907, in Goodville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Cyrus Witmer, aged 28 years, of typhoid fever. He was a member of the Mennonite church. His wife was down with the same disease at the time of the husband's funeral, and two children also of B. W. Witmer, residing at the house, were sick at the same time. He was a son of Cyrus and the late Mary Witmer of Goodville.

Herr.- The late Pre. Jacob M. Herr of Boiling Springs, Pa., of whose death a brief mention was made in our last week's issue, was widely known in Lancaster county, as well as in other counties of the state. He was married to Annie Hertzler and was the father of ten children, all of whom with their mother survive. He was an active, earnest minister of the Churchtown congregation where he preached the gospel for a period of about twenty-five years and was well established in the doctrines of the church of his choice. The surviving family, though they deeply feel their loss, need not mourn as those who have no hope, but may fully realize that the husband and father has been gathered into the home of the faithful in peace.

Garber.- Oliver F. Garber was born in Miami Co., Ind., Feb. 4, 1889; died in Indianapolis, Ind., April 16, 1907; aged 18 Y., 2 M., 12 D. He united with the Mennonite church two years ago, and has proven himself a worthy member and a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ollie was the only living son in the family of seven children of Bro. and Sister Silas Garber, four of whom have preceded him to the spirit world. Bro. Ollie became ill in February while attending college at Goshen, Ind., and was brought home March 8, but failing to improve under the care of their family physician, he was taken to an Indianapolis sanitarium, where everything possible was done for him, but to no avail. He continued to grow worse until death relieved him, which was due to an abscess on the brain. Bro. Ollie was an exceptionally bright young man, and his untimely death is deeply regretted by many. Funeral services at the A. M. meeting-house on the 18th, conducted by Niles Slabaugh, from Heb. 9:27, and E. A. Mast, from Rev. 20:6. He was laid to rest in the Hershberger cemetery. He leaves a father and mother, two sisters and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. His last request to his mother was that all his friends should meet him in heaven. The writer of this notice, while at Goshen March 4, stopped there to visit him. He seemed to be getting better and told me how much he enjoyed his studies while he was able to be in his class. He also said that he never so fully realized what Jesus was to him until he came to Goshen.
G. W. N.

Yoder.- Sarah Yoder was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, July 2, 1841; died in Miami Co., Ind., April 23, 1907, of lung trouble; aged 65 Y., 9 M. 21 D. Funeral at the A. M. M. H. on the 25th. Services by N. M. Slabaugh, from Job 5:26, and E. A. Mast, from 2 Tim: 4:6-8. She leaves a husband and many relatives and friends to mourn her departure. She was a true and obedient member of the Amish Mennonite church. Buried in the Mast cemetery.

Johnson.- On April 18, 1907, at her home, 581 W. Adams street, Chicago, Ill., of bronchial pneumonia and heart failure, Louisa M., wife of Sidney B. Johnson, at an advanced age. She leaves a sorrowing husband and one daughter to mourn her departure. She was a staunch member of the Presbyterian church from her early years, and a devout Christian. She always took an active interest in the needs and sufferings of those around her. In Sunday school work she was always active while health and strength permitted, both in teaching, tract distribution and visiting among the sick and neglected ones. Both she and her husband were intimately associated in Sunday school work in the Milwaukee Depot Mission in Chicago with the senior editor of the Herald of Truth (who was the superintendent of the school), nearly fifty years ago, and their devoted and faithful support was highly appreciated, as the care of the school rested almost altogether upon the superintendent and his few faithful helpers. Her friendship was without variation, "without partiality and without hypocrisy," and her home was a place where without ostentation and vain formality her friends and the friends of the family met with a hearty welcome and could enjoy the hospitalities extended to them. While she did not aim for the high things of this life, she left impressions for good in the hearts of who looked forward for the better things of the life to come, and we are sure that the pleasant little class of girls she taught in the Sunday school so many years ago, though no doubt some of them have gone to the home beyond, those still living will remember the faithful teaching given them in their girlhood by their kind teacher who had the welfare of their souls so much at heart and who has now gone to her eternal reward. A number, at least, of our readers will remember the familiar initials L. M. J. associated with many excellent sections that appeared in the Herald and also with a few original articles. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a rown of life."

Week 2: May 9, 1907, page 176 Volume XLIV, Number 19

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Herr.- On April 27, 1907, at Bird-in-hand, Lancaster Co., Pa., a complication of diseases, Sister Herr, wife of John R. Herr, at an advanced age. She was a faithful member of the Old Mennonite church since her early years. She is survived by her husband, three sons and two daughters. She was buried on the 29th at the Stumptown M. H.

Killinger.- Sarah Rarick was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, on Nov. 10, 1822; died at the home of her son, Solomon Walmer, April 27, 1907; aged 84 Y., 5 M., 17 D. She was united with John Walmer in 1830 and ten years after his death was again married to Frederick Killinger, who also preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her death two sons, one brother, a number of grandchildren and many friends. She was buried on Monday, April 29, at the Anderson Lutheran church, where services were conducted by Frank Kreider of the Brethren church and John F. Funk of Elkhart. We trust our loss is her eternal gain. Peace to her ashes. The Lord so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Rutt.- On April 26, 1904, in W. Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., after a brief illness with pneumonia, Susan Rutt, widow of the late Christian Rutt; aged 81 years. She died at the home of her son-in-law, W. H. Schneitman in Elizabethtown, Pa. She is survived by one son and a daughter. The deceased was a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite church. The funeral was held at the Mennonite meeting-house in Elizabethtown. Interment at the Rutt graveyard in West Donegal township.

Week 3: May 16, 1907, page 184 Volume XLIV, Number 20

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Stengel.- On the 29th of April, 1907, near Preston, Waterloo Co., Ont., of inflammatory rheumatism, which finally affected her heart, Sister Hannah, wife of Bro. William Stengel; aged 69 years. She leaves her sorrowing husband, three daughters, an adopted son, two brothers and many other relatives and friends to mourn her death. Deceased was the youngest daughter of the late Tobias and Magdalena (Bechtel) Kolb. Buried on the 30th at the Hagey M. H. Funeral services by Jacob Gingrich in German, and by David Wismer in English.

Koppes.- John S. Koppes was born in Lehigh Co., Pa., March 30, 1826, and died at his home in Montville, Medina Co., Ohio, May 2, 1907; aged 81 Y., 1 M., 2 D. When but six years of age he came with his parents to Ohio and located in Medina county. On July 2, 1848, he was married to Anna Means. To this union were born six children, three of whom have preceded him to the spirit world. After a lingering illness of several years his beloved wife died Sept. 30, 1866. On Jan. 9, 1868, he was married to Hannah Bergy, who survives him. To this union were born seven children, six of whom are living. The children and mother, together with twenty grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, are left to mourn the loss of a beloved and indulgent father and husband. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years. Funeral services were conducted at the Guilford M. H. near his home on May 4, in the presence of a very large assemblage of people, by I. J. Buchwalter of Wayne Co., Ohio, assisted by J. M. Kreider and N. A. Lind. Thus ends the life of a brother who has always had the welfare of the church at heart.

Freed.- Elizabeth, wife of Bro. Aaron H. Freed of Franconia, Montgomery Co., Pa., died May 3, 1907, of erysipelas; aged 79 Y., 1 M., 19 D. She is survived by her husband and many friends. Funeral at Franconia M. H.

Clemens.- Alpheus, son of Bro. John C. Clemens, died on April 29, 1907, and was buried at the Towamencin M. H.; aged 3 M., 29 D. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Yoder.- Catharine Yoder, widow of Josiah Yoder, was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Feb. 4, 1843; came to Indiana in her early life and for a number of years lived in the vicinity of Shore, Lagrange county, and was a faithful member of the Shore Mennonite church. Several years ago she moved to White Cloud, Mich., where she resided at the time of death, on March 22, 1907; aged 64 Y., 1 M., 18 D. Funeral services were held on the 24th in the Pleasant Valley S. H., east of White Cloud, Mich., by J. C. Springer and J. P. Miller, from the 23d Psalm, selected by her surviving children. On Monday, the 25th, the remains were brought to Shipshewana, Ind., and on Tuesday, the 26th, services were held in the Shore M. H., conducted by A. S. Cripe and Y. C. Miller, from the above text. Interment in the Miller graveyard. Peace be hers.

Derstein.- Elmer, son of Bro. Menno L. Derstein of Franconia Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., died April 19, 1907, of typhoid fever; aged 10 Y., 1 M., 16 D. On Friday, May 3, 1907, an infant child, five weeks old, of the same family, died. Both were buried at the Franconia meeting-house. The Lord comfort the sorrowing hearts.

Blough.- Jacob J. Blough was born in Somerset Co., Pa., March 21, 1860; died in Lagrange Co., Ind., May 1, 1907; aged 47 Y., 1 M., 10 D. He was a faithful member of the Shore Mennonite church, an esteemed neighbor, a good husband and a kind and loving father. His sorrowing wife and daughters have the sympathy of the church and community in this their great loss. Funeral was held in the Shore M. H. May 3, conducted by Y. C. Miller and A. S. Cripe from 1 Thess. 4:13, 14. The multitude of people that met on this occasion could not nearly all get into the audience room. Interment in the Miller burying-ground. Peace to his soul.

Holdeman.- Anna Nusbaum was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Feb. 26, 1830, a daughter of Christian and Catharine Nusbaum, natives of Europe. She was married to Joseph Holdeman, Sept. 24, 1846, in Ashland Co., Ohio, with whom she lived until death separated them on Aug. 19, 1894. Joseph and Anna Holdeman moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1851, settling in Olive township. At that time the site of Salem (now Wakarusa) was covered with timber. They did their share in converting this forest into fields of plenty. To them were born fifteen children, of whom four are living, namely: Christian Holdeman, Catharine Good, Margaret Flickinger and Anna Williard. There are also fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. More than half a century ago she united with the Mennonite church and remained a faithful member until death, which came May 5, 1907; aged 77 Y., 2 M., 10 D. Funeral services were held at the Olive M. H. on May 8, where a large concourse of people met to pay a last tribute of respect to a relative, friend and pioneer. Services were conducted by David Burkholder and Jacob K. Bixler, from John 11: 25, 26. Her desire was to go to meet the loved ones gone before. The ranks of the pioneer members of the congregation are fast thinning out. May God give us grace to carry on the work which older brethren and sisters have borne thus far.

Week 4: May 23, 1907, page 192 Volume XLIV, Number 21

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Weaver.- On May 11 1907, in Lancaster Co., Pa., near Farmersville, on the Conestoga, Pre. Moses Weaver, aged about 83 years. He had been in ill health for about two years, suffering from a stroke of paralysis. He lived on the place where he died for about sixty years. Had been twice married; his second wife and two sons of the first marriage survive; also four grandchildren. Pre. John Weaver of Elkhart Co., Ind., is a brother to the deceased. He was a minister of the Pike Mennonite congregation of Earl township. Funeral was held on the 15th at the Pike Mennonite meeting-house near Reidenbach's store. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Swartzendruber.- Anna Swartzendruber, daughter of Jacob and Lizzie Swartzendruber, residing near Kalona, Washington Co, Iowa, died May 12, 1907, of consumption; aged 30 Y., 1 M., 3 D. She was born April 9, 1877. She leaves father, mother, one brother and one sister to mourn her early departure, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. She gave every evidence that it was well with her soul. Her desire was to get well and live with her parents and care for them; but she always said, "The Lord's will be done." If it would please the Lord to take her home she would be ready to go. She united with the Amish Mennonite church early in her youth, and was a faithful follower of her Lord Jesus till the death angel called her away. She will be greatly missed, but our loss is her gain. Before she died she said, "I will soon be at home; my Savior is near." She bade them all good-by before the spirit departed. Funeral services were held May 14 at the Lower Deer Creek M. H. by Bro. Joseph Gingerich and Gideon Yoder. Text, 2 Cor. 6:1-10. A large concourse of relatives and friends were gathered to pay their last tribute of respect. A. R.

Hershberger.- At Grantsville, Md., Sister Savannah May, wife of Pre. W. C. Hershberger and only daughter of Bro. William and Sister Barbara Tressler, died May 2, 1907; aged 21 Y., 5 M., 14 D. She was married not quite one year, leaves a sorrowing husband, father, mother, brother and an infant son two weeks old, with a host of friends. She united with the Mennonite church at the age of twelve years and was a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus until death. As she realized that she could not get well she requested that a minister be sent for, as she desired to once more observe the communion. Bro. Ed Miller visited her and held the services with her, after which she said, "I am now ready to go; I would like to stay with the family and help to bring up my little boy, but if it is the Lord's will for me to go, I am ready." She left every evidence that it was well with her soul and that she is now at rest. A short time before she died she sang the beautiful hymn, "I'm going home to die no more." How sweet is the death of the righteous! Funeral, May 4, at Springs, Pa. Services at the house by David Kiem and H. M. Gelnett, at the church and grave by G. D. and Ed Miller. Over 700 people were present to pay their last respects to one who was loved by all who knew her.

Gingerich.- On May 8, 1907, in Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Co, Ont., Moses Gingerich, aged 82 Y., 2 M., 21 D. He was born in the same vicinity where he died, having spent his whole lifetime in that locality. In his younger years he united with the Mennonite church and was baptized by the late Bish. Benjamin Eby, who was the first Mennonite bishop residing in Waterloo county, with which body he remained faithful until death. He was married to Susannah Martin, to which union were born six sons and one daughter. After the decease of his first wife, he was married to Susannah B. Brubaker, with whom he had one son and two daughters. She died several years ago, while he since lived with his son Henry on the old homestead, Lot No. 108, German Company's Tract, Woolwich Township, about two miles south of Elmira, where he settled in the woods, cleared up his farm and lived the remainder of his life. He was never sick so as to need a physician until a few weeks ago, when he was kicked by a horse, breaking his leg. While thus confined to his bed, he said, "I never was in bed on account of sickness more than one and a half days in my life." He still helped his son on the farm until this accident befell him. After the doctor had dressed his limb, he suffered very little pain and prospects were good for a speedy recovery. A few weeks later, however, heart failure set in, causing death very suddenly and unexpectedly to the family. He was buried at West Woolwich on the 11th, leaving an aged sister, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, besides a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. Services were conducted by Daniel Brubaker from 1 Pet. 1:22-26 and Daniel Martin from Matt. 12: 30-32.

Stemen.- Elizabeth Stemen (nee Beery) was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, May 6, 1827; died in Putnam Co., Ohio, May 12, 1907; aged 80 Y., 6 D. She was united in marriage to Daniel Stemen, Nov. 26, 1846, and they lived happily together for 60 Y., 5 M., 16 D. To this union were born fourteen children, of whom seven preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves to mourn her death an aged husband, five sons, two daughters, 41 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, two sisters, besides a large number of relatives and friends, but they mourn not without hope, as we have good evidence that she lived and died in the Lord. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church for about forty-five years and remained steadfast to the end. In the death of Sister Stemen the husband has lost a devoted and loving wife, the children and grandchildren a kind mother and grandmother, the community a good neighbor, and the church a faithful member. She was always willing and ready to lend a helping hand in time of need to all. In her last years, not being able any more to go to the house of worship, an occasional meeting was held at her home, which she enjoyed very much. The writer visited her a few weeks before her death, when she expressed herself as being perfectly reconciled with her God and said she was ready to go whenever the Lord saw fit to take her home, and she calmly and peacefully fell asleep in the triumph of a living hope in her Redeemer. May all prepare to meet her in heaven. May the words of our Savior be heeded, "Be ye also ready." On account of the aged husband being in feeble health, funeral services were conducted at the home on the 14th by Moses Brenneman and J. M. Shenk, from Matt. 24:44. Her funeral was largely attended. Burial at Salem. Peace to her ashes.

Week 5: May 30, 1907, page 199. Volume XLIV, Number 22

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Means.- Mary Leatherman was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Oct. 20, 1832; died at the home of her daughter, near Wichita, Kan., May 12, 1907; aged 74 Y., 6 M., 22 D. She was married to Abraham Means Feb. 2, 1851. In 1854 they moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., and in January, 1884, to near Arkansas City, Kan. Their family consisted of four children: Malinda, David, Frank and Anna. Malinda died in infancy and David about five years ago. Frank lives three miles west of Arkansas City, and Anna, married to S. J. Garberic, lives near Wichita, Kan. Twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. The funeral was held in the M. E. church, five miles southwest of Arkansas City, on May 14, conducted by T. M. Erb of Newton. Kan., from Psa. 32:1, which verse she quoted shortly before she died. She was buried in the adjoining cemetery beside her husband, who died ten years ago. Sister Means was converted and with her husband joined the Mennonite church in Indiana. Bro. Means later joined the River Brethren church. She was a consistent and devout Christian woman, always loyal to her church, and remained faithful to the day of her death. Of late years she held her membership with the congregation in Harvey Co., Kan., there being no other members of her faith where she resided.

Shelly.- On the 10th of May, 1907, at the Lancaster (Pa.) Asylum, Wm. Shelly, aged 40 Y., 6 M., 24 D. He was a member of the Mennonite church, but several years ago he lost his mind; but before that time he tried to do what was
right, so we commit his soul unto God who gave it. Buried on the 13th in the Bowmansville Mennonite graveyard. Services in the adjoining meeting-house by Bish. Benj. Weaver and N. B. Bowman. Peace to his ashes. W. G. G.

Stahl. -Jeremiah Stahl was born Sept. 3, 1830, in Somerset Co., Pa. He was married to Fannie Kauffman Jan. 25, 1857. To this union were born two children, Moses and Mary, both of Kent Co, Mich. He moved to Kent Co., Mich., in March 1880. "Jerry," as he was familiarly called, was for many years a member of the Mennonite church. For the past few years he was unable to attend services at the house of God on account of ill health. He died May 12, 1907, aged 76 Y., 8 M., 9 D. He leaves a widow, two children, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren four brothers and three sisters. Funeral services Wednesday, May 15, 1907, at the Bowne Mennonite M. H. by Isaac Weaver and J. S. Hartzler, from John 5:28, 29.

Weaver.- Willis D. Weaver was born in Lagrange Co.. Ind., April 4, 1879; died of consumption, May 9, 1907; aged 28 Y., 1 M., 1 D. He leaves a wife and one child, an aged father, four brothers and six sisters to mourn his early departure. Bro. Weaver was a faithful member of the Shore Mennonite church. Funeral services were held in the Shore M. H., where there were about one thousand people gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to Bro. Weaver. Services were conducted by Y. C. Miller and A. S. Cripe. Text, Psa. 119:174.

Gable.- May 9, 1907, near Stony Brook, York Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Abram, son of Asa P. and Sallie Gable; aged 1 Y., 6 M., 27 D. Funeral services by Pre, J. C. Miller of Hanover and Pre. Theo. B. Forry of Stony Brook. Text, Job 1:21.

Hursh.- May 19, 1907, near Stony Brook, Pa., of whooping cough, Minnie Dora, daughter of David and Jemima Hursh; aged 2 Y., 2 M., 10 D. Funeral services May 21 by Pre. Henry Longenecker. Text, Matt. 18:3.

Landis.- Annie H. Landis was born Aug. 26, 1887; died May 18, 1907; aged 19 Y., 8 M., 22 D. She suffered with lung trouble for the last ten weeks, but was a patient sufferer to the end. She became willing to live for the Master through the time of her afflictions and was received into the church on the 19th of April, and was a member of the Mennonite church since that time. She leaves a host of friends, a father, mother, two brothers and one sister to mourn their loss, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. The funeral was held on Wednesday at the Mennonite M. H. at East Petersburg. Interment at that place. Pre. Hiram Kauffman officiated at the house and Jacob N. Brubacher and Christian Lefever at the meeting-house.

Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas        

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