Week 1: July 4, 1907, page 239 Volume XLIV, Number 27

Click to View Image

Heatwole.-On Sunday, near noon, June 16, 1907, at the home of his daughter, Margaret Ford, at Clover Hill, Rockingham Co., Va., the spirit consciousness of John D. Heatwole passed from earth into the unseen world. His occupation from early manhood having been that of a potter, he has long been well and widely known as "Potter John." The cause of death was cancer of the stomach, from which he lingered four or five months. He was born Aug. 18, 1826, and consequently at the time of his death had reached the ripe age of 80 Y., 9 M., 28 D. It was on the 28th day of March, 1852, that he and his wife, whose name was Coffman, were received into fellowship with the Mennonite church by baptism at what is now known as the Bank M. H. This date is significant because on the same day and at the same place there were also eighteen or twenty other persons received, most of whom were young married couples like themselves. The meeting-house at this place had been built but a few years before, and it was from this ingathering of young people that the prosperity of the congregation dates its beginning. Bro. Heatwole's name has figured prominently in the history of
the Mennonites in Virginia, he being one of the number whose faith as respects the non-resistant principle was the most sorely tested and tried during the period of the Civil War. The account appearing in the Virginia department of "Hartzler & Kauffman's History of the Mennonites" with reference to the brother who spent many weary months in a lonely cabin in the mountains as a fugitive from military service and who was the first to make the non-resistant faith known to the people in the part of West Virginia where active mission work is now being carried on-the subject of this sketch was Bro. John D. Heatwole. It is noted as being a peculiar coincidence that death came at the hour when the congregation with which he was so long associated, was assembled in worship. He is survived by three sons and four daughters, his wife having preceded him in death about fifteen years. Funeral on the afternoon of the 17th at the Bank M. H., the service being conducted by J. S. Martin and G. D. Heatwole.

Fink.-Malinda Lamb Fink, wife of Bro. Michael Fink, departed this life June 17, 1907, at the age of 33 Y., 6 M., 18 D. She together with her husband united with the Mennonite church April 22, 1906, and were identified with the congregation at White Hall in the Hopkin's Gap community in Rockingham Co., Va. A three-weeks-old infant preceded her to the grave, and after many weeks of suffering she herself followed the little one. The occasion of her sickness and death has been the means for softening the hearts and awakening the sympathy of many people in the community in which she lived. Funeral services for both mother and child were held at White Hall on the 18th by L. J. Heatwole.

Burkholder.-David Burkholder of near New Erection, Rockingham Co., Va., departed this life June 10, 1907, after a period of consumption that continued for nearly a year. He was born in the year 1830 and hence was 77 years old. From early life he has been a consistent member of the Mennonite church, and one among the most regular attendants for worship at the Weaver M. H. Even when more or less enfeebled because of failing health, his place at church was not vacant until within the period of the past six or eight months. He is survived by his wife, one son and three daughters. Funeral from Weaver's on the 11th by S. H. Rhodes and Chr. Good.

Shenk.-On June 24, 1907, in Millersville, Pa., of a complication of diseases, Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Shenk, in the eighty-first year of her age. She was a member of the Mennonite church. She was twice married; her second husband and four children by her first husband (Shertzer) survive her. She was buried on the 26th at the Millersville Mennonite M. H.

Schatz.-Bro. Jacob Schatz of Skippack. Montgomery Co., Pa., died on June 7, 1907, of heart disease; aged 73 Y., 6 M., 2 D. He is survived by a sorrowing companion and four children. He was buried at the Lower Skippack Menn. M. H.

Bergey.-Sister Mary, wife of Samuel G.. Bergey, of Franconia Twp., Montgomery Co., Pa., died on Sunday, June 9, 1907, of liver troubles; aged 66 Y., 9 M., 15 D. Deceased is survived by her husband and two children. Funeral was held on Thursday. Interment at the Franconia Mennonite burial ground.

Landes.-On the 16th of June, 1907, in Upper Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., near Mechanicsburg, of a complication of diseases, of which he suffered for some time, Reuben L. Landes, aged 61 years. He was a son of the late Christian R. Landes; he was a single man and a member of the Old Mennonite church. Two brothers and a sister survive him. He was buried at the Stumptown Mennonite M. H., where the services were also held.

Shank.-Samuel Shank died at the home of his brother William near Markham, Ont., on June 1, 1907. Deceased was received into the Mennonite church some years ago, but for the last few years was not so active as formerly. A few weeks before his death he expressed a desire again to take his place as before and he longed for the communion. Buried on the 3d at the Wideman church. Funeral was conducted by L. J. Burkholder. Text, 2 Cor. 5:1.

Hoover.-Elisabeth Reesor Hoover died of the infirmities of old age, at the home of her son, Pre. Samuel R. Hoover, near Markham, Ont., on the 17th of June, 1907, at the ripe age of 91 Y., 2 M., 8 D. Deceased gave her heart to God and united with the church in her girlhood and continued faithful until her death, a period of about seventy-five years of church membership. She united in marriage with Bro. John S. Hoover, with whom she lived for forty-six years, when they were parted by death. To this happy union were born 14 children, 53 grandchildren and 82 great-grandchildren. Funeral was conducted at the Wideman M. H. on the 19th by L. J. Burkholder and Christian Gehman. Text, 2 Cor. 5:7, 8, which was selected by Sister Hoover a few years before her death.

Week 2: July 11, 1907, image missing Volume XLIV, Number 28

Herald of Truth, July 11, 1907, page 248

DEATHS.

Yoder.-Harry Jonathan, son of John and Fanny Yoder, was born July 9, 1906; died June 21, 1907; aged 11 M., 12 D. Funeral services were conducted at the Shore M. H. in Lagrange Co., Ind., June 23, by Yost C. Miller and S. E. Weaver, from Matt. 19:14.

Hoover.-On June 29, 1907, in Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa., of apoplexy, Catharine H., wife of John Hoover; aged 63 years. Besides her husband she is survived by three sisters. Buried on Wednesday at the Manheim Mennonite M. H. Interment at Erb's M. H. Services were conducted by Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher.

Hunsberger.-Albert Leroy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hunsberger, near Wakarusa, Ind., was born Aug. 28, 1901; died June 30, 1907; aged 5 Y., 10 M., 2 D. He leaves to mourn their loss a father, mother, a brother Andrew and a sister Arvilla. Little Albert was a great sufferer for four months. His sickness began with lagrippe, after which a complication of diseases set in, followed on the last day by brain fever with which he suffered intensely until called home. Funeral services were conducted at the Olive M. H. on July 3 by David Burkholder and Jacob K. Bixler from the text, 2 Kings 4:26.

Durr.-Jacob J. Durr, youngest brother of Bish. J. N. Durr, died very suddenly of apoplexy at his home near Carmichaels, Pa., on June 17, 1907; aged 47 years. His death occurred on his birthday. He was conscious of the fact that his time was drawing to an end and remarked at different times that he was prepared to go. He was born, reared and died on the old Durr Homestead in Greene county. He was a member of the Mennonite church, and is survived by a wife, two broth-ers, two sisters and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on June 20, conducted by A. D. Martin. Text at the house, John 14:1. The remains were taken to Mason-town, where another service was held at the M. H. by Bro. Martin, using Psa. 90:12 as a text. Interment in the cemetery adjoining.

Sensenig.-Martin Sensenig of Martindale, Lan-caster Co., Pa., died June 19, 1907, of dropsy and heart troubles; aged 23 Y., 1 M. 12 D.; leaving a sorrowing widow and child, father, brother, sis-ter, and many friends to mourn their loss, which was his eternal gain and happiness. He united with the church about three years ago and was very active in church and Sunday school work, and will be greatly missed in the home, in the church and in the community. How sad to part with him here! But how consoling and blessed the hope that we can meet him again in heaven, where parting will be no more! Interment, and funeral services at Weaverland on the 22d of June, conducted by Samuel Witmer in German, from Isa. 57:2, and Bish. Weaver in English, from Rom. 14:7. D. S. M.

Moser.-Peter Moser was born near Moutier, Canton Berne, Switzerland, April 28, 1809; died at his home near Dalton. Ohio, of a severe cold and old age, June 13, 1907; age 98 Y., 1 M., 15 D. At the age of sixteen years he immigrated to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they (he with his parents) arrived April 22, 1825, after a three months' journey. "Sonnenberg" was at that time a young Mennonite settlement of a few families. At the age of eighteen Peter was left to his own re-sources. He spent a year and a half to learn the cobbler's trade. After this he set up his own "last" and followed the trade from house to house until in a few years he had saved a little sum of money with which he bought a 56-acre farm. Oct. 27, 1832, he was married to Anna Behr. Eleven children were born to them; two died in infancy, and one (Levi) is confined in the insane asylum at Massillon, Ohio. The other children were John, Abraham, Peter, Daniel, David, Katherine, Barbara and Elizabeth. Katherine, wife of John Hofstetter, died some thirty years ago and Peter died in January, 1905. All his surviving children, except Levi, and most of his descendants live in the German Mennonite settlement. His wife died June 30, 1901, at the age of 87 Y., 4 M., after a married life of nearly 69 years. He leaves his seven children, 69 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild to mourn his departure. The funeral was held June 16, from the old Mennonite M. H., conducted by Bish. Jacob Nussbaum and Bro. C. N. Amstutz. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church from his youth. His desire for many years was to depart from this world and be with the Savior, but he patiently waited until the Master called him.

Miller.--Sarah Miller, widow of the late Joseph B. Bechtel of Waterloo Twp., Ont., was born Nov. 28, 1828; died Jun 22, 1907; aged 78 Y., 6 M., 24 D. Bro. and Sister Bechtel were married April 18, 1848. To this union were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Two sons preceded her to the spirit world, as also her husband, about eleven years ago, leaving ten children to mourn the loss of a dear and affectionate mother. She bore her affliction patiently, having suffered from dropsy for a number of years, but when the end came she quietly passed away in peace. Funeral on June 25, 1907, when her remains were quietly laid away in the cemetery adjoining the "Wanner M. H." Services at the house by A. B. Snyder, at the M. H. by J. S. Woolner, in English, and M. C. Bowman, in German.

Wise.-Hannah C. Humbert was born May 11, 1834, in Franklin Co., Pa.; died June 27, 1907; aged 73 Y., 1 M., 16 D. She was married to Amos C. McCulloh, who died Dec. 26, 1876. To this union were born eleven children, of whom nine survive. In the year 1884 she went to Illinois and in 1887 was again married, to Samuel Wise, who died Dec. 15, 1905. Funeral services were held June 30 at the Mennonite M. H. near Morrison, Ill., where quite a number of people had come together. Services were conducted by John Zook and John Nice. Texts, John 19:27 and Mark 14:8. She was a consistent member of the Mennonite church. We have no reason to mourn as those who have no hope.

Transcribed by Nancy Regan, Washington.

Week 3: June 18, 1907, page 258. Volume XLIV, Number 29

Click to View Image

Stemen.-Catharine Stemen departed this life on July 4, 1907; aged 69 Y., 8 M., 1 D. She was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Nov. 3, 1837; moved to Ohio with her parents, Abraham and Catharine Lehman, over sixty-five years ago. They located on the old homestead now owned by the heirs of Abr. S. Lehman, near Canal Winchester. She was united in marriage with Benoni Stemen (the now bereaved husband), June 10, 1856, and they lived together over fifty-one years. The year after their marriage, she with her husband, united with the Mennonite church and continued a faithful member to the time of her death, always exhibiting in her life the characteristics of true piety, giving an example to all around her of her faith in the Redeemer of the world. She was kind, considerate and tender in the management of the affairs of the home and in the discharge of her maternal and other duties, tenderly devoted to her children, ready to make any sacrifice for their comfort and happiness, but always inculcating both by precept and example the principles of Christianity. She was a faithful wife, a kind mother and a good neighbor, ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her long life in this community is an open book to all who knew her. They can speak of her modesty and humility and her true devotion to her family and the church of her choice. She is survived by her husband, four sons (George, Martin, Andrew and Benoni, all living near the old home) and three daughters (Leah, residing in Van Wert Co., Ohio; Catharine, near Elida, Ohio; Rachel, living near the family home), fifteen grandchildren, seven brothers and sisters, with a very large number of relatives and friends, who mourn her death, but not as those who have no hope. Many of her relatives have passed on before her, among them four brothers, one sister, two grandchildren, who are now with her and the blood-washed throng in heaven. The funeral services were held July 7 at the Pickerington Mennonite M. H. near the home, by Bro. John Blosser. Text, Rev. 11:12. he house could not contain all the relatives and friends that were present to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed sister. COR.

Andreas.-Mary H. Rutt was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., June 24, 1851; died July 5, 1907. At the age of thirteen she, with her parents, moved West and located near Sterling, Ill., where she spent the remainder of her life. On Oct. 28, 1869, she was married to Martin Andreas. To this union were born two sons and three daughters, all of whom survive her. For many years she was a faithful member of the Science Ridge Mennonite congregation. She was beloved by all who knew her because of her devoted Christian life. Funeral services were held on the 7th, conducted by A. C. Good. A large concourse of people gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to one whom they so dearly loved.

King.-Lydia Maude, only daughter of David M and Jamima F. King, was born in McArthur Twp., Logan Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1883; died at the home of her parents in W. Liberty Twp., Logan Co., 0., June 29, 1907; aged 23 Y., 6 M., 27 D. At the age of sixteen years she realized her lost condition and accepted Christ as her Savior and guide and became a member of the Amish Mennonite church. The hand of affliction was soon laid upon her and she never regained her former health. She led an earnest Christian life, though much of the time she was unable to attend the house of worship. Some time before her death she desired to be anointed, which was done on June 1, and from that time on she was fully persuaded that God would restore her to health if it was his will, and if not, that he would still order and direct her life to his glory. She bore her great suffering with Christian fortitude and was an inspiration to all whose privilege it was to minister to her during her sickness. She often spoke of the joys of Christian service and longed for the time when she could depart and be at rest. She leaves father, mother, one brother and many friends to mourn her early death. She will be sadly missed in the home, but we feel that our loss is her eternal gain. She has finished her course, and pain and suffering are now over forever. God grant that we may be prepared to meet her. Funeral services at S. Union, conducted by C. K. Yoder and Abednego Miller, from 2 Cor. 5:1. Interment at the Alexander cemetery on the DeGraff road.

Stoner.-On July 5, 1907, in Millersville, Lancaster Co., Pa., at the home of her son-in-law. Jacob P. Lenhart, after an illness of ten days, Elizabeth Stoner, widow of the late Reuben Stoner, in the seventy-third year of her age. She lived almost her entire life in the house in which she died. Her husband died thirty-two years ago. She was a member of the Mennonite church. She is survived by one daughter and a brother.

Week 4: July 25, 1907, p. 269 Volume XLIV, Number 30

Click to View Image

July 25, 1907.
Herald of Truth, page 269.

Whisler.- In York Co., Pa., of a complication of diseases, Leah Whisler, wife of Emanuel Whisler, died on July 4, 1907; aged 64 Y., 2 M., 4 D. She leaves a husband, three sons and three daughters to mourn their loss, but they need not mourn as those who have no hope. One son and one daughter preceded her to the spirit world. Her funeral was held on July 7 in the York Road church, where services were held by Daniel Stump and J. C. Miller from John 11:25, 26. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas        

Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved - Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA
Used with permission by the Archives of the Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN
Permission granted to private family researchers to use selected portions of these images 
to tell their family stories.
May not be mass-produced in any form for commercial purposes.