1907 Gospel Witness Obituaries

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Week 1: April 3, 1907 - page 15, 16


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The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 1 - APRIL 3, 1907 - page 15, 16

LANTZ.-Nancy, widow of Adam Lantz, died at her home near Topeka, Ind., Mar. 15, 1907, of paralysis; aged 71 y. 10 m. 9 d. Her husband and three daughters having preceded her, she leaves one son, five grand daughters, one brother and many relatives and friends to mourn her departure. She was a faithful Christian worker and was ready to go to her long home. Funeral services were held at the Maple Grove Church, Sunday, Mar. 17, by J. Kurtz Text, Phil. 1:28.

HERR.-Bro. Howard H. Herr, son of Bro. David B. and Sister Emma E. Herr, died Mar. 18, at the home of his father, Hanover, Pa., after an illness of about six months of consumption. The funeral was held Thursday, March 21, at the Mennonite Church in Hanover, and interment made in the York Road Cemetery. He was a member of the Mennonite Church and a very large concourse of friends had met to pay their last tributes of respect. Aged 23y. 7m. 1d.

MYERS.-Hannah Myers was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., Jan. 31, 1833; died Mar. 18, 1907; aged 74y. 1m. 18d. On June 15, 1850, she was united in marriage to Abram Myers. About 45 years ago the family moved to Sterling, Ill., where they spent the remainder of their lives. To this union were born sixteen children, nine of whom preceded their parents to the tomb, her husband having preceded her to the spirit world ten years ago. Funeral services were held on the 20, at the Science Ridge Church, conducted by J. S. Shoemaker and A. C. Good. Peace to her ashes.

LEHMAN.-Mar. 21, 1907, at the home of her nephew, Henry Lehman, near Washingtonville, Ohio, Sister Catherine Lehman, of the Wisler branch of the Mennonite Church, passed into the great beyond after less than a week's illness. She was never married and an only brother survives, besides many nieces and nephews. Four sisters and three brothers preceded her in death. She was buried at Midway, Mar. 24, where a large number of relatives and friends assembled. She had reached the age of 77y. 3m. 23d. Funeral sermon preached by Henry Hursh of Wayne Co. in German, and Jacob Tyson of this place in English, from Rev. 14: 13.

REED.-James Reed of near Moultrie, Columbiana Co., 0., was born July 16, 1834; died March 16, 1907. Aged 78 y. 8. m. He was married July 21, 1854, to Elizabeth New comer, who with 7 children, 24 grand children and 10 great-grand-children survive him. Buried the 18, in the Moultrie cemetery where a large concourse of friends and neighbors assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to one they had learned to know and love as a faithful brother and a kind husband and father, his children all being present at the burial. May God's richest blessings rest in the family circle of our brother. Services were conducted by D. Hostetler of Smithville, Ohio. Peace to his ashes. D. H.

BURKHART.-Brother David Burkhart died at the home of his son-in-law, John Shetter, near Chambersburg, Pa., after a few weeks' illness, on Mar. 11, 1907; aged 77y. 6m. 22d. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church for many years and was faithful to the last. He often expressed a desire to go home. His face was always visible at church when health would permit. He leaves a sorrowing wife and these children: Sister Lizzie Shetter, Sister Katie Dougherty. and Bro. John, all of Franklin Co., and ten grand-children to mourn his death. Funeral on the 14, at the Strasburg Mennonite Church by Henry Bricker and J. S. Burkholder from Rev. 14:12, 13. Burial in the grave-yard adjoining He rests from his labors and his works will follow.

HOOLEY.-Levi Hooley died at the Sanitarium at Indianapolis, Ind., of a complication of diseases on March 26, 1907, aged about 65 years. His home was at Kennard, Champaign Co., Ohio. Funeral services were held Mar. 29, at the Oak Grove A. M. Church by Simon Yoder Bro. Hooley was an active and consistent member of the Bethel Mennonite Congregation of West Liberty, Ohio, and a member of the Orphans' Home Advisory Committee. Peace to his ashes.

KANAGY.-Joseph Z. Kanagy was born near Port Royal, Juniata Co., Pa., on May 9, 1845, and died at his home near Allensville, Mifflin Co., Pa., on March 21,1907; aged 61y. 10m. 12d. In the early part of his life he followed the occupation of school teaching for a period of three years, after which he took up the occupation of farming which he followed until about six years ago when he retired. He was married to Fannie C. Hartzler on Feb. 10, 1874, and, to this union were born two sons, Jacob C., and John B., and two daughters, Pamelia M., and Lydia B., all of whom with his wife, four brothers and two sisters, six grand children and many other friends are left to mourn his sad and unexpected departure.
Bro. Kanagy united with the Amish Mennonite Church early in life, and lived a consistent Christian life until the end. We have every reason to believe that he enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God, and as a kind husband, a loving father, and a wise counselor he will be greatly missed both in the home and in the church.
He was ordained to the ministry on Dec. 2, 1900, and was faithful in his calling for over seven years. He served as district evangelist for the churches in Pennsylvania for two years and always preached the pure, unadulterated Word of God to the best of his ability and understanding. He usually enjoyed good health, and his sudden death was a shock to the entire community, as he was at services on Sunday previous to his death. He took sick Monday night and died on Wednesday night, being sick only 48 hours. The cause of his death was general paralysis. The funeral services were conducted by J. H. Byler in German and John E. Kauffman in English, from Rev. 14:13. A large number of friends gathered at the church to pay the last tribute of respect. He was laid to rest in the A. M. cemetery near Allensville. Peace to his ashes.

Transcribed by Ron Garber, Kansas


Week 2: April 10, 1907 - page 32


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The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 2 - April 10, 1907 - page 32

EICHELBERGER.- Elizabeth (Birkey) Eichelberger was born in Tazwell Co., Ill., Sept. 19, 1852, and died Mar. 22, 1907; aged 53y. 6m. 3d. She united with the A. M. Church at the age of sixteen years and was a faithful member until the time of her death. She leaves a husband and eight children, a mother, three brothers and two sisters to mourn her departure but they mourn not as they who have no hope. She left bright evidence that she went to meet her Savior. Buried on the 24, at the Salem Church near Shickley, Neb. Funeral services were conducted by Joseph Rediger in German and N. E. Roth in English, both of Seward, Neb. May God comfort the bereaved family and may it be the means of leading us all a step nearer to our heavenly home. Peace to her ashes.
D. J. T.

SHROCK.-Joseph Shrock was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, Apr. 11, 1840. He came to Indiana with his parents when he was but eight years old where he resided till death, which occurred Mar. 27, 1907. He was aged 66y. 11m. 16d. On June 18, 1856, he was united in marriage to Sarah Lantz, to which union were born eight children. He united with the Mennonite Church in his early years and lived a consistent and devoted Christian life. He was a good and safe counselor both in the home and in the church. Death had never before visited their family but when the message came the husband and father was found submissive and ready for his departure. During his five weeks of suffering he bore all without a murmur or sign of impatience. In his death the family loses a kind and loving father and husband and the community a kind, honest and obliging citizen and neighbor. He leaves a widow, eight children, four brothers and two sisters and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure, but they need not m ourn as those who have no hope. Funeral at the A. M. meeting house on Mar 30, conducted by E. A. Mast in German from John 5:24-29, and Amos Kendall in English from Heb. 13: 14.

 

Week 3:
April 17, 1907 - page 47, 48


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The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 3 - April 17, 1907 - page 47, 48

MOYER.-Jacob Moyer died at the home of his nephew, Josiah Rohrer, near South West, Elkhart Co., Ind., Apr. 5, 1907; aged 65y. y. 12 d. He lived with his parents until their death, since then he lived by himself nearly all the time. When his friends learned of his sickness they persuaded him to go to the home of his nephew. He was sick about a week-having lung trouble. He leaves one brother and other relatives. Buried in the Yellow Creek grave yard, Sunday, Apr. 7. Funeral services by Jonas Loucks and I. P. Moore.

KRATZ.-Sister Catherine Kratz was born Dec. 3, 1813; died Mar. 29, 1907; aged 93y. 3m. 25d. Her husband, Simon Kratz, died in 1865. This union was blessed with eleven children, three of whom preceded them in death. Besides these survivors are 39 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. Sister Kratz was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church and a teacher in the Sunday school at the Blooming Glen Church up to about eight years ago when she became too feeble. She was blessed with a good mind till her last days. She was buried Apr. 2, at the Blooming Glen burying ground. Services at the church by Dish. H. B. Rosenberger in German and H. G. Anglemoyer in English. Text, Isaiah 35:10.

SHOUP.-Sister Sarah (Zeigler) Shoup, wife of Bra. Henry Shoup, died at her home near Mt. Eaton, Holmes Co., Ohio, on Mar. 6, 1907; aged 39y. 10m. 28d. She was married Aug. 28, 1898, To this union were born five children one of whom preceded her to the spirit world. The hearts of the whole neighborhood go out in sympathy for Bro. Shoup and his four little girls who are thrown out upon the battlefield of life without a loving wife and a kind mother to counsel, direct and help. May the Lord help in these dark hours of sorrow. Besides the husband and four daughters there is an aged mother, two sisters, six brothers and many relatives and friends that mourn her early departure. Funeral services were held at the Longenecker Mennonite Church, of which she has been a faithful member for a number of years, on Mar. 9, by I. J. Buchwalter and S. H. Miller, assisted by J. Kaser. The funeral was largely attended. Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

BORNTRAGER.-Christian Borntrager was born Jan. 16, 1816, and died in McPherson Co., Kan., Mar. 16, 1907; aged 91y. 2m. He was born and raised in Somerset Co., Pa.; and at the age of 20 was married to Lizzie Baumgardner of the same place and also the same age, she being 16 days the older. They lived happily together until her death, Aug. 5, 1903, having been married 67 years. Their union was blessed with 3 sons and 7 daughters, a son and daughter having died in infancy and one daughter after growing to womanhood. Besides a brother he leaves 7 children, 44 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends, but we feel sure that our loss is his eternal gain. He took sick Jan. 4, and grew weaker and weaker until the morning of Mar. 16, at 9 o'clock he fell asleep so quietly and peaceably that it was hardly noticeable. Such we believe is the death of a child of God. He eagerly waited for the time to come, and said though he was well cared for here, yet he longs to go. He was a faithful member of the old Amish Church. On June 3, 1841, grandpa and grandma, with their two oldest daughters and several other families started overland from Pa. to Ind., arriving in Newburg Twp., Lagrange Co., 26 days later, being of the first Amish settlers in that part of the state. There they lived on the same place for 45 years. On Apr. 5, 1856, they left for McPherson Co., Kans., where they lived with their youngest daughter, Mrs. R. C. Yoder, until both were called to their home beyond. Grandma lived here 17 years and grandpa 21 years, lacking a few days. Funeral services were conducted by Jonas Borntrager of Reno Co., Kans., and Bish. S. C. Miller of this place. Interment in the Amish cemetery by the side of his companion.
A Grandchild.

Week 4:
April 24, 1907 - page 63


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The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 4 - April 24, 1907 - page 63

HOSTETLER.-Harry David, son of David and Emma Hostetler, was born Oct. 12, 1906, and died Apr. 7, 1907; aged 5m. 26d. Funeral services were held at the Walnut Grove Church, Champaign Co., 0., Apr. 9, conducted by S. E. Allgyer and David Plank.

HERSHBERGER.-Katie (Troyer), wife of John H. Hershberger, was born March 18, 1867, and died April 4, 1907; aged 4Oy. 17d. She was married to John H. Hershberger March 4, 1888. She leaves a husband, two sons, five daughters, twelve brothers, six sisters, father and stepmother to mourn her departure. Her mother and ten brothers and sisters preceded her to the spirit world. She was resigned to her God. Funeral services were held at the Walnutcreek A. M. Church.

WEAVER.-Beulah Fern, daughter of John H. and Frances Weaver, was born April 9, 1903; died April 9, 1907; aged four years. She leaves to mourn her early departure, father, mother, two sisters and grandparents. Funeral services at the Walnutcreek A. M. Church.

SMITH.--Lester Raymond, infant son of Bro. Peter and Sister Fannie Smith of near Fisher, Ill., was born Jan. 27, 1907; died April 4, 1907; aged 9 weeks and 4 days. In his short life he suffered for seven weeks. He leaves father and mother, three sisters and one brother to mourn his early departure.Funeral services were held at the house on the 6, by the brethren Samuel Gerber and Alvin Ropp, after which the remains were brought to Eureka, Ill. On the 7, services were held at the Roanoke hurch by Bro. Peter Zimmerman in German, from Rev. 20: 11-15, and Bro. C. S. Schertz in English, from I Thess. 4:13-18.

CHRISTNER.-Christian Christner was born in Upper Alsace, Germany, June 21, 1815; emigrated to this country in 1825. After suffering but a short time he passed away on Apr. 6, 1907, near New Hamburg, Ont., aged 91y. 9m. 15d. His wife preceded him 28 years ago, after which time he moved to New Hamburg, where he resided with two of his daughters until his death. He was a member of the Mennonite Church. He leaves to mourn his departure four sons and six daughters. Two of his daughters became members of the same church. Funeral services were conducted by Amos S. Cressman from Psa. 90:12 and Noah Stauffer from Rev. 20:6. The services were held in our Amish brethren's place of worship at the Steinman M. H.

BOND.-Sister Susanna Bond (nee Mishler) was born in Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 15, 1873; she was married to Bro. Wm. Bond, Sept. 16, 1903; she was baptized and received into the Mennonite Church at the age of 18, but drifted away for some time and afterwards came back again and gave herself wholly up to her Savior till death came and delivered her from her suffering. She died near Hope-well, Ore., aged 33y. 6 m. 26 d. She leaves a husband, father, mother, one little son, and three brothers. Five sisters and two brothers preceded her to the spirit world. Those whom she left behind need not mourn as those who have no hope. Bro. J. P. Bontrager preached from Job 7:6,10. Bro. John F. Bressler assisted in the service. She was laid to rest in the Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery. Peace to her ashes.

ERVIN.-On March 17, in Mechanicsbnrg, Lancaster Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Sister Lizzie Ervin, at the age of 74 y. 4 m. 11 d. Services at the home by Sanford Landis and at Heller's Church by John L. Landis, from Mark 18:38.
Our departed sister lived long out of Christ but ten years ago she turned her back to sin and heeded the calling of her Master and became a faithful follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. When she saw her lost condition she saw also around her many others who were careless about their soul's salvation and was not satisfied till they were also in the fold. Well does the writer remember the time when she would say, "Oh, why did I wait so long, but now I will do what I can," and we believe it is well with her soul. She is survived by three sisters.
Dear sister, thou hast left us,
And thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God that has bereft us-
He can all our sorrows heal.


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.