The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 5 - May 1, 1907 - page 79, 80

GOOD.-Leah Good died at the Mennonite Home, Oreville, Lancaster Co., Pa., Apr. 18, 1907, at the age of eighty-four. Death was due to heart-failure and old age. Interment in Eby's grave-yard at Montville. She had been an inmate of the home for some time and a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years. Peace to her ashes.

STIDER.-Harry Stider, infant son of Peter and Barbara Stider, was born March 8, 1907; died April 11, 1907; aged 1 month and 3 days. Burial April 13, near Shickley, Neb., at the Amish Mennonite Church. Funeral services by Peter Kennel and Christian Beller. Another little angel has gone to his rest where there is no pain.

MAST.-Laura Emma, daughter of Samuel and Emma Mast died April 16, 1907; aged 1y. 24d. The mother preceded her to the spirit world Mar. 27, 1906. The bereavement of Bro. Mast is certainly great, but the grace of the Lord is sufficient to comfort the mourning. Funeral services on Friday, Apr. 19, by Sam H. Miller from Rev. 22:12. Those from a distance attending the funeral were Grandparents S. J. and Katie Swartzentruber and son William from Bayport, Mich. A large body of people congregated to pay a last tribute of respect.
Short has been her stay,
We must her in the cold earth lay,
To take on immortality,
And live throughout eternity.

BLOSSER.-Annie (Wenger) Blosser, wife of Bro. Jonas H. Blosser and daughter of Daniel and Sallie Coffman Wenger; was born Jan. 8, 1850 and died at her home near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., Apr. 21, 1907; aged 57 y. 3 m. 18 d. She was from early life a consistent member of the Mennonite Church. Her sickness was slow paralysis that mostly affected the throat and organs of speech. Though the trouble became manifest early last summer, she continued to attend public worship regularly until about the beginning of the present year, when she lost the power to take food properly, and gradually weakened away from lack of nourishment until death came to her relief. Deceased leaves no children, but is survived by six brothers and several sisters. Funeral from Weavers M. H. on the 23, services by Jos. F. Heatwole and C. Good. Text, Rev. 21:21-26.
L.J.H.

REIHL.-On Wednesday,. April 17, 1907, at 3:30 p. m. near Washington, Ohio, a very sad accident occurred, which resulted in the death of Bro. Jonas Reihl of the Wisler Mennonites. He with several other men was sawing wood with a buzz saw run by a gasoline engine. In handling a stick of wood it struck the saw which threw it back against his head, knocking him unconscious. He regained consciousness in a few minutes and remained so about three-fourths of an hour, when he again lapsed into unconsciousness in which condition he remained until death relieved him, Thursday morning at 4 o'clock. He was from home at the time. When his wife reached him he was unconscious. Little did he or his family think in the morning as he bade them goodbye, that it would be the last time on earth. Again we see the necessity of being prepared for the change which awaits everyone, He was born in Lancaster Co., Pa. He was married to Laura, daughter of Pre. Jacob Weaver. He leaves his wife, five children, father, mother and one brot her to mourn his sad departure. Aged 42y. 5m. 2d. Funeral services at the Wisler Mennonite Church were held Friday, Apr. 19, conducted by Jacob Brubaker in German and Jacob Tyson in English. Text, Matt. 24:41, 42.

MARTIN.-Bro. Amos Martin died at his home at East Earl. Pa., on the afternoon of Apr. 6. Bro. Martin ate a hearty dinner on the above date, left his home in apparent good health to attend to some business. When on his way a neighbor discovered that something was wrong. He stopped the team and took the brother to his home where he died from the effect of a paralytic stroke. He was aged 63y. l0m. 4d. He was an earnest and consistent member of the Mennonite Church and frequently expressed a desire to see his children all gathered into the fold.
Funeral services were held on Apr. 10, at Weaverland. The large house was filled with friends who came to pay the last tribute of respect to one who was loved and highly respected. Services by Bish. Beni. Weaver and Bro. I. B. Good.

HERR. -Pre. Jacob M. Herr died at his home near Boiling Springs, Cumberland Co., Pa., on April 15, 1907; aged 63 y. 2 m. 23 d. Deceased was married to Annie Hertzler. To this union were born ten children, Maurice L. of Pittsburg; Mrs. A. S. Longenecker of Lancaster County; Amos A. of Boiling Springs; Frank E. of Millersville; Mrs. Geo. B. Hoover of Mechanicsburg; Mrs. J. W. Knisely of Dillsburg; John and Jacob at school; Grace and Mabel at home, all of Pennsylvania excepting John who is attending school in Maryland. All the children with the wife and mother survive. Bro. Herr served the church in the capacity of a minister for more than twenty-five years, having charge of the congregation at Church-town during this time. He was a faithful servant of the church and of His Master and much interested in the young people and in Sunday school work. He will be missed in the home, in the community and especially in the congregation. Bro. Herr was the last of his father's family to pass away. Funeral services were held on April 18, conducted at the house by Bish. Benj. Zimmerman and at the church at Churchtown by the brethren J. H. Moseman, Samuel Hess and Henry Weber. Interment in Mt. Zion cemetery nearby.

Week 2: May 8, 1907 - page 95, 96

Click to View Image

The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 6 - May 8, 1907 - page 95, 96

YODER.-Sarah Yoder was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, July 2, 1841, died in Miami Co., Ind., Apr. 23, 1907; aged 65y. 9m. 21d. Death was due to lung trouble. She leaves a husband and a number of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services at the A. M. Church Apr. 25, conducted by N. M. Slabaugh in English from Job 5:26, and E. A. Mast in German from II Tim 4:6-8.

GARBER.-Oliver F. Garber was born in Miami Co., Ind., Feb. 4, 1889; died in Indianapolis, Ind., Apr. 16, 1907; aged 18y. 2m. 12d. He united with the Mennonite Church two years ago, and proved himself a worthy member and a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oliver was the only son in the family of seven children of Brother and Sister Silas Garber, four of whom preceded him to the spirit world. Brother Oliver became ill in Feb. while at Goshen, Ind., where be was attending college and was brought home March 8, but failing to improve under the care of the family physician he was taken to an Indianapolis Sanitarium where everything possible was done for him, which was caused by an abscess on the brain. He was an exceptionally bright young man and his untimely death is deeply regretted by many. Funeral services at the A. M. Church on the 18, conducted by Niles M, Slabaugh from Heb. 9:27 and E. A. Mast from Rev. 20:6. His remains were 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 of his friends meet him in heaven. The writer of this notice while at Goshen on Mar. 4, stopped at the College and visited him. It seemed that he was improving at that time and he told me how much he enjoyed his studies while he was able to be in his class. He also said he never so fully realized what Jesus was to him until he came to Goshen, and he was going to live for Him.
Q. W. NORTH.

HARSHBARGER.-Mary Alice, little daughter of Abram and Pearl Harshbarger of Mattawana, Pa., March 19, 1907; aged twenty days. This is the fourth little one our brother and sister have been called upon to part with. May they so live that they may again meet them in the heavenly home.

Week 3: May 15, 1907 - page 111

Click to View Image

The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 7 - May 15, 1907 - page 111

HERSHBERGER.-At Grantsvllle, Md., May 2, 1907, Sister Savannah May, wife of Pre. W. C. Hershberger and only daughter of Bro. William and Sister Barbara Tressler, died; aged 21 y. 5 in. 14 d. She was married not quite one year, and leaves a sorrowing husband, father, mother, a brother and an infant son, two weeks old, with a host of friends. She united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 12 years, and was a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus until death. As she realized she could not get well she requested that a minister be sent for, that she desired to once more observe the communion. Bro. Ed. Miller visited her and held services with her, after which she said, "I am now ready to go. I would like to stay with the family and help to raise 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 am going home to die no more." How sweet is the death of the righteous. Funeral on May 4, at Springs, Pa. Services at the house by David Keim and Harry Gelnett, at the church and grave by G. D. and Ed. Miller. Over 700 people were present to pay the last respect to one that was loved by all who knew her.

Week 4: May 22, 1907 - page 127, 128

Click to View Image

The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 8 - May 22, 1907 - page 127, 128

STENGEL.-Hannah (Kolb) Stengel, beloved wife of William Stengel, died at her home near Preston, Waterloo Co., Out., of inflammatory rheumatism and heart failure, on May 1, 1907; aged 50y. 2d. {She leaves a sorrowing husband and three daughters to mourn their loss. But she left the hope that their loss is her eternal gain. Services at the house by the Presbyterian minister, Johnston, and at the Hagey Church by J. B. Gingerich in German from I Pet; 1:24, 25, and by David S. Wismer in English from Luke 8:52. Peace to her ashes.
J. B. C.

ROBERTS.-On May 10, 1907, at the Mennonite Home, Lancaster Co., Pa., of cancer of the liver, William Roberts, died; aged 74y. 20d. Bro. Roberts came to the Home soon after it was opened. He was of a quiet and peaceable disposition. He was a member of the Mennonite Church for a number of years. His sickness was of only five days duration, but his sufferings were severe. He passed away with good hopes of meeting those gone before in the mansions beyond. He was buried on the 12, at Marietta, where he had attended the funeral of his brother, and he also attended at Columbia that of his nephew, just a few days before he took sick.

YODER.-Jacob S. Yoder was born in Somerset Co., Pa., Nov. 27, 1815; died in Cass Co., Mo., May 5, 1907; aged 91y. 5m. 8d.
He was married to Nancy Oesch Jan. 9, 1838. To this union were born six children, two sons and four daughters, all of which, except one son, Christian E. of Mich., preceded him to the spirit world. {Bro. Yoder was a consistent member of the Amish Mennonite Church for more than a half century. He was of a cheerful disposition and had a robust constitution; he was seldom sick, and his last sickness was only of a few hours duration. He was very industrious and never idle, even at the age of ninety-one he did some work and always tried to do his duty as far as his ability would permit, to the last day of his life. He came to Missouri to live with his son, Levi E. Yoder, whom he outlived a umber of years. He departed this life at the home of Sem K. Yoder, his grandson, where he will be greatly missed. Funeral at the Sycamore Grove Church by the home ministers.

HOLDEMAN.-Anna Nusbaum was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, February 26, 1830, being a daughter of Christian and Catherine Nusbaum. She was married to Joseph Holdeman Sept. 24, 1846, who died Aug. 19, 1894, They settled in Olive Twp., Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1851. The site of Wakarusa was then covered with timber; here they took up pioneer life. They did their share in converting the virgin forests into cultivated fields and the savage life into enlightenment. To them were born 15 children, of which only four are now living-Christian, Catherine Good, Margaret Flickinger, and Anna Willard-15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
More than half a century ago she united with the Mennonite Church. She was a true Christian, as evidenced by her exemplary life and her submission in her sickness. She had attained to the age of 77y. 2m. 10d. She died on May 5, 1907. Before passing away she waved her hand toward the glories of the spirit world.
Funeral services were held at the Olive Church on May 8, by Jacob K. Bixler and David Burkholder. Text, John 11:24, 25, Interment in the cemetery adjoining.

MILLER -Very suddenly and unexpectedly, at about half-past six o'clock in the morning of May 1, the death messenger came into the home of Bro. and Sister Abram Miller of Rohrerstown, Pa., and bade Bro. Miller put off this mortal and put on immortality. He was in his usual state of health and had been engaged in mowing a little grass for the chickens, when he was overtaken with a paralytic stroke, and though aid was hastily summoned, before he could be removed to the house life was extinct and the spirit had already winged its flight to the one who gave it. Truly in the midst of life we are in death. {Bro. Miller was born and reared on the homestead, just about half a mile from town, where he spent his entire life, with the exception of the last few years he lived in Rohrerstown. He was in the 74th year of his age, was widely known and because of his pleasing temperament, his kind and hospitable manner, was respected by all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the Old Mennonite Church for about forty-five years, and was also one of the trustees for a number of years. His seat at church services was seldom vacant. He leaves a wife, eleven children, thirty-four grandchildren, one sister and a host of friends to mourn his departure, but we rejoice with them that they need not mourn as those who have no hope, for we believe our brother is but gone on before, and our loss is his eternal gain.
Funeral services were held at the Rohrerstown Church May 4. and were conducted by Bish. Abram Herr, D. N. Lehman and A. D. Wenger. The funeral was largely attended. Text, Rev. 22:12, being very appropriate because of the suddenness of our brother's death.
Bro. Miller frequently made the remark that nothing afforded him greater pleasure than when his children and grandchildren would come home on a visit. Though they can never again meet father and grandfather in this world, may God grant them all a blissful reunion on the shores of deliverance, where partings are not known, but where there is fulness(sic) of joy at God's right hand and pleasures forever more.

Week 5: May 29, 1907 - page 143, 144

Click to View Image

The Gospel Witness - Volume 3, Number 9 - May 29, 1907 - page 143, 144

HURSH.-On May 19, near Stony Brook, Pa., of whooping cough, Minnie, only daughter of Daniel and Jemima Hursh, passed away, aged 2 y. 2 m. 10 d. Funeral services were held on May 21, by Henry Longenecker of Salunga, Pa. Text, Matt. 18:3.

GUBLE.-On May 9, 1907, near Stony Brook, York Co., Pa., of pneumonia, Abram, son of Asa P. and Sallie Guble, died; aged 1 y. 6 m. 27 d. Funeral services on May 13, by J. C. Miller and Theo. B. Forrey.

LANDIS.-Sister Annie, daughter of Daniel H. Landis at Mechanicsville, Pa., was born Aug. 26, 1887, and died at the home of her parents May 18, 1907; aged 19 y. 8 m. 19 d. She is survived by her parents, two brothers and one sister. She was attacked with pneumonia about a year ago which left her weak. During her last illness she saw the necessity of making preparation to meet her God. She was baptized and partook of the communion and continued to be a patient sufferer until death called her hence.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 22, at the East Petersburg Church, by Bish. Jacob N. Brubacher from Ecc.ll:9;12:l, and Christian Lefever from II Cor. 5:1. Bro. Brubacher spoke very earnestly to the young people of whom a large number were assembled.

DOMBACH.-In Manor Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., May 14, 1907, Charles B., infant son of Bro. Alvin and Sister Barbara Dombach, died. Little Charles lived only four months and two days to cheer the hearts of his parents. His sudden death reminds us of the uncertainty of life. He had not been well for sometime but was improving, and his parents brought him with them to the communion service on Sunday at the Masonville Church, little thinking that in less than a week they would bring him to the church prepared for the grave. May God comfort the sorrowing hearts with the thought of meeting their darling in the mansions of bliss.
Funeral services were held May 16, and were conducted by the brethren Henry Haverstick and Peter Ebersole.

STAHL.-Jeremiah Stahl was born September 3, 1830 in Somerset Co., Pa. He was married to Fannie Kauffman on January 25, 1857. To this union were born two children, Moses and Mary, both of whom reside in Kent Co., Mich. Bro. Stahl with his family moved to Kent County from Pa. in March 1880. "Jerry," as he was familiarly called, was for many years a member of the Mennonite Church. For the few last years he was unable to attend services at the Church on account of poor health. He died May 12 1907, aged 76y. 8m. 9d. He leaves a widow, two children, eight grand children, six great grand children, four brothers and three sisters. The funeral services were held at the Bowne Mennonite Church on Wednesday, May 15, 1907, by Isaac Weaver and J. S. Hartzler, from John 5:28, 29.

KOPPES.-On May 2, 1907, at his home near Medina, Medina, Co., 0., Bro. John S. Koppes; aged 81y. 1m. 2d. When but six years of age he came with his parents from his birthplace in Lehigh Co., Pa., to Medina Co., 0. On July 2, 1848, he was married to Anna Means. To this union was born six children. His wife departed this life in 1866. In 1868 he was married to Hannah Bergy, who survives him. To this union were born seven children, six of whom are living. In his early years he united with the Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until the Master called him home. A loving wife, nine children, twenty grandchildren and five great-grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. Funeral services were conducted on May 4, at the Guilford M. H. by I. J. Buchwalter, J. M. Kreider and N. A. Lind. The large number of persons who attended his funeral bear evidence of the fact that he was endeared to all.

SWARTZENTRUBER. - Anna, daughter of Jacob and Lizzie Swartzentruber residing near Kalona, Washington Co., Iowa. died May 12, 1907, of consumption; aged 30y. 1m. 3d. She leaves father, mother, one brother, 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." She united with the Amish Mennonite Church early in her youth and was a faithful follower of her Lord till death 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-bye before the spirit departed. Funeral services were held May 14, at the Lower Deer Creek Church, by Bro. Joseph Gingerich and Bro. Gideon Yoder. Text, II Cor. 5:1-10. A large concourse of relatives and friends were gathered to pay their last tributes of respect.

GARBER. - Sister Magdalena (Dellenbach) Garber wife of Pre. Peter Garber, was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Jan. 1853. She had been in poor health for several months and at about 3 o'clock on May 6, a paralytic stroke came upon her, from which time she was unconscious; death relieved her at about 11:40 May 8. Her age was 54y. 4m.She became a member of the A. M. Church in her youth and was faithful unto death.
On Jan. 7, 1873, she was united in holy matrimony with Peter Garber, which union was blessed with three daughters: Annie, wife of Sol Schertz; Nora, wife of Sam Imhoff and Laura, who is with her father. She leaves, besides her husband and 3 daughters, 4 grandchildren, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and many friends to mourn her departure, but not as those who have no hope. Her last words were, "This is heaven."
Funeral services were held May 11. Bro. Sam Gerber spoke at the house from I Pet. 1:3-9, and at the Harmony Church from Matt. 24:44, in the English language and Bro. D. W. Slagel in the German from 1 Cor. 5:1-11. Interment in cemetery nearby.

MEANS. - Mary (Leatherman) Means was born in Medina Co., Ohio, Oct. 20, 1832; died at the home of her daughter near Wichita, Kansas, May 12, 1907; aged 74y. 6m. 22d.
She was married to Abraham Means, Feb. 2, 1851. In 1854 they moved to Elk-hart Co., Ind., and in Jan. 1884 to near Arkansas City, Kans.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, Kansas. Twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive. The funeral was held in the M. E. Church near Arkansas City on May 14, conducted by T. M. Erb of Newton, Kansas, from Psa. 32:1, which verse she quoted shortly before her death. 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 Ind. Bro. Means later joined the River Brethren Church. She was a consistent Christian and always loyal to her church and remained faithful to her death. Of late years she held her membership with the congregation in Harvey Co., Kansas, there being no other member where she resided.

MILLER.-John 0. Miller died May 15, 1907, on board a steamer bound from Norfolk to Baltimore; aged 75 y 3 d. Bro. Miller made his home with his son Elias at Fentress, Va. He was on his way to take treatment from the family physician at Baldwin, Md., but the services of this physician were no longer needed. He was accompanied on his last trip by his daughter, Nancy J. Hertzler. Funeral services were held on the 18, at the Long Green M. H. by J. D. Wert. Text, Num. 23:10.

ALDERFER.-Mary, wife of Abram G. Alderfer, of Lower Salford Twp., Bucks Co., Pa., died of pneumonia on May 22, 1907; aged 65 y. 4 m. 22 d. Deceased was a daughter of the late Henry Krupp. She was twice married. Her first husband was the late Isaac Hangey. Besides her husband, she is survived by one daughter, one brother, and four sisters, one of the sisters being the wife of Pre. Christian Allebach. She also leaves three step-sons. The funeral was held Monday, May 27. Services at the house by Jonas Mininger and at the Towamensing Mennonite Church by H. H. Johnson and A. K. Bean.

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.