Obituaries

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 15, 1910

JOHNSON.—Died at Traverse City, Mich., Aug. 19, 1910, Mrs. Ella A. Johnson, aged 57 years, 7 months, and 22 days. She was a faithful, devoted Christian, and much of her time was spent in doing missionary work. She kept the Sabbath for many years, and loved the truths of the third angel’s message. We laid her away believing that she will have a part in the first resurrection. M. C. GUILD.

BATTIN.—Ida D. Battin was born in Medford, Minn., June 12, 1858, and fell asleep Aug. 26, 1910, aged 52 years, 7 months, and 14 days. She leaves her husband, two daughters, and one son to mourn. She was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A large number of sympathizing friends gathered at the home, where the funeral service was conducted by the writer. The text, used by request, was Isa. 63:9. A. W. KUEHL.

LEECH.—Died at the Portland (Ore.) Sanitarium, Aug. 17, 1910, Edwin Frank Leech, aged 24 years, 2 months, and 23 days. At the age of seventeen he was baptized and united with the Seventh-day Adventist church at Sheridan, Wyo., to which place his body was taken for interment. His father and two sisters, with many friends, mourn his death, but look forward in hope to meeting him in the first resurrection. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, who spoke from John 10:10. H. E. REEDER.

HAMIL.—Died at Wilburton, Okla., Aug. 8, 1910, Mrs. Julia Hamil, aged 73 years, 3 months, and 8 days. Mrs. Hamil was born in Ohio, but had lived in what is now Oklahoma for about eighteen years. She was the mother of twelve children, six of whom survive her. For many years she has been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and has led a consistent Christian life. The funeral services were conducted by Elder J. F. Harder.

EASTER.—Died at Bird City, Kan., Aug. 14, 1910, Nancy V. Easter, aged forty years and twelve days. She was born Aug. 2, 1870, in Osborne County, Kansas. A few years after her marriage to Mr. Ransom Easter, she moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas, where she accepted present truth. She greatly enjoyed church privileges, and always responded generously to every call made to advance our work. The husband and five children are left to mourn. MRS. B. H. SHAFFER.

GOODENOUGH.—Died at her mother’s home in Cambridge, Wis., Aug. 22, 1910, aged 16 years, 8 months, and 20 days, Mrs. Prudence Goodenough. At the age of fifteen years she was married, and soon went into a decline. In the spring of 1910 she gave her heart to God, accepted the truth for this time, and died in full submission and hope. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, who spoke from Rev. 14:13. W. W. STEBBINS.

OLIVETT.—Died at her home in Danbury, Conn., July 31, 1910, our dear mother, Cordelia M. Olivett. Mother was born in Pawling, N. Y., Dec. 7, 1840. She had been a Sabbath-keeper for a number of years. For many years mother had been a great sufferer; and it is a comfort to believe that when Jesus comes, she will awake to meet him, and dwell in a land where suffering is no more. She leaves a husband, one son, and two daughters to mourn. MRS. E. R. COSIER.

ELLIS.—William Orrin Ellis was born in London, Ontario, Aug. 20, 1840, and died July 28, 1910, at his home in Memphis, Mich. He came to Michigan at the age of nineteen. In 1860 he was married to Anna Jeffry, who, with four children, survives him. In 1862 he was converted, accepted present truth, and joined the Seventh-day Adventist church in Memphis, of which he was a member till the time of his death. The funeral service was held on Sunday, July 31. Appropriate remarks, based on 1 Cor. 15:55, were made by the writer. H. A. WEAVER.

KIRK.—William J. Kirk was born near Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 22, 1832. At the age of seven years he moved with his parents to Ohio. When twenty-one years of age, he was converted; two years later he was married to Rebecca J. Harrison, who, with several children, survives him. About 1875 Brother Kirk became interested in present truth through reading the Signs of the Times and gladly accepted it. For nearly twenty-five years he has been a firm and constant believer. The writer gave the address at the funeral, which was held at the home. W. E. VIDETO.

GILBERT.—Samuel S. Gilbert was born in Auburn, Ohio, June 30, 1835, and died at Arcadia, Mich., July 11, 1910, aged 75 years and 11 days. He came to Northern Michigan fifty-four years ago, when it was a wilderness. In 1863 he returned to Ohio, and there married Mrs. Olivia Morton, who died here five years ago. To this union were born six children, four of whom, with an adopted son, survive, and were constantly with him during his last illness, doing all in their power to alleviate his sufferings. For many years Brother Gilbert has been a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, having accepted the Sabbath truth from reading a book that he bought of a canvasser. He was a charter member of the Frankfort church. The funeral services were conducted by the writer, and the large attendance plainly testified to the esteem and respect in which the deceased was held. L. G. NYMAN.

OBERHOLTZER.—Died at Wadsworth, Ohio, the place of her birth, Jan. 3, 1910, Mrs. H. C. Oberholtzer (née Pardee). She was born Jan. 4, 1867. In 1889 she was married to Howard C. Oberholtzer, who, with one son, survives her. In 1892 she accepted present truth, remaining faithful and of good courage till the end. In laying her away it was with full confidence of meeting her again at the resurrection of the just. Words of comfort were spoken at the funeral service by the writer. R. G. PATTERSON.

GILBERT.—Justin S. Gilbert was born at Omaha, Neb., July 13, 1894, and died at Atlantic City, Wyo., Aug. 16, 1910, being a little more than one month past his sixteenth year. His death was caused by the accidental discharge of a gun, which tore off the right arm at the elbow. Being ten miles from town, he lost much blood before a doctor could be reached, and died in a few hours. He was baptized about a year ago, and united with the Lander Seventh-day Adventist church. He was the secretary of the Sabbath-school for more than a year. He was an exemplary boy, dearly loved by his family and friends, and highly respected by all who knew him. A telegram was sent to the Wyoming Conference office, nearly four hundred miles away, for a minister, but none could respond. His death is a loss to the cause; for it is such young people who must do the finishing work of this message. ASA SMITH.

KING.—Departed this life in Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 31, 1910, our respected Christian sister, Mrs. Nancy Ellen King, aged 85 years, 8 months, and 11 days. She was born near Clarksville, Ohio, Dec. 20, 1825. Her maiden name was Smalley. Three sisters and a brother, also a sister-in-law, with whom she was stopping, and many nephews and nieces, are left to mourn. Our sister was converted to God over seventy years ago, and has always been a member of the regular Baptist Church. For many years she has kept the Sabbath, though alone, and with none of like faith to sympathize with her. She was a diligent student of the Bible, and few were the days that she did not take time to commune with that precious volume. As the end approached, her faith sustained her. The interment was in Ohio, but a prayer and song service was conducted in Battle Creek by the writer at her request. G. W. AMADON.

SAXBY.—Sister Bettie M. Saxby (née Coombs), wife of Elder W. H. Saxby, of New Orleans, La., was born Jan. 13, 1853, at Nolin, Hardin Co., Ky., and died Aug. 26, 1910, at the Nashville (Tenn.) Sanitarium, aged 57 years, 7 months, and 13 days. At the age of thirteen Sister Coombs was baptized, and united with the Christian Church. When eighteen years of age, she accepted the views of the Seventh-day Adventists. In May, 1886, she was united in marriage to Elder W. H. Saxby, and from that time until she was stricken with the disease which finally caused her death, she labored by his side almost constantly in the large cities of the United States, doing Bible and health work; and in many cases caring for a large family of Bible workers in training. Her labors as a Bible worker were greatly blessed, and resulted in bringing many souls into the truth. During her long illness her patience was often remarked. She especially desired that the kindness shown her by Drs. W. A. and Lyra George and their faithful nurses and workers should be mentioned in the notice of her death. Twice was special prayer offered in her behalf, at which times the Lord came very near. The last text which she repeated was, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.” Ps. 37:37. The funeral was held in the Memorial Church at Nashville, Tenn., Sabbath, August 27. The services were conducted by the writer and Elder C. P. Bollman, and the remains of this faithful worker were laid to rest in the beautiful Mt. Olivet Cemetery. We believe that she sleeps in the sure hope of a second resurrection. P. T. MAGAN.

ROGERS.—Died in Genesee, Idaho, July 29, 1910, Brother William Rogers, aged nearly seventy-two years. Brother Rogers was a native of Pennsylvania, was reared in Ohio, and lived subsequently in Iowa, whence he moved in 1864, by ox-team, to Oregon. The bereaved companion, with nine children, twenty-nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, is left to mourn. Several members of this large family belong to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Brother Rogers himself accepted present truth about a year ago. The funeral service was held at the home. Discourse by the writer, from the words, “The dead in Christ shall rise.” F. D. STARR.

RATHBUN.—Clarissa Ellen Rathbun was born in Groveland, Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 18, 1842, and died at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., Aug. 23, 1910, at the age of 67 years, 10 months, and 5 days. Her maiden name was Potter. She was one of a family of eight children, four boys and four girls, of whom the four boys only are now living. When thirteen years of age, her father died, and the burden of the farm and home fell upon the mother and older children, cutting short the plans that had been laid for her education. At the age of seventeen she accepted the faith of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, under the labors of Elder M. E. Cornell, was baptized by Elder R. J. Lawrence, and for fifty years has been an active, devoted member of the church. The following year, 1860, she was married to William H. Rathbun, with whom she lived until 1889, when she was left to finish her work alone. She was the mother of three children, one son and two daughters, of whom the two daughters, Mrs. E. R. Palmer and Mrs. Myrtle Sanborn, survive her. Sister Rathbun was a faithful wife, a devoted mother, and a good friend to all. A strong character and an engaging personality, she was an active factor in her home, in her neighborhood, and in the church. She was a home-maker, well skilled in the arts and sciences which combine to make home a joy and comfort. There was an infection of cheerfulness and enthusiasm about her which pervaded the home that was blessed by her presence. There was an elasticity and fulness in her nature, which made her alike a companion to the weak and the strong, to the aged and the children. Upon our memory is impressed the familiar picture of her at work, with all the children standing about, watching the operation, and helping when possible, simply for the pleasure they found in being with her. And, better than all else, she was a faithful Christian. For fifty years, which have brought to her a full cup of trial and sorrow, her faith in God has never wavered. She found great joy in public worship and in private service; and was ever active in both. Five years ago, when nursing a patient in Mountain View, Cal., she suffered the first serious attack from the disease of the heart which caused her death. Since then she has led a more quiet life. One by one the heavier tasks have been dropped or transferred to others. This process of letting go has been very difficult and painful to her, who had found her chiefest pleasure in filling her hands with good works. During her last sickness, which lasted only one week, she suffered much, though every possible effort was made for her relief by physicians, nurses, and many friends. She made no complaints. Her life was bright to the end. She said she was resigned to go, if her work was done, and there was no further service she could render for her children. As she neared the dark valley, all seemed to be clear and light about her. There was no shadow upon her heart, no cloud in her sky. As the mountain stream retains its clearness, whether dashed upon rocks or resting in quiet pools, so the stream of her life, with its deep sorrows and many joys, entered with perfect peace into the broad ocean of our Father’s love. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13. E. R. PALMER.