Obituary Notices | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1879

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.

Ayers.—Died, on the camp-ground at Emporia, Kan., May 26, our beloved brother, Eld. J. N. Ayers. When the truth found him, years ago, he was prostrate on a supposed bed of death; but through the blessing of the health reform he was restored, and though feeble, for years he has borne heavy burdens as the president of the Kansas Conference, laboring often beyond his strength. He was worn out with suffering, and now he rests. During the last hours of his life he repeatedly said, “Thank God for the Christian’s hope.” He took affectionate leave of each of the ministers, especially of Bro. White, who ordained him three years before. A few minutes before his death he requested those present to sing. They complied, and one verse of the sweet melody, “Jesus, lover of my soul,” was sung by trembling voices. Although almost fainting, his voice rose full and clear during the first two lines, when it failed, though his lips still repeated every word that was sung. As the last line, “Oh, receive my soul at last,” died away, it seemed the dying prayer of one who had been tossed by the billows of life, and who had given his life for the truth. As his breath was failing, his only living son came forward, and kneeling by his father’s bedside promised to seek God with all his heart. The glazing eyes lighted up with joy as they looked lovingly on the weeping son who had made this solemn promise. Brief and touching remarks were made by Bro. and Sr. White to a weeping congregation. Bro. White’s deep voice pronounced the benediction, and the peace of God seemed to brood over the scene as the body of our brother was borne away. May the God of the widow and the fatherless comfort and sustain his family. L. D. Santhe.

Umberhind.—Died, in Richmond, Maine, March 2, 1879, Sister Mary Umberhind, aged 75 years, 1 month, and 22 days. She embraced the first angel’s message under the labors of Eld. James White, in 1843. In 1868 she received light on the third angel’s message from the same source, but was led to accept the Sabbath under the labors of Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Her love for the truth in all its branches seemed to increase until her death. It was her desire that the brethren and sisters might be present at her death, and her desire was granted. Her funeral was attended by a large concourse of people, which gave evidence that she was highly esteemed by her neighbors. Remarks by the writer, from John 11:23, 24. J. B. Goodrich.

Kynett.—Died of diphtheria, at Lansing, Mich., May 17, 1879, our little daughter, Phila Alsea Kynett, aged 6 years, 3 months, and 16 days. She suffered much during the last few days, but bore it with patience, assuring us that she knew Jesus would take care of her. She leaves parents and one sister to mourn their loss. Funeral sermon by Eld. Norton, F. W. Baptist, from the words, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” W. H. & E. H. Kynett.

Carter.—Died, April 21, 1879, of consumption, Bro. A. D. Carter, of Seymour, Outagamie Co., Wis., aged 59 years, 4 months, and 1 day. Bro. Carter has long been a Sabbath-keeper, and a believer in the third angel’s message. He died in full hope, we believe, of a part in the first resurrection. He said he expected soon to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, and was willing to go. He leaves a wife and son to mourn their loss. Funeral discourse by Eld. Clark, Methodist, from 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. M. Reed.

Vancil.—Died, near Elkville, Ill., May 19, 1879, of consumption, Charley Butler, aged 14 years, 4 months, and 10 days, son of Elijah and Sarah Vancil. Bro. Vancil’s family was one of the first to accept the truth under the labors of Bro. Foster and myself last February. Charley observed the Sabbath very strictly, and would often caution his mother to have all her work finished before the beginning of the Sabbath. Funeral service by the writer. Dennis Morrison.