Fulton Co. Obituaries

AGED PIONEER DEAD.
Joseph Whittenberger Died after a Short Illness at the Age of Eighty-six

At his home on the corner of Monroe and High street Tuesday evening, at 6 o'clock, occurred the death of Joseph Whittenberger. Mr. Whittenberger hd enjoyed the best of health up to the last week, when he was attacked with Malarial dysentary. The funeral services will take place at the residence Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Mt. Zion cemetary.

Life of Joseph Whittenberger

Joseph Whittenberger, son of William and Joanna Whittenberger, was born October 11th, 1820, in Beaver county, Penn., departed this life September 24, 1906. Aged 85 years, 11 months and 13 days. He removed to Indiana with his parents in an early day and helped hew down the forest and braved the dangers of the early settlers. He lived for many years on a farm near Mr. Zion, until about eighteen years ago he resided in Rochester where he resided till his death. He ws united in marriage with Sarah M. Adams Sept. 10th, 1846. To this union were born ten children, three of whom have preceded the father in death. The wife and seven children, viz.: Henry Lewis, Mrs. Alice Leininger, Mrs. Elsie D. Shaw, Mrs. Marcie Foglesong, Mrs. Clara Edwards, John W. and Mrs. Ida Ditmore, remain to revere the memory and mourn the loss of a loving husband and father. He was a member of the Presbyterian chuch at Mt. Zion since its organization and lived a christian life firm in the faith of his God and Savior.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

LIFE OF MRS. WHITTENBERGER
Aged Dead Lady Has Resided Here For Many Years

Sarah Matilda Adams was born in Lima, Monroe Co, New York, Dec. 3, 1825. When about twelve years of age she with her parents moved to Wabash Co., Ind., where she grew to womanhood. She was married to Joseph Whittenberger Sept. 10, 1846. To this union was born ten children, Seven of who survive her. Three of them and the father having preceded her to the great unknown.
For more than fifty years she lived near Mt. Zion. In 1889 they moved to Rochester. She united with the Presbyterian church when young and lived an exemplary christian life. Her death occurred Monday at 2 p.m. July 26, 1909.
The funeral will be from her late home Thursday at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. Smith.
Burial will be made at Mt. Zion.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

OBITUARY

Angie Naomi Whittenberger was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Whittenberger, March 10, 1869, at the farm residence southeast of Rochester.
On the 15th day of December, 1885, she was united in marriage with John Young, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Young. To them were born a son and a daughter, who with the husband survive the beloved wife and mother.
Nonie unified with the Presbyterian church when about fourteen years of age, but some time after her marriage she was accepted as a member of the Baptist church and remained a faithful, conscientious member. Her very kindly disposition, practical everyday life habits of industry and consideration for her husband, children, relatives and friends made her acceptable and desirable in every sphere of life, and her unexpected demise is a bereavement that time cannot efface.
Besides her own family she leaves a sorrowing father and mother, two brothers and five sisters, as follows: Lewis Whittenberger, John Whittenberger, Mrs. Alice Leininger, Kendallville, Ind.; Mrs. Dallas Edwards, Decatur, Ind.; Mrs. Henry Foglesong, Roann, Ind.; Mrs. B.F. Ditmire, Rochester, Ind.; and Miss Elsie Whittenberger, Chicago.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

DEATH CALLS MANY DURING PAST WEEK


TWO WELL KNOWN CITIZENS OF MT. ZION COMMUNITY DIE
HENRY LEWIS WHITTENBERGER
And John Dixon - Heart Trouble and Blood Poison Cause Death - Sudden Death of Alva McNeeley in Pennsylvania
LEWIS WHITENBERGER

Lewis Whittenberger, aged 67 years a well known retired farmer, died at his home in Rochester, Friday morning after an illness covering a period of more than two years. Death was due to heart trouble. Mr. Whittenberger with his wife moved to this city from his farm near Mt. Zion almost two years ago when his health would no longer permit his labors on the farm.
Henry Lewis Whittenberger, son of Joseph and Sarah Whittenberger, was born near Mt. Zion in 1850 and besides the widow and two sons, Milton, who lives on the home farm and John W. of Santa Barbara, Calif., leaves one brother, John of Warsaw and five sisters, Mrs. Elsie Shaw, of Chicago; Mrs. Alice Leininger of Akron; Mrs. Clara Edwards of Ithica, N.Y.; Mrs. Henry Fogelsong of Rochester and Mrs. Ida Ditmire of Fulton. Mr. Whittenberger was united in marriage on October 16th, 1870 to Miss Emma Jane Vandergrift.
Mr. Whittenberger was a member of the Mt. Zion Presbyterian church. The fuenral services were held from the house Sunday afternoon in charge of Rev. Geo. Pullman. Interment was made in the Mt. Zion cemetary.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

Jacob Whittenberger Will
Akron News

The will of the late Jacob Whittenberger was opened last Tuesday evening, at the home of the deceased and read by W.A. Patterson to the widow and other legatees. The instrument was exeuted about one month before his death and is rather an extensive document. It sets forth that the widow shall have $500 in cash which is in compliance with an antinuptial contract made immediately before their marriage forty-five years ago next April and then placed on record at Rochester. The widow also retains the home as her place of abode and receive her support from the farm. To his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Cora Whittenberger, he bequeathed 70 or 80 acres of land which included thehome where she lives. At Cora's death the realestate given her passes to her three children share and shares alike. To Bruce Whittenberger, his only heir that bears his name, he bequeathed ten acres. To Mrs. Ina Brundige he bequeaths the remainder of the realestate, which, perhaps, amounts 130 to 160 acres. The will also sets fourth that his daughter, Mrs. Ella Noyer and her husband L.M. Noyer, had received in property and money to about the sum of $3500, and that he considered that as an advance to her. Therefore, she received nothing under this instrument. The testator willed that his personal property be sold and that proceeds used to liquidate his honest debts. Mr. W.A. Patterson was delegated to file the will for probate Wednesday.

As we go to press, we learn that there seems to be very serious objections to some of the provisions in the will. The widow is said to be very much dissatisfied and Mrs. Ella Noyer, who received nothing under the iwll, and who feels very much aggrieved therefore, will take steps to break the will on the ground of undue influence brought to bear on her father when he dictated the instrument. As preliminary steps attorneys Holman & Stephenson were employed Wednesday morning, who served notice on the clerk of court that the probation of the will would be resisted when W.A. Patterson appeared with that document. Accordingly, when Mr. Patterson appeared later he met resistance and this will make up an issue which will come before the judge of the court, probably this term, and who, after bearing the evidence will decide whether or not the instrument may be probated. We neglected to say above that the testator appointed George K. Brundige as executor of te wil and to serve without bond.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

A GOOD LIFE ENDED


Jacob Whittenberger's Grand Career as Citizen and Christian
HE MARRIED 500 PEOPLE
A Pioneer of Fulton County He was Active in the Official Affairs of His County and Township and was a Local Methodist Preacher for Forty Years

Rev. Jacob Whittenberger was born in Beaver Co., Pa. April 5, 1819, died at his residence in Akron. Feb. 3, 1900, at the advanced age of 80 years, 10 months and 3 days. Moved to Ohio with his parents about the year 1831 where he lived til he reached manhood. In the year 1840 he was married to Miss Mary Supinger at Morrow, O., and came to Akron the same year where he has since resided. To this union were born six children, all of whom, together with the mother, have gone before. Charles L. the youngest having proceeded the father to the spirit world ten years ago.
In the year 1856 he was married to Mrs. Mary Shelt. To this marriage were born two daughters, Mrs. Ella Noyer and Mrs. Geo. K. Brundige, who with his companion, mourn his departure.
Mr. Whittenberger was the second son of the remarkable Whittenberger family - consisting of ten sons and one daughter, the daughter (Mrs. Dr. Harter) being the youngest, that lived to the advanced ages, ranging from 60 to 82 years before the circle was entered by death, last August, when William, the eldest died, and now a singular occurrence again, Jacob, the next eldest passes away.
Deceased was one of the _________ential men of his township, whose integrity was never questioned and having been one of the pioneers, helped to make the county what it is, always interested in public enterprise, standing firmly for the right, and one of the most liberal contributors to public funds the community has ever known. He filled several public positions, was postmaster when the village was Newark, served as Justice of Peace for a number of years. In the year 1874 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of township trustee, to which office he was elected in 1876 and re-elected in 1878, which position he filled with credit both to the people who placed him there and to himself.
He was a member of the M.E. church for 63 years and for forty years was a local minister and did much effective work in this church. It has been safely estimated that he officiated at more marriage ceremonies than any other person in this part of the state. While acting as Justice of Peace he performed many ceremonies and later as a minister of the gospel he enjoyed the distinction of uniting the children and grandchildren of the people whom he had served while in the former capacity, and not less than five hundred people were joined in marriage by him.
His last illness was of eight weeks duration. His family realized for the past year that the earthly ties must soon be surrendered and at his special request, his daughter, Mrs. Brundige, and George came to the parental roof to help care for him and comfort his last days.
The funeral services were conducted at the M.E. church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday by the pastor, Rev. R.H. Smith.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

Mary McCloud, eldest chidlren of Geo. and Mary B. McCloud, was born in Medina county, Ohio, February 25, 1827, and died in Akron, Fulton county, Indiana, September 2, 1902, at the ripe age of 75 years, 6 months and 7 days.
On the 11th day of September, 1842, she was united in marriage with William Shelt. To them were born four children, Elmore, Elbridge, Emma, now Mrs. I.W. Brown, and Eliza now Mrs. Virgil Shaffer.
Five years after this marriage the family moved from Ohio and located in Fulton county, near Akron, where in 1863, death claimed the companion of her youth.
April 10, 1856, she was married to Rev. Jacob Whittenberger and ever since she has resided in Akron. To this union two children were born, Mrs. Ella Noyer and Mrs. Geo. K. Brundige, who, with all the children of the first marriage, and one sister, Mrs. Daniel Whittenberger, survive to mourn her departure.
Early in life she became a christian and engrafted into her character Jesus Christ. For more than fifty years she was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Not only was she a christian and church member in word, but her life evidenced her union with Christ and the church.
Her home was a home for ministers of the Gospel. Many a faithful pastor of the North Indiana conference M.E. church has received temporal favors from hands now folded across her breast.
Not only was she kind to ministers but to all. Like Jesus, her life was poured out in the service of mankind.

Compiled by:Peter Whittenberger

From OHIO Death Cert # 23449:

James W. POWNELL
Male White Widowed of Anna POWNELL
Date of Birth: Nov 9, 1854 Fulton Co. Indiana  age 82 yrs 5 mos 1 das
Farmer, Retired since 1930
Father: Wm. POWNELL born Indiana
Mother: Sarah ___________ born Indiana
Informant: Mrs. Chas. TYREE of 1132 Garfield Ave., Springfield, Ohio
Removal to Starkweather, N.D. (could be M.D.) on Apr 10, 1937
Undertaker: C. F. Jackson, Ic.
Date of Death: 4-10-1937 at 1132 Garfield, Springfield, Clark County Ohio
Cause: myocarditis with swollen dilatation of the heart possibly a
coronary Thrombus

Compiled by:Maggie

SILAS MEREDITH PASSES AWAY
Silas Meredith, 81, died at his home in Mentone, Saturday morning, following a two-year illness due to a heart ailment. He had been critically ill the past 16 weeks.

Mr. Meredith was born in Fulton county near Mentone on December 20, 1869, the son of James and Mahala (Montgomery) Meredith. He operated a farm near Mentone until his retirement about 15 years ago when he moved into town.

His marriage to Miss Lydia Bernett occurred July 28, 1897. She died in 1908. On July 15, 1911 he was married to Miss. Ada Mae Rohrabaugh, who survives.

He leaves besides his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Ruth DeWitt of Ft. Wayne; two sons, Edwin V. and Frank J. of near Mentone; a sister, Mrs. Ethel Adamson of Rochester and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Johns funeral home. Joseph Jones, minister of the Mentone Church of Christ, of which Mr. Meredith was a member, officiated. Burial was in Sycamore cemetery, five miles southwest of Mentone.

Submitted by: Denise Kern
The Northern Indiana Co-Op. News, Volume 21, Number 4, Mentone, Ind., August 8, 1951


MRS. STRONG DIES AT TIOSA Mrs. Rosa Mae Strong, 75 died at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her home in Tiosa following an illness of two years. She had been seriously ill ten days.

She was born in Fulton County October 9, 1875, and resided in that county for the past 32 years. Her parents were Lewis and Susan (McMahan) Wagoner.

She was married in 1897 to Clinton B. Strong, who died July 18, 1949. She was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Surviving are: the following children, Mrs. Alex Knox, Elkhart, Winifred and Byron, Tiosa; Donald, Plymouth; one brother, Oliver Wagoner, Tiosa; and one grandson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Foster funeral home in Rochester. The Rev. Milton Dowden officiated and burial was in the Mentone Cemetery.

Mrs. Roy Cox and Mrs. Charles Feldman are nieces of the deceased.

Submitted by: Denise Kern
The Northern Indiana Co-Op. News, Volume 21, Number 4, Mentone, Ind., August 8, 1951


Obediah Hoppes, son of Soloman and Margaret Hoppes was born in Burks county Pa. Feb. 18, 1832, died in Roann, Ind., May 28, 1912, age 80 years, 3 months and 10 days. He was united in marriage to Hannah Tipton Oct. 11, 1863. To this union were born three sons, three daughters, eighteen grandchildren eight great grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn his departure.

He with his wife united with the church of the Brethren in 1897, to which faith he clung until death.

Funeral services by Elder G. E. Swihart at the residence. Interment at Sycamore Cemetery, Fulton county Ind. Sermon from the text Rev. 14:13.

Submitted by: Denise Kern
Tri-County Gazette, Thursday, June 6, 1912


Obituary from Rochester Weekly Republican, Thursday Morning, January 2, 1896:

COL KLINE G. SHRYOCK.

Life's Journey is Ended and the Weary Pilgrim Lays Down to Rest.
----
Friday's Daily.
Col. K.G. Shryock, who was seriously ill for the past two months, passed into the immortal life yesterday afternoon about two o'clock, at last ready and willing to surrender to the inevitable of this life and commence the duties he shall find to do in the eternal world. Of course nearly every citizen of Fulton county is personally acquainted with this beloved pioneer, lawyer, statesman, warrior and patriot, but by way of remembrance the REPUBLICAN will present the particular incidents of his earthly career.

Kline G. Shryock was born May 22, 1811, in Bedford county, Pa., of German and irish parentage. His father and mother, John and Susan Shryock, were natives of Pennsylvanie, but soon after the birth of their first children they moved to Ross county, Ohio. Kline G. was educated in the common schools of that state. In 1830 he commenced to learn the tailor's trade which he followed for some time after he came to Rochester which was in 1837. The pioneer settlers of Fulton county soon learned of his capabilities and he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which position he became somewhat familiar with the law and finally apractioner at the bar.

In 1833, probably while residing at Richmond, Indiana, he was united in marriage with Miss Electra A. Kibby, who was the daughter (of) Col. John C. and May Kibby. To this union were born two children -- Charles Shryock, who has long been a resident of Washington City, and Josephine Shryock, who became the wife of Adj. Gen. Fredius Ryand, deceased, who was killed in battle during the late war. Mrs. Ryland is still a resident of Rochester and well known to our people.

Mrs. Kibby-Shryock died in Rochester, March 4, 1844. In April, 1846, Kline G. Shryock was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dillon, who with two children -- Frank and Carrie, the latter the wife of Mr. Harry Kane, survive the beloved husband and father. The second child born to this union was Minnie, who became the wife of Mr. J.A. Huston, but departed this life some years ago, honored and adored by her entire circle of acquaintances.

In 1844 Kline G. Shryock was elected to the legislature of Indiana and served his constituents in a very satisfactory manner. In 1847 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Fulton county for a term of four years, at which time the entire funds of the county were carried in his breeches pocket and county orders were paid at any time and place where the treasurer might be found. In 1860 he was elected judge of the Common Pleas Court composed of the counties of Fulton, Cass, Miami, Wabash and Kosciusko, which position he resigned to assist in recruiting the 87th Indiana regiment of which he was appointed colonel by his special friend, Governor Morton. In March, 1863, he tendered his resignation as colonel to be appointed by President Lincoln as provost Marshal of the ninth congressional district, in which position he served until the close of the war, when he again entered the practice of law.

His first vote for president was in 1836, which resulted in the election of Martin VanBuren. He took an active part in the the notable "Tippecanoe and Tylor too" campaign of 1840, when William Henry Harrison, the grandfather of Ex-President Benjamin Harrison, was so triumphantly chosen as the first Whig president. From 1840 until a few years ago the Colonel was regularly chosen as a delegate to the state conventions of Indiana and was well known to Col. Dick Thompson and the old time politicians. For nearly a quarter of a century he made the journey between this place and Indianapolis on horseback or by stage, as Rochester did not have a railroad until after the war.

Politically the Colonel was a Whig of the strictest sect and very naturally became a Repuyblican at the organization of the part in the fall and winter of 1855. And as a Republican he was relentless, uncompromising and decidedly positive int he support of every principle the party presented. As a patriot he was an American in all that the term implies. Religiously he was originally a Universalist, but during the latter years of his life he became a pronounced Agnostic, though he attended public services at Grace M.E. church every Sunday if his health and circumstances would permit, and in additon to this he always had a good word for the cause of Christianity and a cheerful hope for the good accomplished by all denominations. Personally he was at all times companionable, and his knowledge of the affairs of the nation and of the world gave him the place of honor in social circles, in political conventions and public meeting generally. And at the fireside, at the REPUBLICAN office, where he spent considerable time perusing the exchanges and in social converse, he will be missed, because there is but one Colonel Shryock and there cannot be another.

The funeral services will be conducted at the residence on Washington street, tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at two o'clock, by Rev. Dr. Brooke, pastor of Grace M.E. church, and attended by the I.O.O.F. and G.A.R.

Note: In the same newspaper, under Personals:

"Mr. J. A. Hughston and daughter Kate, came from Laporte today, to attend the funeral of K.G. Shryock."

"Mrs. V.H. Daniels and children, of Warsaw, Mrs. Judge Mitchell, of Peru, and J.A. Hughston, of Laporte, attended the funeral of Colonel Shryock."

Submitted by: Madeline Dillman Bechtold


The Northern Indiana Co-Op. News, Volume 21, Number 4, Mentone, Ind., August 8, 1951
SILAS MEREDITH PASSES AWAY

Silas Meredith, 81, died at his home in Mentone, Saturday morning, following a two-year illness due to a heart ailment. He had been critically ill the past 16 weeks.

Mr. Meredith was born in Fulton county near Mentone on December 20, 1869, the son of James and Mahala (Montgomery) Meredith. He operated a farm near Mentone until his retirement about 15 years ago when he moved into town.

His marriage to Miss Lydia Bernett occurred July 28, 1897. She died in 1908. On July 15, 1911 he was married to Miss. Ada Mae Rohrabaugh, who survives.

He leaves besides his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Ruth DeWitt of Ft. Wayne; two sons, Edwin V. and Frank J. of near Mentone; a sister, Mrs. Ethel Adamson of Rochester and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Johns funeral home. Joseph Jones, minister of the Mentone Church of Christ, of which Mr. Meredith was a member, officiated. Burial was in Sycamore cemetery, five miles southwest of Mentone.

Submitted by: Denise Kern


The Northern Indiana Co-Op. News, Volume 21, Number 4, Mentone, Ind., August 8, 1951
MRS. STRONG DIES AT TIOSA

Mrs. Rosa Mae Strong, 75 died at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her home in Tiosa following an illness of two years. She had been seriously ill ten days.

She was born in Fulton County October 9, 1875, and resided in that county for the past 32 years. Her parents were Lewis and Susan (McMahan) Wagoner.

She was married in 1897 to Clinton B. Strong, who died July 18, 1949. She was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Surviving are: the following children, Mrs. Alex Knox, Elkhart, Winifred and Byron, Tiosa; Donald, Plymouth; one brother, Oliver Wagoner, Tiosa; and one grandson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Foster funeral home in Rochester. The Rev. Milton Dowden officiated and burial was in the Mentone Cemetery.

Mrs. Roy Cox and Mrs. Charles Feldman are nieces of the deceased.

Submitted by: Denise Kern


Tri-County Gazette, Thursday, June 6, 1912 Obediah Hoppes, son of Soloman and Margaret Hoppes was born in Burks county Pa. Feb. 18, 1832, died in Roann, Ind., May 28, 1912, age 80 years, 3 months and 10 days. He was united in marriage to Hannah Tipton Oct. 11, 1863. To this union were born three sons, three daughters, eighteen grandchildren eight great grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn his departure. He with his wife united with the church of the Brethren in 1897, to which faith he clung until death. Funeral services by Elder G. E. Swihart at the residence. Interment at Sycamore Cemetery, Fulton county Ind. Sermon from the text Rev. 14:13.

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