OBIT: William Norman BARNDT, 1942, native of Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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WILLIAM NORMAN BARNDT

  William Norman Barndt died on February 21, 1942 in Harrisburg, Pa., at the age 
of 86 years, 6 months, 18 days.  Born August 3, 1855 on a farm near Sipesville 
in Somerset County, Pa., he was one of the ten children of the late Nicholas and 
Sally (Heiple) Barndt.
  Mr. Barndt was a well-known building contractor in Somerset County.  During 
the years he conducted his business he built over 150 barns, which were his 
specialty, as well as various churches, schools and homes throughout Somerset 
County, Gettysburg, and the state of Illinois.  He retired from business in May 
1928 because of ill health.
  He spent the greater part of his life in Somerset and Meyersdale.  In 
September 1933 he moved with his daughter to Huntingdon, Pa., and lived there 
until August 1, 1940 when he went to Harrisburg to live for the remainder of his 
life.
  Mr. Barndt was married on September 11, 1881 to Sevilla Boyd of Centerville, 
Pa., who died on October 29, 1907.  To this union were born two children; one 
son, Elbert Oral, who died at the age of 8 years, and one daughter (Orpha) Mrs. 
John Blough, with whom he made his home.  On June 2, 1910 he married Ellen 
Miller of Summit Mills, who preceded him in death on April 7, 1928.  There were 
no children in this marriage. 
  Mr. Barndt will be sadly missed in his home and among his friends.  He was a 
devoted husband and father, and had a kind and friendly disposition.  Although 
he suffered constantly for the last fourteen years of his life he was always 
trying to make others feel that, in spite of suffering and disappointments, life 
had many bright aspects.  He had many friends not only among people of his own 
age, but the young people and children loved him.  He was always ready to help 
anyone in need, and was a devout member of the Church of the Brethren for sixty-
five years.  He was a great lover of music and during his early years conducted 
singing schools in different communities in Somerset County. 
  Numerous friends called at the Dugan Funeral Home in Harrisburg to pay their 
respects.  On Tuesday his remains were taken to Meyersdale, where his body lay 
in state in the Church of the Brethren from 12:00 to 1:30 after which the 
funeral service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. H. B. Heisey, assisted by Rev. 
DeWitt L. Miller of Meyerdale.  Interment was made in the Union Cemetery in 
Meyersdale by W. C. Price and Son.
  Mr. Barndt is survived by one sister, Mrs. Ellen Rhodes, of Erie, Pa.; one 
daughter, Mrs. John Blough of Harrisburg, and three grandchildren; William M. 
Blough, director of vocal music in the William Penn High School of Harrisburg, 
Mrs. David R. W. Kimmel of Philadelphia, and Miss Norma B. Blough of Harrisburg.

Meyersdale Republican, February 26, 1942