OBIT: Joel E. HERSHBERGER, 1946, Elk Lick Twp., Somerset County, PA

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

Copyright 2007.  All rights reserved.
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JOEL E. HERSHBERGER

  Joel E. Hershberger died at his home in Elk Lick Twp., near St. Paul, on 
Friday, March 29, 1946, at the age of 80 years, 5 months, 2 days.  He was born 
Oct. 6, 1885, the eldest son of Elias and Elizabeth (Miller) Hershberger.  He 
left, besides his second wife, the following survivors: one brother, Harvey 
Hershberger of Meyersdale R.D. 1; two sisters, Miss Ada Hershberger, San 
Gabriel, Cal., and Cora, wife of Christian J. Bender, Fresno, Cal.; also a 
number of nieces and nephews.
  Mr. Hershberger was a man of high intelligence and outstanding character.  He 
acquired a good common school education in the Cross Roads public school near 
his parental home where he was one of the first pupils of the senior editor and 
publisher of the Meyersdale Republican, who valued him as a life-long friend.
  He was a farmer by occupation during all of his active years.  In 1888 he 
moved onto the Samuel J. Flickinger farm in Elk Lick Twp., as a tenant farmer, 
and which he bought in 1894 and lived on until his death.
  Mr. Hershberger was twice married.  His first wife, Anna Yoder, bore him a 
daughter, who died in early infancy.  The second wife, Mary Miller, survives and 
was his devoted helpmate and companion in his latter years.
  He was a faithful member of the Amish Mennonite Church for approximately 62 
years and served as deacon in the Conservative branch of that denomination for 
30 years.  He not only performed his official duties to his church with 
efficiency and fidelity, but was noted in the community in which he lived for 
his many kind and charitable acts to the needy of his neighborhood.  He lived in 
peace and amity with his fellowmen and was held in high esteem and respected by 
all who knew him, a worthy example for all to emulate.  He often served as 
counselor to those in trouble and distress and his advice was always sound and 
helpful to all who sought it.
  No better testimony of his worth could be had than the large attendance at his 
funeral Monday afternoon, beginning with brief services in his home at 1:30 
o'clock, the funeral cortege proceeding from there to the commodious Oak Dale 
meeting house along the road from St. Paul to Compton's Mill, where the funeral 
services were concluded and interment in the church cemetery took place.
  The church was crowded to overflowing with mourning relatives and friends, old 
and young, who came to pay their last respects to a man they loved.  Three 
ministers of the Amish faith took part in the funeral rites.  Rev. Jonas B. 
Miller opened the preaching services with a sermon delivered in the German 
language.  He was followed by Rev. Shem Peachy and Rev. Evan J. Miller, each of 
whom gave a fine discourse in English.
  The prayers and sermons were interspersed with congregational singing of 
appropriate hymns in both German and English.  The singing was exceptionally 
good, many good voices being heard in the leading parts.
  It was one of the largest funerals held in the southern part of Somerset 
County in a long while.  People came from both sides of the state line in large 
numbers.  The Amish predominated in numbers, but many members of other 
denominations were also present.

Meyersdale Republican, April 4, 1946