Benjamin Ziegler Shoemaker

The Gospel Witness - Volume 1, Number 11 - June 14, 1905, page 84 Shoemaker .--Benjamin Shoemaker was born in Montgomery County, Pa., to George & Anna Shoemaker, March 2, 1825, and died at his home, near Freeport, Ill., June 1, 1905, aged 80y., 2m., 20d. He was united in marriage to Veronica Shellenberger in Juniata Co., Pa., Jan. 27, 1853. To this union were born five children, as follows: Joseph S., Geo. E. and Charles C. Shoemaker; Martha Rozella, wife of J. V. Fortner; and Emma, wife of A. J. Meck, all of Freeport and vicinity. He united with the Mennonite church in 1855, and remained a faithful member until death. His quiet and unassuming life and staunch adherence to the principles of the Gospel won him a warm place in the hearts of all who knew him. God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to remove from among us one whose influence did much to mold the character of his family and his congregation. Though dead, his influence still lives; and fondly we do look forward to the time when we may meet him on the other shore. For years he has been afflicted with shaking palsy, and gradually grew feebler with age, being unable to rise from his bed during the last six or eight months. He bore all his afflictions patiently expressed a desire to depart, and with a firm hope in the Rock of his salvation, he peacefully fell asleep. He leaves a widow, three sons, two daughters, 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and many friends to mourn his departure. May God comfort them in their bereavement. Funeral services were conducted at the house by Simon Graybill and at the church by John Nice and Daniel Kauffman. Text, Rev. 14:13.