Burkholder.-Abraham B. Burkholder was born Jan. 4, 1850; died Nov. 20, 1941; aged 91 y. 10 m. 16 d. He was ordained to the ministry in 1877 and served the Mennonite Church faithfully for 64 years. His last sermon was preached in June of this year. He was nonresistant in word and deed throughout life, and had united with the church in early manhood. He was twice married, first, to Nancy Weaver of Spring Creek, Va., which union was blessed with 10 children, 7 of whom survive him. Three daughters (Mrs. Maggie F. Swope of North Lima, Ohio, Mrs. Nannie Good of Sterling, Ill., and Mary E. Burkholder) preceded him in death. The following survive: John, of Weyers Cave, Va.; Reuben, of Waynesboro, Va.; Joseph A., of North Lima, Ohio; Perry A., of Waynesboro, Va.; Emanuel J., and Amos H., both of Harrisonburg, Va.; and Mrs. Ella Davis of Salem, Ohio. He also leaves 5 great-great-grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 43 grandchildren. He is the last of his father's family and lived to be more than twice the age of his parents. He spent all his life near his birthplace except a few years at North Lima, O., where he married Lydia Blosser Weaver who died on his 84th birthday. He was the church's first missionary to West Virginia where his work was blessed with many converts. He never shirked religious duties and privileges. Life was interesting to him for the work he could do for the Master. He was watching for the coming of the Lord when He will take His Bride to the marriage supper in the skies. Even in the face of death he had no fear and rarely ever mentioned the thought of departing. Painlessly and peacefully he slept away at 5:38 a. m., Nov. 20, at the home of his son Emanuel. Funeral services were held at Weaver's Church, with an overflowing house, on Sunday, Nov. 23, by Bishops J. L. Stauffer and Samuel Rhodes. His ministering brethren acted as pallbearers. Even in his old age he delighted in memorizing Scripture and sacred songs. He could quote from memory fifty chapters from the Bible - 1600 verses, including Psalm 119 containing 176 verses. He could sing from memory for more than four hours all the verses of about 100 sacred songs. Among his favorites were: "Come, Thou Almighty King," "God Is Love," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "Come, Gracious Spirit," "Wonderful Words of Life," "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," "True to Thee," "Leaning on His Arms," "The Righteous Marching Home," and "Heavenly Vision," which latter song was sung to his honor at an old folks' singing held at Genoa, Va., since his death, using the "Harmonia Sacra," a book he loved so well. The closing words of Bro. Stauffer were: "His faithfulness is too well known to need comment," and "The world is better because of his life."

Here are two verses of a poem written by the departed, that were found in one of his Bible commentaries:
An Easter Poem
By A. B. B.
"And now has come an Easter day,
And drives our gloom and fears away;
He arose from death to make it clear
That we the grave need not to fear.

"But best of all, His rising high
Assures a Home where none shall die;
And live with Him in heaven above,
Where all is joy and peace and love."
GOSPEL HERALD - Vol. XXXIV, No . 37 - December 11, 1941