Person Page - 121

     Prof. Walter Eli Yoder was born on 8 January 1889 at Topeka, LaGrange, Indiana, USA.¹ He was Professor Emeritus, Music at Elkhart, Indiana, USA.¹ He died on 30 October 1964 at Goshen, Elkhart, Indiana, USA, at age 75.¹

     Joel Levi Birkey was born on 15 May 1889 at Foosland, Champaign, Illinois, USA.¹ He was the son of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe Good.¹ Joel Levi Birkey married Mabel Evelyn Schertz on 20 September 1922.¹ Joel Levi Birkey died on 18 April 1994 at Fisher, Champaign, Illinois, USA, at age 104.²

     Mabel Evelyn Schertz was born on 30 March 1900.¹ She married Joel Levi Birkey, son of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe Good, on 20 September 1922.¹ Mabel Evelyn Schertz died on 13 February 1991 at age 90.²

      Gospel Herald - Vol 77, # 23 - Jun 5, 1984, p 414

FOLEY, Ada, L. daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) BIRKEY, was born at Fisher, Ill., Aug. 15, 1903; died at Gibson Community Hospital Annex, Gibson City, Ill., May 14, 1984; aged 80 y. In June 1941 she was married to Glen Foley, who died on Feb. 28, 1978. She is survived by 2 brothers (Joe and Joel), and a sister (Katie Zehr). She was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on May 16, in charge of Paul O. King; interment in East Bend Cemetery.
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL.² Ada Lillian Birkey was born on 15 August 1903 at Fisher, Champaign, Illinois, USA.^1,2 She was the daughter of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe Good.^1,2 Ada Lillian Birkey married Glen Thomas Foley in June 1941.² Ada Lillian Birkey died on 14 May 1984 at Gibson City, Ford, Illinois, USA, at age 80.^2,1 She was buried on 16 May 1984 at Fisher, Champaign, Illinois, USA.²

     Glen Thomas Foley was born on 3 December 1908.¹ He married Ada Lillian Birkey, daughter of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe Good, in June 1941.¹ Glen Thomas Foley died on 28 February 1978 at age 69.¹

      Gospel Herald - Vol 77, # 19 - May 8, 1984, pg. 342

SCHERTZ, Edna P., daughter of Valentine and Phoebe (Good) BIRKEY, was born in Foosland, Ill., Mar. 6, 1907; died at West Liberty, Ohio Apr. 16,1984; aged 77 y. On Dec. 19, 1928, she was married to Harold Schertz, who died on Jan. 16, 1976. Surviving are one son (Ray Schertz), 2 daughters (Roberta Graber and Joyce Schertz), 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Joe and Joel Birky), and 2 sisters (Kate Zehr and Ada Foley). She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Apr. 18, in charge of Paul King and Duane Beck; interment in East Bend Memorial Garden.
East Bend Memorial Gardens, Foosland, Champaign Co., IL.² Edna Phoebe Birkey was born on 6 March 1907 at Foosland, Champaign, Illinois, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe Good.¹ Edna Phoebe Birkey married Harold King Schertz on 19 December 1928 at Fisher, Champaign, Illinois, USA.² Edna Phoebe Birkey died on 16 April 1984 at West Liberty, Logan, Colorado, USA, at age 77.¹ She was buried on 18 April 1984 at Fisher, Champaign, Illinois, USA.²

     Harold King Schertz was born on 29 January 1907.¹ He married Edna Phoebe Birkey, daughter of Valentine Birkey and Phoebe Good, on 19 December 1928 at Fisher, Champaign, Illinois, USA.¹ Harold King Schertz died on 16 January 1976 at Bellefontaine, Logan, Ohio, USA, at age 68.¹

     Peter Naffziger was born on 18 December 1800 at Germany.^1,2 He married Catharine Unzicker circa 1830.¹ Peter Naffziger died on 14 March 1878 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 77.^1,2 He was buried at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.²

     Catharine Unzicker was born on 18 December 1806 at Logelbach, Alsace Lorraine, France.¹ She married Peter Naffziger circa 1830.¹ Catharine Unzicker died on 16 October 1876 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 69.¹

      Gospel Herald - Vol 44 , # 1 - Jan 2, 1951---p 22

Birky, --- Anna E., daughter of Valentine and Barbara (Springer) Nafziger, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., May 7, 1863; died at her home near Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 1, 1950; aged 87 y. 6 m. 24 d. She spent her entire life in this vicinity. On Aug. 30, 1883, she married Valentine C. Birky, who preceded her in death Sept. 12, 1900. Five children were born to this union and 3 survive. (Chris, Hopedale; Walter and Barbara-Mrs. T. S. Cripe, Delavan, Ill.). Two sons (Aaron and Eli) preceded her in death. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her 2 sisters (Mrs. Lena Litwiller and Mrs. Bertha Schantz) preceded her in death. At an early age she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church. She was a faithful and consistent member throughout her life, attending services regularly as long as she was able and teaching a class in Sunday school for many years. Funeral services were held on Dec. 4 at her home, conducted by Ivan Kauffman, and at the Mennonite Church with J. W. Birky, of Spartansburg, Pa., and Simon Litwiller in charge. Interment was made in the Mennonite Cemetery near Hopedale with Ben Springer in charge of services there.¹ Anna E. Naffziger was born on 7 May 1863 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Valetine Naffziger and Barbara Springer.¹ Anna E. Naffziger married Valentine Birky, son of Christian Birky and Katharina Mosimann, on 30 August 1883 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ Anna E. Naffziger died on 1 December 1950 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 87.¹ She was buried on 4 December 1950 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

     Valentine Birky was born on 26 June 1858.¹ He was the son of Christian Birky and Katharina Mosimann.¹ Valentine Birky married Anna E. Naffziger, daughter of Valetine Naffziger and Barbara Springer, on 30 August 1883 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.² Valentine Birky died on 12 September 1900 at age 42.¹

      Gospel Herald - Vol 15 # 48 - Mar 1, 1923, pp 942-943

Litwiller. -- Magdalena (Nafziger) Litwiller was born in Boynton township, Ill., Nov. 23, 1865; died on Dec. 25, 1922; aged 57 y. 1 m. 2 d. She was married to C. A. Litwiller, Jan. 4, 1885, and moved to the farm where she lived until her death. To this union were born 8 children, 5 sons and 3 daughters. One son died in infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, four sons and three daughters: Simon, Manson, Iowa; Leah Albrecht, Tiskilwa, Ill; Silas, Christian, Ammon, Barbara, Esther all at home. Also 5 grandchildren, 2 sisters, and many relatives and friends. She united with the Amish Mennonite Church in her youth and remained faithful and loyal to the end. Funeral services were held on Dec. 28 at the A. M. Church near Hopedale, Ill., conducted by Bro. Samuel Garber of Tremont, Illinois, and the home ministers.¹ Magdalena Naffziger was born on 23 November 1865 at Boynton Twp., Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Valetine Naffziger and Barbara Springer.¹ Magdalena Naffziger married Christian A. Litwiller, son of Joseph Litwiller and Katherine Birky, on 4 January 1885 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.^2,1 Magdalena Naffziger died on 25 December 1922 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 57.¹ She was buried on 28 December 1922 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Christian A. Litwiller also went by the name of Chris.² Gospel Herald - Vol 17 # 40 - Jan. 8, 1925, p 814

Litwiller.-Christian A. Litwiller, son of Josph and Katherine Litwiller, was born near Hopedale, Ill., Jan 26, 1863, and passed away Dec. 22, 1924; aged 61 y. 10 m. 26 d. His last illness was of a month's duration, death being due to Bright's Disease. He was united in marriage to Magdalene Nafziger Jan. 4, 1885. To this union were born 8 children, one son, dying in infancy. He leaves to morn his loss 4 sons and 3 daughters (Leah Albrecht, of Tiskilwa, Ill.: Simon. Of Manson. Ia; Christian C. Of Delavan, Ill; Barbara, Silas, Ammon, and Esther, at home), 4 brothers (Benjamin, in Flordia; John W., Daniel, and Louis, of Hopedale), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Mary Olswald, of Beemer, Nebr; Mrs. Salome Eichelberger,of Emden, Ill., and Kathrine Litwiller of Hopedale). Six grandchildren and many relatives and friends also survive. His companion passed away Dec. 25, 1922. He united with the Amish Mennonite Church in his youth and remained faithful to the end. He expressed his willingness to go and meet his loved ones who had gone before. Funeral services at the house were conducted by Bro. Simon Litwiller and at the A. M. Church by Bro. Ezra Yoder of Eureka, Ill., assisted by the home ministers. Text, Matt. 24:44. Burial in the Amish cemetery.¹ He was born on 26 January 1863 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ He was the son of Joseph Litwiller and Katherine Birky.¹ Christian A. Litwiller married Magdalena Naffziger, daughter of Valetine Naffziger and Barbara Springer, on 4 January 1885 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.^1,3 Christian A. Litwiller died on 22 December 1924 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 61.¹ He was buried at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Gospel Herald - Vol 35 #11 - 11 Jun 1942 pp 238-9

Schantz. - Bertha Naffziger Schantz, daughter of Valentine and Barbara Springer Naffziger, was born in Boynton Twp., Dec. 29, 1867; passed away at her home in Delavan, Ill., May 9, 1942, following an illness of two years; aged 74 y. 4 m. 10 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in early youth, later transferring her membership to the Church of God. She was united in marriage to Henry Schantz, Feb. 22, 1894, who preceded her in death. She is survived by the following children: Mrs. Elizabeth Wainright, Peoria, Ill; Mrs. Martha Klokkenga, Hartsburg, Ill; Miss Barbara Schantz, Christian, and Amos, at home. Two grandchildren also survive, and a sister (Mrs. Anna Birky, of Delavan). Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by William A. Beaman and Simon Litwiller. Burial in the Mennonite Cemetery.¹ Bertha Naffziger was born on 29 December 1867 at Boynton Twp., Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ She was the daughter of Valetine Naffziger and Barbara Springer.¹ Bertha Naffziger married Henry Schantz on 22 February 1894 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.² Bertha Naffziger died on 9 May 1942 at Delavan, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 74.¹ She was buried at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Gospel Herald - Vol 19 #42 - 13 Jan 1927 p 895

Schantz.--Henry Schantz was born in Regensburgh, Germany, April 5, 1864; died near Hopedale, Ill., Dec. 22, 1926; aged 62 y. 8 m. 17 d. The cause of his death was intestinal "flu," and complications. He came to America in May, 1885, coming first to Chenoa, Ill., and later in the same year to Hopedale, Ill., where he spent the greater part of his life. He was married to Bertha Nafziger on Feb. 22, 1894. To this union were born 7 children. 5 daughters and 2 sons, 2 daughters dying in infancy. At the age of 14 years he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and remained true to Him all his days. His life was not a life for self, but for others, ever having in mind the poor and needy. Altho he was somewhat handicapped in that his hearing was defective and he could not enjoy church services as much as others, perhaps, yet he was always a regular attendant at services and very studious with his Bible. He leaves to mourn his departure, his sorrowing wife, 3 daughters (Barbara, Elizabeth, and Martha), and 2 sons, (Christian and Amos). He also leaves six brothers and two sisters, besides many other relatives and friends, but they mourn not as those who have no hope. Funeral services were held Dec. 26, 1926, by Bro. Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill., and the home ministers. Burial in the Mennonite cemetery.¹ Henry Schantz immigrated from Germany to Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ He was born on 5 April 1864 at Regensburgh, Barvaria, Germany.¹ He married Bertha Naffziger, daughter of Valetine Naffziger and Barbara Springer, on 22 February 1894 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ Henry Schantz died on 22 December 1926 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 62.¹ He was buried on 26 December 1926 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Christian Birky also went by the name of Chris.¹ He was born on 14 July 1887 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.^1,2 He was the son of Valentine Birky and Anna E. Naffziger.¹ Christian Birky married Mary Heiser, daughter of Christian Heiser and Magdalena Sutter, on 27 December 1910.¹ Christian Birky died on 15 May 1974 at age 86.¹

      Herald of Truth, Vol. 30 #1 Jan 1, 1893 - p 22, 23

(b 28 Feb 1818)
HIESER - On the 8th of November, 1892, near Pekin, Tazewell Co., Ill., of the infirmities of old age and other complaints, Bro. Joseph Hieser, aged 74 years, 8 months and 8 days. He leaves an aged widow, three sons and four daughters to mourn his death. He begged his family not to weep for him, for he said he was going home to Jesus. His remains were laid to rest at Pleasant Grove on the 10th. Funeral services by David Augsburger of Washington, Pre. King of Mackinaw, P. Ropp of Pekin, and J. Burckey of Tiskilwa.² Joseph Heiser was born on 28 February 1818 at Germany.^1,3 He was the son of Nicholas Heiser and Magdalene Eyer.¹ Joseph Heiser married Barbara Schrag, daughter of Christian Schrag and Elizabeth Birkey, on 4 February 1851 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.^1,3 Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag appeared on the census of 1 June 1860 at Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell, Illinois, USA.⁴ Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag appeared on the census of 1 June 1870 at Elm Grove, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.⁵ Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag appeared on the census of 1 June 1880 at Elm Grove, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.⁶ Joseph Heiser died on 8 November 1892 at Pekin, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 74.¹ He was buried on 10 November 1892 at Elm Grove, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.²

     Nicholas Heiser was born at Switzerland.¹ He married Magdalene Eyer.¹

     Magdalene Eyer married Nicholas Heiser.¹ Magdalene Eyer died on 19 October 1851 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Gospel Herald - Vol. 30 # 51 - Mar 17, 1938 pp1086, 1087

Hieser. Christian, son of Joseph and Barbara Schrock Hieser was born near Pekin, Ill., Oct. 19, 1851, died at his home at Minier, Ill., Feb. 17, 1938. He was married to Magdalena Sutler Feb. 6, 1876, who with 11 children, 22 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, survive. The children are John of Hopedale; Mrs. Clara Springer, Mrs. Alma Holmes, William Hieser, and Mrs. Estelle Glaser of Minier; Mrs. Mary Birky of Delavan; Harry of Bloomington; Roy of Towanda; Mrs. Anna Quigg of Ocean Park, Calif; Mrs. Emma Lippitt and Miss Mena Hieser of Denver, Colo. Two children (Leah Hieser and Mrs. Barbara Springer) preceded him in death. Two sisters (Mrs. Jacob Naffziger and Miss Mary Hieser of Tremont) also survive. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, of which he was a member. Services were conducted by Bro. Simon Litwiller, assisted by Bro. Ernest Hostetler.¹ Christian Heiser was born on 19 October 1851 at Pekin, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ He was the son of Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag.¹ Christian Heiser appeared on the census of 1 June 1860 in the household of Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag at Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell, Illinois, USA.² Christian Heiser appeared on the census of 1 June 1870 in the household of Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag at Elm Grove, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.³ Christian Heiser was a Mennonite.¹ He married Magdalena Sutter, daughter of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger, on 6 February 1876 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.⁴ Christian Heiser and Magdalena Sutter had thirteen children.¹ Christian Heiser and Magdalena Sutter appeared on the census of 1 June 1900 at Little Mackinaw, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.⁵ Christian Heiser died on 17 February 1938 at Minier, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 86.¹ He was buried at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Magdalena Sutter also went by the name of Lena.² Gospel Herald - Vol 41 # 31 - Aug 3, 1948 - pp 727

Hieser. -- Magdalena, daughter of the late Christian and Magdalena (Nafziger) Sutter, was born Oct. 7, 1858; passed away at her home at Minier, Ill., June 18, 1948; aged 89 y. 8 m. 11 d. On Feb. 6, 1876, she was married to Christian Hieser, who preceded her in death Feb. 17, 1938. They were the first couple to be married in the church at Hopedale, then known as the Amish Church, but now the Hopedale Mennonite Church. She was a member of this church until death. Surviving are 11 children (John and Mary - Mrs. Chris Birky, Hopedale, Ill; Clara - Mrs. Ben Springer, William, Alma - Mrs. E. R. Holmes, Estella - Mrs. William Glaser, all of Minier, Ill; Harry and Roy, Bloomington, Ill; Anna - Mrs. J. B. Quigg, Ocean Park, Calif; Emma - Mrs. J. B. Lippitt, and Mena, Denver, Colo.), 23 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Two daughters (Leah and Barbara - Mrs. David P. Springer) preceded her in death. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church June 21 in charge of Simon Litwiller and A. H. Leaman. Text: Luke 11:2. Interment was made in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery.¹ She was born on 7 October 1858.¹ She was the daughter of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger.¹ Magdalena Sutter married Christian Heiser, son of Joseph Heiser and Barbara Schrag, on 6 February 1876 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ Magdalena Sutter and Christian Heiser had thirteen children.³ Magdalena Sutter had thirteen children.¹ She and Christian Heiser appeared on the census of 1 June 1900 at Little Mackinaw, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.⁴ Magdalena Sutter died on 18 June 1948 at Minier, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 89.¹ She was buried on 21 June 1948 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

     Christian Sutter married Magdalena Nafziger.¹

     Magdalena Nafziger married Christian Sutter.¹

     Christian Sutter was born on 3 August 1853.¹ He was the son of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger.¹ Christian Sutter married Francis Stalter on 28 February 1876 at Flanagan, Livingston, Illinois, USA.² Christian Sutter died on 22 July 1932 at age 78.¹

     Francis Stalter was born on 17 April 1858 at Morton, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ She married Christian Sutter, son of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger, on 28 February 1876 at Flanagan, Livingston, Illinois, USA.¹ Francis Stalter had thirteen children.¹ She died on 25 March 1943 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 84.¹ She was buried on 27 March 1943 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹

      Herald of Truth - Vol 22 # 9 - May 1, 1885, p 140, 141

EGLI - On the 2d of April, near Minier, Tazewell Co., Ill., Barbara, wife of Joseph Egli, aged 33 years, 7 months and 2 days. She leaves a sorrowing husband and four children.² Barbara Sutter was born on 3 August 1851.^1,2 She was the daughter of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger.¹ Barbara Sutter married Rev. Joseph Egli on 29 January 1874 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.^2,3 Barbara Sutter and Rev. Joseph Egli had five children.³ Barbara Sutter died on 2 April 1885 at Minier, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 33.^1,2

      Gospel Herald - Vol 8 # 32 - Nov 4 , 1915 - p 527

Egli. - Joseph Egli was born in Huron Co., Canada, Feb 2 1852; died Oct 10, 1915 at his home in Manson, Ia; aged 63 y. 9 m. 10 d. He united with the Mennonite Church at the age of eighteen; was ordained to the ministry in 1891, in which capacity he labored faithfully till called to higher service. He was married to Sister Barbara Sutter at Hopedale, Ill., Jan. 29. 1874. To this union were born 1 son and 4 daughters, of whom 1 daughter died in infancy. His companion died April 2, 1885. On Jan 2. 1886, he was married to Sister Mary Birkey of Hopedale, Ill. To this union were born 3 sons and 4 daughters. He leaves his companion, 11 children, 39 grandchildren, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, and a large circle of friends to mourn his departure. He moved to Manson, Iowa, from Hopedale, Ill, 5 years ago. Funeral was held Tuesday, Oct. 12, from the Mennonite Church where often his voice had been heard in earnest, loving effective service. There was an unusually large attendance, the church being filled with friends from all denominations, showing the confidence and esteem in which the brother was held in the community, and the sympathy felt for his bereaved family. Bro. E. J. Berkey of Waynesboro, Va., conducted the services, taking for his text Amos 4:12. Interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery. Bro. Egli was a friend to all and will be greatly missed in the home, the church and the community.
Rose Hill Cemetery, Manson, Calhoun Co., IA.² Rev. Joseph Egli was born on 2 February 1852 at Huron, Ontario, Canada.² He married Barbara Sutter, daughter of Christian Sutter and Magdalena Nafziger, on 29 January 1874 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.^1,2 Rev. Joseph Egli and Barbara Sutter had five children.² Rev. Joseph Egli married Mary Birkey, daughter of Christian Birky and Katharina Mosimann, on 2 January 1886 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.² Rev. Joseph Egli died on 10 October 1915 at Manson, Calhoun, Iowa, USA, at age 63.^2,3 He was buried on 12 October 1915 at Manson, Calhoun, Iowa, USA.²

      Gospel Herald, Vol 29 #1, April 2, 1936 - - p 14, 15

Egli-Mary, daughter of Christian and Catherine Birky, was born Aug. 13, 1860, near Morton, Ill. She was baptized and received into the Amish Mennonite Church near Hopedale, Ill., by Bishop Christian Nafziger on April 14, 1878. In this faith she remained faithful until death. On Jan. 3, 1886, she was united in marriage to Joseph Egli who preceded her in death Oct. 10, 1915. She leaves 7 children (Mrs. N. D. Kauffman, Abner, and Joel of Manson, Ia; Dan of Hopedale, Ill; Mrs. Simon Grieser of Wisner, Neb; Mollie and Barbara at home). She also leaves 4 step-children (C. B. Egli and Mrs. D. H. Miller of Manson, Ia; Mrs. Edwin Miller of Middlebury, Ind; Mrs. V. H. Fleener of Hebron, Ind.), 1 brother (A. D. Birky of Milford, Neb.), and 1 sister (Lizzie Birky of Manson), 4 grandchildren, and 48 step-grandchildren. She suffered a paralytic stroke on July 7, 1931, and was an invalid from that time on. She was very patient during her affliction, never a word of complaint, but she often expressed a longing to be at rest and her wish has been granted. She passed away quite suddenly at her home in Manson, on the evening of March 2, 1936; aged 75 y. 6 m. 19 d. Funeral services were held March 5, at the Manson Mennonite Church, conducted by Bro. Nick Stoltzfus. Text, Jan. 11:14.
Manson Mennonite Cemetery, Manson, Calhoun Co., IA.² Mary Birkey was born on 13 August 1860 at Morton, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.² She was the daughter of Christian Birky and Katharina Mosimann.² Mary Birkey was baptized on 14 April 1878 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.² She married Rev. Joseph Egli on 2 January 1886 at Hopedale, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ Mary Birkey had seven children.² She died on 2 March 1936 at Manson, Calhoun, Iowa, USA, at age 75.² She was buried on 5 March 1936 at Manson, Calhoun, Iowa, USA.²

     Mary Heiser was born on 4 March 1887 at Kansas, USA.² She was the daughter of Christian Heiser and Magdalena Sutter.¹ Mary Heiser appeared on the census of 1 June 1900 in the household of Christian Heiser and Magdalena Sutter at Little Mackinaw, Tazewell, Illinois, USA.³ Mary Heiser married Christian Birky, son of Valentine Birky and Anna E. Naffziger, on 27 December 1910.²

      Gospel Herald - Vol. 35 # 1 - Apr 2, 1942 - pp 14, 15

Birky. - Aaron, son of Valentine and Anna (Nafziger) Birky, was born in Tazewell Co., Ill., Sept. 18, 1889; died March 10, 1942, in Pekin, Ill., Hospital; aged 52 y. 5 m. 20 d. When he was a young man he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church, remaining a faithful member until death. Jan 1, 1914, he was united in marriage to Bertha Schantz of Beemer, Nebr. To this union were born 4 sons and 3 daughters. His father, 1 son (Lester) and 1 brother (Eli) preceded him in death. He leaves his faithful companion, 3 sons (Stanley, Clarence, and Loren Joseph), 3 daughters (Lucile, Esther, and Anna Jean), his loving mother, 2 brothers (Chris of Stanford, Ill., Walter of Delavan), and 1 sister (Mrs. T. S. Cripe, also of Delavan), besides many other relatives and friends. Death was caused by gas gangrene. Two years ago he was cut across the face in an accident, and at the time his condition became very grave. March 5, while at work on his farm, he received an injury which punctured a small hole in his leg. Medical aid was immediately sought, but all that could be done seemed of no avail. He was a kind and loving husband, a friend to all he met, always of a kind and cheerful disposition, and will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. Funeral services were held at the Hopedale Mennonite Church, conducted by Bros. Warren Long and Simon Litwiller. Interment in the Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery. A large number of people gathered to pay their respect to the brother. "Life to me has been a pleasure, And now my sweetest hour has come; Jesus is life's dearest treasure, Praise to God for His dear Son."¹ Aaron Birky was born on 18 September 1889 at Tazewell, Illinois, USA.¹ He was the son of Valentine Birky and Anna E. Naffziger.¹ Aaron Birky married Bertha Schantz on 1 January 1914.¹ Aaron Birky and Bertha Schantz had seven children.² Aaron Birky died on 10 March 1942 at Pekin, Tazewell, Illinois, USA, at age 52.¹