Bontrager, Eli J. (1868-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 27 p. 3

Birth date: 1868

text of obituary:

Aged Amish Bishop Called By Death

ELI BONTRAGER, 90, OF INDIANA DIES AT HIS HOME IN SARASOTA, FLA.

Sarasota, Fla. — Eli J. Bontrager of Shipshewana, Ind., one of the oldest Amish bishops in America, died at his winter home here Feb. 15 at the age of 90. Although in failing health for several years, he had remained active almost until the end.

Brief services were held here the afternoon of Feb. 15, after which the body was returned to Shipshewana where services were conducted at the Mose Gingerich residence.

Bishop Bontrager, who was known and respected throughout the Amish brotherhood, was ordained to the ministry in1894 and to the office of bishop in 1901, serving in the South Barrens District. He was the first representative of the Amish on the Mennonite Central Committee, serving from 1942 to 1952.

Survivors include his second wife, the former Amanda Miller, four sons, two daughters, 28 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, five brothers and one sister.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Mar 4 p. 140