Esser, William Henry (1863-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jul 27 p. 6

Birth date: 1863 Jul 6

text of obituary:

WILLIAM HENRY ESSER

William Henry Esser, son of Jacob and Christine Steffle Esser was born July 6, 1863, in Bedminster township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was reared in the Reformed church, but married Mary Wismer, a daughter of Samuel A. and Mary Ann Wismer, a member of the Deep Run Mennonite congregation of the Eastern Conference. He joined this congregation on October 23, 1897 and was a faithful member all his life.

As janitor of the meetinghouse for 18 years from 1913 to 1931 he showed an untiring devotion to serve God with the abilities given him. Most of his life was lived in Plumstead township as a farmer and highway worker.

Upon the death of his wife in 1939, he went to live with his daughter in Lumberville. There is a large house overlooking the beautiful Delaware River he spent his declining days.

The last few years were one of growing weakness, near blindness and much care for those who waited upon him. His interest in the welfare of the congregation remained to the end. Recently he would express his faith in Jesus Christ in these words, "He is the only one we have."

Due to the complications of advanced age he fell asleep on July 14, 1950, at the age of 87 years. He was preceded in death by his wife and two children, Zeno and Elizabeth. Two children remain: Mrs. Mabel Strouse of Lumberville, and Alvin of Fountainville. A nephew, John Esser of Quakertown, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Ruth Johnson of Lumberville, also remain.

The funeral and interment, held at Deep Run on July 19, 1950, were in charge of J. Herbert Fretz, who preached on Galatian 6:9.

The Mennonite obituary: 1950 Aug 15 p. 547