Harshbarger, Emmett Leroy (1901-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Jul 30 p. 1

Birth date: 1901 Sep 16

text of obituary:

Dr. E. L. Harshbarger Died Sunday Afternoon After Long Illness

WAS BEDFAST IN BETHEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL FOR NEARLY YEAR AND A HALF

A career of wide influence here as well as in the entire General Conference came to a close last Sunday afternoon when Dr. Emmet L. Harshbarger was called away in death after having been a patient at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital for over 16 months. Death released Dr. Harshbarger from his long and painful illness at 4:10 Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Harshbarger and his family moved to Newton previous to the opening of the school year in 1933, at which time he became professor of history and chairman of the division of social sciences at Bethel college, in which position he was active until ill health made it necessary for him to enter the hospital on March 16, 19141. he was in demand as a lecturer on world history and international affairs, and also rendered valuable service as a member of the General Conference Peace committee, of which he was chairman since 1936.He participated in two summer tours through Europe, the last just before the beginning of the war in 1939.

He was born at West Liberty, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1901, the son of Samuel H. and Edith Yoder Harshbarger. After completing high school he attended Bluffton College, where he graduated in 1925. Later he continued his studies in the Ohio State University, receiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1933. He also taught in grade and high schools in Ohio for a number of years before coming to Newton.

Dr. Harshbarger was married to Eva Grace Geiger of Bluffton, Ohio, on Aug. 19, 1925, who together with their two children, John Howard and Ivan Leroy, survive. Surviving also are a brother, Luke Harshbarger of Springfield, Ohio, and two sisters, Mary Harshbarger of North newton and Mildred Harshbarger of Akron, Ohio.

The large and impressive funeral services Wednesday morning at North Newton were attended by the local congregation, many friends and former students of Dr. Harshbarger. Services for the immediate family were conducted at the home by Dr. P. S. Goertz. The services in the Memorial Hall at 10 o'clock were conducted by Dr. E. G. Kaufman, who read the Scriptures and led in prayer; by Dr. C. E. Krehbiel, who read an oration given by Dr. Harshbarger at the time of his graduation from Bluffton College; and by Rev. J. N. Smucker, who delivered the funeral sermon.

Interment was made in Greenwood cemetery.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Aug 27 p. 3

text of obituary:

E. L. Harshbarger

Emmett LeRoy Harshbarger, son of Samuel and Edith (Yoder) Harshbarger was born near West Liberty, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1901 and departed this life July 26, 1942 at 4:10 p.m. in the Bethel deaconess hospital in Newton, at the age of 40 years, ten months, and 10 days.

In his early youth he united with the Mennonite church near the place of his birth.

His early education was obtained in West Liberty from which he graduated as valedictorian in 1918. The next year was spent in the normal school of Logan county.

He taught four years in the grad schools of Ohio during which time he received a year's college work in summer school in Bluffton college, Bluffton, Ohio.

In the fall of 1923 he re-entered Bluffton college to complete the requirements for the A. b. degree, which he received with honors in 1924. He taught one year in the high school of St. Paris, Ohio, and four years in the high school of Bluffton. During this time he attended summer school at Ohio State University where he was awarded the Master of Arts degree in August 1929.

He was appointed assistant instructor in the history department of Ohio State University, where he was the same time worked for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, which he obtained in June, 1933.

In the summer of 1936 he was a Carnegie Fellow at the Institute of International Law in Ann Arbor, Mich.

He became a member of the faculty of Bethel college in September, 1933, which position he maintained until his illness.

Among his other activities he was a director of a study group in Europe in the summer of 1937. He was dean of the Kansas Institute of International Relations which was held at Bethel college from 1935 to 1940. He was active in college debate circles, among other offices holding that of governor of the Province of the Great Plains in 1939-40.

He spoke frequently before church and civic gatherings on the subject nearest his heart — good will among all peoples. he was president of the Peace Committee of the General Conference of Mennonites from 1936 until his death.

He was an active charter member of the Kiwanis club.

He will be missed as a worker in the Bethel college Mennonite church where he served as teacher of the Men's Bible class, as presiding officer fat church meetings, and in other capacities.

He was married to Eva Geiger of Bluffton, Ohio, August 19, 1925. He is survived by his wife, two sons, John Howard and Ivan LeRoy; his mother, Mrs. Edith Harshbarger, Urbana, Ohio, one brother, Luke of Springfield Ohio, and two sisters, Mary of North Newton and Mildred of Akron, Ohio.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 29. A brief service was held at the family home at 9 o'clock, with Rev. Peter Goertz having charge. Public funeral services were held at 10 o'clock at the Bethel college Memorial Hall with Rev. J. N. Smucker, Rev. Peter Goertz, Rev. Ed Kaufman and Rev. C. E. Krehbiel taking part. The Bethel college a cappella choir under the direction of Prof. W. H. Hofmann sang, "Be Still My Soul." Hark; Hark My Soul," and "My God and I." Honorary casket bearers were Bernhard Bargen, Jacob Doell, Abraham Friesen, John Moyer, Aaron Regier, David Richert, Peter Wedel and Abraham Warkentin. Active casket bearers were Ralph Kauffman, Leonard Kreider, Harry Martens, Willis Rich, Otto Unruh and Sam Goering. Burial was made in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery with Rex m. Moody of Moody's Funeral home in charge of arrangements.

The Mennonite obituary: 1942 Aug 11 p. 2