Kaufman, Joseph N. (1837-1928)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1928 Mar 29 p. 7

Birth date: 1837 Jul 11

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Mar 28 p. 4

text of obituary:

Joseph N. Kaufman

Joseph N. Kaufman was born on the 11th day of July 1837, in the village of Horodisch, province of Wohlynia, Russia. In his youth he embraced the Christian faith and was baptized on April 12, 1858, and became a member of the Mennonite Church.

On November 15, 1858, he was married to Barbara Graber. It was their good fortune to share life's blessings for a little over 69 years, both of them being quite hale even at their ripe old age. To this union 10 children were born, of which four died in early infancy.

The deceased experienced considerable pioneer life. Back in the old Fatherland in 1867 he with his family left the place of his birth and helped organize a new settlement. For about five years they lived there when a disastrous fire destroyed a large part of the settlement. Partly for this reason the family again moved in 1872 to the village of Kutusovka. Two years later the emigration of the Russian Mennonites took place, and the deceased and his family also were among those that emigrated from Russia to his country. Here the family first settled in Illinois, where they lived for a year and a half. In 1876 they moved to Kansas and settled near Moundridge on farms in Harvey and in McPherson County. The last few years grandfather Kaufman with his devoted wife, spent most of their time with their children in Kingman County, Kansas, where he passed away near Basil, February 21, 1928.

Soon after coming to Kansas he united with the Hoffnungsfeld Church. In April 1922 he transferred his membership to the First Mennonite Church of Christian in Moundridge, of which congregation he remained a faithful and respected member until death called him into the Church triumphant.

Despite his old age grandfather Kaufman enjoyed comparative good health. He was sick about a week; but during this time he was mentally strong and he retained a good memory throughout his aged years. A she loved his Lord throughout life, so Christ was his solace and strength in the last days and hours of his life, so that death had no particular dread for him. He was intensely sick about one hour and passed away peacefully in the assurance of eternal life and joy. His age was 90 years, 7 months and 10 days.

He leaves his aged and devoted wife, with whom he lived and labored so many years, 1 daughter, 5 sons, 37 grandchildren, 79 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, 1 brother and a host of relatives and friends who will ever cherish his memory.