Mast, Christian Z. (1886-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1974 Feb 7 p. 6

Birth date: 1886

text of obituary:

Historian and Family Chronicler dies

Morgantown, Pa. — Christian Z. Mast, well known for his writings on the history of the Amish and Mennonites in eastern Pennsylvania, died Jan. 25 at the Caernarvon Township home where he was born and spent his entire life. He was 88.

Mr. Mast wrote authoritatively on the early Amish settlements of this area and the pioneer families and their homesteads. Some of the families now have descendants throughout the United States. He was a member of the Berks County Historical Society and the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society.

He and Richard Simpson of Churchtown were co-authors of the book, "Annals of the Conestoga Valley," printed in 1942. The printing plates for the book were melted down for metal during World War II, and in recent years copies have sold at public auctions for as high as $250 to $300. Copies of his Mast family history, published in 1911, now bring as high as $60 each.

Mr. Mast died on the 67th anniversary of his marriage to Della Mae Kurtz. She survives with three sons, John H. and Melvin S., both of rural Morgantown, and David A. of Coatesville, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted on Jan. 28 at the Conestoga Mennonite Church with Bishop Ira Kurtz officiating.