Adrian, Jacob (1862-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Oct 23 p. 6

Birth date: 1862 May 1

text of obituary:

. . .

— The aged Jacob Adrian, pioneer settler at Buhler, died Oct. 15 at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital after a long illness. He was 96. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Hoffnungsau church near Inman. Born in Russia, Mr. Adrian was among the first Mennonite settlers at Buhler in 1874. Survivors include his widow, Anna; three sons, one daughter and one step-son; a brother, Henry H. of Stockton, Calif.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 6 p. 8

text of obituary:

JACOB ADRIAN

Jacob Adrian was the oldest member of the Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church near Inman, Kan. Up until the last few weeks his mind was remarkably clear for one his age. His memory of events was remarkable, being able frequently not only to give the text ministers had used at given occasions, but also to give the point or points of emphases. In like manner he could also recall what he had read with remarkable clarity, and his knowledge of geography was unusual.

He was born in Rudnerweide, South Russia, on May 1, 1862, the son of Franz and Katharina (Janzen) Adrian. He departed this life at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital Wednesday evening, Oct. 15, 1958, at the age of 96 years, five months and 14 days.

With his parents he came to America in 1874, and made his home with them on the Kansas prairies. Here he grew to manhood together with other emigrants from Russia, and braved the pioneer hardships. From childhood he was interested in the work of the Church, and after a period of catechetical instruction, and having clearly experienced the need for a personal Saviour, he was baptized on Dec. 5, 1886, by Elder Dietrich Gaeddert and received into the membership of the Hoffnungsau Church. Here he remained a faithful member the remainder of his life.

He found a marriage partner in Anna Vogt, a widow with two children whose husband had died some time before, and was united in marriage on Oct. 3,1902. Together they shared joys and sorrows of wedded life for over 56 years. To this union were born six children, two of whom, Frank and Bernhard, preceded him in death. The four children surviving are: Anna, a teacher in the Wichita schools; Henry and Pete of the home; and Walter, employed by the Church World Service relief agency in Stuttgart, Germany.

For many years they lived on a farm north and east of Buhler, where Henry and Pete continue to live. In 1955 Mr. and Mrs. Adrian entered the Home for the Aged, becoming residents in the Sunshine Mission Home, Buhler. They have greatly appreciated their stay at this home, where Mrs. Adrian continues to live.

Throughout most of his life he enjoyed good health. In 1950, while still living on the farm, he fell and sustained a broken hip. In April 1958 he underwent major surgery just before he became 96. Since then he never completely recovered. After much longing to be released from the tribulations of life, it was granted him to be able to go to his Eternal Home on Wednesday evening, shortly before midnight. The race is run, the course is finished, the faith was kept, and we are confident there is laid up a crown of righteousness for him.

Surviving are his aged wife; four children; Curt Dyck, a step-son, and his wife and family of Wichita; also the former Mrs. Jake Dyck, now Mrs. C. D. Vogt. Surviving too are four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one brother, Henry H. Adrian, of Stockton, Calif., many other relatives , and a large group of friends who will remember him fondly.

“Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.” — The Family.