Hartzler, J. S. (1857-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Apr 9 p. 1

Birth date: 1857 Aug 8

text of obituary:

Aged Minister, Church Leader Called by Death

J. S. HARTZLER WAS ACTIVE IN MISSION, EDUCATIONAL WORK

Elkhart, Ind. — J. S. Hartzler, a pioneer leader in educational and missionary activities of the (Old) Mennonite church and former pastor of the Prairie Street congregation here, died at the Mennonite old people’s home, Rittman, Ohio on April 1. He was 95 years of age.

The body was returned here for funeral services at the Prairie Street church Saturday afternoon, April 4, conducted by J. E. Gingrich and D. A. Yoder. Burial was made in Alwine cemetery south of Goshen.

Born near Topeka, Ind. Aug. 8, 1857, Bro. Hartzler was one of the founders of the Elkhart Institute, forerunner of Goshen College, in 1895. He was an early teacher and board member of the Institute and also of Goshen College, and was a member of the Mennonite Board of Education for many years, serving as secretary and later treasurer of the Board.

He was a member of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities from 1911 to 1944, and during a world tour, visited India to study the missions of other denominations. His pastorate at the Prairie Street congregation extended from 1923 to 1940. He was also the author of a number of books, among them “Mennonites In the World War," “Non-resistance Under Test” and “Missions in the Orient.”

Bro. Hartzler was married to Fannie C. Stutzman in 1880. Their son, Vernon, died in 1907, and Mrs. Hartzler passed away in 1929. He was married to Catherine C. Bauer in 1930, and she survives him.