Alderfer, J. Franklin (1870-1919)

The Mennonite obituary: 1919 Dec 11 p. 6

Birth date: 1870 Aug 19

text of obituary:

Aderfer[sic Alderfer]. — Professor J. Franklin Alderfer, son of Mrs. Deborah Alderfer of Akron, Ohio, was born August 19, 1870, in Sharon Center, Ohio. His musical talents seemed to have developed in his early youth. In 1892 he entered Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he remained for two years. During this time he became a member of the First Congregational church of Oberlin. After his two years work at the Conservatory he engaged in teaching and playing the organ in his home community. In 1896 he transferred his membership to the Mennonite church of Wadsworth where he remained a member until 1911. In that year he transferred to the church at Oberlin where he had formerly been a member. In 1899 he re-entered the Conservatory, graduating with the class of 1903. After his graduation he was engaged as instructor for three years. He then spent two years in Paris to study organ with Guilmant and Widor, returning to Oberlin in 1908 as assistant professor of organ and was finally given a full professorship in 1914. In December 1917, Prof. Alderfer received a call to enter the services of the American University Union in Paris. His services there were of short duration, but were highly appreciated. He died March 16, 1919, after a brief illness of tubercular meningitis. Funeral services were conducted in the American church in Paris and were attended by Ambassador and Mrs. Sharpe and many prominent Americans. He leaves to mourn his departure, a mother, three sisters and two brothers, all residing in this state. In all relations of life Prof. Alderfer was known to have fulfilled every obligation. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite church, Sunday afternoon, November 20, 1919 and the remains were interred in Woodlawn cemetery.