Amstutz, Peter B. (1846-1938)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1938 Feb 15 p. 13

Birth date: 1846

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The Mennonite obituary: 1938 Feb 15 p. 13

Birth date: 1846 Jan 6

text of obituary:

PETER B. AMSTUTZ, youngest and last surviving child of John and Verena Lehman Amstutz, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1846, and died at his home at Bluffton, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1938, at the age of 92 years, 10 days. He maintained his health and active life until 85 years of age, when he became confined to his home for a year. Later, he again enjoyed quite an abundant life for a few more years.

On November 10, 1870, he united in marriage with Elizabeth Luginbill who proceeded [sic] him in death, Oct. 28, 1873. Ten years later he united with Leah Gerber who passed away May 13, 1824.

Children surviving are: Amos of Silverton, Oregon, Mrs. C. C. Hofstettler, Olive, Lydia, and Edwin, all of Bluffton, Ohio. Also nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

At an early age he united with the first Mennonite church organized in his community. Later, as the church grew, he became affiliated with the Ebenezer church of which he remained a faithful and active member until the last few years of his life. He served his church in the capacity of chorister, correspondent to church papers, trustee, deacon and Sunday school teacher until the age of 85 years. He was faithful in visiting the sick and aged of his church and community. This he considered a Christian duty as well as a privilege.

In his youth he was one of the few who attended the first Mennonite institution of higher learning, located at Wadsworth, Ohio. — He served two years as public school teacher, but later devoted his life to farming and the manufacturing of lumber and wooden tools.

He was a man with a great zeal for missions and religious enterprises. This he expressed in educating one of our present native Hindu ministers of the India mission, and also provided for a gift of $600.00 after his death, for the General Conference, to be used for the support of India missions. Because of his love for his Master he took great pleasure and interest in touring the Holy Land in 1914.

Thus ended the life of a faithful and earnest Christian man of whom it may well be said, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13.