Buchwalter, Emma Horst (1869-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 27 p. 6

Birth date: 1869 May 17

text of obituary:

EMMA BUCHWALTER

Emma Buchwalter, daughter of the late bishop Michael and Marie Wenger Horst, was born May 17, 1869, in Lancaster county, Pa. When she was a year old, her parents moved to Stark county, Ohio, on a farm near the Pleasant View church where she grew to womanhood, and lived in the nearby community up to her death April 6, 1950.

For a number of years she was in failing health and was tenderly cared for by her son, Harry, and his wife, Charlotte, and other members of the household. Nothing was spared to provide every comfort possible. In all her years of affliction she never murmured or complained, and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 19 days.

On May 4, 1890, she was received into the Mennonite Church and remained faithful in the same until death. She is the last of the charter members of the Pleasant View congregation.

On November 29, 1891, she was united in marriage with Ira J. Buchwalter. This union was blest with two children, Harry and Ruth. Ruth died in early childhood, September 6, 1903. Ira, her husband, who was a minister over 50 years and with whom she shared in the labors most helpfully, preceded her in death a few months ago, Jan 3, I950.

She is survived by her son, Harry, and his wife, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. There are many other relatives and friends who share their sympathy in the passing of mother and grandmother. Sister Buchwalter was the last member of the Michael Horst family.

The following tribute was written by a member of the Pleasant View church:

"Sister Emma Buchwalter was a promoter of the Sewing Circle work and a charter member of the Martins and Pleasant View Circle, which was organized 33 years ago. Of the 44 charter members, only 21 now survive. She was the first president, serving a number of years and doing her work faithfully. During those early years the work was new, and it meant putting in long days because much of the year hourse [sic] and buggy was the way of travel and the distance was often a good many miles.

"She was interested in helping with the sewing for the busy mothers of the circle, and the needy or unfortunate in the community. But the interests of the circle did not end here. The early records show that clothing and bedding were given for the following missions: Canton, Youngstown, Altoona, Chicago, and Lima, also the Orphans’ Home and Old People's Home. During 1918, help was also given to war sufferers in Europe. Regular support of a missionary was also begun around this time.

"She often entertained the sewing circle in their home and attended the meetings whenever she could, often taking part in the devotions. She had a way of leading the group to spiritual uplift, with songs and fervent prayer, though all hands had been busy with work. The last meeting she attended was in the Harry Buchwalter home shortly before she become bedfast.

"Brother and Sister Buchwalter both had a way of noticing all ages from the smallest child to the Aged. All classes were their friends. No home was too poor for them to go in and visit and help. Often the sewing circle got in touch with homes through them, and families were brought to church.

"I remember so well during the depression, how they fitted out children with clothing so they could go to school or Sunday school, or they would help watch over a sick one, pay doctor bills, give many poor families meals.

"Sister Buchwater’s [sic Buchwalter’s] work was done in a quiet, unassuming manner, not for praise of men, but to the honor and glory of God. Her words were few and well-chosen. She lived a humble life seasoned with grace in her heart, serving the Lord.”

Funeral services were conducted from the home and from the Pleasant View Mennonite church. Minister in charge was James Steiner, assisted by A. J. Steiner, E. F. Hartzler, W. J. Myers, I. W. Royer, and P. R. Lantz. Music by the Martins Men’s Quartet. Burial was made in the nearby cemetery.