Martin, Lydia Horst (1864-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jun 2 p. 8

Birth date: 1864 Aug 11

text of obituary:

MRS. LYDIA MARTIN

On April 25, 1955, a large concourse of people assembled at the Rowe Mennonite church, Shippensburg, Pa. to pay the last tribute of respect to a “Mother in Israel,” Mrs. Lydia (Horst) Martin. Mrs. Martin was born Aug. 11, 1864, the eleventh child of Christian Horst.

On Dec. 13, 1883, she was married to Joseph H. Martin. They became parents of 13 children, eight of whom survive their mother. They are Samuel H. Martin, Duchess, Alberta, Canada; Joseph W. Martin, Minister Daniel L. Martin and Jason E. Martin, Sheldon, Wis.; Irvin E. Martin, Isaac C. Martin, Chambersburg, Pa.; and Bishop Amos E. Martin and Mrs. Ella Baer (with whom she made her home) of Shippensburg, Pa. She also had 69 grandchildren and 191 great-grandchildren, making a total of 268 direct living descendents [sic]. Among these descendents [sic] are two minister sons (one a bishop), two minister gransons, a granddaughter serving as a missionary in Africa, another granddaughter who is wife of a bishop. One of her sons who preceded her in death was a bishop and also her husband was a minister.

In answer to some questions her bishop son said, “Mother never took active part in Sunday School and the only children’s meeting she had was with her nine sons and one daughter, but to me she was a devoted, saintly mother, and I’m sure the rest of the family would say the same.”

She spent her entire married life of more than 70 years in Rowe community and was a lifelong member of the Mennonite church. Although Grandmother Martin (as she was affectionately called by many outside her immediate family) never served as president of the sewing circle it was held in her home for some time and she helped along as long as she was able. We do not find her name on the records of leadership in the church, but think of the host of workers among her descendents [sic] who are activily [sic] engaged in various avenues of service in the Mennonite church. Surely many have arisen and called her blessed.

On Dec. 19, 1954, the new Rowe church was dedicated and although Mrs. Martin was never well enough to go see the new church her funeral was the second one held there. Her call to leave this scene of life came during the first funeral service, that of Paul J. Wadel, aged 18, who was killed in an auto accident. Grandmother Martin’s age wa s90 years, eight months and 10 days.

Bishop Amos S. Horst of Akron, Pa. assisted by Harry Witmer and Paul Martin of the home community conducted the funeral services and the body was laid to rest in the old cemetery to await the resurrection.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.