Neuenschwander, Jacob (1893-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Jan 9 p. 11

Birth date: 1893

text of obituary:

Minister-Farmer Dies At Age 81

Kidron, Ohio. — Funeral services for Jacob Neuenschwander, 81, retired minister-farmer, were held Dec. 27 at the County Line Mennonite Church. He died Dec. 24 at the home on Route 1, Apple Creek, after a long illness.

Born at Berne, Ind. in 1893, Rev. Neuenschwander had lived in this area since 1916. He was ordained to the ministry at the Sonnenberg Mennonite church in 1931.

Surviving in addition to his widow are two daughters, eight sons, 76 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Amos, of Berne.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Jan 30 p. 11

text of obituary:

JACOB NEUENSCHWANDER

Jacob, son of Abraham and Miriam Moser Neuenschwander, was born on May 6, 1893 at Berne, Ind. and grew to manhood in that community. At the age of 22 he moved with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio where he spent the remainder of his life.

After a lingering illness of several years, he left this life to go to his reward on Dec. 24, 1974 at age 81.

In early manhood he accepted Christ as his Saviour, and on April 21, 1916 he united with the Mennonite faith through water baptism and became a member of the Sonnenberg congregation.

In the spring of 1918 he was drafted for military service. Because of his faith he felt he could not participate in warfare. His stand for conscience sake was severely tested for several months. This experience he frequently referred to as having been one that strengthened his faith in God.

On Jan. 8, 1920 he married Lydia Amstutz. They shared life for almost 55 years, living on a farm on the south edge of Kidron. Two daughters and eight sons were born to this union: Mabel (Mrs. George Geiser), Luella (Mrs. Clarence Eberly), Willis, Paul, Wilfred, Tillman, Marcus and Clarence, all of the Kidron area, Harry of Salem, Ohio and Jesse of Lititz, Pa.

He is survived by his wife and all ten children; 76 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Amos Neuenschwander of Berne, Ind., presently of Sarasota, Fla. Seven sisters, five brothers and one grandson preceded him in death.

On Jan. 25, 1931 he was called to the Christian ministry and ordained at the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church where he served for over 21 years. In 1953 he transferred his membership to the County Line Mennonite congregation where he continued his ministry until health failed several years ago.

He served as a minister for more than 40 years. His interest in the church continued long after he was unable to serve in the public worship. He was a farmer by trade and enjoyed working hard, earning his own living and helping those in need around him.

Funeral services were held at the County Line Mennonite Church near Dalton, Ohio on Dec. 27, 1974 at 10 a.m. Burial was in the adjoining church cemetery. The officiating ministers were Elmer Good, C. N. Steiner, Amsey Martin and Lester Amstutz. Several minister friends also shared in prayer and testimonies during the service.