Pauls, Henry J. (1870-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 20 p. 5

Birth date: 1870 Oct 11

text of obituary:

Long-Time Inman Resident Dies

Inman, Kan. — Funeral services were held here Tuesday afternoon for Henry J. Pauls, 88-year-old retired farmer who was among the first Mennonite immigrants coming from Russia in 1874.

The services were held at the Bethel Mennonite Church, of which he was a long-time member, with Rev. P. T. Neufeld officiating. Mr. Pauls died at his home here Nov. 15 after being ill three years.

Surviving are five daughters, five sons, 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A daughter, Eva Pauls, is a missionary in India.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 27 p. 8

text of obituary:

H. J. PAULS

Henry J. Pauls, was born Oct. 11, 1870, in Klippenfeld, South Russia, the son of Jacob and Anna (Toews) Pauls.

In 1874 his parents with their family came to America on the ship Teutonia. They settled on a farm about eight miles southeast of the present site of Inman. Here he grew to manhood under the privations and difficulties of pioneer life.

He was converted in early manhood and was thereupon baptized upon his confession of faith by Elder Heinrich Toews on June 6, 1892, and was received as member into the Bethel Mennonite Church.

On Feb. 18,1896, he was united in marriage to Sarah Doerksen, with whom he was permitted to share joys and sorrows for 62 years, eight months and 27 days. To this union were born 13 children, five sons and eight daughters, three of whom died in infancy.

For about two years they made their home one mile west of his parental home. Then they moved to their farm three and one-half miles southwest of Inman, where they lived till 1950, about 52 years in all. From here they moved to their present home in Inman.

During the larger part of his life he enjoyed good health and was occupied with work on the farm. He was a member of the Welcome school board for many years. He served as Sunday school teacher for many years also. He was elected to serve as deacon on Jan. 17, 1925, and was ordained Oct. 17 of the following year. He served for about 23 years, when he was released form this service upon his own request.

He was a loving father and rejoiced in the welfare of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With special interest and many prayers, he followed their daughter Eva to India in 1937 and continued to remember her as long as he was able, Oct. 11, 1945, they observed their golden wedding, since Eva was at home then.

He suffered a light stroke on March 25, 1951, but recovered to a large extent. On Feb. 19, 1956, their sixtieth wedding anniversary was observed in church and at home. This was his last regular attendance at church. Hardening of the arteries had set in and he became seriously sick on Feb. 25. For some two years he has required considerable care, which has been given gladly by the whole family, and especially by the three girls at home. His soul departed out of this frail earthly abode on Nov. 15, at 1:00 a. m. when he fell asleep quietly. He reached the age of 88 years, one month and four days. We mourn, but not without hope.

He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife; five sons and their wives, Henry, Frank, Jake and John of Inman and George of McPherson; five daughters, Mrs. Isaac Penner and husband of Inman, Sarah, Justina and Martha of the home, and Eva of India;19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Of the immediate family, three daughters, two grandchildren and one daughter-in-law preceded him in death. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Dec 9 p. 770