Schantz, Milton B. (1843-1920)

Latest revision as of 15:25, 20 July 2021

Mennonite Year Book and Almanac obituary: 1921 p. 25

Birth date: 1843 Oct 8

Text of obituary:

MILTON B. SCHANTZ

Milton B. Schantz, a very prominent member of the Upper Milford Mennonite church, was called to his reward on July 8, 1920, after an illness of seven days, only four of which were spent in bed.

He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Schantz, born October 8th, 1843, in Lower Milford township, Lehigh county. In early life he united with the Upper Milford Mennonite church, was baptized on confession of faith by the late Christian Clemmer, and continued an active and faithful member to his death. On November 9th, 1867, he united in marriage with Catharine L. Bauer, his uncle, Rev. Joseph Schantz, performing the ceremony. One son, Aaron B., was born to this union. On June 11, 1907, the wife and mother departed this lie suddenly, a few hours after returning from a visit to her brothers and relatives. On July 8, the remains of Brother Schantz were laid to rest in the cemetery at the Upper Milford church, Zionsville, in the presence of gathering of relatives and friends. The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. V. B. Boyer, assisted by Revs. H. G. Allebach, Elwood S. Shelly and Elmer Johnson, the latter an intimate friend from the Schwenkfelder church. Brother Schantz leaves to mourn his departure one son and three grandchildren.

Brother Schantz lived that beautiful consistent Christian life which lend a charm and touch of infinite beauty and grace to everything he did. It was but the outward evidence of the hidden life of the man who walked with God, and daily renewed his strength by that communion with God which is the source of all life and joy and peace. In early life, one might say in his boyhood, he had already come to such a keen appreciation of the Christian's privilege and highest place one can attain to in this life, namely that of intercession. He would pray in secret for others with a sacrificial earnestness and devotion akin to the divine as near as poor mortal can approach into in this life.

Every pastor who served knew of his sincere friendship, his sage counsel. His thorough knowledge of scripture was always a source of delight to the Bible Class which loved to listen to his thoughts on the lesson or answer to a question.

Officially he served as teacher of a boys' class for many years, superintendent of Sunday-school for several terms, trustee three or four terms and as deacon from January 1, 1899 to January 1, 1914. He was delegate to the General Conference at West Swamp, Pa., Bluffton, Ohio; Bally, Pa., and Berne, Ind.