Schowalter, Abraham E. (1855-1946)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1946 Nov 12 p. 15

Birth date: 1855 Sep 21

text of obituary:

Abr. E. Schowalter, Sohn von Abraham und Elisabeth Schowalter (geb. Leisy) wurde geboren zu Assenheim in der Pfalz, Süd Deutschland am 21. September, 1855. Nach dreijährigem Religions-Unterricht geleitet von Prediger Jacob Ellenberger wurde er im Jahre 1869 auch von demselben getauft. Kurz nach seiner Vermählung mit Katharina Risser in 1886 zogen sie auf ihre Farm nahe Halstead, Kansas. Dieser Ehe entsproßen 4 Kinder. In kirchlicher Beziehung hatte er das Vorrecht mehrere Jahre als Korrespondent für “Christlicher Bundesbote” zu dienen sowie auch als Lehrer einer Männerklasse in der Halstead Mennoniten Gemeinde. Nach dem Tode seiner Gattin in 1937 wünschte er nach Newton zu ziehen wo er in Altenheim bis zu seinem Abscheiden am 17. Oktober liebevolle Pflege genießen durfte. Sein Alter brachte er auf 91 Jahre und 26 Tage. An der Begräbnisfeier dienten die Prediger D. C. Wedel und H. T. Unruh anlehnend an Johannes 14:2: “In meines Vaters Hause sind viele Wohnungen.”

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Oct 24 p. 5

text of obituary:

Newton And Vicinity

. . .

— A pioneer resident of the Halstead community, Abraham E. Schowalter, died at the Bethel Home for the Aged in Newton on October 17. He was 91 years of age, having been born at Assenheim, Germany, Sept. 21, 1855. He came to this country in 1880. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Oct. 20, at the Halstead Mennonite church with Rev. D. C. Wedel of Newton in charge, assisted by Rev. H. T. Unruh of Hillsboro.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Oct 31 p. 7

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM E. SCHOWALTER

Abraham E. Schowalter was born September 21, 1855, in Assenheim, Palatinate, South Germany. At the age of ten he went to Friedelsheim for religious instruction, where, after a three years course, he was baptized by Rev. Jacob Ellenberger in 1869. From his 14th to his 24th year, he worked with his father on the farm. He next went to live with his uncle, Jacob Leisy, in Summerfield, Illinois, in order to learn the English language. In 1880, he went to Halstead, Kansas, to his brother, J. L. Schowalter, to learn the American way of farming.

Three years later, on June 8, 1883, he met with an accident when he was thrown into a barbed wire fence, for this and in other numerous accidents, the Almighty spared his life.

From 1884 to 1886 he continued his education at Lebanon, Illinois. At the close of school, he left for Germany since his father greatly desired to see him once more. In the same year, 1886, on September 18, he married Katherina W. Risser of Friedelsheim. He then came back to his farm near Halstead. Four children were born to this union.

In 1890 he went back to Germany with his family because of failing health. In 1903 when his health improved, he came back to his farm. In 1915, he and his wife moved to Halstead to spend the days of retirement in such a way that he could serve his church in accord with God’s will.

The church was always of great importance to him and he served faithfully in whatever capacity he could. He taught the men’s Sunday School class for 25 years and remained a faithful member of the Halstead Mennonite church until his death.

When in 1937 his beloved wife was called to her reward, he expressed his desire to become a resident of the Bethel Home for the aged at Newton, Kansas. He enjoyed his last eight years here, as an eager participant in the religious activities, contributing especially in the singing and playing of hymns. He observed his 90th birthday with a special service, although already confined to a wheel chair. On August 27, 1946, he suffered a heart attack and had been bedfast since September 29. He was conscious to the last and often expressed his desire to go to his heavenly home. He passed quietly on October 17, having attained the age of 91 years and 26 days. One daughter, one sister and three brothers preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his departure three children, two grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial services for Mr. Schowalter were held in the First Mennonite church of Halstead on Sunday afternoon, October 20, at three o’clock with Rev. D. C. Wedel of Newton and Rev. H. T. Unruh of Hillsboro, both former pastors of the church, in charge. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Vogt and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Krehbiel sang one song in German, “Wo Findet Die Seele Die Ruh” and als “Saved by Grace.” Miss Alma Ruth accompanied them on the organ. Bearers were old friends, John Warkentine of newton, Carl Dettweiler, Schroeder and J. F. Lehann, all of [sic line repeated in original] Halstead. Burial was in the family lot in the Halstead cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1946 Dec 31 p. 13