Ethel Mae Gerber

Family/Spouse: Elmer Ray King, Jr. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Gerber.- Menno S., son of Samuel and Magdalena (Sears) Gerber, was born in Groveland, Ill., May 24, 1900; died at Morton, Ill., Mar. 2, 1988; aged 87 y. 

On Aug. 31, 1922, he was married to Lavina C. Heiser, who survives. 

Also surviving are 4 grandsons, 4 great-grandchildren, and one sister (Ruth King). He was preceded in death by one daughter, one great-granddaughter, 2 sisters, and one brother. 

He was a member of First Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Mar. 6, in charge of Glen A. Horner; interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery

Menno married Lavina Catherine Heiser on 31 Aug 1922 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Lavina (daughter of Isaac Heiser and Mary A. King) was born on 17 Nov 1902 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 4 Jun 2003; was buried in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Lovina Heiser Gerber-Morton IL, M. Menno Gerber-Gerber-. Lavina C, 100, Morton, Ill., died June 4. Spouse: Menno Gerber (deceased). Parents: Isaac and Mary King Heiser. Child: Ethel Mae King (deceased); four grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral: June 9 at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home, Morton.

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Baptism: 1881, Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL
• Ordained: 2 May 1897, Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL
• Ordained: 21 May 1911, Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume XXII, Number 33 - November 14, 1929, page 687
Gerber.- Bishop Samuel Gerber, son of Jacob and Catherine (Roop) Gerber was born near Carlock, Ill., Sept. 8, 1863; and passed away at his home near Groveland, Ill., Oct. 28, 1929; aged 66 y. 1 m. 20 d. On Dec. 30, 1886, he was united in marriage with Magdalena Sears of Tiskilwa, Ill. He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his lifelong companion, two sons, and three daughters (Rosa Gerber, Mrs. Martha Wubben, O. J. Gerber, M. S. Gerber, and Mrs. Ruth King); also 8 grandchildren, 4 brothers (one brother preceding him in death), and a host of relatives and friends. His father and mother preceded him in death. When he was but four months old, his father was accidentally killed. Later he and his mother moved to near Tremont, where he grew to manhood. Death came to him very suddenly- but we believe not unexpectedly, as he would often talk to those about him telling them that his time was short here in this life. And he often expressed a desire to go and meet his God. In his early life he accepted Christ as his Savior, uniting with the Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church near Tremont, where on May 2, 1897, he was ordained to the ministry. Fourteen years later, on May 21, 1911, he was ordained bishop. During his 32 years of service as minister and bishop he officiated at 38 marriages, many funeral services, baptized 362 converts, and ordained two bishops and four ministers. His greatest concern was for the welfare of the Church. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Funeral services which were largely attended, were held at the Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church near Tremont, in charge of the brethren, Sanford C. Yoder, of Goshen, Ind., and J. D. Hartzler, of Flanagan, Ill. Texts, Ezek. 24:15-19; Rev. 14:13. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

“As a boy he moved with his mother to the vicinity of Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL....Two sons and three daughters were born to them. He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Amish Mennonite congregation near Tremont, was ordained to the ministry there on May 2, 1897, and ordained bishop May 21, 1911.....He was a farmer throughout his life near Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL.”

Samuel Gerber married Magdalena Sears from Tiskliwa, Illinois. They had a farm a mile south of Groveland. Samuel joined the Pleasant Grove Amish Mennonite Church as a youth and soon was teaching a Sunday school class. In 1907, he was called to the ministry and in 1911 became a bishop. Friendly and sincere, he became a well-known, respected leader in their conference. Samuel and Magdalena had five children - Rosa, Martha, Otto, Menno and Ruth. Samuel died in 1929 at the age of sixty-six. Magdalena died in 1930 at the age of sixty-one.}

Baptism:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church

Ordained:
Minister, Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church, by John Smith

Ordained:
Bishop, by John C. Birky

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery

Samuel married Magdalena Sears (Zehr) on 30 Dec 1886. Magdalena (daughter of Christian Zehr and Jacobena (Phebe) Eigsti) was born on 7 Dec 1866 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 10 Jan 1930 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried on 13 Jan 1930 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: GOSPEL HERALD - Volume XXII, Number 46 - February 13, 1930
GERBER. Magdalena, daughter of Christian and Phoebe Sears, was born Dec. 7, 1866, near Morton, Ill.; died at the Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Ill., Jan. 10, 1930; aged 63 y. 1 m. 3 d. On Dec. 30, 1886, she was united in marriage with the late Bishop Samuel Gerber of Tremont, Ill., who preceded her in death Oct. 28, 1929. In her childhood she moved with her parents to near Tiskilwa, Ill., at which place she lived until the time of her marriage. It was during the early part of her life that she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, uniting with the Mennonite Church near Tiskilwa, Ill., and living a faithful Christian life until the end. Being deprived of her health for a number of years, she bore it all patiently, being resigned to the Master's will at all times, even up to the last when it was decided advisable to perform a goiter operation, which was performed only several hours before her death. She leaves two sons and three daughters (Rosa, Mrs. Martha Wubben, Otto, Menno, with whom she made her home the past year, and Mrs. Ruth King); also 8 grandchildren, three brothers and five sisters (Mrs. David Bachman, D. W. Sears, Chris Sears, S. R. Sears, Mrs. Asa Ropp, Mrs. Jos. Springer, Mrs. John Forney, Mrs. Charles Culp), and a host of other relatives and friends who mourn the loss of a loving mother, sister, neighbor, and friend. Funeral services were held on Jan. 13 at Pleasant Grove Church near Tremont, conducted by Bro. Jos. D. Hartzler of Flanagan, Ill. Interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

"Earth has lost its look of gladness,
Heaven seems to look more bright,
Since the spirit of our loved ones
Took their happy homeward flight;
And we long to cross the river,
Long to rest upon that shore.
There to see, and know, and love them.
With the Savior evermore."

Died:
Mennonite Hospital

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By Joseph Burcky

Notes:

Obit:
Heiser, --- Isaac, was born at Morton, Ill., Feb. 23, 1869, and passed away at his home in Fisher, Ill., June 15, 1953; aged 84 y. 3 m. 22 d. In early youth he gave his life to the Lord and united with the Mennonite Church, remaining a faithful member until death. On March 22, 1892, he was united in marriage to Mary A. King, Deer Creek, Ill. To this union 6 children were born. In the spring of 1904 he moved with his family to the Fisher community and lived there for the last 34 years. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, 2 sons (Albert, Rantoul, Ill.; and Ervin, Fisher, Ill.), 3 daughters (Mrs. Menno Gerber, Morton, Ill.; Mrs. Reuben Ropp, Tremont, Ill.; and Alma, at home), 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers (Samuel and Daniel, both of Morton, Ill.). One daughter (Phoebe) preceded him in death. Funeral services were conducted at the East Bend Mennonite Church, by Ezra Yordy and Howard Zehr. Burial was made in the East Bend Cemetery.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Isaac married Mary A. King on 22 Mar 1892 in Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Christian R. King and Josephine (Phoebe) Zehr) was born on 9 Oct 1869 in Deer Creek, Washington Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 29 May 1962 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
Heiser, Mary A., daughter of Christian and Phoebe (Zehr) King, was born at Deer Creek, Ill., Nov. 9, 1869; died at Fisher, Ill., May 29, 1962; aged 92 y. 6 m. 20 d. On March 22, 1892, she was married to Isaac Heiser, who died June 18, 1953. Surviving are 5 children (Albert, Rantoul, Ill.; Alma and Erwin, Fisher, Ill.; Ferne Ropp, Tremont; and Lovina Gerber, Morton). One daughter preceded her in death. She was a member of the East Bend Church. Funeral services were held at the Gibson City (Ill.) Bible Church, June 2, in charge of Roy Unzicker and J. Alton Horst.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
Home of bride’s parents by Joe Schlegel of NE

Notes:

Buried:
Peter Maurer Cemetery

Jacob married Catharine (Kate) Ropp on 27 Oct 1861. Catharine (daughter of Jacob Ropp and Elizabeth Schlegal) was born on 6 Apr 1843 in Pekin, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 21 May 1907 in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Tremont, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Witness Vol 3, No 13 26 June 1907

Ropp - Catharine Ropp was born April 6, 1843; died May 21, 1907: aged 64y, 1m, 15d. 
She leaves a sorrowing husband, six sons, and twelve grandchildren to mourn her departure. 

Sister Ropp accepted her Savior in her youth and united with the Amish Mennonite Church, and lived a faithful Christian life till she was called from this world to a better one; therefore we need not mourn as those who have no hope. Funeral at Pleasant Grove, near Tremont, Ill. Services were conducted by J C Birkey, Peter D Schertz and Joseph Burcky. Rest in peace.
—————
Lived near Pekin, near the Schrock family.

“After a brief education, Catharine Ropp united in marriage with Jacob Gerber in 1861, and they moved to a farm in the vicinity of Carlock. Little is known of their home life due to the untimely death of her husband. It is known, however, that after Jacob’s death she was courted by a cousin, Joseph Ropp, who was son of Bishop Andrew Ropp and Jacobina (Vercler) Ropp. She married her first cousin Joseph Ropp on March 11, 1866, after he returned from a trip to Germany. They moved to the Ropp farm two and one-half miles northwest of Tremont. Here they built a house, which later became a “meeting house” where worship services were held regularly....

Buried:
Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Obit:
ZEHR. On the 4th of October, 1891, near Providence, Bureau Co., Ill., Bro. and deacon Christian A. Zehr, aged 60 years, 2 months and 4 days. He lived in matrimony 32 years. His widow, 9 children and 9 grand children mourn his departure. He was prepared for the great change. His affliction was in his stomach (gastritis). Buried in the Indiantown graveyard, on which occasion services were held by Joseph Springer, of Hopedale, Ill., and Joseph Buercky, of Tiskilwa. The deceased brother as well as his wife, whose maiden name was Eyste, were natives of Bavaria, Germany. He lived 10 years in Woodford Co., and 3 in Tazewell Co., before he settled here 24 years ago.

Christian’s children changed the surname to Sears when they started school. Christian was a deacon in the Willow Springs Church near Tiskilwa.

Birth:
1 Aug 1831 gravestone date

Buried:
Willow Springs Cemetery

Christian + Jacobena (Phebe) Eigsti. Jacobena (daughter of Nicholas Augustin (Augstin) (Eigsti-Eigstein) and Barbara Gascho) was born on 7 Aug 1838 in Pellheim, Munich, Bavaria, GR; died on 25 Nov 1913 in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL; was buried in Tiskilwa, Bureau Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After their marriage they settled on a farm near Eureka, IL where four of their children were born. Then sold that farm and moved near Morton, IL where one more child was born. A few years later the farm was sold and the family moved to Providence, Bureau County, IL, where the last four children were born. Jacobina was of a quiet and a retiring disposition. Her aim in life was to live a life of service to her family.

Died:
Providence, IL (July 2009 MFH)

Buried:
Willow Springs Mennonite Church Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Mennonite
• Immigration: 2 Jul 1842, NY
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1855, IL
• Census: 1860, Dillon Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• PURC: 1876, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Naturalization: 6 Nov 1876, Pekin, Groveland Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Birth:
Streicherhof, 30 miles south of Hanfeld. Arzbach bei Dachau

Immigration:
On the Rhone, under the name Jacob Heisser, a 27-year-old from Bavaria, accompanied by 26-year-old Margaretha, as yet unidentified.

Census:
Jacob, 34-year-old farmer, living with his stepmother “Madaline” [Eyer], 62, in the home of his younger stepbrother “Joseph Hiser,” 30.

Census:
Illinois State Census. . The family of Jacob 'Heisor' can be found on the 1855 Illinois State Census. It described them as one male, 40-50 years old; one male, 20-30 years old; one male, under 10; one female, 20-30 years old; and one female, under 10 years of age.

Census:
Their family can be found on the 1860 census of Dillon as Jacob 'Hiser', 40; Catherine, 26; Christian, 7; Catherine, 6; Jacob, 4; Barbara, 3; and Joseph, eight months.

PURC:
Bought land from Charles Graves in Section 36.

Buried:
Landes Mennonite Cemetery (Headstone says Hieser) Grave #14 on printed plot map dated 8/12/2013

Jacob married Katharina Wagler on 8 Oct 1850 in Tazewell Co., IL. Katharina (daughter of Christian H. (Jacob) Wagler and Katharina Ulrich) was born on 8 Jun 1834 in Butler Co., OH; died on 2 Sep 1910 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• USR1: infirmities of old age
• Residence: 1860, Dillon Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Residence: Aft 1860, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Obituary: Oct. 20, 1910 Gospel Herald
Heiser.--Mother Catherine Heiser, nee Wagler, was born in Butler Co., O., June 8, 1834; passed to her reward near Morton, Ill., Sept. 2, 1910; aged 76 y. 2 m. 24 d. Her death was caused by the infirmities of old age. Mother Heiser united with the A. M. Church in her younger years and remained a faithful member to her blessed end. She was united in matrimony with Jacob Heiser in 1850. This union was blessed with 13 children. Father Jacob Heiser, her husband, 4 children, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, preceded her to the spirit world. She leaves 9 children, 48 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and many friends to mourn her departure. Funeral services were conducted by Christ King at the house in German, text 90th Psalm; and at the church near Morton, Ill., by Andrew Schrock in German and Val. Strubar in English; text, Heb. 9:27, 28. Burial in cemetery nearby.

https://www.tcghs.org/cem/buckeye.htm

Residence:
Where they developed a farm in Section 36.

Buried:
Buckeye Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
Their names were transcribed into the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index as Jacob Hiser and Catharine Wauble.

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit:
King.--Christian King was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Oct. 13, 1840; died at his home in Deer Creek, Ill., Nov. 23, 1924; aged 84 y. 1 m. 10 d. He was married to Phoebe Zehr Nov. 7, 1867. To this union were born 9 children (Mrs. Mary Heiser, Joseph, Jacob, Samuel, John, Mrs. Elizabeth Heiser, Mrs. Phoebe Heiser). Two sons (Christian and Andrew) preceded him in death. On April 16, 1897, his wife was called to the great beyond. Later, in 1901, he was married to Mrs. Kate Oesch, who was called by death in 1903. In the year 1904 he was again married to Mrs. Lydia Lehman, who with 7 children, 21 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 1 brother (John King), 1 sister (Barbara), also a host of relatives and friends are left to mourn his departure. The deceased united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and was ordained to the ministry in 1899 at the Goodfield congregation, where he remained a faithful worker in the Lord's vineyard until death called him to his reward. The funeral services were held from the M. E. Church at Deer Creek, Bro. Samuel Gerber of Tremont and Bro. J. A. Heiser of Fisher, Ill., officiating.

Buried:
Stumbaugh Cemetery

Christian married Josephine (Phoebe) Zehr on 7 Nov 1867 in Woodford Co., IL. Josephine (daughter of Christian Zehr and Marie (Mary) Oyer) was born on 11 Feb 1849 in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 16 Apr 1897 in Deer Creek, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Stumbaugh Cemetery