American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1859-03-24

nen,h Of The Rev. Fnthor Weisr,

II hqS OeCouie our paiHiui unli W uOhce
the demise OF the Rev. GEbRoE WKfsz OF
this city. who died at his residence after
an Illness and gradual decline Of some
two months, on the 10th inst, at The age
OF 65 years. smouths and 10 days.
Father WEIsz was born 10 Norihumber=
land Co.. Pa, on the 2ist Of June, 1898.
I By baptism 10 his infancy. and subse quent-
ily by bis confirmation he was received in
to full communion with tie German Re-
formed Church. s~
Whensbou! 10 years Of age be joined q
company OF volunteers under Capt Nerr
Mid lesworth Of Union Co., Pa, in order
to serve his country in the war of 1872
lie was appointed Quartermaster; but be-
fore his regiment could Join the army un-
der Gen. HILL, the reasonable surrender
Of that General TO the British Commander
was made.
Alter the honorable discharge Of his
regiment, be returned home, aud shortly
afterwards resolved to study for ths minis
try. He commenced his tuition tiist un-
der the Raw. Isaac Gerhard, and subse-
quently under the Raw. DR.. Helfenstein,
Sen, in Phil. Alta meeting OF the G. r.
lSynod in New Holland, lancaster Co.,
Penn, he was commissioned to visit New
Lancaster, and nsighboring localities. in
the State of Ohio, whence letters had
reached Synod, earnestly calling for lin
listers. He reached Lancaster on the Goth
Of October, 1916. and spent about two
months in missionary labors. visiting nu
merous localities in Fairfield, Perry. Pick
away, and Ross counties. preaching and
administering the sacraments to many. en-
deayoring 10 ascertain the wants OF the
psople and the condition of things.
After his return to the East he resumed
his studies again under DR.. Helfensten in
Philadelphia, and in 1917. he was ordain>
ed to othe Gospel Ministry by the Germ.
Ref Synod in York Pa, with view OF
hislaboring in the destitute 6sId of Ohio.
which the year previous he hsd explored.
On the llth of October folio wing he ar.
rived here in lancaster, and commenced
his pastoral labors in the four counties he
had previously visited, organizing congre-
cations, preaching on the Sabbath and Of
ten on week days, instructing the young in
the eatechism, and attending to other pas.
toral duties, which in lis extensive field
were both arduous and many, requiring
him to lie in "iouIneyings Often" and ''il
psfils Of water" "in perils of storms, in
perils iu the wilderness, "in wearinest
and painfulness" by constant exer tiont
and frequent exposures. @Dj
In July, 1919, he went East on a visi
and on August the 24.h, he was married
10 Miss Catherine Shuman OF Millerstown
on the Juuista river, Cumberland Co.
Pa, (now Perry Co. by the Rev. J. Ger
hard. On the 9Th of Sept. following ht
attended the Getting OF Synod in Old Ian
caster, and on the 25:h Of Octobsr, hi
started, in company with his devoted part
ner, for Ohio, 10 resame his labors ia bis
large pastoral field. From lis merorau
dun book IT appears that thay were fifteen
days on their way from Cumberland Co.
Pa. to Lancaster. Ohio, which indicates
the inconvenience and fatigue that had tc
be endured then on trip Of the kind.
10 his domestic relations, Father Weisz
enjoyed, during period Of nearly forty
years, an uninterrupted, happy conjuga
union with his now bere't and sotrowinp
partner, and was blessed with children
three OF whom preceded him to ''mansionl
on high" Three daughters and five sons
are slill living. one Of whom being an ac
tive Minister Of the Gospel.
In his pastoral relstion, Father Weis,
was workman who nssded not TO be a.
shamed." His labors were arduous, sup
Iplying as he did. at first along thirteen
congregations. which were scattered ovel
four counties, at distances from each Other
varying from g0 to 56 miles. In process,
of time he formed new pastoral charges in
different portions Of his field. Bsfore our
Theological Seminary was at hand he re.
received and instructed in his own house
seven pious young men. .and prepared them
for the Ministry. He has done a great
work for the church in this Western val
| ley, and although he is now dead che yet
spcaketh." "'H' "'h7
During the period Of his forty years
ministralion, he preached 5l44 sermons.
baptized 294o persons, confirmed 1864,
performed 536 marriages, aud attended
736 funerals. .t ~
For about three years previous to his
demise Father Weisz could endure no hard
exposure anl physical cxertlon. and aocor.
dinghy preached occasionally; but when
he did SO, it was always Eith surprising
IPerspicuity and power, His last sermon
was preached on the 10Th Of Deem ber
last. in the Germ. Ref. Church Of this
place, on Is. 60, j; "Arise. shine; for Thy
light is come, and the glory of the Lord is
risen upon thee"
His absent sons were informed seasona,
bly, Of his rapid decline. and were present,
along with the rest Of his children, 10 per,
form their last offices OF lilial affection du.
ring the last days of his illness, He re-
taiIed his consciousness to his last mo
ments. spoke calmly. but feebly, and grad,
ually fell asleep toswske no more on earth.
The lamp Of life was exlinguished, but its
mild rays still sAemed to linger on his Sc
rene. though pale features.
The funeral look place on Saturday the
l2th inst. twas largely attended. The
occasion was improved by a discourse in
English on ed Tim. 4. Z o, by the Pastor
of the Germ. R,f. Church Of this place,
and another in the German language on
Phil. 1, 81. by the Rev. Mr., Wagenhals
Of the Evangl Lutheran Church. Five or
CIV olbbr elo, ;oAl heathe :, MARA nraoapt