The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-02-02
MELROSE ITEMS.
Death of Charles T. Zepp, Mrs. MOnath and
Reuben Schaeffer, Etc.

Mr. Charles r. Zepp was born near Melrose. Nd,
October 49, 1885, and died peacefully Jan DC, 1901,
having ex perenced more than many well people in
the same length of time.
When he was but five months of age he had
severe attack of fever. he recovered, and was able
to talk and walk until the age of 10, although he
would frequently stumble and fall After the age
of 10 he gradually became worse, compelling him
to crutches and for the last 20 more he
was not able to get away from home without help.
His influence. however, has spread and those who
have been helped by his influence number many
thousands. Before 1898 thatinfuence was centered
mainly upon those around him, or those who came
to see him.
In 1898 his brother put notice in paper, asking
for reading matter. Many hundreds of pounds were
received and correspondence was started TWAS
impo sible to write to all who wanted to know his
condition so he wrote short history of his life,
which was printed. Up to date, over 200 copies
have been sold. With the proceeds wheel-chair
was purchased for him in February, 1894, which
was used up to Tuesday, January p, 1901. when he
was suddenly taken ill with the gripp, which de
veloped into pneumonia resulting in his death four
da VS. later.
Through his booklet he and his brother were en-
abled to start 1.-THE shut-In-Friend," which now
goes regularly into 5000 homes. In July, 1894, a
bers about 500 He was president of it up to his
death. For the past years his birthdays were
remembered by several hundred people, and while
he was publisher of ''Shnt-In-Friend he received
between 1900 and 5000 letters per year, and the
Zepp Brothers sent nearly many letters. He
wasn't able 10 do much of the work himself, but
his influence caused the work to be done. His
brother has in his possession $500 letters from
people all over the United States, Canada and even
from England. saying that the work of zepp Broth
ers had helped them.
In 1899 he received a Gem Roller Organ from his
many friends everywhere, which wasa help to him,
to those who visited him. and to his loved ones.
We cannot mention all those living who have
helped to make his life sunshiny, but the following
who have preceded him into eternity, did what they
could John w. Kephart Ira B. Zepp, Mrs. Ira B.
Zepp, Elmer A. Bachman, Mary NJ. Harehenhorn
and Mrs. Mary A. Zepp.
On January 6, 1901, the whole family-father
mother Charles. James. Noah, Albert, wife and
chid-were together for the last time on earth
Listen to what he says in his history-"Recenty
all of our family once more united here on
earth My earnest prayer is that we may all be
united in eternity
Yes, Bro. Charles is gone to his rest where he can
sing and dance for Joy with the angels. He loved
the song, Nearer, My God. TO Thee" and often
played it on his organ.
On Tuesday morning short funeral service was
held at the house. as the dear old mother who was
with him for AZ years. is sick in bed, and could not
90 to the church. Rev. S. NJ. Roeder took for his
text Revelation IA: 10, which very appropriate
and very clearly explained.
On sunday last Mrs Monath, an aged lady living
near here died. Her remains were inferred i'll the
Lutheran Cemetery on Tuesday last Rev s. Nj.
Roeder officiating.
Reuben Schaeffer, prominent farmer died Tues
day aged so years. He uncle of Postmaster
Milton Schaeffer. of Westminster. His brother,
David Schaeffer, of Bachman's Valley, is the only
one remaining of IA large family. He wasa member
CT the Lutheran Church and II Republican. He
leaves four daughters and five sons-Mrs. John c.
Denner, of Manchester; Mrs. Edward Zepp, OF Mel
rose; Mrs John Rohrbaugh, o. New Freedom, Pa.
Mis- Annie syhaeffer. at HON Messrs. John, Ma
thaniel Horatio and Cornelius Schaefer, near Mel
rose, and Milton Schaefer, whose residence is I'M
known.
Margaret, the infant daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Samuel Boyer who had nearly 200 attacks of spasms
since its birth last fall, is improving.
We are pleased to note that Mr. INK Crumrne
| is able to be up again.
Those who are sick with the gripp and other dis
eases are too numerous to mention. DIR. J. s. Zeig-
Ter has more work than he is able to do.