Erastus Atkinson

Erastus Atkinson was born near Oxford, Butler County, Ohio, July 7, 1848. When he was two years old he moved with his parents to Union Co., Indiana, where he grew to manhood. At the age of thirteen in a meeting held by Frank Morgan at the United Brethren Church in Bellingsville, he sought and found Christ as his Savior and joined the United Brethren Church. He was born and reared in a religious and educational atmosphere. The training he received in a Christian home and at Hartsville College, Hartsville, Indiana, contributed to the development of a useful and influential life. At the age of twenty-four he was licensed to preach. In 1880 he joined the White River Conference which was held at Hartsville College. He was transferred from the White River Conference to the Kansas Conference in 1881 and received his first charge as pastor of the United Brethren Church at Lawrence, Kansas, the same fall. He served this charge four years, building a congregation and church. During this time he served as a member of the college board of the Lane University. He was next sent by his conference to Leavenworth, where he served six years as pastor. The following two years he had charge of the Robinson Circuit and organized a United Brethren Class, and built the present building at Sabetha. He was elected presiding elder of his conference and served in that capacity for seven years, at which time he organized a class and built a church at Clear Creek, and dedicated three churches on the district. He was elected and traveled the Neosho Conference District five years as presiding elder. Also two years on the West Kansas Conference District. He was elected delegate to the General Conference. His success in his work lay in the fact that he had faith, and that God was real to him. This with many natural abilities made him a success in his work. These many years as a member of the Kansas Conference he answered the roll call with the exception of about twice. His interest in his church never lagged and he continued faithful in his attendance whenever permitted. During his late years he made himself eminently useful as a Bible teacher. He was a fine class leader, and few could memorize Scripture as he. The morning of Good Friday he fell and broke his hip and was taken to the Sabetha Hospital, but was unable to stand the shock, and on Easter Sunday he passed to his eternal reward. Funeral services were held from the United Brethren Church conducted by Rev. C. W. Lucas. There were eight ministers of the conference present besides his son Floyd. Rev. Mrs. J. D. Lamb led in prayer at the home; Rev. O. W. Logerwell read the scripture; Rev. J. D. Lamb led in prayer at the church and also spoke of his life as a presiding elder. Rev. Vernon Kopp spoke of his life as he knew him in the conference. The pallbearers were Rev. Vernon Kopp, Rev. O. W. Logerwell; Rev. Earl Stites, Rev. Leslie Dissette, Rev. Bert Hall, and Clement Dodds. He will be missed not only by his companion and children but by all who knew him. "Servant of God, well done. Thy glorious warfare's past, the battle's fought, the race is won, and thou art crowned at last." Their three children, Mrs. Myrtle Burgert of Sterling, Kas., the twin sons, Rev. Floyd Atkinson of Abilene, Kans., and Lloyd Atkinson of Sabetha, with their mother, survive. There are fifteen grandchildren. Rev. Atkinson is the last of his father's family of ten children. Funeral services were held April 20, at 2:30 o'clock in the United Brethren Church, his church home. Rev. C. W. Lucas, the pastor conducted the service. Interment was in the Sabetha Cemetery.

Andrew Stetler

Andrew Stetler, son of Roy and Matilda Stetler, was born in Mercer Co., Ohio, May 15, 1862, and departed this life April 23, 1938, at the age of 75 years, 11 months, and 8 days. He married Miss May Reynolds December 25, 1888. To this union was born one son Wallace. Following her death in 1889, he married Miss Ida B. Hill in August, 1892. To this union were born two sons and two daughters. He leaves to mourn his departure the companion, two sons: Glenn F. and R. Montgomery; two daughters: Mrs. F. F. De-bolt and Mrs. P. C. Hiler, all of Jackson, Mich.; nine grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. The funeral was held at Will-shire United Brethren Church in charge of Rev. G. M. Sill, assisted by the pastor, Rev. L. Dellinger, with burial at Rockford, Ohio.

Laura Newkirk

  Laura Newkirk was born March 28, 1865, in Des Moines, Iowa. She departed this life February 17, 1938, at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Saint Joseph, Missouri. She was 72 years, 10 months, and 20 days old. She was united in marriage with James Newkirk May 21, 1929. Sister Newkirk was converted when she was about 30 years of age and lived a Christian life until death. She united with the United Brethren in Christ Church in December, 1932. She was an ardent supporter of all the church interests. Sister Newkirk will be greatly missed, but we know it was our God's will to take this dear saint home to be with him. She leaves her aged husband, Albert Newkirk; and two cousins, Charles and Robert Johnson, and a host of friends to mourn her going. May God comfort those who mourn her departure. The funeral was conducted at the Meirhoffer Funeral Chapel February 19, at 10:30 a.m. by her pastor, Rev. B. R. Hall. He was assisted by Rev. M. E. Garlock. Interment was in the City Cemetery north of St. Joseph, Mo., to await the call of Christ to come forth.

Charles H. White

  Charles H. White, son of Elwood T. and Sarah W. White, was born at Tecumseh, Michigan, June 6, 1866, and departed this life April 20, 1938, at the age of 71 years, 10 months, and 14 days. March 1, 1891, he married Salome Alice Rittenhouse at Amboy, Michigan. To this union were born four children: Paul Elton Feb. 1, 1892; Carl Newman, August 12, 1894; Ruth Sarah, November 30, 1896; and Seth Leon, Sept. 8, 1899. Carl Newman passed to his eternal home Jan. 1, 1904. His wife also passed on to her eternal reward December 10, 1916. He married Mary Elizabeth Steltzer May 20, 1918, who also preceded him in death April 23, 1930. In 1890 he was converted and baptized into the Dunkard Church at Bryan, Ohio. Upon coming to Montpelier he united with the Central United Brethren Church in 1916, and remained a member until the time of his death. He leaves nine grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren; and one brother, A. A. White, of Jackson, Michigan, and family. The funeral services were conducted at the Central United Brethren Church at Montpelier, Ohio, April 22 at 2:00 p.m., by Rev. L. M. Davis, assisted by Rev. L. K. Jewett. Interment was in the River Side Cemetery at Montpelier, Ohio.