Data source is "The Brenneman History", 1938 by Albert H. Gerberich, p.550. Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, PA
Herald of Truth - Volume XI, Number 10 - October 1874 - Page 175
Obituary [
http://www.mcusa-archives.org/]
Died, on the 6th of September, in Holmes county Ohio, of Sciatic Rheumatism, Sister CATHARINE, wife of George MUMAW, aged 48 years and 2 days. Her mortal remains were committed to their final resting place on the 7th, in the presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives who had assembled to pay her the last tribute of love. She leaves a deeply afflicted husband, with whom she lived in peace for a period of thirty-one years, seven children, four grand children, three sisters and four brothers to mourn their loss. Services by Henry Beery and Henry Kilmer in German, and the writer in English, from 2nd Timothy, 4:6-8.
Sister Mumaw was afflicted for about three years, and toward the latter part of this time she was totally deprived of the use of her legs, and had to content herself in reclining on a rocking-chair, or upon her bed. She had continual pains - sometimes hardly to be endured, yet she was always cheerful and pleasant, and bore her afflictions with much patience and Christian resignation. It seemed that no physician could restore her; none but the Great Physician, who we have great reason to believe has restored her to that healthful clime in a state of bliss and eternal joy and happiness, in the heavenly mansion, in the presence of an innumerable company of angels; among those who came out of "great tribulation, and washed their robes in the blood of the lamb, among those who hunger and thirst no more, for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water, pure as Crystal, and shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
The father and children may well comfort themselves with the hymn:
"Farewell mother, God has called thee
Home to dwell with Christ above;
Where no pain nor sickness enter,
And where all is joy and love.
Here thy form was bent and feeble,
Sore disease had bent thee down;
But through grace and faith in Jesus,
Thou shalt wear the golden crown." which the departed mother selected during her stay at the Mansfield Water Cure, and handed it to one of her daughter, exclaiming, "Preserve this hymn: you may want it as a token of me." She was for many years a member of the Mennonite Church, and was faithful in the discharge of Christian duties: was a bright and shining light in the church, beloved and respected, a kind and affectionate wife, mother and neighbor; and by her Christian course, walk and conversation, became endeared to the hearts of a large circle of acquaintances among whom she lived.
Her greatest solicitude was for her children. A few days before her death she called them all to her bed side, extending her pale and feeble hands, embracing each in her arms and bidding them the last farewell: earnestly exhorting them to consecrate themselves to God and his service, associate with humble and good people, and so live and labor that they could all meet her in heaven where there is no parting. It is hoped that her motherly admonitions will not be forgotten.
The neighborhood and the church deeply deplore their loss. She is greatly missed by all, but especially by the bereaved father and children, and will only be comforted by the thought that their loss is her eternal gain - by the thought that she has fought the good fight, finished her course and kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will give her, and not only to her, but to all them that obey his gospel, and love his appearing.
JACOB KILMER