Passing of Peter J Kaufman

The news came as a shock to our people when it was announced that the Rev Peter J Kaufman had died. While he had not been in his usual health for over a year, his death was unsuspected.

He was pastor and founder of Beulah Chapel. The church which previously had been used by the United Brethren people had reverted back to the late Dr A S Sensenich and he gave it to Mr Kaufmann and his followers to worship in.

For many years he was editor and publisher of the Gospel Teacher and his last edition was about ready for the press. Only about room for his obituary was left to complete the publication.

He was stricken with his fatal illness Wednesday at midnight and died Thursday evening at 6:00 at his home.

He was a true friend of the Tribune and the editor acknowledges many acts of kindness shown. To those of us who knew him, as a business associate and friend, his death comes close. He never evaded or avoided a duty.

Peter Kaufman was a good citizen. He stood squarely on the Bible doctrine as he saw it and the public always knew what his stand would be. We feel that he was at peace with his Maker, when he so quietly and cheerfully took his flight from time and was wafted into eternity.

Besides conducting his duties as minister and publisher he was a fruit raiser and interested in farmer's problems.

Through his publication he fought for the tings he thought right. He gloried in the contest and wearied not. He hit hard and asked no quarter. At least he was able to say with Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith."

The funeral was held from the home Sunday afternoon at 1:30 and at 2:30 at Union Center church. He had chosen his text: Acts 20:27, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." He also requested the 22nd chapter of Revelations to be read. He had asked the Rev Mason to preach his funeral and Rev Kline to assist which was carried out.

Peter J Kaufman, the son of John and Magdaline Kaufman, was born November 1, 1860 in Switzerland, and passed peacefully into eternity, for which he long prayed for, at 6:00, Thursday evening, February 4, at the age of 71 years, 3 months, and 5 days.

In 1867 his parents with seven of their children, being too poor to take them all along, left the departed and his brother, Joseph, who was 2 years older, in Switzerland. Their mother did not give them good-by as she thought she would never see them again. Their father with one of these little boys in each arm, fell on his knees and committed them to God and His care. When the parents arrived at 10 o'clock at night in Canton, Ohio, with their seven children, they had but 50 cents left.

In 1868, their mother wrote to their grandfather in Switzerland, that they now had the money to pay the trip of the two little boys and if they saw an opportunity, to send them with some trusted friends, they should make it known. The next week the two boys started for American, in company with four young friends of the family. The parents were not notified that the children were on the way. They landed at Orrville, Ohio, and they were there eight days before they could find their parents. When they met there was a happy reunion.

After a struggle of 14 months he found peace with God in the middle of January 1883 and was baptized April 15, 1883, and preached his first sermon June 24, in the same year, from Mark 16:16. In 1896 he began the publishing of the "Gospel Teacher" which he continued until his demise.

On July 26, 1885, he was married to Martha E Belt of Foraker. To this union seven sons and six daughters were born, two of whom preceded him in death. Rhoda Eunice in 1895, at the age of 6 years and Glenn William in 1929, at the age of 34.

Those surviving in addition to the bereaved widow are 6 sons, Karl and Mark, Kalispel, Montana; Er Z, Silverton, Oregon; Chester, Newman, California; Joe J Nappanee; Luke, Mishawaka; and five daughters, Mrs Adah Nifong, Mrs Dessie Snyder, Mrs Pearl Grose, Mishawaka; Mrs Maggie Hochmeiser, Wakarusa, and Ethel Kaufman at home.

Also four brothers and four sisters, John and Joseph, California; Daniel and Jacob of Ohio; Mrs Christ Beery, Mrs Fanny Steiner, Mrs David Neiswander and Miss Maggie Kaufman of Ohio. There are also 28 grandchildren.

Those attending from a distance: Mr and Mrs C E Beery and son of Seville, Ohio; Ralph Kaufman and Homer Steiner of Akron, Ohio; Mr and Mrs John McLoughan, Earl McLoughan, and John Vining of Etna Green; Mr and Mrs Miner Vining of Bourbon; Rev and Mrs. Harry Kline and family of New Carlisle; Rev and Mrs T J Mason of Nashville, Mich.

Wakarusa Tribune
11 Feb 1932