Gabriel Hardman

Death of Gabriel Hardman

Gabriel Hardman, one of the best known men of this section, died at his home west of town, Wednesday morning, after an illness of several weeks. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon. At the home, the Rev. Jenkin, of the M. E. church, offered a prayer, and Mrs. A. E. Smith, with much feeling, sang, "Face to Face," The services at the church were in charge of the Rev. L. W. Teeter, who was assisted by the Rev. D. W. Bowman. The subject of the discourse was "The Christian's Hopeful Departure." Text, 16th chapter of John and 28th verse.

The church choir sang, "Come unto Me when Shadows darkly Gather," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," and "Peacefully Lay Him Down to Rest."

The bearers were Henry C. Teeter, Charles N Teeter, A.E. Smith, Oscar Werking, Jeff Pressel and D.A. Niccum.

Interment was made in the Brick church cemetery.

The following was read as a part of the funeral services:

Obituary

Gabriel, Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Hardman, was born June 23, 1830, on the Daniel Hardman homestead, four miles southwest of Hagerstown, Ind., and died July 3, 1912, at his home one-half mile west of Hagerstown at the age of 82 years and 10 days.

On December 4, 1856, he was married to Anna Dilling, daughter of Jacob and Susannah Dilling, with whom he lived a pleasant life until her death, October 17, 1872. To them were born four children, of whom two, a son and daughter, died in infancy.

On August 21, 1873, he was married to Sarah Dilling, widow of Frederick Dilling, with whom he lived a happy life, proving himself a faithful husband to the end. By this marriage he became stepfather of Dora, later the wife of John Wimmer, but now deceased, and Anna Mary. To these children, together with his own, he ever proved a most impartial father. Also after his first marriage there was received into his home, Lovina, the orphan daughter of David Dilling, in which she was raised to womanhood.

In the year 1857, he with his wife, united with the Church of the Brethren in Huntington county, Ind., where they moved soon after their marriage. And his last companion having been a member of the same, his entire family church life was continuous and joyfully spent from first to last. He loved and was devoted to the church and was a useful member. He was a member of the building committee of this church edifice, known as the "Brick Church." He was also one of the original trustees of the cemetery nearby, until his resignation last December.

With the exception of the few years' stay in Huntington county, he spent his entire life in Wayne county and since November, 1889, he lived at his late home.

He had natural force of character, was unassuming in manner, possessed a quiet and gentle Christian spirit and life. His influence in home and church and community can never be fully estimated. A rich heritage is left the family; richer by far than lands or gold or fame.

He leaves his devoted companion, one son, D. F. Hardman, of Winchester, Ind; one daughter, Mrs. Ithamar Bowman, of Alba, Missouri; one step-daughter, Anna M. Dilling, six grand-children, three great-grandchildren and three brothers, Eli, of Muncie, Ind.; Benjamin, of Cambridge City, and Joel, of Huntington, to mourn his departure.

Card of Thanks

We desire to extend our sincere thanks to all our friends and neighbors who so cheerfully assisted us in caring for our dear husband and father during his sickness, and for the kindly sympathy shown us in our sad bereavement.

Mrs. Sarah Hardman and Children,

D.F. Harman

Anna M Dilling.