Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, May 26, l904

"Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, believest thou this?"

In the bloom of youth, just as the spring had mantled the earth in a robe of green, and leaves, and buds, and blossoms were bursting into new beauty and freshness, death in its still silence touched and claimed one of our loved ones -- a young man. OSCAR LOGAN HOFFMAN was born Sept. l7, l883, near Table Grove, Ill., and died May 5, l904, at the home of his sister, MRS. PEARL FORDYCE, of Table Grove, Ill. When only a child he was left motherless, his mother REBECCA HOFFMAN, having departed from this life August 30, l895, of consumption."What is a home without a mother?"

About two and a half years ago, OSCAR became a resident of this vicinity, laboring at different places for a livelihood. He was of a loving and cheerful disposition and at once attracted and showed a deep interest in those he met and became acquainted with. He desired to be good and walk uprightly, giving his heart to God and accepting Jesus as his never failing Savior and Guide, Jan. 4, l903. On the 24th inst. l903, he was buried in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life, and became a member of the Brethren Church at Crown Chapel, remaining true and faithful. He was also a charter member and active worker of the Y.P.S.C.E. striving to win others to Christ, being earnest and sincere in his work.

April 27th of last year he moved to MR. and MRS. A.J. HIATT's to make his home. He appreciated his home and their kindness and often spoke of it. He was helpful, kind, gentle and loving to the parents and the two little brothers, who not only shared their home with him, but tenderly and lovingly encircled him with parental love, cheer and advice, not for honor and glory, but because they loved him. Jesus says: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me."

He loved his friends and associates, loved the church and loved the Christian Endeavor work. We miss him, now a vacant chair, a silent voice. At the age of 20 years, 7 months and l8 days he fell asleep in Jesus. His father, three sisters and two brothers survive him, but the mother, one sister and one brother have gone on before him. The relatives, the members of the church and the Christian Endeavor Society mourn the loss of one they dearly loved. Many friends are sorrowful and sad, our loss is Heaven's gain. May the God of peace and mercy comfort they that mourn.

Funeral services at Crown Chapel by the Pastor. He was laid to rest in Table Grove Cemetery, Illinois, having left here April l9th to be with his brother HOWARD HOFFMAN and sister, and was with them only about two weeks till he was called to "come home."

WHEREAS, It has pleased God the Almighty Creator to remove from our midst our dear brother OSCAR LOGAN HOFFMAN who departed this life May 5, l904, and has gone we believe to his reward in Heaven.

WHEREAS, Brother HOFFMAN was one of the charter members of this society, and was a regular attendant at all of its meetings to encourage and help, therefore be it resolved.

lst - In his death the Y.P.S.C.E. has lost a zealous worker and the Brethren Church has lost a faithful member, and we desire to extend to brother and sister HIATT our most sincere thanks for having furnished our dear brother such a pleasant home and for the loving care they gave him during his sickness.

2d - We extend to the bereaved relatives of our departed brother our heartfelt sympathy in their sad loss.

FRANK GARBER, President.
MAMIE ELLIOTT, Secretary.
JANIE EVANS,
LUCY GARBER,
GARFIELD BUNCH,
CLYDE STEPHENS,

Committee.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
May l5, 2003