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Ministers at Trissels with genealogy and some historical notes (beginning with most recent)compiled by Sanford Snider; Sandy’s last modification: 2 Mar 2010
Credit for much of the genealogical information is given to numerous databases on the Swiss Anabaptist Genealogical Association (SAGA) web site, managed by Robert Geiser at Wooster, Ohio. People listed on the database are underlined in blue. In genealogy format, the wife is listed often with her last name of origin (maiden name). In some of the databases the names of children are shown with the maiden name of their mother in (parentheses).Note: links refer to saga.ncweb.com, the old web address for the Swiss Anabaptist Genealogical Association. The current address is www.saga-omii.org. To access the SAGA records, one needs to be a member.
Harold N Miller, began as minister 2009. Harold Miller, (b. 3-Jan-1955 Lancaster Co, PA) Father Alvin Brubaker Miller b. 18 Sep 1920, Mother Ethel Mae Newcomer b. 9 Jul 1923,Wife: Karen Arlene Nussbaum, (b. 23 May 1956) Father Irvin Allen Nussbaum, (b. 11 Apr 1925) Mother Arlene Orpha Steiner, (b. 29 Dec 1926, d. 29 Jun 1988) Married 25 Jun 1948 Children: 1. April Joy Miller, b. 11 Apr 1984 2. Rachel Mae Miller, b. 18 Mar 1986 3. Daniel Miller, b. 28 Dec 1987, Twin of Darrel 4. Darrel Miller, b. 28 Dec 1987, Twin of Daniel
Laban Peachey began as interim minister 2008. (b. 6-Apr-1927 in Somerset Co, PA) Father Shem Y. Peachey, (b. 26 Sep 1889, Belleville, Mifflin Co., PA) Mother Salome E. Bender, (b. 29 Feb 1896, Somerset Co., PA) Married 2 Jan 1916 Somerset Co., PA Wife Helen Elizabeth Mumaw, (b. 2 Apr 1929, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 14 Dec 2000, Harrisonburg, VA) Married 17 Jun 1953 Linville, Rockingham Co., VA Father John Rudy Mumaw, (b. 12 Mar 1904, Wayne Co., OH, d. 20 Jun 1993, Harrisonburg, VA) Mother Esther Forry Mosemann, (b. 24 Jul 1905, Lancaster Co., PA, d. 17 Jun 1964, Harrisonburg, VA) Married 27 May 1928 Children: 1. Phyllis Ann Peachey, b. 13 Jun 1955, Harrisonburg, VA 2. Lowell James Peachey, b. 3 Jan 1957, Rockingham Co., VA 3. Byron Jay Peachy, b. 26 Jun 1959 4. Joyce Elaine Peachey, b. 1 Sep 1963Laban agreed to be interim pastor after Phil Kanagy left at the end of May 2008 and served in that role about 1 ¼ years. He reports that he was Overseer of several Northern District congregations, including Trissels, when Phil Kanagy was installed as pastor.
Philip Kanagy was minister 1997-2008. (b. 13-Oct-1952 Belleville, PA) Father Alvin C Kanagy, (b. 31-Oct-1927, Belleville, Mifflin Co, PA, d. 6-Nov-1998, Dayton, VA) Mother Annie Barbara Yoder, (b. 1-Jan-1922, Princess Anne, VA) Married 28-NOV-1946 Stuarts Draft, VA Wife Janine Mininger, (b. 17-Oct-1956) Married 1-Nov-1980 Elkins, WV, Father Joe Mininger Mother Eleanor Mininger Children: 1. Marsha Kanagy, b. 10-May-1988 2. Joshua Kanagy, b. 25-Apr-1990
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Paul G Conrad was minister 1993-96. (b. 20-Mar-1962 Stark Co, OH) Father Gerald Lee Conrad, b. 24 May 1929, Alliance, Stark Co, OH Mother Melva Jean Schloneger, b. 1 Apr 1933, Louisville, OH Married 5 Jul 1952 Wife Rhonda Rae Rodak, (b. 10 Nov 1961, Canton, , OH). Married 25 Apr 1981 Father George Rodak Mother Beverly Apperson Children: 1. Austin Jonathon Conrad, b. 13 Aug 1996, Harrisonburg, VA 2. Michelle Rayhan Conrad, b. 6 Sep 1998, Canton, , OH 3. Chad Conrad, b. 13 Jan 2003
Eric A Kouns was minister 1989-93. Eric Kouns and his wife Shirley Clairmont live at 9920 Rosedale Milford Center Rd, Irwin, OH. He attended Wheaton College before coming to Eastern Mennonite Seminary where he graduated in 1985. They moved from here to Rosedale, OH where he taught at RBC 14 years. They have one daughter, Sarah Beth.
Don Augsburger was minister 1986-89. Aaron Donald Augsburger (b. 21-Dec-1925 Elida, OH) Father Clarence Augsburger, (b. Jul 27 1897, Berne, Adams Co., IN) Mother Estelle Shenk, (b. Oct 29 1897, Allen Co., OH) Married Aug 11 1918 Wife Martha Kling, (b. May 12 1926, Lancaster Co., PA) Married Jun 05 1948 Children: 1. Phyllis Ann Augsburger, b. Nov 18 1950, Lima, Allen Co., Ohio 2. Patricia Louise Augsburger, b. Jan 06 1956, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania 3. Don Richard Augsburger, b. Nov 10 1964, Elkhart Co., IndianaDon is a brother of David who began as minister in 1963.
Gerald E Martin was minister 1981-86. (b. 18-Oct-1941 Rockingham Co, VA) Father E. Ruel Martin, (b. 25 Feb 1912, Greencastle, PA) Mother Ruby Frances Brunk, (b. 12 Dec 1911, Rockingham Co, VA) Married 27 Jan 1935 Wife Sophia Pearl Brubaker, (b. 20 Jul 1941, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co, VA) Married 14 Jul 1961 Father Jacob David Brubaker, (b. 3 Dec 1908, d. 22 Apr 1973) Mother Reba Bernice Showalter, (b. 11 May 1912, Dale Enterprise, VA, d. 8 Feb 1965) Married 24 Nov 1932 Rockingham Co, VA Children: 1. Jeffrey Dale Martin, b. 5 Feb 1963, Rockingham Co, VA 2. Bonita Kay Martin, b. 18 Nov 1964 3. Kenrick Elmer Martin, b. 6 Apr 1967
Richard Martin was minister 1978-81. Richard E Martin Sr was ordained minister in 1949 (b. 15-May-1915 d. 18-Jan-2002 buried Lindale Mennonite Cem., Linville, VA) Father Lewis S. Martin, (b. 23-Dec-1890 Hagerstown, Washington Co., MD d. 15-Jan-19868 Harrisonburg, VA ) Mother Cora Eshleman, (b. 11-Feb-1891 Washington Co., MD d. 28-Aug-1964 Harrisonburg, VA Married 30-May-1914) Wife 1 Edith Grace (Kornhaus) Hostetter, (b. 28 Jul 1913, Denbigh, Warwick Co., VA d. 20 Dec 1993, Harrisonburg, VA buried Lindale Mennonite Cem., Linville, VA) Married Abt 1935 Father Samuel E. Hostetter, (b. Abt 1880) Mother Catherine Kornhaus, (b. Abt 1882) Children: 1. Marian (Hostetter) Martin, b. 17 Oct 1938 2. Barbara (Hostetter) Martin, b. 26 Feb 1943 3. Richard E. (Jr.) (Hostetter) Martin, b. Abt 1941
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Wife 2 Jo Barnes (b. Abt 1913)
Carl E Mericle was associate minister 1975-78 along with Richard Martin and Norman Yutzy. He lived in Newport News before he married his wife Lois Hartzler (b.21-Dec-1941), and he attended Eastern Mennonite Seminary. They have three children, Jason, Karen and David. Carl has pastored Assembly of God congregations in the Tidewater area and they live at 38 S Elm Court, Newport News, VA.
H Michael Shenk was minister 1971-75 Henry Michael Shenk (b. 22 Feb 1931 Denbigh, Warwick Co., VA) Father Henry Michael Shenk, (b. 2 Aug 1894, Dayton, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 30 Dec 1980, Newport News, VA) Mother Frances Dora Showalter, (b. 26 Feb 1892, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 20 Oct 1935, Warwick Co, VA) Married 6 Dec 1917 Dayton, Rockingham Co, VA Wife Margaret “Peggy” Louise Brackbill, (b. 21 May 1932, Chester Co., PA) Father Milton G. Brackbill, (b. 11 May 1896, Paradise, Lancaster Co., PA, d. 12 Jun 1993, Lititz, Lancaster Co., PA) Mother Helen Ruth Haldeman, (b. 18 Mar 1895, Berryville, Clarke Co., VA, d. 16 Nov 1989, Sarasota, FL) Married 30 Nov 1916 Children: 1. Henry Michael Shenk, b. 29 Dec 1953, Sarasota, FL 2. Mabel Jane Shenk, b. 01 Apr 1956, Sarasota, FL 3. Donald Bruce Shenk, b. 17 Sep 1960, Sarasota, FL
David Augsburger was minister 1963-71. David Wilbur Augsburger (b.14-Aug-1938 Elida, Allen Co., OH) Father Clarence Augsburger, (b. Jul 27 1897, Berne, Adams Co., IN) Mother Estelle Shenk, (b. Oct 29 1897, Allen Co., OH) Married Aug 11 1918 Wife Nancy Louise Wert (b. Mar 20 1937, Lebanon, PA) Married Aug 13 1960 Father Daniel D. Wert, (b. 13 Mar 1904, East Salem, PA, d. 06 Feb 1969, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., PA) Mother Esther M. Umberger (b. Abt 1905) Married 15 Sep 1928 Children: 1. Deborah Jean Augsburger, b. Jul 12 1962, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA 2. Judith Anne Augsburger, b. Jul 02 1964, Broadway, Rockingham, VADavid is a brother of Don who began as minister in 1986.
Norman Yutzy was minister first 1956-63, again 1967-71 and again 1975-78. (b. 3 Feb 1930 Plain City, Madison Co., OH d. 26 Dec 2000 ) Father Emery N. Yutzy, (b. 3 Jan 1902, Plain City, Madison Co., OH, d. 27 Aug 1970, OH) Mother Florence A. Kramer, (b. 5 Dec 1904, Plain City, Madison Co., OH, d. 8 Dec 1988, OH) Married 8 Jan 1924 Plain City, Madison Co., OH Wife Magdalena “Lena” Beachy, (b. 14 Jan 1931, Plain City, Madison Co., OH) Married 10 Jun 1955 Plain City, Madison Co., OH Father Elias C. Beachy, (b. 10 Dec 1891, Grantsville, Garrett Co., MD) Mother Maryann N. Kauffman, (b. 28 Jun 1892, Holmes Co., OH, d. 7 Feb 1976, Plain City, Madison Co., OH) Married 1 Sep 1913 Children: 1. Lenora Jean Yutzy, b. 18 May 1957 2. David Edward Yutzy, b. 9 Nov 1959 3. Charlene Ann Yutzy, b. 13 Oct 1964
After Norman Derstine resigned as pastor of Trissels in 1956, Norman Yutzy was licensed to preach and then ordained August 2, 1959 for Trissels.
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Note: Individual churches in the Northern District of Virginia Mennonite Conference did not have pastors early in the history of the conference and district. Bishops, ministers and deacons were ordained on a district-wide basis for the entire district and then assigned to preach at certain locations. At many locations, preaching was on alternate Sundays or even once a month. Efforts began in 1947 to separate the congregation of Zion-Trissels. In 1951 the Trissels congregation voted unanimously for a pastor of their own and Norman Derstine was selected. (Brunk, 1959 & 1972)
Norman H Derstine was the first minister for Trissels only, serving from 1952-56 and much of his support came from the church. (Brunk, 1972, p. 10). (b.24-May-1920 Souderton, PA d.1-Aug-1992) Father Clarence (Sr.) (Freed) Derstine, (b. 06 Mar 1894, Souderton, Montgomery Co., PA, d. 26 Aug 1977, Doylestown, Bucks Co., PA) Mother Mamie (Wismer) Histand, (b. 05 Oct 1894, Bedminster Twp, Bucks Co., PA, d. 03 May 1953, Martinsburg, Berkeley Co., WV) Married 09 Oct 1915Wife Virginia Mae Wenger Martin, (b. 26 May 1924, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA, d. Aft 29 Oct 1955) Married 27 May 1944 Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA Father Perry Sanford (I.) Rhoads Martin, (b. Abt 1890, d. Aft 29 Oct 1955) Mother Anna "Annie" Suter Wenger, (b. Abt 1901) Children: 1. Martin Gerald Martin Derstine, b. 17 May 1948, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA 2. Jean Evonne Martin Derstine, b. 03 Aug 1957
John L Stauffer was minister at Trissels 1947-52. He was ordained minister in PA before coming to VA to teach at EMC; he was ordained bishop for the Northern District Nov 10, 1934. (b. 13-Nov-1888 Sping City, East Vincent Twp, Chester Co., PA d.15-Aug-1959) Buried Lindale Mennonite Cemetery, Rockingham Co., VA Father Jacob Latshaw Stauffer, (b. 06 Apr 1864, Chester Co., PA, d. 02 Mar 1945, Chester Co., PA) Mother Mary Jane Bertolet Longacre, (b. 08 May 1865, Montgomery Co., PA, d. 08 Oct 1944, Spring City, Chester Co., PA) Married 24 Dec 1887 Wife Lydia Buckwalter Kolb, (b. 02 Aug 1889, d. 10 Jun 1979 Buried Lindale Mennonite Cemetery, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 03 Aug 1910 Father Jacob (Sr.) Funk Kolb, (b. 12 Mar 1852, Chester Co., PA, d. 29 Aug 1902, Spring City, Chester Co., PA) Mother Emma Halteman Buckwalter, (b. 08 Aug 1855, Spring City, Chester Co., PA, d. 07 Oct 1908, Spring City, Chester Co., PA) Married 23 Oct 1875 Children: 1. Lois J. Kolb Stauffer, b. b. 3 Jan 1913, 2. Paul Edward Kolb Stauffer, b. 05 May 1915, Altoona, Blair Co., PA, d. 20 Apr 1941, University Hospital, Charlottesville, Albemarle Co., VA 3. Ruth Kolb Stauffer, b. 9 Nov 1923, 4. John "Mark" (Kolb) Stauffer, b. 26 Sep 1918, d. 14 Mar 2004, Chambersburg, Franklin Co., PA 5. James (Kolb) Stauffer, b. 8 Jan 1930, Gospel Herald - Sep 8, 1959. J L Stauffer was in apparent good health and carried his usual responsibilities until the day before he passed away of a heart attack. He preached his last sermon from Titus 2:11-14, in a series of messages given in Juniata Co., Pa., Aug. 7, 8. At the age of 21 he went to Altoona, Pa., to take charge of the mission work there, and was ordained to the ministry in 1911. He served as pastor there until 1918, when he joined the faculty of Eastern Mennonite College as a
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member of the Bible department. He was ordained bishop of the Northern District of Virginia in 1934, and served as president of the college from 1935 until 1950. After retiring from the presidency, Bro. Stauffer remained active in Bible Conference work and speaking engagements throughout the church. He continued teaching in the Bible department until 1957. After his departure, the family found this precious commitment of trust as the final item in Bro. Stauffer's will: "I bequeath to my beloved children and to their families that faith in the Holy Trinity, that confidence in the full inspiration, integrity, and authority of the Holy Scriptures and that hope in the promise of the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, all of which have sustained me through life as a child of God, as a father, as a minister of the Gospel, and as a bishop in the Mennonite Church. May all of you live in harmony with the conservative and evangelical faith of the Mennonite Church, and only follow me as I have followed the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
In the 1930s the drift related to dress for both men and women was as described by J.L. Stauffer as the “perennial dress question.” In 1954 a nonconformity conference was held at Trissels which resulted in four propositions: 1. There is a basic difference between church and non-church. 2. There is constant change in the world. 3. There have been rapid changes in the past 50 years. 4. There is a need to seek a consistent way to express the basic difference between a churchman and a nonchurchman. Stauffer’s last statement was made in October 1958 in which he “expressed concerns relative to the trends of both men and women wearing short sleeves to services, ministers wearing transparent shirts, young men wearing tight ‘western pants.’” (Brunk, 1972, pp.25-28)
Linden Wenger began as minister 1945 and as bishop 1959. (b.26-Dec-1912 Rockingham Co, VA d.18-Dec-2005) Father Oscar Emanuel Wenger, (b. 19 Jun 1881, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 6 Oct 1956, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Bessie Pearl Heatwole, (b. 7 Jul 1881, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 11 Sep 1942, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 9 Nov 1905 Rockingham Co., VA Wife Esther Huber, (b. 25 Jan 1914, d. 17 May 2003, Harrisonburg, VA) Married 01 Jun 1941 Father Christian C. Huber, b. 01 Sep 1882, West Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, d. 01 Feb 1950, Willow Street, Lancaster Co., PA Mother Katie E. Neff, (b. 11 Oct 1881, Lancaster Co., PA, d. 07 Dec 1967, Lancaster Co., PA) Children: 1. Harold Christian Wenger, b. 18 Mar 1945 2. James Lowell Wenger, b. 15 Dec 1947 3. Linda Kay Wenger, b. 29 Apr 1951
J Ward Shank began as minister 1938. (b.30-Jul-1904 Rockingham Co, VA 6 Mar 1993 Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA Buried Zion Menn. Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Father Perry E. Shank, (b. 26 Sep 1869, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 28 May 1953, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Katie M. Showalter, (b. 8 Oct 1880, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 25 Nov 1964, Harrisonburg, VA) Married 1 Dec 1901 Rockingham Co., VA Wife Stella Victoria Brunk, (b. 15 Jan 1905, McPherson Co., KS, d. 16 Sep 1993, Bridgewater, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 15 Jun 1927 Father George Reuben Brunk, (b. 31 Dec 1871, Henry Co., Illinois, d. 30 Apr 1938, Denbigh, Warwick Co., VA) Mother Catherine E. Wenger, b. 25 Mar 1875, Greenmount, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 07 Oct 1957, Denbigh, Warwick Co., VA) Children: 1. Rowland Ward Shank, b. 21 Jun 1929, Harrisonburg, VA 2. Audrey Brunk Shank, b. 7 May 1932, Denbigh, Warwick Co., VAHis father, Perry, served as minister beginning in 1901.
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G Paul Showalter began as minister 1936. George Paul Showalter (b.8-Nov-1890, d.21-May-1970) Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Rockingham Co., VA) Father George (Rev.) Branner (Shank) Showalter, (b. 18 Sep 1857, d. 4 Jul 1921) Mother Elizabeth E. Blosser, (b. 20 Apr 1860, d. 12 Feb 1920) Married 30 Oct 1884 Wife Ruth Ellen Lesher, (b. 05 Sep 1896, d. 07 Jun 1976) Married 22 Nov 1917 Father Israel Irvin Lesher, (b. 23 Sep 1854, d. 28 Jan 1934) Mother Ida Florence Hicks, (b. 17 Aug 1865, d. 20 Mar 1923) Children: 1. Margaret Anna (Lesher) Showalter, b. 05 Dec 1919, d. 14 Sep 1998 2. Frances Ellen (Lesher) Showalter, b. 17 Dec 1921,His father, George B was minister beginning in 1901 and two of his brothers also served as ministers, Timothy beginning in 1932 and Lewis beginning in 1922.
Timothy Showalter began as minister 1932. Ordained deacon in 1915, minister in 1930 and bishop Nov 3 1943. Timothy (Blosser) Showalter (b.19-Dec-1887 d.12-Jul-1957) Father George (Rev.) Branner (Shank) Showalter, (b. 18 Sep 1857, d. 4 Jul 1921) Mother Elizabeth E. Blosser, (b. 20 Apr 1860, d. 12 Feb 1920) Wife Anna (Nancy) Susan "Susie" Shipe, (b. 26 Feb 1886, d. 10 Aug 1954) Married 10 Apr 1910 Father Perry E. Shipe, (b. Abt 1860) Mother Isabelle Cullers, (b. Abt 1860: Children: 1. Anna Belle Showalter, b. 7 Feb 1911, d. 19 Mar 1980 2. Mary Magdalene Showalter, b. 22 Feb 1912, d. 5 Oct 1985 3. Ada Elizabeth Showalter, b. 4 Aug 1913, d. 28 Jul 1995 4. Emma Frances Showalter, b. 8 Jan 1915, d. 31 Jan 1989 5. Daniel Timothy Showalter, b. 25 May 1915, d. 30 Sep 2003 6. Martha Suan Showalter, b. 15 Apr 1918, d. 7 May 1998 7. Ida Ruth Showalter, b. 27 Aug 1919 8. Grace Irene Showalter, b. 29 May 1925, d. 27 Jun 1990 9. daughter Showalter, b. Abt 1927His father, George B was minister beginning in 1901 and two of his brothers also served as ministers, G Paul beginning in 1936 and Lewis beginning in 1922.
Samuel A Shank began as minister 1928 Rev Samuel Aaron Shank (b.6-Apr-1893 Rockingham Co, VA d.9-Mar-1975 Rockingham Co, VA) Father Joseph Shank, (b. 3 Jul 1857, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 26 Oct 1934, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Emma Elizabeth Showalter, (b. 5 Nov 1863, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 25 Dec 1927, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 27 Nov 1884 Rockingham Co., VA Wife Mary Kate Geil, (b. 26 Jul 1891, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 31 Oct 1975, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 7 Jun 1916 Rockingham Co., VA Father Joseph Wenger Geil, Rev. (b. 8 Oct 1858, d. 29 Dec 1945) Mother Annie Rebecca Beery, (b. 12 Oct 1866, d. 6 Mar 1950) Children: 1. Joseph Geil Shank, b. 14 Apr 1917, Rockingham Co., VA 2. Katherine Frances Shank, b. 26 Mar 1919, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 24 Sep 1997, Harrisonburg, VA 3w4 3. Stuart Aaron Shank, b. 20 Nov 1920, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA 4. Robert Edwin Shank, b. 26 Feb 1925, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 10 Nov 1926, Rockingham Co., VA
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5. Lois Anna Shank, b. 25 Nov 1927, Rockingham Co., VA His father, Joseph Shank, began as minister in 1905
John R Mumaw began as minister 1928. John Rudy Mumaw was ordained 24-Mar-1928 (b. 11-Mar-1904 Wayne Co, OH, d. 20-Jun-1993) Father Amos Mumaw, (b. 27 Jun 1852, Winesburg, Holmes Co, OH d. 15 May 1906) Mother Catherine Shaum, (b. 13 Jun 1856, d. 1906) Married 24 Aug 1876 Wife 1 Esther Mosemann (b. 24 Jul 1905 Lancaster Co., PA, d. 17 Jun 1964 Harrisonburg, VA) Father John H. Mosemann, (b. 1 Dec 1877, Lancaster Co., PA, d. 28 Aug 1938) Mother Lillie Swarr Forry, (b. 25 Oct 1879, Millersville, PA, d. 28 Jul 1966, Lancaster Co., PA) Children: 1. Helen Elizabeth Mumaw (Mrs Laban Peachey), b. 2 Apr 1929 2. Grace Naomi Mumaw, b. 22 Dec 1930 3. Catharine Ruth Mumaw (Mrs Emanual Martin), b. 22 Jul 1932 4. Lois Esther Mumaw, b. 3 May 1934 5. Miriam Louise Mumaw, b. 14 Jan 1938Wife 2 Evelyn Elizabeth King, b. 28 Nov 1919, Royersford, Montgomery Co., PA, d. 30 Jul 2003, Harrisonburg, VA Married 6 Jun 1965 Harrisonburg, VA John R Mumaw was the fourth president of Eastern Mennonite College, where he served from 1948-65. He served twice as moderator of the Mennonite Church (1961-63 and 1969-71).
Pleasant View, Inc. was founded in 1971 by members of the Virginia Mennonite Conference out of a concern for people within the church and the wider community who have mental retardation. John R. Mumaw and other leaders of the church and community saw that people with disabilities were living with aging parents who were concerned about what services would be provided to them after the parents were no longer able to care for them.
Lewis P Showalter began as minister 1922. Lewis (twin) (Louis) P. (Blosser) Showalter (b.8-Nov-1890 Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA d.2-Sep-1979 Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, Rockingham Co., VA) Father George (Rev.) Branner (Shank) Showalter, (b. 18 Sep 1857, d. 4 Jul 1921) Mother Elizabeth E. Blosser, (b. 20 Apr 1860, d. 12 Feb 1920) Married 30 Oct 1884 Wife Annie Mary Suter, b. 27 Aug 1889, d. 8 May 1955 Father John R. Suter, b. 24 Feb 1863, d. 26 Feb 1945 Mother Fannie B. Roudabush, b. 16 Dec 1866, d. 24 Nov 1920 Children: 1. John Suter Showalter, b. 14 May 1914, d. 1 Mar 1983 2. Ruth Frances Showalter, b. 4 May 1917 3. Lewis Menno Showalter, b. 24 Feb 1921, d. 16 Aug 1923 4. Marvin Earl Showalter, b. 24 Oct 1926His father, George B was minister beginning in 1901 and two of his brothers also served as ministers, Timothy beginning in 1932 and G Paul beginning in 1936.
Wilmer Geil began as minister 1922. Noah Wilmer Geil, Rev. (b. 24 May 1889 Edom, Rockingham Co., VA d. 1-May-1969) Father Joseph Wenger Geil, Rev, (b. 8 Oct 1858, d. 29 Dec 1945) Mother Annie Rebecca Beery, (b. 12 Oct 1866, d. 6 Mar 1950) Wife Mary Catharine (Showalter) Shank, (b. 17 Dec 1887, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 08 May 1965, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 27 Jan 1916 Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA Father Joseph (Rev.) (Rhodes) Shank, (b. 03 Jul 1857, d. 26 Oct 1934)
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Mother Emma Elizabeth (Heatwole) Showalter, (b. 05 Nov 1863, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 25 Dec 1927, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 27 Nov 1884 Children: 1. Maude Elizabeth Geil, b. 9 Sep 1918, d. 22 Sep 2006 2. Mary Rebecca Geil, b. 13 Nov 1919His father, Joseph, served as minister beginning in 1896.
Abraham Heishman began as minister 1911. Abram Geil Heishman (b.1879 Hardy Co, WV d.1958 Buried Zion Mennonite Church Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Father Thomas HeishmanWife Pearl Mae Heishman, (b. 1879, d. 1952 Buried Zion Mennonite Church Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Children: 1. Curtis Heishman, b. 4 Apr 1909, d. 11 Jul 1909 2. James Heishman, b. 14 Feb 1912, d. 18 Mar 1912 3. Nellie Ann Heishman, b. 22 Aug 1918, d. 4 Jan 1992 4. Lydia Pearl Heishman, b. 7 Aug 1921The Heishmans lived in Broadway, then in Park View. Abram (A.G) chaired the Board of Trustees of Eastern Mennonite School. It was reported that he was an earnest speaker with sermons short and very practical. He worked with others in communicating with government officials in the placement of conscientious objectors in 1918. He chaired the first annual business meeting of the Northern District in 1924. (Brunk, 1972)
Joseph Shank began as minister 1905. In 1905 Joseph Shank was ordained as minister at Trissels Church. (b.3-Jul-1857 Rockingham Co, VA d.26-Oct-1934 Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, VA) Father Samuel Shank, (b. 16 Jan 1828, d. 30 Apr 1901) Mother Catherine Rhodes, b. 1832 Married 1855 Wife Emma Elizabeth Showalter, (b. 5 Nov 1863, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 25 Dec 1927, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, VA) Married 27 Nov 1884 Father Daniel Showalter, (b. 21 Dec 1839, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 17 Mar 1887, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Mary J. Heatwole, (b. 3 Jan 1842, Dale Enterprise, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 6 Feb 1932, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 8 Jan 1863 Rockingham Co., VA Children: 1. Daniel David Shank, b. 27 Jul 1886, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 17 Feb 1920 2. Mary Catherine Shank, b. 17 Dec 1887, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 8 May 1965, Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co, VA 3. Sallie Elizabeth Shank, b. 30 Oct 1890, d. 22 Oct 1948 4. Samuel Aaron Shank, b. 6 Apr 1893, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 9 Mar 1975 5. Infant Shank, b. Abt 1894 6. Emma Frances Shank, b. 5 Nov 1896, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 15 Dec 1975 7. Anna Mae Shank, b. 3 Sep 1899, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 26 Jun 1985 8. Ezra Abram Shank, b. 17 Nov 1902, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA 9. Sarah Rebecca Shank, b. 5 Nov 1905, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA, d. 18 Jan 1973 10. Ruth Virginia Shank, b. 23 Sep 1908, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA Their son, Samuel A served as minister beginning in 1928.
Perry E Shank began as minister 1901. Perry (Rev.) Edmond\Edwin (Rhodes) Shank Ordained minister Aug 25 1901 (b. 26 Sep 1870 Rockingham Co., VA 28 May 1953 Rockingham
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Co., VA Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, Rockingham Co., VA) Father Samuel (Rev.) (Funk) Shank, (b. 16 Jan 1828 d. 30 Apr 1901, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Catharine (Bowman) Rhodes, (b. 14 Aug 1831, d. 22 Feb 1875) Married 1-Dec-1901 Wife Mary Catharine "Katie" (Landes) Showalter, (b. 8 Oct 1880, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 25 Nov 1964, Harrisonburg, VA) Father Anthony Showalter, (b. 15 Apr 1853, d. 8 Apr 1921) Mother Elizabeth Landes, (b. 05 Jul 1856, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 08 Sep 1898, Cowan's Depot, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 01 Feb 1876 Rockingham Co., VA Children: 1. J. Ward Shank, b. 30 Jul 1905, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 06 Mar 1993, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA 2. David Paul Shank, b. 23 Nov 1906, d. 1978 3. John Franklin Shank, b. 19 Feb 1911, Broadway, VA, d. 18 Oct 1985, Broadway, VA 4. Samuel S. Shank, b. 13 Jan 1917, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA 5. Martha ShankTheir son, J Ward served as minister beginning in 1938.
George B Showalter began as minister 1901. George (Rev.) Branner (Shank) Showalter Ordained minister Aug 25 1901. (b. 18 Sep 1857 Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA, d.4-Jul-1921 Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, Rockingham Co., VA) Father Michael (Miller) Showalter, (b. 15 Feb 1831, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 18 Oct 1906) Mother Elizabeth (Funk) Shank, (b. 20 Jan 1831, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 29 Jan 1913) Married 10 Mar 1853 Wife Elizabeth E. Blosser, (b. 20 Apr 1860, d. 25 Dec 1927 Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 30 Oct 1884 Father Peter Blosser, (b. 31 Dec 1831, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 23 Nov 1904, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Magdalena Rhodes, (b. 9 Oct 1831, VA, d. 18 Dec 1894) Married 1853 children: 1. Noah (Blosser) Showalter, b. 22 Feb 1886 2. Timothy (Blosser) Showalter, b. 27 Dec 1887, d. 12 Jul 1957 3. (infant) (Blosser) Showalter, b. 20 Oct 1889, d. 24 Oct 1889, infancy 4. Lewis (twin) (Louis) P. (Blosser) Showalter, b. 08 Nov 1890, Broadway, VA, d. 1979 5. George "Paul" (twin) (Blosser) Showalter, b. 08 Nov 1890, d. 21 May 1970 6. Margaret "Maggie" F. (Blosser) Showalter, b. 06 Sep 1892 7. Mark Cephus (Blosser) Showalter, b. 10 Feb 1895, d. 15 Apr 1978 8. Luke C. (Blosser) Showalter, b. 08 Jan 1898, d. 07 Oct 1974 9. Michael M. (Blosser) Showalter, b. 17 May 1900 10. (stillborn inf son) (Blosser) Showalter, b. 03 Jun 1903, d. 03 Jun 1903 11. John Aaron (Blosser) Showalter, b. 08 Apr 1904, d. 01 Apr 1906 12. Elizabeth (Blosser) Showalter, b. 11 Jun 1907Three of their sons became ministers later: Timothy in 1936, Lewis in 1922, and G Paul in 1932.
J Hopkins Turner began as minister 1914 (b. 26-Mar-1871, d. 1945) Father Josiah Turner (b. 5-Dec-1840 Brocks Gap area, d. 16-May-1910) Mother Mary “Polly” Fulk (b. 24-Oct-1838, d. 15-Apr-1917) married 1859Wife Bertie Secrist, (b. 1873, d. 1954) married 14-Jun-1893, both J Hopkins and Bertie buried at Trissels; Children:
1. Dora E Turner, b. 3-Jan-18952. Rosa A Turner, b. 17-Oct-18963. Lillie C Turner, b. 1898
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4. James E Turner, b. 23-Aug-19005. (stillborn infant son), b. 19026. Katie L Turner, b. 17-Mar-19047. Benjamin W Turner, b. 8-Nov-19058. David R Turner, b. 23-Mar-19079. Franklin H Turner, b. 11-Feb-191110. Sadie M Turner, b. 15-Dec-1912
“Hop” as he was known, was remembered fondly for his sermons which he gave dramatically and he kept them short. He used some sermons in numerous churches so family members clearly remembered them.
Note. After the deaths of John Geil, Samuel Shank and Abraham Shank (bishop) in 1900 and 1901, the Northern District was reduced to two ministers, Lewis Shank and Joseph W Geil. They all preached at Trissels as well as numerous other churches in the district. On Aug 24, 1901, lots were drawn for a bishop and new ministers. The next day at Zion church, Lewis Shank was ordained bishop while Perry E Shank and George B Showalter were ordained as ministers. (Brunk, 1972)
Joseph Geil began as minister 1896. Joseph (Rev.) (Wenger) Geil. (b. 8 Oct 1858 Edom, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 29 Dec 1945 Rockingham Co., VA Buried Lindale Mennonite Cem., VA) Father (Deacon) Jacob (Driver) Geil, (b. 31 Aug 1828, d. 2 Sep 1917) Mother Mary (Beery) Wenger, (b. 21 May 1833, VA, d. 16 Oct 1909) Married 15 May 1851 Wife Anna "Annie" Rebecca Neff Beery, (b. 12 Oct 1866, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 06 Mar 1950) Married 08 Dec 1885 Father Noah (Wenger) Beery, (b. 31 Aug 1831, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 16 Dec 1921) Mother Catharine V. (Garber) Neff, (b. 19 Oct 1839, Shenandoah Co., VA, d. 1915) Married 02 Oct 1860 Children: 1. Jacob Edwin (Beery) Geil, b. 20 Feb 1888, Rockingham Co., VA 2. Noah (Rev) Wilmer (Beery) Geil, b. 24 May 1889, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 01 May 1969 3. Mary Catharine "Kitty" (Beery) Geil, b. 26 Jul 1891, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 31 Oct 1975 4. Joseph Paul (Beery) Geil, b. 19 Dec 1892, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 28 Dec 1893, Rockingham Co., VA 5. Arthur Daniel (Beery) Geil, b. 12 May 1894, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 20 Aug 1970 6. Anna Elizabeth (Beery) Geil, b. 18 Apr 1897, Rockingham Co., VA Their son, Noah Wilmer Geil, became minister in 1922.
Lewis Shank began as minister 1883 and as bishop 1901. Lewis (Rhodes) Shank was ordained minister in 1883 and bishop on Aug 25 1901 (b. 24 Dec 1855 d. 14 Oct 1942 Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, Rockingham Co., VA) Father Samuel (Funk) Shank, (b. 16 Jan 1828, d. 30 Apr 1901) Mother Catharine (Bowman) Rhodes, (b. 14 Aug 1831, d. 22 Feb 1875 Married 1855) Wife Martha "Mattie" (Horst) Martin, (b. 31 Aug 1856, d. 28 Feb 1934 Buried Zion Mennonite Cemetery, Daphna, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 1883 Father Jacob M. Martin, (b. 8 Oct 1814, d. 24 Dec 1895) Mother Elizabeth Horst, (b. 14 Jul 1818, d. 25 Mar 1893) Children:
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1. John Shank, b. Abt 1886 2. David Shank, b. Abt 1889
John Geil, II began as minister 1875. Rev. John Geil, Ordained 5 Sep 1875 (b. 27 Feb 1830 near New Market, VA d. 28 Jul 1900 Buried Brenneman Mennonite Church Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Father John Geil, Bishop, (b. 22 Jan 1799, Doylestown, PA, d. 19 Oct 1889, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Mary Driver, (b. 3 Jun 1804, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 22 Oct 1851, Rockingham Co., VA)Wife Catharine Beery, (b. 10 Mar 1833, d. 26 Aug 1907) Father Henry Beery, (b. 19 Feb 1806, d. 2 Aug 1887) Mother Lydia Grove, (b. 21 Mar 1811, d. 30 Jul 1890) Married 1830 Children: 1. John H. Geil, b. 12 Jan 1853, d. 28 May 1917His father, John, began as minister in 1840. “It is reported that John Geil was one of the best preachers that the Mennonite Church had before 1900.” (Brunk, 1959, p.267)
George Brunk began as minister 1874. (b.29-Jan-1831 Rockingham Co, VA d.15-Aug-1905 Allen Co, OH) Father Christian Brunk, (b. 9 Jan 1795, d. 3 May 1880, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA Mother Barbara Funk, b. 6 May 1798, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 16 Oct 1858) Married 1816 Wife Mary Weaver, (b. 23 Aug 1833, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 6 Jul 1921, Allen Co., OH) Married 21 Oct 1852 Father Samuel Weaver, (b. 12 Sep 1790, d. 13 Mar 1857, Harrisonburg, VA) Mother Elizabeth Rhodes, (b. 17 Dec 1792, Pleasant Valley, Rockingham Co., Virginia, d. 14 Jan 1875, Harrisonburg, VA) Married 1818 Children: 1. Elizabeth E Brunk, b. 8 May 1854, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 3 Feb 1934 2. Samuel C Brunk, b. 1 Feb 1857, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 21 Sep 1922, Elida, Allen Co., OH 3. Perry E Brunk, b. 19 Jan 1858, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 12 Jan 1930, Elida, Allen Co., OH 4. Franklin Benner Brunk, b. 28 Jan 1860, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 21 Feb 1953, Maugansville, Washington Co., MD 5. Frances W Brunk, b. 3 Sep 1861, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 20 Nov 1945, Elida, Allen Co., OH 6. John Geil Brunk, b. 24 Nov 1862, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 9 Sep 1900, Green Mount, Rockingham Co., VA 7. Anna Brunk, b. 26 Feb 1864, d. 12 Jul 1866 8. Lydia W Brunk, b. 20 Sep 1866, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 9 Jul 1935 9. Christian Brunk, b. 20 Mar 1868, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 19 Aug 1901 10. Mary C Brunk, b. 1 Jun 1870, d. 4 Nov 1892In 1870s Sunday School was an issue that was debated extensively by Virginia and other church leaders including George Brunk. (Brunk, 1959) His brother Christian became minister earlier. The grandfather of this George Brunk was Jacob Brunk (b. about 1770), who was the great grandfather of George R Brunk, I (b. 31-Dec-1871).
Samuel Shank, II began as minister 1864. Rev Samuel J Shank (b.16-Jan-1828 d.30-Apr-1901 Buried Zion Mennonite Church Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Father Samuel Shank, Bishop, (b. 12 Oct 1790, d. 26 Feb 1863) Mother Elizabeth Funk, (b. 3 Feb 1797, d. 11 Mar 1848)
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Wife 1 Sarah Catherine Rhodes, (b. 14 Aug 1831, d. 22 Feb 1875) Father Samuel Rhodes, (b. 3 Jun 1797, d. 6 Jun 1832 ) Mother Catherine Bowman, (b. 21 Nov 1806, d. 1889) Children: 1. Martin Burkholder Shank, b. 7 Sep 1854, d. 6 Mar 1930 2. Lewis Shank, Bishop, b. 24 Dec 1855, d. 14 Oct 1942 3. Annie Shank, b. 1 Jan 1857, d. 1947 4. Joseph Shank, b. 3 Jul 1857, d. 26 Oct 1934 5. Perry F. Shank, b. 25 Dec 1858, d. 15 Jun 1927 6. John F. Shank, b. 1862, d. 1891 7. Perry Edmond Shank, b. 26 Sep 1870, d. 28 May 1953Wife 2 Mary Virginia (Brenneman Shank) Rhodes, (b. 31 May 1848, d. 10 Nov 1925 Buried Zion Mennonite Church Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Father Frederick Anthony Rhodes, (b. 22 Feb 1819, d. 12 Feb 1900) Mother Magdalena Heatwole, (b. 20 Jan 1820, d. 12 Mar 1898) His father, Samuel, began as minister in 1846 and his brother Abraham began as minister in 1861. During the Civil War the barn and home of Samuel Shank, two miles south of Broadway, were burned after property was either carried away or destroyed. “The family lived for a while in the old wash house, then the spring house was reconditioned as a home until a new three-story brick house could be built.” A photo of the new brick house is shown below with Samuel and his son Perry. (Brunk, 1959, p.240) Samuel Shank, like his brother Abraham, was one of the leading preachers of the Northern District. He was very active in church work in the mountains and in home-base churches. “He was a good speaker and preacher, possessing a ready flow of words as the Spirit led him…. He enforced his statements with appropriate gestures… even after his hand was removed … he continued to gesture using the stub of his arm to emphasize a point.” (Brunk, 1959, p. 262)
Abraham Shank began as minister 1861 and as bishop 1875. (b.19-Oct-1829 d.22-Jun-1901 Buried Zion Mennonite Church Cem., Rockingham Co., VA) Father Samuel Shank, Bishop, (b. 12 Oct 1790, d. 26 Feb 1863) Mother Elizabeth Funk, (b. 3 Feb 1797, d. 11 Mar 1848) Wife Sallie (Sally) Showalter, (b. 25 May 1836, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 1 May 1909, Broadway, Rockingham Co. VA) Married 17 Aug 1854 Father Daniel L. Showalter, Rev., (b. 4 Jan 1802, d. 1 Jun 1889) Mother Nancy Miller, (b. 30 Jul 1803, d. 17 Jul 1867) Children: 1. Nancy Shank, b. 30 Oct 1855, d. 20 Sep 1919 2. Isabella Margaret Shank, b. 9 Sep 1859, d. 25 Jan 1901His father, Samuel, began as minister 1846 and his brother Samuel II began as minister in 1864.Bishop Abraham Shank was known for his long sermons. In May 1885 he preached at a communion service and it was recorded that “His discourse, though somewhat lengthy, was interesting throughout and generally well appreciated judging from the attention given him by the congregation.” Bishop Abraham Shank also led a movement of protest against the holding of revival meetings in his district and throughout the conference. Revival meetings were promoted
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by some Mennonites to counteract the encroachment of other denominations on Mennonite churches. (Brunk, 1959, p.258) However, he spoke for unity, endorsing the decision of committees assigned to resolve issues. Joseph W Geil was one of the ministers who preached at the funeral of Abraham Shank.
Christian Brunk was minister in the 1800s. (b. 3 Feb 1823 Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA d. 3 Dec 1905) Father Christian Brunk, (b. 9 Jan 1795, d. 3 May 1880, Broadway, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Barbara Funk, (b. 6 May 1798, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 16 Oct 1858) Married 1816 Wife Magdalene Brenneman, (b. 2 Apr 1824, d. 15 Mar 1899) Married 26 Oct 1843 Father Christian Breneman, (b. 17 Jul 1793, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 9 Dec 1859, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Anna Shank, (b. 10 May 1795, VA, d. 17 Jan 1867, Rockingham Co., VA) Married Abt 1817 Children: 1. Michael E Brunk, b. 4 Oct 1844, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA 2. Annie E Brunk, b. 15 Jul 1846, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA 3. Susanna C Brunk, b. 30 Apr 1848, d. 16 Dec 1862 4. Joseph Henry Brunk, b. 22 Feb 1852, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 5 Feb 1914, Harrisonburg, VA 5. Noah C Brunk, b. 30 Dec 1852, 6. Fannie R Brunk, b. 29 Apr 1855, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA 7. John M Brunk, b. 3 May 1858, d. 13 Oct 1862 8. Ben D Brunk, b. 1 Aug 1860, d. 7 Oct 1862 9. Frank T Brunk, b. 18 Sep 1862 HERALD OF TRUTH, December 14, 1905. Bro. Brunk was for sixty years a member of the Mennonite church, lived in wedlock for fifty-five years with Magdalene Brenneman Brunk, who departed this life March 15, 1899, and his service in the ministry covered the period of more than forty-six years. In this period he has preached and traveled through ten states and Canada. He resided near Edom, Rockingham Co., Va., until near the close of the Civil War, when in October, 1864, he refugeed to Lancaster Co, Pa., and lived with his family near Millersville until the spring of 1865, when after making an extensive visit through the Western states and Canada, he returned to Rockingham Co., Va., where he resided until 1871. Since then he has made his home with a small congregation near Winchester, Va. Bro. Brunk has been widely known among the congregations in Virginia and elsewhere for his striking figure and commanding presence, which he never failed to make manifest in the pulpit. Those qualities, together with a strong and earnest voice and the peculiar force with which he presented gospel truth to an audience, when once heard could never be forgotten. During the long period in which he served as a minister, he invariably kept in close touch with the Virginia conference, in which body he was recognized as one among its leading spirits. It was observed that he found a peculiar enjoyment in associating with ministers much younger than himself, for all of whom he never failed to have a kind and encouraging word, and unlike some old people of his years, he maintained full identity with the church to the end of his life. Though his ministerial work covered well nigh the space of three generations, with the general round of change that has come in that time, in method and the line of more direct work in the church, he has always had the grace to enter heartily into the spirit of the times and to readily adapt himself to the work and needs of the church as each change came. Peace to his memory.This is the homestead of Christian & Magdalene “Mattie” Brunk near Cootes Store. They were parents of
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both George & Christian Brunk who were ministers. Their home was known for its hospitality. (Brunk, 1959, p.265) Christian’s brother George became minister in 1874.
Samuel Shank began as minister 1846 and bishop 1850. Bishop Samuel Shank (b.12-Oct-1790 d.26-Feb-1863) Father Henry Shank, Bishop (b. 25 Nov 1758, d. 10 Oct 1836, Edom, Rockingham Co., VA) Mother Anna Magdalina Reiff, (b. 30 Oct 1762, d. 30 Mar 1819, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 1782 Wife Elizabeth Funk, (b. 3 Feb 1797, d. 11 Mar 1848) Father Christian Funk, (b. 9 Feb 1763, d. 22 May 1853) Mother Susanna Geil, (b. 1773, d. 14 Dec 1859) Children: 1. Rebecca Shank, b. 19 Mar 1821, d. 31 Aug 1900 2. Samuel J. Shank, Rev., b. 16 Jan 1828, d. 30 Apr 1901 3. Abraham Shank, b. 19 Oct 1829, d. 22 Jun 1901 4. Elizabeth Shank, b. 20 Jan 1831, d. 29 Jan 1913Their son Abraham began as minister in 1861 and son Samuel II began as minister in 1864. His father, Henry, was one of the first ministers to preach at Trissels and a bishop.
John Geil began as minister 1840 and bishop 1859. John Geil, Bishop (b. 22 Jan 1799 Doylestown, PA d.19-Oct-1889 Rockingham Co., VA Buried Driver-Reiff Cemetary) Father Abraham Geil, (b. 25 May 1769, New Britain, Bucks Co., PA, d. 15 Feb 1830, Doylestown, PA) Mother Mary Garges, (b. 29 Mar 1774, d. 1857, Doylestown, PA) Married 17 Sep 1795 Wife Mary Driver, (b. 3 Jun 1804, d. 22 Oct 1851 Buried Driver-Reiff Cemetary Rockingham Co., VA) Married 27 Aug 1822 Father Lewis (Treiber) Driver, (b. 8 Aug 1760, d. 26 Mar 1835) Mother Barbara Burkhart, (b. 3 Jun 1765, d. 11 Feb 1836, Timberville, VA) Children: 1. Sarah Geil, b. 12 Jun 1823, d. 3 Feb 1892 2. Abraham Geil, b. 19 Oct 1824, d. 30 May 1909 3. Elizabeth Geil, b. 13 Nov 1826, d. 15 May 1904 4. Jacob Geil, b. 31 Aug 1828, d. 2 Sep 1917 5. John Geil, Rev., b. 27 Feb 1830, d. 28 Jul 1900 6. Henry Geil, b. 1 Dec 1831, d. 19 Nov 1906. Mary Geil, b. 25 Jan 1834, d. 17 Jul 1884 7. Priscilla Geil, b. 15 Jan 1837, d. 1 Apr 1931 8. Catherine (Katie) (Good) Geil, b. 15 Oct 1838, d. 10 Feb 1919 9. Anna Geil, b. 18 Oct 1840, d. 14 Feb 1879 10. Susanah Geil, b. 20 Oct 1842, d. 27 Jun 1882 11. Lydia Geil, b. 6 Mar 1845, d. 3 Aug 1912 12. Rebecca (Burkholder) Geil, b. 13 Jun 1847, d. 13 Aug 1926Burial was listed as Rife Cemetary (probably Driver-Reiff Cemetary) on land near or owned by Leon Heatwole and Ida (Rodes) Heatwole. It was on the west side of the Shenandoah River about ¾ mile from Old Plains Church where his funeral was held. Their son, John, began as minister in 1875.
“The first Geil to come to the Shenandoah Valley was Jacob Gayle (1746-1795). He bought land near where Broadway now stands. Their son, Abraham, the father of John Geil, went back to PA to live near Doylestown where John was born in 1799.” At the age of 21, John came to Virginia and found employment as a blacksmith with his uncle, Christian Funk. Bishop John D Wenger, a grandson of Bishop Geil, in leafing through a well-worn English Bible that belonged to his grandfather, found the ordination slip of paper with the words, “This is your call to the office of bishop, July 24, 1859…. Bishop Geil has been described as a large, well-built man about 6’ 2” tall…. His manner in the pulpit was one of persuasion; his words were carefully
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chosen, deliberately and slowly spoken. He preached as he talked, and his spoken work was well accepted.” (Brunk, 1959, p.253)
Bishop John Geil opposed Sunday School at church meetings, wanting to keep it at home but it was permitted by the Virginia Conference in 1869. He was also involved in arranging hymns for the first English Mennonite Hymnbook, published in 1877. He used both German and English in his preaching but was more fluent in German. (Brunk, 1959)
Daniel Showalter began as minister 1835 (b.1-Jan-1802 Rockingham Co, VA d.1-Jun-1889 Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA) Father Joseph Showalter, (b. 22 Feb 1776, d. 20 Jul 1838, Rockingham Co, VA) Mother Annie Rhodes, (b. 23 Oct 1780, McCoysville, PA, d. 6 Feb 1853, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 18 Feb 1799 Rockingham Co, VA Wife Nancy Miller, (b. 30 Jul 1803, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 17 Jul 1867, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 1824 Rockingham Co., VA Father Michael Miller, (b. 1765, York Co, PA, d. 1817, Rockingham Co, VA) Mother Elizabeth Breneman, (b. 22 Feb 1773, Edom, Rockingham Co, VA, d. May 1815, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 1793 Rockingham Co., VA Children 1. Anna Showalter, b. 17 Aug 1824, d. 20 Apr 1882 2. Elizabeth Showalter, b. 7 Jan 1826 3. Frances Showalter, b. 12 Feb 1828, d. 13 Jun 1905 4. John D. Showalter, b. 12 Jun 1829, Broadway, Rockingham Co, VA , d. 18 Jan 1904, Rockingham Co., VA 5. Michael Showalter, b. 15 Feb 1831, d. 18 Oct 1906 6. Joseph Showalter, b. 5 Jun 1833 7. Sallie Showalter, b. Abt 1836 8. Daniel Showalter, b. 21 Dec 1839, d. 17 Mar 1887
John Shank (b. 1798) No genealogical information could be found. In 1852 he was a minister of the Columbiana-Mahoning congregation in Ohio. “It is possible that Preacher Hans “John” Shank of the Northern District, son of Bishop Henry Shank, moved to the Southern District in the 1830s and that he served the church there a few years before going on to Ohio.” (Brunk, 1959, p.155)
Daniel Good began as minister 1820 and bishop 1837. (b.16-Nov-1781 d.16-Feb-1850) Father Jacob Good, (b. 1740, d. Abt 1805, Harrisonburg, VA) Mother Frances "Feronica" Groh, (b. 1755, d. 1826) Married 1775 Wife Magdalene Whitmore, (b. Oct 1779, d. Jan 1845) Married 28 May 1805 Father David Whitmore, (b. 15 Aug 1740, d. 15 Aug 1819) Mother Maria Newcomer, (b. 11 Aug 1760, d. 1 Feb 1833) Children: 1. Jacob Good, b. 18 Dec 1806, d. 30 Apr 1900 2. Frances Good, b. 20 Mar 1811, d. 9 Mar 1849 3. Henry Good, b. 17 Mar 1817, d. 16 Aug 1858 4. Mary Good, b. 30 Sep 1821, d. 8 Jul 1892
Research indicates that Daniel had a daughter Mary. Most sources indicate her birth was around 1810. However, Mary born in 1821 and married to John Howver, is the daughter of a Daniel Good. Evidence indicates she was the daughter of Daniel Good of Singers Glen, which this appears to be the only Daniel Good who would fit. (Rodes)
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Daniel Good wrote a minister’s manual in German that is in the archives at Goshen College.” (Brunk, 1959, p.58) Bishop Jacob Hildebrand from Stuarts Draft area wrote a letter to John F Funk in 1867 in which he stated, “Old Brother Daniel Good was a faithful shepherd. I knew him well. He was beloved by his flock and esteemed by his neighbors and had many friends in and out of the church.” (Brunk, 1959, p.59) Daniel, son Henry, and his wife Elizabeth are buried at Singers Glen Cemetery.
Henry Rhodes. Henry "Heinrich" (bishop) (Ettinger) Rhodes (b. 2 Nov 1748 Manchester Twp, York Co., PA d. 18 Mar 1827 Rockingham Co., VA b Buried Rhodes Family Cemetery, Rockingham Co., VA) Father Anthony (Roth, Rhode) Rhodes, (b. 1729, Swabia, Wurttemberg, Germany, d. 1785, Manchester Twp, York Co., PA) Mother Magdalena "Modlene" Johanna Ettinger, (b. 1730, d. 1799, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 1750 Wife Elizabeth (Good) Brenneman, (b. 15 Apr 1758, d. 18 Jan 1835, Rockingham Co., VA) Married 1778 PA Children: 1. Christian (Brenneman) Rhodes, b. Abt 1778, d. 1809 2. Anna "Ann" (Brenneman) Rhodes, b. 23 Oct 1780, PA, d. 06 Feb 1853, Rockingham Co., VA 3. Henry (Jr.) (Brenneman) Rhodes, b. 1781, PA, d. 14 Jul 1855, Rockingham Co., VA 4. Elizabeth (Brenneman) Rhodes, b. 25 Feb 1784, d. 07 Feb 1814 5. Maria Brenneman Rhodes, b. 1787, d. 1808 6. Anthony (Brenneman) Rhodes, b. 21 Mar 1789, Rockingham Co.,VA, d. 04 May 1877, Rockingham Co.,VA 7. John Brenneman Rhodes, b. 1792, d. 1814 8. Jacob Brenneman Rhodes, b. Abt 1795, d. 21 Feb 1862 9. Samuel Brenneman Rhodes, b. 03 Jun 1797, Rockingham Co., VA, d. 06 Jun 1832, Rockingham Co., VA 10. Joseph Brenneman Rhodes, b. 1799, d. 1819
Henry Shank. Bishop Henry Shank was ordained minister in 1784 (b.26-Dec-1758 d.10-Oct-1836) Father Michael (Schenck) Shank, (b. Abt 1718, d. 1775) Mother Magdalena , (b. Abt 1720) Wife Anna Magdalina Reiff, (b. 30 Oct 1762, d. 30 Mar 1819) Father John Jacob Reiff, Rev, (b. 1724, d. 1778) Mother Anna Garber, (b. Abt 1725, d. 1782) Children: 1. Magdalene Shank, b. 16 Nov 1784, d. 19 Feb 1859 2. Henry Shank, b. 16 Feb 1787, d. 7 Dec 1839 3. Samuel Shank, Bishop, b. 12 Oct 1790, d. 26 Feb 1863 4. Hans (John) Shank, b. 1798 5. Jacob Shank, b. 18 Apr 1793, d. 29 May 1871 6. Anna Shank, b. 10 May 1795, d. 17 Jan 1867 7. Elizabeth Shank, b. 12 Mar 1803, d. 19 Feb 1879Their son, Samuel began as minister in 1846. In the early years church groups met in homes. Henry Shank and Henry Rhodes were the first men ordained ministers in the Northern District. At one time they were responsible as bishops for all Virginia Mennonite Churches in 5 counties: Frederick, Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Augusta. Henry Shank opposed meeting in church buildings but he accepted the decision to build churches. (Brunk, 1959, p.57)
[Addition: Richard W. Davis (researcher Aaron Shank in Columbus, OH, contacted through SAGA) in his 2016 document, “Shank Rockingham County, Virginia.docx,” has Henry Shank’s children as follows:
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1. John Shank, b. 1782. d, 1858, Mahoning County, Ohio. He married his first wife (d. c1819) in about 1804. He married Second Magdalena Smith in about 1823. His father Henry paid the tax for another white male in his household over age 16 in 1799 to 1803 and that was probably John. In 1804 John Shank was listed in his own name and is taxed there until 1808 next to Henry Shank Sr. He moved to Augusta County, Virginia in about 1809 and was listed in the 1810, 1820 and 1830 census records at Augusta County. He went to Mahoning County between 1831 and 1835 and was the Mennonite Minister there. In the 1840 census John was living next to his son Henry (b. 1808) and his brother Michael Shank (1799-1865) at Beaver Township, Columbiana County (later made into Mahoning County).
2. Magdalena Shank, b. 15 Nov 1784. d. 12 Dec 1839, Rockingham County, Virginia. She married Jacob Blosser.
3. Henry Shank, b. 15 Feb 1787. d. 7 Dec 1839, Rockingham County. He married Elizabeth Heatwole.
4. Samuel Shank, b. 12 Oct 1790. d. 26 Feb 1863, Rockingham County. He married first Elizabeth Funk and secondly Magdalena Miller widow of Berry. He was a Mennonite Bishop.
5. Jacob Shank, b. 28 Jan 1793. d. 29 May 1871, Rockingham County. He married first Frances Miller and secondly Magdalena Stauffer.
6. Anna Shank, b. 10 May 1795. d. 1 Jan 1867, Rockingham County. She married Christian Brannaman.
7. Michael Shank, b. 10 Oct 1799. d. 22 Oct 1865, Mahoning County, Ohio. He married Frany.
8. Elizabeth Shank, b. 25 May 1803. D. 19 Feb 1879, Rockingham County. She married Samuel Heatwole.
9. Joseph Shank, b. c1805. He was still being taxed at Rockingham County in 1831. ]
Trissels Property & Building RecordsFrom Rockingham County records, “This indenture made this 31st day of May, 1823
between Abraham Neff and Catherine, his wife, … and the fraternity of the Mennonite Church … in consideration of the sum of $15 … for the purpose of erecting thereon a meeting house … beginning at a black oak on a line of Joseph Trissel and the said Abraham Neff containing one acre of land including a graveyard ….” (Brunk, 1959, p.67)
About 1890 trustees of the Trissels Church began working for a new church at the same place. For this purpose a deed was recorded, “Made this 2nd day of June 1891 between Jacob Fifer and Frances his wife … and Noah Spitzer and Jacob Fifer, trustees of … Trissels Church … for $20 … do convey a tract of land lying on the south side of the graveyard ….” In 1894, E.S. Pennington and Anna M Pennington his wife sold a three-cornered strip of woodland between the graveyard and the highway and farther south for $40. In 1900 Jacob and Frances Fifer gave additional land to the south of the graveyard to be used to enlarge the graveyard and for a new church. The receiving trustees were Perry E Shank, Christian N Brunk and J.W. Martin. Jacob Fifer was the janitor of the Trissels Church prior to 1900.
The old Trissels Church was torn down in 1900 and a new one built which was placed south of the graveyard. Likely the stones from the old foundation were used in the new church. Timothy Showalter removed the first board in tearing down the old building. During the tearing down and building up process, the regular monthly service was held in the Cedar Run Brethren Church. Christian N Brunk died of typhoid fever before the work was begun; his funeral was the last one held in the old building. (Brunk, 1959, pp.247-248)
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Trissels Church, 1900-1950 (Brunk, 1972, p.35)
Early in 1949 the question of a new church building was considered by the Trissels council with much discussion and by May of that year the council decided to build a new church and appointed a committee to be responsible. In less than a year the work was completed with a brick structure that included a pastor’s study, auditorium, balcony, and cloakrooms with restrooms and classrooms in the basement. The cost of the building and furnishings was about $50,000 and an all-day dedication program was held April 9, 1950. Four years later the congregation built a parsonage on the grounds at a cost of over $13,000. (Brunk, 1972, p.37)
Civil War DiscussionSome Mennonite and Dunker (Brethren) people from Virginia went to Pennsylvania early
in the Civil War (1861-65). Other people, particularly men of draft age, escaped through West Virginia to Ohio and others hid to avoid the draft while some were imprisoned for refusal to fight. Others were installed into the army but would not shoot at a person. Battles were fought in the Valley nearly every month with the possible exception of 1863. During the war the Valley was traversed by armies of the North and the South; people of the Valley were forced to make contributions for support of the armed forces, usually without any pay. The Confederate Congress passed a law in October 1862 granting exemption from military service if they hired a substitute or paid $500 tax into the public treasury. Mennonite churches in the Valley responded by helping to pay the taxes for those not able to pay. In September 1964 the exemption law was abolished which led to an exodus of additional men to other locations or to live in hiding. In late September 1864 Gen. Philip Sheridan led the Union Army to destroy crops, drive off or kill farm animals; 450 barns, 37 mills, and 30 houses were burned. From records of the Southern Claims Commission established to reimburse Southern Unionists for their losses during the war and a few probable Trissels people made claims. One of the Trissels leaders to feel the effects of this burning was Samuel Shank, II; see note above with his information. As Sheridan moved north in the Valley, he offered to take Union people with him. How many joined the exodus is not known. (Brunk, 1959)
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Ministerial Support & Other Outreach & IssuesBefore 1930, church work even in the highland areas was largely self-supporting with
leaders paying their own way. The movement for ministerial support began in 1931 when several businessmen installed gasoline pumps on their properties and made free gas available for ministers and in 1932 for Sunday School workers. During the gas rationing of the war years, the Northern District ministerial support committee obtained a number of cars for the use of ministers and other workers. J.L. Stauffer wrote that he was “not in favor of a salaried ministry” but there was a difference between a “salaried ministry and a supported ministry.” At the same time, Stauffer supported regular offerings for ministerial aid which was distributed according to need. He wrote that the conference should avoid the extremes of a salaried ministry on the one hand and neglected ministry on the other hand. (Brunk, 1972, p. 13-14) A young men’s group was formed at Trissels in the 1940s and the group sent a check for several hundred dollars in 1949 with a note, “We decided since you have given us so generously of your time and talent … to give you a regular monthly support … the amount may vary.” Stauffer responded with thanks that he believed in a supported ministry and that the letter was an “unexpected surprise.” (Brunk, 1972, p.37)
Summer Bible School began in the district, first in the highland churches in the early 1930s. In 1949 Bible Schools were held for the first time at Zion and Trissels with a total of sixteen locations of Bible School in the district by 1952.
Womens Organization & ServicesThe women at Trissels began sewing for MCC and Missions in 1951 but they were not officially organized until 1956 when Mary Turner was elected president and Irene Showalter was treasurer. (Brunk, 1972, p.29)
References.Brunk, Harry A. History of Mennonites in Virginia, 1727-1900. H.A. Brunk, 1959Brunk, Harry A. History of Mennonites in Virginia, 1900-1960. H.A. Brunk, 1972Rodes, Brent L. Rodes Database (part of Swiss Anabaptist Genealogical Association Files)
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Northern District Map 1865-1900 (Brunk, 1959, p.249)
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School Evangelism (HA Brunk, 1959, p.277)
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