Elkhart County, IN Obituaries: U Surnames

Elkhart County, IN Obituaries: U Surnames

LYDIA ULRICH

Lydia Ulrich, aged 68 years, died at 1:15 am Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Crull in Elkhart.

Donated by Terri Clemens [email protected]


MRS. ELIZABETH UMBENHOWER

Mrs. Elizabeth Umbenhower, aged 74 years, died yesterday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Rule, in this city, after a prolonged illness brought on by an attack of la grippe. Funeral at Evangelical church at New Paris, burial at Baintertown. Rev. J.E. Smith.

Donated by Terri Clemens [email protected]


JOHN D. UMBENHOWER

[Nov, 1911] Had Reached almost 3 Score and Ten - John D. Umbenhower dead after lingering illness - is well remembered as Veteran Singing Traveler - Had lived in Elkhart County almost half a century - Was Secretary of Old Settlers' Society
John D. Umbenhower, one of Goshen's best known residents and a veteran musician, died Monday night at 10:30 at this home 513 S. Sixth St. He had been ill for 12 weeks wit stomach trouble and complications and for a number of days his death had been expected at almost any time.

Mr. Umbenhower was born at Massilon, Starke County, O., Mary 27, 1842, and was a son of John Umbenhower. In 1861 he came to Elkhart county, locating in Jackson township, where he resided for over 20 years. For a time, he was engaged in the general mercantile business in New Paris, his store burning in 1876. Shortly after this he took up the profession of music teaching. In the later 70s and 80s his singing schools were very popular throughout the southern section of the county. In all he taught over 400 terms of singing school. There are a great many men and women of middle age who were his pupils during those years and who recall his powers as a vocalist when he was in his prime. During the latter part of his life he did but little teaching, but used his talents in assisting in evangelistic work. He came to be a familiar figure at revivals, traveling a great deal over the northern part of the state, going as far occasionally as Logansport. During these tours, as well as in his singing schools his bass viol was constant companion and that venerable instrument is no doubt remembered almost as well as he is. 

In 1882 he moved to Goshen and engaged in the insurance business. In 1892 he opened a grocery store on E. Lincoln Ave. And continued in that business for about 6 years. Mrs. Umbenhower, who was formerly Miss Malinda J. Messick, and with whom he was united in marriage in 1865, died in 1898. Surviving him are one son Frank J. Umbenhower, 2 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. During the past 6 weeks of his illness his son and daughter-in-law were almost constantly at his bedside. He has also one brother, William, who resides at Cromwell and 2 sisters, Mrs. George Rule of Goshen and Mrs. Mary A. Burland of Chicago.

Mr. Umbenhower was one of the principal movers in the organization of the Old Settlers' Assoc., serving as its secretary until his death. In early life he made a profession of Christianity, identifying himself with the Evangelical church. Funeral at Baintertown church, Rev. VR Miller officiating, Interment at Baintertown.

Page 2 - Probably New Paris, IN, possibly taken from the Goshen Democrat (some later clippings from this paper.)

Donated by Terri Clemens [email protected]


MRS. ? UNTHANK

Goshen Friends have just learned of the death of Mrs. Unthank, mother of Miss Alice Unthank, a former primary teacher of the Madison street school. The deceased lived in Goshen for two years while her daughter was a teacher here. Her death occurred on Nov. 24 at Richmond, Ind. And was due to old age.

Donated by Terri Clemens [email protected]


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