MOTHER ANNA M. BRAUN.
Anna Margaretha Braun,
nee Laier, was born Nov. 11, 1828, at Wiesloh,
Baden, Baierthal, and died Oct. 23, aged 76 y.,
11 m. and 11 d. She leaves one son and one daughter, ten
grandchildren and many other friends. She was reared by
Christian parents, and was baptized and confirmed in the
Evangelical Protestant State Church. Her father died
when she was in the eleventh year of her age. In 1848
her mother, with six of eleven children, came to
America. She died Jan. 5, 1874.
Mother Braun was
united in holy wedlock with the Rev. Valentine Braun,
Nov. 11, 1852; this union was blessed with 4 children.
The husband and two children preceded her to the better
world. In 1853 the family came to Sandusky Co., O. In
the same year both were converted to God under the
labors of Aaron Yambert and F. Dreisbach. Prior to this
her two younger sisters were converted at Buffalo, and
through their clear testimony and happy life she was
convinced that a person must be born again, and she
sought at once for the experience. At the first
opportunity she accepted the invitation for penitents at
a public altar of prayer in the old Overmyer Church in
Sandusky Co., O. Later, in 1872, at a camp-meeting near
Bettsville, 0., she consecrated herself to God anew and
received such a blessing that she was delivered from all
fear. From 1875 to 1891 Mother Braun shared with her
husband the Rev. Valentine Braun, the responsibilities
and experiences of an itinerant preacher. From the
autumn of 1891 till the same season of 1895 she served
as matron of the Orphan Home at Flat Rock, 0., of which
her husband was for the same period superintendent,
holding that position at his death in September, 1895.
Several weeks ago at her request, her pastor
administered the Holy Communion to her, over which she
rejoiced greatly. At a later visit the pastor asked if
he could do any more for her. She said "Pray to
God that He take me home."
She lived and died as
a Christian. The following named brethren were present
and took part in the services: J. B. Kanaga, who, at her
request, preached the sermon, G. F. Spreng, W. H.
Messerschmidt, J. S. Fitterer J. W. Zachman, A. F.
Totheroh, J. F. Atkinson, C. Klaholz, E. A. Tovey.
J. N. Steppanni.