July 6, 1958                                             Ada, Ohio

The following is an exact copy of the obituarie of Catherine Runser, (wife of Seraphin) as published in the Ada Record at the time of her death.

‘Catherine Runser was born in Elsas, France, Feb. 17, 1795 and closed her earthly pilgrimage on Feb 2, 8PM., 1885, age 89 years, 11 Mo. and 15 days. She was married in 1814 to Seraphin Runser who preceded her to rest over twenty years ago. She was the mother of seven children, four surviving her, two of whom live in Hardin County, Ohio, one in the state of Pennsylvania and the other in Arkansas. On account of affliction and the distance neither of these were permitted to be present on the funeral occasion. Grandmother Runser emigrated to America in 1832 with her husband and six children, losing one bright little girl whilst crossing the watters. This loss the mother mourned greatly and even in her last years she would often speak of little Susan. She moved from New York in August of same year, settled near Massillon Ohio, thence moved to Hardin County, Ohio, Oct. 17, l848. Her religious training was an early acquaintance with the Roman Catholic church but afterward she fully subscribed to the Protestant faith and acquainted herself with the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ and united with the United Brethren Church. In France during her early days she passed through scenes and trials almost indiscribable on account of the insurrections and blood sheddings that at times pervaded that country. In her last years her Bible was her companion and she devoted much time in reading and perusing the same. Her funeral services were attended by many at the residence of her son, Andrew Runser, with whom she had been living for several years. Rev. Thos. Christopher officiated, using for a scriptural basis, Heb. xi, 16, from which an appropriate discourse was rendered, when a large concourse of relatives and friends followed her remains to Woodlawn Cemetery, where they were laid to rest.”

The original news paper clipping, from which the above was copied, was given to me some 25 years ago by my Grandmother Mary, wife of Jonathan Runser a son of Andrew who was a Son of Seraphin and Catherine.

                                  Jonathan 0. Runser