On Wednesday, April 20, our people were shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. W. P. Diehl at her home in the west end of town. Among those who knew her best she was loved most. Her life was that of a noble Christian woman. She was a kind and devoted wife, a loving mother, and a desirable neighbor; such an one as makes for the good of any community where located. Her death was especially sad in that she left two small children beside an infant but a couple of weeks old. Her death was not anticipated until a short time before it occurred and was a surprise to all.

The funeral was conducted by Rev. S. J. Bowman in a beautiful and impressive manner at the family residence and her remains buried in Maple Grove Cemetery on Thursday. We will not attempt the offer of comfort to the bereft husband and children, that is beyond the power of mortals, but if there is an assurance of life beyond surely Mrs. Diehl has inherited it. "God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb." but still his hand is heavy laid.

Jonesborough Herald & Tribune
Wednesday April 27, 1904




The remains of Mrs. William Diehl, of Tennessee arrived at Port Republic last Saturday morning and were interred in the Mill Creek Cemetery. She was a daughter of Rev. P . H. Showalter of the Sunny Side neighborhood, and died nearly a year ago.

Complying with her own request, which was not known to her father at the time of her death, her body was brought back to her home-land church and laid to rest here.

A father and mother, seven sisters, and one brother, a kind husband and three children survive her. Mrs. Diehl was a consistent member of the German Baptist church, She was sister of Mrs. S. Long, who was sent as a missionary to India last October one year ago. Just a few days before Rev I. S. Long and wife started to India, Mrs. Diehl had the pleasure of sitting at the communion table with her seven sisters and their mother in the midst — eight daughters—four on, each side of their mother. A rare occurrence.

Daily News-Record Fri Feb 17, 1905