Ellen Kraft

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00069-4171.2

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00069-4171
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1876, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mill Wright
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Methodist
• Occupation: 1900, Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States; Minister

Notes:

Solomon B. Kraft, "was born December 9th, 1850. He was first married to Ellen Hewitt. She died, leaving one daughter named Ellen who died shortly after her mother. Several years after his first wife's decease he was married again to Bertha Birnstihl. They have no family. He entered the ministry of the Evangelical Association in April, 1882, and was stationed on different fields of labor in Canada. Some years ago he joined the New York conference and at present is stationed at Tonawanda, New York."

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

________________________________


Bridgeport United Church

The early Evangelical Association congregations in Berlin and Waterloo date back to August 1839 when a Camp Meeting was held over a number of days at David Erb's farm (Lot 7, German Company Tract) at Lexington. Classes (or congregations) in Berlin and in Waterloo were organized at that meeting by Bishop John Seybert - on August 29th. Twenty-six charter members were divided into the two classes. Class leader for Waterloo and vicinity was Jacob Hoffman. His brother, John, was class leader for Berlin.

The Waterloo class, along with classes at Lexington and Breslau, was connected to the Berlin Mission until the organization of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1864. The Waterloo Mission was formed at that time. In 1866 the Breslau class was merged with the Lexington class and in 1876 the Lexington class, with 31 members, was referred to as the Bridgeport class for the first time.

An old log schoolhouse was purchased in 1879 for $500.00 on condition that it be used only for Sunday School services, not for preaching. The exterior walls were covered with lumber and the building was dedicated on November 9, 1879. A new white brick church was built ten years later, in 1889, when the old schoolhouse became inadequate for the growing congregation. This church was in use until 1934 when the present building was completed. A decision had been made at a congregational meeting in July 1933 to proceed with construction of a new church. The ground-breaking service was held on August 28, 1933 and on October 1 of that year the cornerstone was laid by Rev. W.J. Zimmerman. Dedication services were held in the new red brick church on Sunday March 18, 1934. In 1942 the old brick church was sold to Mr. Minnacker for $100. An addition which was built on to the west side of the church in 1958 provided additional space for the Sunday School, as well as offices and a kitchen. The new complex was dedicated on November 30, 1958 with Professor John F. Schaefer of Naperville, Illinois preaching the dedication sermon.

Bridgeport and Waterloo were a joint parish from 1876 until 1910, when Bridgeport was joined with Strasburg. This association lasted until 1914 when Bridgeport called its own full-time pastor. The Evangelical Church joined with the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. On January 1, 1968 when the Evangelical United Brethren joined with the United Church, Emmanuel's name was changed once again - to Emmanuel United Church. In February 1987 the congregation voted to change the name of the church to Bridgeport United Church.

Rev. J. Kaechele (1864-1865) was pastor in 1864 when the Waterloo Mission was formed; Solomon Kraft was the Bridgeport class leader when the schoolhouse was bought in 1879 and Rev. S.R. Knechtel (1888-1891) was pastor in 1889 when the new white brick church was built.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

Solomon married Ellen Hewitt 23 Sep 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Ellen (daughter of Elisha Hewitt and Elspit Meldrum) was born 31 Mar 1856, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 May 1873, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ellen Kraft
• Eby ID Number: 00069-4171.1
• Residence: 1871, Bridgeport Free Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

May 5th in Bridgeport, Waterloo co., Ont. Ellen, wife of Solomon Kraft, aged 17 years, 1 month, and 5 days. Sermon by D. Wismer, and _____ Meenelly


Herald of Truth - Volume X, Number 7 - July 1873 - Page 127

________________________________

Ellen probably died from a result giving birth to her daughter who was born 4 days earlier.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00069-4148
• Residence: 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist

Notes:

George Kraft, "the eldest son, was born in the corporation of the town of Berlin, February 15th, 1809. On April 10th, 1832, he was married to Esther, daughter of John Bingeman. She was born in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, September 30th, 1810, and came to Canada with her parents. In 1887 they moved to Caledonia, Michigan, where she died January 4th, 1892. He is still living (Aug. 1st, 1895) and enjoying ordinary good health. His home is in Caledonia, Michigan. They had a family of thirteen children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_______________________

Death of a Former Resident or Waterloo County.

The Waterloo Chronicle says intelligence was received in that town on Monday of the death, at Caledonia, Mich., of Mr. Geo. Kraft, father of Mr. Aaron Kraft, of the Union Mills. Mr. Kraft was one of the early settlers of Waterloo township, having carried on farming extensively for many years, on the old homestead, near Bridgeport, is now occupied by his son, Moses. He attained the great age of 87 years, 11 months and 10 days. He was born at Berlin, on Feb. 15th, 1809 and was married to Esther Bingeman, 1882. Thirteen children were born of this marriage, five of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are: Moses Kraft, Bridgeport, Aaron Kraft, Waterloo; Magdelena, wife of the late Joseph B. Weber, Kent County, Mich.; Hannah wife of Benjamin W. Eby, Kent County, Mich.; John Kraft, Kent County, Mich.; Geo. Kraft, Kent County, Mich.; Rev. S. B. Kraft, Tonawanda, N. Y., and Esther H., unmarried, at home. In 1887 the old couple moved to Caledonia, Mich., where she died in 1892. The funeral took place on Wednesday, January 27th.

The Weekly Reformer 4 Feb 1897 pg 10

George married Esther Bingeman 10 Apr 1832. Esther (daughter of Johannes "John" Bingeman and Hannah S. Bergey) was born CALC 4 Oct 1810; died 4 Jan 1892, Caledonia, Kent, Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Kraft
• Name: Hettie Bingeman
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1047
• Birth: 30 Dec 1810, Pottstown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esther Bingeman, "was born December 30th, 1810. On April 10th, 1832, she married to George Kraft who was born February 15th, 1809. They resided two miles east of Bridgeport, Ontario, until 1886 when they moved to Caledonia, Kent County, Michigan, where she died January 4th, 1892. He is still living and quite well and active for a man of his age. To them were born thirteen children".


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

________________


KRAFT - On the 4th of January, 1892, in Caledonia, Kent Co., Mich., of "Lagrippe," of which she suffered nearly two weeks, Sister Esther, (maiden name Bingeman), wife of Bro. George Kraft Sr., aged 81 years, three months and 4 days. She leaves a husband and 8 children to mourn their loss. She was born in Pottstown, Pa., from which place she emigrated to Canada, and about five years previous to her death they moved to Michigan. She died rejoicing in her Savior. Services by S. Sherk, Elder Straub and C. Wenger.


Herald of Truth , Vol. XXIX, No. 3, February 1, 1892, Page 46

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00027-2015.1
• Immigration: 1819, , Canada
• Residence: 1823, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1860, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1860, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Elisha Hewitt, came from New York State in 1819 at age of 19, his wealth consisted of one half dollar and an extra pair of socks; he sold the socks for fifty cents and with the dollar bought an axe; settled on his farm 1823, died Oct 1863, owning several hundred acres of land.


A Few Notes on the Early History of Chalmers' Church, Winterbourne" - by Rev. A. M. Hamilton, M. A.

____________________________


At this corner, where the road divides, several of the earliest settlers made: their homes. The first to take up land near Capt.. Smith's was Elisha Hewitt, who was born in Cayuga, in northern New York State, in January 1800. His mother was a native of Maryland. He came to Canada in 1819, giving a jacknife to get across the Niagara River at Black Rock. He first worked for John Brubacher, near Berlin, and after that, for four years, at any job he might find. When he came to the township of Waterloo his capital consisted of half a dollar and an extra pair of socks. He sold his socks and then he had enough to buy an axe. From this small beginning he acquired several hundred acres of land. Not only this, but he was married three times and raised a family of fifteen children.

In the fall of the year 1823 Elisha Hewitt took up his farm in the township of Woolwich and in the same year married Rachel Cress, who, with her father, mother, two brothers and a sister, had come along with Mr. Erb in 1806. The Cress family settled at what is now St. Jacob's, in Woolwich, while Mr. Erb was in Waterloo township. One thing that is remembered of Elisha Hewitt is that he made large quantities of maple sugar.

Rachel Cress, Hewitt's first wife, died Dec. 2nd, 1846, at the age of 49 years and eight months. In the first family were: Ephriam married Jane Wright, moved to Wisconsin. Eliza married to Josh. Scheidel, lives in Berlin. Elisha married Catherine Benner, lived on the next farm north of C. D. Bowman's near West Montrose, and is now living in Berlin. Elizabeth married to Alex. Singer, moved to Michigan. Mary married to James Woolner, lives in Peel' township. Peter married Margaret Donaldson ; their home was in Winterboume. Rachel, who is Mrs. Pollock, now living near the old home.It is a remarkable fact that of the first family of seven all are yet living but Elizabeth and she was killed by a runaway accident.

Hewitt's second wife was Elspet Meldrum, who died Jan. 28th, 1860, at the age of 48 years and 3 months. In this family were: Margaret married to John Hillcock, Peterborough. Charlotte married to Daniel Kennedy, 'Toronto. Annie married in Tonawanda, 'N. Y. Jessie married to Joseph Benner, moved to Culross towmship where she died. Helen married Rev. Mr. Groff, lived near Breslau. Alexander died when a young man.

The third wife was Ann Hamilton, and their two children were Elsie and Wilhelmina, who with their mother, who married again, went to live at Ripley, near Kincardine.

Elisha Hewitt died October 8th, 1863, at the age of 63 years and 9 months.

The Early History of Elora, Ontario, and Vicinity by John R. Connon

Elisha — Elspit Meldrum. Elspit (daughter of Alexander Meldrum and Mrs.) was born 12 Oct 1811, , Scotland; died 28 Jan 1860; was buried , Winterbourne Presbyterian Cemetery, Winterbourne, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elspit Hewitt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30582

Notes:

Her father is rumored to be Alexander Meldrum of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00069-4147
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 112, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Kraft, "was a native of Auspack, Prussia, Germany, where he was born February 14th, 1771. He emigrated to America in 1806, landing at Philadelphia he wended his way to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he formed an acquaintance with parties who were making preparations to move to Canada. Not finding things in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to his expectations, he joined one of these parties among whom was George Eby, and came to Canada. This was in 1806, the same year he came to America. Being a tailor by trade he soon formed an acquaintance with all the settlers of Waterloo. In those days the tailors used to go from house to house making garments for the people, thus having an opportunity to form an acquaintance with all. On February 7th, 1808, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of George (Yarrick) Bechtel. She was born February 19th, 1789, and died November 17th, 1866. He died April 9th, 1844. Soon after their marriage they moved on the farm known as the "Old Abe Moyer Farm" about one and one-half miles south of Berlin. Here they resided for some years, then they sold their farm and purchased lot No. 112, German Company's Tract, situated east of Bridgeport. Their old homestead is now in possession of their grandson, Moses Kraft. Here they resided until their deaths. They were blessed with a family of four children"



Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

John married Magdalena Bechtel 7 Feb 1808. Magdalena (daughter of George Bechtel and Elizabeth Mary) was born 19 Feb 1789, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 17 Nov 1866, Near Bridgeport, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Kraft
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0817

Notes:

Magdalena Bechtel "the fourth daughter in the family, was born February 19th, 1789. On February 7th, 1808, she was married to John Kraft who was born February 14th, 1771, and died April 9th, 1844. they resided near Bridgeport, Ontario, where she died November 17th, 1866. They had a family of four children".


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28023204
• Name: John Bingeman
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1044
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of John Bingeman
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 114, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 05E, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 011, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer

Notes:

John Bingeman, "who was born in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, March 15th, 1783. On November 3rd, 1805, he was married to Hannah, daughter of Abraham and Esther (Shantz) Bergey. She was born December 16th, 1787. In 1825 they with their large family moved to Canada and settled near what is now Bridgeport, Ontario. The following summer they moved on the east side of the Grand River. This is now in possession of Moses Kraft, one of their grand-children. He died October 18th, 1854, and she died June 11th, 1868. To them was born a family of fourteen children".


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_________________________

A-1-46 John Bingeman: Administration to the Estate of John Bingeman, formerly of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, deceased, granted anede issued the 11 November 1854 to his widow Hannah Bingeman, after giving proof that her said husband was dead and dying intestate on or about the 18^th October next before, and on her giving surety herself and in the person orf Jonas Bingeman, of the aforesaid Township, Yeoman, and Elias Snyder, of the same place, Yeoman, each in the sum of £500/-. The Inventory of the chattels and goods left by said deceased at the time of his demise and the same delivered and on file in this office, amounting to £417/17/1 1/2d

Died October 18 1854
Letters granted 9 November 1854
Inventory £417/17/1 1/2

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber.

Johannes married Hannah S. Bergey 3 Nov 1805. Hannah (daughter of Abraham Bergey and Esther Shantz) was born 16 Dec 1787, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 11 Jun 1868, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 13 Jun 1868, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah S. Bingeman
• Eby ID Number: 00004-857
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Hannah S. Bergey

Notes:

Hannah S. Bergey," was married to John Bingeman."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

____________________________________


On the 11th of June, in Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, of apoplexy, HANNAH, widow of John BINGEMAN, aged 80 years, 5 months, and 25 days. Her maiden name was Berge. She was a native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She lived in wedlock forty-nine years and in widowhood nearly fourteen years, was the mother of fourteen children, nine of whom are still living, and leaves ninety-five grand-children and eighty-two great-grand-children. She was buried on the 13th in Ch. Eby's burying-ground. A funeral sermon was delivered by Pre. G. R. Smith from Eph. 2: 1, 5, and by Pre. Joseph Hegy from Rev. 14: 13.


Herald of Truth - Volume V, Number 8 - August, 1868, page 127, 128

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: dnf-124744

Elisha — Elizabeth Champlain. Elizabeth was born Abt 1770, , Maryland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Hewitt
• Eby ID Number: dnf-125671

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-89626
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of Scotland

Alexander — Mrs.. Mrs. was born CA 1790; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Winterbourne Presbyterian Cemetery, Winterbourne, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mrs. Meldrum
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-16732