Henry S. Bean

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00008-1021
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Henry S. Bean, "the fifth son, is married to Eva Hallman. They reside in N. E. Hope, Perth County, Ontario, where he is farming."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

Henry married Eva Hallman 9 Mar 1880, Plattsville, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Eva (daughter of Johann S. "John S." Hallman and Maria "Mary" Clemens) was born 17 Jan 1854, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Jul 1919, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Lingelbach Cemetery, South Easthope Township, Perth, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Elma Bean was born 31 Aug 1880, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 15 Jan 1920, Shiloh, Androscoggin, Maine, United States; was buried , Shiloh Cemetery, Durham, Androscoggin, Maine, United States.
2. Rev. Ivan Bean was born 20 Sep 1882, , Ontario, Canada; died 23 Oct 1950, Beloit, Rock, Wisconsin, United States.
3. Edith Bean was born 20 Oct 1884, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jan 1952, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Lingelbach Cemetery, South Easthope Township, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
4. Selena Bean was born 13 Aug 1886, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 11 Feb 1954, Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada.
5. Eldon H. Bean was born 23 Jun 1888, , Ontario, Canada; died 25 Oct 1953, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
6. Melvin Hallman Bean was born 14 May 1890, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 31 Jul 1961, London, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Forest Lawn Memorial Park Gardens, London, Middlesex, Ontario.
7. Mary Ann Bean was born 10 Sep 1892, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1981; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Name: Johannes Biehn
• Name: John Bean
• Eby ID Number: 00008-1014
• Residence: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Bean, "the fifth member in the family, was born about the year 1812. He was married to Annie, daughter of John and Barbara (Groh) Sheirich. She was born October 25th, 1818. After their marriage they moved to Wilmot Township, near Haysville, Ontario, where she died March 31st, 1881. To them was born a family of eleven 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.].

_________


WATERLOO COUNTY PIONEER'S INTERESTING HISTORY

Story of Life of Late John Bean who Settled in Wilmot Township in 1835. - Thrilling Adventure on the High Seas.

It is to be regretted that in the rush of modern life there is a tendency to forget those who, in the days long since gone by, through hardship and sacrifice made possible the advantages and privileges we now enjoy.

We become so occupied with the affairs of the moment that we frequently fail to appreciate the fact that there are certain benefits to be derived from a study of our ancestors. "Nature," says Emerson in his essay on History, "is an endless combination and repetition of a very few laws. Generation after generation she hums the same old air with innumerable variations." To gain a clear insight into the Present it is imperative that we study the Past.

The study of family history is frequently made difficult by the fact that no person has assumed the re- sponsibility of recording it. The duties of the family historian are invariably arduous, too often unremunerated, and the result is that this task is avoided. Fortunate, indeed, is the community where some public-spirited citizen or organization sponsors the task of compiling and preserving the records of the splendid men and women who, in days gone by, laid the foundations. of our present society.

In the old Stauffer Cemetery, one mile south of Haysville, sleep some two score persons, among them four or five of Wilmot's early pioneers. Their names are for the most part unfamiliar to the younger generation and their descendants have scattered far afield. But there is one outstanding exception, one whose descendants remain to take a part in the affairs of Waterloo County, one who by his activities a half a century ago left his impress on the community. It is with his and his ancestral history that the writer of this article wishes to deal.

Grave of John Bean.

Two plain stones mark the spot where lies the last mortal remains of John Bean (formerly spelled Biehn) and his wife Anna (Shiery) Bean. Born near the village of Doon in 1815, John Bean, accompanied by his young wife, came to South-West Wilmot in the year 1835, where he bought 200 acres of land from the Canada Company, the north half of which is now known as the Bean homestead. There he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1898, his wife predeceasing him by 17 years. His younger son, Isaac, now the only surviving member of his family, lives retired on the homestead and now in his 79th year enjoys the distinction of having spent nearly four-score years on the farm where he was born. Fred Bean, second son of Isaac, now owns and operates the old homestead.

History of "John Biehns"

John Bean, the subject of this sketch, came of a long line of progenitors of the same name, the Christian name "John" evidently being a favorite in the Bean family since we know his father, grandfather and great grandfather bore that name. The curtain rises on the Bean history in the year 1700, when in a canton in Switzerland between Zurich and Berne, the first John Bean, of whom we have record, was born. As is the way of the world he grew up, married, and begot children and in the year 1742 when his son John was five years old, decided to seek his fortune and freedom in America. Accompanied by friends and relatives he engaged passage on a vessel that sailed from a French port. This voyage to the new world was so eventful that the adventures encountered therein might well have been taken from the stirring tales of Robert Louis Stevenson. A voyage with a climax 80 dramatic and savouring 90 strongly of barratry and piracy on the high seas that it could well be classed with the truth that is stranger than fiction. This adventure was given little publicity in the early days for the simple reason that the tenets of the religious beliefs of the earlier Beans frowned on the use of force even in a just cause. In order to avoid the semblance of an anti-climax in this sketch the telling of this tale will be deferred until the close of the narrative.

Reaching America, the Beans settled in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where they followed the occupation of farming for many years. The five-year-old lad of the eventful voyage grew up and married a maiden named Barbara Fried. Of the six children of this union the one born in 1776 was named John, who was the father of the Wilmot pioneer.

Trek to Canada.

After spending half a century in Pennsylvania, the Beans decided to seek their fortunes further afield and in the year 1800 the John Bean, branch of the family began a long "trek" to Canada, while another section, the Paul Bean branch, moved to Texas and from that time. to this the two branches have never been in touch with each other. A few years ago the Saturday Evening Post in an article descriptive of early days in the "Pan-Handle State mentioned particularly a Judge. Bean who was an outstanding exponent of law and order when that state was rife with banditry and outlawry. The Canadian Beans have often wondered if he were one of the Paul Bean branch.

Settle in Waterloo County.

Just 134 years ago the John Bean family came to Waterloo County, bringing with them 9 covered wagons, 22 horses and a number of cattle. The major difficulties encountered were on the trip through the Alleghany Mountains, the crossing of the Niagara River and the penetration of the great Beverley swamp. They took up 3600 acres of land near Tow-town (now Doon) purchased from Robert Beasley, and John Baptist James Wilson and John Roseneau, the contract being signed July 18th, 1800. This land, known as the Bean tract, extended from the bend of the river at Doon to just west of Blair. The John Bean born in 1776 (father of the Wilmot pioneer) was married to Nancy Ann Bechtel in 1799 and their oldest child, Mary, born in 1800, was the first white child born in Waterloo County. She married John P. Saltzberger in 1819 and died December 29, 1888. There is a rival claimant for this honour but the Beans assert that the honour rightfully belongs to them. This John Bean had a combination grist and sawmill at Tow-town, which he sold to a man named Ferry. The name of the village was then changed to Ferry's Mills and later to Doon.

Had Fine Character.

John Bean, the Wilmot pioneer, had certain qualities that were characteristic of of the Beans history knew them. Quiet of speech, as refraining from interfering in the affairs of others, loving truth and fair play, he won the respect and esteem of his neighbours and associates. A faithful member of the Mennonite Church, he donated the land where now stands Bean's Mennonite Church.

A medium-sized man, inclined to be slight in build, he possessed the ability to perform his work on the farm with a facility that his appearance belied. Many a man working with him for the first time and anticipating an easy time in keeping pace with Mr. Bean found to his surprise and chagrin that his task was no sinecure. Measured and steady were the blows of his axe,

no hurry, no waste-motion, but with a rythm of stroke that was the same at the close of the day as in the morning. Of a quiet and peaceful, disposition, he was, like many quiet men, fearless when aroused. He resented injustice in any form and an incident is told that illustrates this characteristic. An agitation to build the first school in this pioneer settlement was being opposed by a certain ratepayer for obviously selfish reasons. At a public meeting, where this man was airing his views, Mr. Bean arose and denounced his attitude so scathingly that listeners for years afterward referred to his reply as a "classic". Perhaps he inherited this faculty of rising to the occasion from his great grandfather who, as referred to earlier in the narrative, participated in an unusual adventure which was as follows:

Colorful Ocean Voyage.

In the year 1712 the Beans, with a number of compatriots, set sail for America. They secured passage on a vessel that was leaving from a port in the Bay of Biscay. Who owned the vessel, of what nationality were the captain and crew, the compiler of this narrative could not ascertain. In the light of what happened envoyage cannot conceivably imagine that they were British. When they were at sea two months (a crack liner now makes the trip in less than a week) things began to go wrong. The passengers were informed by the captain that the food supply was running low and it was imperative that they be put on short rations. Shortly after this, disease broke out and many passengers sickened and died. Still, there was nothing unusual in this, just the fortune of the sea and what one might expect. But there were certain other things that were out of the ordinary. No sooner were the unfortunate victims of disease consigned to the ocean than any possessions they had aboard were confiscated by the ship's officials. Suspicion grew among the passengers that they were the victims of a nefarious plot that the issuing of short rations was not because of low supplies but just a diabolical method of undermining the vitality of these peace-loving emigrants in order to secure their possessions when they ultimately succumbed to starvation and disease, that the captain could land them in a short time if he so desired, but was deliberately keeping the vessel at sea. Then, on the 82nd day at sea, the drama opened in earnest. By one bold stroke the passengers seized the captain and crew and took possession of the ship. They made an investigation and their worst suspicions were confirmed, there was plenty of food on board ship. An ultimatum was then issued to the captain-forty-eight hours to land the passengers or pay the penalty of death. The captain, while scoundrel, was no fool. He read in the faces of the aroused people an inexorable purpose. Their lives and the lives of their children jeopardized by his villainy, they had reached a point where they would do exactly as they had stated. Had this captain been hundreds of miles at sea he certainly would have been in a tough "spot". But fortunately for himself, he was not. Under his direction the helm was turned and in one-half the time stipulated the passengers were landed on a point on the eastern coast of America. Overjoyed at their deliverance, they knelt and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving, and reverting to their former habit of thought, forgave the captain and crew, permitting them to sail away without inflicting well- deserved punishment.

Waterloo Chronicle, 25 Oct 1934, p. 4

_____________________

John Biehn.

Here is an individual who can be aptly called the "Grand Old Man" of this section. He was born May 12, 1813 He was married to Barbara (Groh) Sherich in 1834. She was born Oct. 25, 1818, and died March 31, 1881. They had eleven children. They came to Wilmot on June 16, 1834, and settled in the wilderness, and cleared up the farm upon which he now lives a retired life. When they arrived they erected a log cabin, cut a hole in the side for a door, put down some loose boards and started house- keeping. Their first child, Barbara, was born in this humble pioneer home, and was the first child born in the neighborhood. For some time Mr, Biehn's brother Jacob, lived with them. At that time the old four in hand stage coach then travelled between Niagara and Goderich, and often it would require seven hours to reach Stratford, a distance of seventeen miles. Deer were in abundance, and if other delicacies happened to be conspicuously scarce in the cabin larder, venison would often form a savory morsel for the festal board. Despite the drawbacks and privations incident to a pioneer life, Mr. Biehn succeeded in clearing up a 200 acre farm and provided for his children.

On May 12th next he will have attained the advanced age of eighty- five years. Yet he has a mind as perfect as one in the vigor of youth, and is an agreeable conversationalist. In the latter particular be does not exhibit the least sign of old age. What surprised me most was to see this octogenarian read with ease small newspaper print without the aid of glasses. He uses neither tobacco or intoxicating liquor. He informed the writer that on one occasion he smoked tobacco to cure the toothache, but it made him dizzy without having any permanent beneficial effect upon the offensive molar, and he has not used the weed since. He has also had some narrow escapes in his time. Once when he was down in a well, the man at the top accidentally let a stone drop on his head. He was drawn up in a dazed condition, but soon after recovered without serious results. About thirteen years ago he fell from a load of hay with a pitchfork in his hands. In this mishap be injured his neck, and broke the crystal of his watch. He will converse for hours without a sign of fatigue, and his memory is remarkably keen. His present robust physical condition would indicate that he will easily reach the century mark.

In my next letter I will endeavor to give some very interesting sketches of Haysville and vicinity.

H. N.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 21 Apr 1898, p. 8

John married Anna Scheirich 3 Nov 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of John Scheirich and Barbara Groh) was born 25 Oct 1818, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Mar 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Stauffer Abandoned Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Biehn
• Eby ID Number: 00100-5565
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Scheirich, "was born October 25th, 1818, and died March 31, 1881. She was married to John Biehn. They resided in Wilmot Township, near Haysville, where she died. Their family consisted of eleven 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/41603273
• Name: John Biehn
• Eby ID Number: 00008-976
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Biehn, " the eldest son of John and Barbara (Fried)Biehn, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1776. In 1799 he was married to Nancy, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Hoch) Bechtel. In 1800 they with his parents and family, and others moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County where now is the village of Doon. Here they resided until their deaths. Their family consisted of seven 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.].

Johannes married Anna "Nancy" Bechtel 1799. Anna (daughter of Abraham Bechtel and Mary Hoch) was born CA 1777, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died , Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67850383
• Name: Anna "Nancy" Biehn
• Name: Nancy Bechtel
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0810

Notes:

Anna Bechtel "daughter of IV Abraham and Mary (Hoch) Bechtel, was married to John Biehn. They resided at Doon, Ontario, where they had a family of seven 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/201938789
• Name: John Shiry
• Eby ID Number: 00100-5561
• Military: 1812; War of 1812
• Residence: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

John Scheirich "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, August 4th, 1787. He came to Canada with his parents when eighteen years of age. When some twenty years old he was married to Barbara Groh who was born May 28th, 1784, and died November 28th, 1858. They resided on his father's place near Berlin where both died. His death took place April 3rd, 1862. Their family consisted of nine 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.].

____________________

"... On the 18th day of June, 1812, President Madison declared war against England. This placed the Pennsylvania people in a very trying position and as they could not be induced to take up arms, they were pressed into service as teamsters and were obliged to furnish their own horses. Ox-teams were employed when no horses were to be had. Those who were required to serve in this capacity were Christian Schneider Jr., Peter Erb, Joseph Eby, Samuel Eschelman, Benjamin Springer, Frederick Herner, Jacob Bock, Henry Pannebecker, John Scheirich, Henry Wismer, John Biehn, Adam Shupe and Wildfong.

In January, 1813, General Proctor defeated the Americans near Detroit, capturing General Wilkinson with 500 men. In September General Harrison having been joined by a fierce body of riflemen from Kentucky, advanced towards Detroit in such force that General Proctor crossed the Detroit River and retreated up the Thames. On being followed by the American Army of 3500 men, he made a stand at Moraviantown with 800 British and 500 Indians under Tecumseh. This warrior was killed, and Proctor retreated in great confusion to Burlington Heights in order to join the Niagara Army. A number of the Waterloo people were up at the battle on the Thames. These Waterloo boys acting as teamsters had taken shelter in a swamp near by while the battle was being fought. An officer of the British army, seeing that all was lost, gave them warning, said 'Boys, all is lost, clear out and make the best you can,' upon which some ran, while others unhitched their horses and rode off for their lives. Christian Schneider Jr., who carried the money-safe on his wagon, cleared out on his horses, leaving the wagon with all its contents behind. In this defeat old Adam Shupe was taken prisoner by the Americans. He was taken before General Harrison who, perceiving his innocent and harmless appearance, dismissed him and granted him permission to return to his Canadian home. He lost both his horses and wagon. Christian Schneider was away the greater part of the summer. On his first trip he had a two-horse team. After being home a few weeks he had to go again, this time with a four-horse team. During this war which lasted a little more than two years, quite a number of small battles were fought in the Niagara Peninsula and in the vicinity of Detroit. Quite a few of these Pennsylvania Dutch boys were pressed to serve as teamsters and exposed to all manner of danger, but strange to say, not one lost his life through the war.

On the 24th of December, 1814, peace was made between England and the United States, leaving each in exactly the same position as they had been before the war. After peace was restored the government of Canada fully compensated those teamsters for their losses during the war and for their valuable services. Christian Schneider Jr. was paid $5.00 a day for the time he served with a two-horse team, and $8.00 per day for a four-horse team, besides they were paid for horses and wagons that were lost during the time they served the government."


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 Barbara Groh Abt 1807. Barbara (daughter of Michael Groh and Elizabeth Witmer) was born 28 May 1784, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 28 Nov 1858, Near Hespeler, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Scheirich
• Eby ID Number: 00045-3404

Notes:

Barbara Groh, "the third daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Witmer) Groh, was born May 28th, 1784. She was married to John Scheirich who came to Canada in 1805. They resided near Berlin, on the farm now possessed by George Histand. Their family consisted of several 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/40614623
• Eby ID Number: 00008-970
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Unnumbered Lots Doon, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Biehn " was a native of Switzerland where he was born in 1737. In 1742 his parents moved to America and settled in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where he was raised. He was married to Barbara Fried who was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1744. In 1800 they with their family of grown children moved to Canada and settled one mile west of Doon, Ontario, on the farm now in possession of Aaron S. Biehn, their great-grand-son. Here the old progenitor purchased a large tract of land still known as "Biehn's Tract." She died in 1807, aged 63 years, and he died in 1811, aged 74 years. .."


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 — Barbara Fried. Barbara was born 1744, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 1807, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Kinzie-Bean Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region. Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143438279
• Name: Barbara Biehn
• Eby ID Number: 00008-970.1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67850623
• Residence: 55 Fallbrook Lane, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0736
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Old Survey Lot 03, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Abraham Bechtel "son of III Abraham who was first-cousin to III Rev. Martin Bechtel, was born March 7th, 1739. He was married to Mary Hoch who was born February 22nd, 1745, and died July 18th, 1841. In 1800 he with his wife and family moved to Canada and settled near Blair where they both died. He died October 2nd, 1825. Their family consisted of one son and four daughters"

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.].

___________________

Beside the many hardships, labors and sufferings in getting here and making themselves homes, quite a few settlers along where Blair is now situated were visited by a fire this spring of 1806.

On the 6th of May fire was set to a Job [a tract of land with timber slashed down ready to be burned so that the land could be farmed later] of 10 or 15 acres, soon after which a great wind arose, and swept through the new clearings and destroyed fences, houses and barns.

Abraham Stauffer had his barn burnt.
Abraham Bechtel had his house and barn burnt.
Jacob Bechtel's house was saved but his barn and everything else were consumed.
Nathaniel Dodge who was the last of the settlers along the river, had two barns with all their contents burnt.

The fire went on making the most fearful destruction of all kinds of valuable timber. Thus those settlers who were probably the most advanced with their new homes were suddenly left without house, food or clothing, and were obliged to go below Dundas through mud, water, swamp and forest for provisions and other necessaries, which were not obtainable from their neighbors.

MENNONITE IMMIGRATION TO WATERLOO COUNTY - THE MOYER JOURNAL

Attributed to Samuel S. Moyer 1849 - 1941

Abraham — Mary Hoch. Mary was born 22 Feb 1745, Of, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 18 Jul 1831, Near Blair, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blair Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67851091
• Name: Mary Bechtel
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0736.2

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44341979
• Name: Matthias Shiry
• Eby ID Number: 00100-5559
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 051, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Mathias Scheirich, "the ancestor of the family, was a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was born December 6th, 1751. In 1805 he emigrated to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, nearly two miles south of Berlin. His old homestead is now possessed by George Histand. He was married to Catharine Mooney who was born in 1762 and died December 10th, 1825. He died February 6th, 1835. They had a family of eight (maybe they had more than eight) 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.].

Mathias — Catharine Mooney. Catharine was born 1762; died 10 Dec 1825; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202167033
• Name: Catharine Scheirich
• Eby ID Number: 00100-5559.1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00045-3401

Notes:

Michael Groh, "the third son of old Hannes and Magdalena (Baumann) Groh, was born in 1757. In 1779 he was married to Elizabeth Witmer. In 1804 he, in company with others, came to Canada with the object of making a thorough inspection of the nature of the country. So well was Mr. Groh pleased with the appearance of the country (then all in its primeval state) that he took up a claim between Preston and Hespeler. He cleared about six acres and made it ready for fall wheat. On this clearing he erected a small log cabin into which he purposed moving on his return, with family, from Pennsylvania. In August of the same year he returned to his parental home in Montgomery County. During the first week of September (1804) he, (bidding adieu to his parents, brothers, friends and relatives, and not thinking of this being their last time of meeting here on earth) in company with his wife and family, set out on the journey for their Canadian home. They came as far as Buffalo where they crossed the Niagara River and proceeded on their journey to Mr. Boyer's who resided near the river on the Canadian side, where Mr. Groh, the father of the family, took sick and, after a few weeks suffering, died. The wife and two sons, John and Jacob, and one or two daughters, proceeded on their journey to Waterloo while the eldest daughter, Barbara, remained with her father to nurse him during his illness, and after his recovery they were to follow the family, but the mother and family had no sooner arrived at their new home when word came that the father was dead. He died about September 20th, 1804. Their family consisted of seven 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.].

Michael married Elizabeth Witmer 1779. Elizabeth was born Abt 1760, Of, Montgomery Co. Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Groh
• Eby ID Number: 00045-3401.1
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 07, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 2 Lot 07, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 3 Lot 11, Waterloo County, Ontario