Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Hilda Schafer

Female 1902 - 1991  (~ 88 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Hilda Schafer was born Dec 1902, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of William Alexander Schafer and Louise Marie Kraehling); died 1991; was buried , New Hamburg Reformed Menn. Cem., New Hamburg, Waterloo, ON.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Hilda Doering
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-157486P
    • Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

    Hilda — Wilmot Abel Doering. Wilmot (son of John Doering and Annie Wismer) was born 1898; died 1942; was buried , New Hamburg Reformed Menn. Cem., New Hamburg, Waterloo, ON. [Group Sheet]


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  William Alexander Schafer was born Aug 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Wilhelm "William" Schaefer and Susanna Hoffman); died 1951; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Alexander Schaefer
    • Name: Alexander Schafer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-142595
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical N.
    • Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
    • Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
    • Occupation: 1898, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
    • Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farm Laborer
    • Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
    • Residence: 1939, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    William married Louise Marie Kraehling 27 Dec 1898, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Louise (daughter of Johannes "John" Kraehling and Elizabeth Killer) was born 27 Mar 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1955; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Louise Marie Kraehling was born 27 Mar 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Johannes "John" Kraehling and Elizabeth Killer); died 1955; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Louise Marie Schafer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24671
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Luthean
    • Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

    Children:
    1. Walter Henry Schafer was born 5 Nov 1900, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Jul 1979, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. 1. Hilda Schafer was born Dec 1902, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1991; was buried , New Hamburg Reformed Menn. Cem., New Hamburg, Waterloo, ON.
    3. Largetta Elizabeth Schaefer was born Aug 1904, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    4. Wilfred Schafer was born Jun 1906, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Wilhelm "William" Schaefer was born 18 Jun 1838, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Johann Mathias "Mathias" Schaefer and Eva Maria Rebscher); died 2 Jan 1918, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127440925
    • Name: William Schaefer
    • Name: William Schafer
    • Name: William Shafer
    • Residence: 230 Queen St. S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-142589
    • Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Reformer
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
    • Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical N.
    • Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
    • Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

    Notes:

    Mr. Wm. Schaefer, S., Queen. Died

    Friends will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Wm. Schaefer, South Queen Street, last night. Further particulards to-morrow.

    The News Record 03 Jan 1918, Thu Page 2

    __________

    Mr. Wm. Shafer Answers Last Call
    Was A Former Member of Township and Town Councils

    The county has lost a citizen of sterling worth and character, by the death of M. William Shafer, which occurred on Wednesday evening at his home at 2.30 South Queen Street, following an affliction of about a year's duration.

    Mr. Shafer was widely known in this district. Both in private life and in the municipal field his name was familiar to not a few, who were admirers of his friendliness, geniality and fair dealings. He was born in this town in the year 1838 and had reached the advanced age of 79 years, 6 months and 24 days, but was reared in the Township of Wilmot. For forty years he farmed on his property on the Petersburg Road, a mile and a half from this city, which a few years ago was sold to a syndicate and put on the market. Sixteen years ago he retired from his farming pursuits and removed to this town, his home being the handsome property at 230 South Queen Street.

    Mr. Shafer besides devoting his attention to farming found time to serve the public as a municipal legislator. For about eight years he served, on the WaterlooTownship Council and for some years he also was a member of the local Town Council. His services as Councillor were valuable and ware so recognized by those in touch with public affairs.

    His wife predeceased him about twenty years ago. Surviving him are the following children John, on the old homestead Alexander of the Petersburg Road Jacob, Guersney, Sask., who is here at present Ezra, of Marian, Kansas, George, of London, and one daughter, Veronica, at home.

    The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. next Monday at the residence and later Zion Evangelical Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

    The News Record 4 Jan 1918 pg 1

    Wilhelm married Susanna Hoffman 23 Dec 1863, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susanna (daughter of Jacob Hoffman and Veronica Eby) was born CALC 8 Jan 1843, , Ontario, Canada; died 14 Sep 1897; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Susanna Hoffman was born CALC 8 Jan 1843, , Ontario, Canada (daughter of Jacob Hoffman and Veronica Eby); died 14 Sep 1897; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127441185
    • Name: Susanna Schaefer
    • Eby ID Number: 00055-3810
    • Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; EA
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical N.
    • Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

    Notes:

    Susannah Hoffman, "was born January 18th, 1839. She was married December 23rd, 1863, to William Shaefer, a farmer. They reside a few miles west of Berlin. To them are born six 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.].

    Children:
    1. Veronica Martha Schafer was born 4 Oct 1864, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Apr 1939, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Jacob H. Schaefer was born 18 Jan 1869, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 May 1944; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. John E. Schaefer was born 2 Feb 1869, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1954, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Emma A. Schaefer was born CALC 4 Oct 1871, of, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Apr 1872, Near Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. 2. William Alexander Schafer was born Aug 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1951; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Ezra C. Schaefer was born 1875, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. George Wesley Shafer was born 7 May 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1963; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 6.  Johannes "John" Kraehling was born 9 Mar 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Eckhard Kraehling and Catharine Yungblut); died 17 May 1907, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: John Kraehling
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24672
    • Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Johannes married Elizabeth Killer 29 May 1868, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Heinrich "Henry" Killer and Maria Catherine "Catherine" Merlan, daughter of Valentine Zeller and Kunigunda Reiber) was born CALC 11 Dec 1845, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Nov 1898; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Elizabeth KillerElizabeth Killer was born CALC 11 Dec 1845, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Heinrich "Henry" Killer and Maria Catherine "Catherine" Merlan, daughter of Valentine Zeller and Kunigunda Reiber); died 23 Nov 1898; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Elizabeth Kraehling
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24673
    • Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; House Maid
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Lutheran
    • Residence: 1866, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Children:
    1. John K. Kraehling was born 12 Apr 1868, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    2. Catherine Kraehling was born 3 Mar 1869, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    3. 3. Louise Marie Kraehling was born 27 Mar 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1955; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Henry Kraehling was born 7 Jul 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. Mary Ann Kraehling was born Jul 1875, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1934.
    6. Igeta Kraehling was born 1877, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. Ament Kraehling was born 1879, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    8. Elmina Kraehling was born Feb 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    9. Johanna Marie Kraehling was born 5 Sep 1884, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 May 1943, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Philipsburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Edwin Nicholas Kraehling was born 8 Mar 1887, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Jul 1973, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 12 Jul 1973, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Philipsburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Johann Mathias "Mathias" Schaefer was born 29 Jan 1808, Berfelde, Hessia, Germany (son of Johann Wilhelm Schaefer and Elisabetha Christina Seip); died 2 Apr 1889, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210256311
    • Name: John Matthias Schaefer
    • Name: Mathias Schafer
    • Name: Matteus Schäfer
    • Name: Matthew Schaefer
    • Name: Matthias Schaefer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-75285
    • Birth: 29 Jan 1808, Falten Gaisas, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany
    • Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
    • Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Reformed
    • Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
    • Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

    Notes:

    Matthias born at Falkengesas, Erbach, Hesse; baptism (film 1346439;item 2, book 7) Beerfelden, Erbach, Odenwald, Hesse, Church books for Beerfelden, parish register baptisms; date of birth 29 Jan 1808 at 3:00 pm; mother Elizabetha Christina Seip; father Johann Wilhelm Schafer; grandfathers Samuel Schafer (master smith) and Johann Justus Seip (councilman); occupation of father master tailor; first child born to parents; record in book 7, p. 11, no. 18; named spelled Matthaeus. His parents were not married and did not marry. His mother does marry three times, but not to Schafer.

    David Armstrong - Ancestry Public Member Tree 2020

    Johann — Eva Maria Rebscher. Eva (daughter of George Nikolaus "Nicholas" Rebscher and Sophia) was born 12 Sep 1810, Beerfelden, Odenwaldkreis, Hessen, Germany; died 8 Mar 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 9.  Eva Maria Rebscher was born 12 Sep 1810, Beerfelden, Odenwaldkreis, Hessen, Germany (daughter of George Nikolaus "Nicholas" Rebscher and Sophia); died 8 Mar 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210256596
    • Name: Eva
    • Name: Eva Maria Schaefer
    • Name: Maria
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-75286
    • Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Reformed
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W, Methodist

    Notes:

    In Berlin, on Monday morning, March 8th, Mrs Eva Maria Schaefer, aged 86 years months and 24 days.

    The funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, from the residence of her son, Mr J Schaefer, Park St, to the German Methodist church, and thence to the Wilmot cemetery for interment.

    The News Record - 09 Mar 1897, Tue Page 1

    _________________

    Called Home

    An old resident of Berlin, Mrs Eva Maria Selhaefer, was called over the river, on Monday afternoon, after a short illness Deceased was 86 years old, and had been in her usual health until Saturday last, when La Grippe set in, caused by a cold, and this illness took her away. Mrs Schaefer was born in Germany, and after immigrating to Canada, lived for a long time in Wilmot Centre. After the death of her husband, some seven years ago, she took up her residence with her son, Mr John Schaefer, Park St, Berlin, where she remained till her death. She leaves a family of four sons: William, Petersburg road; George, Plattsville; Daniel, May City, Iowa, and John, of Berlin, and one daughter, Mrs John Jacobs, Sebringville. The funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, from the residence of Mr J Schaefer, Park street, to the German Methodist church, and thenee to the Wilmot cemetery for interment.

    The News Record - 09 Mar 1897, Tue Page 1

    Children:
    1. Adam B. Schaefer was born 17 Feb 1831, , Hessen, Germany; died 5 Jul 1905, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, St. Jacobs, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Sophia Schaefer was born 9 Dec 1832, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 May 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Anna Catharin "Catherine" Schafer was born 12 Mar 1836, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 5 Jun 1836, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jan 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. 4. Wilhelm "William" Schaefer was born 18 Jun 1838, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Jan 1918, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Ernestina Wilhelmina Shafer was born 15 Aug 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 May 1937, Stratford, Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Sebringville Cemetery, Sebringville, Perth Co., Ontario.
    6. Heinrich Schaefer was born 1842, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Nov 1865, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. Matheus Schafer was born 25 Jun 1845, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Aug 1854, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    8. George Schaefer was born 1847, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    9. Daniel Schafer was born 5 Sep 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Nov 1925, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Harrison Cemetery, May City, Osceola, Iowa, United States.
    10. John Schafer was born 1853, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    11. Alexander Shafer was born 1858, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    12. Ernest Schafer was born 1858, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.

  3. 10.  Jacob Hoffman was born 18 Sep 1809, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania (son of Peter Hoffman); died 15 Nov 1864, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Jakob Hoffman
    • Eby ID Number: 00055-3799
    • Historical Event: 29 Aug 1839, Evangelical Association Church, Waterloo, Ontario; church founding
    • Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; chair and cabinet maker
    • Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
    • Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association

    Notes:

    Jacob Hoffman, "son of Peter Hoffman, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 18th, 1809. When a young man he came to Canada and settled in Waterloo County where he worked with the carpenters for a number of years. He was married to Veronica Eby who was born March 8th, 1817, and died December 19th, 1876. They resided in the town of Berlin where he was engaged in manufacturing all kinds of furniture. He died November 15th, 1864. They had a family of eight children, two of whom died in infancy."


    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

    ___________________________

    Zion United Church

    A Sunday School was established in Berlin in 1837, meeting in Jacob Hailer's carpenter shop which was located at the southeast corner of what is now King and Scott Streets. A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob, was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation. The Berlin congregation met in the old Town Hall until their first church was built in 1841 on Queen Street South across from Church Street on land purchased as of August 24, 1841 from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schneider. The church was dedicated on September 25th of that year, with Rev. Christian Hummel of Buffalo, New York, officiating. Rev. Joseph Harlacher was pastor from 1840-1842. In 1842 the Waterloo Mission became a Circuit of the East Pennsylvania Conference. Two years later it was part of the New York Conference.

    The second church building was built of brick on the same site in 1866, and dedicated in 1867; Rev. C.A. Spies was pastor at the time. The old frame church was sold and moved to Elgin Street where it was used as a dwelling. In the same year Berlin became a station.

    The present church building was built in 1893 on Weber Street; dedication services were held on June 15, 16 and 17, 1894. This building was heavily damaged by fires in 1942 and 1965 but was renovated and restored each time.

    The union of the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 created the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The name of the church was to change again, to Zion United Church when the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada on January 1, 1968. Of interest: some maps of early Berlin show this church as a German Methodist church.

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

    _______________________

    Emmanuel United Church

    The first Evangelical missionaries arrived in the Waterloo area in 1837. The first Waterloo class (congregation) was formed on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert during a camp meeting at David Erb's farm near Lexington. Jacob Hoffman was the Waterloo-Lexington class leader; his brother, John, was class leader in Berlin. A brick building which was erected by Samuel Burkholder in 1849 on Church Street, near King, was offered to the congregation for their use as a church, rent free, provided that they agreed to finish and furnish the building. Dedication of the new church was in 1851. The house, known as Burkholder House, is still standing, but Church Street in Waterloo is now known as Central Street.

    In the early 1890s Waterloo was in the North District of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association, and was ministered to jointly with Bridgeport. Pastors in those years were Revs. C.R. Knechtel (1890-1891), F. Meyer (1892), D. Kreh (1893), and W.J. Yaeger (1894).

    A new church, which was built in 1871 at the corner of Cedar and Water Streets (now Bridgeport Road and Dorset Street), was replaced in 1905 by the present structure. Dedication was in May, 1906. Emmanuel Hall was built in 1938. Changes made in 1963 included an addition, a new front entrance and renovation of the former Christian Education area.

    On November 16, 1946 the Evangelical Church joined with congregations of the United Brethren in Christ Church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. When the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada as of January 1, 1968, Emmanuel became a United Church..

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

    ______________________

    King Street , North Side

    Foundry Street (now Ontario Street).

    Jacob and John Hoffman, brothers, who came from Pennsylvania, erected a furniture factory on the corner about 1840. It was a two story frame building extending along King St., had 25 to 30 employees and a 15 h.p. engine brought from Buffalo.

    Eby's history gives John Hoffman as having come from Pennsylvania in 1825; Jacob, almost two years older, seems to have come before. They both worked at carpentry, etc., for a number of years before starting the factory in which enterprise they were assisted by Benjamin Eby. On the ridge of the factory roof there was a belfry with the only larger bell in Berlin. This bell served not only the factory but the village as well, pinging at 7 in the morning, at 12, at 1 and at 6 o'clock in the evening. It was used also as a fire bell and was tolled for funerals.

    By some prank or spite the bell was stolen in 1850 before there was a night watchman at the factory, and disappeared for two or three years. Eventually it was found in a well at the comer of Duke and College Streets, put back in place on the Hoffman factory and later was taken to a belfry on the Simpson factory spoken of, where it was used until this factory was discontinued. It was then taken to the pavilion in Victoria Park and was melted down when the pavilion was destroyed by fire.

    Behind the Hoffman factory there was a pond, about three feet deep, fed by a spring, the water being used for the factory boiler, etc. About 1860 a frame building, used by the firm for a warehouse, covered the site of the spring. Further back there was a saw mill, also a planing mill, the first of its kind in Berlin. A two story frame building extending along Foundry Street was later added to the factory and used as a turning shop. At the rear of this building was the factory boiler house.

    Next to the factory on King Street there was a three story brick building. The ground floor was used as a store, called the Berlin Warehouse. Jacob Hoffman, who by this time was alone in the business, John having gone to Waterloo, announced himself as dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, china, glassware, crockery, and paint and oils and manufacturer of all kinds of furniture, also sash doors, etc., selling low for cash. An overhead passage way on a bridge connected the second stories of the factory and brick building. Over the store was the paint shop and in the rear a warehouse. Hoffman's store was later occupied by William Schmidt, son of Rev. Wm. Schmidt, an early minister of the Evangelical Church. Schmidt had a dry goods store only, known as the Golden Lion store because of a large gilt lion over the entrance. Isaac Hoffman, son of Jacob, carried on the factory and store for several years; later John S. Anthes was in possession while Hoffman went to Waterloo and continued the furniture business there with Adam Klippert and Martin Wegenast as partners. Jacob and John Hoffman erected a number of houses in Berlin.

    Jacob Hoffman was very stout, weighing over 300 pounds. He was a member of the Evangelical Church. For a time he served on the village council. He resided on Foundry Street in the rear of the Canadian Block in a square, hip roof, two story, frame house, until it was destroyed by fire, when he moved to the west side of Foundry Street, south, where now is the Robe & Clothing Co. building. Here he had a one and one-half story frame house with a large two story addition at the rear where were lodged apprentices and other factory employees. There was a small portico over the front door and a porch extending along the northerly side of the house.

    Next to the Hoffman warehouse there was a saloon and restaurant occupied by a Mr. Unger. He served, among other things, oysters which came in small wooden, 1-gal. kegs. Adjoining Hoffman's store there was the tailor shop of H. J. Nahrgang, later occupied by Henry Glebe, an early band master; next a store differently occupied at various times and next the shoe store of Wm. Niehaus. A three story brick building occupied by Wm. Young as a grocery. Mr. Young eventually went to the Canadian Block and the store was used for various purposes, among them auction sales in the evening. Here there was sold the first white crockery offered in Berlin. Later the building was occupied by the Berliner Journal.

    A one and one-half story frame building with gable toward King St. and a veranda, occupied by Mr. Fuchs, a tailor and shoemaker, whose wife assisted her husband as expert in repairing clocks. The family lived in the building. About 1865 the frame building was moved to the rear and Fuchs' block erected on the street. The ground floor had three stores, the west one occupied by Mr. Fuchs, the middle by John Kayser, dry goods merchant, and the third one by Tindall Simpson and Sons, shoemakers and tailors. The first building on part of the Fuchs' block site was a rough frame structure used by one Susand, colored, who was the first barber in Berlin.

    A two story brick building with gable facing King Street, occupied by Christian Garman, harness maker, who later moved to New Hamburg and started a tannery. This building was later occupied by Levi Gaukel, son of Frederick Gaukel, after his father's death. He had a small hotel known as The Red Lion. In 1860 Urban Prinzer succeeded Gaukel and continued the hotel for a short time.

    A two and one-half story brick building with gable facing King St. was occupied by Levi Gaukel, as a butcher shop after he gave up the hotel next door. Jacob Gaukel was associated with Levi. Later George Debus occupied this shop.

    A building with gable and porch facing King Street, later occupied by George DeBus as a barber shop.

    On the corner of King and Queen Streets there was first a driving shed for the Gaukel hotel opposite, until the Bowman block was erected in 1860. This was a three story brick building lengthwise with King Street. Joseph Bowman the noted violinist occupied the third floor of this building. Half of the ground floor of the building was occupied by Henry B. Bowman with a partner Heins as general dry goods store. This was on the corner. The other half was a brick store occupied by Cole and Graf, druggists, and later by Wm. Bowman in the same business. On the site of the Bowman block is the handsome Bank building built by the Merchants Bank and now occupied by the Bank of Montreal.


    REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

    Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

    Historical Event:
    A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob, was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation.1a

    1aAmbrose, Rosemary. Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1993. [used the kind permission of Rosemary Ambrose 2011]

    Jacob — Veronica Eby. Veronica (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger) was born 8 Mar 1817, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Dec 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 11.  Veronica Eby was born 8 Mar 1817, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger); died 19 Dec 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Veronica Hoffman
    • Eby ID Number: 00031-2744
    • Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ea
    • Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evang. Assoc.

    Notes:

    Veronica Eby, "the youngest daughter of George Eby, was born March 8th. 1817, and died December 19th, 1876. She was married to Jacob Hoffman who was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 18th, 1809, and died in Berlin, Ontario, November 15th, 1864.


    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.].

    _____________________


    In Veronica's daughter's marriage (Maria) it states that Veronica's name was Fredericka.

    Children:
    1. Isaac E. Hoffman was born 8 Mar 1835, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Feb 1898; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Sarah Hoffman was born 1 Apr 1837, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Sep 1854, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. 5. Susanna Hoffman was born CALC 8 Jan 1843, , Ontario, Canada; died 14 Sep 1897; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Mary Ann Hoffman was born 10 Feb 1845, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jul 1874, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Rebecca Hoffman was born 22 Jun 1848, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Nov 1909; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Edward Hoffman was born 1852, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. Magdalena Hoffman was born 7 Jul 1853, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Sep 1857, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  5. 12.  Eckhard Kraehling was born 1806, , Hessen, Germany; died 30 Sep 1885, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-57165
    • 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; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Eckhard — Catharine Yungblut. Catharine was born 1817, , Hessen, Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]


  6. 13.  Catharine Yungblut was born 1817, , Hessen, Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Catharine Kraehling
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-57247
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Children:
    1. 6. Johannes "John" Kraehling was born 9 Mar 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 May 1907, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Mary Kraehling was born 6 May 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Mar 1912; was buried , First St. Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, Wellesley Village, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. George Kraehling was born 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.

  7. 14.  Heinrich "Henry" Killer was born CALC 11 Apr 1807, Gross Hessen, Germany; died 8 Feb 1875, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Henry Killer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-248332
    • Occupation: 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; labourer
    • Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Lutheran
    • Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Heinrich married Maria Catherine "Catherine" Merlan 13 Nov 1836, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Maria was born CALC 23 Mar 1813, Gross Hessen, Germany; died 14 Sep 1888, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  8. 15.  Maria Catherine "Catherine" Merlan was born CALC 23 Mar 1813, Gross Hessen, Germany; died 14 Sep 1888, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Catherine Merlan
    • Name: Maria Catherine "Catherine" Killer
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-248333
    • Residence: 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Lutheran
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Children:
    1. Catherine Keller was born 25 Dec 1836, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Dec 1910, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Fairmount Cemetery, Baden, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. John Killer was born 5 Nov 1845, , Ontario, Canada; died 12 Dec 1919, Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States.
    3. 7. Elizabeth Killer was born CALC 11 Dec 1845, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Nov 1898; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.