Jacob Edgar Shantz

Other Events:

• Name: Edgar Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6759.2
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite

Other Events:

• Name: M. B. Shantz
• Name: Moses B. Schantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6759
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Labor
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; manufacturer
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite
• Elected Office: 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Councillor - Kitchener Council

Notes:

Moses B. Shantz, "was born August 24th, 1852. He is married to Veronica Bingeman. They reside in Rochester, New York, where he is engaged in manufacturing ivory and pearl buttons."

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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

Moses married Veronica Bingeman 7 Dec 1875, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Veronica (daughter of Jonas B. Bingeman and Elizabeth Brubacher) was born 1856, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1928, Rochester, Monroe, New York, United States; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, Monroe, New York, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Fanny Bingeman
• Name: Francis Bingeman
• Name: Veronica Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1058
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite

Notes:

Veronica Bingeman," was born in 1856. She is married to Moses B. Shantz. They reside in the city of Rochester, New York, where he is engaged in the manufacture of buttons. Their family consists of 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

Other Events:

• Interesting: building, business, politics, life story
• Interesting: story, politics, business, emmigration
• Name: J. Y. Shantz
• Name: Jacob Y. Shantz
• Name: Jakob Y. Schantz
• Residence: 105 Queen St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6754
• Historic Building: 1855, 138 Church St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Historic Building: 1855, 142 Church Street, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; button manufacturer
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite
• Elected Office: 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mayor - Kitchener
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Possessions: 1893, 240 Duke St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Business: 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; J. Y. Shantz & Son's Co. Button Works
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturing

Notes:

Jacob Y. Shantz, "was born near Berlin, May 2nd, 1822. On May 2nd, 1843, he was married to Barbara Biehn who was born April 7th, 1819, and died May 16th, 1853. He was again married, December 6th, 1853, to Nancy Brubacher who was born September 19th, 1832, and died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, while there on a visit, October 1st, 1870. On October 1st, 1871, he was married the third time to Sarah Shuh who was born June 9th, 1823, and died April 29th, 1893. After Mr. Shantz's first marriage he took possession of his father's farm, still known as 'Jacob Shantz's place', where he resided for upwards of some forty years, then he moved to Berlin where he is now residing. His family consists of twelve children, five of whom are of first wife and the remaining seven of second wife."

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.].

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Shantz, Jacob Yost (1822-1909)

Jacob Yost Shantz (22 May 1822-28 October 1909), of Berlin (now Kitchener), ON, for many years a promoter of the Mennonite settlements in Manitoba, was the eighth child of Jacob and Maria Yost Schantz, of Montgomery County, PA, who had purchased a farm in what is now Kitchener. The son's interests soon extended beyond his vocation of farming. Fruit growing, maple sugar production, and the operation of a sawmill were added to his activities. Later he entered the building and contracting business. He promoted various industries in his city, the chief being the Dominion Button Works. Shantz was easily the wealthiest Mennonite entrepreneur in Ontario in the early 1880s, with more than 300 people on the payroll of his Dominion Button Works alone. Over expansion and possible mismanagement in a declining market led to virtual bankruptcy by 1886. Shantz spent the rest of his life paying his debts , and died a man of moderate means.

For 27 years Shantz served on the Berlin school board. In 1882 he was elected mayor of Berlin (Kitchener) in an uncontested election. Inexplicably he resigned four days after taking office, though the town council briefly considered not accepting the resignation. The fact that J. Y. Shantz's son, Moses, was also elected as a member of the council may have generated pressure for one of the family to resign. Shantz's letter of resignation has not survived.

Shantz's chief public contribution, however, lay in the promotion of Mennonite immigration to Manitoba. In 1872 as a representative of the Canadian government Shantz accompanied Bernhard Warkentin, who represented the prospective Mennonite immigrants from Russia, on a land inspection trip to Manitoba. The Canadian Department of Agriculture published Shantz's report under the title The narrative of a journey to Manitoba, which became a history-making pamphlet going through various editions with a total circulation of several hundred thousand. During the next 35 years, Shantz made many trips to Manitoba, the twenty-seventh and the last in his 85th year. His work consisted in assisting the Mennonite immigrants who wished to settle in Manitoba with transportation and supplies, as well as helping them settle on the land. By November 1874 it was reported that 1,400 Mennonites had been placed in Manitoba and five years later the number had grown to over 7,000. Shantz not only obtained most favorable travel rates for the immigrants but often used money from his $100,000 personal credit fund in a Berlin bank to assist his friends from Russia by helping pay their transportation costs, equipment, and farm machinery. Shantz was also placed in charge of the $100,000 Canadian government loan to the Russian Mennonites, guaranteed by the Ontario Mennonites. As treasurer of the "Aid Committee of Ontario" Shantz also dispensed the funds loaned to the immigrants by his fellow Mennonites. He lived to see the day when all of these loans were repaid, the final settlement having been made in his 85th year. In 1893 Shantz began promoting Alberta land and here again future developments proved his business judgment and vision.

Shantz became a member of the Mennonite Church (MC) at an early age. In 1875, desiring a more progressive church, Shantz became a member of the group later to be known as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. For eighteen years he served on the Managing Committee of the Gospel banner and for at least 8 years on his denomination's Foreign and Heathen Missionary Society. He was always deeply interested in the temperance movement and a defender of Biblical nonresistance.

In 1898 Shantz joined the local Christian Science congregation, and remained a member in good standing until his death, although evidence is inconclusive on the question of whether he remained actively involved to the time of his death in 1909. He was still an active member, serving on the congregation's board of directors, at age 81 (1903). Four factors help to explain Shantz's interest in the then-new Christian Science movement. (1) Shantz had a life-long interest in the innovative, whether in business, land settlement, or religious thought, though he always believed himself to be orthodox. (2) The emphasis in Christian Science on a rigorous, healthful life-style was appealing. Shantz was active in the temperance movement, and was a vegetarian at least part of his life. (3) Jacob Y. Shantz was a "healer" with a reputation for curing cancer. Although his approach differed from that of Christian Science, enough common interest existed to prove attractive. (4) Shantz probably felt rejected by the Mennonite Brethren in Christ (United Missionary) denomination as he was phased out of all leadership roles by 1896.

Although Shantz was a quiet and unassuming man, his voice had a deep, organ-like tone that people did not forget. He was married three times, in 1843 to Barbara Biehn, in 1853 to Nancy Brubacher, and in 1871 to Sarah Shark. Two sons and three daughters were born of the first marriage, and three sons and four daughters to the second. Shantz was buried in the First Mennonite Cemetery in Kitchener.

Gingerich, Melvin and Steiner, Sam. "Shantz, Jacob Yost (1822-1909)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. April 1999. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

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SHANTZ, JACOB YOST, farmer, businessman, office holder, author, and promoter of Mennonite settlement; b. 2 May 1822 in Ebytown (Kitchener), Upper Canada, eighth of the ten children of Jacob Shantz, a farmer and sawmill owner, and Mary Yost; m. first 2 May 1843 Barbara Biehn (d. 1853), and they had three daughters and two sons; m. secondly 6 Dec. 1853 Nancy Anna Brubacher (d. 1870), and they had seven children; m. thirdly 1 Oct. 1871 Sarah Shuh (d. 1893); d. 28 Oct. 1909 in Berlin (Kitchener).

Jacob Yost Shantz grew up in Ebytown, later known as Berlin, where his parents, Mennonites from Pennsylvania, had purchased land in 1810 [see Benjamin Eby*]. On his 21st birthday he married his cousin Barbara Biehn and not long afterwards they took over his parents' farm. Shantz then became manager of his father's sawmill, began to buy and sell real estate, and invested in other local business ventures. His interests extended to education and public service: he acted as a school trustee and held several minor local posts, such as fence inspector, road overseer, and village tax collector. He was also an early supporter of the temperance movement.

Shantz soon diversified his business interests. He found a variety of markets for the wood from his sawmill and the woodlots he acquired in the early 1850s, constructing wooden sidewalks in Berlin, providing fuel for the Grand Trunk Railway, and supplying building materials to German immigrants. He took a major step as an entrepreneur in 1861 when he bought a property on the corner of King and Foundry (Ontario) streets, Berlin, and constructed the Canadian Block, a three-storey commercial building. As a contractor, he became involved in numerous projects, one of the most important of which was the erection of the Berlin market-house in 1869. Early the following year he built a button factory for Emil Vogelsang and his partner, John Jacob Woelfle. Seven months later Woelfle sold his interests in the factory to Shantz, who quickly gained prominence as a manufacturer. In 1875 the partnership between Vogelsang and Shantz was terminated. The Dominion Button Works became Shantz's; his sons would assist him in managing the company, which by 1880 employed over 140 workers. Early in 1873 Shantz had also formed a partnership to manufacture felt. Shantz and Feick lasted only two years, but Shantz went on to form other partnerships for his felt business and continued in it until about 1880.

In 1872 Shantz had been asked by the Canadian government to travel to western Canada with a Mennonite from southern Russia, Bernhard Warkentin, who was considering immigration to North America. The government mistakenly thought that Warkentin was a member of an official delegation; it is not entirely clear why Shantz was selected to accompany him. After visiting Manitoba with him Shantz sent a report of his journey to the government. Favourably impressed, immigration officials asked that he prepare a more detailed account for publication. Narrative of a journey to Manitoba was translated into a number of languages and became an important item in the promotion of European immigration to the west. Meanwhile, the federal government had assigned Wilhelm Hespeler* to visit Mennonite colonies in Russia to see if further contacts might encourage prospective immigrants to choose Canada rather than the United States. In the spring of 1873 six Mennonite colonies sent two delegates each to investigate opportunities in North America. Shantz was invited to accompany Hespeler and the group to Manitoba, and he took them through the regions southeast and west of Winnipeg.

When many Mennonites decided to immigrate [see Gerhard Wiebe*], Shantz was asked to serve as Canadian director of the movement, to assist with transportation and other arrangements, and to see that the immigrants arrived safely at their destination. He needed to raise a considerable amount of money to help defray the expenses of the approximately 7,000 settlers who were to arrive in Manitoba during the next six years. Many were unable to sell their property in Russia or lacked the means to pay for their transportation and purchase necessary supplies. Shantz served as secretary-treasurer of a committee organized in 1874 to receive and administer funds lent by Mennonites living in Ontario. The following year the committee successfully requested from the federal government a loan of $100,000 and a subsidy of $70,000 for transportation. Shantz and other Ontario Mennonites acted as guarantors for these and additional loans. Over the years Shantz would travel frequently between Ontario and Manitoba, to provide assistance to the immigrants, arrange repayment of the loans, and, when needed, obtain more funds. In return for his services he received a number of land grants in the "reserves" which had been set aside for the Mennonites to the east and west of the Red River. Two communities, Schanzenfeld and Schanzenberg, were named in his honour.

While Shantz was engaged in immigration activities, the Dominion Button Works had continued to expand. In 1884 it employed 300 workers at Berlin and by 1886 it opened a branch plant in Buffalo, N.Y. Shantz nevertheless experienced severe financial difficulties in the mid 1880s and was forced to sell numerous properties in order to clear his debts and those of Jacob Y. Shantz and Sons, which operated the works. In June 1891 the company was reorganized and Shantz retired from the business.

Shantz saw another opportunity, however, again in western Canada. In July 1892 he announced his intention to start a colony there. He located suitable land at a site called Didsbury (Alta), about 50 miles north of Calgary. The following summer he canvassed Mennonites in Ontario and the United States and succeeded in persuading 44 families to take up homesteads in the northwest. A major exodus from the region of Berlin took place in the spring of 1894. Among the group which left were two of Shantz's children and their families. Shantz would journey west to visit his children in the Didsbury area until he was 85. He is said to have made a total of 27 trips from Ontario to the west in connection with his interests there.

Shantz had long been a active member of the Mennonite church in Berlin. In 1875 he joined a reform group called the United Mennonites, later known as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. Shantz moved again in 1898, this time to the Church of Christ, Scientist. He remained active in the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Berlin for several years until poor health restricted his movements.

Jacob Yost Shantz died in 1909, preceded by three of his twelve children, his three wives, and all his brothers and sisters. He is remembered for his considerable business expertise and the enormous energies he invested in the various enterprises he had fostered, above all in the immigration of thousands of Mennonites to western Canada. In addition to a modest estate, he left a spiritual heritage, that of a religious man, wanting first and foremost to serve God and his fellow man. In the estimation of many who knew him, he had done both well.
Lawrence Klippenstein

[Jacob Yost Shantz is the author of Narrative of a journey to Manitoba, together with an abstract of the Dominion Lands Act; and an extract from the government pamphlet on Manitoba (Ottawa, 1873), translated into French as Relation d'un voyage à Manitoba, accompagnée d'une analyse de l'Acte concernant les terres de la Puissance et d'un extrait du pamphlet publié par le gouvernement a[u] sujet de Manitoba (Ottawa, 1873).
The first partial life story of Shantz appeared in Melvin Gingerich, "Jacob Y. Shantz, 1822-1909, promoter of the Mennonite settlements in Manitoba," Mennonite Quarterly Rev. (Goshen, Ind.), 24: 230-47. His role in the immigration of Mennonites to Manitoba has been thoroughly documented in two articles by Ernst Correll in the Mennonite Quarterly Rev., "Mennonite immigration into Manitoba: sources and documents, 1872, 1873" and "Mennonite loan in the Canadian parliament," 11 (1937): 196-227, 267-83 and 20 (1946): 255-75, respectively, as well as in three collections of documents which he edited for the same journal: "Canadian agricultural records on Mennonite settlements, 1875-77," 21 (1947): 34-46; "Mennonite immigration into Manitoba: documents and sources, 1873-1874," 22 (1948): 43-57; and "Sources on the Mennonite immigration from Russia in the 1870's," intro. H. S. Bender, 24 (1950): 329-52. The definitive biography is now S. J. Steiner, Vicarious pioneer: the life of Jacob Y. Shantz (Winnipeg, 1988). l.k.]

Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online 2000 University of Toronto/Université Laval

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Mr. John Frederick Augustus Sykes Fayette, a well educated mulatto, built a schoolhouse on his own account in rear of where the Royal Exchange hotel now stands, in 1840. He called it the "Wellington Institute," and opened it in December, charging the usual rates, but being poorly patronized he ran into debt and left a year or two afterwards quite suddenly, greatly to the chagrin of his creditors. His was the first school in Berlin in which any attempt had been made to teach grammar and also the first in which the pupils saw a geographical map. Jacob Y. Shantz, then 18 years of age, and the late Israel D. Bowman, a lad of 11, attended this school.

Second Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, Berlin, Ontario 1914

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J. Y. Shantz & Co's Factory

This enterprising firm have started operation in their new factory. It can well be said that for a fine factory, it may be classed with the finest in Canada. All the modern improvements which are necessary to save time and money have been procured. The factory has its own electric light plant, and steam heating: fine wash basins and closets and everything convenient for both employer and employee. The firm might also be complimented on the manner in which they are fixing up the grounds, and also the street in front of the factory. The grounds have been neatly laid out with drives and nice green lawn. A few nice flower beds may be looked for next spring. The deep gutters have also been filled up, and sewer pipes now carry off the water, instead of standing in the gutter until it has time to dry up. If Berlin had more of these kind of people that would take an interest in their property how much more beautiful our town would be.

The Daily Record 30 Sep 1893

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The Button Industry

A young German named Emil Vogelsang came to Berlin in 1867 and chummed with Allan Huber, son of H. S. Huber. One day the merchant questioned the youth,

"What can you do, Emil?"
"I'm a button turner."
"Then show us how you make buttons."
"Before I could do that," said Emil, "I'd need a lathe and a batch of ivory-nuts."

Mr. Huber had a lathe made in Waterloo and imported a shipment of nuts for Mr. Vogelsang. The latter leased a room and power from the Simpson Furniture Company and soon was manufacturing first-class buttons. He called his venture, "The Pioneer Button Works." The buttons found a ready sale in Eastern Canada and the United States. His was the first button factory in Canada, if not in America..

Before long Mr. Vogelsang needed a factory of his own. He interested J. J. Woelfle in the enterprise and they awarded Jacob Y. Shantz a contract to erect a $20,000 building on the northeast corner of King and College Streets. Before it was up Mr. Woelfle withdrew. Mr. Shantz then purchased an interest in the button works for a sum equal to the price of the building and entered into a 7-year agreement with Mr. Vogelsang. When that term expired Mr. Vogelsang retired and built another button factory in South Queen Street, which he later sold to the W. G. & R. Shirt Company. (Now occupied by the Fehrenbach Mattress Co.)

Mr. Shantz had not had any practical experience in the manufacture of buttons, yet did not wish to see the employees deprived of their livelihood. He therefore continued manufacturing and after costly experimenting, during which he was assisted by his son, M. B. Shantz, the factory was placed on a sound footing. Mr. Shantz's sons Dilman and John likewise joined him. Jacob Y. Shantz & Sons became the largest employers of labor in Berlin. For a time there were four button factories in the town and it was widely known as "Buttonville." Jacob Y. Shantz entered into partnership also with a Mr. Feick and made felt goods in the button-factory basement.

A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937 pg 169-171

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The saw mill was first operated by Mr. Shantz's father. It formed a natural introduction to Mr. Shantz's activity as a builder and contractor. He was the builder and owner of the Canadian Block at the corner at King and Ontario (Foundry) streets. Mr. Shantz built also the four room addition to the Suddaby School, which is the only part of the old school now remaining. He was one of the earliest of the extensive builders of private residences in the town. He entered the industrial field through the solicitation of those needing money to float infant industries. His first venture in this way was the wind-mill for grinding flour, chopping grain, etc., that stood formerly on Mecklenburg Hill. Its exact site was a little south of Church street and about midway between Cedar and Albert streets. This historic and quaint feature in the landscape of the South ward was a losing business venture to the extent of several thousand dollars. For years after operation ceased the deserted mill with its great wings appeared above the surrounding trees on the hillside. It was removed somewhere about 1870 or a little later.

Jacob Y. Shantz"
Pioneer of Russian Mennonite Immigration to Manitoba
H. M. Bowman, Ph. D.

Waterloo Historical Annual Volume 1924

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THE WINDMILL

A feature of many years of the southerly end of the village was a windmill, on what was known as Mecklenburg Hill, near the westerly corner of Church and Albert streets. This was the project of a company composed of Jacob Y. Shantz, Henry Boehmer and others. It was built in 1860 by Frederick Rickerman who was the originator of the idea. Rickerman was familiar with windmills and had operated one in Germany. The structure was about sixty feet high, hexagonal in plan, with each of the four wings or sails about 45 feet long by 6 feet wide. A vertical centre beam meshing with the topcross shaft extended down to the main floor of the mill and there operated three sets of stones. The revolving top carried the cross-shaft, on which the wings were mounted, and could be set for the Wind by means of a Windlass. An outer platform was at the height of' the wing length from the top shaft. From this the wings or arms could be worked on, and their canvas covering put in place. Particular excellence was claimed for the flour from this mill. The author remembers eating bread baked from the first flour it produced.

Pg. 278

REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER)
By Jacob Stroh
Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder
Part II. - Churches, Roads, Miscellaneous

Waterloo Historical Society Annual Vol. 1931

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King Street, Kitchener

Cameron Street eastward.-A fine large holding extending along King Street to almost opposite the Mennonite Church, was Sheriff Davidson's place, Forest Hill, with square Colonial brick house, still standing, although materially changed, on a commanding hill.

Benjamin Eby's farm, occupied and owned later by his son, Elias Eby. J. Y. Shantz's farm, originally the Eby farm, with a large dam and saw mill. The pond was westerly of the present Doon Twines factory, was of good size, was fed by two creeks and gave water power for Shantz's saw mill for many years. There was no steam power. The ice supply for Berlin was largely taken from this pond in the earlier years.


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

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King Street , North Side

From Francis to Water Street.

he ground was used by H. F. J. Jackson for stabling, etc., on his contract for building the Grand Trunk Railway through a large part of Waterloo County. Later he built his residence on this plot.

The plot east of Water Street was used as a drill ground by the Berlin Volunteer Company of the Waterloo Battalion, 1864-67. They mostly drilled in the evenings and had some quite young volunteers, Jacob Stroh, 16 years, one of them. The trustees of the New Jerusalem Church bought the corner in 1869 and in 1870 erected the present Church. This had the first pipe organ in Berlin, built by Claus Maas of Preston.

Haller's hat and felt-working shop. He made the first felt boots and shoes, worn largely by the farmers, in winter, in this vicinity.

Open space up to Henry Brickner's house.

A frame building one and one-half story high and located a little back of the street. Later a brick building was erected on the open space. At the westerly corner of Young Street Mr. Bricker built a cooperage in 1860.

At the easterly corner of Young and King Streets was Wendell Brunner's blacksmith shop, a rough frame building. Behind it, on Young Street, was another frame building used as a waggon shop by Christian Huinbrecht.

Vacant place and next a three story brick building, lengthwise with King Street, divided into two parts, used as stores for a short time. Later it was a paint shop and still later a warehouse for the Simpson factory across the road. The third floor of this building was the first habitat of the Berlin Militia, organized in 1864 at the time of the American Civil War. Colonel Pickering was the first drill master. He was sent from England to drill the Canadian Militia. The local company had at first no rifles and had to use Wooden substitutes for their drills.

A three story brick building erected by C. Schneucker and used as a hotel. The third floor was a large hall used for a number of years, for balls and concerts. Paul Schmidt moved into the building in 1860. It was then called the Schneucker and Schmidt Hotel. A later landlord was Mr. Zinger and the name was changed to The North American Hotel. Toward the rear and just east of the Hotel was a barn and horse shed, with wide approach from King Street.

A one and one-half story frame house 15 or 20 feet back from the street line with gable and veranda facing King Street, occupied by Paul Schmidt and later by his widow.

A very early building one and one-half story, rough cast; the dwelling of Sam Trout, a blacksmith. A later occupant was James Godbold, son of Godbold who lived on the corner of Wellington and King Streets. Jacob, son of James, brakeman on the Grand Trunk, was killed while on top of a freight car in St. Mary's, the train passing under a low bridge which Godbold did not see as he was looking at a circus beside the track.

A tailor shop was also in this building which stood originally at the corner of Foundry and King Streets.

A two story brick building with gable toward King Street and occupied by Henry Gauntley. On the second floor there was a paint shop and at the rear a wagon shop.

A brick building, the blacksmith shop, for many years, of Sam Trout.

A vacant lot.

At the Foundry St. corner a frame building, Reinhold Lang's tannery with his house, alongside, one and one-half story with frame porch. Later Mr. Lang moved his business to Charles Street, the site of the present Lang Tanning Co. plant. Jacob Y. Shantz erected the Canadian Block, three story brick, corner of King and Foundry Streets, in 1856. The front was set back from the street line and had a verandah extending to the edge of the sidewalk. There were three stores, the corner, Cole and Graf, druggists; then Wm. Young, groceries and liquors; and next H. S. Huber, general store. The old blacksmith shop was used as a warehouse by Huber.

The Canadian Block while still fairly new, burned down about 1862 in the Spring. The fire started in the corner drug store, during the night. The walls remained standing after the fire was out but were considered dangerous and were pulled down by the firemen. One wall, in this operation, fell on H. S. Huber's warehouse, which had not been burned and in which he had large quantities of supplies. The firemen were blamed for not having notified Huber so that he could have removed his goods before the wall was thrown over.


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

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King Street Kitchener South Side

Water to Gaukel Street.-At the Water Street corner stood, before 1867, a large frame building used mainly during the winter months as a drill shed for the local militia. The building was at one time used as a skating rink. Later it was moved to Woodside Park on Queen Street South and used for Township Fairs, and other purposes. Next easterly were two houses, one-story high, with gables toward King Street, owned by Rev. F. W. Tuerk and built about 1860. Next an unpainted frame building, used as a shop, stood on the westerly corner of Gaukel Street. At the rear of tills shop there was another frame building, moved there from Factory Street, used as a felt factory by Feick & Co„ the partners being Mr. Haller, Manager, and Mr. Feick. Later, when J. Y. Shantz took over the felt business the building was converted into dwellings and used for some time, when it was torn down. The site is now occupied by the Salvation Army Barracks.


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

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Death of Aged Pioneer
J. Y. Shantz Passes Away

Berlin mourns today the death of Jacob Yost Shantz, its oldest native born citizen and a real Nature's nobleman an honest, God-fearing successful man. The end came peacefully at three o'clock this morning at his home, 105 Queen St. north.

He was as well as usual to within an hour of death. About two o'clock he arose, and dressed himself, thinking it was near daybreak. Soon after retiring again, he called his son, Jacob and complained of internal pain. It grew more severe and his son D. B. Shantz was summoned from his home on Margaret Avenue. Before he reached his father's bedside, the aged gentleman had fallen asleep - in the sleep that knows no earthly awakening. He was conscious to within a few moments of the end. He was - barring partial blindness - in good health for a man so advanced in years - almost 88.

He was frequently seen down town, being driven out by his friends.

His mental faculties were bright, and he would spend hours conversing with his sons and friends, recalling with wonderful accuracy and detail, occurrences of long bygone years. During the past few days he has evinced a keen interest in the progress of the new button factory here. He was the pioneer of the button industry in Canada and it is worthy of note that of the five sons, four are engaged in the button trade as well as four nephews.

The funeral of the late Mr. Shantz will be held on Saturday at 1.30 from the family residence, 105 Queen St. north, to the Lancaster St. Mennonite Church and East End Cemetery.

The late Jacob Yost Shantz was a native of Berlin, having been born on May 2nd, 1822, on the Shantz farm just south of the East End Mennonite Church. His parents were pioneer residents and aided in reclaiming a hitherto wild and undeveloped region for the purposes of civilization. His father operated the first sawmill in this section and was in many ways connected with the material growth and upbuilding of this portion of the province. Being United Empire Loyalists they followed in British flag into Canada.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Shantz took a very active and helpful part in laying out the early roads of the county and in otherwise advancing those interests which indicated that the seeds of civilization had been planted and that his was to become some day a populous and prosperous district.

Mr. Shantz was reared in Berlin, where he acquired a common school education. His early life was devoted to lumber interests. He engaged in the operation of a sawmill, conducted a lumberyard and became an extensive contractor and builder. He was prominently identified with manufacturing interests in later years, operating a factory for the manufacture of boots and shoes. In 1870 he established the button factory, becoming associated with a German button manufacturer and a few years later he bought out the interests of his partner, continuing to carry on the business in his own name, when he retired to enjoy a well-earned and richly merited rest. He was almost 88 years of age. His life has been one of intense and well-directed activity, in which he made good use of his opportunities, and he belonged too, to that class of representative men who while promoting individual success also advanced the general welfare. His family numbered twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare of Berlin, but has been content to do his public service as a private citizen, never seeking or desiring office. He acted, however, as mayor of Berlin a short time when the citizens offered him the position unanimously. He accepted it as an honor and then resigned. Another important labor which Mr. Shantz performed has been in connection with the development and upbuilding of Manitoba and the Northwest. He began operating there in 1874 and on behalf of the Mennonites devoted a large portion of his time in making a general prospector setting forth the advantages of the country, its natural resources and its climate in the districts mentioned in order to accomplish these objectives and gave liberally of his own private fortune, and through his endeavors, secured large sums from other friends of the Mennonite Society for the purpose of forming the colony, and for the development of that country which constitutes the first white settlement in Manitoba and the Northwest. When he first went to Fort Garry - now Winnipeg - in 1874, he saw only three white men in many weeks. In 30 years he went from here west 27 times, the last time when he was 85 years old. He has thus been instrumental in having thousands of the people of this sect becoming colonists in that district and thus settling up the country, aiding in its reclamation from a wild and unimproved district and converting it to the uses of civilization.

In Berlin, he did a great work in assisting the early German settlers when they reached here. He built scores of houses for them, and gave them all the time they desired, to repay it. He was the soul of honor and integrity, and his life was a noble example of the true Christian. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church and a liberal supporter.

He was twice married. There are five surviving sons and four daughters, Moses B. of Rochester; Dilman B., of Berlin; John , of Buffalo; Ephraim B., of Didsbury; and Jacob, of Berlin; Mrs. Ezra Snider, Berlin; Mrs. N. B. Detweiler, Berlin; Mrs. Andrew Weber, Didsbury; and Miss Ida Shantz, Berlin.

Berlin News Record, October 28, 1909

Historic Building:
Originally built as a rented residence it is constructed of brick and is one story. In 1978 it is listed in as very good condition.

Historic Building:
Built in 1855-1860 of brick it is a one story house. Originally built as J. Y. Shantz's residence. In 1978 it is listed as in very good condition

Elected Office:
Years Served: 1882 (Warden)

Jacob married Barbara Biehn 2 May 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Barbara (daughter of Abraham Biehn and Veronica Shantz) was born 7 Apr 1819, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 May 1853, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00008-1042
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Barbara Biehn, "was born April 7th, 1819. She was married to Jacob Y. Shantz, May 2nd, 1843. They resided on the farm now in possession of Jacob B. Shantz about a mile south-east of Berlin where she died May 16th, 1853. She had a family of five 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:

• Honoured: Bingeman St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bingeman Street named in honour
• Interesting: life story
• Residence: 111 Frederick St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1051
• Residence: 1842, 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; Farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jonas Bingeman, "was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, April 9th, 1817. In 1825 he came to Canada with his parents who had moved in the wilderness near Bridgeport, Ontario. Here he had, even in his boyhood days, to assist in hewing out a home in the primeval forest. When a boy, 14 or 15 years of age, he used to drive through the forest to Dundas, thirty miles distant, being the nearest business place for these early pioneers. A trip to Dundas was nothing uncommon, then considered no more an undertaking than going two miles to town in our day. In common with the rising generation of the day Mr Bingeman received his education in the stern school of experience and hard work. The school he attended was to the east end of Berlin to which place he had to go through miles of forest. He generally took a straight course through the forest from his father's home to that of Mr. John Brubacher's where he met the first clearing. he only subjects then taught were reading, writing, and arithmetic. This school Mr. Bingeman attended for a few short winter months for several years in succession. In 1842 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catharine (Sherk) Brubacher. She was born December 13th, 1820. After their marriage they moved on their farm about three miles west of Berlin where they resided until 1882 when they quite the farm and moved to the town of Berlin where they own a beautiful residence, No. 111 S. Frederick Street. They are still enjoying the best of health and are spending the evening of their days in ease and comfort. 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.].

_________________


Died - In Berlin, on Saturday, Sept 11th, Mr. Jonas Bingeman, aged 80 years, 5 months and 2 days.

Berlin News Record, September 13, 1897

_______________


Bingeman - On the 11th of September, 1897, at his home on Frederick St., Berlin, Ont., after long continued suffering of cancer in the face, Bro. Jonas Bingeman, aged 80 years, 5 months and 2 days. Bro. Bingeman was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., on the 9th of April, 1817. In 1825 he came to Canada with his parents, who settled near Bridgeport. In 1842 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catharine Brubacher. They moved on a farm a few miles west of Berlin, where they resided until 1822, when they moved to Berlin. He leaves his aged widow, four sons, three daughters, a number of grandchildren and a large circle of friends to mourn his departure. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite church for many years, and enjoyed the highest esteem of all. The remains were laid to rest at the C. Eby M.H., Berlin, on the 14th, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends.

Herald of Truth, October 1, 1897

Jonas married Elizabeth Brubacher 8 Dec 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Deacon John E. Brubacher and Catharine Shirk) was born 13 Dec 1820, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 22 Jan 1899, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Bingeman
• Name: Lizzie Brubacher
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1396
• Residence: 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Brubacher, "second daughter in the family, was born December 13th, 1820. In 1842 she was married to Jonas Bingeman who was born April 9th, 1817. Soon after their marriage they moved on their farm about three miles west of Berlin where they resided many years. Some years ago they moved to Berlin where they still reside. To them was born a family 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 22d of January 1899, at her residence, Frederick St., Berlin, Ont., of Lagrippe and pneumonia, Sister Elizabeth Brubacher, widow of the late Bro. Jonas Bingeman, aged 78 years, 1 month and 7 days. Sister Bingeman had been enjoying good health up to the 17th ult., when she was seized with an attack of the grippe. Two days later she took her bed, and although medical aid was promptly summoned the disease took its course, and she quietly passed away with the glorious hope of meeting her Redeemer in the world of light. She was the daughter of the late John Brubacher, one of the early residents of this locality and in her childhood was a pupil of the well known Bish. Benjamin Eby. She was united in marriage to Jonas Bingeman in 1842. Of their nine children eight survive her, all married but one, who, with true filial devotion, cared for her parents in their declining years. She leaves also many grandchildren and numerous friends to mourn their lose. Her funeral on the 25th at the C. Eby M. H. was very largely attended. Services by Daniel Wismer in German and by Noah Stauffer in English.

The Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXVI, No. 4, February 15, 1899 - pages 61,62

________________


Fatal LaGrippe
Mrs. Jonas Bingeman Receives the Final Summons

Mrs. Jonas Bingeman one of Berlin's oldest and most highly respected ladies, passed quietly away at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, after an illness of about a week's duration. She was suffering with LaGrippe, which, though broken up, weakened her that she fell a victim to heart failure. The funeral will be held on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the family residence, Five Points, Frederick St., to the East End Mennonite church and cemetery.

Deceased was revered by all who knew her for her Christian graces and kindly life, her many words and acts of assistance cheering the pathway of life for many a fellow traveller. She leaves behind to mourn her loss eight children, all grown up, four sons and four daughters. Messrs John Joseph, Jonas and Elias, of Berlin, Mrs. M. Weber, town; Mrs. M B Shantz and Mrs. R Dewart, Rochester, N. Y., and Miss K. Bingeman, at home. Mrs. Bingeman attended school in a little red school house near where the Mennonite church now stands, and which was taught by Mr. Benj. Eby. Her husband predeceased her a little over a year ago.

Berlin News Record, January 23, 1899

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26915942
• Name: Jacob Schantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6690
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Jacob Shantz
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 001, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 008N, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob Shantz, "the third son of Isaac and Barbara (Reiff) Shantz, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, October 11th, 1781. In 1805 he was married to Mary Yost who was born in the same county, March 12th, 1784, and died near Berlin, Ontario, October 22, 1869. In 1810 they left their native home and moved to Canada. They settled a little south-east of Berlin, on the farm now owned by their grandson, Jacob B. Shantz. This place old Mr. Shantz purchased from old George (Yarrick) Eby who had settled thereon in 1804. Here Mr. and Mrs. Shantz resided until their deaths. He died July 1st, 1867, leaving a family of ten 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 first of July, 1867, in Waterloo Township, C. W., Br. JACOB SHANTZ, aged 85 years, 8 months, and 20 days. He was a native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and removed to Canada with his family in the year 1810. He lived in wedlock sixty-two years, and leaves eight children, eighty-four grand-children, and fifty-six great-grand-children. He took an active part in converting the wilderness of Waterloo Township into fruitful country. He was energetic and courageous in what he did, and is his works were according to the will of God, he is now at rest. DAVID SHERK.


HERALD OF TRUTH - Volume IV, Number 8 - August 1867 pages 115, 116

_________________________

A LARGE FAMILY

The family of the late Jacob Shantz, father of our well-known Mr. Jacob Y. Shantz, was most remarkable for its size and long life. There were eight brothers in this family, named Isaac, John, Joseph, Joshua, David, Jacob, Samuel and Amos - all good scriptural names. They all write Y. as a middle name, after their mother's maiden name, which was Yost. These brothers all lived up to about two weeks ago when Isaac, the eldest, died at the advance age of about 70, the youngest being about 50. They all raised large families, some of them even beyond the orthodox dozen, and we believe all with perhaps one exception rejoice in the possession of numerous grand-children. The family have also been remarkably successful in their business matters, each having not only a comfortable home of his own but a sufficient surplus to start his children on the road to prosperity. These worthy brothers had one sister, wife of the late Abraham D. Clemens, Williamsburg, who is also still living though considerably over sixty years old. It is a very rare thing to find so large a family attaining the ages of these excellent brothers who are most of them yet in the prime of manhood.

BERLIN DAILY NEWS OCTOBER 17th, 1878

Jacob married Mary Yost 1805. Mary was born 12 Mar 1784, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Oct 1869, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26916095
• Name: Mary Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6690.1
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

On the 22nd of November, in Waterloo county, Ontario, Mary, widow of Jacob Shantz (who died some two years ago), aged 85 years, 7 months, and 11 days. She leaves a posterity of 159 souls.


Herald of Truth - Volume VI, Number 11 - November 1869 - page 175

Other Events:

• Land: Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 06, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00008-1028
• Residence: 1830, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Death: 18 Dec 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Abraham Biehn, "was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, February 7th, 1781. He was married to Veronica, daughter of Isaac and Barbara (Reiff) Shantz. She was born November 14th, 1789, and died July 27th, 1876. They resided on lot No. 1, Biehn's Tract, about one mile west of Doon, on the farm where his father had located in 1800. Here old Abraham Biehn and his wife resided until their death. He died November 3rd, 1858. their family consisted of five 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-2-5 Abraham Biehn Be it known that on the 18^th December 1858, the Last Will and Testament of Abraham Biehn late of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, who died on or about the 3^rd day of December 1858 at the Township of Waterloo and who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at the Township of Waterloo, was proved and registered in the said surrogate Court…a true copy of which said Last Will and testament is hereunder written and that the administration...was granted to Aaron Biehn of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, David Shantz of the Township of Blenheim in the County of Oxford, Yeoman and Jacob Yost Shantz of the town of Berlin, Yeoman, the Executors named in said Will…

I, Abraham Biehm of the Township of Waterloo…do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament…first that all my just debts shall be paid by my hereinafter named Executors; Second I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Varonica, two beds and bed sheaeds[sic] [sheets?] my twenty-four hour clock and case, my corner cupboard and all what is in it, my case of drawers and all what is in it, my stove and pipe, and all my books, one cow, one horse, and my lease wagon, and one set of harness all the household furniture that my beloved wife may want. Further it is my will and desire that my son Aaron shall keep my wife's cow with his own cows during the whole year. Also I give one hundred and fifty pounds of pork to my wife in each and every year during her lifetime and ten buchels of apels[sic] in each and every year. I also order and devise that my loving wife shall have my house, I now live in free of rent, and as much fire wood delivered in the wood house as she may want for her own use. Further I order and desire and it is my will that my son Aaron shall have my farm I now live on, Lot no.1 in the Biehn's Tract at four thousand dollars with all the implements thereon, in the manner following, that is to say; twelve hundred dollars shall remain in my farm during the lifetime of my beloved wife Varonica at six per cent interest yearly for the same to her in hand paid each and every year, and one thousand dollars my son Aaron or his heirs shall have out of the then remaining two thousand eight hundred dollars for to equalize him with the rest of my children, according to my family's book and the then remaining eighteen hundred dollars my son Aaron shall pay five hundred dollars each and every year to my hereinafter named Executors, besides the interest on the twelve hundred dollars until the eighteen hundred are fully paid. Further it is my desire that all moneys arising from and out of my property personal or freehold, shall always be equally divided each and every year share and share alike amongst all my children or there heirs (my formerly son in law Jacob Y. Shantz shall always be considered as if my daughter Barbara was yet living) Except four hundred dollars of my daughter Mary her share (now intermarried to Benjamin Martin) shall be received for her two children, namely Moses , Martin and Mary Ann Martin, each of them shall have two hundred dollars, of the last payments or distributions of my daught. Mary's share and be put on interest till they become the age of twenty one years. Further it my will and desire that one year after the death of my wife my son Aaron or his successors shall pay no more interest but shall pay five hundred dollars yearly till the whole amount of twelve hundred dollars are fully paid, then my hereinafter named Executors shall give him a sufficient title or Deed.
Further, my son Aaron shall have the five acre Cedar Swamp joining lands of Daniel Staufer being part of Lot No 6, Biehn's Tract, Waterloo, south east corner of said Lot which is to go with my farm. Further I order and it is my will that within one year after my decease, my hereinafter mentioned Executors shall appraise all my goods, chattels and household furniture of whatsoever kind or nature, and sell the same by Public sale to the best for my heirs, and do as above decided and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my son Aaron Biehn and my son in law David Shantz and my friend Jacob Y. Shantz Executors of this my Last Will and Testament…

Witnessed by Johannes Steckler and C C. Martin
Will dated 23^rd September 1857
Proved 18^th December 1858
Died 3^rd December 1858
[Written in margin - very faint - two sums of money $800 and $1000]

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

Abraham married Veronica Shantz 1808. Veronica (daughter of Isaac Shantz and Barbara Rife) was born 14 Nov 1789, Pottstown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA; died 27 Jul 1876, Near Doon, Waterloo Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Fanny Shantz
• Name: Veronica Biehn
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6847

Notes:

Veronica Shantz, "was born November 14th, 1789. In 1808 she was married to Abraham Biehn, a farmer. They resided near Doon where she died July 27th, 1876."


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:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1389
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 057, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 059, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 006, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Brubacher, "the youngest son of Jacob and Susannah (Erb) Brubacher, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, July 11th, 1793. In 1815 he came to Canada (See pages 45, 46 and 47) and selected his lot, No. 57, German Company's Tract, township and county of Waterloo, Ontario, a little to the east of Berlin. Here he had a small clearing made and a log shanty erected thereon. Late in fall of the same year Mr. Brubacher returned to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to make arrangements for moving to Canada the following spring. Early in 1816, he, in company with his mother, moved to this country and had their home with Bishop Benjamin Eby. As soon as the log shanty on his large farm was finished he started housekeeping for himself. His mother proved to be his female assistant for one year. On March 6th, 1817, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betzner) Sherk. She was born February 11th, 1798 and died October 8th, 1882. He died October 10th, 1875. When quite a young man he was ordained as deacon of the Mennonite Church for the Eby field of labor. This position he held until his death. To them was born a family of fifteen 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.].

________________________________________________


October 10th, in Berlin, Canada, John Brubaker, one of the first settlers in this section, aged 82 years and 3 days.


Death Announcement - Herald of Truth, November 1875

_____________

JOHN BRUBACHER

John Brubacher came to Canada in 1816 and was accompanied by his widowed mother, Mrs. Susanna (Erb) Brubacher. She was a plucky woman and whatever she did was done aright. On the way over Mrs. Brubacher rode on a horse and killed a rattlesnake with her whip. Her son drove a heavily-laden Conestoga. Among other articles he brought in a churn. When they reached this settlment, their first meal was eaten off a pine stump. Mother and son then threaded their way through the woods to her son-in-law, Ben Eby's place,

John Brubacher made a clearing on Lot 57 and erected a log home. His mother kept house for him until 1817, when he married Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betzner) Sherk. Ezra Eby said that Mrs, Susanna Brubacher sold her son 896 acres for $672 and then returned to Pennsylvania. Later on John Brubacher. as has been said, bought the Elias Eby farm in the East Ward and built a home in Brubacher Street that is still in use. Eventually John is said to have acquired 3,000 acres of land and to have given each of his fifteen children a farm.

John Brubacher was a short, dark man, and could lift a barrel of cider to his shoulder and take a drink out of the bunghole. His favorite saying was: Truth lasts the longest. His great-grand-father, also named John, when urged by his neighbors in Pennsylvania to build a gristmill declined, because he feared he might he tempted to take too heavy tolls.

Mrs. John Brubacher dressed plainly and wore a white cap. Her descendants treasure the heirlooms she handed down. There were no locks on their doors and often at night Indians entered her kitchen and slept on the floor. Once she was alarmed at breakfast time when a squaw fed a young papoose a piece of liver-sausage.

Fire was hard to make, for the settlers had no matches. A handful of dry cedar-bark was shredded and sparks struck from a flint with a piece of steel. Some families kept their fire burning the year round.

One night an Indian buck rapped on John's window and pleaded for a drink of whisky, but the pioneer did not give him any. Wild animals were all too plentiful and wolves a menace. Occasionally he heard the squeal of a pig as it was dragged from its pen by a black bear.

The Mennonites loved music. Once, while revisiting his old home in Pennsylvania, John Brubacher called on a man who owned a medodeon and had him play a hymn often sung in Ben Eby's church. As he listened tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. The pioneer walked with his head bent Ward Bowlby once met him in East King Street and said, "Mr. Brubacher, when walking you should keep your head up" John responded, "Mr. Bowlby, yonder is a field of wheat. Some of the stalks stand with their heads up those are empty; the bent heads only are filled with grain."

Mr. Brubacher's youngest daughter, Veronica (Mrs. Moses Betzner) died in 1936, when in her ninety-second year. She was an early riser; ate whole-wheat bread and until her fortieth year never tasted tea nor coffee after that she drank milk or butter-milk. "Sunrise," said she, "has a virtue no other part or the day has. Work is a blessing. Without it He would not be worth living."

"This community," she added, "was based on practical Christianity. The people were honorable and in business matters no writings passed among them It was all done by word of mouth and a man's Yes was binding."

A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937, pg 23, 24

John married Catharine Shirk 6 Mar 1817. Catharine (daughter of Joseph Sherk and Mary Betzner, daughter of Joseph Schoerg and Elizabeth Betzner) was born 11 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 8 Oct 1882, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 11 Oct 1882, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Brubacher
• Name: Catherine Scherich
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5638
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catharine Shirk, "was born February 11th, 1798. She was married to Deacon John Brubacher. They resided near Berlin where they both died. She died October 8th, 1882"


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.].