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

Almina Estella Bowers

Female 1866 - 1961  (94 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Almina Estella Bowers was born 17 Feb 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 17 Feb 1867, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Rev. John Eby Bowers and Mary Seiler); died 11 Feb 1961; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00013-1148.3


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Rev. John Eby Bowers was born 18 Oct 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Reeve Cyrus Bowers, Esq. and Elizabeth Eby); died 12 Aug 1930; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00013-1148
    • Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
    • Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Berlin, Ontario
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christian
    • Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesleyan Methodist
    • Residence: 1863, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1889, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    Rev. John Eby Bowers, "the first member of the above family, was born October 18th, 1839, in Waterloo County, Ontario (then called Upper Canada). He lived on the 'old farm', two miles south-west of the town of Berlin, until he was eighteen years of age, and then went 'to town' and and became a shop-boy, or clerk, in a general store. In the year 1860 he named the home of his boyhood, 'Sweet Briar Farm', and the place has been known by this name ever since. He was engaged in the mercantile business for about six years, part of the time in the village of Bridgeport, afterwards in Berlin, and in the year 1867 closed up his affairs and moved to the West. He resided with his family in the state of Missouri for about three years; and also in the state of Kansas for the same length of time, where he followed the avocation of a book-keeper. During two years he held the position of clerk in the office of the United States District Court, for the Western District of Missouri, located at Jefferson City, the capital of the state. But finding that sedentary employment did not agree with his health, he retired from his position, and began to prepare himself to enter the ministry. At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Bowers had become a member of the Church of the New Jerusalem, commonly know as 'Swedenborgian', being baptized into that faith by the pastor of that church at Berlin, namely, the Rev. F. W. Tuerk. In the year 1870 he was licensed to preach, and he continued his preparations by close application to the study of the doctrine of his Church, according to the Word of God, under the direction of the late Rev. J. P. Stuart, the President of the Missouri Association of the New Jerusalem. And on May 11th, 1873, he was ordained into the ministry by the minister just mentioned, at Jefferson City, Missouri. In the months of June, 1873, he returned to Canada. In August of the same year he went to Pennsylvania, spent a few weeks in Allentown, in that State, and arrived in the city of Philadelphia, September 1st, 1873. He accepted a call from the Frankford Society of the New Church, in Philadelphia, and at once entered upon his duties as pastor, in which capacity he served for a space of about four years. His relations were pleasant, and he enjoyed his residence with the kind and hospitable people of the 'City of Brotherly Love'. Circumstances, however, brought about a change; and, under the guidance of the Divine Providence, the subject of this sketch was led to go to Toronto, Ontario, where he received a call to become the pastor of the New Church Society, and began his ministry in the month of October, 1877. He filled this position for two years; and then in October, 1879, began his labors as a General Missionary, and has continued as such up to the time of the present writing. For five years he travelled most of the time in the United States, devoting most of his labors to the State of Pennsylvania. He has, however, also visited many places in all the Northern States, as far south as Maryland and Virginia in the east, and as far west as Illinois and Minnesota. He has preached and lectured in no less that one hundred and twenty-five different places; that is, in thirteen States of the American Union and in Canada. He has sold many thousands of volumes of books and has distributed vast numbers of religious tracts, all of which contained the heavenly doctrines of the Church of the New Jerusalem; for the spreading abroad of the edifying literature of the Church, is a legitimate part of the uses performed by a missionary. In the course of his labors, this missionary has travelled an aggregate distance equal to three tours around our globe. There are few who are personally acquainted with as many different people in as many different localities. During the past six years Mr. Bowers has been employed as the missionary of the Canada Association of the new Church. He is still filling his post; and in connection with his work he visits a number of places in Michigan, spending a few weeks, or a month in that State every fall and spring. His experiences in life have been of a varied character, and well adapted to expand the thoughts and affections of the mind, to cultivate and deepen the sympathies toward all mankind, and especially toward those who are of the household of a true and living faith in God. Mr. Bowers has also accomplished something as an author. Many of his written sermons, in both the English and German languages, have been published in the Church periodicals; and in January, 1889, there was published, as the product of his pen, a neat volume of 185 pages, entitled: 'Missionary Talks on Subjects of New Church Doctrine'. The book has been well received and is being widely circulated in England, the United States and Canada. Mr. Bowers is married to Mary Seiler and resides in Toronto, Ontario. They have a family of four children".


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

    John married Mary Seiler 25 Dec 1863, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of George Seiler and Elisabeth Schmidt) was born 17 Dec 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Oct 1938; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Mary Seiler was born 17 Dec 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of George Seiler and Elisabeth Schmidt); died 17 Oct 1938; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Mary Bowers
    • Eby ID Number: 00013-1148.1
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; [Member of New Jersulem Religion] Church
    • Residence: 1863, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1900, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada

    Children:
    1. Abiel Silver Bowers was born 28 Oct 1864, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 1 Jan 1865, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 22 Jun 1927, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.
    2. 1. Almina Estella Bowers was born 17 Feb 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 17 Feb 1867, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Feb 1961; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.
    3. Alberta L. Bowers was born 12 Apr 1870, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 May 1955; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.
    4. Eaton J. Bowers was born 14 Nov 1877, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Apr 1950; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Reeve Cyrus Bowers, Esq.Reeve Cyrus Bowers, Esq. was born 27 Sep 1816, , Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania (son of Samuel Bowers and Lydia Sauers); died 19 Oct 1889, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Birth: , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania
    • Historic Building: Sweet Briar Farm
    • Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 019, Waterloo County, Ontario
    • Eby ID Number: 00013-1147
    • Immigration: 1825, , Canada
    • Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
    • Elected Office: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor, Deputy Reeve, Reeve
    • Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Desciple
    • Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1874, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

    Notes:

    Cyrus Bowers, "the eldest son of Samuel and Lydia (Sauers) Bowers, was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 27th, 1816, and came to Canada with his parents when nine years of age. Giving early indications of more than ordinary talent, his father gave him what was then considered a first class education. He settled a few miles south-west of the town of Berlin on the place known as 'The Sweet Briar Farm.' Here he resided until a few years before his death when he moved to Berlin where he died October 19th, 1889. Mr. Bowers always took a lively interest in all the political movements of the day, and although not conspicuous as a politician, yet his views and opinions had great weight in controlling the course of the party with which he sided. His judgments were as a rule without a fault, and so well were his advices and counsels given to parties who came to him for advice that he enjoyed the esteem and the high consideration of his numerous friends unimpaired until his death. On March 20th, 1838, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Barbara (Wenger) Eby. She was born April 14th 1814, and died April 5th, 1843. After her decease he was married to Elizabeth Craft, October 1, 1843. She was born January 29th 1822, and at present she resides with her daughter Matilda. To Mr. Bowers were born seven children, three of whom were of the first marriage and four of the second"


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

    __________________________________

    Death of Mr. Cyrus Bowers

    On Saturday morning last another of Waterloo County's prominent and respected pioneers passed away in the person of Mr. Cyrus Bowers, of Berlin, at the advanced of 73 years. He was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1816, came to Canada with his parents in 1825 and settled in Waterloo township, about two miles from Berlin. He received a good education, but applied it, to industrious farming, and his farm, known as "Sweet Briar Farm," was one of the finest in the county. In 1879 he retired from farming and removed to Berlin to spend the remainder of his days. He was a prominent reformer and for a number of years was president of the Reform Association of North Waterloo, and filled this with distinction. He was also for some time justice of the peace and served several terms in both township and county councils. He was also a Director of the Waterloo Mutual Insurance Co., from its first organization over twenty years ago, as well as of the Mercantile, of which he was a principal stockholder. In his religious relations he was an active and zealous member of Church. Deceased leaves a widow, three sons and three daughters. The sons are Dr. J. E. Bowers, of Rochester, Minnesota; Rev. J. E. Bowers, Toronto, and Jos. E. Bowers, of Waterloo Township, and the daughters are Mrs. Dr. Eby, of Seabringville; of Mrs. P. E. Shantz of Preston, and Mrs. E. R. Boller, of Guelph.

    Galt Reporter Oct 25 1889 pg 1


    ____________________

    1852 Census of Waterloo

    Cyrus BOWERS Farmer USA 36 b. 27-Sep
    Elisabetha BOWERS Germany 31 b. 28-Feb
    John E. BOWERS Canada 13 b. 18-Oct
    Jacob E. BOWERS Canada 11 b. 10-Oct
    Joseph C. BOWERS Canada 6 b. 24-Mar
    Matilda BOWERS Canada 8 b. 1-Apr
    Maria BOWERS Canada 4 b. 4-Mar

    Elected Office:
    Municipality : Waterloo Tp Years on local council: Deputy Reeve 1861; Reeve 1862; Councillor 1863
    Years on Waterloo County Council 1861 1862

    Cyrus married Elizabeth Eby 20 Mar 1838. Elizabeth (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger) was born 14 Apr 1814, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Apr 1843; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Elizabeth Eby was born 14 Apr 1814, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger); died 5 Apr 1843; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Elizabeth Bowers
    • Eby ID Number: 00031-2743
    • Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

    Notes:

    Elizabeth Eby, "was born April 14th, 1814, and was married to Cyrus Bowers, a farmer, who was born September 27th, 1816, and died October 19th, 1889. She died April 5th, 1843. They resided on "Sweet Briar Farm," two miles south-west of Berlin, Ontario."


    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. 2. Rev. John Eby Bowers was born 18 Oct 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Aug 1930; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.
    2. Dr. Jacob Eaton Bowers was born 10 Oct 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Feb 1922, Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United States; was buried , Forest Hill Cemetery, Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United States.
    3. Solon E. Bowers was born 5 Apr 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Apr 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 6.  George SeilerGeorge Seiler was born 4 May 1811, Apfenbach, Baden, Germany; was christened 1856, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Dec 1900, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: George Seilor
    • Name: George Seyler
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-59379
    • Immigration: 1835, , Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; weaver
    • Residence: 1856, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; [Member of New Jersulem Religion] Church
    • Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; [Member of New Jersulem Religion]
    • Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; New Jersalem
    • Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
    • Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Swedenborgian

    Notes:

    George Seiler, one of the oldest settlers in this area, died here on Monday after a long illness. Born on May 4. 1811 in Apfenbach, Baden, he came to America in 1835, and after a short stay in Buffalo. came to Berlin. A weaver by trade, he was employed by Peter Knechtel here for a considerable time. Later, he pursued farming, and 23 years ago, he retired to Berlin. He was married more than 63 years ago to Elisabeth Schmidt, who survives him. Eleven children were born of this marriage, of whom the following ten still survive: William and wife H. Meuser in Elmwood. Bruce County; John in Palmerston; David in Newry; Mrs. P. Rothärmel in Ontario. California; Mrs. John E. Bowers in Toronto; Mrs. Jakob Stroh in Waterloo; and George, Mrs. H. J. Ahrens, and Mrs. C. Joachimi in Berlin. The burial is to take place today, Thursday, at 1: 30 p.m. The memorial service will be held in the New Jerusalem Church.

    Berliner Journal 6 Dec 1900 pg. 4 col. 2 Translated by: Patrica J. Kauk December 1, 2006 for the Kitchener Public Library

    George — Elisabeth Schmidt. Elisabeth (daughter of Thomas Schmidt and Margaretha Busch) was born 11 Nov 1821, , Germany; was christened 13 Nov 1821, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 8 Apr 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Elisabeth Schmidt was born 11 Nov 1821, , Germany; was christened 13 Nov 1821, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany (daughter of Thomas Schmidt and Margaretha Busch); died 8 Apr 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Elisabeth Seiler
    • Name: Maria
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-59380
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; [Member of New Jersulem Religion] Church
    • Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; [Member of New Jersulem Religion]
    • Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; [Member of New Jersulem Religion]
    • Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Swedenborgian
    • Residence: 1903, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    Schmidt Family

    One seldom finds five generations of one family in a direct line of descent all alive at one time. We are able, however, to present such a case to our readers. The great-great-grandmother is the widow of George Seyler, 82 years old, resident in Berlin; the great-grandmother is the wife of Henry Meuser in Elmwood, 65 years old; the grandmother is Mrs. Amos Weber in London, 45 years old; the mother is Mrs. Arthur Schmidt in Berlin, 22 years old, and her little daughter, the grand-daughter, great-grand-daughter and great-great-grand-daughter of those named above, first saw the light of day, four weeks ago. Amazingly, the maiden-name of the great-great-grandmother and of the great-great-grand-daughter, the first and the last in the long line, is Schmidt.1a

    Berliner Journal August 13, 1903 Page 4 - Column 2 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

    Children:
    1. Rebecca Seiler was born 1839, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    2. Catherine Seiler was born 19 May 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1938; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. 3. Mary Seiler was born 17 Dec 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Oct 1938; was buried , Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, York Co., Ontario.
    4. William Seiler was born 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. Elisabeth "Lizzie" Seiler was born 7 May 1846, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 May 1913, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Amanda Seiler was born 1847, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. John Seiler was born 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1941; was buried , Palmerston Cemetery, Palmerston, Wellington Co., Ontario.
    8. Louisa Seiler was born 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    9. David Seiler was born 1855, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1924, Elma Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada.
    10. George Seiler was born 12 Apr 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 5 Oct 1862, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1935; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    11. Caroline "Carrie" Seiler was born 3 Jun 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 5 Oct 1862, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Feb 1944, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Samuel Bowers was born 26 Feb 1792, , Berks Co., Pennsylvania; was christened 26 Aug 1792, St. Joseph's Hill Church, Pike Township, Berks Co., Pennsylvania (son of Moses Bowers and Barbara Friederich); died 17 Apr 1855, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Samuel Bauers
    • Eby ID Number: 00013-1146
    • Immigration: 1825, , Canada
    • Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 019, Waterloo County, Ontario
    • Residence: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    Samuel Bowers, "was a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. In 1815 he was married to Lydia Sauers, and in 1825 they moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, near the town of Berlin. Their old home is now owned by the heirs of the late Mr. Richart. To them was born a family of eleven children"

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

    ________________________

    Samuel Bowers Sr. was born County Berks, Penn., and came to Canada in 1825, settling in Waterloo Twp. He died there, the 17th ult., in his 64th year, and was buried in Berlin; survived by his wife and children.

    The Christian Guardian 16 May 1855, pg 126

    __________________________

    A-1-71 Samuel Bowers: Probate of Will of Samuel Bowers, formerly of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, deceased, granted by W. Miller, Esq., Judge, the first day of May One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Five, Executors in such Will, the same reading in words following:-

    I Samuel Bowers of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman… First: I give and bequeath to me beloved wife any whole household and kitchen furniture, my Buggy and Harness, one cow, and two Pigs, to have and to hold for ever as her property, all but the Kitchen clock and family bible is to belong to my youngest son, Samuel, after her decease, with the use of the dwelling house at present occupied by us, and the use of the yard, and fruit as specified in the article of agreement made between me and me son William, and an annuity of twenty-five pounds ten shillings current money of Canada, payable yearly during her widowhood. Second: I appoint my Executors after mentioned, to pay to my son Levi the sum of three hundred pounds, as the full amount of his paternal inheritance, when becoming to the age of twenty-one. Third: I authorize my Executors to furnish means necessary to my youngest son Samuel to complete his studies properly and then to pay to him out of my Estate the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, as the balance of his paternal inheritance. Fourth: I leave and bequeath to each of my daughters unpaid the sum of two hundred and twenty five pounds out of the installments for land sold by me when they become due according as they most stand in need. Fifth: I leave and bequeath to my Grandson Isaac Barber the sun of one hundred and twenty five pounds when becoming of the age of twenty-one. Sixth: I request my Executors to pay to my oldest son Cyrus Bowers the balance due to him on three hundred pounds as soon as my son Samuel provides for and the installments become due. Seventh: In the event of my son William selling the property where we at present reside, I appoint and authorize my Executors to furnish and to provide for my beloved widow Lydia Bowers with a comfortable dwelling house and all necessary accommodations during her widowhood at the expense of my estate, and at her decease or departure from her widowhood the property is to be sold and equally divided among my children now living, and in case any should die it is to be divided among their children. Eighth: My three sons Isaac, William and Jacob have already received their portion of three hundred pounds each in land sold to them by me, also my son in the Law Jacob W. Bowman, has received the sum of two hundred pounds currency in land sold to him by me which is the full amount of my daughter Mary Ann's paternal portion, and also my said son-in-the-law Jacob W. Bowman is due to my estate one hundred and twenty-five pounds, which sum is to remain in interest as long as my said widow shall live or remain in her widowhood, which said interest is to be paid up yearly as specified in an article of agreement, the sum of seven pounds ten shillings is to form part of my said widows yearly dower, and at her death, or departure from her widowhood the sum of one hundred and twenty five pounds is to be equally divided among my children as aforesaid. Ninth: In case of the death of either of my said children under age, leaving no lawful issue, the portion falling to them is to be divided as aforesaid among their brothers and sisters. Tenth: My said son Jacob Bowers is due to my estate the sum of three hundred pounds for land sold to him by me, which sum is to remain on interest as long as my said widow shall live, the said interest shall be paid up yearly…as part of her yearly dower, and at the decease of my said widow the interest is to cease and the sum of three hundred pounds is to be paid up in three equal yearly installments, the first one year after her death till paid up, for which my said Executors shall be authorized and empowered to execute a lawful Deed of conveyance to my said son Jacob. Eleventh: I do hereby authorize and empower any two of my said executors to execute lawful Deeds of conveyance for all lands sold by me and un-deeded and also for all land and tenements yet unsold, all my moveable property belonging to me not specified in this will is to be sold, and the Eighteen acres of Woodland lying back of my son William's farm is to be sold, and all my just and lawful debts are to be paid out of it… And I do hereby appoint my good friends Jacob Kilborn, Esq of Blenheim Township, Charles G. Tisdale of Waterloo Village and Jacob S Bowers, of Waterloo Township, aforesaid Executors of this my last Will and Testament…

    Witnessed by Moses Heist and George Jones
    Will dated 1 December 1854
    Proved 1 May 1855
    Inventory £2602/16/9
    Died 17 April 1855

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


    Residence:
    He lived beside his son Cyrus.

    Samuel married Lydia Sauers 1815. Lydia (daughter of Jacob Sauers and Elizabeth Kolb) was born 8 Oct 1797, , USA; died 4 Jul 1869, Oakfield, Kent, Michigan; was buried , White Swan Cemetery, Oakfield Township, Kent Co., Michigan. [Group Sheet]


  2. 9.  Lydia Sauers was born 8 Oct 1797, , USA (daughter of Jacob Sauers and Elizabeth Kolb); died 4 Jul 1869, Oakfield, Kent, Michigan; was buried , White Swan Cemetery, Oakfield Township, Kent Co., Michigan.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Lydia Bowers
    • Eby ID Number: 00146-5536
    • Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lady
    • Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W.
    • Residence: 1864, Oakfield, Kent, Michigan

    Notes:

    Lydia Sauers, "was married to Samuel Bowers. They resided near Berlin where they had a large family. "

    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.].

    _______________________

    "...Friday, March 11, 1864: ...Just before sundown Father and Mother made their appearance with quite a load!! Grandmother's parlor stove, cane bottom chairs, and what is more - a cradle, which by the way seems to be a great favorite with Melinda. But what pleases me most is that Father bought Grandmother's Side-Board - the old family relic, and a most a splendid one it is too. I am glad it is going to be mine, it is just the one I was always wishing to have when I set up housekeeping, which I intend before many months if all is well"

    "...Tuesday, March 22, 1864: We have been expecting Uncle Bowman's and Grandmother for some days. This evening they all came with the exception of Louisa. She could not come because Grandmother and Aunt Ann came in a buggy with Washington, and Nelson had such a load of things to bring down that she did not get a seat. I am extremely sorry that this is the case. Now that they are going so far away that we don't know when we will see each other again, if ever . . . They have one car loaded. Uncle and Nelson intend leaving with the tomorrow night train. The rest intend going with the Thursday Express . . ."

    "Wednesday, March 23, 1864: This morning Father drove Grand....and Aunt Ann to Berlin with their team. . . We have seen them for the last time, no doubt, before they bid Goodbye to Canada and all their friends and acquaintances. I hope they may find Michigan all they expect - that they may make a fortune in the land of their adoption. They seem glad to go, and still with a degree of reluctance, and how could it be otherwise - the land of their birth . . ."

    Per grand daughter Matilda Bower's diary, on file at the Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener, Waterloo Co., Ontario, Canada:

    _____________________________


    Mrs. Lydia Bowers, relict of the late Samuel Bowers of Berlin, Ont., was converted in Berlin 32 years aog, and died July 4, 1869, at the residence of her son-in-law, Jacob W. Boroman, Oakfield, Kent County, Michigan, where she had been living for 5 years; aged, 71 (0.) or 73(D.N.) predeceased by her husband 14 years ago.

    Christian Guardian Newspaper 28 Jul 1869, pg 11 & 11 Aug 1869 pg 127

    Children:
    1. 4. Reeve Cyrus Bowers, Esq. was born 27 Sep 1816, , Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania; died 19 Oct 1889, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Mary Ann Bowers was born 17 Oct 1817, , Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown.
    3. Harriet Bowers was born 1819, , Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania; died 18 Jan 1842, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Louisa Bowers was born 7 Sep 1821, , Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. Isaac W. Bowers was born 15 Nov 1823, , Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania; died 1893, Ohio.
    6. Elizabeth Bowers was born 12 Nov 1825, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 13 Mar 1833, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Mar 1903, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. William Bowers was born 15 Jan 1828, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 13 Mar 1833, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1907; was buried , Kincardine Cemetery, Kincardine, Bruce, Ontario.
    8. Jacob S. Bowers was born 28 Dec 1829, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 13 Mar 1833, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    9. Lavina Bowers was born 3 May 1832, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 13 Mar 1833, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    10. Levi Bowers was born 27 Nov 1832, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    11. Dr. Samuel Sauers Bowers was born 4 Dec 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Jan 1900; was buried , Rienzi Cemetery, Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, United States.

  3. 10.  George S. Eby was born 8 May 1776, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania (son of George Eby and Barbara Sensenig); died 17 Nov 1858, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/191061171
    • Eby ID Number: 00031-2581
    • Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 001, Waterloo County, Ontario
    • Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; gelder
    • Occupation: 1851, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; veternary surgeon

    Notes:

    George Eby, "the fourth son of George Eby and his wife, Barbara Sensenig, was born May 8th, 1776, and was married, April 1st, 1797, to Barbara Wenger who was born in the year 1780 and died in September, 1834. In 1804 they moved from Pennsylvania to Canada. They were accompanied by his elder brother, Samuel, and a few others. He took up part of lot No. 1, German Company's Tract, in the township and county of Waterloo. The farm is now owned by Jacob B. Shantz. They had a family of eleven children"


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

    _________________________

    Among the early settlers of Berlin were August Fuchs, a jeweller, from Baden ; George Jantz, a grocer and tavern keeper, also from Baden ; Anselm Wagner, a potter from Alsace


    Theobald Spetz, The Catholic Church in Waterloo County Book I

    ______________________

    Anselm Wagner was the first potter in Berlin and had a shop for many years on King street south.

    _________________

    How More German Families Were Brought In

    At that stage there was a further influx of German hand-workers. In the main they came from Hesse, with sprinklings from Baden, Saxony. Mecklenburg, and other States. Woodworkers predominated. The Dorf however boasted a weaver, wagonmaker, hatmaker. a tailor (John Nahrgang), two shoemakers, and several carpenters, while Anselm Wagner, potter, made shilling crocks and flowerpots for the Hausfrau. A Dr. Klinkert was the first doctor

    A History of Kitchener

    ___________________

    King Street , North Side

    Frederick Street.

    Bishop Benjamin Eby's farm came to the corner of King and Frederick Streets. Next to Frederick Street, Frederick and William Miller erected a frame building and used it as a general store. After the grading operations spoken of this building had to undergo the same process as the St. Nicholas Hotel. It was considered a fine building in its day with large windows on each side of the centre door. Henry Stroh finally bought the building and tore it down in 1868. Jacob Stroh has some of the window sash, shutters, stairway, etc., still in his possession. Later the building was occupied by Jacob Eckstein cigar maker and tobacco dealer. Mrs. Warren with a family lived on the second story for a number of years.

    Vacant lot. Next a large brick building with double deck porch along the front, the Queen's Arms Hotel, built about 1840 and continued as a hotel until about 1860. A Mr. Butchard was the first landlord and later Levi Weber. From this hotel the first omnibus met the trains at the G.T.R. station in Berlin in 1856. Before that day it was a stopping place of stage coaches operating from Hamilton and Galt to Berlin and beyond. The old Queen's Arms long vacant and practically ruined as a building was sold finally and made room for the Market Building and Town Hall in 1869.*

    Next we come to the John Roos house. This also had a double-deck veranda with heavy posts as was the style 1840-50. The building was later turned into a hotel known as the Market Hotel and kept by Casper Heller.

    A lot with a log cabin in the rear, occupied by Jacob Sauer, who had come from Pennsylvania, father of Mrs. John Roat.

    * See 1922 Annual Report W. H. S., p. 210.

    A harness shop occupied by John Roat, then by his son John and later by John Haugh, a son-in-law of John Roat.

    A garden. A dwelling, 4 or 5 feet lower than the street which had been filled up, where lived the Susand family. Mrs. Susand had a reputation with juveniles for tarts and molasses taffy sold in lc. bars. Her children were in the habit of selling these wares to passengers at the G.T.R. station. After her husband's death about 1860, widow Susand moved her shop to Foundry Street North, and there continued until she died. Susand was an ex-slave. In 1857 at a nomination meeting for Council, he was nominated and stood a good chance of being elected, as a joke. However, the more thoughtful element among the voters prevailed.

    A two story, frame building, lengthwise with King Street, built in the '30's. After street grading this had to be raised so that what had before been the ground floor became the cellar or basement.

    A house occupied by Wm. Hawke,-known as Bill Hawke- a mason. A stout, easy-going man. His wife was in the habit of standing in the door way, with white lace cap, smoking a clay pipe. The east end of this building was occupied by Winters, a hatter, the first hat maker in Berlin. He made the old style, broad brim, Mennonite hats in fashion up to about 1845. At the corner of Scott stood a brick building of good size with gable toward King Street, used to stable the first fire teams for a number of years. Later John Wagner had a waggon shop above and George Ward a blacksmith shop underneath. Scott Street was, however, not opened until many years later.

    A one and one-half story building rough cast, gable facing King St., occupied by H. W. Peterson, who began publishing the "Canada Museum", in 1835 and so continued until 1840 when he went to Guelph as first Registrar of the County of Wellington. This was the first newspaper published in Waterloo County.

    Jacob Hailer's house, a one and one-half story, frame building with porch along the front partly enclosed by lattice work. In this house was born in 1834, Catherine Hailer, who married Louis Breithaupt. She is said to have been the first child born in Berlin of parents who came from Germany. Hailer's barn was some distance back from the street and next along on the street front was his shop where he manufactured spinning wheels, etc., and chairs which had a large distribution. Hailer was an expert wood turner. He had two foot-power lathes and a number of German assistants from time to time, continuing his shop for about 40 years.

    A two story frame building lengthwise with King Street, erected by Dr. John Scott. He had a drug store with two good-sized windows at the front. On the east gable of the building was a sign, "Med. Hall" in large letters. The sign was legible long after Dr. Scott's death. The doctor pursued his practice on horseback for which he used three horses. He was the first medical practitioner in Berlin, coming in 1834, at the time of the cholera epidemic. For a few years before he was married he boarded at the Gaukel Hotel. His later house, after the one described, is still standing on Weber Street at the rear of the Kitchener Public Library.

    The old Scott house on King Street was later occupied by Franz Martin who kept a saloon. Martin had a musical family, with the zither as their principal instrument, which all the children could play.

    A one and one-half story, frame building, painted, occupied by Anslm Wagner, a potter.

    A brick building 1 ½ story lengthwise with King Street, the west end of which was John Eby's drug store, the rest of the building being his dwelling. This was the first regular drug store in Berlin.

    A brick building with a frame extension in the rear used by David Eby as a pump shop. Part of the brick building is still standing, the rest having been cut off for the opening of Eby Street North.

    A one story hip roof brick cottage occupied by Geo. Eby, a Notary, who came to Canada in 1804. He died in this house. A considerable fish story is told of how he followed a sturgeon in the Conestoga River, part of Grand River, and finally speared it.

    A one and one-half story building, probably rough cast, occupied by Hy. Wurm, a carpenter employed at the Simpson factory.

    A two story brick building painted red occupied by Henry S. Huber.'

    A handsome brick building, two story, with veranda along the front and ground floor considerably above the street level, with broad steps, the width of the building, leading to it, was built in 1850. Some time later it was occupied by Casper Heller and known as the Royal Exchange hotel. Following the old custom its swinging sign had "Last Chance" on the side toward the village and "First Chance" outward, referring to liquid refreshments. Heller kept a good hotel and had also a large shed and ham next east of the hotel.

    On the corner a steam grist mill was erected, about 1860. Louis Seyler, a German, was the miller. The custom was for farmers to bring in their wheat to have it ground, getting in return flour, bran and middlings, the miller retaining his toll. Later Lehnen & Shelly operated this mill.

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



    ___________________________


    ?living with George in Waterloo Township in 1851 was apparently a second wife named Elizabeth born 10 Oct aged 63 born USA. source: 1851 census of Waterloo Township.

    George married Barbara Wenger 1 Apr 1797. Barbara (daughter of Martin Wenger and Anna Gingrich) was born 1780, , Pennsylvania, USA; died Sep 1834; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 11.  Barbara Wenger was born 1780, , Pennsylvania, USA (daughter of Martin Wenger and Anna Gingrich); died Sep 1834; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/205499105
    • Name: Barbara Eby
    • Eby ID Number: 00013-1147.3

    Children:
    1. George W. Eby was born 25 Dec 1798, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 1 Nov 1886, Elkhart, Elkhart, Indiana, United States.
    2. Peter Eby was born 3 Jun 1800, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 24 Mar 1883; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Nancy W. Eby was born 13 Oct 1801, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 4 Mar 1887, Thedford, Lambton Co., Ontario; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. John W. Eby was born 6 Nov 1803, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Oct 1891, Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Sanctuary Park Cemetery, Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario.
    5. Samuel W. Eby was born 18 Aug 1805, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Oct 1847, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Martin Eby was born 4 Aug 1807, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jun 1891, Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada.
    7. David Wenger Eby was born 23 Apr 1812, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Jun 1886, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    8. Magdalena Eby was born Nov 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 Jan 1883.
    9. 5. Elizabeth Eby was born 14 Apr 1814, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Apr 1843; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Veronica Eby 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.
    11. Moses W. Eby was born 23 Dec 1822, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Sep 1911, Breslau, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  5. 14.  Thomas Schmidt was born CA 1790, of, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-130400

    Thomas — Margaretha Busch. Margaretha was born CA 1790, of, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]


  6. 15.  Margaretha Busch was born CA 1790, of, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Margaretha Schmidt
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-189288

    Children:
    1. Katharina Margaretha Schmidt was born 9 Jun 1812, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; was christened 11 Jun 1812, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 1 Apr 1884, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Johann Konrad "Conrad" Schmidt was born 23 Sep 1817, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; was christened 25 Sep 1817, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 13 Sep 1876, , Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. 7. Elisabeth Schmidt was born 11 Nov 1821, , Germany; was christened 13 Nov 1821, Daisbach, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 8 Apr 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.