Rev. Moses Erb

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00032-2949
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1854, Bloomingdale Mennonite Church, Bloomingdale, Waterloo, Ontario; minister
• 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: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister

Notes:

Rev. Moses Erb, "was born in Waterloo County, Ontario, about two miles north of Bridgeport, August 6th, 1821. On December 28th, 1841, he was married to Susannah, daughter of Jacob and Polly (Detweiler) Rosenberger. She was born December 14th, 1821. Soon after their marriage they moved about two miles north of Bridgeport, on part of his father's old homestead. Their farm is still known as the old 'Erb Farm'. Here they resided until 1860 when they moved to Berlin on the old 'Bishop Benjamin Eby Farm' which he had purchased from the executors of the late Rev. Christian Eby. Here they resided for a number of years. Later on they left the farm and moved to Berlin where she died June 26th, 1884. On June 16th, 1885, he was again married to Salome, daughter of Rev. George Schmidt. She was first married to the late Joseph C. Hallman. On April 14th, 1854, he was ordained minister of the Mennonite Church for the Martin and Bloomingdale fields of labor. Since then he has been placed on the Berlin Circuit where he still assists in the ministry. Although now seventy-four years of age he is still engaged every Sabbath in his ministerial duties. His method of preaching is plain, practical and impressive, and in the delivery of his sermons he is earnest and always very serious. His style is clear and the various ideas brought forth during his discourses are always so arranged that they are easily understood by the congregation. He is greatly beloved by his own people and highly esteemed by all other parties. His family consisted of three 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.].


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Bloomingdale (Schneider or Snyder) Mennonite Church

Services began in 1824, and in 1826 a first meeting house, known as Schneider's or Snyder's, was built northwest of Bloomingdale, and east of the Grand River, on land (part Lot 7) donated by Jacob Schneider. Henry Weber was the first minister to this congregation, from 1824 until 1854. He was followed by Moses Erb who was ordained minister to the congregation on April 14, 1854. The church building was primarily used as a school in the beginning; the first teacher was John Bauman from Pennsylvania. Church services were held in homes. Dorothy Sauder, in her 1972 history of the church, states that "Prior to 1860, Schneider's was the only [Mennonite] place of worship on the Grand River and, until the 1889 Martin schism, it was one with the Martin congregation with ministers serving both groups" (Sauder 1972: 8). Services were held on a two-week schedule, at one meeting house and then at the other.

Snyder's was affected by division in the church in the early 1870s. The majority of the congregation joined the Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites, a group organized by Solomon Eby on May 15, 1874, and from 1875-1879 the meeting house was used almost exclusively by them. It was here that the conference was held on March 23, 1875 in which the New Mennonites and the Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites joined together as the United Mennonites. However, because the original deed to the church property had been lost or perhaps never duly executed, a new deed was drawn up on January 15, 1879, giving ownership of building and property to the group of more conservative Mennonites in the congregation.

The present church was built in 1878 on approximately the same site as the first meeting house. Renovations to the church building were carried out in 1951. One main entrance, to replace the two separate entrances, was part of the changes made. Further improvements were made in 1985. The name of the church is now Bloomingdale Mennonite Church.

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

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Rev. Moses Erb

Rev. Moses Erb, one of the oldest inhabitants of Berlin, died Wednesday evening and was buried Saturday afternoon in the Mennonite churchyard, with an exceptionally large number attending. He was born August 6, 1821 near Bridgeport, and at the age of 20 years, married Hannah Rosenberger, who died in 1884. In 1885, he married Solome Schmidt, a daughter of Preacher George Schmidt, who survives him. In addition to her, he leaves two sons: Menno and Aaron Erb from his first marriage. His youngest son, Moses, died already in 1858. In the year 1860, he moved from the old Erb farm near Bridgeport, to the Eby place in the eastern part of town, later taken over by his son, Menno, and which now is the property of Mr. Moses Betzner. In 1854, he was chosen preacher of the Mennonite congregation, and retained this office until his death.
Last winter, he took ill with flu, which gradually turned into dropsy. He was known favourably far and wide for his many cancer cures.

Berliner Journal August 3, 1901 Page Column 2 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk

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King Street , North Side

Cameron Street.

A long two story building also erected by Philip Roth at the same time the one on the opposite corner. This building was intended for a hotel with the expected coming of the railway. Later it was occupied by a party of Italians who made plaster casts, all sorts of bears, animals, etc., peddling them about the country, the peddler carrying his wares in a large frame on his head. These Italians came suddenly and as suddenly left after a brief stay.

A house occupied by Rev. Moses Erb, Mennonite Minister, who came from Bridgeport; later a Mr. Lindner who made rocking horses, toys, etc., occupied the building.

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

Pandora Street

Pandora Street and next to it the site of Bishop Benjamin Eby's buildings and farm. A fine lawn surrounded a large frame house with spacious veranda between the house and King Street. There was a large barn and east of it a cider mill operated by Ely Eby, son of the Bishop. In later years the place was occupied by Rev. Moses Erb and his son Menno Erb, the cider mill long continuing. There was a large orchard between the farm buildings and the Mennonite Meeting House and cemetery. The Mennonites had at first no shed adjoining their church. Posts joined by a chain led along the King Street front, for tying horses. The sheds came later. In 1834 a frame building was erected for this Church. It was moved to Cedar Street in 1902 when the present brick Church was erected and is still used as a woodenware factory.

Eby school house was located at the easterly corner of the cemetery. A frame building, painted red, before 1830. In the rear and to the east of the cemetery was William Moyer's farm with his brick house still standing at the top of the slope from King Street.


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

Occupation:
Services began in 1824, and in 1826 a first meeting house, known as Schneider's or Snyder's, was built northwest of Bloomingdale, and east of the Grand River, on land (part Lot 7) donated by Jacob Schneider. Henry Weber was the first minister to this congregation, from 1824 until 1854. <sup>1a

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

Moses married Susannah Rosenberger 28 Dec 1841. Susannah (daughter of Jacob Rosenberger and Maria "Polly" Detweiler) was born 14 Dec 1821, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 26 Jun 1884, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Menno R. Erb was born 16 Oct 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Jun 1906, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Aaron Erb was born 7 Jan 1849, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 22 Oct 1916; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
3. Moses Erb was born 5 Jan 1856, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Dec 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Moses married Salome Schmitt 16 Jun 1885. Salome (daughter of Rev. Dr. George R. Schmitt and Salome "Sally" Becker) was born 27 Apr 1838, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Jul 1917, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00032-2931
• Military: 1812; War of 1812
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 125, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Erb, "the second son of Peter and Anna (Schãeffer) Erb, and brother to Daniel Erb, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 13th, 1787. On December 14th, 1806, he was married to Susannah Bomberger who was born in the same place, September 17th, 1787, and died April 3rd, 1867. In 1807 they, with others, moved to Canada and settled in what is now Waterloo County, Ontario. They located on the west bank of the Grand River, about two miles north of Bridgeport, on the farm now known as the 'Wismer Farm'. Here they resided until their deaths. He died February 24th, 1865. To them were born eleven children, all born in Waterloo County, 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.].

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On Febr. 24th, in Waterloo Co., Canada West, of apoplexy, Bro. Peter Erb, aged 78 years, 1 month and 10 days. He was born in the State of Pennsylvania-was married on the 14th of November 1806, with Susanna Bomberger and emigrated to Canada in 1807, where, as a peaceable citizen, he experienced, with others, the difficulties of a new country. He had, with his wife, who is still living, 11 children, three sons and eight daughters. He enjoyed good health generally until he reached his 75th year, when his strong bodily powers were shattered by a stroke of apoplexy, from which he suffered by repeated attacks until at last, as we hope, he fell asleep in the Lord. DAVID SHERK

Herald of Truth April 1865 - Vol. II, No.4 Page 31, 32

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

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

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


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

Peter married Susannah Bomberger 14 Dec 1806. Susannah was born 17 Sep 1787, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 3 Apr 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2931.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

On the 3rd of April, in the same township, of dropsy, widow SUSANNA ERB, aged 79 years, 6 months and 19 days. Her maiden name was Bomberger. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa.., She was buried at Christian Eby's burying-ground. She was a member of the Mennonite Church and died as we have reason to hope a happy death. Funeral sermons were preached by the brethren Moses Bowman, G. R. Schmidt and Tillman Moyer.


HERALD OF TRUTH - Volume IV, Number 5 - May 1867 - Page 78

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00032-2909

Notes:

Peter Erb, "son of Christian Erb, and grandson of Nicholaus Erb, was born in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and resided near Mannheim of the said county. He was born in 1736 and married to Susannah Schäffer. They had a large family. The names of five of the sons were Daniel, Peter, John, Christian, and Jacob. The two eldest, Daniel and Peter, moved to Canada in 1807. The descendants of the others are to be found in Pennsylvania."


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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Peter remained in Pennsylvania

Peter — Susannah Schãeffer. Susannah was born Abt 1736, Of, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2909.1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00032-2775.3

Notes:

"Christian and Maria Erb resided in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, near his father's homestead. Their family consisted 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.].

Christian married Maria Winger 1725. Maria was born Abt 1703, , Switzerland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2775.6