Abraham Devitt

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00030-2336
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Abraham Devitt, "was born December 1st, 1841, and died May 5th, 1893. He was married to Mary Mann with whom he had three children, Clarence, Veria, and Harold. He was a graduate of Toronto University and was engaged as principal in our high schools for quite a number of years. He was book-keeper for The Shantz Button Manufacturing Company of Buffalo, New York, where he took sick and, after a few months illness, died with his brother, Benjamin, in the town of Waterloo."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

_____________________

Mr. Abram Devitt, who has been seriously ill at the home of his mother, Mrs. Benjamin Devitt, Waterloo, is sinking rapidly and may depart for the great unknown at any moment. His wife arrived last night from Renfrew.

A telephone message at 3: 30 this afternoon informs us of the death of Mr. Abram Devitt of Waterloo at 1: 45 p.m. to-day. He was 51 years, 5 months and 4 days old. He possessed the degree of M.A. and was formerly a High School teacher. Sometime ago he employed as a bookkeeper by Waterloo Manufacturing Co. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his death. (Funeral on Monday, May 8)

The Daily Record 5 May 1893

Abraham — Mary Mann. Mary was born Abt 1841, Of, Buffalo, Erie, New York, USA; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

1. Clarence Devitt
2. Veria Devitt
3. Harold Devitt
4. Gordon Alexander Devitt was born CALC 15 Dec 1874; died 5 Sep 1875, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Abraham — ?. ? was born Abt 1840; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55219191
• Historic Building: 38 Bridge St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2322
• Historic Building: Abt 1812, 172 King St. S., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Erb Kumpf House
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Historic Building: 1849, 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario; Dr. Voelker House
• Residence: 1849, 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Elected Office: 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Waterloo Township
• 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
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Barnabus Devitt, "the fourth son of his father, Dennis Devitt, was born in New Jersey, U.S., March 25th, 1807. He came to Canada with his parents in 1817 and settled on the old "Daniel C. Snyder Farm" west of the town of Waterloo. After the decease of his mother he was adopted by old Abraham Erb who raised him. He was only 11 years of age when he came to Erb's. On May 1st 1831, he was married to Magdalena Shoemaker who was born November 20th, 1811. In 1829 she came to Canada with her mother and family. Mr. and Mrs. Devitt resided in the town of Waterloo until 1851 when they moved to Bridgeport where he and Elias Eby entered into partnership in the milling business. After being in business for some years, he sold his interest to the late Jacob B. Eby and purchased the beautiful farm now in possession of Tilman Shantz. Here he resided until a few years previous to his death when he again moved to the town of Waterloo to spend the close of his life. He died January 20th, 1891. They had a family of twelve children" Barnabas Devitt, "(Vol. I, No. 2322) came to Canada in 1812 and came to Waterloo in 1815."


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.].

___________________

Devitt, Barnabus, retired farmer. Is a native of New Jersey. Born, 1807. Moved to this county in 1815.

Illustrated Atlas of the County of Waterloo, H. Parsel & Co., Toronto - 1881 (Waterloo entries)

_____________________

The Silver Thread Lofts on Devitt Avenue is a different addition to the ever growing list of condo projects in this city. It is only three storeys high with underground parking for 15 units. It is nestled into the quiet, tree-shaded environs at 15 Devitt Ave. S. in the historic Mary-Allen Neighbourhood....The development is called The Silver Thread Lofts. This area of the city was once owned by Barnabus Devitt, who had a radish farm on the site. Later, the Silver Thread Kraut Company made sauerkraut here...

Waterloo Region Record 14 Oct 2011

Historic Building:
Built in 1840 by Jacob S. Shoemaker across from the mill he constructed in 1830. In 1969 the house with stone foundation and handmade brick walls was listed in fair to poor condition. The roof was framed with mortise and tenon joining. The house was a combination of Georgian proportions and classical decorations. The large dormers were reminiscent of early buildings in Pennsylvania. In 1850 the house was sold to Elias Eby together with the mill complex. The house was been renovated a number of times. The porch was removed and the house converted into a tri-plex by 1969. Barnabus Devitt was also a propietor with Elias Eby.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Bridgeport Mill, a non-dated (probably 1969) type written manuscript located at Doon Heritage Crossroads 2009

Historic Building:
The original portion of the Erb-Kumpf House was built around 1812 by Abraham Erb, the founder of Waterloo, making it one of Waterloo's oldest homes. It was a three-bay structure facing a mill situated near the south-west corner of King and Erb Streets.
Abraham Erb came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1806 and settled on Lots 14 and 15 of the German Company Tract, land which now comprises the central business district of Waterloo. He established a sawmill on Beaver (Laurel) Creek in 1808 and a grist mill in 1816. In 1828, he sold his mills and a considerable quantity of land to Jacob C. Snider.
Magdalene Erb sold the home to Barnabas Devitt, her adopted son, in 1835. His son Benjamin served as Mayor of Waterloo from 1881 to 1883.
An addition to the house was probably built by Devitt in 1849. A slight hump in the roof on the north side indicates the location at which it joins the original structure. The application of a vertical board and clapboard which does not align is further evidence that it was added at a later date. The second addition, probably built by Hoffman around 1855, included the two-storey verandah at the front.

Elias Snider acquired the home and later sold it to Christian Kumpf in 1869. Kumpf was a newspaper owner, Mayor of Waterloo from 1879-1880, as well as Postmaster for 42 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Dominion Life Assurance Company in 1889. His son Ford, who became affectionately known as "Mr. Waterloo", was born in the home in 1877 and assumed ownership in 1899. One of the community's most public-spirited citizens, he served as Treasurer of Waterloo and Clerk/Manager of the Water and Light Commission. He was President of the Waterloo Red Cross Society and The Dominion Life Assurance Company.
At present, the house demonstrates a mixture of architectural styles. Among its Georgian characteristics is the six-over-six window pane arrangement. The facade, with its two wings, treillage, Gothic barge board and Doric columns, reflects the Regency influence.
In 1979, the home was sold to a law firm which has maintained the integrity of the exterior. A third addition in keeping with the style of the building has since been constructed.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Designated Properties www. waterloo.ca

Historic Building:
Constructed by Barnabus Devitt in 1849 and sold to Elias Snider in 1851.

Barnabas married Magdalena Shoemaker 1 May 1831, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Johannes "John" Schumacher and Maria "Mary" Shantz) was born 20 Nov 1811, Frederick Twp., Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Nov 1907, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55219293
• Name: Magdalena Devitt
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7023
• Immigration: 1829, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Magdalena Shoemaker, "was born November 20th, 1811. In 1829 she came to Canada with her mother and family. On May 1st, 1831, she was married to Barnabas Devitt who was born March 25th, 1807, and died January 20th, 1891."

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

_______________

In Memoriam Died. At Waterloo, Tuesday Nov. 12th, 1907, Mrs. Barnabas Devitt, Aged 95 years, 11 months and 22 days. The Funeral Will take place from the residence of Mr. Benjamin Devitt, at 1.30 o'clock, Friday afternoon, Nov. 15th, to Emanuel Evangelical Church, Waterloo, for service, thence to the East End Mennonite Cemetery, Berlin, for interment. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

____________

MRS. BARNABAS DEVITT PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY

Ninety-Six Years of Age and Waterloo's Oldest Resident. Generally Respected and Loved.

The death of one of Waterloo's most estimable in the person of Mrs. Barnabus Devitt, removes one of the early pioneers who has witnessed the growth of the town from a small struggling hamlet of a few houses nestling in the midst of the woods to the Waterloo of today. Although in her 96th year the aged lady enjoyed splendid health up to a week ago Saturday, attending service at the Mennonite church on Thanksgiving Day. However, she fortunately contracted pleurisy and had been confined to her bed since that time. The malady terminated fatally, and she passed peacefully away at 6.30 A. M. Tuesday at the ripe old age of 95 years, 11 months and 22 days.

Mrs. Devitt, whose maiden name was Magdalena Shoemaker, was a member of a long-lived and highly respected family and was the daughter of the late John Shoemaker, She was born in Pennsylvania, U.S. on Nov 20th, 1811, and would have celebrated her 96th birthday on the 20th of this month. She came to Waterloo in the year 1829 with her mother and family, traversing the distance in one of the old-fashioned Wagons used in those times. Two years later she was married to the late Barnabas Devitt and they resided for a time in Waterloo, afterwards removing to Bridgeport, where her husband purchased the mill at that place. It was later disposed and the family again moved to this place where she has almost continuously resided.

As one of the early pioneers Mrs. Devitt saw the transition of this sparsely settled community to the present prosperous town of Waterloo and often recounted experiences of early days conditions which
prevailed in those primitive times. On the journey to the new home in this county from Pennsylvania, the distance was made with horse and wagon, the mother of Mrs. Devitt travelling on horseback. They had several cows with them which supplied milk and butter was churned right on the wagon as they went along. The route lay over mountains, across rivers, through swamps and over roads almost impassable and in many places did not exist at all.

The passage over the Niagara River was made in a scow as there was no bridge across at that time. When the family arrived here Waterloo to consisted of a mill store, and a few houses, and the surrounding vicinity was all woodland. Mr. and Mrs. Barnabus Devitt for a goodly number of years resided on the site where the present residence of Mrs. C Kumpf now stands where Mr. Devitt had over 100 acres of farm land. After his retirement they removed to the old Barnabas Devitt property, now owned by Mr. Herold

Mr. Devitt died in 1891 and Mrs. Devitt has of late years made her home with her son, Mr. Benjamin Devitt.

The late Mrs. Devitt possessed those qualities of heart and mind which endeared her to all with whom she came in contact and was held in the highest regard not only by the members of her family but by all her acquaintances. She was unassuming. and of a sunny disposition and cheery presence and a wide circle of friends will sincerely mourn her demise. At the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Devitt she was the oldest of the five generations represented.

Despite het great age she took a lively and intelligent interest in every day life and retained her mental and bodily vigor almost to the time of her death. The passing away of this pioneer in a community wherein she resided for many years and in which she was held in general esteem will learn with sorrow by her many friends but the legacy which she leaves behind in an upright, and long life of activity and usefulness filled with many kindnesses will remain as a precious memory to those who had grows to love and esteem her for her many good and many qualities.

The deceased was an adherent of the Evangelical Church for many years.

Twelve children were burn to Mã and Mrs. Devitt, six of whom survive, vis. Benjamin, Waterloo, David Berlin, Mary (Mrs. Jacob Wissler), Lyndhurst, Virginia, Barnabus Philadelphia, Menno, Waterloo, Louisa (Mrs. Jacob Smith) Fork's Road. The dead are John, Abram, Isaac, Jacob, and Magdalena, who died in infancy and Matthew, whose death occurred when four years old. Thirty grandchildren, twenty-one great grand children and one great great child survive.

The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon the at 1.30 o'clock from the residence Benj Devitt, to the Evangelical Church for service thence to the East End Mennonite Cemetery, Berlin for interment.

The Telegraph extends sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.


The Chronicle Telegraph (190101), 14 Nov 1907, p. 5

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00030-2322.1

Notes:

Maria Polly Banghart married J.George Ribble in 1793. He died 2 yrs later after fathering George Ribble Jr. December 25, 1800 she married Dennis Devitt, an Irish immigrant recently arrived in the German-Dutch community of Sussex, NJ. The family spelled the name DeWit while living there. By 1812 seven little DeWits had arrived. At this time the family re-located to Canada leaving behind her son George and the two oldest DeWit boys, Matthew and John. James had died in infancy. Going with them to the Hamilton, ON area was Barnabus, Barbara, John and Dennis who now all became Devitts. Maria and Joseph Banghart Devitt were added in Canada in 1813 and 1814. At this time another re-location found them moving further west into the mostly German area of Waterloo. Baby Joseph was left behind in the Hamilton area with a French Canadian family named Dionne. A family-written biography refers to him merely as Joseph, the Dionnes. Dennis and Polly are said to have had a row after moving to Waterloo at which time she packed up and fled in 1815, heading for the US. She left behind the five Devitt children, several of whom are known to have been taken in and raised by Mennonite families. It is said she picked Joseph up along the way and nothing more is known of either one of them at this time (2005). Maria Polly Banghart was a benefactor of her grandfather Andrew Banghart's will in 1818. Her name there was Mary DeWit. Joseph was not mentioned.

jcareypearce@home.com

Dennis — Mary Martin. Mary was born Abt 1790, of, Sussex Co., New Jersey; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Devitt
• Name: Polly Martin
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2322.12

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53646508
• Name: John Schumacher
• Name: John Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7005

Notes:

John Shoemaker, "the eldest son, was born in Frederick Township,(All the children of old Jacob were born in this township) Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, May 12th, 1775. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and during the busy times he assisted his father in the mill. On May 2nd, 1797 he was married to Mary Shantz who was born March 13th, 1775, and died April 6th, 1866, aged 92 years and 23 days (See old Isaac Shantz's family record). They commenced farming on his father's old place where they resided until his death. They had a family of nine children, of whom two died young. During the year 1827 he met with an accident which ultimately brought on dropsy and other diseases causing his death which took place January 30th, 1828."


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

Johannes married Maria "Mary" Shantz 2 May 1797. Maria (daughter of Isaac Shantz and Barbara Rife) was born 13 Mar 1775, Near Pottstown, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 6 Apr 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/208640653
• Name: Maria "Mary" Schumacher
• Name: Mary Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6536

Notes:

Mary Shantz, "was born near Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, March 13th, 1775. On May 2nd, 1797, she was married to John Shoemaker. They resided on the Swamp Creek, in Frederick Township, at what is known as 'Shoemaker's Mills'. Here they had a family of nine children, of whom two died young. She came to Canada in 1829 with her three youngest children, and during the eve of her life she had her home with her daughter, Magdalena, where she died April 6th, 1866."

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 6th of April, in Waterloo Co., C. W., Widow Maria Schumacher, at the advanced age of 91 years and 24 days. Her disease was chiefly the infirmities of old age and finally also the palsy. She was a member of the Mennonite Church. ELIAS SCHNEIDER

Herald of Truth May 1866 - Vol. III, No. 5

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48101987
• Historic Building: 38 Shirk Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7004

Notes:

Jacob Shoemaker, "the seventh child of Jacob Shoemaker, was born in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, July 27th, 1754. He was married to Mary Tyson who was born April 7th, 1752, and died July 12th, 1803. In the year 1775 they moved to Frederick Township, Montgomery County, where he was engaged in farming and milling. His old mill, erected in 1737 on Swamp Creek, is still known as "'S Schuhmacher's Muehl" (Shoemaker's Mills). They had a family of five children, namely:...After the decease of old Jacob's wife he was again married to Magdalena Longenecker, widow of Isaac Urmy. Dates of her birth and death could not be ascertained. There was no issue of this marriage. After the decease of his second wife he made his home with his son, John, who resided on the old homestead. A year after the decease of his son John who died in January, 1828, he, in company with his son John's wife and three youngest children, and also his daughter, Mary, and her husband, George Bechtel, and family, moved to Canada. They first came to Waterloo to his grandson, Jacob S. Shoemaker. For some time old Jacob had his home with his son John's widow and his daughter, Mary, but after Jacob S. Shoemaker, his grandson, had his house built in Bridgeport, he made his home with him where he died November 19th, 1847, aged 93 years, 3 months, and 22 days. He was buried at the Mennonite burial ground, east end of the town of Berlin. He was a member of the Mennonite body."

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.].

_________________

At Glasgow, Waterloo Township, on the 19th ult., Jacob Shoemaker, grandfather of Jacob S. Shoemaker, of Glasgow Mills, at the advanced age of over 93 years. The deceased was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and had resided in Waterloo for 30 years. His descendants, at his death, amounted to the goodly number of 220, among whom are seven great-great-grandchildren all living in Waterloo

The Guelph Advertiser 7 Jan 1848

Historic Building:
The Shoemaker House is a good representation of Georgian style houses with Classical Greek revival influences. The symmetrical six bay facade features triple brick laid in Flemish bond which is covered lightly by a red stucco wash and carefully lined to emphasize the brickwork. The first storey windows are double hung with 12 over 12 paned windows and the second storey windows are 8 over 12 paned. The two original Georgian doors have six panels and classical pilasters with pediments. Two of the three original chimneys remain in working order.

Jacob — Mary Tyson. Mary (daughter of William Sellen Tyson and Alice Elise Godshalk Nash) was born 7 Apr 1752, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jul 1803, Swamp Creek, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; was buried , Mennonite Church Cemetery, Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51645718
• Name: Mary Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00123-7540

Notes:

Mary Tyson, "was born in 1752 and died in 1803. She was married to Jacob Shoemaker."


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:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6535

Notes:

Isaac Shantz, "was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, January 14th, 1748. On May 4th, 1774, he was married to Barbara Reiff who was born September 12th, 1753. He died on his farm situated on the Schuylkill River, within the corporation of Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on October 11th, 1802. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom they raised. Their names are as follows: III Mary, III Abraham, III Christian, III Jacob, III Isaac, III David, III Veronica, III Samuel, and III Joseph. In 1808, she with her two sons, David and Isaac, and her daughter Veronica, moved to Canada and settled on the farm now possessed by Abraham H. Wambold, about one and one-half miles south of Berlin, and part of this farm is now possessed by Enos Shantz, one of her great-grandchildren. Here she resided until her death which took place September 25th, 1820. (Contributed by her son, Joseph) She was of an amiable disposition, rather small in statue but robust and of a quick turn. At 60 years of age she would mount her pony like a young man. She is buried in the Christian Eby Burial Ground, Berlin, Ontario. We shall now give the descendants of Isaac Shantz."


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.].

Isaac married Barbara Rife 4 May 1774. Barbara (daughter of Christian Rife and Veronica Reiff) was born 12 Sep 1753, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 1820, South Of Berlin, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00092-5275.1
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 052, Waterloo County, Ontario