Ralph K. Shantz

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-172668
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper, Mutual life
• Residence: 1921, 3 Clarence Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1930, Battle Creek, Calhoun, Michigan, USA

Other Events:

• Name: E. J. Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6956.5
• Occupation: 1900, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; merchant
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Store Clerk
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Autioneer, General
• Residence: 1921, 3 Clarence Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Elo married Malinda Snyder 26 Sep 1900, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Malinda (daughter of Joseph B. Snyder and Naomi Shoemaker) was born 8 Aug 1875, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Oct 1934; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Malinda Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6219
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, 3 Clarence Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Malinda Snyder, "was born August 8th, 1875. She is home with her parents and is not married." Malinda Snyer, "was born August 7th, 1875."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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: 00110-6956
• Residence: 1860, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada
• Retired: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Caretaker, Private House
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Josiah K. Shantz, "was born December 5th 1834. He is married to Nancy Kolb. They reside at Peabody, Kansas, where he is engaged in farming."


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.].

Josiah married Anna "Nancy" Kolb 6 Oct 1860, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Abraham Kolb and Elizabeth Ziegler) was born 10 Oct 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1926; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna "Nancy" Shantz
• Name: Nancy Kolb
• Eby ID Number: 00068-4132
• Residence: 1860, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Kolb, "was born October 10th, 1841. She is married to Josiah Shantz, a farmer, and resides in Kansas."



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: 00106-6214
• Occupation: 1857, Winterbourne, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; merchant
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Joseph B. Snyder, "was born December 2nd, 1833. After spending his boyhood on his father's farm at Bloomingdale he went to Winterbourne, Woolwich Township, Ontario, where he was engaged in the mercantile calling for some time. After selling out his interest in the business he settled on a farm about one mile south of Winterbourne where he is still engaged in farming. On April 12th, 1857, he was married to Naomi, daughter of Jacob D. and Jane (Dunbar) Shoemaker,. She was born June 2nd 1838. They have 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.].

________________________

The death took place, Saturday, in Berlin of Mr. Jos. B. Snyder a well known retired farmer, who for the past nine years has lived in Berlin. He had been in failing health for three months, but confined to his bed for less than two weeks. He was in his 75^th year. His birthplace was the old Snyder homestead near Bloomingdale, on the farm now occupied by Mr. Menno Koch, and after he had attained manhood he moved on a farm near Winterbourne, which he conducted successfully until about 9 years ago. Along with a brother, he was also interested in a general store at Winterbourne for six years. Throughout his long residence in this district he had built up a character that was respected by all who knew him, for his integrity and largeness of heart. He was a splendid neighbor and a kind father. He is survived by a widow, two sons, Norman and Nelson, farmers near Winterbourne and two daughters, Mrs. E.J. Shantz of near Heidelberg, and Miss Jane at home.

Elmira Advertizer 12 Sep 1908

Joseph married Naomi Shoemaker 12 Apr 1857, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Naomi (daughter of Jacob D. Shoemaker and Jane Dunbar) was born 2 Jun 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 Jul 1931; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Naomi Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7070
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, 34 Chapel St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Naomi Shoemaker, "was born June 2nd, 1838. On April 12th, 1857, she was married to Joseph B. Snyder. They reside on a large farm situated in Woolwich Township, a little south of Winterbourne, They have 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:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/208735419
• Name: Benjamin Schantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6955
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1866, Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Benjamin Shantz, "was born September 21st, 1811. He was married to Lydia Kolb who was born May 13th, 1814. After his marriage he moved on his father's farm at Freeport, Ontario. In 1853 they moved to Saugeen, Bruce County, Ontario, where she died November 9th, 1862. After the decease of his first wife he was married to Margaret Swinton who was born July 5th, 1840. In 1864 or 1865 Mr. Shantz moved to Montgomery County, Missouri, thence to Dallas County, same state, where he died November 9th, 1868, leaving a family of the following 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.].

_________________________

Handwritten notes about Benjamin Schantz (probably written by Franklin Schantz):

Grandpa sat in barn & watched ice break up and flood all his land [B.O.S. Lot 12, Freeport on the Grand River] with ice and logs. [He] Decided to sell and move to Saugeen where he had purchased 600 acres and later 200 acres & harbour shares 1854. Moved March 27th with lots of snow 76 years ago [1930]. Built saw mill and grist mill. Uncle [Soloman Eby?] went next year, helped build mill and build his house, Aunt C[Catherine Schantz married Soloman Eby, 1855] 18 years old.

Grand Father [Benjamin] was a big heavy boned man with strength of two good men. Cut with cradle 11 ft swath and layed grain so [widely?] men wanted to bind after him. Harvesters came [from] Dumfries & worked all way through harvest until done - all cradled.

The only time Uncle Sol[oman Eby] met Grandfather Shantz and Grandmother was at Sheriff Springers where he was boarding & going to school. Fed cow and 2 horses for his board. Had salmon, trout for dinner & supper, gave uncle a big piece; first he ever ate. Next time he saw Grand Father Schantz was when they moved to Port Elgin the year following GFS [Benjamin Schantz] in 1855.

Grand Father hired a professional cradler who boasted he would tire him out before the day was done but he found the tables turned on him & by about 4 he was all in and Grand Father was still going strong.

He lived 12 years in Port Elgin, then after his wife [Lydia] died he married Margaret Swinton, who worked for him and in 1866 he moved to Missouri. Things were bad after close of Civil War & business not very good. Things did not go very well with them, horses took sick and died. Finally after two years he took sick and died, leaving a widow with four small children. Later she had to sell some land to pay taxes; had hard struggle.

Father [Tobias Schantz] and Uncle Josiah were Executors of the will & went over, brought back children of first wife Lydia; Sarah, Enoch & Menno. Having very little money on hand, they never settled up the estate.

[March 16, 1930] Submitted by Harold Russell 2021

Benjamin married Lydia Kolb 5 Nov 1833. Lydia (daughter of Deacon Jacob Kolb, Sr. and Catharine Clemens) was born 13 May 1814, Hilltown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania; died 9 Nov 1862, Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lydia Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00068-4146

Notes:

Lydia Kolb, "the youngest in the family, was born May 13th, 1814. She was married to Benjamin Shantz and resided in Port Elgin, Ontario, where she died."



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/208284228
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 122, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00068-4118
• 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

Notes:

Abraham Kolb, "the eldest son, was born June 13th, 1806. On November 3rd, 1829, he was married to Elizabeth Ziegler who was born December 15th, 1811. Soon after their marriage they moved on the farm now possessed by Oliver Betzner where they resided until his death which took place April 14th, 1874. She is still living and resides near Breslau. To Mr. and Mrs. Kolb were born six children"

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

_______________

Farm for sale.

The same lies two and a half miles from Berlin, on the road to Breslau, is known as Abraham Kolb's Bauerei and contains 100 acres of the best land. A stream flows through the land. There is a two-story brick house, a Swiss barn and all the necessary outbuildings, as well as an orchard x. For more information, please contact Jakob Z. Kolb, Berlin P. O.

Berliner Journal Thu, Mar 20, 1879 Page 3 - translated from German

Abraham married Elizabeth Ziegler 3 Nov 1829, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Dilman Hunsburger Ziegler and Catherine Schwartz) was born 31 Dec 1811, Near Skippack, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 5 Jan 1896, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 8 Jan 1896, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/208285135
• Name: Eliza Ziegler
• Name: Elizabeth Kolb
• Name: Elizabeth Wenger
• Eby ID Number: 00139-8425
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Housekeeper
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Ziegler, "was born December 15th, 1811, and was married to Abraham Kolb who was born June 13th, 1806, and died April 14th, 1874. After his decease she was married to Jonas Wenger. They resided on the old "Jacob Clemens Farm" near Breslau. She died January 5th, 1896. See Abraham Kolb's 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.].

_________________

WENGER - On the 5th of January 1896, at the home of her oldest son, Deacon J.Z. Kolb, near Berlin, Ont., of the infirmities of old age, Sister Elizabeth, wife of Bro. Jonas Wenger, aged 84 years, 5 days. Sister Wenger was born in the 31st of December 1811 near Skippack, Montgomery Co., Pa., and in the year 1816 she emigrated with her parents, Bro. and Sister Dilman and Kate (Schwartz) Ziegler to the then wilds of Upper Canada. On the 2nd of Nov. 1829 she was united in matrimony to Bro. Abraham Kolb who died in 1874. This union was blessed with four sons and three daughters, all of whom except one son are still living. In 1881 she was married to Bro. Jonas Wenger, who now survives her. She also leaves 44 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Sister Wenger was a devoted Christian and a faithful, zealous worker in the Mennonite church since her youth. She saw our congregations in Canada grow from their organization to the present time and always took deep interest in religious work. In homes where sickness and sorrow prevailed she was ever ready to render substantial aid and administer comfort, and when death came to her at last, after a long and busy life, she passed away peacefully and quietly, gathered as the shock of grain, fully ripened, into the heavenly Master's garner. Her remains were laid to rest on the 8th in the C. Eby cemetery, Berlin. Funeral services by Elias Weber at the house and by Noah Stauffer and Isaac Wambold at the meeting house.

HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXIII, No. 3, February 1, 1896 Pages 46 and 47

_______________

Mrs. Jonas Wenger died in Berlin on Sunday Jan.6, at the advanced age of 84. Deceased was born in Pennsylvania and came to this country with her parents when she was only six years old. She was a sister of Enoch Ziegler, of Berlin. At 17 she was married to the late Abraham Kolb and lived with him 45 years when he died nearly 22 years ago. She lived a widow eight years when she was again married to Mr. Wenger, who survives her. She had three sons and three daughters by her first husband, all of whom are living. Besides the children there are 44 grand children and 33 great grand children

The Weekly Record, Berlin, Ontario Weekly Record Thu, Jan 16, 1896 Page 1

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob J. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6180
• 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

Notes:

Jacob Snyder Jr., was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, January 15th, 1794. He was twelve years of age when his parents moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, near Bloomingdale, where young Jacob was raised. In February, 1818, he was married to Mary Baumann (No. 51) who was born May 25th, 1794, and died March 12th, 1826. Some time after the deceased of his first wife he was again married to Magdalena Baumann (No. 53), sister to his first wife. Soon after his married he moved on the farm now possessed by Rev. Menno B. Bowman where he resided until his death which took place October 3rd, 1862. His family consisted of ten children, of whom six were born unto his first 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.].

Jacob — Magdalena W. Bauman. Magdalena (daughter of Christian Bauman and Magdalena Weber) was born 20 Apr 1798, , Berks Co., Pennsylvania; died 18 Nov 1850, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery, Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena W. Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00002-53
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image

Notes:

Magdalena W. Baumann, "was born April 20th, 1798, and died November, 1850. She was married to Jacob Schneider after the decease of her sister Mary."

Magdalena W. Baumann, "the third daughter of Christian Baumann, (see No. 53), was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, April 20th, 1798, and came to Canada with her parents in 1807. She was married to Jacob Schneider, the husband of her deceased sister Mary. They resided on the farm now possessed by the Rev. Menno Bowman who is married to their youngest and only daughter."


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: Lakeside Park, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lakeside Park in Kitchener was once part of his property. The Lake is called Shoemaker Lake
• Name: Jakob D Schumacher
• Residence: 38 Shirk Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7042
• Retired: 1801, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1829, , Ontario, Canada
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 019, Waterloo County, Ontario
• 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; Gentleman
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob D. Shoemaker, "the eldest son of George Shoemaker, was born on his grandfather's place near the old mills on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, November 24th, 1799. His boyhood days were spent in assisting his father in the woollen mills, carding and dying wool and yarns. From his fifteenth to his eighteenth year he was engaged in the grist and oil mills and during the wool season he assisted his father in the carding mills. When eighteen years of age he hired himself to John Funk who during that time had the misfortune of having his dwelling destroyed by fire, Shoemaker losing all his earthly possessions except the clothing he wore at the time. After quitting at John Funk's in the fall of 1818, he obtained work for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove. In spring of 1819 he attended school for six weeks in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County. During the summer he labored for six months with David Allebach, in Skippack Township, at $12 per month. He paid out his wages $50 annually to his parents until he became of age.

After having served his six months he attended school another six weeks in Lower Salford Township. His teacher's name was Mr. Borsch. This then finished his school days. In 1820 he engaged himself to Abraham Clemens where he remained for two years, receiving $80 for the first year's wages and $72 for the second year. During the year 1822 he worked for George Reiff of Skippack Township, for $80 per year. The following year he spent in working by the day among the farmers. On November 18th, 1823, he was married to Jane, daughter of Alexander Dunbar. She was raised by Jacob Merkley who resided on the Perkiomen Creek, Skippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In spring of 1824 he, in company with his wife moved to Joseph Lowery in Skippack whose farm he managed for five years. He received one-third of the product of the farm as wages for his labor and management. The annual income thus derived generally amounted to about $80.

In 1829 they with their family of two children, his parents, and two of his brothers and one sister, namely, Daniel, Joshua and Catharine, moved to Canada and came to what is now Bridgeport. Here he was engaged with Jacob S. Shoemaker who had come to Canada in 1820. During the fall of 1829 he worked on the sawmills erected the same year. While engaged here he purchased pine logs from Henry Erb who resided on lot No. 58, German Company's Tract, and had them sawed during the winter and drawn on his farm where he had a small shanty put up. Into this shanty they moved in April, 1830. The year previously he had purchased his farm, being south-west half of lot No. 19, Germam Company's Tract. containing 224 acres. During his first year on this extensive farm large clearings were made and a two-story log dwelling, 24x28 feet, erected. The log barn was erected the year following. In 1851 he erected the stone dwelling now occupied by his son, Alexander, and in 1842, he put up the large frame barn still standing. He is still living and enjoying good health and has his home with his son, Alexander who resides on the old homestead. His family consisted of ten children, of whom two died in infancy."


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

__________________________________________________

JACOB C. SHOEMAKER,

The well-known centenarian of Berlin, Ontario, Bro. Jacob Shoemaker, died on Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 1902, at three o'clock, at the old homestead, occupied by his son, Alexander Shoemaker. The cause of death was due to old age. Bro. Shoemaker having reached the age of 102 years, 3 months, and 9 days. He had been confined to his bed for the past few months, and although he received every possible attention he passed peacefully away. Though death was not unexpected, he will be missed by those with whom he has been surrounded during the latter part of his life. Bro. Shoemaker was extremely kind hearted and the attention and the self sacrifice shown him by his children was always appreciated, and he never lost an opportunity of referring to their kindness to his friends who would visit him at his home.

Jacob D. Shoemaker was the eldest son of George Shoemaker, and was born on his grandfather's place near the old mills on Swamp Creek, Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 24th, 1799. His boyhood days were spent in assisting his father in the woolen mills, carding and dying wool and yarns. From his fifteenth to his eighteenth year he was engaged in the grist and oil mills and during the wool season he assisted his father in the carding mills. When eighteen years of age he hired himself to John Funk who, during that time, had the misfortune to have his dwelling destroyed by fire, Bro. Shoemaker losing all his earthly possessions except the clothing he wore at the time. After quitting at John Funk's in the fall of 1818 he obtained work for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove. In the spring of 1819 he attended school for six weeks in Lower Salford township, Montgomery County. During the summer he labored for six months with David Allebach, in Skippack township, at twelve dollars per month. After having served his six months he attended school another six weeks in Lower Salford. This finished his school days. In 1820 he engaged himself to Abraham Clemens, where he remained for two years. During 1822 he worked for George Reiff of Skippack Township at eighty dollars per year. He then spent one year working amongst various farmers. On November 18th, 1823, he was married to Jane, daughter of Alexander Dunbar. She was raised by Jacob Merkley, who resided on the Perkiomen Creek, Shippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1824 he, in company with his wife, moved to Joseph Lowery in Skippack, whose farm he managed for five years. He received one-third of the product of the farm as wages for his labor and management. The annual income thus derived averaged about eighty dollars annually. In 1829 they, with their family of two children, his parents, and two of his brothers and one sister, namely, Joshua and Catherine, moved to Canada and came to what is now Bridgeport. Here he was engaged with Jacob S. Shoemaker, who had come to Canada in 1820. During the fall of 1829 he worked in the sawmills erected the same year. While engaged here he purchased pine logs from Henry Erb who resided on lot number fifty eight, German Co.'s Tract, and had them sawed during the winter and drawn on his farm where he had a small shanty put up. Into this shanty they moved in April, 1830. The year previous he had purchased his farm, being south-west half of lot number nineteen, German Co's Tract, containing two hundred and twenty-four acres. During his first year in this extended farm large clearings were made and a two story dwelling, twenty-four by twenty-eight feet, erected. The log barn was erected the year following. In 1851 he erected the stone dwelling now occupied by his son, Alexander, and in 1842 he put up the large frame barn still standing.

Bro Shoemaker united with the Mennonite church in his youth and lived an exemplary life, worthy of imitation. In his last years his desire to depart and be with Christ was always strong, and can be truly said that he was homesick for heaven. A year ago he was stricken with illness, and he asked those who visited him not to pray for his recovery, but that if it pleased God, He should take him home. His conversation on temporal affairs was in later years mostly of a period of time from 1815 to 1840. The companions of his early life have all preceded him.
During the past number of years Bro. Shoemaker has been living with his son, Alexander. His family consisted of ten children, viz, Mary Ann, deceased; David, deceased; Mrs. John Shiedel, Waterloo Township, deceased; Mrs. Henry McKay, Aldborough Township, Elgin County; Geo. D., Woolwich Township; Alexander, on the homestead; Mrs. Joseph B. Snyder, Woolwich Township; Jane, deceased; Mrs. George Israel, near Williamsburg; Jacob, deceased. There are a large number of grandchildren.

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, at one o'clock, from the old homestead, and was very largely attended. Services by Noah Stauffer from Heb. 11: 16, and A. Y. Haist from Job 5: 26 at the C. Eby M. H., Berlin. Interment in the burying ground adjoining.

Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIX, No. 7, April 1, 1902, page 109, 110, 111

_________________________


Jakob D. Schumacher

Finally, the last hour has sounded for our dear, old friend, Jakob D. Schumacher. On Wednesday afternoon, he fell gently and quietly asleep, to awake again in a better world. He attained the age of 102 years, 3 months, and 9 days and although he had to keep to his bed for approximately a year because of weakness, he was still in full possession of his mental faculties and could talk about his many experiences with his family and visiting friends; which he was fond of doing. About two weeks ago, he had a stroke, and since then, he was no longer fully conscious.

The deceased was the eldest son of George Schumacher, and was born November 24, 1799 at his grandfather's place by the old mill on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. As a youth, he helped his father in his woolen mill with stapling and dying. From his 15th to his 18th year, he worked in the meal and oil-mill, when necessary. At 18 years of age, he apprenticed himself to John Funk, whose residence burned down, whereby he lost everything, except for the clothes on his body. In the autumn of 1818, he worked for a time in a tannery near Pottsgrove.

In the spring of 1819, he attended school for 6 weeks in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County. In the summer, he worked for 6 months for David Allenbach in Schippach Township for $12. a month. Then, he attended school in Lower Salford again for 6 weeks. With this, he finished his schooling. In 1820, he came to Abraham Clemens and worked for him for 2 years. In 1822, he worked for George Reiff in Schippach Township for $80. a year and the following year, he worked for various other farmers.

On November 18, 1823, he married Jane Dunbar, who had been raised by Jakob Merkley, who lived on Perkiomen Creek, Schippach Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1824, he and his wife moved to Joseph Lowery's in Schippach, whose farm he managed for 5 years. For this, he received one third of the produce as his wages for his labour and administration. His annual income at this place was approximately $80.

In the year 1829, he moved to Canada with his wife, 2 children, as well as 2 brothers and one sister and settled there where Bridgeport now stands. He worked there for one year for his cousin, Jakob S. Schumacher, who had come to Canada in 1820, in the saw-mill, erected in the same year. During the winter, he purchased tree-trunks from Henry Erb, on Lot 58, German Company Tract, and turned them into lumber for a small house, which he raised the following summer on his 224 acre lot #19, German Company Tract. After he had moved into the house, he set about clearing the forest, and also erected a 2-storey residence. The next year, a barn was built. The stone house now occupied by his son, Alexander, came about in 1851. The large frame barn that still stands on the place was built in 1842. His wife, with whom he had lived in a small frame house, after having passed the place on to his son, Alexander, died August 9, 1880 and since then, he had found his home with his son's family, who had given him the best of care.

His family consisted of ten children, of whom five are still living, namely: George, living near Elmira; Mrs. Joseph Schneider, Berlin; Mrs. George Israel, Williamsburg; and Mrs. H. McCoy, Bothwell. In addition to these two sons and three daughters, he is survived by 43 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, namely, Mrs. Wm. Luke, in Bothwell.

Also, it should be mentioned, that, he often suffered from epilepsy in his younger years, which, however, he later remained free of, after he had earnestly prayed to God and had promised to fast every Good Friday, which vow he had faithfully kept, even in later years, when age weakened him. His burial took place on the previous Saturday at the Mennonite cemetery in the eastern ward, with an exceptionally large number attending. The meeting-house was crammed full. Rev. Noah Stauffer preached in German and Rev. J. Y. Haist, in English. It should also be mentioned that he was one of the few men still living, who had helped with the construction of the meeting-house built in 1834, and the last man whose funeral service was held in it. Yesterday, on Wednesday, the demolition of the building was begun, in order to make room for a new, bigger House of God, to be built in the course of the coming summer.

Berliner Journal 13 Mar 1902 pg 4 col 5 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

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100 Years Old

That which is granted only to relatively few mortals, namely: to attain the age of 100 years, was granted on Friday to Mr. Jakob D. Schumacher, who resides with his son Alexander, about three miles south of Berlin. In celebration of the day, many relatives and friends from near and far had gathered to wish the old gentleman much happiness on his day of celebration. During the day and evening, probably two hundred people carried out this affectionate duty. Fifty to sixty people shared in the noon dinner. His children, and his children's children honoured him with a giant bouquet of 100 white roses, tastefully arranged, as well as a speech wishing him well. There were also other floral offerings received, even one from Rochester, N.Y.

The old gentleman was happy and well. He is still in possession of his mental faculties, and although he is somewhat hard of hearing and his eyesight is weak, he recognized immediately most of the friends congratulating him. Those whom he did not recognize, he recalled as soon as their names were given. A quartet, consisting of the gentlemen. A.L. Breithaupt, H.S. Hallmann, A.B. Devitt, and J.A. Wiederhold, from Zion Church, came that evening and delighted the celebrants with the performance of several lovely songs.

Jakob D. Schumacher was born November 24, 1799, as the oldest son of George Schumacher, on his grandfather's farm near the old mill on Swamp Creek in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In his youth, he helped his father with wool-carding and dying wool and yarn. From his 15th to 18th year, he worked in a grinding and oil-mill, and in the wool-season, he helped in his father's business. At 18 years of age, he apprenticed himself to John Funk, whose house burned down, whereby Schumacher lost everything, except for that which he had on his own body. In the autumn of 1818, he worked for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove.

The following spring, he attended the school in Lower Salford Township for six weeks, and in the summer worked for six months for David Allenbach in Schippach Township for $12 a month. From his salary, he gave his parents $50 a year, until he reached his majority. After six months had expired, he again attended school for six weeks and with that, his schooling came to an end. In 1820, he apprenticed himself to Abraham Clemens, as a labourer where he remained for two years. The first year, he earned $80 salary, and in the second year, $72. In 1822, he worked for George Reiff in Schippach Township for $80 a year, and later, earned daily wages from farmers.

On November 18, 1823 he married Jane Dunbar, daughter of a Scotsman, Alexander Dunbar by name. She had been raised by a German farmer, Jakob Merkley by name, in Schippach Township. In the spring of 1824, he moved to Joseph Lowery's farm in Schippach and worked on it for five years. As pay for his work, he received one third of the harvest. His annual income amounted to approximately $80.

In 1829, he came to Canada with his wife, and two children as well as two brothers and a sister and settled on the spot where Bridgeport now stands. He worked on the very spot where the sawmill of his cousin, Jakob S. Schumacher, had been constructed. The latter had arrived in 1820. He purchased several pine logs from Henry Erb, who lived on Lot Number 58, German Company Tract, and had them sawed up into boards. On the south-west half of Lot Number 10, German Company Tract, which contained 224 acres, which he had purchased in the meantime, he built a shack into which he moved in April 1830. In the first year, a considerable section of the forest was cleared and a two-storey log house was built. A log barn was built the following year. The large barn which now stands on the spot was erected in 1842 and the stone house in 1851.

When he passed the farm on to his son Alexander, he had a frame house built for himself and his wife. Since the death of his wife approximately 19 years ago, he has lived with his son Alexander, where he receives the best of care. Several years after he had settled down in the forest, he developed epilepsy, which occurred so often that he could not be left alone. For about fifty years, he has been free of this torment. He attributes this to the vow he made then, not to eat anything on Good Friday, which he has conscientiously held to ever since.
His descendants consist of two sons and three daughters, 38 grand-children and 42 great-grandchildren, who all are lovingly devoted to the "old Gross Dady" and wish him a good and peaceful old-age, in which the "Journal" also joins in.

Berliner Journal, Nov. 30, 1899, Page 4, Col. 5 - translated by Patricia Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

Jacob married Jane Dunbar 18 Nov 1823, , Pennsylvania, USA. Jane (daughter of Alexander Dunbar) was born 8 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 9 Aug 1880, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jane Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7042.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite