Walter Blake "Blake" Snider

Other Events:

• Name: Blake Snider
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-184468

Walter — Margaret Lydia Rieck. Margaret (daughter of Harvey Rieck and Susannah Spaeth) was born 1918; died 24 Sep 2008, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00106-5880.9
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1954, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Snider, Walter, son of Jonas and Susannah Snider, was born at Waterloo, Ont., Oct. 19, 1890; died suddenly at his home in Bridgeport, Ont., Sept. 5, 1964; aged 73 y. 10 m. 17 d. On Feb. 12, 1913, he was married to Mary Krempein, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Blake and Arthur), 3 daughters (Alta-Mrs. Albert Fisher, Olive-Mrs. Ezra Baechler, and Miriam-Mrs. Robert Halcrow), 23 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Erb Street Church, Sept. 9, in charge of J. B. Martin, assisted by Milton Schwartzentruber.

GOSPEL HERALD - Volume LVII, Number 41 - October 20, 1964 - pp 925, 926

Walter married Mary Krampien 12 Feb 1913, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Charles S. Krempien and Judith Weber) was born 19 May 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jan 1974; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7903.6
• Residence: 1954, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Snider, Mary, daughter of Charles and Judith Krampien, was born in Kitchener, Ont., May 10, 1891; died at Cambridge, Ont., Jan. 1, 1974; aged 82 y. 7 m. 13 d. On Feb. 12, 1913, she was married to Walter Snider, who preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 1964. Surviving are 2 sons (Blake and Arthur), 3 daughters (Alta-Mrs. Albert Fisher, Olive-Mrs. Ezra Beachler, and Marian-Mrs. Robert Halcrow), 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Selina-Mrs. Walter Shantz and Lydia-Mrs. Addison Snider). She was a member of the Erb Street Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home on Jan. 4, in charge of Galen Johns; interment in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27358120
• Interesting: pioneer, story, religion
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5880
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1879, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1892, Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ontario; Minister
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jonas Snider, "was born October 2nd, 1858. His boyhood days were spent on the farm he now possesses. The long summer months were engaged in performing such duties generally allotted to the juvenile race, while the winter time was engaged in attending the public school of the neighborhood where he received such an education generally furnished by those schools. When a young man he joined the church of his choice, the Mennonite, of which body he is held in high esteem for his many noble qualities. On June 24th, 1892, he was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite Church. His sermons are characterized by ability and great faithfulness and are well received by his congregation and others. As a minister he is a diligent and faithful worker and pursues his calling with great devotion, doing good unto all. On April 1st, 1879, he was united in matrimony with Lucy Snyder who died June 15th, 1886. On July 5th, 1887, he was again married to Susannah Horst. Mr. Snider's family consists of nine children, of whom the four eldest 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.].

___________________________________


Snider.-Jonas Snider was born near Waterloo, Ont., Oct. 2, 1858; died after a lengthy illness, at his home, Waterloo, Sept. 6, 1944; aged 85 y. 11 m. 4 d. On April 1, 1875, he was married to Lucy Ann Snyder, who predeceased him in 1886. On July 5, 1887, he was united in marriage to Susanna Horst, who passed away in 1933. He is survived by 8 sons (Edgar, Clayton, and Delton, Waterloo; Addison and Walter, Bridgeport; Omar, New Dundee; Benjamin, Woodstock; and Gilbert, near Waterloo), 2 daughters (Clara and Hannah, at home), 30 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one brother (Amos, of Iowa).

Many incidents and experiences of interest were connected with Bro. Snider's life. His grandfather, Jacob C. Snider, was a pioneer of Waterloo County. He came from Pennsylvania and engaged in the sawmill and flour mill business at Waterloo. His father, Elias Snider, was a minister in the Mennonite Church.

In 1885 a wonderful revival was experiences in Waterloo County. It was not the custom of the church to have evangelistic services in the churches. A number of brethren, among them Noah Stauffer and Solomon Gehman, preached the Gospel in private homes, and many were converted. Among these converts was our departed Bro. Snider. At that time Sunday schools were not held in the church houses. In 1887, in a private dwelling owned by Levi Groff (at present the home of Bro. Snider's son, (Clayton), a Sunday school was organized, and the brethren Levi Groff and Jonas Snider were chosen as superintendents. The workers in this Sunday school labored faithfully in spite of opposition, and under the blessing of God the school outgrew its quarters. It was then held in Martins Schoolhouse, and finally in the David Eby Church.

On June 24, 1892, Bro. Snider was ordained a minister in the David Eby Church, now the Erb St. Mennonite Church, Waterloo. On Nov. 17, 1895, he was ordained bishop. In his church record book he wrote: "Nov. 17, 1895 at the Cressman Church ordination services were held to ordain a bishop to assist Bishop Elias Weber in his field of labor, when it again pleased God to let the lot fall on me." He held this office until the Lord saw fit to call him home. At his request the conference released him form his major responsibilities as bishop in 1935. During his ministry he filled many preaching appointments, and two or three days with horse and buggy were often required to make the round trip. Among these appointments were : Mosa (Bothwell), Glen Allen, Port Elgin, Hanover, Rainham and South Cayuga, Wallace, Zurich, Clarence Center, N.Y., and Berne, Mich. The congregations in his bishop district were: Waterloo, Kitchener, Snyder, Cressman, Wanner, Hagey, and Weber's. Bro. Snider officiated at many ordination services. He preformed two hundred and forty-two wedding ceremonies. His baptismal records are not complete, but up to 1919 he had baptized over six hundred people. In the conference district his name will long be remembered. At the close of his ministry we can say in the words of Scripture: "After he had served his own generation by the will of God, [he] fell on sleep." (Acts 13: 36). "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (11 Tim. 4: 6-8). The family will miss him as a loving father. The congregation at Waterloo will remember him as a faithful minister and bishop. In the conference he rests from his labors, but his works do follow him. Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, in charge of the following brethren: Merle Shantz, B. B. Shantz, M. Hallman, C. F. Derstine, S. F. Coffman, M. H. Roth, and J. B. Martin.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXVII, No . 25 - September 22, 1944, page 503, 504

____________________________

Erb Street (David Eby) Mennonite Church

Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).

Due to a difference of opinion in the David Eby congregation, Sunday School classes were held at first in a private home, that of Levi Groff, beginning in 1887. The dissension which resulted culminated in a division in the church in 1889; the minister, Elias Schneider, and the deacon, Menno S. Shantz, left the church and joined with the Old Order Mennonites of Woolwich Township. The following year, 1890, saw the commencement of "Edification Meetings", which were held in the homes of members of the David Eby congregation. These meetings later became the Young People's Bible Meetings.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, it was recognized that the church building was either in need of repair or in need of complete replacement. Consideration was given to building a new church on the same site or on a site on King Street North. A decision was made to accept from Samuel S. Snider the donation of a parcel of land which was also on Erb Street, but nearer town. Excavation of the foundation for the new church began in the Spring of 1902. A dedication service was held on August 17, 1902. A parsonage was built in 1929 on land donated by Herbert Snider, the son of Samuel Snider. The church building was renovated and enlarged in 1949-1950; a dedication service was held on April 9, 1950. Further renovations were made in 1974.

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

____________

BISHOP JONAS SNIDER

Bishop Jonas Snider, 85, R.R. 1, Waterloo, died at his home Sept. 6th. after a lengthy illness.

Born on Oct. 2, 1858, he was a son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Elias Snid- er. His entire lifetime was spent on the farm of his birth. In 1892 he was ordained a preacher of the Mennonite faith at the David Eby Mennonite Church, now the Erb St. Mennonite Church, Waterloo. Three years later he was named bishop in which capacity he has since served.

Bishop Snider was a brother of E. W. B. Snider, former president of the Waterloo Manufacturing Co., and who launched the scheme to bring Hydro electric power to this district from Niagara Falls. His grandfather was Jacob C. Snider, district pioneer. who came from Pennsylvania and who took over the saw mill and flour mill from Abraham Erb. the first settler in what is now the town of Waterloo.

Youngest son in a family of 12 children, Bishop Snider married Lucy Ann Snyder. She predeceased him in 1886 and subsequently he married Susannah Horst. She succumbed in 1933. Surviving are eight sons, two daughters, 30 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

The sons are: Edgar, Clayton and Delton of Waterloo; Addison and Walter, Bridgeport, Omar, New Dundee, Benjamin, Woodstock; and Gilbert at home; daughters, Clara and Hannah, at home. One brother, Amos Snider, also survives. Three daughter, and one son predeceased him.

A private service was held Saturday at his late residence near Waterloo at 2 p.m., followed by a public service at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, at 2:46. Rev. J. B. Martin, pastor of Erb St. Mennonite Church, Waterloo, was in charge of the service. Interment was made in First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener.

Occupation:
Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).<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]

Jonas married Susannah Horst 5 Jul 1887. Susannah (daughter of Benjamin Horst and Veronica "Fanny" Weber) was born 2 Jun 1862, , Ontario, Canada; died 3 Jul 1933, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27358122
• Name: Susannah Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5880.2
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Snider - Susannah (Horst), wife of Bishop Jonas Snider, was born June 2, 1862, passed away at her home near Waterloo, Ont., July 3, 1933; aged 71 y. 1 m. 1 d. Acute dilatation of the heart caused her death, which came as a shock to all. She was engaged in her household duties until two hours before her death. She manifested a special joy the last two days of her life. As the age of seventeen she accepted Christ as her Savior and united with the Mennonite church, remaining true and faithful till the end. Her special vision of the cross had been a great help to her in life's experiences. July 5, 1887, she was united in marriage to Jonas Snider. She was a loving and faithful companion and mother, and was a great help both temporarily and spiritually, in the ministry and the home. She was deeply concerned for the spiritual welfare of the rising generation and of the Church in general. There remain to mourn their loss, her husband, 8 sons, 2 daughters (Edgar, Clayton, Deldon, Addison, Walter, Gilbert, all of Waterloo; Omar of New Dundee; Benjamin, Clara, Hannah at home). Three daughters died in infancy. There remain also 25 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Her only sister (Mary - Mrs. Moses Hunsberger) predeceased her Dec. 1, 1932. Funeral services were held July 6, and conducted at the home by Noah Hunsberger, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, by Moses H. Shantz, assisted by M.M. Brubacher and J.B. Martin. Text, Num. 23: 10. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXVI, No. 17 - July 27, 1933, Page 367, 368

________________________

Passed Away At her home Waterloo, Ont., on Monday, July 3^rd, 1933 Susannah Horst Beloved wife of Bishop Jonas Snider Aged 71 years 1 month 1 day The Funeral will take place from her late residence, Waterloo, Ont. Thursday, July 6^th, 1933 1. 30 o'clock p. m. to the First Mennonite Church Kitchener, for service. Interment will be made in the adjoinging [sic] Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation^.

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Name: Carl Krampien
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7903.1
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Charles — Judith Weber. Judith (daughter of Rev. Abraham C. Weber and Judith Martin) was born 4 Jul 1855, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Apr 1942, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Judith Krempien
• Name: Judith Shirk
• Residence: Centreville (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7903
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Judith Weber," the third daughter of Abraham C. Weber, was born July 4th, 1855. She was married to Charles Krampien who was born October 20th, 1852, and died May 30th, 1892. Their family consisted of five children, namely: VII Lovina, VII Norman, VII Colinda (dead), VII Menno (dead), and VII Mary. The widow resides with Jacob B. Shantz, one mile south-east of Berlin."


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.].

__________


Shirk. - Mrs. Judith Shirk passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Shantz, at Pine Hill, Ont., April 9, 1942; aged 86 y. 9 m. 5 d. The deceased was a daughter of the late Abraham Weber and Judith Martin and was the last surviving member of a family of 16 children. She was born in Freeport, Ont., on July 4, 1855. She was united in marriage to Charles Krempien and resided near Centreville, Ont., until his death 48 years ago. In November 1896, she was again united in marriage, this time to Peter Shirk of Bridgeport, Ont., who predeceased her on Oct. 1, 1919. She was a lifelong adherent and member of the Mennonite Church, in which faith she passed away. She leaves to mourn her loss 1 son, Norman Krempien of Acadia Valley, Alta.; also 2 daughters, Mrs. Walter Snider of Bridgeport and Mrs. Walter Shantz of Pine Hill. One stepson, Noah Shirk of Bridgeport, and 7 stepdaughters -- Mrs. William Kraft, Bridgeport; Mrs. Gideon Bechtel, Baden; Mrs. Catherine Shantz, Kitchener; Mrs. Isaiah Cressman, Kitchener; Mrs. Addison D. Snyder, Bloomingdale; Mrs. Addison S. Snider, Bridgeport; and Mrs. Benjamin Drudge of Bridgeport, also survive. One daughter, Mrs. Charles Himburg of Edmonton, Alta., predeceased her two years ago. The funeral was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Shantz, with services conducted by Bro. Moses N. Baer, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., where the service was conducted by Bishop Manasseh Hallman. Interment in adjoining cemetery. Texts, Prov. 16: 31; Ps. 107: 30.


Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXV, No . 6 - May 7, 1942 - pages 126,127

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story, religion
• Land: Waterloo Township - Bechtel Tract, Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 007, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 012, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Name: Elias Schneider
• Residence: German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5819
• Historic Building: Abt 1812, 172 King St. S., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Erb Kumpf House
• Occupation: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Historic Building: 1849, 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario; Dr. Voelker House
• Elected Office: 1850, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; coucillor - Waterloo Township
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• 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: 1874, Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ontario; Minister
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. Elias Snider "was born September 3rd, 1815. In his boyhood days he took great interest in his father's business. By the time he was twenty-one years of age he was not only a practical miller but also a thorough business man. In 1851 he purchased from the late Barnabas Devitt the large farm containing 310 acres of land, for Ð1500 and in 1853 he purchased the large grist mills now in possession of Wm. Snider & Co., together with 320 acres of land for Ð3500 In 1854 be again sold the large real estate in the town of Waterloo and purchased the "Musselman Farm" about one mile north of Waterloo, to which place he then moved. In 1860 he purchased the German Mills together with 669 acres of land. The same year he, in company with Samuel S. Schneider, regained possession of the Waterloo Mills and continued in business until 1879 when they sold out to the present proprietors. Mr. Snider now retired from business. On November 10th 1835, he was married to Hannah, daughter of John and Hannah (Bergey) Bingeman. She was born August 1st 1815, and died December 23rd, 1893. In 1874 Mr. Snider was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite body which position he held until his death which took place April 24th, 1890. His family consisted of twelve 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.].

_______________________

Erb Street (David Eby) Mennonite Church

Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).

Due to a difference of opinion in the David Eby congregation, Sunday School classes were held at first in a private home, that of Levi Groff, beginning in 1887. The dissension which resulted culminated in a division in the church in 1889; the minister, Elias Schneider, and the deacon, Menno S. Shantz, left the church and joined with the Old Order Mennonites of Woolwich Township. The following year, 1890, saw the commencement of "Edification Meetings", which were held in the homes of members of the David Eby congregation. These meetings later became the Young People's Bible Meetings.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, it was recognized that the church building was either in need of repair or in need of complete replacement. Consideration was given to building a new church on the same site or on a site on King Street North. A decision was made to accept from Samuel S. Snider the donation of a parcel of land which was also on Erb Street, but nearer town. Excavation of the foundation for the new church began in the Spring of 1902. A dedication service was held on August 17, 1902. A parsonage was built in 1929 on land donated by Herbert Snider, the son of Samuel Snider. The church building was renovated and enlarged in 1949-1950; a dedication service was held on April 9, 1950. Further renovations were made in 1974..


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

____________

SNIDER.-In Waterloo township, Waterloo county, Ontario, on the 24th of April, Pre. Elias Snider, aged 74 years, 7 months and 21 days. Buried on the 27th at Martin's church, Waterloo township, where a very large concourse of relatives and friends had gathered, and on which occasion Paul Martin and Bish. Abraham Martin spoke from Psalm 126: 5, 6: and Luke 2: 29,30.

Herald of Truth pages, Vol. XXVII, Number 10, May 15, 1890, p. 157 and 158

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.

Occupation:
Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).<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]

Elias married Hannah Bingeman 10 Nov 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Hannah (daughter of Johannes "John" Bingeman and Hannah S. Bergey) was born 1 Aug 1815, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 23 Dec 1893; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1050
• Residence: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Hannah Bingeman, " was born August 1st, 1815. On November 10th, 1835, she was married to Rev. Elias Snider who was born September 3rd, 1815, and died April 24th, 1890. She died December 23rd, 1893. They resided in the farm now possessed by their son Jonas. Their family consisted of twelve 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.].

___________________

Mr. E. W. B. Snider's mother was buried at the Martin church cemetery on Tuesday.

Elmira Signet 4 Jan. 1894 p. 8, Col. 2

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00058-3896
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Benjamin M. Horst, "was born September 18th, 1837. He was married to Veronica Weber and resided near Breslau, on the farm now possessed by John Fry, where he died October 30th, 1871. To them were born two children, namely: Susannah and Mary."


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.].

Benjamin married Veronica "Fanny" Weber 14 May 1861. Veronica (daughter of John Weber and Susannah Brubacher) was born 25 Nov 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Apr 1916, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Frances Weber
• Name: Veronica "Fanny" Horst
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7860
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Veronica Weber," was born November 25th, 1840. On May 14th, 1861, she was married to Benjamin, son of David and Magdalena (Martin) Horst. He was born September 18th, 1837, and died of Typhoid fever, October 26th, 1871. They resided on her father's farm near Breslau where he died. Their family consisted of two children named VII Susannah and VII Mary."

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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Horst. - Veronica Horst was born Nov. 25, 1840; died at Bridgeport, Ont., April 3, 1916; aged 75 y. 4 m. 9 d. She was united in matrimony with Benjamin Horst May 14, 1860, who preceded her nearly 45 years ago, leaving to mourn her departure 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church at Waterloo for many years, being present whenever opportunity afforded it, an attentive listener, and had the welfare of the church at heart. She was well as usual until Thursday morning, March 30, when she got up, dressed herself, and remaining longer than usual the daughter went to look after her, when she was lying on the floor, unconscious. In this state she remained till the following Monday night, when she peacefully passed away. Funeral services April 6, conducted at the house by J. S. Woolner and at the Cressman Church by N. Stauffer from Jno. 14: 4, and N. Hunsberger from Phil. 1: 21.

Gospel Herald - Volume IX, Number 3 - April 20, 1916 - pages 54,55

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215030555
• Name: Charles Krempien
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25532
• Immigration: 1857
• Naturalization: 1867
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Weaver
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

AN ACCIDENT AT CENTREVILLE

On Tuesday evening Mr. Charles Krempien, an aged resident of Centreville, who is over ninety years old, was about to retire to his bed room when he took the wrong door and walked into the cellar door. He fell down the stairs, breaking a rid and received two nasty cuts on his.... the rest missing.

The Chronicle Telegraph 23 Sep 1909, p. 5

Carl — Caroline "Carrie" Schultz. Caroline was born 1825, , Germany; died 11 Mar 1885, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Caroline "Carrie" Krempien
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25533
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Name: Abraham Weaver
• Name: Abram Weber
• Residence: 748 Old Zeller Dr., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7889
• 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
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Abraham C. Weber," the youngest son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Cressman) Weber, was born in Berlin, Waterloo County, Ontario, March 14th, 1817. On October 23rd, 1838, he was married to Judith, youngest daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin. She was born January 2nd, 1821, and died March 12th, 1884. After their marriage he moved on his father's farm, being composed of part of lot No. 15, German Company's Tract. Here they resided until the Grand Trunk Railway was built in 1855, when they sold their large farm and purchased that of Benjamin Shantz and Stafford's farms at Freeport. Here they resided until his death which took place July 6th, 1874. She resided until his death which took place July 6th, 1874. She resided with her son, Moses, on the west side of the Grand River, near Chicopee, where she died. He was ordained as minister of the Gospel for the Mennonite denomination, December 22nd, 1850. He preached regularly and attended frequently at funerals. His time was largely occupied in visiting the sick and giving words of consolation to such who were seeking their spiritual welfare, and his life was a busy one. So much of his time was devoted to his pastoral duties that he was almost unable to attend to his private affairs. Although sacrificing much of his time in the service of the church of his choice, he would not receive any compensation for the time devoted in behalf of the church, but looked for his reward beyond the present life where the faithful labors in His vineyard shall be spiritually rewarded for all ages of eternity. They had a numerous family, being composed of sixteen 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.].

_________________________

First Mennonite Church

The first church built in Waterloo County was erected in Berlin in 1813, and was known as Benjamin Eby's Meeting House.

Benjamin Eby had come to Canada in 1807 and in 1809 was ordained preacher. Three years later, in 1812, he was ordained bishop. His "parish included sections of Waterloo, Wilmot and Woolwich" (Uttley 1937: 27). In 1818 a frame addition, which was to be used as a winter school, was built on to the church. The log meeting house was replaced in 1834 by a larger frame church, and the old building was taken to Breslau to become the first meeting house in that community. (The Breslau church was known as Cressman Meeting House, a name which was changed in 1968 to Breslau Mennonite Church.) A Sunday School was opened in the church in 1841.

Benjamin Eby died in 1853. He was followed by Abraham C. Weber who served the congregation until his death in 1874. In that same year, a division in the church brought about the departure of a group who organized a congregation of Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites, to become United Mennonites in 1875 and then Mennonite Brethren in Christ in 1883. Their church is the present-day Bethany Missionary Church on Lancaster Street East. Christian Eby was the next minister of the Berlin Mennonite Church, until 1879. The church was known over the years as Benjamin Eby's Church, Christian Eby's Church (from 1854-1904), and the Berlin Church (from 1904 until 1917.) The name of the church became First Mennonite Church in 1917.

A new brick church was built in 1902. A Bible Study School was begun in 1907, and in 1928 a separate brick Bible Study School building was erected. Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church was formed by some members in 1924 as a result of a division in the church.

Of interest: when the new church was built in 1902, the 1834 frame church was bought by D.B. Betzner who moved it to Cedar Street where it became a woodenware business and then a furniture factory. It was destroyed by fire in 1937.

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

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In the 1851 Census of Waterloo Township the birthdates of the children don't agree with Eby's book.

Residence:
The Woolner Farmstead buildings, located at 748 Zeller Drive, are situated in the north end of the City of Kitchener on 6.47 acres off scenic Zeller drive. The original Mennonite Georgian farmhouse and outbuildings were constructed in 1830. The farmhouse addition was built circa 1858, and the barn and concrete silo were built circa 1870.

Abraham married Judith Martin 23 Oct 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Judith (daughter of Peter Martin and Anna Zimmerman) was born 2 Jan 1821, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Mar 1884, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Judith Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4503
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Judith Martin, "the eighth and youngest daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin, was born in Waterloo County, January 2nd, 1821. On October 23rd, 1838, she was married to Rev. Abraham C. Weber."


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 13 th of March, in Waterloo township, Waterloo county, Ontario, of dropsy, Sister Judith(Martin), widow of Pre. A. E. Weber, aged 63 years. Buried on the 15 th of March, at Christian Eby's burying-ground. She was the mother of 16 children of which 14 are still living.


Herald of Truth - Volume XXI, Number 8 - APRIL 15, 1884, page 125,126