Bertha Wissler

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00030-2337.6

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23585683
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2337.1
• Residence: 1865, , Virginia, USA
• Occupation: 1880, Madison, Madison, Virginia, United States; train master
• Invention: 1908, Lyndhurst, Augusta, Virginia, United States; rail repair device

Jacob married Mary A. Devitt 27 Sep 1865, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Barnabas Devitt and Magdalena Shoemaker) was born 1 Feb 1844, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Aug 1914, Lyndhurst, Augusta, Virginia, United States; was buried , Columbia Furnace Union Church Cemetery, Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah, Virginia, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23585690
• Name: Mary A. Wissler
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2337
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1865, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1880, Madison, Madison, Virginia, United States

Notes:

Mary Devitt, "was born February 1st, 1844. She is married to Jacob Wissler. At present they reside at Lyndhurst, Virginia, where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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/123574713
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 062, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Name: Johannes Wissler
• Occupation: Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Eagle Tannery
• Eby ID Number: 00123-7564.3
• Business: 1835; Eagle Tannery
• Occupation: 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; tanner
• Occupation: 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; tanner
• Historic Building: 1903, 438 Malabar Dr., Waterloo, Ontario; Wissler-Cascaden House

Notes:

In the three years, from the spring of 1842 to 1845, the enterprise of Charles Allan and his partners had given Elora a good start, but no sooner was their business established than a formidable rival appeared in Sem Wissler, the founder of Salem, a village not more than a mile distant from Elora.

Sem Wissler was born in Clay Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on the 21st of March, 1819. He was the youngest in the family of Jacob Wissler and his wile Anna Eby; and a descendant of a Jacob Wissler and his wife who emigrated from Switzerland and settled in Pennsylvania in the year 1720 Sem Wissler's father, Jacob Wissler, was one of the many Germans from Pennsylvania, who, during the first few years of the 19th Century bought land in Waterloo County, 'Ontario. Between 1802 and 1805 Jacob Wissler bought over 7000 acres in the Township of Waterloo, but although many years later he sent several of his family to Canada, he remained in Pennsylvania, where he lived all his life on the same farm. With the exception of two farms, he gradually sold all the land he had bought in Canada at a handsome profit.

In 1834 the father gave the two farms, which he had reserved, to his son John who had learned the business of a tanner. John Wissler came to Waterloo township in 1834 and on the west bank of the Grand River, about two miles north from the village of Bridgeport he built a tannery long known as Eagle Tannery, and subsequently built a large brick dwelling for himself and a number of homes for his workmen. Here he carried on a large and profitable business, having, besides Eagle Tannery, a store, saddler shops, shoe shop, and farm.

In 1837 his brother Levi came from Pennyslvania and entered into partnership with him, remaining four years. On the 24th of August 1839 Sem Wissler came to Eagle Tannery and worked for his brothers until 1841. His father was anxious that he should return home and take the homestead but he preferred to remain in Canada. On the 4th of May, 1841, he received $2,650 from his father and bought the interest of his brother Levi in the business at Eagle Tannery. Levi then returned to Pennsylvania and received the old homestead from his father. In 1845 a sister, Mary, and her husband Levi Erb, came to Canada and Mr. Erb, being a currier by trade, was at once taken into the firm.

In 1841 Jane Robertson, a Scotch lassie of fourteen years of age, came to Eagle Tannery to nurse John Wissler's children, and being clever and pretty, with fair hair and rosy cheeks she at once became a great favorite with John Wissler and his wife. Jane Robertson was a daughter of John Robertson and his wife Janet Harvey and was born on October 15th, 1826, at Largie, in the parish of Insch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. About 1830 her father died, leaving her mother and three children. In the spring of 1837 her mother married James Sims and they all sailed for Canada. The following winter was spent at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Arthur Walker, on their farm, lot 12, on the 16th concession of Upper Nichol, which is on the Owen Sound Road, north of Fergus. In the spring of 1838 they moved to Galt and in the fall of that year Mr. Sims took up a farm near Hawkesville. After this Jane Robertson lived partly at home, sometimes with Mrs. Arthur Walker and sometimes with the Rev. Alex. Gardiner, minister of St. Andrew's Church in Fergus, who had been appointed her guardian by the Court, in Scotland. But in 1841 the Rev. Alex. Gardiner died and Jane Robertson went to Eagle Tannery to nurse John Wissler's children.

The reader may ask, what has all this to do with Salem? And yet it will be seen that had there been no Jane Robertson, if she had not had her aunt to visit, and if her aunt, Mrs. Arthur Walker, had not lived north of Fergus, the chances are that there would have been no Salem.

Sem Wissler and Jane Robertson were married on the 6th of August, 1843 and after that when Mrs. Wissler visited her aunt, Mrs. Arthur Walker, she was accompanied by her husband. On his different trips through Bon accord Sem Wissler saw several opportunities for developing the water power on the Irvine River and with that keen eye tor business which always distinguished him he saw that in the south west end of Mr. Keith's farm with. its waiter power and timber, money could be made. For in the neighborhood of Eagle tannery tan bark was becoming scarce and the firm was beginning to look for a suitable place in which to start a new tannery.

On the 28th of October 1844 Sem Wissler brought his brother John to look over the situation. Evidently John Wissler was favorably impressed with what he saw for that same day he wrote offering to buy lot number 16 and the west half of lot 17, on the 11th concession of Upper Nichol for $700.

In his reply Jasper T. Gilkison wrote on the 31st of October: "I am-not very anxious to dispose of these lots of land, but as I understand it is your intention to improve them and erect a tannery, and as I am desirous of promoting the prosperity of the township I will therefore sell you 100 acres in lot 16, and 58 acres in lot 17, for 25 shillings ($5.00) per acre; 100 pounds to be paid down and the remainder, 97 pounds 10 shillings, in two equal payments at 12 and 18 months," - which offer was accepted.

Sem Wissler then completed an arrangement he had made with Mr. Keith (see page 86) and exchanged on terms that were mutually advantageous, the north east half of lot 16 for the south west half of lot 15, arid on this the principal part of Salem now stands. He then hired Robert Barkwell and James Longman to clear part of the land, which was then a dense and unbroken forest, and to erect a log shanty with a hemlock bark roof for himself and family.

On a bright summer morning, the 9th of June, 1845, Sem Wissler with his wife and child, now Mr. J. R. Wissler, who was then nine months old, moved to the Township of Nichol and took up their residence in the log shanty prepared for them, and Mr. Wissler called his place Salem. For sixteen months they lived in this log house which was situated on the same site as he afterwards built his stone residence, and which is now owned by his son, Henry Wissler. For a cellar Mrs. Wissler used that small cave in the limestone rock which is a little east of the smaller bridge now crossing the Irvine.

During the first season he built the dam, the flume, the saw-mill, and part of the tannery. In 1846 the tannery, which was a building 40 feet by 120 feet with basement of stone and upper storey and attic of frame, was completed, part of this large building was fitted up for a dwelling, part was used as a store another part for a shoe shop, and the rest for a tannery; and in the mechanical construction of his buildings, water wheels and other machinery, his principal adviser and assistant was John Keith, from whom he had purchased the land and waterpower.

From the very commencement there was a great trade done in Salem, The tannery and saw mill were worked to their utmost capacity, the general store did a large business and in the shoe shop from fifteen to twenty shoemakers were constantly employed.

Mr. Wissler had great business ability; he successfully managed his large business with little apparent effort, and as is the case with all strong characters he made no fuss about it, but did it quietly.

Such was the beginning of Salem.

The Early History of Elora, Ontario and Vicinity / John Robert Connon; Elora, 1906


____________________________________________


Jacob Wissler, "the father to the Wisslers who had settled in this county, was born in the old "Wissler Homestead" on Mill Creek, Clay Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, November 12th, 1776. On March 25th, 1800, he was married to Anna, daughter of Christian and Catherine (Bricker) Eby. She was born September 9th, 1777, and died April 25th, 1829. They resided on the old "Wissler Homestead" until their deaths. He died April 27th, 1853. To them was born a family of ten children, namely: Andrew, Jacob, Christian, Magdalena, Ezra, John, Catherine, Mary, Levi and Sem. All the members of the named family resided in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, save John and Sem who came to Canada in 1840 and settled at Lexington, near Bridgeport, Waterloo County, Ontario, where they were engaged in the mercantile and tanning business. In 1845 Sem moved to Nichol Township, Wellington County, thus leaving his brother John sole proprietor of the Lexington business. In 1857 Mr. John Wissler disposed of his farm and business to Messrs Schneider & Stricker and moved to Virginia, U.S., where he died some years ago, leaving a family of six children, viz: Franklin, Jacob, Levi, Aaron, Hannah, and Angelia. After Mr. Sem Wissler's arrival in Nichol Township, he purchased most of the land where now the village of Salem is situated. He was a man of first-class business abilities and this, in connection with his great energy and perseverance, caused him, in a very few years after his arrival in Nichol Township, to be the proprietor of the large grist and flour mills, store and tannery, and conjointly with the said business, he was also the owner and manager of the sawmills and the large farm now possessed by his son, Levi. In 1860 he was elected Reeve for Nichol Township which position he held until his death. Mr. Wissler was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 21st, 1819. (All the children of Mr. Jacob Wissler were born on the old "Wissler Farm" in Clay Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) In 1840 he came to Canada and on August 6th, 1843, he was married to Jane Robertson who was born at Insch, Scotland, October 15th, 1828, and came to Canada with her parents in 1838. They moved to Salem in 1845. Here he died May 18th, 1865. His widow is still living in Salem with one of there children. To Mr. and Mrs. Wissler was born a family of seven children"


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

______________________



John was the sixth of ten children born on the old Groff homestead, on the west bank of Middle Creek. He attended the local school, and in his youth, he apprenticed as a tanner.

In 1834 he went to Waterloo, Ontario, Canada where his father had bought a great deal of land. John opened the "Eagle Tannery" and a general store.

The following year, on December 22, 1835, John married Hannah Heiser. They had eight children.

They were joined in Waterloo by three of the Wissler siblings who partnered in the tannery and other very successful business ventures.

In 1857, however, after recovering from a serious illness, John sold his interest in the partnership and moved his family to Virginia. There he bought Columbia Furnace from his niece's husband, Samuel B. Myers.

When the Civil War broke out, John was counseled by his nephew that he, as a Northerner and a Republican, must flee. John departed at midnight with his wife and young children, driving to Winchester and then taking a train to Canada. Later, John and his family returned to Lancaster Co. and lived with his sister, Catherine.

After the close of the war, the family returned to Columbia Furnace where John, working with his sons, repaired the damages and was able to take full advantage of a period of great commercial prosperity.

By 1870, John's health again failed. He was buried on in a small cemetery that he had laid out on the east bank of Stony Creek, overlooking the Furnace. He was a member of the Universalist Church.

Source: The Wissler family record, being a brief account of Andrew Wissler's branch of the Wissler family in the United States of America and Canada, by Henry Wissler, 1904.


_____________________

The Bridges of Bridgeport - never a bestselling novel or top-grossing movie but still a good story.

Sitting on a brick pillar near the west end of the current bridge is a Region of Waterloo signboard with that story, full of historical details and illustrations. Even though cars and trucks rumble around the nearby roundabout at Bridge and Lancaster, a visit to the General's Green parkette provides a bit of calm while you read the background to the Bridges of Bridgeport.

Imagine no bridge at Bridgeport! You would then have to travel six kilometres north to Conestogo or an equal distance downstream to Breslau to simply cross the Grand River. In a modern vehicle that would be annoyance enough, but for the earliest settlers in the area, the Grand would have created a liquid wall. John Wissler was one of those early settlers, arriving from Pennsylvania's Lancaster County around 1830. Modifying the flow of the Grand on the east shore to create a mill race and an island, he erected a small tannery. To access it from the west bank, he built a wire suspension foot bridge. That didn't last long, and by 1847, two sturdier wooden structures joined west shore to east shore with the island in the middle. The semi-permanent status of the bridge meant that the two small villages facing each other across the Grand (Jacob Shoemaker's Glasgow/Lancaster on the west side and John Tyson's Bridgeport on the east shore) could come together in 1856 as a single community......


Almost-annual spring floods damaged these wooden spans during the rest of the 19th century and regular bridge repairs were part of the village life cycle. Tiring of the recurring remedial work, and realizing that traffic was increasing in amount and weight, the County of Waterloo acted. Hamilton Bridge Works erected a two-span, steel truss bridge connecting the west bank to Wissler's old island plus a smaller pony truss structure to cross the high-water channel (also known as the Cove) from the island to the east shore. While these 1897 steel bridges did survive some severe floods, especially that of 1912, it was obvious that as 20th-century truck traffic increased so did wear and tear....


mills, r. (2018). Flash from the Past: . TheRecord.com. Retrieved 31 August 2018, from https://www.therecord.com/news-story/8868671-flash-from-the-past-/

________________________________




CAUTION.

THE Subscriber hereby cautions all persons again taking any FISH out of his dam, or out of any of the waters on his premises. Any individual found hereafter trespassing as aloresaid, may depend on being dealt with according to the Law of the land.

JOHN WISSLER
Eagle Tannery, Waterloo Township, 8^th June 8th, 1837

Historic Building:
The Wissler-Cascaden house, a two-storey red brick Georgian home was built in 1842 by John Wissler, a Waterloo Township pioneer who arrived from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1834. One year after his arrival Wissler established the Eagle Tannery. A shoemaking, harness making and mercantile business soon sprang up in conjunction with the tannery. This industry, including the workers homes on nearby Bridge Street, formed the nucleus of the settlement of Lexington.
Wissler spared no expense in the construction of his home, elaborate window and door surrounds were included along with a plaster cornice in the drawing room. The most striking feature of the interior, however, is the two-storey front entrance hall which rises a full twenty feet to a magnificent plaster medallion on the ceiling. Access is gained through two arches which rest on moulded plaster shells and frame a cherry stairway which climbs to the attic level.
A number of additions have been made to the home. The first, a two-storey addition to the west side was completed around 1858. The second, which contained a bake oven, schnitz oven, ash oven and smoke house, was added behind the first between 1859 and 1875. The last addition, this time on the south side, provided a one and a half storey salt box kitchen which was designated to serve as the doddy wing at the turn of the century.
The property was sold to Samuel Weber in 1873. It remained in the Weber and Shantz families for over one hundred years until the late 1970s when it was converted into apartments and fell into disrepair. The present owners, Ron and Wendy Cascaden, have made a commitment to restoring the house.
All of the exterior elevations of the Wissler-Cascaden House and the front hill are deemed to be of both architectural and historical significance.<sup>1a

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

John married Hannah Tyson Heyser 22 Dec 1835, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Hannah (daughter of Andrew Heyser and Hannah Tyson) was born 1818, , Montgomery Co., New York; died 15 Feb 1888, , Shenandoah Co., Virginia; was buried , Columbia Furnace Union Church Cemetery, Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah, Virginia, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23585728
• Name: Hannah Tyson Wissler
• Eby ID Number: 00123-7564.2

Notes:

Hannah was orphaned as an infant and raised by her uncle, Mr. Tyson, in Bridgeport, Ontario, Canada. She married John Wissler on December 22, 1835.

They had eight children:
Sarah Ann (1837-1837)
Franklin H. (b. 1838)
Jacob (b. 1841)
Levi (b. 1843)
Aaron (b. 1847)
Hannah (b. 1852)
Anna (1855-1856)
Angeline (b. 1856)

A year after the birth of their youngest, the family moved to Columbia Furnace, Virginia. During the Civil War they returned first to Canada and then to Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, as they had been warned that they were not safe in Shenandoah County.

After the war, however, the family once again made their home at Columbia Furnace. As a widow, Hannah continued to reside in the family home there with her daughter, Angeline. In winter 1888, however, the home burnt, and in the transition to a new residence, Hannah took cold. She died of complications not long after.

Hannah was described as the kindest of women, of small stature and quiet, but a power in her own house.

Source: Source: The Wissler family record, being a brief account of Andrew Wissler's branch of the Wissler family in the United States of America and Canada, by Henry Wissler, 1904.

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: 00134-8259
• Land: Bef 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Jacob Wissler, "the father to the Wisslers who had settled in this county, was born in the old "Wissler Homestead" on Mill Creek, Clay Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, November 12th, 1776. On March 25th, 1800, he was married to Anna, daughter of Christian and Catherine (Bricker) Eby. She was born September 9th, 1777, and died April 25th, 1829. They resided on the old "Wissler Homestead" until their deaths. He died April 27th, 1853. To them was born a family of ten children, namely: Andrew, Jacob, Christian, Magdalena, Ezra, John, Catherine, Mary, Levi and Sem. All the members of the named family resided in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, save John and Sem who came to Canada in 1840 and settled at Lexington, near Bridgeport, Waterloo County, Ontario, where they were engaged in the mercantile and tanning business. In 1845 Sem moved to Nichol Township, Wellington County, thus leaving his brother John sole proprietor of the Lexington business. In 1857 Mr. John Wissler disposed of his farm and business to Messrs Schneider & Stricker and moved to Virginia, U.S., where he died some years ago, leaving a family of six children, viz: Franklin, Jacob, Levi, Aaron, Hannah, and Angelia. After Mr. Sem Wissler's arrival in Nichol Township, he purchased most of the land where now the village of Salem is situated. He was a man of first-class business abilities and this, in connection with his great energy and perseverance, caused him, in a very few years after his arrival in Nichol Township, to be the proprietor of the large grist and flour mills, store and tannery, and conjointly with the said business, he was also the owner and manager of the sawmills and the large farm now possessed by his son, Levi. In 1860 he was elected Reeve for Nichol Township which position he held until his death. Mr. Wissler was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 21st, 1819. (All the children of Mr. Jacob Wissler were born on the old "Wissler Farm" in Clay Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) In 1840 he came to Canada and on August 6th, 1843, he was married to Jane Robertson who was born at Insch, Scotland, October 15th, 1828, and came to Canada with her parents in 1838. They moved to Salem in 1845. Here he died May 18th, 1865. His widow is still living in Salem with one of there children. To Mr. and Mrs. Wissler was born a family of seven 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.].

Jacob married Anna Eby 25 Mar 1800. Anna (daughter of Christian Eby and Catharine Bricker) was born 9 Sep 1777, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 25 Apr 1829; was buried , Hammar Creek Mennonite Meeting House, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Wissler
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2495

Notes:

Anna Eby, "the fourth daughter and the eighth member of the family of Christian and Catharine (Bricker) Eby, was born September 9th, 1777, and died April 25th, 1829. On March 25th, 1800, she was married to Jacob Wissler who was born on the old "Wissler Homestead" on Middle Creek, Clay Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He lived and died on the old homestead. In his old age he built a one-story brick house for himself and his daughter, Catharine. This building adjoined the house-yard of the old homestead. Both he and his wife lie buried at the Hammar Creek Mennonite Meeting House, nearly two miles west of their home. Jacob Wissler was born November 12th, 1776, and died April 27th, 1853. They had a family of ten children, namely: Andrew, Jacob, Christian, Magdalena, Ezra, John, Catharine, Mary, Levi, and Sem. (See Sem Wissler's family). All the descendents of this family have settled in different parts of the United States with the exception of Sem, the youngest, who settled in Salem, Ontario, where his family still resides."


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/70497835
• Eby ID Number: 00123-7564.1

Andrew — Hannah Tyson. Hannah (daughter of John Nash Tyson and Susanna Updegrave) was born 13 Jul 1794, Of, Skippack Twp., Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 24 Apr 1817, Skippack Twp., Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; was buried , Lower Skippack Mennonite Cemetery, Skippack Twp., Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70497803
• Name: Hannah Heyser
• Eby ID Number: 00123-7564

Notes:

Hannah Tyson, "was married to Andrew Heyser, a weaver. They resided in Skippack, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where they both died, leaving one daughter, Hannah who was afterwards married to John Wissler."

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: 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