Anna Mae "Mae" Shantz

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/230457362
• Name: Anna Mae "Mae" Baer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-190650

Anna — Morgan Nyle Baer. Morgan (son of Ezra Baer and Elizabeth C. "Lizzie" Good) was born 17 Mar 1921, Bright, Blandford Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario; died 16 Jun 2014, New Hamburg Conservative Mennonite Church, New Hamburg, Ontario; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20165113
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-200879
• Immigration: 1907, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

SHANTZ, John H.

On Monday, April 14, 1980, at Fairview Mennonite Home, Cambridge, John Henry Shantz, in his 86th year, formerly of Breslau.

Survived by his son, Lowell of Route 2, Walkerton; his five daughters, Mrs. Morgan (Mae) Baer of Route 2, Baden, Jean of Scarborough, Mrs. Norman (Alice) Gascho of Breslau, Norma of Route 2, Baden and Mrs. Arnold (Helen) McDonald of Route 1, Cornwall; his two brothers, Elmer of Kitchener, and Eldon of Flesherton; his two sisters, Mrs. Leonard (Sarah) Horst of Newbury and Mrs. Alvin (Mary) Lantzer of Goshen, Ind.; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife, the former Ida Bechtel in 1969; three brothers, Jacob, Joseph and William; a sister, Catherine; and a granddaughter, Barbara Gascho.

He was a member of the Breslau Mennonite Church and had been employed at Uniroyal (General Products Division) Ltd. for 28 years, until retiring in 1959.

Friends called at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener, until noon on Thursday, then at Breslau Mennonite Church, for the funeral service. Rev. Erwin Wiens officiated. Interment in the Breslau Mennonite Cemetery.

Elmira Signet Apr 23 1980 pg 15

John married Ida Bechtel 28 Dec 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Ida (daughter of Noah C. Bechtel and Mary Ann Snyder) was born 6 Apr 1895, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Sep 1969, Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20165141
• Name: Ida Shantz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-72262
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mrs. John H. Shantz

Mrs. John H. Shantz of Breslau died on Tuesday of last week in hospital at Boise, Idaho, while on vacation in Western Canada and the United States. She was 75.

Mrs. Shantz was the former Ida Bechtel, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Noah Bechtel. She was born in Waterloo Township and lived in Breslau for the past 30 years. She was a member of the Breslau Mennonite Church and the women's missionary service auxiliary..

Surviving are her husband; one son, Lowell of Breslau; five daughters, Mrs. Morgan (Mae) Baer of RR 2, Baden, Jean Shantz of Scarborough, Mrs. Norman (Ella) Gascho of Breslau, Norma Shantz of Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisburg, Va., and Mrs. Arnold (Helen) MacDonald of North Augusta, Ont. and one brother, Eden Bechtel of RR2, Kitchener.

Also surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Alvin (Edna) Lugibihl of Pandora, Ohio, Mrs. Roy (Nettie) Snyder of Milverton and Mrs. Sarah Knarr of Preston, and 16 grandchildren.

She was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

New Hamburg Independent, September 17, 1969

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21181620
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6647.4
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Ezra S. Shantz
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Shantz, -- Ezra, son of John D. and Elizabeth (Steiner) Shantz was born Sept. 12, 1869; died March 22, 1955; aged 85 y 6 m. 10 d. On Feb. 19, 1893, he was married to Annie Loucks, who preceded him in Dec., 1952. He was ordained deacon of Shantz Church in 1911 and served faithfully for many years. Surviving are 6 sons (John of Breslau; Elmer of Kitchener; Eldon of New Dundee; Jacob and William of Baden, and Joseph of Wellsley), 3 daughters (Katherine-Mrs. Alvin Lantzer, Goshen, Ind.; Sarah-Mrs. Leonard Horst, Newbury, Ont., and Mary, Baden, Ont.), 2 sisters (Sarah-Mrs. George Weber, Lizzie-Mrs. Solomon Gehman), 23 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held March 26 at the Shantz Church, Baden, Ont., conducted by L. H. Witmer, M. H. Roth, and C.C. Cressman, with burial in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume XLVIII , Number 15 - April 12, 1955 - page 358, 359.

Ezra married Anna Margaret Loucks 19 Feb 1893. Anna was born 22 Aug 1870, , St. Joseph Co., Indiana; died 8 Dec 1952, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21181671
• Name: Anna Margaret Shantz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-33787
• Immigration: 1907, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Shantz. --- Annie Margaret (Loucks), wife of Ezra Shantz, since Feb. 10, 1893, was born in St. Joseph's Co., Ind., Aug. 22, 1870; died at her home near Baden, Ont., Dec. 8, 1952; aged 82 y. 3 m. 17 d. She was a member of the Shantz Mennonite Church. Surviving are her husband, 6 sons (John and Eldon, Breslau, Ont.; Jacob and William, Baden, Ont.; Elmer, Kitchener, Ont.; and Joseph, Wellesley, Ont.), 3 daughters (Catherine-Mrs. Alvin Lantzer, Goshen, Ind.; Sarah-Mrs. Leonard Horst, Newbury, Ont.; and Mary, Baden, Ont.), 23 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted by L. H. Witmer and D. A. Yoder at the Shantz Mennonite Church on Dec. 12, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume XLVI , Number 1 - January 6, 1953 --- page 22

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20705661
• Interesting: story, farming, health
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0716
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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
• Occupation: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1932, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Noah Bechtel "was born November 20th, 1856. He resides on a farm (formerly possessed by Benjamin Godbold) about three miles west of Berlin, and is married to Mary Snyder. Their family consists of 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.].

____________________________


Bechtel, Noah C., son of the late Noah and Veronica (Christner) Bechtel, was born in Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Co., Ont., on Nov. 20, 1856; died at the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital Nov. 11, 1951; aged 94 y. 11 m. 21 d. On March 7, 1882, he was married to Mary Ann Snyder. In their youth they joined the Latschar Mennonite Church at Manheim, Ont. Mr. Bechtel served his Lord for 81 years. His wife and 3 children (Moses, Herbert, and Elizabeth May) predeceased him. Surviving are 5 daughters (Sarah Ann-Mrs. William Knarr, Kitchener, Ont.; Lucinda-Mrs. Isaiah Detweiler and Ida-Mrs. John Shantz, both of Breslau, Ont.; Edna-Mrs. Alvin Lugibihl, Pandora, Ohio; and Nettie-Mrs. Roy Snyder, Millbank, Ont.), 2 sons (Eden and Owen of Kitchener, Ont.), 46 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held on Nov. 14 from his late home near Kitchener, Ont., by Manasseh Hallman, and at the Latschar Church by Oscar Burkholder and Osiah Horst. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume XLV, Number 10 - March 4, 1952 --- page 238

__________________

OLD TIMER STILL ACTIVE

92-Year-Old Man Husks Corn, Shovels Snow, Mows The Hay

When most men of his age sit by the fireside smoking a pipe and probably reminiscing old times, Noah Bechtel of Mannheim, who will celebrate his 92nd birthday on Saturday, spends most of his time actively engaged in outdoor physical labor.

When interviewed by a Chronicle reporter on Friday, he was out in the field husking corn. But that isn't all. Last year he was responsible for cutting sixty loads of hay with horses and mower on his daughter's farm, Mrs. Sarah Snyder, where he now resides. Two years ago when snow was four feet deep. he shovelled out his long lane. At that time he was a "mere" 90.

Likes Outside Work

While he enjoys remarkable health for a man of his age, the nonegenarian admits he is a bit hard of hearing. Another outstanding feature about Mr. Bechtel is that he reads without the use of glasses. He has "an appetite like a horse" and says he "feels much better when I am working outside in the fresh air."

Mr. Bechtel attributes his longevity and good health to the fact that he has always been active. He was a trustee on the Elmdale school board for a number of years. Outside of being a trustee, his main interest has been farming as it is to this day. He is a man of moderation and claims he has never smoked.

Butter 10-12c Pound

Mr. Bechtel recalls the days half a century ago when he brought his produce to the Kitchener market, then known as Berlin. Eggs sold for three dozen for 25c and butter brought 10 to 12c a pound.

He has seen a great transition in farm equipment throughout the years. Mechanical contrivances have replaced the "good horse" in many instances. But that part isn't worrying him one bit because he has never learned to drive a tractor. "Almost any boy can handle a tractor nowadays," he chuckled, "but I'll stick to the horse."

Mannheim's Grand Old Man" was born 92 years ago on a farm near Baden. His wife, the former Mary Anne Snyder, died 17 years ago. She too, was born in the Baden district. He has lived and worked in Waterloo County all his life.

He is the last of a family of six girls and boys.

Mr. Bechtel is definitely a family man. He has 10 children, 46 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Waterloo Chronicle 19 Nov 1948, p. 1

Family Photograph:
IN FRONT: Nettie MIDDLE ROW: Owen, MARY ANN, Millen, Ida, NOAH C., Edna. REAR: Elizabeth "Lizzie" May, Eden, Moses, Sarah Ann, LucindaThis photo was taken between November 23 and November 27th, 1912. The family was in mourning for the death of son, and brother Herbert.

Noah married Mary Ann Snyder 7 Mar 1882. Mary (daughter of Moses K. Snyder and Lydia Bechtel) was born 9 Feb 1859, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Feb 1932, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20705738
• Name: Mary Ann Bechtel
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-220558
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Ann Snyder, "was born February 9th, 1859. On March 7th, 1882, she was married to Noah C. Bechtel, a farmer. "

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.].

____________

Bechtel Mary Ann, daughter of the late Moses K. and Lydia Snyder, was born Feb. 9, 1859 in Wilmot Tp., Ont.; died Feb. 4, 1932; aged 72 y. 11 m. 26 d. She was married to Noah C. Bechtel Mar. 7, 1882. This union was blessed with 6 daughters and 4 sons (of whom eight survive): Moses, Sarah Ann, Eden, Owen, Herbert (died 1912), Lucinda, Edna, Ida Elizabeth and Nettie. One brother, Samuel, also preceded her in death. She united with the Mennonite Church shortly after marriage and remained a faithful member until death. She had been an invalid for the last thirteen years, due to the effects of rheumatism. She bore her infirmity patiently, and was seldom heard to complain. She was a beautiful example of patience, meekness, and humility. The last three weeks of her life she suffered a general breakdown. She slept peacefully and calmly away. She leaves her husband, 4 brothers (Amos, Noah, Moses, and Christian), 1 sister (Sarah), 8 children 40 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the home by Bro. J.W. Witmer, and at the Latschar Mennonite Church at Manheim, Ont., by Bishop M.S. Hallman. Burial in adjoining cemetery.
"Why should our tears in sorrow flow,
When God recalls His own,
And bids them leave a world of woe,
For an immortal crown."


Gospel Herald - Vol. XXIV, No. 52 - March 24, 1932 pages 1118, 1119, 1120

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21196999
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6647
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Occupation: 1869, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

John D. Shantz, "was born October 4th, 1839. On February 13th, 1866, he was married to Elizabeth Steiner. She was born December 12th, 1840. They reside in Wilmot Township, Upper Road, near old George Schmidt's farm where he is engaged in farming. To them were born 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.].

________________

Shantz.-John D. Schantz was born in Waterloo, Ont., Oct. 4, 1839; died at the residence of his son, Ezra S. Schantz, near Baden, Ont., June 13, 1923; aged 83 y. 8 m. 9 d. He was married to Elizabeth Steiner on Feb. 13, 1866. This union was blessed with 10 children and 20 grandchildren. His wife, 4 children and 1 grandchild preceded him to the spirit world. He is survived by 3 sons and 3 daughters-Ezra S., Sarah (Mrs. George Weber), Tobias S., Elizabeth (Mrs. Sollie Gehman), John S., and Mary (Mrs. Noah Hunsberger)-all of Ontario, and 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 sister, Lydia (Mrs. Daniel Hostetler), the only one left out of a family of 12 children. He was converted and received into the Mennonite Church, was ordained to the office of deacon, and served about 40 years. Funeral services at the home of his son, Ezra S. Shantz, and at the Shantz Church near Baden, Ont., June 17. The services were conducted by Brethren Manassa Hallman, Jonas Snyder, and Orphan Wismer. His daughter-in-law

Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 31 - November 1, 1923 - p. 637,638

_________

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away. Died At Baden, on Wednesday, June 13th, 1923 John D. Shantz Aged 83 years, 8 months and 9 days Funeral Will take place from the home of his son, Mr. Ezra Shantz, Baden, on Sunday, June 17th, at 1.30 p.m. to Shantz Mennonite Church for services and interment. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

John married Elizabeth Steiner 13 Feb 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Ulrich Steiner and Elizabeth Boesinger) was born 12 Dec 1840, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Jun 1901; was buried , Shantz's Meeting House Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21197419
• Name: Elizabeth Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6647.1
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20705482
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0708
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Noah S. Bechtel "was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, September 22nd, 1818. On March 13th, 1841, he was married to Veronica, daughter of John and Maria (Luckebihl) Christner. She was born in Upper Alsace, Germany, September 28th, 1820. Shortly after their marriage they moved on a farm a few miles north-west of St. Agatha, Wilmot Township, where they resided until 1869 when they moved about three miles south-west of New Hamburg, on lot No. 25, Block A, where they still reside. They had a family of eleven 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.].

_____________________

NOAH BECHTEL.

Mr Noah Bechtel, an old resident of Waterloo T'p, a few miles east of Berlin, passed away on Monday. The funeral took place on Wednesday, leaving his late residence at 9 a.m.

Noah S. Bechtel was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, Sept 22nd, 1818. In March, 1841, he was married to Veronica, daughter of John and Maria Christner. Shortly after their marriage they moved on a farm a few iniles northwest of St Agatha, where they resided until 1869, when they moved about three miles south- west of New Hamburg.

The Chronicle Telegraph, 5 Sep 1901, p. 5

______________

How They Farmed Sixty Years Ago

…I can well remember when Noah Bechtel, uncle of John B. Bricker our genial corn borer inspector for Waterloo county, shot a large black grizzly bear in October, 1863. They had seen the bear eight miles north where there was a large bush and swamp, called Queen's Bush, where the farmers had their pigs to get acorns and beechnuts, which were plentiful. Mr. Bear came out sometimes to help them to butcher. We had no selects, a pig was a pig. One day a squad went after him but did not get him. Later in October he came trotting along through Wilmot township. Moses Bechtel and Christian Hallman were ploughing beside Noah Bechtel's cedar swamp when he came walking right up to them. They went in and Bechtel brought his rifle with him. They followed the bear's tracks for a mile from the swamp, through John Forler's swamp, then across the road into another 400 acre bush. John Forler hitched his carriage team into the democrat, drove to Petersburg, and brought a man up with a hound, and John Ernst Jr. came along with his bulldog. Wm. Miller put his hound on the trail and in a short time found Mr. Bruin sound asleep. Miller fired a shot and the bear came trotting through the swamp with the dogs after him. When he saw that he was surrounded it did not take him long to climb a tree. Noah Bechtel, with a well aimed shot, brought the bear down. …

Waterloo Chronicle, 5 Jul 1928, p. 9

Noah married Veronica "Fannie" Christner 13 Mar 1841, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Veronica (daughter of Johannes "John" Christner and Maria Luckebihl) was born 28 Sep 1820, Upper Alsace, Germany; died 21 Apr 1907; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20705613
• Name: Veronica "Fannie" Bechtel
• Eby ID Number: 00022-1616
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Veronica Christner, "the fourth and youngest child of John Christner, was born in Upper Alsace, September 28th, 1820, came to America in 1825 and settled in this county in October of the same year. On March 13th, 1841, she was married to Noah, son of George B. Bechtel. they reside on a farm three miles south-west of New Hamburg. Their family consisted of eleven 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/39811903
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6059
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Misfortune: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; killed in railway accident
• Residence: 1901, Wilmot Township - Concession 1 Lot 02, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Berlet's Corners - The funeral of Mr. Moses Snyder whose death occurred in the railway accident in Berlin Monday evening, June 3rd, took place Thursday morning and was very largely attended, there being about one hundred and forty rigs.

Wellesley Maple Leaf, June 13, 1901

___________________

Moses, Schneider, of Wilmot, Instantly Killed by a Train in Berlin.

His Wife Fatally Injured

The people of this district were shocked, last Monday evening, to learn the sad news that Mr. and Mrs. Moses Schneider, who have lived for half a century on their farm near Berlet's Corners, were run into by a Galt train at a crossing in Berlin that afternoon.

It appears the old couple were returning from attending a Mennonite convention. Mr. Schneider, being partly deaf, did not hear the warning whistle or the frantic screams of friends behind him. The train dashed into his buggy, smashing it to atoms, killing the horse, grinding Mr. Schneider's body almost to a pulp and horribly bruising his aged wife. She was at once taken to the hospital but so many bones were broken and her other injuries were so serious that no hopes of her recovery are entertained.

Deceased was between 70 and 80 years of age, most of which time had been spent on the homestead, lot II. con. 1, Wilmot, where he earned a competency for his family and gained a character for honor and Christian nobility which few attain.

We understand the funeral is to occur today at the Mennonite church between Philipsburg and St. Agatha.

Wellesley Maple Leaf Jun 6 1901 pg 5

____________

MET DEATH ACCIDENTLY

No Blame Attached to Rallway Employees

Jury Recommends Grand Trunk to Erect Gates at Crossings.

WERE COMING TO BERLIN TO DE- POSIT $200 IN THE BANK.

Moses K. Snyder and his aged life partner left their large, well cultivated farm, in Wilmot township, with its neatly appointed home, shortly after noon on Monday, to come to Berlin. Their mission was a two-fold one - Mr. Snyder wanted to have his measure taken for a new -suit of clothes, and in his inside coat pocket there was a roll of ten $20 bills, which he was going to deposit in the Savings Bank and add to the credit balance of $1,444.61. They drove to town in one of those aquare top buggies-one of which belongs to nearly every Old Mennonite family. The faithful old horse jogged slowly along, and bye and bye they came to town along Albert-st. Whether the occupants of the buggy were dozing or were interested in conversation is not known; but certain it is, they were oblivious of the danger that lay in the fast approaching train, and which proved to be, for one of them, at least, the Messenger of Death.

The train, bound for Galt, pulled out of the Berlin yards at 2.37, and was travelling at its ordinary speed, observing the usual whistle signals for the different crossings. The collision came with a frightful crash, the tender, which was ahead, catching the horse about midway. The buggy did not cross the track, being hurled against the whitewashed fence, breaking it down, and crashing the vehicle into a mass of kindling wood.

Mr. Snyder suffered almost instant death, his head being terribly smashed. He breathed his last just after being carried into the house. He appears to have been either struck by the train or hurled against the post of the fence. His body lay be side the track, having not crossed it. Mrs. Snyder was carried or thrown about 40 feet further, where she was picked up, apparently at the point of death. The horse, which was disembowelled, was spitted on a large stump fully fifty feet from where the collision took place, and over twenty feet from the track.

The train was brought to a stand- still as soon as possible and the bodles carried to Mr. Chr. Hopp's reisdence, near by. Coroner Lackner was telephoned for, from Bramm's mill, and he, with Dr. Kalbfleisch, was soon on the scene. Examination showed that Mr. Snyder was past all earthly help- but Mrs. Snyder was partially conscious. She had sustained several broken ribs, the left arm was fractured near the elbow and she had two cuts on her head. She told her brother, Samuel S. Bowman, that they had left home to bring some money to Berlin to bank, but could not remember whether they had done so. She asked her brother to see if the money was still on her husband's body, and if so, to take charge of it. The brother asked Mr. J. K. Master to look through the dead man's clothes, and in the inside pocket of his vest, was found a savings bank book and $200-ten $20 bills. The book showed a credit balance of $1,444.61; the last deposit having been made in December last. The watch in his vest pocket was still going, and showed 5.20 when taken from his prostrate form.

Mrs. Snyder's injuries were dressed and she was conveyed to the Hospital in a hack, accompanied by her brother and Dr. Kalbflelsch. The remains of her life partner were entrusted to Undertaker Surarus.

The scene of the fatality was visited by hundreds of citizens as soon as the news spread, and morbid curiosity attracted far more women and little girls, than men, who crowded into the Hopp house in swarms to look upon the ghastly sight.

Deceased has a family of seven children surviving: they are, Amos, near Baden; Christian and Noah, at Hespeler; Samuel on the homestead, and Moses. The daughters are Mrs. Noah Bechtel, at Waldau, and Miss Sarah. There is only one brother living- Absolom, at Breslau; and two sisters -Mrs. Tobias Bowman, near Hespeler, and Mrs. Honsberger, New Dundee.

Coroner Lackner called an inquest for 10 o'clock on Tuesday.

THE INQUEST.

The coroner had the following gentlemen sworn in as jurors:
JOHN UNGER, Foreman.
M. MASSEL.
A. DENGIS.
G. M. DEBUS.
P. HYMMEN.
A. SACHS.
A. WAGNER.
H. HELLER.
C. BERCK.
JACOB WELHEISER
F. SEIBERT.
JOHN LEWIS.

They visited the residence of Mr. Hopp and viewed the corpse of the old man, as well as the spot where the collision took place. After this, the coroner gave the relatives permission to prepare the remains for burial.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at 9 o'clock from his late residence to the Shantz church, two miles west of St. Agatha

The Jury came hack to Berlin and took the evidence in the Grand Central.

The Evidence.

Walter Jones, fireman on the Galt train, was sworn, and said: My run is from Galt to Elmira: my train ran between Berlin and Galt yesterday afternoon; it is due to leave Berlin 2.50; yesterday we were seven minutes late; when we are late we try to make up time and were doing so in this case; when we are on time we run about a mile in three minutes - yesterday we were running between 30 and 25 miles an hour. I have no instructions regarding the speed to be run in the town limits. The engine whistled for Albert-st. crossing: we are to whistle a quarter mile before each crossing, and the bell is to be rang continuously until the cross is made; the whistle was blown about half way between the two crossings.
I was on the right side going down; first saw the buggy when we were past the bank to our right. The rig was about ten feet from the track; I gave the signal to stop, and the engineer threw down the brake. I saw the engine strike; the horse had pretty well crossed over. All I could see of the people was the woman's head: our train could have stopped in about 150 yards; we were about 25 yards away from the crossing when I gave the signal to my mate. We came to a standstill about 100 yards past the crossing; the man was lying beside the track on the road. I do not think the man saw the train coming: we could not try to make up our seven minutes from the station to Albert-st. I rang the bell.


J. W. Mitchell.-1 am engineer on the G.T.R. running from Elmira to Galt; went from Berlin to Galt on Monday afternoon: we were seven minutes late; left station at 2.57; instructions are to whistle at the different whistling posts, which are about 400 yards from the crossing; I whistled for the Albert-st. crossing as we crossed the Mill-st. crossing. My fireman told me we were going to strike a rig, about 30 or 10 yards from the crossing. I closed off the throttle, put down the brake and stopped the train; generally run from 20 to 25 miles an hour: were not going any faster than usual; have no special instructions to speed within the corporations. Have to keep the bell ringing for all crossings: Jones was doing this yesterday. The road is not a dangerous one.

G. Whitlock-Conductor I heard the whistle blow and felt the application ol the brakes, near the crossing: he was in the coach punching tickets as the time; heard the whistle for Albert-at. crossing.

Samuel B. Schneider-I saw the accident: I was on Mill st. at the time: saw the train cross Mill-st; had a full view of Albert-st crossing; heard the train whistle just before crossing Mill-st. Did not hear the bell ring. I saw the rig near the crossing; first about three or four rods from the track: the horse was walking the persons could easily see the train they had looked; I saw the train strike the rig; do not think the horse or driver saw the train, which struck both horse and rig. I do not think the Grand Trunk is to blame; I think the train was going its ordinary rate.

Mrs. Blankstein, living near Albert- st., crossing, saw the accident. Heard the train whistle three times. Saw the people drive by her house; both man and woman were awake.

The Verdict

The Jury decided enough evidence had been heard and draw up the following verdict:

We, the Jury empanelled to enquire as to the death of Moses K. Snyder, find that the deceased came to his death by being struck by & Grand Trunk engine on the Galt Branch, and that no blame is attached to any of the railway's employees in consequence of this accident.

Your Jury feel that, owing to the numerous accidents that have occurred in Berlin within the last few years at various crossings, the Grand Trunk Railway should provide gates for all crossings in Berlin.

Berlin News-Record - 06 Jun 1901, Thu Page 8

Moses married Lydia Bechtel 15 Jun 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Lydia (daughter of Samuel Bechtel and Barbara Bauman) was born 15 Nov 1830, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Aug 1886, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39812001
• Name: Lydia Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0671
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite