Florence Ruth Shirk

Other Events:

• Name: Florence Ruth Merkely
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-191312
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran

Florence — William Leonard Merkely. William died 1991; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lehmann Scherch
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5677
• Immigration: 1877, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1885, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller, Flour Mill
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran
• Residence: 1928, 49 Albert St., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Lehmon Shirk "(Nephew to Peter Shirk of Bridgeport, Ontario) son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Good) Shirk, was born in Canarvon Township, Lancaster County, December 20th, 1860. On November 8th, 1877, he came to Canada and made his home with Mr. Peter Shirk where he served his apprenticeship as a miller. After having served his apprenticeship he remained in the services of Mr. Shirk until November, 1890, when he received the appointment of head miller of the German Mills by the proprietors, William Snider & Co., in whose employment he has been up to the present. On June 10th, 1885, he was married to Magdalena, Daughter of Aaron and Mary (Snider) Kraft. To them are born two 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

Lehman married Magdalena Kraft 10 Jun 1885, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Aaron Kraft and Mary Snider) was born 19 Dec 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Dec 1925, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lena Kraft
• Name: Magdalena Shirk
• Eby ID Number: 00069-4164
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1885, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran
• Residence: 1925, 49 Albert St., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Magdalena Kraft, "was born December 19th, 1861. On June 10th, 1885, she was married to Lehman Shirk. They reside at German Mills where he is foreman in the mills. They have a family of two children, namely: Laura May and Vera Del."



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: 00055-3787.6

Thomas — Elizabeth Good. Elizabeth was born CA 1830; died 24 Jan 1913. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Shirk
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5677.2

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00069-4162
• Residence: 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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 Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Aaron Kraft, "the third son, was born January 12th, 1835. On February 9th, 1858, he was married to Mary Schneider who was born April 7th, 1838. After their marriage they moved a few miles west of the town of Waterloo on a farm being composed of part of lot No. 42, German Company's Tract, where they resided until about 1879, when they moved to the town of Waterloo where he and Wm. Snyder are now engaged in the milling business. They are the proprietors of the Union Mills and are doing an extensive business. While residing in the township he has held the office of councillor and deputy reeve for a number of years. His family consisted of six children, of whom Josiah, Lydia Ann, Mary Ann, and Abraham died in infancy."



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

Aaron married Mary Snider 9 Feb 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Rev. Elias Snider and Hannah Bingeman) was born 7 Apr 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Oct 1913, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Schneider
• Name: Mary Kraft
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5821
• Residence: 1858, 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
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Kraft.--Mary Kraft, daughter of the late Elias and Hannah (Bingeman) Snider, was born in Waterloo, Ont., April 7, 1838; died Oct. 21, 1913; aged 75 y. 6 m. 14 d. At the age of 20 years she united in matrimony with Aaron Kraft, who died 16 years ago. To this union were born 6 children, 4 of whom died in infancy. Hannah and Mrs. Lehman Shirk with 2 grandchildren remain to mourn their loss, also 8 brothers and 1 sister. Ever since the death of her husband she had her home with her daughters in Waterloo, where she received the best of care. At the age of 16 years she united with the Mennonite Church, in which faith we believe she was true to the end. She suffered greatly the last few months from that dreadful disease, cancer. She bore her affliction in Christian patience, looking forward to the land where pain is unknown. Funeral services Oct. 24, conducted at the home by Bro. Noah Stauffer and at the Waterloo Church by Bro. Noah Hunsberger from John 16: 33, and Bro. Burns of the Evangelical Church from Heb. 4: 9. Buried at the Berlin Church.

Gospel Herald - Volume VI, Number 32 - November 6, 1913 - page 511, 512

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00055-3787.1

Christian — Elizabeth Hoffman. Elizabeth (daughter of Peter Hoffman) was born 8 May 1805, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 9 Apr 1862, near, Churchtown, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Judder
• Name: Elizabeth Shirk
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3787

Notes:

Barbara Hoffman, "was married to Christian Shirk. They resided in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and had a family of several children, three of whom, namely Peter (see Peter Shirk's family), Barbara, .. and Magdalena (see John Shuh's family), and also Lehman (see Lehman Shirk's family), a son of Thomas (Thomas was also a son of Barbara but never resided in Canada), reside in this county. The others are all in the United States."


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.].
Elizabeth Hoffman, "was married to Michael Judder, a farmer. They resided in Juniata County, Pennsylvania."


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: 00069-4148
• Residence: 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist

Notes:

George Kraft, "the eldest son, was born in the corporation of the town of Berlin, February 15th, 1809. On April 10th, 1832, he was married to Esther, daughter of John Bingeman. She was born in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, September 30th, 1810, and came to Canada with her parents. In 1887 they moved to Caledonia, Michigan, where she died January 4th, 1892. He is still living (Aug. 1st, 1895) and enjoying ordinary good health. His home is in Caledonia, Michigan. They had a family of thirteen 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.].

_______________________

Death of a Former Resident or Waterloo County.

The Waterloo Chronicle says intelligence was received in that town on Monday of the death, at Caledonia, Mich., of Mr. Geo. Kraft, father of Mr. Aaron Kraft, of the Union Mills. Mr. Kraft was one of the early settlers of Waterloo township, having carried on farming extensively for many years, on the old homestead, near Bridgeport, is now occupied by his son, Moses. He attained the great age of 87 years, 11 months and 10 days. He was born at Berlin, on Feb. 15th, 1809 and was married to Esther Bingeman, 1882. Thirteen children were born of this marriage, five of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are: Moses Kraft, Bridgeport, Aaron Kraft, Waterloo; Magdelena, wife of the late Joseph B. Weber, Kent County, Mich.; Hannah wife of Benjamin W. Eby, Kent County, Mich.; John Kraft, Kent County, Mich.; Geo. Kraft, Kent County, Mich.; Rev. S. B. Kraft, Tonawanda, N. Y., and Esther H., unmarried, at home. In 1887 the old couple moved to Caledonia, Mich., where she died in 1892. The funeral took place on Wednesday, January 27th.

The Weekly Reformer 4 Feb 1897 pg 10

George married Esther Bingeman 10 Apr 1832. Esther (daughter of Johannes "John" Bingeman and Hannah S. Bergey) was born CALC 4 Oct 1810; died 4 Jan 1892, Caledonia, Kent, Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Kraft
• Name: Hettie Bingeman
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1047
• Birth: 30 Dec 1810, Pottstown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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:

Esther Bingeman, "was born December 30th, 1810. On April 10th, 1832, she married to George Kraft who was born February 15th, 1809. They resided two miles east of Bridgeport, Ontario, until 1886 when they moved to Caledonia, Kent County, Michigan, where she died January 4th, 1892. He is still living and quite well and active for a man of his age. To them were born thirteen 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.].

________________


KRAFT - On the 4th of January, 1892, in Caledonia, Kent Co., Mich., of "Lagrippe," of which she suffered nearly two weeks, Sister Esther, (maiden name Bingeman), wife of Bro. George Kraft Sr., aged 81 years, three months and 4 days. She leaves a husband and 8 children to mourn their loss. She was born in Pottstown, Pa., from which place she emigrated to Canada, and about five years previous to her death they moved to Michigan. She died rejoicing in her Savior. Services by S. Sherk, Elder Straub and C. Wenger.


Herald of Truth , Vol. XXIX, No. 3, February 1, 1892, Page 46

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