Henry Edward "Ed" Groff

Other Events:

• Name: Edward Groff
• Name: Edwin Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6877.2

Notes:

Elmira Signet Newspaper 18 Feb. 1904 p. 1, col. 3

Mr. Edward Groff, eldest son of Mr. Henry Groff, Dundee, Minnesota, left here last Tuesday to return to his home after a few months' visit to his relatives and friends in Waterloo and Woolwich townships.

Other Events:

• Name: Heinrich Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3352
• 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: 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Henry Groff, "was born July 20th, 1849. He is married to Veronica Shantz and resides at May City, Iowa, where he is engaged in farming."

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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

____________________

Father of Harris Man Dies at Henning, Minn.

Funeral services were held last week for Henry Groff, former resident. of Osceola county, at the church at. Henning, Minn.

Henry Groff was born July 20, 1849, near Galt, Ontario, the oldest of a family of nine children.

When two years old they moved to Waterloo, Ontario. On September 23, 1873, he married Veronica Shantz. They made their home near Elmira, Ontario. To this union four children were born.

In 1889 the family moved to Osceola county, where they lived for nine years. In 18898 they moved to Cottonwood county, Minn., and in 1920 to a farm six miles west of Henning where he lived until the time of his death.

He died July 24, 1935, at the age of 86. He was an active member of the Methodist church.

His wife preceded him in death in September, 1929. Surviving are for children: Edwin of Harris, Iowa. Walter of Henning, Minn., Mary, Mrs. H. H. Norman of Fulda, Minn., Clara, Mrs. J. G. Overholser of Butte, N. D. Surviving also are ten grandchildren; two brothers, Israel of Elmira, Ontario and Andrew of Eldora, Ontario and two susters, Mrs. A. B. Snider of Preston, Ontario and Mrs. T. B. Snider of Spencer, Iowa. - Sibley Gazette.

Lake Park News (Lake Park, Iowa) 8 Aug 1935

Henry married Veronica Shantz 23 Sep 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Veronica (daughter of Moses Shantz and Susannah Snider) was born 16 Sep 1854, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Sep 1929; was buried , Girard Union Cemetery, Henning, Otter Tail, Minnesota, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Veronica Groff
• Name: Veronika Schantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6877
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Veronica Shantz, "the eldest daughter, was born September 16th, 1854. On September 23rd, 1873, she was married to Henry Groff and has a family of four 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/200268672
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3351
• Residence: 1848, Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Andrew H. Groff, "was born near Galt, Ontario, July 26th, 1825. On May 30th, 1848, he was married to Mary Baumann who was born September 22nd, 1830. They reside on a beautiful farm about a mile north of the town of Waterloo. To them was born a family of nine 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.].

_________________________

In 1901 Andrew was living with his daughter Lydia in Waterloo Township.

___________________

DEATH OF ANDREW GROFF.

Mr. Andrew Groff, a well known farmer, residing one mile north of Waterloo, passed away at 8.30 o'clock Wednesday morning, after an illness of several weeks, at the advanced age of 79 years and 10 months. The funeral will take place on Saturday morning. April 29th, at 9.30 o'clock, from his late residence, thence to Martin's meeting house for service and interment. The late Andrew H. Groff was born near Galt, Ont.. July 26th, 1825. On May 30th, 1818 was married to Mary Baumann, who predeceased. him in the year 1900. They resided on beautiful farm, one mile north of the town of Waterloo. To them were born a family of nine children, viz::- Henry, of Dundee, Minn., Magdalen, married to Tilman B. Snyder, a farmer and stock raiser in Sanborn, la.. Isaac B., residing on a farm near Yatton. Peel Tp., Israel, residing on. a farm in Pilkington Tp., Ephraim, of Iowa, dealer in stock, Mary, married to Rev. Absalom B. Snyder, a farm near Hespeler, Andrew B., unmarried, Pilkington Tp., Allan, unmarried, near German Mills, Lydia Ann, married to Abram Snyder, the old homestead near Waterloo.

The Chronicle Telegraph 27 Apr 1905, p. 5

Andrew married Mary W. Bauman 30 May 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Henry B. K. Bauman and Catherine Wismer) was born 22 Sep 1830, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Feb 1901, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200269036
• Name: Mary W. Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00002-503
• Residence: 1848, 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 Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Baumann, "the third daughter of Henry B. K. Baumann, was born September 22nd, 1830. On May 30th, she was married to Andrew Groff who was born July 26th, 1825, They reside about a mile north of Waterloo where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists of nine 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 Mrs. Andrew Groff. The many friends of Mrs. Andrew

Groff will learn with deep regret of her death which took place at her home north of Waterloo 6 o'clock Tuesday evening, at the age of 70 years. The funeral take will place at half past nine Saturday morning, March 2nd, from the residence, thence to Martin's meetng house for service and interment.

Mrs Groff, nee Mary Bowman, was the third daughter of the late Henry B. B. Bowman, Blair, and was born September 22nd, 1830. She was married to her now bereaved husband May 30th, 1848. Nine children were the fruit of this marriage all of whom are still living, viz: Henry, of Dundee, Minn; Magdalena, wife of T. B. Snider, Sanborn, Ia; Isaac, Peel township; Israel, Pilkington township; Ephraim, at present in Iowa; Mary wife of Rev Absalom B. Snyder, near Hespeler; Lydia Ann, wife of Abram B. Snyder, on the homestead, Waterloo, and Andrew and Allan, unmarried.

She was a kind and helpful neighbor, s good mother and wife and was universally esteemed. The husband and family will have the heartfelt sympathy of their friends and neighbors in the great loss they have sustained.

The Chronicle Telegraph 28 Feb 1901, p. 5

Other Events:

• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 009W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6860
• Residence: 1849, 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: 1869, 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 Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Moses Shantz, "the second son of Joseph and Catharine (Schneider) Shantz, was born August 22nd, 1819. On March 18th, 1849, he was married to Susannah, daughter of Jacob C. and Elizabeth (Cressman) Snider. She was born April 4th, 1840. Soon after their marriage they moved on the farm they still possess, his father's farm, being composed of west half of lot No. 9, German Company's Tract. Here they raised a family 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.].

_______________

SHANTZ - Moses Shantz was born on the 22nd of August 1819, about three miles north of Waterloo, Ont. On the 18th of March, 1819* he was married to the youngest daughter of the late Bro. Jacob C. Snyder, of Waterloo. He was a member of the Mennonite church since his youth. Deceased was afflicted for about 6 years, and suffered much pain, which however was patiently borne through all the weary years, until his final release on the 17th of January 1897, at the ripe old age of 77 years, 4 months and 26 days. He leaves a sorrowing wife, six sons and six daughters, also thirty-six grandchildren to mourn the loss of a kind companion and father. His was the first death out of this large family. The funeral was held on the 20th from his late residence. Interment at Martin's M.H., where many relatives and friends assembled to pay their last tribute of love and respect to one who had been so dearly loved and highly esteemed in life. Funeral services by Amos Cressman and Noah Stauffer.


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIV, No. 3, February 1, 1897 - Page 45, 46

Moses married Susannah Snider 18 Mar 1849, Greenbush (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susannah (daughter of Jacob C. Snider and Elizabeth Cressman) was born 4 Apr 1830, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 May 1916; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5903
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Susannah Snider
• Residence: 1849, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Susannah Snider, "was born April 4th, 1830. on march 18th, 1849, she was married to Moses Shantz, 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.].

____________________

Shantz. - Susannah Snider, wife of the late Moses Shantz, was born in Waterloo, Ont., April 4, 1830; died May 14, 1916; aged 86 y. 1 m. 10 d. The deceased was married to Moses Shantz Mar. 18, 1849, who preceded her 19 years ago. This union was blessed with a family of 12 children, of whom 11 are still living. There are 50 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren of whom nearly all are living. She was the last of the Snider family. Her brothers and sisters have all preceded her. By her passing away, the family loses a kind and patient mother, the church a consistent member, and the fruits of her exemplary and devoted Christian life, will never be forgotten. Funeral services on May 17, conducted at the house by Bro. Noah Stauffer, and at the Waterloo Mennonite Church by Bro. Stauffer and Noah Hunsberger, from Job 5: 26. Burial at the Martin Cemetery.


Gospel Herald - Volume IX, Number 9 - June 1, 1916 - pages 158,159

Other Events:

• Name: Andreas Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3340
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 007, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: Bef 1865, Lititz, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Andrew Groff, "son of John and Anna (Moyer) Graff, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 18th, 1793. His boyhood days were spent in acquiring a business education which proved of great benefit to him in later years. At the age of seventeen he made choice of the milling business as the most pleasing to his taste. His first years of apprenticeship were served in Earl Township where he remained until 1822 when he was induced by others to seek his fortune either in the West or in Canada. Being persuaded by one Joseph Mosser and others who were on the point of leaving for Canada, to join in with their company, he came to Waterloo in the fall of 1822 and found everything most satisfactory. As he was a miller by trade, old Abraham Erb wanted him to take charge of his grist mills which he intended to do after moving to Canada. After being here a short time and making arrangements to move to Canada he started again for Pennsylvania. Arriving at home in safety and spending a few weeks in visiting friends, he then set out for his new home. He left Pennsylvania with his wife and family of four children and made the trip to Canada in seventeen days. On his arrival at Waterloo in November, 1822, he was engaged by Abraham Erb to work on the saw mill where he remained three weeks, after which he entered the employ of Mr. Shade of Galt where he remained for nearly two years, and acquired a considerable amount of cash. He then purchased 200 acres of land half way between Preston and Galt and in a few years he was the proprietor of a store, tavern, grist mill, saw mill, and distillery, from all of which he soon realized quite a fortune, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the county. In 1848 he sold this property and purchased the farm of the late David Erb, north of the town of Waterloo, now in possession of his son Jacob. During the close of his life he lived on the place now possessed by Mr. F. Scheifle, a little to the north of the town of Waterloo. Here he died May 11th, 1877. He was married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1815, to Annie, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Reist) Huber. She was born October 15th, 1795, and died in Waterloo County, Ontario, September 19th, 1865. They had a family 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.].

_________________________________-


SAMUEL GROFF. PRESIDENT NORTH WEST BUTTON CO.

Mr. Samuel Groff, though not a native born Berliner, still is a son of the fine old County of which Berlin is the chief town. He comes of Pennsylvania German stock. His grand father was Andrew Groff who learned the trade of Miller in his home state-Pennsylvania. In 1822 he came to Waterloo and after a few years spent there and at Galt, he acquired a large tract of land near Preston, where he carried on farming, saw-milling, a grist mill, store, hotel and distillery and became one of the wealthiest men in the county. His eldest son, Isaac, was the father of the subject of this sketch, who was born near Freeport in 1847. He early entered mercantile life in the late J. Hoffman's store and was one of the earlier merchants in Berlin. He was head of the firm Groff and Hymmen for many years, a house that was among the largest in the county. Several years ago, he went to Winnipeg and at present he is president of the North West Button Co.2^a


Berlin Today 1806-1906 official souvenir
_______________________________________________________

From the Region of Waterloo Hall of Fame website.

The name of Groff in Waterloo in the nineteenth century was associated with the raising of Shorthorn cattle.

Andrew Groff of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, settled in 1822 on 170 acres at the location of the Galt Country Club. He later owned a grist mill, general store, tavern and a distillery. In the 1840s the family moved to Waterloo where his sons and grandsons, with outstanding success, bred and raised Shorthorn cattle.

A Knight of Warlaby, imported from Scotland, proved to be an outstanding sire. A son, A Baron of Waterloo," in 1882 was Grand Champion at the leading Canadian show at Kingston. In 1886 he was champion at Guelph. He was then sold to the Hon. George Brown. This bull sired what was probably the best show herd in Canada, winning awards on the American and Canadian show circuits. The Groffs were justifiably proud of their reputation as Shorthorn breeders.

Andrew married Annie Huber 1815, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Annie (daughter of Samuel Huber and Elizabeth Reist) was born 15 Oct 1795, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 19 Sep 1865, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Annie Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3340.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-74
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Heinrich B. K. Bauman
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: Bef 1857, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; tanner and currier

Notes:

Henry B. K. Baumann, "sixth son of Peter Baumann, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 27th, 1790, died February 12th, 1858. Was married to Catharine Wismer, who was born April 17th, 1794, and died November 22nd, 1881. They resided near Preston, Ontario. Had a family of ten children."

Henry B. K. Baumann, "son of Peter Baumann (see No. 74), was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 27th, 1790. He came to Canada about 1816, and settled near Preston, on the Blair road, where he was engaged in farming and tanning. His brothers, Christian and David, and his sister Anna who was married to Christian Martin, settled in this county about the same time. Henry was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Fried) Wismer, May 4th, 1813. She was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 11th, 1794, came to Canada with her parents who settled in Waterloo County, near Blair, in 1800, and died at Preston, November 22nd, 1881. He died February 12th, 1858. They had a family of ten 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.].

____________________________


A-1-163 Henry B. K. Bauman Probate of the Will of Henry B.K. Bauman , late of the Village of Preston, Tanner and Currier, deceased, on the petition of Jacob Hagey of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, and Catharine Bauman (widow of said deceased) the Executor and Executrix named in said Will, which is in the words following:

I, Henry B, K. Bauman, of the Village of Preston…Tanner and Currier, being weak in body…First, I give and devise to my beloved wife Catharine Bauman, to have and to hold, one acre of vacant land, in the old homestead, wherever she wishes to have it, and my Executors shall build her a frame house thereon, 18 by 27 ft., and one story and a half high, and the outside walls of the lower story, later filled out with stone or brick, and further to have all such furniture as she wishes to keep, and also one cow, and five hundred dollars in money, of the first that will come out of the estate, and further to have one third of all the moveable property, and the interest of one third of the old homestead, to have and to hold the above property as long as she remains my widow, and after her decease it shall be equally divided amongst my heirs, and further I request my wife to continue house keeping until my youngest child is of age, and as long afterwards as she wishes to continue on, and further my wife Catharine Bauman shall have the right to sell the above mentioned house and one acre of land, whenever she wishes to do so, and further, whenever my widow wishes to quit housekeeping, my Executors shall sell the old homestead to the best advantage, either all together or in pieces, or in Village lots, any way they can sell it to the best advantage, and further, I give and devise to my fourth son Abraham Bauman, lot number five in the Twelfth concession of the Township of Hay in the County of Huron, to have and to hold to him, his heirs and assigns forever for the consideration of five hundred dollars. And further I give and devise to my three oldest sons Joseph K. Bauman, Solomon Bauman, and Peter Bauman, each an equal share of my property and likewise my daughters Hannah, Elisabeth, Mary and Nancy, each an equal share with my sons. And my Executors shall examine my books and see how much each of my heirs receive during my lifetime, and them that got least, shall share first until they have equal shares with the others, and then they shall all share alike and if any of them have any more then their shares will amount to when my property is equal divided, they then shall pay back to the Executors or other heirs, whatever they have more than their share will amount to so that they will all share and share alike, both sons and daughters, without reserve. And I hereby authorize my Executors to grant Deeds for my freehold property when sold. I do hereby nominate and appoint Jacob Hagey and Catharine Bauman Executors of this my Last Will and Testament…

Witnessed by Peter Bauman, Richard Kelsey and Aaron Bauman
Will dated 23^rd July 1857
Proved 8^th March 1858
Died 12^th February 1858
No Inventory

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber.

Henry married Catherine Wismer 4 May 1813. Catherine (daughter of Joseph Wismer and Hannah Fried) was born 11 Apr 1794, , Chester Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Nov 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Bauman
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8229
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Catherine Wismer
• Immigration: 1800, , Canada
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catherine Wismer, "was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 11th, 1794. On May 4th, 1813, she was married to Henry B. K. Baumann. She died at Preston, Ontario, November 22nd, 1881."


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.].
An Old Resident - There died at Preston on the 22nd November, Mrs. Catherine Bowman, relic of the late Henry B. K. Bowman, aged 87 years, 7 months and 11 days. The deceased lady emigrated to Canada in 1800.

Galt Reporter Nov 25 1881 pg 1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6849
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Joseph R. Shantz
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 009W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1849, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 026, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, 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; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph Shantz, "the youngest son of Isaac and Barbara (Reiff) Shantz, was born near Pottstown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, June 24, 1795. In May, 1808, his mother, with her three youngest children, David, Veronica, and Joseph, who was then only thirteen years of age, moved to Canada and arrived in Waterloo County in June. On the 21st or 22nd of the same month she took possession of her bush farm, being composed of part of lot No. 52, German Company's Tract. About six acres were cleared and cleaned and a log house put up, but this house was without roof and floor until their coming. The lumber was purchased in Galt and the first thing the party had to do on their arrival was to put on the board roof and lay the floor, and then the house was ready to move into. By four o'clock in the afternoon everything was put in its proper place and everybody felt happy and well at home except Joseph who stood outside the house and wept bitterly, being sick of the wild and romantic life and wishing himself home at Pottstown again. So much did he weep that his mother came out to speak words of comfort to him, upon which he said, 'O mother, what made you leave our beautiful home and come here where there is nothing but bush and flies? Why had you listen to Christian? (His brother who settled here in 1806 always spoke well of Waterloo) It is not at all as he used to say.' The mother, listening to her son's lamentable tale, said, 'Joseph, now do quit crying and come into the house with me or else I shall have homesick like you and begin to cry.' They both went into the house and that ended 'Homesick'. (This story Mr. Joseph Shantz related to the writer in the year 1869) Here he was raised and on July 8th, 1817, he was married to Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Eby) Schneider. She was born February 12, 1799, and died September 15th, 1881. Soon after their marriage they moved on their farm, being composed of west half of lot No. 9, German Company's Tract, now occupied by their son, Moses. Here they resided until 1849 when they moved on the farm being composed of west half of lot No. 26, German Company's Tract, now in possession of his sons, Joseph and Menno. Here he built a dam and erected a sawmill and for quite a number of years did a large business in sawing during the spring months. After his sons, Joseph and Menno, were married, he divided his farm into two and gave each one about half, Joseph retaining the part with the old buildings and the sawmill. Here he died, March 19th, 1882, six months after the decease of his wife. They had 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.].

Joseph married Catharine Schneider 8 Jul 1817. Catharine (daughter of Joseph Schneider and Barbara Eby) was born 12 Feb 1799, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 15 Sep 1881, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Shantz
• Residence: 466 Queen st., S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6347
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Cahtarine Snyder
• 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:

SHANTZ. - Dec. 15th in Waterloo Co., Ont., of the infirmities of old age, Sister Catharine Shantz, wife of Joseph Shantz, aged 82 years, 7 months and 3 days. Buried the 17th in Martins burying-ground


Herald of Truth - Volume XIX, Number 2 - January 15, 1882 - page 29,30

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob C. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5817
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Occupation: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Residence: 1845, 194 Forsyth Dr., Waterloo, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob C. Snider "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, February 19th, 1791. On July 21st., 1812, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, June 10th, 1791 and died in Waterloo, Ontario, January 12th, 1879. Soon after his marriage he moved on his farm a little to the west of the town of Waterloo where he resided until his death. Not many years after his arrival in Waterloo County he purchased the mill property belonging to the estate of Abraham Erb. Here he was engaged, besides farming, in the milling and saw-mill business and later erected the distillery. He died June 19th, 1865, leaving a family of nine 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.].

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St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was founded in 1837 by Rev. F.W. Bindemann, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kitchener; early services were held in homes or other suitable meeting places. Property for the first church building was purchased from Jacob C. Snider for 5 shillings (approximately $1.25). The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1838 and dedication services in the new church at 72 King Street North in Waterloo were held in the fall of the same year. Rev. Bindemann was pastor. He was replaced in 1841 by Rev. Jacob Huettner of Preston who then ministered to both congregations. When the church's first membership list was compiled on October 24, 1841, the congregation numbered sixteen persons.

The frame church was destroyed by fire and replaced by a new, larger one in 1883. This, too, was destroyed by fire - on October 31, 1959. The congregation then built a new stone church at a new location on Willow Street, with dedication taking place on October 14, 1962.

Early pastors except for Rev. Bindemann (1837-1841), who was asked to resign in 1841, were Revs. J. Huettner (1841-1849), F.A. Peifer, Immanuel Wurster (1851-1855), and Jacob Hoelsche who began his ministry in 1855. Rev. Wurster ministered to St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston jointly with St. John's for one year until assuming charge of only Preston in 1855.

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

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On the 19th of June, in Waterloo Co., C.W., of liver complaint and dropsy, Jacob Schneider, aged 74 years, and 4 months. He was born in Franklin Co., Pa., in 1791, emigrated with his father to Waterloo Co., C.W., in 1805; married to Elizabeth Kressman in 1812, and leaves an aged widow and 5 children to mourn their loss. He was calm and composed during his sickness and we hope he has gone from this weary world to rest in his Father's house in heaven. He was buried on the 21st, followed to the grave by a large concourse of relatives and friends, on which occasion the brethren Geo. R. Schmidt and Joseph Hegey preached a funeral discourse from Rev. 3: 21. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I I(sic) also overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne." E.S.

Herald of Truth July 1865 - Vol. II, No.7 Page 56

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On September 1st, 1829, Abraham Erb transferred 240 acres of land including his saw-mill and flour-mill to Jacob C. Snider, who had moved from Pennsylvania to a farm a little west of the present town, and Mr. Snider, great-grandfather of Frederick W. Snider, who is now, with his partner, the owner of the same flour mill, carried on business here for many years.

As the waterpower was not sufficient for his purposes, he installed a steam plant. As he then had more power than he required, he added a distillery to his other lines, and this branch of the business was carried on actively for a long time.

His son Elias then rented the mill, and, as he objected to having the still, his father removed it to his own farm. Jacob C Snider transferred 320 acres to his son Elias in 1853, (see County Records), including the mill property and much of what is now the central part of town. A landmark for many years was a tall poplar tree which stood near the mill. It was said that early in the century a poplar switch was used to drive a team of horses from Pennsylvania, and, on his arrival, the driver planted the switch near the mill. It grew to be a very large tree, five feet or more in diameter, and for many years a heavy cable circled it several times as an anchor for a tall iron smokestack, the bark finally growing over the cable. The tree was cut down in the 90's to make way for street improvements, the tree having been planted before there was a street.

The community had a very slow growth for three decades or more after Abraham Erb first located in the cedar swamp, for Jacob C. Snider, like his predecessor, was not anxious to sell his land in small lots to intending settlers. He had a large family and preferred holding his lands as an inheritance.

....In the year 1854, Elias Snider sold most of his holdings of land to John Hoffman and Isaac Weaver, retaining the mill property, the dam and various lots. The price obtained was said to have been $32,000. The land was surveyed by Mr. Schofield, a well known Berlin surveyor of that time, staked off into lots, and the lots sold.

Sixteenth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1928, A Historical Sketch of the Town of Waterloo, Ontario, Clayton W. Wells, L.D.S., D. D. S.

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Snider - Forsyth - Home
194 Forsyth Dr, Waterloo
Part of Lot 22, German Company Tract


The Germany Company, originating in Pennsylvania, was initially comprised of 26 shareholders. These shareholders raised 10,000 pounds to purchase 60,000 acres of property which came to be known as Waterloo Township. The property was bought from Richard Beasley. He, along with two partners, had purchased a total of 94,012 acres from the Crown who held the land in trust for Chief Joseph Brant of the Mohawk or Five Nations Indians. This transaction took place in 1798.

Lot 22 of the German Company Tract originally comprised 448 acres stretching between boundaries now defined approximately by streets Erb and Glasgow. It was sold by David and Jacob Erb, agents of the German Company, to Abraham Gingrich in 1805. In 1815, David Gingrich, Abraham's son, sold the lot to John Binkley of Ancaster. Binkley, in turn, sold the entire 448 acres to Jacob C. Snider in 1842.

Jacob C Snider was a Mennonite. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1790 and worked as a yeoman. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in 1791. The house at 194 Forsyth Drive was built by Jacob C. Snider in 1845. This fact is recorded in the census records of 1861. The original house was a two-storey, typical Georgian frame with walls 15 - 16 inches thick. These walls were made of concrete and brick, and were covered by a clapboard exterior. The entire house, at that time, was comprised of the present day living room and centre hall.

In 1853, Jacob C. sold the property to his nephew, Samuel S., a farmer. In 1864, Samuel took out a mortgage for $6,000 from the Canada Permanent Building Society. The mortgage was discharged in 1863 according to the 1861 census. Samuel and his wife Anna had 8 children - Cyrus, Elizabeth, Catherine, Hiram, Samuel, Menno, Susanna and Titus. With a family of this size it is speculated that the money was used for very needy additions. These included four second floor bedrooms, a third floor attic, a dining room, and the present-day kitchen. The architectural design of the addition was Gothic rather than the original Georgian. This is evident in the pointed cathedral window, the centre peaked roof, and the decorative mouldings above the east and west entrances to the centre hall.

One of the interesting additions to the house involves a separate building of brick construction which may be entered from the living room of the main house. The date of this addition is unclear according to some reports. It was used as a laundry prior to 1936. In a recent interview with Mrs. Howard Snider, who moved into the house as a new bride in 1929,[Howard and Linda were married in 1919] this addition was referred to by her as the "milk house," for the farm was still operational in those years. Mrs. Snider's daughter recalls, "my sister was old enough then to do the selling [of milk] to the townspeople. We would bring the milk from the barn, and use the milk house as our dairy." It is quite possible, however, that this building had been constructed prior to 1851 as "the doddy house" of Jacob and Elizabeth, for the census records of that year described their home as a "one storey brick." It was a very common Mennonite practice in those days for parents to have an add-on building constructed to the home of a son or daughter. Housed in this room is an enormous Dutch oven which was used for cooking. It remains uncertain whether this was the original location, or whether it had been relocated from another area of the house. While the large metal doors used to close the oven have been removed to expose the hearth, the cranes for supporting huge cooking pots remain.

Of the 448 acre property, Samuel sold 117 acres to his son, Titus, in 1903 for $8,000. In 1908, the executors of Titus Snider sold the property to George H. Hahn for $10,550. Six years later, the land was returned to the Snider family, this time to Jacob S., a ninth child of Samuel S., born after the 1861 census. The cost was $17,550. For the same amount Jacob sold the land to his son Howard S. in 1929. Jacob and his family then moved to the farm house now designated as 131 William Street West [Waterloo]. Howard sold various parcels of his land off, including a sizeable portion to the Westmount Golf and Country Club, and 56 acres, a
at a cost of $16,782 to John Derby C. Forsyth.

The Forsyths, who purchased the property in 1936 never lived at 194 Forsyth Drive, the street which now bears his name. It was purchased as a guest house. Shortly after they acquired the property, the old barn was torn down and an elaborate new one was built. Pine beams from the old were salvaged and sawed into mellow panelling for the livingroom and master bedroom of the house. "He didn't want to leave the land empty," said Mrs. Forsyth, "so he put in grain and bought a herd of purebred Jersey cattle. He lost money every year."

In 1947, the house was sold to Dominion Life Assurance Company. They planned a housing development and put the house up for sale. While the tender of Dr. Archie Case was not the highest submitted, his plans for the house most appealed to the company, and the property became his the following year. In his renovations, three-quarters of the house was replastered, and the old fashioned closed stairway was opened onto the centre hall. Part of the livingroom was put up on jacks, and garages were constructed under it at basement level. Adverse to change of any sort in the refurbishing, Dr. Case contracted for copies of the rotting window sashes, interior trim; and clapboard for exterior repairs was specially milled.

In 1963, the house was sold to Mr. and Mrs. J. Askin. Subsequent owners to the Askins included Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Epp in 1978 - 1980, and a Ms. D. Crossan and a Mr. D. Zimmer, 1980 - 1982.

Much of the research for the history was done by Marg Rowell, Waterloo. This was printed with permission by Marion Roes from the framed history hanging in the hall of the 2008 owners.

Jacob married Elizabeth Cressman 21 Jul 1812. Elizabeth (daughter of John Cressman and Anna Schowalter) was born 10 Jun 1791, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jan 1879, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2064
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1845, 194 Forsyth Dr., Waterloo, Ontario
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Cressman, "the third daughter, was born June 10th, 1791. She was married to Jacob C. Schneider who was born February 19th, 1791, and died June 19th, 1865. She died January 12th, 1879. To them were born nine 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.].