Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Melvin Ernst

Male 1904 - Yes, date unknown


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Melvin Ernst was born Dec 1904, , Ontario, Canada (son of Henry Ernst and Mary Ann Gildner); died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-199564
    • Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Henry Ernst was born 1 Jun 1877, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Jacob Ernst and Rebecca Hagey); died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00033-2964
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
    • Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son

    Notes:

    Henry Ernst, "was born June 1st, 1877. He is at home on the farm."


    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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

    Henry married Mary Ann Gildner 4 Jun 1902, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Henry Gildner and Hannah Schlichter) was born 19 Jan 1880, , Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1929; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Mary Ann Gildner was born 19 Jan 1880, , Huron Co., Ontario, Canada (daughter of Henry Gildner and Hannah Schlichter); died 1929; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Mary Ann Ernst
    • Eby ID Number: 00033-2964.001
    • Adopted: Bef 1911, , Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Children:
    1. 1. Melvin Ernst was born Dec 1904, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Jacob Ernst was born 8 Mar 1835, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Heinrich "Henry" Ernst and Susannah Reist); died 21 Oct 1904; was buried , Shantz's Meeting House Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00033-2960
    • Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
    • Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; M. E. N. S.
    • Residence: 1862, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • 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
    • Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

    Notes:

    Jacob Ernst, "was born in Waterloo County, Ontario, March 8th, 1835. On April 22nd, 1862, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of Bishop Joseph and Sophia (Bricker) Hagey. She was born February 18th, 1842. They reside about two miles west of St. Agatha, in Wilmot Township, where he is engaged in farming. They have a family of five children"


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

    Jacob married Rebecca Hagey 22 Apr 1862, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Rebecca (daughter of Bishop Joseph B. Hagey and Sophia Bricker) was born 18 Feb 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Oct 1926, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz's Meeting House Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Rebecca Hagey was born 18 Feb 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Bishop Joseph B. Hagey and Sophia Bricker); died 15 Oct 1926, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz's Meeting House Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Rebecca Ernst
    • Eby ID Number: 00047-3470
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
    • Residence: 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • 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
    • Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
    • Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Notes:

    Rebecca Hagey, "was born February 18th, 1842. She is married to Jacob Ernst. They reside near St. Agatha, Wilmot Township, where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists of five children"


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

    _________________________

    Ernst.-Rebecca Hagey was born Feb. 19, 1842, departed this life Oct. 15, 1926; at the ripe age of 84 y. 7 m. 27 d. 64 years ago she was married to Jacob Ernst who predeceased her in October, 1904. To this union were born 5 children, of whom one, Mary Ann, has passed on to the great beyond. There remain to mourn a loving Christian mother, 2 sons, 3 daughters, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Sister Ernst united with the Mennonite Church at the age of 17, and for 67 years she was a faithful member. As God gave her a long, useful life may He now grant her an eternal peace. Funeral services were held form the home of her son David, Preston, Ont., on Oct. 18, thence to the Shantz church, near Baden, Ont. where her body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Bros. U. K. Weber, Orphen Wismer, and Oscar Burkholder had charge of the services. Text, 1 Cor. 13: 13.


    GOSPEL HERALD - Vol. XIX, No. 32 - November 4, 1926 - pp 686-686

    Children:
    1. Sophia Ernst was born 11 Apr 1864, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    2. Susannah Ernst was born 27 Jun 1870, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Mar 1951, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Mary Ann Ernst was born 29 May 1874, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Oct 1912; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. 2. Henry Ernst was born 1 Jun 1877, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. David Ernst was born 1 Aug 1882, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.

  3. 6.  Henry Gildner was born 29 Jan 1851, , Germany (son of Theodore Gildner and Katherine); died 31 Mar 1931, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 3 Apr 1931, Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00103-5791.1
    • Immigration: 1855, , Ontario, Canada
    • Immigration: 1867, , Ontario, Canada
    • Naturalization: 1878, , Ontario, Canada
    • Retired: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lumberman
    • Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Henry married Hannah Schlichter 4 Nov 1873, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Hannah (daughter of Daniel Schlichter and Elizabeth Huber) was born 10 Nov 1841, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 30 Jan 1908, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Hannah Schlichter was born 10 Nov 1841, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada (daughter of Daniel Schlichter and Elizabeth Huber); died 30 Jan 1908, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Hannah Gildner
    • Eby ID Number: 00103-5791

    Notes:

    Hannah Schlichter, "is married to Henry Gildner, a farmer. They reside near Gorrie, Huron County, Ontario. They have no family."


    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.].

    Children:
    1. 3. Mary Ann Gildner was born 19 Jan 1880, , Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1929; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Roy Gildner was born Abt 1885, Of, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario; died Yes, date unknown.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Heinrich "Henry" Ernst was born 24 Nov 1803, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 20 Oct 1878.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Henry Ernst
    • Eby ID Number: 00033-2956
    • Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 074W, Waterloo County, Ontario
    • Occupation: 1852, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
    • Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; M. E. N. S.
    • Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farm
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
    • Death: 20 Nov 1878, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    Henry Ernst, "a native of Pennsylvania, was born November 24th, 1803. He was married to Susannah Reist who was born January 4th, 1799, and died March 3rd, 1873. He followed farming and resided in different places of the county. He died November 20th, 1878. To them was born a family of seven children"

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

    Heinrich — Susannah Reist. Susannah (daughter of John Reist and Susannah Huber) was born 4 Jan 1799, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 3 Mar 1873. [Group Sheet]


  2. 9.  Susannah Reist was born 4 Jan 1799, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania (daughter of John Reist and Susannah Huber); died 3 Mar 1873.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Susannah Ernst
    • Eby ID Number: 00090-5203
    • Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; M. E. N. S.
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Notes:

    Susannah Reist, "the fifth member of John and Susannah (Huber) Reist's family, was born in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 4th, 1799. She was married to Henry Ernst who was born November 24th, 1803, and died October 20th, 1878. She died March 3rd, 1873. 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.].

    Children:
    1. John Ernst was born 13 Feb 1826, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 24 Aug 1895; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Henry Ernst was born 28 Jun 1828; died 21 Jun 1846; was buried , Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery, Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Joseph Ernst was born 10 Jun 1831, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Nov 1896, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Sarah Ernst was born 1835, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. 4. Jacob Ernst was born 8 Mar 1835, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Oct 1904; was buried , Shantz's Meeting House Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. David Ernst was born 1835, , USA; died 2 Dec 1916, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , St. Jacobs Mennonite Cemetery, St. Jacobs, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. Nancy Ernst was born 5 Feb 1837, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Feb 1908, Highland Township, Osceola Co., Michigan; was buried , Fairview Cemetery South, Mancelona, Antrim, Michigan, United States.
    8. Samuel Ernst was born 26 May 1841, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Nov 1905, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , North Woolwich Mennonite Meeting House Cemetery, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 10.  Bishop Joseph B. Hagey was born 11 Jun 1810, Franconia Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (son of Daniel Hagey and Elizabeth Bergey); died 31 Dec 1876, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Land: 4425 Fountain St. N., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Name: Joseph Haegy
    • Occupation: Cressman Mennonite Church, Breslau, Ontario; minister
    • Eby ID Number: 00047-3465
    • Land: 1861, 4685 Fountain St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Land: 1861, 4650 Fountain St. N., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Land: 1861, 4600 Fountain St. N., Cambridge, 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
    • Website: 2007
    • Website: 2007; wikipedia

    Notes:

    Bishop Joseph Hagey, " the second son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Bergey) Hagey, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, June 11th, 1810, and came to Canada with his parents when twelve years of age. Some time during the summer of 1832 he was married to Sophia, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Eby) Bricker. She was born December 20th, 1812. Soon after their marriage they moved on the farm now possessed by their son, Joseph B., where they resided until his death which took place December 31st, 1876. On May 31st, 1851, he was ordained as a minister of the Mennonite body, and on October 11th, 1852, he was ordained bishop which position he held until his death. He was well received by both his and other denominations. His fame as a preacher was widely known and served to fill the houses of worship to their utmost capacity wherever he was known to officiate. His sermons were short and always well seasoned with a grand exhortation to be more like our Lord and Master. He was greatly respected by the young and always gladly received by his many friends. His last days on earth were much clouded with the church controversy which was carried so far as to cause a division among the Mennonites. Just at this time came the winged arrow of death and bore the soul of Bishop Hagey from the scenes of his life's activity, from the companionship of his faithful circle of followers, and from the worrying of this world, to the regions beyond the skies where trials and temptations are no more, where Christ reigns supreme, in Heaven. His last words were, 'O what a good and merciful Lord we have'. His end was peace. His widow is still living and has her home with her daughter, Mary. Their family consists 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.].

    ________________________________

    Hagey, Joseph B. (1810-1876)

    "Joseph B. Hagey: bishop and farmer; born 11 June 1810 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to Daniel and Elizabeth (Bergey) Hagey. He and his twin brother, Daniel, had an older brother, and a younger brother and sister. In 1832 he married Sophia Bricker (20 December 1810-4 November 1895). She was the daughter of Sam Bricker, famous for his role in raising funds in Pennsylvania to buy the German Company Tract (much of Waterloo Township) from Richard Beasley. Joseph and Sophia Hagey had six sons and five daughters. Joseph died 31 December 1876 and was buried in the Breslau Mennonite Cemetery. It was said that three hundred carriages were part of the funeral procession, with one thousand persons in attendance at the service.

    In 1822 Joseph Hagey came with his family from Pennsylvania after his father went bankrupt in business there. They lived on a farm just north of Cambridge (Preston). After their marriage, Joseph and Sophia lived on the farm owned by her father; they became the owners in 1837.
    On 10 February 1839 Joseph Hagey was ordained as a minister, probably by Benjamin Eby , and on 31 May 1851 he was ordained as a bishop to assist the aging Eby. He served in the Hagey congregation as a pastor, but as a bishop carried responsibility for all the congregations in Waterloo Township. His years of service followed those of a very charismatic bishop, and Hagey never received the acclaim of his predecessor. In his later years he was faced with division within the Ontario Mennonite Conference. The division was sparked by a revival in Solomon Eby's congregation in Port Elgin, Ontario in 1870, and a similar revival within Waterloo County. These Methodist-style prayer/revival meetings were often held in homes, and were not yet generally accepted within the Mennonite community. Initially Hagey responded positively and baptized converts from the Port Elgin revival. However he then declined to baptize the Waterloo converts because of objections that arose within the conference leadership. Although another bishop finally baptized this group in 1871, the controversy festered and finally resulted in the division that created the Reformed Mennonites (later part of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ ).
    Although Hagey was not successful in maintaining peace in the Ontario Mennonite community, he was a peacemaker in spirit. He assisted several attempts to help settle a church conflict in Indiana as a participant and served as the nominal leader (as bishop) of an Ontario delegation that attempted to mediate the conflict. Joseph B. Hagey was a longtime leader in the largest Mennonite settlement in Ontario during troubled times; his failure to preserve unity does not diminish the magnitude of his service to the church."

    Steiner, Sam. "Hagey, Joseph B. (1810-1876)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. January 2002. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 13 Nov 2005

    _____________________________________

    Breslau (Cressman) Mennonite Church

    Services were begun in Breslau in 1815. In 1834, Benjamin Eby's log meeting house, which had been built in Berlin in 1813, was moved to Breslau to the Cressman farm. Preaching services which were held every four weeks began in the reconstructed meeting house in 1837. A new brick church was built in 1856, at which time the old log meeting house was moved to Frederick Schaefer's brickyard. The old building may have been used for storage or an office until approximately 1880 when it was clad with white "Breslau Brick" from the brickyard, and used as a home by Frederick Schaefer and his family. The address of the house is reported to have been 18 Woolwich Street; it was still standing in 1985, according to Alder 1985, with the original log walls possibly preserved within the brick ones.

    A summer Sunday School was begun in June of 1872. It was held in the Breslau schoolhouse until 1877 when it was moved to the church. Sunday School continued on in the summers only until 1889 when Sunday School classes began to be held all year.

    The 1856 white brick church was taken down in March 1908, and was replaced with a new white brick church. In 1968 the name of the church was changed from Cressman Mennonite Church to Breslau Mennonite Church. Major renovations were made to the church in the same year. It is of interest to know that land amounting to approximately three acres was deeded to the congregation by Christian C. Snyder in three parcels, in 1837, 1859, and 1870.

    Joseph Hagey, the first minister at Cressman's, was ordained on February 10, 1839. He was ordained bishop in 1851. Ministers who followed him in serving the church at Breslau were Jacob Woolner Sr., Elias Weber, Isaac A. Wambold, Jacob S. Woolner, and Oscar Burkholder. Services were held every four weeks from 1837-1867, and bi-weekly from 1867-1894 when weekly services were begun

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

    __________________________________________

    Wanner Mennonite Church
    Begun: 1829

    A small wooden meeting house was built in 1829 on a corner of the farm belonging to Samuel Bechtel which was located in the vicinity of the present-day regional headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources near the intersection of Highways 24 and 401. The site for this community meeting house, as well as a school and a burial ground, had been chosen on August 8, 1829. The land was donated by Samuel Bechtel and his wife Barbara (Baumann) on March 15, 1830. A new meeting house, of white brick, was built in 1837 on the east side of Henry Wanner's farm, somewhat north of the first meeting house. Meetings at first were held every eight weeks. The deed of land for the meeting house known as Wanner's was dated October 15, 1837. Early preachers were David Sherk, who had been ordained by Benjamin Eby in July 1837, Jacob Bretz, Jr., and Joseph Hagey.
    Joseph Hagey was ordained bishop in 1851. During his time divisions occurred in the church by a surge of enthusiasm for a Methodist form of revivalism. Solomon Eby of Port Elgin, who announced his own conversion in December 1869, was leader of a group which believed that members could be converted through participation in revival meetings. John Baer of Wanner's became associated with Solomon Eby, and was compelled to leave the church in the spring of 1874, as were Eby and his other followers. The new church movement resulted in organization conferences which culminated in the conference on March 23, 1875 at Bloomingdale where New Mennonites and Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites joined together as United Mennonites. The United Mennonites favored revival meetings, Sunday Schools and prayer meetings, and were opposed to the use of alcohol and tobacco.
    The date of construction of the meeting house which replaced the one built in 1837 is somewhat in doubt. It is possible that a new building was erected in the early 1870s; it is also possible that the 1837 building only underwent extensive renovations at that time. There is no doubt, however, that a new brown brick church was built in 1938. An education wing was added in 1969.
    The earliest Mennonite Sunday School in North America was begun in 1842 and was held jointly by the Wanner and Hagey Meeting Houses. It was discontinued after a short time because of a division of opinion within the congregations. An attempt was made later, in the mid-1860s, to begin another Sunday School, but this, too, did not last long. Many years later, on June 10, 1896, a meeting was held to organize a Sunday School. Anson Groh was appointed superintendent..4a

    4aWaterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

    __________________________________________


    Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

    The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.
    Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.
    Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.5a

    5aWaterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

    __________________________________________


    LARGE FUNERAL AT BRESLAU - On Tuesday of last week the funeral of the late Joseph Hagey, Bishop of the Mennonite Church at Breslau, took place, and was the largest ever held in that section, over three hundred teams being in the procession, and over one thousand people present, thereby testifying to the great respect entertained by all for the deceased. Mr. Hagey at the time of his death, must have been nearly eighty years old (ed. note actually 66), and for many years was recognized as the head of that body in Western Ontario. He was always distinguished for his Christian virtues, and was held in high esteem by the members of his own church and by all who knew him.6a

    6aThe Galt Reformer 3 Jan 1877

    Website:
    Gameo Entry

    Website:
    Wikipedia Entry

    Joseph married Sophia Bricker 1832. Sophia (daughter of Samuel Bricker and Rebecca Eby) was born 20 Dec 1812, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Nov 1895; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 11.  Sophia Bricker was born 20 Dec 1812, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Samuel Bricker and Rebecca Eby); died 4 Nov 1895; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Sophia Hagey
    • Eby ID Number: 00016-1342
    • 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:

    Sophia Bricker,"the second daughter of old Samuel Bricker and his wife, Rebecca Eby, was born December 20th, 1812. In 1832 she was married to Joseph Hagey who was afterwards ordained as minister and bishop of the Mennonite body. They resided about two miles south of Breslau where he died suddenly, December 31st, 1876. To them were born 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.].

    Children:
    1. Peter B. Hagey was born 12 Jun 1833, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 May 1900; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Elizabeth B. Hagey was born 10 Mar 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    3. Rev. Daniel B. Hagey was born 6 Jan 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Mar 1908; was buried , Windfall United Cemetery, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario.
    4. Hagey was born 13 Jan 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. Maria Lea "Leah" Hagey was born 7 Nov 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Gethsemane Cemetery, Fort Madison, Lee, Iowa, USA.
    6. Hagey was born Dec 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. 5. Rebecca Hagey was born 18 Feb 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Oct 1926, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz's Meeting House Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    8. Samuel Hagey was born 25 Mar 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Nov 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    9. Mary Hagey was born 7 Jul 1846, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Mar 1922, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Joseph B. Hagey was born 4 Oct 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Oct 1924; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    11. Jacob B. Hagey was born 25 Jan 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    12. Sophia Hagey was born 2 Jan 1854, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Apr 1919, Riverbank, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    13. Henry B. Hagey was born 18 Nov 1855, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1941; was buried , Zion United Maple Grove Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  5. 12.  Theodore Gildner was born Abt 1820, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-59044

    Theodore — Katherine. Katherine was born Abt 1820, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]


  6. 13.  Katherine was born Abt 1820, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Katherine Gildner
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-40881

    Children:
    1. 6. Henry Gildner was born 29 Jan 1851, , Germany; died 31 Mar 1931, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 3 Apr 1931, Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

  7. 14.  Daniel Schlichter was born 17 Mar 1812, of, Ontario (son of Henry Schlichter and Barbara Wismer); died 2 Aug 1845, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00103-5786

    Notes:

    Daniel Schlichter, "the eldest son of Henry and Barbara Schlichter, was born March 17th, 1812. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Veronica (Souder) Huber. She was born October 28th, 1811, and died July 19th, 1882. They resided in Blenheim Township, Oxford County, Ontario, about three miles south-west of New Dundee, where he died August 2nd, 1845. Their family consisted 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.].

    Daniel married Elizabeth Huber 26 Apr 1836, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Peter Huber and Veronica Souder) was born 28 Oct 1811, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 19 Jul 1882; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  8. 15.  Elizabeth Huber was born 28 Oct 1811, , Pennsylvania, USA (daughter of Peter Huber and Veronica Souder); died 19 Jul 1882; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Elizabeth Schlichter
    • Eby ID Number: 00060-3951

    Notes:

    Elizabeth Huber, "was married to Daniel Schlichter. They resided in Blenheim Township, 12th Concession, Oxford County, where he was engaged in farming. To them were born 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.].

    Children:
    1. John Schlichter died Yes, date unknown.
    2. Henry Schlichter was born 20 Dec 1836; died 2 Mar 1841; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    3. Fannie Schlichter was born 18 Nov 1837, , Ontario, Canada; died 18 Feb 1860; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    4. Elizabeth Schlichter was born 12 Jan 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1928; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Isaac Schlichter was born 21 Mar 1840, , Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jun 1859; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    6. 7. Hannah Schlichter was born 10 Nov 1841, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 30 Jan 1908, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    7. Jacob Schlichter was born 1843, , Ontario, Canada; died 2 Apr 1906, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    8. Benjamin Schlichter was born 22 May 1845, , Ontario, Canada; died 28 Mar 1909, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.