Gwendolyn Fay "Gwen" Cressman

Other Events:

• Residence: 28 Robin Dr., Elmira, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80911

Notes:

Cressman, Clayton S., 72, Elmira, Ont. Born: Aug. 26, 1923, Kitchener, Ont., to Isaiah and Magdalena Shirk Cressman. Died; April 8, 1996, Elmira, Ont. Survivors - children: Garfield, Gwen Huot, Ralph; brothers and sisters; Harold, Clifford, Una, Vera Weaver, Mabel, Olive High, Edith Woolner; 10 grandchildren. Predeceased by; Pauline Fretz Cressman (wife). Funeral; April 11, First Mennonite Church, by Rudy Baergen. Burial; Berea Mennonite Cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume 89, Number 19 - May 7, 1996

Clayton — Laura Pauline "Pauline" Fretz. Laura was born 4 Apr 1924, Vineland, Welland Co., Ontario; died 7 Dec 1987, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Berea Mennonite Cemetery, Alma, Perth Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Laura Pauline "Pauline" Cressman
• Name: Pauline Fretz
• Residence: 28 Robin Dr., Elmira, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-121868

Notes:

Cressman, L. Pauline Fretz, daughter of Joseph and Martha Fretz, was born in Vineland, Ont., Apr. 4, 1924; died at Cambridge, Ont., Dec. 7, 1987; aged 63 y. She was married to Clayton Cressman, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons (Garfield and Ralph), one daughter (Gwen Huot), 6 grandchildren, 2 brothers (John and Walter Fretz), and one sister (Ruth Gingerich). She was a member of First Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 11, in charge of Glenn Brubacher and Dale Bauman; interment in Berea Mennonite Cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume 81, Number 1 - January 5, 1988, page 12, 14

______________________________

CRESSMAN, L. Pauline (Mrs. Clayton)
Of 28 Robin Drive, Elmira, age 63 years.
Mrs. Cressman was a member of First Mennonite Church, a former active member of the Berea Mennonite Church and was employed at Zellers Inc. for a number of years.
Beloved wife of Clayton Cressman; dear mother of Garfield of Milton, Ralph and his wife Elinor of St Jacobs and Gwen (Mrs. Ted Huot) of Sarnia; sister of John Fretz of Salem, Ore., Ruth Gingerich of Cambridge (P) and Walter Fretz of Vineland. Loving grandmother of six grandchildren.
Predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Martha Fretz.
Friends may call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St W., Kitchener, after 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), continuing until Thursday, 9 p.m. Removal will be made to First Mennonite Church, Friday morning, for funeral service at 11 a.m., Rev. Glenn Brubacher and Rev. Dale Bauman officiating. Committal service in Berea Mennonite cemetery, Friday, 3 p.m.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society gratefully acknowledged.
The Record Newspaper 9 Dec 1987

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00028-2086.4
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Isaiah Cressman,"born April 2nd, 1876."


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.].

_____________

Isiah son of the late Cyrus B. amd Mary (Horst) Cressman, died at his home near Kitchener, Dec. 19, 1942; aged 66 y. 8 m. 17 d. He was born on the "Cressman homestead" on which farm he resided practically his entire lifetime. March 14, 1900, he was united in marriage to Magdalena Shirk. He is survived by his wife, 7 daughters (Vera of Kitchener, Una a missionary in the Argentine Republic of South America, Cora of Kitchener, Leona at home, Mrs. Alfred High of Vineland, Mabel and Edith of Kitchener), and 6 sons (Leander of Pierre Point, N. Y.; Ferman at home; Clifford of Vancouver Island; Harold of New Hamburg; Elton of Kitchener; and Clayton at home). Two sisters and 3 brothers also survive (Mrs. Enoch Bauman of Drayton; Mrs. Lloyd Shantz of Carstairs, Alta.; Noah of Breslau; Levi of Preston; and Allan of Guernsey, Sask.). He was predeceased by 2 daughters (Mary and Pearl), also 2 sisters and 1 brother (Magdalena in December, 1939, Mrs. Jacob Cressman in November, 1937, and John Cressman in April, 1941). Bro. Cressman united with the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Jan. 1, 1900. For many years he served in the capacity of the local director of Mennonite Fire Aid Association and rendered good service. Services and burial were conducted at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, in charge of Bro. C. F. Derstine. Bros. Merle Shantz and S. F. Coffman assisted in the services. Theme: "So teach Us to Number Our Days."


Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXV, No . 42 - January 14, 1943, pages 910-911

Isaiah married Magdalena Shirk 14 Mar 1900, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Peter Shirk and Magdalena Martin) was born 3 Apr 1878, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Mar 1949, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lena Shirk
• Name: Magdalena Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5670
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Cressman.-Magdalena, daughter of the late Peter Shirk and Magadalena Martin was born at Bridgeport, Ont.; April 3, 1878; passed away at her home near Kitchener, Ont., after a brief illness, March 18, 1949; aged 70 y. 11 m. 15 d. On March 14, 1900, she was united in marriage to Isaiah H. Cressman at Bridgeport. He preceded her in death Dec. 19, 1942. Surviving are 7 daughters (Vera-Mrs. Simeon Weaver, Floradale, Ont.; Una, a missionary in Argentina; Cora, Kitchener, Ont.; Leona, Baden, Ont.; Olive.-Mrs. Alfred High, Vineland, Station, Ont.; Mabel, Toronto, Ont.; and Edith-Mrs. Lloyd Woolner, Kitchener), 6 sons (Leander, Pierrepont, Manor, N.Y.; Freeman and Clifford, Kitchener; Harold, Wellesley, Ont.; Elton, Alma, Ont.; and Clayton, of Kitchener), 5 sisters (Mrs. Catherine Shantz, Kitchener; Mrs. Addison D. Snyder, Bloomingdale, Ont.; Mrs. Benjamin Drudge, Lexington, Ont.; Mrs. Addison S. Snider, Bridgeport; Mrs. Walter Shantz, Pine Hill, Ont.), and one brother Noah Shirk, Bridgeport, Ont.). Two daughters (Mary and Pearl), 2 sisters (Mrs. William Kraft and Mrs. Gideon Bechtel), 2 brothers (George and Martin Shirk) predeceased her, as did also 2 infant sisters and one infant brother. She was a faithful member of the First Mennonite Church, deeply spiritual, highly influential, and very desirous that her family should experience God's best for their lives. Her concern reached to the lives of others, even on foreign shores. Funeral services were conducted by C. F. Derstine, assisted by S. F. Coffman and Merle Shantz. Text: Pro. 31: 10-31.
Transcriber's note: "Magadalena" as in the original.

Gospel Herald - Volume XLII, Number 16 - April 19, 1949, page 381, 382

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28023183
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2086
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, 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 City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, 12 Simeon St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Cyrus Cressman, "was born June 13th, 1845. On December 24th, 1871, he was married to Mary Horst who was born April 26th, 1851. They reside about three miles east of Berlin where he is the owner of two farms. His 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.].

______________

Cressman.-Cyrus Cressman was born June 13, 1845; died at the home of his son, Isaiah, near Kitchener, Ont., on Feb. 9, 1928; aged 82 y. 7 m. 27 d. On Dec. 24, 1871, he was married to Mary Horst, who predeceased him 19 years. To this union were born 7 sons and 4 daughters, 2 sons, David and Cyrus, having preceded him in death. There remain to mourn his departure 5 sons (Isaiah, of Kitchener; Noah, Levi, and John of Breslau; Allan of Alberta), 4 daughters, (Mrs. Enoch Bauman, Elmira; Mrs. Lloyd Shantz, Maggie of Alberta; Mrs. Jacob Cressman, of Breslau), and one sister, Mrs. Mary Clemens, Breslau. Before his marriage he united with the Mennonite Church in which communion he spent his closing years. He left a testimony of peace with God, and a desire to depart this life and be with Him. Funeral services were held on Feb. 13 at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, with the brethren C.F. Derstine and Oscar Burkholder in charge of the services. Text, II Kings 20: 1. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.


Gospel Herald - Volume XX, Number 48 - March 1, 1928 - pg 1039

Cyrus married Maria M. "Mary" Horst 24 Dec 1871. Maria (daughter of David Horst and Magdalena Martin) was born 26 Apr 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Apr 1909, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28023184
• Name: Maria M. "Mary" Cressman
• Name: Mary Horst
• Eby ID Number: 00058-3903
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Maria M. Horst, "was born April 26th, 1851. She is married to Cyrus Cressman. They reside two miles east of Berlin where he is engaged in farming. 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.].

Other Events:

• Historic Business: 1820'S, 90 Old Mill Road, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blair
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 059, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5663
• Immigration: 1862, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1862, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1862
• Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Business: 1878, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lancaster Flour Millers
• Naturalization: 1878
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Public Service: 1892, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Treasurer - Waterloo Township
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller Flour
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Shirk, "son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk, is a native of Canarvon Township, Lancaster County Pa., where he was born November 11th, 1839. When a young man he left his native state and went to Canada, arriving at Berlin, Ontario, May 1st, 1862. Here he had his home with his uncle the late Jacob Hoffman in whose services he was for nearly two months, piling lumber and assisting in the saw mill. From here he went to the town of Waterloo and engaged himself as miller with D. H. Moyer & Co. who were then the proprietors of the Union Mills. After E. and S. S. Snider became proprietors of the mills he continued his services with the new firm until December 1st, 1866, when he purchased the Blair Mills. Here Mr. Shirk did a well paying business until December, 1869, when he sold the mills and, entering into partnership with Mr. S. S. Snider of Waterloo, purchased in December of the same year (1869) the Lancaster Mills of Bridgeport where he has since been engaged very extensively in manufacturing patent and high grade flour. In 1887 Mr. Snider retired from the firm, thus leaving Mr. Shirk sole proprietor of the extensive business. In connection with the Lancaster Mills, Mr. Shirk is also proprietor of the Baden Mills which he purchased from Mr. James Livingstone in 1889. Mr Shirk commenced life as a farmer's boy and being possessed with but little of this world's substance, he, by energy and perseverance and being naturally gifted with first class business qualities, besides having a good character, gradually worked his way up from one position to another and is now rated as one of our well-to-do millers (See his rating in the Mercantile Agency for the Dominion of Canada by R. G. Dun & Co.) of the province. Of late years he has been identified with public life and has held prominent positions of honour and trust, thus proving for himself a record of which no one has any need of feeling ashamed. On June 5th, 1866, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of John and Anna (Weber) Martin. She was born March 2nd, 1845. They reside in Bridgeport, Ontario. To them were born the following children"


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

____________________________



Shirk.--Peter Shirk was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 11, 1839; died in Bridgeport, Ont., on Oct. 1, 1919; aged 79 y. 10 m. 20 d. Bro. Shirk came to Canada in 1862 and entered the milling business. He was married twice, his first wife being Magdalene Martin who died 24 years ago and the second wife was Judith Krampien who survives. There are also left to mourn his departure ten children, 38 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Oct. 6 at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont. The services at the house were conducted by Bro. Noah Stauffer and at the Church by the brethren Jonas Snider, Urias Martin and Manasseh Hallman.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XII, No. 30 - October 23, 1919

__________________________

PETER SHIRK

It will be of interest to know a little of his ancestors. The first we have record of was Ulrich Shirk who came from Switzerland in 1832 to Pennsylvania with his six sons and two daughters. One son was named Peter who had a son named Joseph and Joseph had a son named Christian.

Peter Shirk was the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk and was a native of Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was born November 11th, 1839. He came from a poor family which made it necessary for him to go to work and help support the family when eleven years of age. He worked hard and had long hours, but he was eager to learn so studied a good deal at night. He learned the milling trade at Peter Rupe's flour mill near Churchtown, Pennsylvania.

When he was a young man he left his native state and came to Canada with his eldest sister Barbara, arriving at Berlin (Kitchener) on May 1st, 1861. He made his home with his uncle, the late Jacob Hoffman in whose services he was for nearly two months piling lumber and assisting in the saw mills. (Jacob Hoffman's saw mill was situated where Schreiter's Furniture Store now stands). From here he went to the village of Waterloo and engaged himself as miller with D. H. Moyer & Co., who were then the proprietors of the Union Mills. After E. and S. S. Snider became proprietors of the mills he continued with the new firm until December 1st, 1866, when he purchased the Blair Mills. Here he did a well paying business until December, 1869, when he sold the mills and entered into partnership with Samuel Snider in Bridgeport. In 1887 Peter Shirk bought Mr. Snider's interest in the company and continued the business under the name of Shirk & Snider until 1910 when the firm name was changed to Shirk & Snider Ltd., Peter Shirk as President and his eldest son Geo. M. as managing-director.

On August 17th, 1889, the Baden Mills were purchased from James Livingstone, the business having grown to such an extent that it was necessary to increase its capacity. The two mills, Bridgeport and Baden had a combined capacity of 250 barrels per day.

The Bridgeport flour mill of Shirk & Snider Ltd. is one of the old industries of Waterloo County, this mill having been built in 1830 and the dam, of about 25 acres, in 1829, by Jacob Shoemaker. Mr. Shoemaker operated the mill for 20 years when he sold to Elias Eby who had it for the following 20 years. Peter Shirk and S. S. Snider bought from Mr. Eby in 1870. The buildings were always kept in good repair and the machinery modern.

In addition to the mill Peter Shirk also owned and operated a cooperage, supplying the barrels for the Bridgeport, Baden, Waterloo and other mills. Most of the flour was sold and shipped in barrels in the earlier days. All the export flour had to be teamed to Dundas in the early days as that was the nearest shipping station. After 1856 the flour was teamed to Berlin (now Kitchener.) In 1903, through the influence and efforts of Peter Shirk a spur line was extended direct to the mill from the beet sugar factory of that time.

The company 's products always had an enviable reputation both locally and in the foreign markets. The special flour brands were "Buda" a blended flour for all purposes (this getting its name from the abbreviation of Budapest, Hungary, where the first roller mills were used) ; "Two Sisters" a special flour for pastry and cakes and "Evangeline" a pure Manitoba flour for bread.

Peter Shirk was in his youth possessed of but little of this world's substance, but by energy and perservance and being naturally gifted with first class business qualities besides having a good character, he gradually worked his way up from one position to another and to affluence. In his later years he was identified with public life and held prominent positions of honor and trust. He was on the board of trustees of the Kitchener and Waterloo Collegiate and Technical Institute about 30 years. During his term he was instrumental in having Manual Training and Household Science added to the curriculum. He was treasurer of Waterloo Township for 20 years when he resigned, being succeeded by his son, Geo. M., who held the position for 15 years. Allen Shirk has been Township Treasurer for the past 6 years, since the death of his father Geo. M. Shirk.

Peter Shirk was married on June 5th, 1866, to Magdalena (Weber) Martin. Mrs. Peter Shirk's grandfather was Abraham Weber who in company with Benj. Eby and wife, Samuel Eby and family, Joseph Schneider and family, and others, came to this section of Waterloo County on June 2nd, 1807. The Conestogo driven by Abraham Weber on his trip from Lan-caster County, Pennsylvania, in 1807, is now in the Waterloo Historical Society Museum.

Soon after Abraham Weber's arrival in Canada he married Elizabeth Cressman and they settled on the corner of King and Wilmot Streets where the Canadian Goodrich plant is now situated. It was at this place that Mrs. Peter Shirk's mother was born, on August 14th, 1811, being one of the first children born in Berlin (Kitchener).

To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shirk were born the following children: Peter, Anna, George, Emma, Elizabeth, Catherine, Martin, Magdalena, John, Maria, Noah, Veronica and Barbara. Mr. Shirk's first wife died on November 7th, 1895 and Peter Shirk died on October 1st, 1919, aged 79 years. He is survived by his second wife, 1 son and 7 daughters.

-Contributed by Mrs. F. Capling, Granddaughter of Peter Shirk.

Twenty-First Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1933

Historic Business:
Your Heritage Waterloo Region

Business:
Shirk & Snider Proprietors

Peter married Magdalena Martin 5 Jun 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of John Z. Martin and Anna Weber) was born 2 Mar 1845, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Nov 1895, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Shirk
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4457
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Residence: 1866, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, 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:

Magdalena Martin, "the sixth daughter of John and Anna (Weber) Martin, was born March 2nd, 1845. On June 5th, 1866, she was married to Peter, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk"


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.].

________________

SHERK. - On the 7th of November, 1895, in Bridgeport, Waterloo Co., Ont., Magdalena Martin, beloved wife of Peter Sherk, aged 50 years, 8 months, 5 days. Buried on the 10th at Eby's M. H. Funeral services by Joseph Gingrich and Paul Martin. She leaves a sorrowing husband and large family and many relatives and friends to mourn their loss.


HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXXII, No. 23, December 1, 1895, p. 366, 367