Elma L. Seibert

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00109-6507.4
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Interesting: accident, story, misfortune, funeral
• Eby ID Number: 00109-6507
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association
• Military: 1871, Winterbourne, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Winterbourne Militia Company
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Journeyman
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; --
• Residence: 1872, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Undertaker
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Undertaker
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; undertaker
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Undertaker
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Misfortune: 1932, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died of injuries - hit by motor truck

Notes:

Levi Seibert, "was born August 2nd, 1846. He is married to Magdalena Wüst and resides in Berlin where he is engaged as an undertaker by The Simpson Company. His family consists of three 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

_____________________

Then there was Levi Seibert in charge of "Daddy" Simpson's Undertaking Parlors for twenty-five years, a tribute to the good work of the employee and the good appreciation of employer and the public, for the management of such a department requires great tact and unlimited good judgment and not a small amount of patience. He is still retained to manage that department for Schreiter' s.


Official souvenir of the celebration of cityhood, July 17th 1912, Berlin, Ontario, The German Printing and Publishing Co

_____________________________

Levi Erb Siebert - At the ago of seventy-eight, Levi E. Seibert is the oldest man engaged in his line of business, that of embalmer and funeral director, in this part of the Province, and probably in Ontario. His work brings him into the home in the hour of its darkest sorrow, and his fine consideration and sincere sympathy have won for him the regard and lasting friendship of those he has served. The founder of this branch of the family in Canada was Jacob Seibert, grandfather of Levi Erb Seibert, a native of Wahlfrshbach, in Rhein-Bavaria. From there he brought his bride, whose maiden name was Stein, and they settled in Waterloo Township. He was a man of considerable means and he bought a large acreage of woodland. This was cleared and developed into a fertile farm. His last days were spent with one of his sons in Caledonia, Michigan. His son, Jacob Stein Seibert, was born in Waterloo Township, and died there at the age of eighty-two. He learned the trade of carpenter, and early in life established himself in business as a building contractor. In 1856 he retired from that business to become a general merchant at Bridgeport, Ontario. While this venture was successful, his old business never lost its appeal, and after a few years he sold the store and resumed contracting. He continued thus engaged until he was compelled to retire on account of his health at the age of sixty-eight. He married Magdalena Erb, daughter of David Erb, both of them natives of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Of their three children, Levi E. was the only one who grew to maturity. Upon the death of his first wife, Jacob S. Seibert married her sister, Elizabeth Erb, and from this union six children were born, of whom four grew up: Aaron E., of Hamilton; Frank (deceased); Elizabeth, died aged 16; and Jacob, of Kitchener.

Levi Erb Seibert attended the elementary schools of Berlin (now Kitchener) and the Berlin grammar school until he was eighteen. He then learned the trade of cabinet-maker and followed it as a journey-man until 1883. In July of that year he established himself in business as an undertaker. He was successful from the beginning and has continued actively engaged in that business until the present time. In 1919 the business was joined with that of the Schreiter Furniture Company, Limited, and Mr. Seibert became a member of the company and has continued as manager of the undertaking department of the business. He has officiated at more than seven thousand funerals. Mr. Seibert's fraternal memberships include the Woodmen of the World, Maccabees, and Canadian Order of Foresters.

Levi Erb Seibert married, December 25, 1872, Magdalena Wuest, daughter of Joseph Wuest, of Waterloo Township. This union has been blessed with three children: 1. William who died unmarried. 2. Joseph M., who married Mary Heyd; she died leaving two children; William Henry R, (now deceased). Mr. Seibert is a member of the Evangelical Church, while Mrs. Seibert is identified with the First Church of Christ, Scientist.

The Province of Ontario - A History 1615-1927," Vol 4, pg 392 (pub 1927)

______________________

Veteran Funeral Director Passes Away at Kitchener
Levi Seibert Victim of Accident. Aged 85 Years and Active Almost to Last

Waterloo County's oldest and best known funeral director, Levi Seibert, aged 85, died on Wednesday, March 2nd, at the K & W Hospital as a result of injuries sustained when hit by a motor truck, Feb. 23. Mr. Seibert was until August, 1928, manager of Schreiter's Funeral Home. He continued active until his accident. Harry Osborne, driver of the truck, is being held on $500 bail. Mr. Osborne stated that Seibert stepped into the path of his car in Hall's Lane. The late Mr. Seibert was born two miles north of Waterloo on August 2, 1846, a son of Mr. and Mrs Jacob Seibert. After receiving training at the School of Embalming at Toronto, he became manager with Simpson and Aldous and later with Simpson, Anthes and Merner, Canada Furniture Co., and finally of Schreiter's Limited. On Dec. 26, 1872, he married Magdalena Wuest, who died Nov. 13, 1928. There survive one son, Joseph and one brother Jacob Seibert. The funeral was held from Schreiter's Funeral Home on Saturday. Interment was made I Mount Hope Cemetery. Rev. G. F. Barthel of Zion Church officiated.

Waterloo Chronicle, March 10, 1932

_________________________

A poem found with Levi's death notice in the newspaper
Levi Siebert Died March 2, 1932. In charge of Schreiter's Funeral Service from 1885-1928.

He was a faithful, kindly friend
A friend we all did know,
He sympathised with everyone
In times of trial and times of woe.
His task was oft a thankless one
When called at break of dawn -
To some far off, death-stricken home,
To care for one who'd gone.

We've often thought him heartless
When he came to dress our dead.
We've thought he didn't see our grief
Or care that eyes were red.
But now we know our grief was his.
His heart was heavy too;
He did the last few kindly deeds
That one could ever do.

He's closed the lids o'er sightless eyes,
He's touched with reverent care
The lips that used to smile so sweet,
The face that was so fair.
He's folded hands so tenderly
Across the shrunken breasts,
As he prepared the cast-off shell
For its eternal rest.

Now, in his place there's someone else,
Must do these deeds of love,
For he is in a happier land
In clouds of heaven above.
Let's give him praise, where praise is due,
And ne'er forget this friend,
His memory will linger on
Until our journey's end.

Levi married Magdalena Wuest 26 Dec 1872, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Joseph Wuest and Charlotte Rickert) was born 8 Feb 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 27 Apr 1851, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lena Wuest
• Name: Lena Wüst
• Name: Magdalena Seibert
• Name: Magdalena Wüst
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-81108
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1872, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00109-6506
• Immigration: 1827, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpentry Refinishing

Notes:

Jacob S. Seibert, "was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4th, 1823. On October 28th, 1845, he was married to Magdalena Erb who was born October 8th, 1823, and died January 2nd, 1849. After her decease Mr. Seibert was married to Elizabeth Erb, sister to his first wife. She was born February 7th, 1825. They reside in Bridgeport where he followed his trade (Cabinet maker and builder) for many years but now they live retired. His 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.].

__________________________


Lived in County Nearly 80 Years - Death of Jacob S. Seibert In His 82nd Year. - For 65 Years a Resident of Bridgeport - Jacob S. Siebert died at the residence of his son Jacob, Jr., Albert Street, Berlin, at 7 am, on Sunday in his 82nd year. Deceased was one of the earliest pioneers of Waterloo County. He was born in Germany and came to Canada with his parents when he was two years old, the family settling in Wilmot. Deceased moved to Bridgeport 62 years ago and was a resident of that village uninterruptedly until six months ago when he moved with his son Jacob to Berlin. He is survived by four sons. They are Levi, Jacob and Frank, all of Berlin, and Aaron, of Bridgeport. The funeral takes place tomorrow at 2 pm from the house to the Bridgeport burial grounds.

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

Jacob married Magdalena Erb 28 Oct 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of David G. Erb and Nancy W. Eby) was born 8 Oct 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Jan 1849; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Seibert
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2839
• Residence: 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Magdalena E. Erb, "was born October 8th, 1823, and died January 2nd, 1849. On October 28th, 1845, she was married to Jacob Seibert who was born July 4th, 1823. They had a family of three 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:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-81114
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Joseph married Charlotte Rickert 20 Jan 1846, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Charlotte was born 1822, of, Waterloo Twp., Region of Waterloo, Ontario; died 1902; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Charlotte Reichert
• Name: Charlotte Wuest
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-81115
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00109-6505
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association

Notes:

Jacob Seibert, "whose parents were natives of Switzerland, was born in Bavaria, Germany, about the year 1798. In 1822 he was married to Elizabeth Stein who was born probably in 1800 (She was two years his junior in age). In the year 1827 they, with their family of one child, emigrated to America and settled in Welland County, Ontario, nearly opposite the city of Buffalo, New York, where they resided for a little more than a year. From here they moved to Waterloo County and settled temporarily a little east of Berlin. (In the old log house that stood at the side of the road on Mr. Jas. Brubacher's farm, along this marsh where now Peter M. Weber resides). From here they moved to Wilmot Township and settled on lot No. 4,(Farm now possessed by C. Deitrich) Upper Road, where they resided until their family had arrived at maturity. When old the parents made their home with their son, John, who resides at Petoskey, Michigan, where she died in August, 1870, and he died in 1876. To them was born a family of six children".

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

_______________

It is possible that Jacob was married 18 Mar 1828 in Waldfischbach, Bayern, Germany. More research is needed.

Jacob — Elizabeth Stein. Elizabeth was born 1797, , Bavaria, Germany; died Aug 1870, Petoskey, Emmet, Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Seibert
• Eby ID Number: 00109-6505.1
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200542536
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2836
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer

Notes:

David Erb, "the eldest of the family, was born in Pennsylvania, February 21st, 1797. He was nine years of age when his parents moved to Canada and settled in this County. He was married to Nancy, eldest daughter of George and Barbara (Wenger) Eby. She was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, October 13th, 1801, and died March 4th, 1887. Soon after their marriage they moved a little north-east of the town of Waterloo, on the farm now possessed by Jacob Groff. Here they resided many years, but after their family was raised they sold the farm and moved to Bridgeport, Ontario, where they resided until his death which took place August 25th, 1883. After his death she had her home with her daughter, Susan, who resides in Thedford, Huron County, where she died a few years afterwards. 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.].

______________________________

Bridgeport United Church

The early Evangelical Association congregations in Berlin and Waterloo date back to August 1839 when a Camp Meeting was held over a number of days at David Erb's farm (Lot 7, German Company Tract) at Lexington. Classes (or congregations) in Berlin and in Waterloo were organized at that meeting by Bishop John Seybert - on August 29th. Twenty-six charter members were divided into the two classes. Class leader for Waterloo and vicinity was Jacob Hoffman. His brother, John, was class leader for Berlin.

The Waterloo class, along with classes at Lexington and Breslau, was connected to the Berlin Mission until the organization of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1864. The Waterloo Mission was formed at that time. In 1866 the Breslau class was merged with the Lexington class and in 1876 the Lexington class, with 31 members, was referred to as the Bridgeport class for the first time.

An old log schoolhouse was purchased in 1879 for $500.00 on condition that it be used only for Sunday School services, not for preaching. The exterior walls were covered with lumber and the building was dedicated on November 9, 1879. A new white brick church was built ten years later, in 1889, when the old schoolhouse became inadequate for the growing congregation. This church was in use until 1934 when the present building was completed. A decision had been made at a congregational meeting in July 1933 to proceed with construction of a new church. The ground-breaking service was held on August 28, 1933 and on October 1 of that year the cornerstone was laid by Rev. W.J. Zimmerman. Dedication services were held in the new red brick church on Sunday March 18, 1934. In 1942 the old brick church was sold to Mr. Minnacker for $100. An addition which was built on to the west side of the church in 1958 provided additional space for the Sunday School, as well as offices and a kitchen. The new complex was dedicated on November 30, 1958 with Professor John F. Schaefer of Naperville, Illinois preaching the dedication sermon.

Bridgeport and Waterloo were a joint parish from 1876 until 1910, when Bridgeport was joined with Strasburg. This association lasted until 1914 when Bridgeport called its own full-time pastor. The Evangelical Church joined with the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. On January 1, 1968 when the Evangelical United Brethren joined with the United Church, Emmanuel's name was changed once again - to Emmanuel United Church. In February 1987 the congregation voted to change the name of the church to Bridgeport United Church.

Rev. J. Kaechele (1864-1865) was pastor in 1864 when the Waterloo Mission was formed; Solomon Kraft was the Bridgeport class leader when the schoolhouse was bought in 1879 and Rev. S.R. Knechtel (1888-1891) was pastor in 1889 when the new white brick church was built.

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

____________________________

Zion United Church

A Sunday School was established in Berlin in 1837, meeting in Jacob Hailer's carpenter shop which was located at the southeast corner of what is now King and Scott Streets. A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob, was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation. The Berlin congregation met in the old Town Hall until their first church was built in 1841 on Queen Street South across from Church Street on land purchased as of August 24, 1841 from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schneider. The church was dedicated on September 25th of that year, with Rev. Christian Hummel of Buffalo, New York, officiating. Rev. Joseph Harlacher was pastor from 1840-1842. In 1842 the Waterloo Mission became a Circuit of the East Pennsylvania Conference. Two years later it was part of the New York Conference.

The second church building was built of brick on the same site in 1866, and dedicated in 1867; Rev. C.A. Spies was pastor at the time. The old frame church was sold and moved to Elgin Street where it was used as a dwelling. In the same year Berlin became a station.

The present church building was built in 1893 on Weber Street; dedication services were held on June 15, 16 and 17, 1894. This building was heavily damaged by fires in 1942 and 1965 but was renovated and restored each time.

The union of the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 created the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The name of the church was to change again, to Zion United Church when the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada on January 1, 1968. Of interest: some maps of early Berlin show this church as a German Methodist church.

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

_______________________________


Emmanuel United Church

The first Evangelical missionaries arrived in the Waterloo area in 1837. The first Waterloo class (congregation) was formed on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert during a camp meeting at David Erb's farm near Lexington. Jacob Hoffman was the Waterloo-Lexington class leader; his brother, John, was class leader in Berlin. A brick building which was erected by Samuel Burkholder in 1849 on Church Street, near King, was offered to the congregation for their use as a church, rent free, provided that they agreed to finish and furnish the building. Dedication of the new church was in 1851. The house, known as Burkholder House, is still standing, but Church Street in Waterloo is now known as Central Street.

In the early 1890s Waterloo was in the North District of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association, and was ministered to jointly with Bridgeport. Pastors in those years were Revs. C.R. Knechtel (1890-1891), F. Meyer (1892), D. Kreh (1893), and W.J. Yaeger (1894).

A new church, which was built in 1871 at the corner of Cedar and Water Streets (now Bridgeport Road and Dorset Street), was replaced in 1905 by the present structure. Dedication was in May, 1906. Emmanuel Hall was built in 1938. Changes made in 1963 included an addition, a new front entrance and renovation of the former Christian Education area.

On November 16, 1946 the Evangelical Church joined with congregations of the United Brethren in Christ Church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. When the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada as of January 1, 1968, Emmanuel became a United Church..

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

David — Nancy W. Eby. Nancy (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger) was born 13 Oct 1801, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 4 Mar 1887, Thedford, Lambton Co., Ontario; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200542654
• Name: Agnes Eby
• Name: Anna Eby
• Name: Nancy W. Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2675
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association

Notes:

Nancy Eby, "the eldest daughter of George and Barbara (Wenger) Eby, was born in Pennsylvania, October 13th, 1801, and died March 4th, 1887. She was married to David Erb who was born February 21st, 1797, and died August 25th, 1883. "

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.].