Esther Cressman

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-46228
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mwnnonite
• Residence: 1949, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

CRESSMAN, Harold - Peacefully, on Mon., Dec. 20, 2004, at KW Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, in Kitchener, Harold of RR1 St. Agatha. Harold was born in Kitchener 85 yrs ago.

S/o the late Isaiah Cressman and Magdalena Shirk. He was a longtime member of Shantz Mennonite Church.

Predeceased by his loving wife Nelda (Wagler) Cressman on Jan. 14, 2003.Dear father of David and his wife Eva Cressman of RR1 Wellesley, Dorothy Cressman of RR1 St. Agatha, James and his wife Marilyn Cressman of RR1St. Agatha, Esther and her husband Dave Bergen of Steinbach, Manitoba, Floyd and his wife Norma Cressman of RR1 Walkerton, Ron and his wife Sheila Cressman of Wellesley.

Dear brother of Mabel Shantz of Cambridge, Edith Woolner of Cambridge and Clifford Cressman of Cambridge. Lovingly remembered by 14 grandchildren and one gr-grandchild. Also remembered by sister-in-law Anna Cressman of Alma and brother-in-law Alfred High of Cambridge. Lovingly remembered by the Wagler family.

Predeceased by four brothers and 7 sisters, Leander Cressman, Ferhman Cressman, Vera Weaver, Una Cressman, Mary Cressman, Cora Cressman, Pearl Cressman, Leona Cressman, Olive High, Elton Cressman and Clayton Cressman...Shantz Mennonite Cemetery...

The Record 22 Dec 2004

Harold married Nelda L. Wagler 4 May 1947. Nelda (daughter of Joseph S. Wagler and Mary E. Lichti) was born 23 Feb 1914, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jan 2003, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Nelda L. Cressman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-226383

Notes:

Mrs. Harold (Nelda) Cressman died peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener. Nelda (Wagler) Cressman of RR1 St. Agatha. Nelda was born in Wilmot Township February 23, 1914.Daughter of the late Joseph Wagler and the late Mary Lichti. She was amember of Shantz Mennonite Church where she was active with the W.M.S.C. and was a former Sunday School Teacher. Loving wife of Harold Cressman for 55 years of RR 1 St. Agatha. Dear mother of David and his wife Eva Cressman of RR 1 Wellesley, Dorothy Cressman of RR 1 St. Agatha, James and his wife Marilyn Cressman RR 1 St. Agatha, Esther and Dave Bergen of Steinbach, MB, Floyd and his wife Norma Cressman of RR 1 Walkerton, Ron and his wife Sheila Cressman of Wellesley. Dear sister of Alvin and his wife Miriam Wagler of Milverton, Mary Brunk of Brunner, Hilda and Clinton Bechtel of Cambridge and Eileen and Aaron Horst of RR 1 Elmira. Lovingly remembered by the Cressman family, 15 grandchildren, also by a sister-in-law Beulah and Phil Shephard ofLondon. Predeceased by 2 brothers Harvey and John Wagler, also by 3 sisters Almeda Klassen, Barbara Kuepfer and Idella Wagler. Visitation at the Futher Bros. Funeral Home, 1172 Henry St. in Wellesley, where family and friends were received on Wednesday and Thursday. The funeral service was conducted at the Shantz Mennonite Church on Friday, January 17, 2003 at 2 p.m. Pastor Jim Loepp Thiessen officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The Record 15 Jan 2003

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/39090416
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-202097
• Occupation: 1906, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Odd Jobs
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

Wagler, Joseph S., son of Joseph and Mary (Schwartzentruber) Wagler, was born in East Zorra Twp., Ont., Nov. 16, 1884; died at the K-W Hospital, Oct. 20, 1965; aged 80 y 11 m. 4 d. On Dec. 23, 1906, he was married to Mary Lichty, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons and 7 daughters (Almeda-Mrs. John Klassen, Barbara-Mrs. Emanuel Kuepfer, Nelda-Mrs. Harold Cressman, Mrs. Mary Brunk, Hilda-Mrs. Clinton Bechtel, Eileen-Mrs. Aaron Horst, Idella, John and Alvin), 45 grandchildren, and 18 grandchildren. One son, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of the Maple View Church near Wellesley, Ont., where funeral services were held Oct. 22, conducted by Chris Streicher and Chris Erb.

Gospel Herald - Volume LIX, Number 7 - February 22, 1966, page 175

_________________________

Joseph S. Wagler

WELLESLEY - Joseph S. Wagler, 81, RR 1, Wellesley, died early today at K-W Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in East Zorra Township, Nov. 16, 1884, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wagler.

He was a member of Mapleview Mennonite church, Wellesley. He farmed at RR 1, Wellesley until his retirement ten years ago.

He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Lichy, whom he married in Wellesley Township, Dec. 23, 1906; two sons, John of London and Alvin of South Cayuga; seven daughters Idella of Waterloo, Mrs. Erin (Eileen) Horst of RR 1 Elmira, Mrs. John (Almeda) Klassen of Kitchener, Mrs. Emmanuel, (Barbara) Kuepfer of RR 1, St. Agatha, Mrs. Harold (Nelda) Cressman of RR 1, Wellesley, Mrs. Clinton (Hilda) Bechtel of RR 2, Kitchener, and Mrs. David (Mary) Brunk, RR 1, Gadshill; 45 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one son, Harvey, and two brothers and two sisters.

The body will be at the Futher Bros. Funeral Home, Wellesley, until noon Wednesday when removal will be made to Mapleview Mennonite Church for the funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. Bishop Christian Steicher will officiate. Friends and relatives are asked to pay their last respects prior to the time of the service.

Joseph married Mary E. Lichti 23 Dec 1906, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Joseph F. Lichti and Barbara G. Erb) was born 25 Mar 1887, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Jul 1972, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Maple View Mennonite Cemetery, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39090622
• Name: Mary E. Wagler
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80322
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

Wagler.- Mary, daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Erb) Lichty, was born in Wilmot Twp., Ont., Mar. 25, 1887; died at the Kathleen Scott Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., July 15, 1972; aged 85 y. 3 m. 20 d. On Dec. 23, 1906, she was married to Joseph Wagler, who preceded her in death in 1965. Surviving are 2 sons (John and Alvin), 7 daughters (Idella, Mrs. Almeta Klassen, Barbara-Mrs. Emanuel Kuepfer, Nelda-Mrs. Harold Cressman, Mrs. Mary Brunk, Hilda-Mrs. Clinton Bechtel, and Eileen-Mrs. Aaron Horst), 45 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 sisters (Mrs. Leah Roth, Mrs. Lydia Roth, Mrs. Katie Kropf, and Lena-Mrs. Serenus Kipfer). She was preceded in death by one son (Harvey), 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. She was a member of Wellesley Mapleview Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held July 19, in charge of Alvin Leis and Jacob Roes; interment in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume LXV, Number 33 - August 22, 1972, pages 667, 668.

_______________

Wagler, Mrs. Joseph \endash Passed away Saturday, July 15, at the Kathleen Scott Pavilion, Kitchener, the former Mary Lichti, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Lichti, born in Wilmot Township 85 years ago, dear mother of John of London, Alvin of Route 2, Atwood, Idella of Waterloo, Eileen ( Mrs. Aaron Horst) of Route 1, Elmira, Almeda ( Mrs. John Klessen) of Kitchener, Barbara ( Mrs. Emmanuel Kuepfer) of Route 1, St. Agatha, Nelda ( Mrs. Harold Cressman) of Route 1, Wellesley, Hilda ( Mrs. Clinton Bechtel) of Route 2, Kitchener, Mary ( Mrs. David Brunk) of Route 1, Gadshill; Sister of Leah (Mrs. Nicholas Roth), Lena ( Mrs. Cyrenius Kipfer) both of New Hamburg, Lydia (Mrs. Joseph Roth) and Katie (Mrs. Ezra Kropf), both of Tavistock; also survived by 45 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren; predeceased by her husband Joseph in 1965, also by one son, three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at the Futher Bros. Funeral Home, Wellesley, until noon on Tuesday, July 18, when removal will be made to the Maple View Mennonite Church for the service at 2:30, Rev. Alvin Leis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-164566
• Immigration: 1853
• Immigration: 20 May 1854, New York City, New York, USA.
• Residence: 1866, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1875, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; labourer
• Occupation: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1912, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Joseph married Mary Schwartzentruber 23 Oct 1866, , Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Jacob S. Schwartzentruber and Catherine Roth) was born 20 Jun 1844, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 9 Nov 1930, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Cedar Grove Amish Mennonite Cemetery [Formerly 3rd Line], Wellesley Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Wagler
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-164577
• Residence: 1866, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Wellesley Village, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80091
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1880, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Joseph married Barbara G. Erb 30 Mar 1879, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Barbara (daughter of Joseph Erb and Margarethe Gerber, daughter of Menno S. Erb and Barbara K. Gerber) was born 6 Jul 1861, , Ontario, Canada; died 13 Dec 1932; was buried , Saint Agatha Mennonite Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara G. Lichti
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80202
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

LICHTY. - BARBARA (ERB) Lichty was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., July 6, 1861; died on Dec. 13, 1932; aged 71 y. 5 m. 7 d. Death occurred rather suddenly. She was on a visit to her daughter (Mrs. Cyranius Kipfer at Waterloo) and while there but a few hours was stricken with paralysis. After an illness of three days, she fell asleep in Jesus to awake in the great resurrection morning. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Savior and united with the Amish Mennonite Church, of which she was a faithful member till God saw fit to call her home. On March 30, 1879, she was united in holy marriage to Bro. Joseph F. Lichty. She was always concerned about her children, and tried to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She leaves a sorrowing husband, 2 sons (Joseph E. and John E.), 6 daughters (Mrs. J. S. Wagler, Mrs. N. S. Roth, Mrs. Amos Kipfer, Mrs. J. S. Roth, Mrs. Cyranius Kipfer, and Mrs. Ezra Kropf), 1 brother (John Sterie), 1 sister (Mrs. Charles Alexandra), 59 grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral was held Dec. 16 from her late home near Wellesley, Ont., with services at the St. Agatha A. M. Church and cemetery, conducted by the brethren, Christian Gascho and Peter Boshart, of the same church.

"The call was short, the shock severe,
To part with her we loved so dear;
Our hope's in heaven that we may meet,
And then our joy will be complete."

Gospel Herald - Volume XXV, Number 42 - January 19, 1933 - page 894, 895