Grace Vera Quickfall

Other Events:

• Name: Grace Vera Woelfle
• Name: Vera Quickfall
• Eby ID Number: 00088-5131.6
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Shirt Worker, Shirt Factory
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Grace — Irvin John Woelfle. Irvin (son of John Woelfle and Elizabeth "Lillie" "Eliz" Berdux) was born 21 Sep 1897, Rodney, Elgin Co., Ontario; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00088-5131
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Brick Manufacturer
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Mason
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Charles Allan Quickfall, "was born May 12th, 1867. He is married to Magdalena Betzner and resides on part of the old "Evergreen Farm" where he is engaged in manufacturing brick. His 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

Charles — Magdalena Betzner. Magdalena (daughter of Moses E. Betzner and Veronica Brubacher) was born 3 Jan 1870, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Feb 1958, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Quickfall
• Name: Maggie Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1441.4
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Magdalena Betzner "was born Janaury 3rd, 1870. She is married to Charles Quickfall. They reside about a mile north of Bridgeport, Ontario. Their family consists of five children, namely: VI Clark Jay (dead), VI Lillie May, VI Olive Meta, and twin girls whose names have not been received."

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.].

_____________________


Mrs. Magdalena Quickfall

Mrs. Magdalena Quickfall, 88, of 198 Courtland Ave. East, died at K-W Hospital today after a lengthy illness.
She was born Jan. 3, 1870 in Kitchener, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Moses Betzner. She was a member of First Mennonite Church. Her husband, Charles, died April 21, 1921.

Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Lillian Anthony, Mrs. George (Cora) Oakley and Mrs. Irvin (Vera) Woelfe, all of Kitchener, and Mrs. Walter (Olive) Raymond of London, Ont.; a brother, Allan Betzner of Berkeley, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Elisabeth Shuh of Guernsey, Sask.; and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by one son in infancy.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record, February 27, 1958

_____________

Quickfall, Magdalena, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Moses Betzner, was born Jan. 1870; died at the K-W Hospital, Feb. 27, 1958; aged 88 y.1 m. 24 d. She was married to Charles Quickfall, who preceded her in death, April 21, 1921. Surviving are 4 daughters (Mrs. Lillian Anthony, Cora-Mrs. George Oakley, and Vera-Mrs. Orvin Woelfe, all of Kitchener, Ont.; and Olive-Mrs. Walter Raymond, London, Ont.), one brother (Allen, Berkley, Calif.), one sister (Mrs. Elizabeth Shuh, Guernsey, Sask.), and 5 grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, March 1, in charge of C. F. Derstine. Burial in the First Mennonite Church Cemetery

Gospel Herald, March 18, 1958

Other Events:

• Name: R. M. Quickfall
• Eby ID Number: 00088-5128
• Immigration: 1837, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist
• Residence: 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Richard M. Quickfall, "was born in New York State, March 16th, 1833. When eight years of age his parents moved to Canada and settled on a farm now possessed by his son, Allan E., where he was raised. On May 27th, 1862, he was married to Leah Groff who was born August 17th, 1839. Soon after his marriage he took possession of the old homestead which he greatly improved in appearance and value in erecting first-class buildings thereon and in planting a great variety of both fruit and ornamental trees. Here he resided until 1889 when he moved on the farm he now possesses about a mile north of Bridgeport. Mr. Quickfall has held various positions such as trustee, assessor, councillor and at present he holds the position of first deputy Reeve for Waterloo Township. His family consisted 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.].

____________________________

Died: In Berlin, on Tuesday, November 15th, 1910, at 1 o'clock p,m., Richard M. Quickfall, Aged 77 years, 8 months. The Funeral Will take place on Friday, Nov. 18th, at 2 o'clock p. m., from the residence of his son, Mr. A. C. Quickfall, David St., to Zion Evangelical Church for service and East End Mennonite cemetery for interment.

Funeral Card

_________________________

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE

An interesting meeting took place the Saturday before last in the old log cabin in Waterloo Park.

This house was, of course, the first schoolhouse in this area and stood originally on the school-house square at the corner of King and Church Streets in Waterloo. It was built in 1820 and served its purpose until 1842, when it was torn down and a 1-storey stone house was constructed on the site. The dismantled log house was erected again in Greenbush and served as a residence for a long time for the coloured man, Mr. Carroll and his family. In the course of this year, the Waterloo Park Commissioners purchased the house, moved it to their park and furnished it again as it was when it was a school-house.

At this gathering, in addition to many other ladies and gentlemen, the following (male and female) former pupils attended, took their places on the benches, and were called to order by the 82-year-old teacher, Benjamin Burkholder, who held the scepter, or rather, the switch, from 1831 to 1842 in the old log-house: Joel Guth, 80 years old; Abraham Scherk, Blair, 79; Jakob Bricker, Waterloo, 77; Sarah Burkholder, nee Erb, Bridgeport, 75; Amos Weber, Berlin, 73; John C, Bricker, Hawksville, 71; Maria Erb, nee Quickfall, Norwich 69; David B. Eby, Waterloo, 69; Wendel Baumann, Woolwich, 68; Henry Stauffer, Erbsville, 67; Simon Beatty, Elmira, 67; Jakob Ratz, New Hamburg, 67; Israel Baumann, Berlin, 65; George Elbert, Moorefield, 63; George H. Baumann, Elmira, 63; John Devitt, Waterloo, 62; Richard Quickfall, Bridgeport, 62; Isaak Hoffmann, Waterloo, 61; Robert Barkwell, Peel, 60; Diana McMahon, nee Dekay, Berlin, 60; Thomas Quickfall, Floradale, 60; Benjamin Devitt, Waterloo, 60; Isaak Devitt, Floradale, 58; John Longmann, Peel, 57. In addition, to these, the teacher read the names of 25 pupils from the roll; they were, however, absent.

Mr. Burkholder gave an interesting talk about the history of the old school-house, and after him, Rev. J.A. MacLachlan, Rev. J. McNair, Mr. J.E. Baumann, M.P., and Mr. Jakob Ratz spoke about the old days which brought many things out of the past to mind again. School was, as a rule, only in session in winter and the costs were borne by the parents of the children. There were few subjects taught, namely: Reading, Writing and Sums. The children heard little about language, and geography; no child had more than 2 or 3 books. The predominant language was German. The pupils learned to read and write English, but didn't understand a word of it. Among the teachers in the old school-house from 1820-1842, with the exception of Mr. Burkholder, were the following whose names are still recognized: Jephtha DeKay, Joseph Guth, John Herringer, Peter Otto, John Dobbin, Elias Eby, Robert Barber, & Joseph Eby.

After those present, on hearing the various speeches felt themselves transported back to the past, the school was closed at four o'clock and the pupils were gathered together in front of the school and photographed as a group. On their return into the school, they found it had been transformed into a dining room with heavily-laden tables, which the old-timers thoroughly enjoyed. After everyone had chatted cordially for a while longer, the gathering broke up. The company will not meet again in complete numbers, nor in such a way.

Berliner Journal September 26, 1895 Page 4 Column 4

_______________________

Passing of a Pioneer
Mr. Richard Quickfall Died This Afternoon at the Age of 77 Years

A host of people, throughout the district will be deeply grieved to learn of the death this afternoon of Richard M. Quickfall, one of the most widely known and hihly respected residents of this district, in his 78th year.

The deceased came to Canada with his parents from near Syracuse, N.Y., over seventy years ago. The family located on a farm near Bridgeport, then known as the Ziegler farm. Some years later the family moved to the Moxley farm, whence the deceased grew up, succeeding to the property on the death of his father. In 1889 Mr. Quickfall moved to a farm near Lexington, residing there until about six years ago, when he retired from active life and took up his residence in Bridgeport. Mrs. Quickfall passed away in April of this year and since that time the deceased had resided with his son Mr. Albert Quickfall, David Street. He had been ill for about six weeks, death being due to his advanced age.
In the death of Richard Quickfall, Waterloo County loses one of its few remaining pioneers. He was known and beloved throughout the district, and to be numbered among his friends was accounted a high honor. Progressive in his ideas he prospered financially, but the spirit of charity was strong within hom and many have received from him a heloing hand. His kindly and cheerful character endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and his passing will bring sorrow to many homes.

He could tell of Berlin when it was but a mere village and his intimate friends were frequently entertained by interesting reminiscences of the early days in this country.

In politics the deceased was a Reformed. He was an adherent of the Methodist church.

The survivors are three sons, Messrs. Albert, David Street, Berlin; Allen E., on the farm; and Charles of Berlin. Two sisters, Mrs. Bowers of Minnesota, and Mrs. Devitt, of Burlington, who survive.
The funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

Berlin News Record, November 15, 1910

Richard married Leah Groff 27 May 1862, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of Andrew Groff and Annie Huber) was born 17 Aug 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Apr 1910; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Quickfall
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3396
• Residence: 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Leah Groff, "was born August 17th, 1839. She is married to Richard Quickfall, a farmer. They reside about a mile north of Bridgeport."

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:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0943
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1864, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ladder Maker, Wooden Works Company
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Moses Betzner "was born February 18th, 1838. On February 2nd, 1864, he was married to Veronica Brubacher who was born May 16th, 1843. They reside on the old "Bisho Benjamin Eby" farm at the lower end of the town of Berlin where he is engaged in farming. To them were born 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.].

_______________


Betzner - Moses Betzner was one of the oldest residents of Kitchener, Ont., among its pioneer residents, a direct descendant of the County's first settlers. He was the son of John and Magdalena Eby Betzner. He was born Feb. 18, 1838 on the Pioneer Betzner Farm, where now stands the Memorial Tower in remembrance of those sturdy, early pioneer settlers. He spent his youth on the farm, and later moved to the environs of Berlin. He attended the school conducted by the well known Benjamin Eby, from who Kitchener received its first name, "Ebytown". On Feb. 2, 1864 he was married to Veronica Brubacher, the youngest daughter of Deacon John E. Brubacher, who survives him, and is the last survivor of that family. Bro. Betzner was in excellent health, and possessed his faculties to a remarkable degree until the last year of his life. He died in his 94th year. Bro. Betzner turned to the Lord in his old age, had a vital Christian experience, and united in the fellowship of the Mennonite Church, and was a devoted member until his home-going. Besides his wife, he is survived by 4 children; Lucinda Kolb, Maggie Quickfall, of Kitchener; Allan Betzner of Berkley, Calif., and Elizabeth Shuh of Guernsey, Sask. One son, John Betzner of Fresno, Calif., predeceased him. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 sister, Mrs. Joseph Snyder, also aged 92 years. He will be remembered for his unselfish life, sterling character, and congenial personality by many. The services were conducted by Bro. C. F. Derstine and Bro. Jonas Snider, at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont. Text. Psa. 17: 14,15.


Obituary - Gospel Herald, October 8, 1931

__________________

By Rev. Stahlschmidt, Moses Betzner was married to Veronika Brubacher, both of Woolwich.

Berliner Journal, February 11, 1864

Moses married Veronica Brubacher 2 Feb 1864, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Veronica (daughter of Deacon John E. Brubacher and Catharine Shirk) was born 16 May 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Nov 1935, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Veronica Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1441
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1864, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Veronica Brubacher, "the youngest member of John and Catharine (Sherk) Brubacher's family, was born May 16th, 1843. On February 2nd, 1864, she was married to Moses Betzner, a farmer. They reside on the old 'Bishop Benjamin Eby' farm at east end of Berlin. 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.].

_______________


Betzner - Veronica (Brubacher) Betzner, widow of the late Moses Betzner of Kitchener, Ont., died at her home Nov. 18, 1935; aged 92 y. 6 m. 4 d. Together they lived 186 years. The striking thing about both was that they died without disease, the body merely breaking down in general by old age. She was a faithful member of the First Mennonite Church of Kitchener. She was the oldest member, and member the longest number of years - 73 years. Grandma Betzner will be remembered for having been the last pioneer of the first settlers who came to Kitchener area in 1815. Her father, John Brubacher, came from Lancaster Co., and was among the first deacons of the Church. She will also be remembered for her good memory, and keen mind. This faculty she kept to within 8 months of her death. Her love for Christian song was also a marked characteristic of her life. In earlier days their home was the "soul of hospitality." Farewell, till we meet on that "Beautiful Shore," in the "Sweet-bye-and-bye," of which she loved to sing. She is survived by 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. The children are Mrs. E. B. Kolb, Mrs. Charles Quickfall, of Kitchener; Allen Betzner, Berkeley, Calif.; Mrs. B. B. Shuh, Guernsey, Sask. The services and burial were conducted at the First Mennonite Church by C. F. Derstine, whose wife was a granddaughter, and by Moses Brubacher, a grand-nephew.


Obituary - Gospel Herald, December 5, 1935

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00088-5128.2
• Residence: 1825, Burton upon Stather, , Lincolnshire, England
• Land: Bef 1839, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 006E, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; England Church

Notes:

"The Quickfalls of this and other counties of Ontario are all descendants of old Franklin and Barbara Quickfall who emigrated to America and settled in New York State where they resided for many years. One of their sons, named II Thomas was born September 13, 1799. He was married to Hannah Martinson who was born November 14th, 1803, and died June 18th, 1889. In 1841 they (Thomas and his wife) with their family and his aged parents moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, on the old "Moxley Farm" now known as the "Evergreen Farm", a little north-east of the town of Waterloo. Here they resided until their deaths. He died February 10th, 1868. To them were born several children, but the name of only one of their sons has been received"

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.].

_____________________________

According to letters held by Madeline Lavender of Burlington, Ontario in 1995, brother-in-laws William and John Martinson left Thealby, Lincolnshire, England in the spring of 1830 for Quebec and were some years in Jamesville, Onondaga County, New York through the 1830's.

Thomas married Hannah Martinson 20 Oct 1825, Burton upon Stather, , Lincolnshire, England. Hannah (daughter of Martinson) was born 14 Nov 1803, , England; died 18 Jun 1889, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Artifact: Hannah Martinson's coffin plate
• Name: Hannah Quickfall
• Eby ID Number: 00088-5128.3
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist

Notes:

Artifact:
Original at the Waterloo Historical Society

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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

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

_________________________________-


SAMUEL GROFF. PRESIDENT NORTH WEST BUTTON CO.

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


Berlin Today 1806-1906 official souvenir
_______________________________________________________

From the Region of Waterloo Hall of Fame website.

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

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

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

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

Other Events:

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

Other Events:

• Name: John B. Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0926

Notes:

John B. Betzner "the second son of John D. and Mary (Bechtel) Betzner, was born February 13th, 1808. Early in spring of 1833 he was married to Magdalena, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Eby. She was born December 12th, 1813, and died April 2nd, 1886. Soon after their marriage they moved on his father's and grandfather's old place opposite Doon where he died February 6th, 1854. Their family consisted 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.].
___________________________-


February 6, 1854 - John Betzner. Waterloo Township. 45 years


Death Announcement - Deutsche Canadier, February 16, 1854

______________________

A-1-32 John Betzner: Administration to the estate of John Betzner, late of the Township of Waterloo granted on Petition and issued in favor of his widow Magdalene the eighth day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty four, after her giving proof that the said deceased died intestate on or about the sixth day of February of same year, and on her giving Bond into the sum of Five Hundred Pounds, with David Sherick and Abraham Cressman, both of the said Township of Waterloo, Yeomen, as her sureties. Inventory amounting to Six Hundred and seventy four pounds, eighteen shillings and 5 1/2 pence.

Granted and issued 8^th March 1854
Inventory £674/18/51/2d

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

Johannes married Magdalena Eby 30 Apr 1833. Magdalena (daughter of David Eby and Elizabeth Bechtel) was born 12 Dec 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Apr 1886, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Betzner
• Name: Magdalena Hallman
• Name: Magdalena Histand
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2371
• Residence: 1865, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Magdalena Eby, "the second daughter in the family, was born December 12th, 1813. On April 30th, 1833, she was married to John Betzner who was born February 13th, 1808, and died February 6th, 1854. After Mr. Betzner's decease she was married, June 19th, 1855, to Abraham Hiestand. After Mr. Hiestand's decease she was married to Mr. Joseph Hallman. When married the third time she resided near New Dundee, Ontario, where she died April 2nd, 1886. With her first husband she had six children, namely:., and with Mr. Hiestand she had one child named Magdalena."


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:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1389
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 057, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 059, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 006, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Brubacher, "the youngest son of Jacob and Susannah (Erb) Brubacher, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, July 11th, 1793. In 1815 he came to Canada (See pages 45, 46 and 47) and selected his lot, No. 57, German Company's Tract, township and county of Waterloo, Ontario, a little to the east of Berlin. Here he had a small clearing made and a log shanty erected thereon. Late in fall of the same year Mr. Brubacher returned to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to make arrangements for moving to Canada the following spring. Early in 1816, he, in company with his mother, moved to this country and had their home with Bishop Benjamin Eby. As soon as the log shanty on his large farm was finished he started housekeeping for himself. His mother proved to be his female assistant for one year. On March 6th, 1817, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betzner) Sherk. She was born February 11th, 1798 and died October 8th, 1882. He died October 10th, 1875. When quite a young man he was ordained as deacon of the Mennonite Church for the Eby field of labor. This position he held until his death. To them was born a family of fifteen children"


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

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October 10th, in Berlin, Canada, John Brubaker, one of the first settlers in this section, aged 82 years and 3 days.


Death Announcement - Herald of Truth, November 1875

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JOHN BRUBACHER

John Brubacher came to Canada in 1816 and was accompanied by his widowed mother, Mrs. Susanna (Erb) Brubacher. She was a plucky woman and whatever she did was done aright. On the way over Mrs. Brubacher rode on a horse and killed a rattlesnake with her whip. Her son drove a heavily-laden Conestoga. Among other articles he brought in a churn. When they reached this settlment, their first meal was eaten off a pine stump. Mother and son then threaded their way through the woods to her son-in-law, Ben Eby's place,

John Brubacher made a clearing on Lot 57 and erected a log home. His mother kept house for him until 1817, when he married Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betzner) Sherk. Ezra Eby said that Mrs, Susanna Brubacher sold her son 896 acres for $672 and then returned to Pennsylvania. Later on John Brubacher. as has been said, bought the Elias Eby farm in the East Ward and built a home in Brubacher Street that is still in use. Eventually John is said to have acquired 3,000 acres of land and to have given each of his fifteen children a farm.

John Brubacher was a short, dark man, and could lift a barrel of cider to his shoulder and take a drink out of the bunghole. His favorite saying was: Truth lasts the longest. His great-grand-father, also named John, when urged by his neighbors in Pennsylvania to build a gristmill declined, because he feared he might he tempted to take too heavy tolls.

Mrs. John Brubacher dressed plainly and wore a white cap. Her descendants treasure the heirlooms she handed down. There were no locks on their doors and often at night Indians entered her kitchen and slept on the floor. Once she was alarmed at breakfast time when a squaw fed a young papoose a piece of liver-sausage.

Fire was hard to make, for the settlers had no matches. A handful of dry cedar-bark was shredded and sparks struck from a flint with a piece of steel. Some families kept their fire burning the year round.

One night an Indian buck rapped on John's window and pleaded for a drink of whisky, but the pioneer did not give him any. Wild animals were all too plentiful and wolves a menace. Occasionally he heard the squeal of a pig as it was dragged from its pen by a black bear.

The Mennonites loved music. Once, while revisiting his old home in Pennsylvania, John Brubacher called on a man who owned a medodeon and had him play a hymn often sung in Ben Eby's church. As he listened tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. The pioneer walked with his head bent Ward Bowlby once met him in East King Street and said, "Mr. Brubacher, when walking you should keep your head up" John responded, "Mr. Bowlby, yonder is a field of wheat. Some of the stalks stand with their heads up those are empty; the bent heads only are filled with grain."

Mr. Brubacher's youngest daughter, Veronica (Mrs. Moses Betzner) died in 1936, when in her ninety-second year. She was an early riser; ate whole-wheat bread and until her fortieth year never tasted tea nor coffee after that she drank milk or butter-milk. "Sunrise," said she, "has a virtue no other part or the day has. Work is a blessing. Without it He would not be worth living."

"This community," she added, "was based on practical Christianity. The people were honorable and in business matters no writings passed among them It was all done by word of mouth and a man's Yes was binding."

A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937, pg 23, 24

John married Catharine Shirk 6 Mar 1817. Catharine (daughter of Joseph Sherk and Mary Betzner, daughter of Joseph Schoerg and Elizabeth Betzner) was born 11 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 8 Oct 1882, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 11 Oct 1882, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Brubacher
• Name: Catherine Scherich
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5638
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catharine Shirk, "was born February 11th, 1798. She was married to Deacon John Brubacher. They resided near Berlin where they both died. She died October 8th, 1882"


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.].