Hilda May Bricker

Other Events:

• Name: Hilda May Ohlman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-352983
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1919, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Hilda married Stanley Henry Ohlman 1919, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Stanley (son of John Alfred Ohlman and Caroline "Carrie" Tilt) was born 1891, Ingersoll, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Nov 1973, Villa Park, DuPage, Illinois, United States; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00016-1326.5
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Occupation: 1901, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Teaming
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; ?
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

DAVID SNYDER BRICKER

PRESTON, Feb. 17\emdash David Snyder Bricker, 79, of Preston, a direct descendant of the Bricker family, United Empire Loyalists who came to this district as pioneers from Pennsylvania, died at his home here yesterday afternoon. A great grandson of Samuel Bricker, one of the original pioneers of Waterloo county, the deceased was well known throughout the district. He had been a resident of Preston for the past 39 years. Ailing for the past year, the late Mr. Bricker had been seriously ill for the past two months. Born on a farm near Washington, Ont. He married Emmeline Baer, on March 2, 1887, the couple having celebrated their golden wedding anniversary here last year. The ceremony was performed at the home of the bride's grandfather, near Zion. A faithful member of St. Paul's United church, Preston, the late Mr. Bricker was a member of the Brotherhood Bible Class and was the class teacher for many years. A member of the Royal Tempters for many years, he was also a member of the Canadian Order of Foresters. Surviving is his wife, Emmeline Baer; one son, Harold, of Toronto; one daughter Mrs. H. H. Ohlman, Villa Park, III.; three brothers, Isiah of Wawota, Sask., Anson, Windsor Creek, Alberta; Isaac, Cupar, Sask.; three sisters, Mrs. A. C. Bowman, Mannheim, Mrs, N. C. Bowman, Alysham, Sask., Mrs. J. E. Bergey, Hillside Beach, Manitoba; two grandchildren, Dan and Barbara Ruth OhIman, Three brothers and one sister predeceased him. The body is resting at the H. Stager funeral home, 108 Dover street, from where the funeral will be held on Sunday at 2.30 p.m. Interment in Preston Cemetery .

Kitchener Daily Record 17 Feb 1939 pg 17

Family Photograph:
David S. Bricker with wife Emmeline Baer, with son Harold in back with daughter Hilda from Brian Reed 2011

David married Emeline Baer 2 Mar 1887, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Emeline (daughter of Samuel Baer and Hannah Snyder) was born 27 Dec 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Jan 1953, Villa Park, Illinois, USA.; was buried 18 Jan 1953, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Emeline Bricker
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1326.6
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Mrs. Emeline Bricker

PRESTON - Emeline Baer, 90, widow of David Bricker and well-known Preston resident for 39 years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stanley H. Ohlman, Villa Park, Ill., yesterday. She had been ailing for a short time. Coming to Preston in 1900 Mrs. Bricker resided here until the death of her husband, David Bricker, on Feb. 6, 1939, after which she made her home with her daughter in Illinois. When resident in Preston she was a member of St. Paul's United Church. Rev. H. J. Herlihey will officiate at the funeral service. The body will arrive at the Stager-Pass Ltd., funeral home tomorrow morning with service in the funeral home chapel on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 17 Jan 1953 pg 5

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182816398
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1326

Notes:

Isaac E. Bricker,"the eldest son, was born September 24th, 1835. On July 8th, 1856, he was married to Lydia, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza (Detweiler) Snyder. She was born May 8th, 1833. They reside in Blenheim Township, Oxford County, Ontario, where he is engaged in farming. To them were born 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.].

___________


Bricker. - Isaac Bricker was born in Oxford, Co. Ont., Sept. 24, 1835; died at the home of his daughter near Kitchener, Ont., Apr. 21, 1926; aged 90 y. 6 m. 28 d. On July 8, 1856, he was married to Lydia Snider who died in Mar. 5, 1904. He leaves 6 sons, 4 daughters, 34 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. One son predeceased him. Bro. Bricker had been a member of the Mennonite Church for many years and took an active interest in the work. His place at service was seldom vacant until old age would not permit him to attend. Funeral on April 24, 1926, with service at the home by Bro. J. W. Witmer and at the Blenheim Mennonite Church by Bro. M. H. Shantz. Texts, Amos 4: 12 and Acts 3: 19. Buried in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XIX, No. 13 - June 24, 1926, pages 287, 288.

_______________

ISAAC BRICKER

The traveller who wanders over much of Blenheim township has his attention considerably taken up by the numerous handsome residences he sees on every hand. Mr. Bricker's residence on the fourteenth concession is one that particularly attracts his attention for its dimensions and elegant appearance. Some time ago the writer, who having had occasion to a tarry a short time beneath its roof, was astonished at the remarkably convenient arrangement of the interior. In fact it is the best equipped in this respect of any farm residence he ever entered. It contains sixteen rooms, eight down stairs and a like number upstairs, in addition to the basement, which is partitioned off into six rooms. In the latter is a fine large furnace. From the furnace lead hot air pipes which convey hot air to every room in the house if desired and the entire interior made comfortably warm in a few minutes. There is no danger whatever from fire, as the floor consists of solid portland cement, brick walls and other fire proof material There are seven hot air registers and five for cold air. In the various departments the vegetables, canned fruits, etc, are stored. Two of these are such connected with a dumb waiter, in the kitchen above is combined with a cupboard. By this means the tired housewife is saved the trouble of daily climbing and descending the stairway with a full of eatables, etc.

The residence, it will be observed, is double structure, one not being occupied by Mr. Bricker and wife, and the other half occupied by son, Isaiah, and family. As you enter the front doorway you find spacious hallway and a splendid open stairway which is divided by a banister. The apartments occupied by the parents are duplicated in that portion occupied by the son. Beautiful stained glass in the front, lends attractiveness to the interior of the hall. The wood work is neatly carved black ash finished in oil. In the basement is a large furnace with boiler for heating water for washing clothes, butchering, etc., and adjoining which is a large brick woodshed On top of the roof of the main dwelling is a square space surrounded by a handsome iron railing. From this space a magnificent view of the country for a radius of from five to six miles can be obtained, and the blue capped environments of Woodstock, at least twenty miles to the southwest are plainly visible. This residence can be seen from quite a distance ere you reach it. On the left hand side of the lane as you enter is a new hedge of Norway spruce, Scotch pine and Canadian cedar intermingled. To the right is a row of maples and basswood. The residence is certainly one of consider able architectural beauty and is principally of Mr. Bricker's own design.

Mr. Bricker was born on lot 6, 14 h concession, in 1835, on the old homestead hewed out of the wilderness back in the thirties by his father, the late Peter Bricker. The latter was born near Chicopee in 1808. The mother, formerly Susanna Erb, was born near Bridgeport, Waterloo County, in 1816

She died at the age of seventy-six years, and she was followed by the father in 1892, aged 84 years. They were for many years prominently identified with this section and endured their share of the hardships incident to the early settlement of Blenheim township. They moved to lot 6 in 1834 at a time when the Asiatic cholera was raging in this section. The mother was taken down with the deadly terror, but she fortunately survived and was spared to her husband and family. They had lived on the 15 h concession forty years, and subsequently in Berlin for seventeen years. After that they moved to the home occupied by Henry Cassell near Haysville, where they lived about a year when they died.

Isaac the subject of this sketch, received a very limited education, his only chances for acquiring knowledge, being during the winter months in the primitive school. He being the oldest child in the family his services were therefore naturally in greater demand by the father. He faithfully remained subject to parental authority on the old homestead until he was twenty-one years of age. At about that time he formed a matrimonial alliance with Lydia, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Detweiler) Snider. The mother is now in her sixty-sixth year. The result of this union is a family of eleven children, distributed now as follows:

Oliver, the oldest child and son, is in Manitoba; David is farming near Doon; Benjamin and Peter are twins, Peter working on the farm of Joe Bower's and Ben cultivating tobacco in Essex county; Sarah is the wife of Aaron Bowman near Mannheim; Mary is the wife of Noah Bowman of Roland, Man; Isaiah, wife and child living at the home place; Isaac is employed with Mrs. Hall, near Plattsville; Lydia is the wife of Jacob Bergey in Manitoba; Melinda is the wife of Aaron Bergey of Bellerue on the Allegheny, Pa; Anson is still living at home.

Mr and Mrs Bricker did not come to this their first home as man and wife on a bed of roses. It was in sad contrast to the elegant home they can now call their own and live in peace and comfort during the remaining years of their life. An old frame house was then their abode, and the premises were sparsely provided with the necessary conveniences. But harmoniously they went to work, gradually making improvements, tilled their land and reared their large family, finally accomplishing the results I have just described. While they are now not actively engaged in farming they strive to keep their minds occupied in a minor way. A garden, several cows, a few hogs and chickens being about the extent of their farming at present is the chicken coop they take consider able pride and well they may, for one must go many miles before he finds as fine a lot of fowl. Among the lot I noticed some splendid specimens of the partridge cochin, light Brabmas, black Langshans and Plymouth Rocks. In the barnyard will be found a number of fine porkers of the Tamworth and Berkshire variety.

Mr. and Mrs. Bricker are both members of the Mennonite church with which they have been connected for a period covering nearly forty years. The former has been trustee of his school section for quite a number of years and is always favorable to anything that tends to promote the best welfare of our public schools.

During the earlier years of the married life Mr. and Mrs. Bricker seldom travelled any distance from home. But of late years they have seen considerable of the country, having visited their children in Manitoba and some years ago went on an excursion to the Niagara Falls.

They are now enjoying life to life fullest extent in a quiet christian way, being well entitled to the fruits of many years of toll and well spent life.

Isaiah, the son, has charge of the farm and is having good success. In his stables are several find roadsters. In ….. particularly taken with the way is arranged for convenience Jacob's Ladder, as the old men calls in is to its idea of his own. It is a stationary affair in the centre of the barn reaching from the floor to the roof. In 1876 this bar was struck by lightninage and totally destroyed. It was a set back and quite serious loss to the father at the time

Waterloo County Chronicle 30 Mar 1899, p. 3

Isaac married Lydia Snyder 8 Jul 1856. Lydia (daughter of Benjamin Schneider and Elizabeth Detweiler) was born 8 May 1833, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Mar 1904, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/203949794
• Name: Lydia Bricker
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6090

Notes:

Lydia Snyder, "was born May 8th, 1833. On July 8th, 1856, she was married to Isaac E. Bricker a farmer. They reside in Blenheim Township, Oxford County, Ontario. "

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.].

_______________

BRICKER.-In Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ont., on March 5, 1904, Lydia, wife of Bro. Isaac Bricker, aged 70 Y., 9 M., 27 D. Sister Bricker was ill for only a few weeks and dangerously ill for only a few days, so that the messenger of death came rather unexpectedly to her friends. She leaves a sorrowing husband, seven sons and four daughters, whose loss, we believe, is her eternal gain. Funeral services on March 8, at the Blenheim Mennonite M. H., where Bro. M. Cressman spoke in German and Bro. E.S. Hallman in English to a large and attentive audience. Buried in Blenheim Mennonite cemetery. Thus "He giveth his beloved sleep."

HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XLI, No. 14, March 31, 1904 - pp 111,112

_______________

BRICKER.-Near Washington, Ont., on March 5, 1904, Sister Snyder, beloved wife of Isaac Bricker, aged 70 Y., 9 M., 26 D. She suffered for about two weeks until the death angel relieved her. She leaves a husband and eleven children, some of them living in the West and Northwest, one daughter in Pittsburg. The remains were laid to rest in the Blenheim cemetery, where services were held by Menno Cressman (text, Rev. 14: 13) and E.S. Hallman (text, 2 Cor. 5: 1 and Acts 3: 19).

HERALD OF TRUTH, Vol. XLI, No. 13, March 24, 1904 - pp 103,104

Other Events:

• Name: Samuel Bear
• Eby ID Number: 00003-604
• Residence: 1859, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter

Notes:

Samuel Bear, "was born December 9th, 1837. He was a builder and contractor, and resided in West Montrose, Waterloo County, Ontario. In fall of 1870 he left this part of the country and since nothing has been heard of him. He was married to Hannah Snyder. They had a family of seven children".

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

Samuel married Hannah Snyder 5 Jun 1859, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Hannah (daughter of Levi Snyder and Elizabeth Clemens, daughter of Levi Snyder) was born 17 Feb 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Feb 1924, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 10 Feb 1924, Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah Baer
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5907
• Residence: 1859, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Breslau, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Baer. - Hannah Snyder was born in Waterloo Twp., Ont., Feb. 17, 1839; died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Owen Reist, near Kossuth, Ont., Feb. 7, 1924; aged 84 y. 11 m. 21 d. She leaves 1 son, 4 daughters, 18 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Sister Baer united with the Mennonite Church in early life and remained a consistent member until God called her home. The funeral service was conducted by Bros. A. B. Snyder and Oscar Burkholder on Sunday, Feb. 10. Text, Phil. 1: 21. Interment in the Wanner Cemetery near Hespeler, Ont.

The Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 48 - February 28, 1924 - pages 972,973

Other Events:

• Name: Peter Bruecker
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1325
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Bricker," the eldest son of old Samuel and Rebecca (Erb) Bricker, was born at Chicopee, Ontario, May 16th, 1808. On June 10th, 1834, he married to Susannah, daughter of Peter and Susannah (Bomberger) Erb. She was born November 27th, 1816, and died February 23rd, 1892. On June 12, 1834, they moved on their farm, being composed of lots Nos. 6 and 7, 14th concession, Blenheim Township, Oxford County, about two miles south-east of New Dundee, Ontario, where they resides forty years, then they moved to Berlin where they had their home for seventeen year. The last of their earthly pilgrimage were spent with their son-in-law, Mr. Henry B. Cassel, who resides two miles west of Haysville, Ontario. Here they died. His death took place June 8th, 1892. To them were born seven children..: "


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

_______________________________


BRICKER - On the 8th of June 1893, in Waterloo Co., Ont., Bro. Peter Bricker, aged 84 years, 23 days. He was married to Susanna Erb, June 10, 1834, and lived in matrimony 57 years, 8 months and 13 days; had 3 sons and 4 daughters of whom one son and two daughter survive. (We publish this by special request, Bro. Brickler having been widely known. Ed.)


Herald of Truth , Vol. XXX, No. 20, October 15, 1893 - Page 326, 327

Peter married Susannah Erb 10 Jun 1834. Susannah (daughter of Peter Erb and Susannah Bomberger) was born 27 Nov 1816, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Feb 1892, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Bricker
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2947
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Susannah Erb, "was born November 27th, 1816. On June 10th, 1834, she was married to Peter Bricker who was born May 16th, 1808, and died June 8th, 1892. She died February 23rd, 1892. 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.].

___________________



BRICKER.--On the 23rd inst., in Wilmot., Susannah, beloved wife of Peter Bricker, aged 75 years, I month and 26 days.

New Hamburg Independent 26 Feb 1892 pg 3

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00106-6088
• Occupation: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1852, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Retired Farmer
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Benjamin Schneider, "was born July 4th, 1808. On February 22nd, 1831, he was married to Eliza Detweiler (No 2288) who was born October 2nd, 1811, and died September 7th, 1840. On September 26th, 1843, he was again married to Esther, daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Shuh) Miller. She was born October 23rd, 1814, and died September 9th, 1855. He resided a little west of Roseville, Ontario, where he was the owner of one of the finest tracts of land in Ontario. Here he was engaged in farming for many years, but when well advanced in years he retired from farming and had his home with his children. He died at Roseville, May 25th, 1892. His family consisted of eleven children, of whom the eldest six were born unto his first wife."


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.].

Benjamin married Elizabeth Detweiler 22 Feb 1831. Elizabeth (daughter of Rev. Jacob Detweiler and Susannah Rosenberger) was born 2 Oct 1811, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 7 Sep 1840, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Roseville Mennonite Cemetery [Formerly Detweiller], Roseville, Waterloo, ON, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00029-2288

Notes:

Elizabeth Detweiler," was born October 2nd, 1811. On February 22nd, 1831, she was married to Benjamin Snyder who was born July 4th, 1808, and died May 25th, 1892. They resided near Roseville, Ontario, where she died September 7th, 1840, leaving a family of six children, namely: VI Susannah, VI Lydia, VI Sarah, VI Nancy, VI David, and VI Eliza."


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:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39053199
• Name: John Baer
• Eby ID Number: 00003-597
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Bear, "was born near Preston, Ontario, May 15th, 1804. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. When eighteen years of age he commenced life as a builder and contractor. Many a house and barn still standing in this and adjoining counties. were erected by him between the years 1823 and 1835. He was also the possessor of a beautiful farm lying between Preston and Hespeler, now owned by Anson Groh. Here he resided until the death of his wife in 1875. Then he had his home with his youngest son, Joseph, for five years. In 1880 he went to live with his son John, who resides a little west of Doon, where he died happy in the Lord, December 24th, 1894. He was converted unto the Lord when a young man, and in 1833 he joined the Mennonite Church. On December 2nd, 1838, he was ordained as Minister of the Gospel by the late Bishop Benjamin Eby. His field of labor was to be at 'Wanners', for which locality he was ordained. In 1870-71 when the first glimmerings of dissatisfaction were observable among the Mennonites, Mr. Bear was an active worker to keep up the union (The writer heard him advocate strongly in favor of union in 1870-71-72) but the spirit of disunion was carried so far (1873-4), which ultimately caused a division into the old and new communions. Mr. Bear joined himself with the new party and was one of their first ministers. We might add in conclusion that his educational attainments were very limited. Besides the acquisition of the simple elementary branches of reading, writing, and arithmetic, he in his youth was not favored, as the country was new and the schools in their primeval state. Being possessed of a very retentive memory, he exhibited a great taste for reading and was remarkably fond of investigation. He seldom accepted anything without first giving it due consideration and careful study. What little spare time he was able to snatch from the labors of the farm, he studiously devoted to the reading of such works as came within his reach. His library was composed of books pertaining to religious and devotional works. He was well versed in the Bible and works of a religious character. On February 11th, 1827, he was married to Anna, daughter of Cornelius and Anna (Detweiler) Pannabecker. She was born near Hespeler, Waterloo County, Ontario, April 23rd, 1812, and died February 16th, 1875. They had a family of thirteen 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.].

_________________________________


"Bear, John (1804-1894)

John Bear: minister and building contractor; born 15 May 1804 near Preston, Upper Canada to Martin and Catharine (Gingrich) Bear. He was the oldest child in a family of six sons and seven daughters. On 11 February 1827 he married Anna Pannabecker (23 April 1812-16 February 1875); they had ten sons and three daughters. John died 24 December 1894.

By vocation John Bear became a carpenter and builder. One of his projects was the Union Mennonite/Tunker school and meetinghouse of 1829 that predated the Wanner building of 1837. This building was used as a school until 1848. He did much of his construction work between 1823-1835. He also farmed between Preston and Hespeler (both now part of the city of Cambridge).

John Bear was baptized as a member of the Mennonite Church in 1833; on 2 December 1838 he was ordained as a minister by Benjamin Eby particularly for service in the Wanner/Hagey area of the conference. He was widely read, but had only the basic primary education of the day. He was a second generation minister in the conference; his father had been one of the first persons ordained as a minister in the Waterloo region.

When a doctrinal conflict arose in the Ontario Conference beginning in 1869, John Bear led an party of three ministers to investigate revival activities in Solomon Eby's congregation at Port Elgin, ON. Bear's group brought back a positive report in early 1870, but a division ultimately could not be averted. Bear then joined the new "Reformed Mennonites"; a group that ultimately became part of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ denomination (later known as the Evangelical Missionary Church). He served as a minister in that denomination until his death. He was ordained as an elder in that denomination on 4 March 1888 by Menno Bowman.

Bear's departure from the Ontario Mennonite conference was very significant because of his longstanding leadership role in the conference. As leader of the investigation committee to Port Elgin he carried the respect of his fellow ministers, and his loss to the movement was keenly felt."

Mennonite Historical Society of Canada https://www.mhsc.ca/

_______________________________

Wanner Mennonite Church
Begun: 1829

A small wooden meeting house was built in 1829 on a corner of the farm belonging to Samuel Bechtel which was located in the vicinity of the present-day regional headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources near the intersection of Highways 24 and 401. The site for this community meeting house, as well as a school and a burial ground, had been chosen on August 8, 1829. The land was donated by Samuel Bechtel and his wife Barbara (Baumann) on March 15, 1830. A new meeting house, of white brick, was built in 1837 on the east side of Henry Wanner's farm, somewhat north of the first meeting house. Meetings at first were held every eight weeks. The deed of land for the meeting house known as Wanner's was dated October 15, 1837. Early preachers were David Sherk, who had been ordained by Benjamin Eby in July 1837, Jacob Bretz, Jr., and Joseph Hagey.

Joseph Hagey was ordained bishop in 1851. During his time divisions occurred in the church by a surge of enthusiasm for a Methodist form of revivalism. Solomon Eby of Port Elgin, who announced his own conversion in December 1869, was leader of a group which believed that members could be converted through participation in revival meetings. John Baer of Wanner's became associated with Solomon Eby, and was compelled to leave the church in the spring of 1874, as were Eby and his other followers. The new church movement resulted in organization conferences which culminated in the conference on March 23, 1875 at Bloomingdale where New Mennonites and Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites joined together as United Mennonites. The United Mennonites favored revival meetings, Sunday Schools and prayer meetings, and were opposed to the use of alcohol and tobacco.

The date of construction of the meeting house which replaced the one built in 1837 is somewhat in doubt. It is possible that a new building was erected in the early 1870s; it is also possible that the 1837 building only underwent extensive renovations at that time. There is no doubt, however, that a new brown brick church was built in 1938. An education wing was added in 1969.

The earliest Mennonite Sunday School in North America was begun in 1842 and was held jointly by the Wanner and Hagey Meeting Houses. It was discontinued after a short time because of a division of opinion within the congregations. An attempt was made later, in the mid-1860s, to begin another Sunday School, but this, too, did not last long. Many years later, on June 10, 1896, a meeting was held to organize a Sunday School. Anson Groh was appointed superintendent..

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

John married Anna "Nancy" Pannabecker 11 Feb 1827. Anna (daughter of Cornelius Pannebecker and Anna Detweiler) was born 23 Apr 1812, Near Hespeler, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Feb 1875, Near Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39053031
• Name: Anna "Nancy" Bear
• Name: Nancy Panabaker
• Name: Nancy Pannebecker
• Eby ID Number: 00087-5121
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Pannebecker, "was born April 23rd, 1812, and died near Preston, Ontario, February 16th, 1875. She was married to Rev. John Bear."

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:

• Residence: 1130 Maple Grove Rd., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5906
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Levi Snyder, "was born August 16th, 1815. On March 17th, 1838, he was married to Elizabeth Clemens (No. 1636). They resided near Zion Chapel where he was engaged in farming. his death took place May 26th, 1890. Their family consisted 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.].

____________________________


SNYDER.-On the 26th of May, in Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Co. Ontario, Levi Snyder, aged 74 years, 9 months and 9 days. He was buried on the 28th at Wanner's M. H., followed to the grave by a large number of relatives and friends. Appropriate remarks were made by Bish. Elias Weber from Matt. 6: 19-21 and Noah Stauffer from 2 Cor. 5: 1.


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXVII, Number 13, July 1, 1890, pages 205 and 206

Residence:
Levi Snyder is reported to have lived at this site. There is no house and barn (2014) dates from 1890.

Levi married Elizabeth Clemens 17 Mar 1838. Elizabeth (daughter of Jesse M. Clemens and Margaret Miller) was born 6 Jul 1816, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 May 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1636
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Clemens, "was born July 6th, 1816. She was married to Levi, son of John C. and Catharine (Shantz) Schneider. They resided near Kossuth where he owned a large farm. She died May 25th, 1890. To them were born 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.].