Edwin S. Snider

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00106-6413
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Edwin Snyder, "was born September 18th, 1872. He is engaged in the J. Y. Shantz & Son button factory in Buffalo, N. Y., and is unmarried."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

____________________

Edwin was the third of five known children born to Ezra Snyder/Snider (1841-1904) and Lucinda Snyder/Schneider, née Shantz (1848-1921). He was born and grew up in Waterloo Township, Ontario, where his father was a farmer.

Edwin married Louisa (Louise) Eby in 1897. At the time, Edwin worked for his uncle, Dilman Shantz, at the Jacob Y. Shantz & Son Company, a button factory in Buffalo, New York. He had immigrated to the United States in 1896.

The 1900 United States Census finds Edwin, Louisa, and a one-year-old daughter, Helen G., living in Rochester, New York. Edwin was a foreman in a button factory. This factory was operated by another of Edwin's uncles, Moses Shantz.

Edwin became an American citizen in 1905.

By the time of the 1910 census, Edwin, Louise, Helen, and a son, Roswell, lived in Newstead, New York. Edwin's occupation was noted as superintendent in a button factory.

The 1920 census shows that the family had returned to Rochester. The household included Edwin (age 47), Louise (50), and children, Helen G. (21), Roswell E. (18) and Edwin's mother, Lucinda Snider (71). Edwin was a superintendent in a button factory.

In 1930, Edwin, Louise, and her mother, Esther Eby, lived in Ferndale, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Edwin was listed as a button manufacturer. By this time, Helen and Roswell were living in New York City, where Helen was a musician, and Roswell, a scenic designer.

Edwin died in May, 1948, in Brighton (a suburb of Rochester, New York). He was 75 years old.

Although both "Edwin S. Snider" and "Louisa Eby" are inscribed on a gravestone in First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Ontario, it is uncertain whether he is buried at that spot, since his birth and death years (unlike his wife's dates) have not been added. Their daughter, Helen, was also buried there; her name and dates are inscribed on the same gravestone.

" Edwin S. Snider (1872-1948) - Find A Grave...". 1872. Findagrave.Com. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/209331225/edwin-s.-snider.

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Edwin Snyder died at his home in Rochester, N.Y. yesterday.

His father and mother, the late Ezra Snyder and Lucinda Shantz, predeceased him. Mr. Snyder's wife, the former Louise Eby, died in July1937.

One son, Roswell and one dau. Miss Helen, New York, and a brother, Alvin,Didsbury, Alta, survive.

Funeral will be held from the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Friday and interment is to be made in the First Mennonite Cemetery. The body will arrive in Kitchener Friday morning."

KW Record, Apr. 6, 1948

Edwin — Louisa Eby. Louisa (daughter of Rev. Amos C. Eby and Esther "Hettie" Moyer) was born May 1868, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1937, , Cambria Co., Pennsylvania, USA; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Helen Gertrude Snider was born 7 Aug 1898, Rochester, Monroe, New York, United States; died 21 Feb 1970, New York City, New York, USA.; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Name: Ezra Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6410
• Residence: 1868, 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, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esra Schneider, "was born September 17th, 1841. On March 10th, 1868, he was married to Lucinda daughter of Jacob Y. and Barbara (Biehn) Shantz. She was born September 7th, 1848. Soon after their marriage Mr. Schneider quit working at his trade, carpentering, and moved to Breslau where he followed farming until 1892, then he sold out and moved to Berlin where he is now engaged in the button factory. His family consists of four 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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Ezra Snyder, who died from the effects of a paralytic stroke received some time ago, was interred on Saturday in the cemetery here.

The Daily Herald, Calgary, Wednesday, January 20, 1904

Ezra married Lucinda B. Shantz 10 Mar 1868, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Lucinda (daughter of Mayor Jacob Yost Shantz and Barbara Biehn) was born 7 Sep 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 6 Apr 1921; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lucinda B. Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6757
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1868, 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, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Lucinda B. Shantz, "was born September 7th, 1848. On March 10th, 1868, she was married to Esra Schneider."


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:

• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 056, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Residence: 466 Queen st., S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2422.8
• Residence: 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Moses E. Schneider, "twin brother to Joseph E., was born November 24th, 1810. On April 12th, 1836, he was married to Molly (Magdalena) (No. 1848), daughter of Abraham and Molly (Miller) Clemens. She was born March 3rd, 1820, and died January 29th, 1887. Soon after their married they moved about two miles east of Berlin where he was the owner of a beautiful farm. Here they raised eleven children, and some time after her death Mr. Schneider made his home with his son, Esra, who now resides in Berlin. He is enjoying ordinary good health and is still able to walk about and visit his friends"


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.].

Moses married Magdalena Clemens 12 Apr 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Deacon Abraham L. Clemens and Magdalena "Molly" Miller) was born 3 Mar 1820, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Jan 1887, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Schneider
• Name: Mollie
• Name: Molly Clemens
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1848
• Residence: 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite

Notes:

Magdalena Clemens, "was born March 3rd, 1820. On April 12th, 1836, she was married to Moses E. Schneider. They resided on a farm about two miles east of Berlin where she died January 29th, 1887. "


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: building, business, politics, life story
• Interesting: story, politics, business, emmigration
• Name: J. Y. Shantz
• Name: Jacob Y. Shantz
• Name: Jakob Y. Schantz
• Residence: 105 Queen St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6754
• Historic Building: 1855, 138 Church St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Historic Building: 1855, 142 Church Street, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; button manufacturer
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Mennonite
• Elected Office: 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mayor - Kitchener
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Possessions: 1893, 240 Duke St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Business: 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; J. Y. Shantz & Son's Co. Button Works
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturing

Notes:

Jacob Y. Shantz, "was born near Berlin, May 2nd, 1822. On May 2nd, 1843, he was married to Barbara Biehn who was born April 7th, 1819, and died May 16th, 1853. He was again married, December 6th, 1853, to Nancy Brubacher who was born September 19th, 1832, and died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, while there on a visit, October 1st, 1870. On October 1st, 1871, he was married the third time to Sarah Shuh who was born June 9th, 1823, and died April 29th, 1893. After Mr. Shantz's first marriage he took possession of his father's farm, still known as 'Jacob Shantz's place', where he resided for upwards of some forty years, then he moved to Berlin where he is now residing. His family consists of twelve children, five of whom are of first wife and the remaining seven of second 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.].

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Shantz, Jacob Yost (1822-1909)

Jacob Yost Shantz (22 May 1822-28 October 1909), of Berlin (now Kitchener), ON, for many years a promoter of the Mennonite settlements in Manitoba, was the eighth child of Jacob and Maria Yost Schantz, of Montgomery County, PA, who had purchased a farm in what is now Kitchener. The son's interests soon extended beyond his vocation of farming. Fruit growing, maple sugar production, and the operation of a sawmill were added to his activities. Later he entered the building and contracting business. He promoted various industries in his city, the chief being the Dominion Button Works. Shantz was easily the wealthiest Mennonite entrepreneur in Ontario in the early 1880s, with more than 300 people on the payroll of his Dominion Button Works alone. Over expansion and possible mismanagement in a declining market led to virtual bankruptcy by 1886. Shantz spent the rest of his life paying his debts , and died a man of moderate means.

For 27 years Shantz served on the Berlin school board. In 1882 he was elected mayor of Berlin (Kitchener) in an uncontested election. Inexplicably he resigned four days after taking office, though the town council briefly considered not accepting the resignation. The fact that J. Y. Shantz's son, Moses, was also elected as a member of the council may have generated pressure for one of the family to resign. Shantz's letter of resignation has not survived.

Shantz's chief public contribution, however, lay in the promotion of Mennonite immigration to Manitoba. In 1872 as a representative of the Canadian government Shantz accompanied Bernhard Warkentin, who represented the prospective Mennonite immigrants from Russia, on a land inspection trip to Manitoba. The Canadian Department of Agriculture published Shantz's report under the title The narrative of a journey to Manitoba, which became a history-making pamphlet going through various editions with a total circulation of several hundred thousand. During the next 35 years, Shantz made many trips to Manitoba, the twenty-seventh and the last in his 85th year. His work consisted in assisting the Mennonite immigrants who wished to settle in Manitoba with transportation and supplies, as well as helping them settle on the land. By November 1874 it was reported that 1,400 Mennonites had been placed in Manitoba and five years later the number had grown to over 7,000. Shantz not only obtained most favorable travel rates for the immigrants but often used money from his $100,000 personal credit fund in a Berlin bank to assist his friends from Russia by helping pay their transportation costs, equipment, and farm machinery. Shantz was also placed in charge of the $100,000 Canadian government loan to the Russian Mennonites, guaranteed by the Ontario Mennonites. As treasurer of the "Aid Committee of Ontario" Shantz also dispensed the funds loaned to the immigrants by his fellow Mennonites. He lived to see the day when all of these loans were repaid, the final settlement having been made in his 85th year. In 1893 Shantz began promoting Alberta land and here again future developments proved his business judgment and vision.

Shantz became a member of the Mennonite Church (MC) at an early age. In 1875, desiring a more progressive church, Shantz became a member of the group later to be known as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. For eighteen years he served on the Managing Committee of the Gospel banner and for at least 8 years on his denomination's Foreign and Heathen Missionary Society. He was always deeply interested in the temperance movement and a defender of Biblical nonresistance.

In 1898 Shantz joined the local Christian Science congregation, and remained a member in good standing until his death, although evidence is inconclusive on the question of whether he remained actively involved to the time of his death in 1909. He was still an active member, serving on the congregation's board of directors, at age 81 (1903). Four factors help to explain Shantz's interest in the then-new Christian Science movement. (1) Shantz had a life-long interest in the innovative, whether in business, land settlement, or religious thought, though he always believed himself to be orthodox. (2) The emphasis in Christian Science on a rigorous, healthful life-style was appealing. Shantz was active in the temperance movement, and was a vegetarian at least part of his life. (3) Jacob Y. Shantz was a "healer" with a reputation for curing cancer. Although his approach differed from that of Christian Science, enough common interest existed to prove attractive. (4) Shantz probably felt rejected by the Mennonite Brethren in Christ (United Missionary) denomination as he was phased out of all leadership roles by 1896.

Although Shantz was a quiet and unassuming man, his voice had a deep, organ-like tone that people did not forget. He was married three times, in 1843 to Barbara Biehn, in 1853 to Nancy Brubacher, and in 1871 to Sarah Shark. Two sons and three daughters were born of the first marriage, and three sons and four daughters to the second. Shantz was buried in the First Mennonite Cemetery in Kitchener.

Gingerich, Melvin and Steiner, Sam. "Shantz, Jacob Yost (1822-1909)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. April 1999. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

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SHANTZ, JACOB YOST, farmer, businessman, office holder, author, and promoter of Mennonite settlement; b. 2 May 1822 in Ebytown (Kitchener), Upper Canada, eighth of the ten children of Jacob Shantz, a farmer and sawmill owner, and Mary Yost; m. first 2 May 1843 Barbara Biehn (d. 1853), and they had three daughters and two sons; m. secondly 6 Dec. 1853 Nancy Anna Brubacher (d. 1870), and they had seven children; m. thirdly 1 Oct. 1871 Sarah Shuh (d. 1893); d. 28 Oct. 1909 in Berlin (Kitchener).

Jacob Yost Shantz grew up in Ebytown, later known as Berlin, where his parents, Mennonites from Pennsylvania, had purchased land in 1810 [see Benjamin Eby*]. On his 21st birthday he married his cousin Barbara Biehn and not long afterwards they took over his parents' farm. Shantz then became manager of his father's sawmill, began to buy and sell real estate, and invested in other local business ventures. His interests extended to education and public service: he acted as a school trustee and held several minor local posts, such as fence inspector, road overseer, and village tax collector. He was also an early supporter of the temperance movement.

Shantz soon diversified his business interests. He found a variety of markets for the wood from his sawmill and the woodlots he acquired in the early 1850s, constructing wooden sidewalks in Berlin, providing fuel for the Grand Trunk Railway, and supplying building materials to German immigrants. He took a major step as an entrepreneur in 1861 when he bought a property on the corner of King and Foundry (Ontario) streets, Berlin, and constructed the Canadian Block, a three-storey commercial building. As a contractor, he became involved in numerous projects, one of the most important of which was the erection of the Berlin market-house in 1869. Early the following year he built a button factory for Emil Vogelsang and his partner, John Jacob Woelfle. Seven months later Woelfle sold his interests in the factory to Shantz, who quickly gained prominence as a manufacturer. In 1875 the partnership between Vogelsang and Shantz was terminated. The Dominion Button Works became Shantz's; his sons would assist him in managing the company, which by 1880 employed over 140 workers. Early in 1873 Shantz had also formed a partnership to manufacture felt. Shantz and Feick lasted only two years, but Shantz went on to form other partnerships for his felt business and continued in it until about 1880.

In 1872 Shantz had been asked by the Canadian government to travel to western Canada with a Mennonite from southern Russia, Bernhard Warkentin, who was considering immigration to North America. The government mistakenly thought that Warkentin was a member of an official delegation; it is not entirely clear why Shantz was selected to accompany him. After visiting Manitoba with him Shantz sent a report of his journey to the government. Favourably impressed, immigration officials asked that he prepare a more detailed account for publication. Narrative of a journey to Manitoba was translated into a number of languages and became an important item in the promotion of European immigration to the west. Meanwhile, the federal government had assigned Wilhelm Hespeler* to visit Mennonite colonies in Russia to see if further contacts might encourage prospective immigrants to choose Canada rather than the United States. In the spring of 1873 six Mennonite colonies sent two delegates each to investigate opportunities in North America. Shantz was invited to accompany Hespeler and the group to Manitoba, and he took them through the regions southeast and west of Winnipeg.

When many Mennonites decided to immigrate [see Gerhard Wiebe*], Shantz was asked to serve as Canadian director of the movement, to assist with transportation and other arrangements, and to see that the immigrants arrived safely at their destination. He needed to raise a considerable amount of money to help defray the expenses of the approximately 7,000 settlers who were to arrive in Manitoba during the next six years. Many were unable to sell their property in Russia or lacked the means to pay for their transportation and purchase necessary supplies. Shantz served as secretary-treasurer of a committee organized in 1874 to receive and administer funds lent by Mennonites living in Ontario. The following year the committee successfully requested from the federal government a loan of $100,000 and a subsidy of $70,000 for transportation. Shantz and other Ontario Mennonites acted as guarantors for these and additional loans. Over the years Shantz would travel frequently between Ontario and Manitoba, to provide assistance to the immigrants, arrange repayment of the loans, and, when needed, obtain more funds. In return for his services he received a number of land grants in the "reserves" which had been set aside for the Mennonites to the east and west of the Red River. Two communities, Schanzenfeld and Schanzenberg, were named in his honour.

While Shantz was engaged in immigration activities, the Dominion Button Works had continued to expand. In 1884 it employed 300 workers at Berlin and by 1886 it opened a branch plant in Buffalo, N.Y. Shantz nevertheless experienced severe financial difficulties in the mid 1880s and was forced to sell numerous properties in order to clear his debts and those of Jacob Y. Shantz and Sons, which operated the works. In June 1891 the company was reorganized and Shantz retired from the business.

Shantz saw another opportunity, however, again in western Canada. In July 1892 he announced his intention to start a colony there. He located suitable land at a site called Didsbury (Alta), about 50 miles north of Calgary. The following summer he canvassed Mennonites in Ontario and the United States and succeeded in persuading 44 families to take up homesteads in the northwest. A major exodus from the region of Berlin took place in the spring of 1894. Among the group which left were two of Shantz's children and their families. Shantz would journey west to visit his children in the Didsbury area until he was 85. He is said to have made a total of 27 trips from Ontario to the west in connection with his interests there.

Shantz had long been a active member of the Mennonite church in Berlin. In 1875 he joined a reform group called the United Mennonites, later known as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. Shantz moved again in 1898, this time to the Church of Christ, Scientist. He remained active in the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Berlin for several years until poor health restricted his movements.

Jacob Yost Shantz died in 1909, preceded by three of his twelve children, his three wives, and all his brothers and sisters. He is remembered for his considerable business expertise and the enormous energies he invested in the various enterprises he had fostered, above all in the immigration of thousands of Mennonites to western Canada. In addition to a modest estate, he left a spiritual heritage, that of a religious man, wanting first and foremost to serve God and his fellow man. In the estimation of many who knew him, he had done both well.
Lawrence Klippenstein

[Jacob Yost Shantz is the author of Narrative of a journey to Manitoba, together with an abstract of the Dominion Lands Act; and an extract from the government pamphlet on Manitoba (Ottawa, 1873), translated into French as Relation d'un voyage à Manitoba, accompagnée d'une analyse de l'Acte concernant les terres de la Puissance et d'un extrait du pamphlet publié par le gouvernement a[u] sujet de Manitoba (Ottawa, 1873).
The first partial life story of Shantz appeared in Melvin Gingerich, "Jacob Y. Shantz, 1822-1909, promoter of the Mennonite settlements in Manitoba," Mennonite Quarterly Rev. (Goshen, Ind.), 24: 230-47. His role in the immigration of Mennonites to Manitoba has been thoroughly documented in two articles by Ernst Correll in the Mennonite Quarterly Rev., "Mennonite immigration into Manitoba: sources and documents, 1872, 1873" and "Mennonite loan in the Canadian parliament," 11 (1937): 196-227, 267-83 and 20 (1946): 255-75, respectively, as well as in three collections of documents which he edited for the same journal: "Canadian agricultural records on Mennonite settlements, 1875-77," 21 (1947): 34-46; "Mennonite immigration into Manitoba: documents and sources, 1873-1874," 22 (1948): 43-57; and "Sources on the Mennonite immigration from Russia in the 1870's," intro. H. S. Bender, 24 (1950): 329-52. The definitive biography is now S. J. Steiner, Vicarious pioneer: the life of Jacob Y. Shantz (Winnipeg, 1988). l.k.]

Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online 2000 University of Toronto/Université Laval

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Mr. John Frederick Augustus Sykes Fayette, a well educated mulatto, built a schoolhouse on his own account in rear of where the Royal Exchange hotel now stands, in 1840. He called it the "Wellington Institute," and opened it in December, charging the usual rates, but being poorly patronized he ran into debt and left a year or two afterwards quite suddenly, greatly to the chagrin of his creditors. His was the first school in Berlin in which any attempt had been made to teach grammar and also the first in which the pupils saw a geographical map. Jacob Y. Shantz, then 18 years of age, and the late Israel D. Bowman, a lad of 11, attended this school.

Second Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, Berlin, Ontario 1914

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J. Y. Shantz & Co's Factory

This enterprising firm have started operation in their new factory. It can well be said that for a fine factory, it may be classed with the finest in Canada. All the modern improvements which are necessary to save time and money have been procured. The factory has its own electric light plant, and steam heating: fine wash basins and closets and everything convenient for both employer and employee. The firm might also be complimented on the manner in which they are fixing up the grounds, and also the street in front of the factory. The grounds have been neatly laid out with drives and nice green lawn. A few nice flower beds may be looked for next spring. The deep gutters have also been filled up, and sewer pipes now carry off the water, instead of standing in the gutter until it has time to dry up. If Berlin had more of these kind of people that would take an interest in their property how much more beautiful our town would be.

The Daily Record 30 Sep 1893

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The Button Industry

A young German named Emil Vogelsang came to Berlin in 1867 and chummed with Allan Huber, son of H. S. Huber. One day the merchant questioned the youth,

"What can you do, Emil?"
"I'm a button turner."
"Then show us how you make buttons."
"Before I could do that," said Emil, "I'd need a lathe and a batch of ivory-nuts."

Mr. Huber had a lathe made in Waterloo and imported a shipment of nuts for Mr. Vogelsang. The latter leased a room and power from the Simpson Furniture Company and soon was manufacturing first-class buttons. He called his venture, "The Pioneer Button Works." The buttons found a ready sale in Eastern Canada and the United States. His was the first button factory in Canada, if not in America..

Before long Mr. Vogelsang needed a factory of his own. He interested J. J. Woelfle in the enterprise and they awarded Jacob Y. Shantz a contract to erect a $20,000 building on the northeast corner of King and College Streets. Before it was up Mr. Woelfle withdrew. Mr. Shantz then purchased an interest in the button works for a sum equal to the price of the building and entered into a 7-year agreement with Mr. Vogelsang. When that term expired Mr. Vogelsang retired and built another button factory in South Queen Street, which he later sold to the W. G. & R. Shirt Company. (Now occupied by the Fehrenbach Mattress Co.)

Mr. Shantz had not had any practical experience in the manufacture of buttons, yet did not wish to see the employees deprived of their livelihood. He therefore continued manufacturing and after costly experimenting, during which he was assisted by his son, M. B. Shantz, the factory was placed on a sound footing. Mr. Shantz's sons Dilman and John likewise joined him. Jacob Y. Shantz & Sons became the largest employers of labor in Berlin. For a time there were four button factories in the town and it was widely known as "Buttonville." Jacob Y. Shantz entered into partnership also with a Mr. Feick and made felt goods in the button-factory basement.

A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937 pg 169-171

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The saw mill was first operated by Mr. Shantz's father. It formed a natural introduction to Mr. Shantz's activity as a builder and contractor. He was the builder and owner of the Canadian Block at the corner at King and Ontario (Foundry) streets. Mr. Shantz built also the four room addition to the Suddaby School, which is the only part of the old school now remaining. He was one of the earliest of the extensive builders of private residences in the town. He entered the industrial field through the solicitation of those needing money to float infant industries. His first venture in this way was the wind-mill for grinding flour, chopping grain, etc., that stood formerly on Mecklenburg Hill. Its exact site was a little south of Church street and about midway between Cedar and Albert streets. This historic and quaint feature in the landscape of the South ward was a losing business venture to the extent of several thousand dollars. For years after operation ceased the deserted mill with its great wings appeared above the surrounding trees on the hillside. It was removed somewhere about 1870 or a little later.

Jacob Y. Shantz"
Pioneer of Russian Mennonite Immigration to Manitoba
H. M. Bowman, Ph. D.

Waterloo Historical Annual Volume 1924

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THE WINDMILL

A feature of many years of the southerly end of the village was a windmill, on what was known as Mecklenburg Hill, near the westerly corner of Church and Albert streets. This was the project of a company composed of Jacob Y. Shantz, Henry Boehmer and others. It was built in 1860 by Frederick Rickerman who was the originator of the idea. Rickerman was familiar with windmills and had operated one in Germany. The structure was about sixty feet high, hexagonal in plan, with each of the four wings or sails about 45 feet long by 6 feet wide. A vertical centre beam meshing with the topcross shaft extended down to the main floor of the mill and there operated three sets of stones. The revolving top carried the cross-shaft, on which the wings were mounted, and could be set for the Wind by means of a Windlass. An outer platform was at the height of' the wing length from the top shaft. From this the wings or arms could be worked on, and their canvas covering put in place. Particular excellence was claimed for the flour from this mill. The author remembers eating bread baked from the first flour it produced.

Pg. 278

REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER)
By Jacob Stroh
Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder
Part II. - Churches, Roads, Miscellaneous

Waterloo Historical Society Annual Vol. 1931

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King Street, Kitchener

Cameron Street eastward.-A fine large holding extending along King Street to almost opposite the Mennonite Church, was Sheriff Davidson's place, Forest Hill, with square Colonial brick house, still standing, although materially changed, on a commanding hill.

Benjamin Eby's farm, occupied and owned later by his son, Elias Eby. J. Y. Shantz's farm, originally the Eby farm, with a large dam and saw mill. The pond was westerly of the present Doon Twines factory, was of good size, was fed by two creeks and gave water power for Shantz's saw mill for many years. There was no steam power. The ice supply for Berlin was largely taken from this pond in the earlier years.


REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

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King Street , North Side

From Francis to Water Street.

he ground was used by H. F. J. Jackson for stabling, etc., on his contract for building the Grand Trunk Railway through a large part of Waterloo County. Later he built his residence on this plot.

The plot east of Water Street was used as a drill ground by the Berlin Volunteer Company of the Waterloo Battalion, 1864-67. They mostly drilled in the evenings and had some quite young volunteers, Jacob Stroh, 16 years, one of them. The trustees of the New Jerusalem Church bought the corner in 1869 and in 1870 erected the present Church. This had the first pipe organ in Berlin, built by Claus Maas of Preston.

Haller's hat and felt-working shop. He made the first felt boots and shoes, worn largely by the farmers, in winter, in this vicinity.

Open space up to Henry Brickner's house.

A frame building one and one-half story high and located a little back of the street. Later a brick building was erected on the open space. At the westerly corner of Young Street Mr. Bricker built a cooperage in 1860.

At the easterly corner of Young and King Streets was Wendell Brunner's blacksmith shop, a rough frame building. Behind it, on Young Street, was another frame building used as a waggon shop by Christian Huinbrecht.

Vacant place and next a three story brick building, lengthwise with King Street, divided into two parts, used as stores for a short time. Later it was a paint shop and still later a warehouse for the Simpson factory across the road. The third floor of this building was the first habitat of the Berlin Militia, organized in 1864 at the time of the American Civil War. Colonel Pickering was the first drill master. He was sent from England to drill the Canadian Militia. The local company had at first no rifles and had to use Wooden substitutes for their drills.

A three story brick building erected by C. Schneucker and used as a hotel. The third floor was a large hall used for a number of years, for balls and concerts. Paul Schmidt moved into the building in 1860. It was then called the Schneucker and Schmidt Hotel. A later landlord was Mr. Zinger and the name was changed to The North American Hotel. Toward the rear and just east of the Hotel was a barn and horse shed, with wide approach from King Street.

A one and one-half story frame house 15 or 20 feet back from the street line with gable and veranda facing King Street, occupied by Paul Schmidt and later by his widow.

A very early building one and one-half story, rough cast; the dwelling of Sam Trout, a blacksmith. A later occupant was James Godbold, son of Godbold who lived on the corner of Wellington and King Streets. Jacob, son of James, brakeman on the Grand Trunk, was killed while on top of a freight car in St. Mary's, the train passing under a low bridge which Godbold did not see as he was looking at a circus beside the track.

A tailor shop was also in this building which stood originally at the corner of Foundry and King Streets.

A two story brick building with gable toward King Street and occupied by Henry Gauntley. On the second floor there was a paint shop and at the rear a wagon shop.

A brick building, the blacksmith shop, for many years, of Sam Trout.

A vacant lot.

At the Foundry St. corner a frame building, Reinhold Lang's tannery with his house, alongside, one and one-half story with frame porch. Later Mr. Lang moved his business to Charles Street, the site of the present Lang Tanning Co. plant. Jacob Y. Shantz erected the Canadian Block, three story brick, corner of King and Foundry Streets, in 1856. The front was set back from the street line and had a verandah extending to the edge of the sidewalk. There were three stores, the corner, Cole and Graf, druggists; then Wm. Young, groceries and liquors; and next H. S. Huber, general store. The old blacksmith shop was used as a warehouse by Huber.

The Canadian Block while still fairly new, burned down about 1862 in the Spring. The fire started in the corner drug store, during the night. The walls remained standing after the fire was out but were considered dangerous and were pulled down by the firemen. One wall, in this operation, fell on H. S. Huber's warehouse, which had not been burned and in which he had large quantities of supplies. The firemen were blamed for not having notified Huber so that he could have removed his goods before the wall was thrown over.


REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

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King Street Kitchener South Side

Water to Gaukel Street.-At the Water Street corner stood, before 1867, a large frame building used mainly during the winter months as a drill shed for the local militia. The building was at one time used as a skating rink. Later it was moved to Woodside Park on Queen Street South and used for Township Fairs, and other purposes. Next easterly were two houses, one-story high, with gables toward King Street, owned by Rev. F. W. Tuerk and built about 1860. Next an unpainted frame building, used as a shop, stood on the westerly corner of Gaukel Street. At the rear of tills shop there was another frame building, moved there from Factory Street, used as a felt factory by Feick & Co„ the partners being Mr. Haller, Manager, and Mr. Feick. Later, when J. Y. Shantz took over the felt business the building was converted into dwellings and used for some time, when it was torn down. The site is now occupied by the Salvation Army Barracks.


REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

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Death of Aged Pioneer
J. Y. Shantz Passes Away

Berlin mourns today the death of Jacob Yost Shantz, its oldest native born citizen and a real Nature's nobleman an honest, God-fearing successful man. The end came peacefully at three o'clock this morning at his home, 105 Queen St. north.

He was as well as usual to within an hour of death. About two o'clock he arose, and dressed himself, thinking it was near daybreak. Soon after retiring again, he called his son, Jacob and complained of internal pain. It grew more severe and his son D. B. Shantz was summoned from his home on Margaret Avenue. Before he reached his father's bedside, the aged gentleman had fallen asleep - in the sleep that knows no earthly awakening. He was conscious to within a few moments of the end. He was - barring partial blindness - in good health for a man so advanced in years - almost 88.

He was frequently seen down town, being driven out by his friends.

His mental faculties were bright, and he would spend hours conversing with his sons and friends, recalling with wonderful accuracy and detail, occurrences of long bygone years. During the past few days he has evinced a keen interest in the progress of the new button factory here. He was the pioneer of the button industry in Canada and it is worthy of note that of the five sons, four are engaged in the button trade as well as four nephews.

The funeral of the late Mr. Shantz will be held on Saturday at 1.30 from the family residence, 105 Queen St. north, to the Lancaster St. Mennonite Church and East End Cemetery.

The late Jacob Yost Shantz was a native of Berlin, having been born on May 2nd, 1822, on the Shantz farm just south of the East End Mennonite Church. His parents were pioneer residents and aided in reclaiming a hitherto wild and undeveloped region for the purposes of civilization. His father operated the first sawmill in this section and was in many ways connected with the material growth and upbuilding of this portion of the province. Being United Empire Loyalists they followed in British flag into Canada.

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Shantz took a very active and helpful part in laying out the early roads of the county and in otherwise advancing those interests which indicated that the seeds of civilization had been planted and that his was to become some day a populous and prosperous district.

Mr. Shantz was reared in Berlin, where he acquired a common school education. His early life was devoted to lumber interests. He engaged in the operation of a sawmill, conducted a lumberyard and became an extensive contractor and builder. He was prominently identified with manufacturing interests in later years, operating a factory for the manufacture of boots and shoes. In 1870 he established the button factory, becoming associated with a German button manufacturer and a few years later he bought out the interests of his partner, continuing to carry on the business in his own name, when he retired to enjoy a well-earned and richly merited rest. He was almost 88 years of age. His life has been one of intense and well-directed activity, in which he made good use of his opportunities, and he belonged too, to that class of representative men who while promoting individual success also advanced the general welfare. His family numbered twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare of Berlin, but has been content to do his public service as a private citizen, never seeking or desiring office. He acted, however, as mayor of Berlin a short time when the citizens offered him the position unanimously. He accepted it as an honor and then resigned. Another important labor which Mr. Shantz performed has been in connection with the development and upbuilding of Manitoba and the Northwest. He began operating there in 1874 and on behalf of the Mennonites devoted a large portion of his time in making a general prospector setting forth the advantages of the country, its natural resources and its climate in the districts mentioned in order to accomplish these objectives and gave liberally of his own private fortune, and through his endeavors, secured large sums from other friends of the Mennonite Society for the purpose of forming the colony, and for the development of that country which constitutes the first white settlement in Manitoba and the Northwest. When he first went to Fort Garry - now Winnipeg - in 1874, he saw only three white men in many weeks. In 30 years he went from here west 27 times, the last time when he was 85 years old. He has thus been instrumental in having thousands of the people of this sect becoming colonists in that district and thus settling up the country, aiding in its reclamation from a wild and unimproved district and converting it to the uses of civilization.

In Berlin, he did a great work in assisting the early German settlers when they reached here. He built scores of houses for them, and gave them all the time they desired, to repay it. He was the soul of honor and integrity, and his life was a noble example of the true Christian. He was a faithful member of the Mennonite church and a liberal supporter.

He was twice married. There are five surviving sons and four daughters, Moses B. of Rochester; Dilman B., of Berlin; John , of Buffalo; Ephraim B., of Didsbury; and Jacob, of Berlin; Mrs. Ezra Snider, Berlin; Mrs. N. B. Detweiler, Berlin; Mrs. Andrew Weber, Didsbury; and Miss Ida Shantz, Berlin.

Berlin News Record, October 28, 1909

Historic Building:
Originally built as a rented residence it is constructed of brick and is one story. In 1978 it is listed in as very good condition.

Historic Building:
Built in 1855-1860 of brick it is a one story house. Originally built as J. Y. Shantz's residence. In 1978 it is listed as in very good condition

Elected Office:
Years Served: 1882 (Warden)

Jacob married Barbara Biehn 2 May 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Barbara (daughter of Abraham Biehn and Veronica Shantz) was born 7 Apr 1819, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 May 1853, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00008-1042
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Barbara Biehn, "was born April 7th, 1819. She was married to Jacob Y. Shantz, May 2nd, 1843. They resided on the farm now in possession of Jacob B. Shantz about a mile south-east of Berlin where she died May 16th, 1853. She had a family 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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27232276
• Historic Building: 466 Queen st., S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Interesting: religion, pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6346
• Historic Building: 1807, 393 Queen Street South, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Site of first log cabin
• Historic Business: 1816, 113 David Street, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sawmill
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 017W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 023W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Historical Event: 29 Aug 1839, Evangelical Association Church, Waterloo, Ontario; church founding

Notes:

Joseph Schneider, "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, May 24th, 1772. On February 21st, 1798, he was married to Barbara, daughter of Christian and Catharine (Bricker) Eby. She was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 29th, 1774, and died in Berlin, Ontario, March 13th, 1843. On May 8th, 1807, Mr. Schneider with wife and family and a large company of others (See Vol. 1 pages 39, 40 and 41 for particulars) moved to Canada and settled where now is the town of Berlin, Ontario. Here he was engaged in farming. His first buildings were erected where now his grandson, Samuel B. Schneider, lives, a little west of the Walper Block, Berlin. Here he died October 27th, 1843, leaving 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.].

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Zion United Church

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

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

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

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


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

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SCHNEIDER, JOSEPH, settler and sawmill owner; b. 24 May 1772 in Lancaster County, Pa, son of Jacob B. Schneider and Maria Herschi; m. 21 Feb. 1798 Barbara Eby, sister of Benjamin Eby*, and they had seven children; d. 27 Oct. 1843 in Berlin (Kitchener), Upper Canada.

Joseph Schneider's father immigrated with his parents to Pennsylvania from the Palatinate (Federal Republic of Germany) in 1736. In 1806, three years after Jacob's death, two of his sons, Christian and Jacob, settled in block 2 (Waterloo Township), in the vicinity of present-day Kitchener. Joseph and a group of other Mennonites followed them, making the month-long journey in horse-drawn wagons. Schneider purchased and settled on lot 17 of the German Company Tract of block 2. It was the attraction of inexpensive land, as well as the desire to remain under British rule in the years after the American revolution, that brought many Mennonites to the area, among them Benjamin Eby and Samuel D. Betzner*. Geographical isolation allowed them to practise their religion and language freely, although at first it forced them to travel to such centres as Dundas for supplies and services.

Schneider was an active figure among the Mennonite settlers and, with Eby, is often regarded as a founder of Kitchener. He helped open the first local road, which ran from his farmstead to the Dundas road and was known as Schneider's road until the 1870s. In 1808-9 he and four other heads of families hired a teacher to open the first school in the area. He was involved four years later in the building of the first Mennonite meeting-house, headed by Eby; in 1834 Schneider participated in the construction of a new church. Perhaps as early as 1816 he had built a sawmill on what is still known as Schneider's Creek, and in the 1820s a blacksmith shop and tavern were erected by Phineas Varnum on land leased from Schneider. Together these enterprises formed the commercial nucleus of the developing village, known variously as Sand Hills, Ebytown, and, later, Berlin. In 1835 Schneider strongly supported the establishment of its first newspaper, Heinrich Wilhelm Peterson*'s Canada Museum, und Allgemeine Zeitung, of which he was a stockholder.

Schneider died on 27 Oct. 1843. Among the possessions he left to his family were traditional objects valued by Pennsylvania Germans, including a tall case clock, the works for which he had brought with him in 1807. The clock still stands in the house he built about 1820, Kitchener's oldest structure and now a museum. In other local collections are two family bibles: one, in the Mennonite Archives of Ontario, a rare edition published in Zurich in 1560 by Christoph Froschauer and brought to Upper Canada by Schneider; the other, in the possession of a descendant, printed in Lancaster County in 1805 and containing striking examples of fraktur (ornamental writing), executed by teacher-artist Jacob Schumacher in 1821.

Schneider's farming and milling operations were continued by his youngest son, Joseph E., who in 1849 had the family's history printed in Berlin in a small booklet, possibly the earliest published genealogy in Canada. In 1874 he was a charter member of the Reforming/Reformed Mennonites (later the Missionary Church) .
E. Reginald Good and Paul Tiessen

Toronto and York Land Registry Office (Toronto), "Old York County," deeds, 5, no.1839 (mfm. at AO). Waterloo South Land Registry Office (Kitchener, Ont.), Waterloo Township, abstract index to deeds, German Company Tract, lot 17 (mfm. at AO). E. E. Eby and J. B. Snyder, A biographical history of early settlers and their descendants in Waterloo Township, with Supplement, ed. E. D. Weber (Kitchener, 1971), 136. John English and Kenneth McLaughlin, Kitchener: an illustrated history (Waterloo, Ont., 1983). Hannes Schneider and his wife Catharine Haus Schneider, their descendants and times, 1534-1939, ed. J. M. Snyder (Kitchener, [1940]). Herkommen und Geschlechts Register der Schneider Familie (Berlin [Kitchener], 1849). P. G. Klassen, "A history of Mennonite education in Canada, 1786-1960" (d.ed. thesis, Univ. of Toronto, 1970), 73-74. W. V. Uttley, A history of Kitchener, Ontario (Kitchener, 1937; repr. [Waterloo, 1975]), 17. M. [H.] Snyder Sokvitne, "The Joseph Schneider house, 1820," Waterloo Hist. Soc., [Annual report] (Kitchener), 1966: 20-27. W. V. Uttley, "Joseph Schneider: founder of the city," Waterloo Hist. Soc., Annual report (Waterloo), 1929: 111-19. G. K. Waite, "Joseph Schneider sawmill operations, 1848-1859," Waterloo Hist. Soc., [Annual report], 1985: 57-65.

Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online 2000 University of Toronto/Université Laval

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JOSEPH SCHNEIDER
Founder of the City

The first stones in the city's foundation were laid in South Queen Street, in 1807, by Joseph Schneider. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa, in 1798, and married Barbara, sister of the Rev. Benjamin Eby.

On Lot No. 17, Pioneer Schneider built a log cabin. It stood on the east side of Queen Street, where John McKay's former home rests. Next he cut a roadway from the house to the Walper House corner and easterly to No. 57 East King Street, where he built a barn. South Queen Street was the first thoroughfare in the city and until the eighteen-eighties was called Schneider's Road.


A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937 pg 16

Historic Building:
Joseph Schneider's house is the oldest surviving in Kitchener dating from 1820 and has been made into the Joseph Schneider Haus Muesum.

Historic Building:
Now on this site is Barra Castle a 15 unit apartment building, due to be renovated for other purposes (2009).

Historic Business:
Joseph Schneider's Saw-Mill

The pioneers had then begun to replace their log-houses with frame homes. To meet a demand for lumber Joseph Schneider built a saw-mill in 1816 on Schneider's Creek. It rested on the easterly side of David Street, opposite Victoria Park. The mill dam was above the railway, and the mill-race crossed David Street between Schneider Avenue and Roland Street. The up-and-down or "muley" saw was run by an overshot waterwheel.1a

1aA History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937 pg 17

Historical Event:
A Sunday School was established in Berlin in 1837, meeting in Jacob Hailer's carpenter shop which was located at the southeast corner of what is now King and Scott Streets. A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob , was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation. The Berlin congregation met in the old Town Hall until their first church was built in 1841 on Queen Street South across from Church Street on land purchased as of August 24, 1841 from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schneider.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Ambrose, Rosemary. Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1993. [used the kind permission of Rosemary Ambrose 2011]

Joseph married Barbara Eby 21 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA. Barbara (daughter of Christian Eby and Catharine Bricker) was born 29 Apr 1774, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 13 Mar 1843, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27232187
• Name: Barbara Schneider
• Residence: 466 Queen st., S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2422

Notes:

Barbara Eby, "the third daughter of Christian Eby and his wife, Catharine Bricker, was born April 29th, 1774. On February 21st, 1798, she was married to Joseph Schneider who was born May 24th, 1772, and died October 27th, 1843. She died March 13th, 1843. In 1807 they, in company with some of the Ebys and Erbs, moved to what is now Berlin, Waterloo County, Ontario. They settled on lot No. 17, U. B., of the Township of Waterloo, now forming part of the town of Berlin. The old homestead is now owned by a grandson, Samuel B. Schneider. Here they raised 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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19903938
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1830
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 21, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Abraham Clemens L., "the eldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Lederach) Clemens, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, July 3rd, 1781, and when four years of age his parents moved to Chester County where he was raised. In 1807 he was married to Magdalena, daughter of John and Hester (Steiner ) Miller. She was born February 8th, 1786, and died February 1st, 1847. In 1809 they moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, a little north of Preston on the farm owned until recently by their son Joel Here they both died. His death took place January 26th, 1845. In 1815 he was ordained deacon of the Mennonite Church for the Hagey field of labor. This position he held until his death. To him and his wife were born ten children, "

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

__________________

Mennonite families suffered misfortunes, such as childbirth deaths of women, accidental work deaths of men, frequent deaths of infants and young children, and the scourges of cholera, typhoid and tuberculosis. Cholera epidemics of the 1830s especially in July-August 1834 - could be devastating. Funerals were usually arranged by neighbours and friends, but the community was so demoralized in 1834 that, as Deacon Abraham L. Clemens wrote to his brother in Chester County in 1836, "the neighbours did not go out to assist one another as in any other disease so that there was no funeral held."

BUILDING COMMUNITY ON THE FRONTIER: the Mennonite contribution to shaping the Waterloo settlement to 1861 by Elizabeth Bloomfield

Abraham married Magdalena "Molly" Miller 1807. Magdalena (daughter of John Miller and Hester Steiner) was born 8 Feb 1786, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 1 Feb 1847, North Of Preston, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19903751
• Name: Magdalena "Molly" Clemens
• Name: Molly Miller
• Eby ID Number: 00079-4778

Notes:

Magdalena Miller, "daughter of John and Hester (Steiner) Miller, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, February 8th, 1786. She was married, in 1807, to Deacon Abraham L. Clemens who was born in the same place, July 3rd, 1781. In 1809 they moved to Canada and settled a little north of Preston where they both died. He died January 26th, 1845, and she died February 1st, 1847. See No. 1830. (Could not ascertain whether Magdalena and Margaret Miller were any relation to I Jacob Miller)."


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/26915942
• Name: Jacob Schantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6690
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Jacob Shantz
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 001, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 008N, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob Shantz, "the third son of Isaac and Barbara (Reiff) Shantz, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, October 11th, 1781. In 1805 he was married to Mary Yost who was born in the same county, March 12th, 1784, and died near Berlin, Ontario, October 22, 1869. In 1810 they left their native home and moved to Canada. They settled a little south-east of Berlin, on the farm now owned by their grandson, Jacob B. Shantz. This place old Mr. Shantz purchased from old George (Yarrick) Eby who had settled thereon in 1804. Here Mr. and Mrs. Shantz resided until their deaths. He died July 1st, 1867, leaving a family of ten children"


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

____________________________________


On the first of July, 1867, in Waterloo Township, C. W., Br. JACOB SHANTZ, aged 85 years, 8 months, and 20 days. He was a native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and removed to Canada with his family in the year 1810. He lived in wedlock sixty-two years, and leaves eight children, eighty-four grand-children, and fifty-six great-grand-children. He took an active part in converting the wilderness of Waterloo Township into fruitful country. He was energetic and courageous in what he did, and is his works were according to the will of God, he is now at rest. DAVID SHERK.


HERALD OF TRUTH - Volume IV, Number 8 - August 1867 pages 115, 116

_________________________

A LARGE FAMILY

The family of the late Jacob Shantz, father of our well-known Mr. Jacob Y. Shantz, was most remarkable for its size and long life. There were eight brothers in this family, named Isaac, John, Joseph, Joshua, David, Jacob, Samuel and Amos - all good scriptural names. They all write Y. as a middle name, after their mother's maiden name, which was Yost. These brothers all lived up to about two weeks ago when Isaac, the eldest, died at the advance age of about 70, the youngest being about 50. They all raised large families, some of them even beyond the orthodox dozen, and we believe all with perhaps one exception rejoice in the possession of numerous grand-children. The family have also been remarkably successful in their business matters, each having not only a comfortable home of his own but a sufficient surplus to start his children on the road to prosperity. These worthy brothers had one sister, wife of the late Abraham D. Clemens, Williamsburg, who is also still living though considerably over sixty years old. It is a very rare thing to find so large a family attaining the ages of these excellent brothers who are most of them yet in the prime of manhood.

BERLIN DAILY NEWS OCTOBER 17th, 1878

Jacob married Mary Yost 1805. Mary was born 12 Mar 1784, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Oct 1869, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26916095
• Name: Mary Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6690.1
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

On the 22nd of November, in Waterloo county, Ontario, Mary, widow of Jacob Shantz (who died some two years ago), aged 85 years, 7 months, and 11 days. She leaves a posterity of 159 souls.


Herald of Truth - Volume VI, Number 11 - November 1869 - page 175

Other Events:

• Land: Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 06, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00008-1028
• Residence: 1830, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Death: 18 Dec 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Abraham Biehn, "was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, February 7th, 1781. He was married to Veronica, daughter of Isaac and Barbara (Reiff) Shantz. She was born November 14th, 1789, and died July 27th, 1876. They resided on lot No. 1, Biehn's Tract, about one mile west of Doon, on the farm where his father had located in 1800. Here old Abraham Biehn and his wife resided until their death. He died November 3rd, 1858. their family consisted 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.].

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A-2-5 Abraham Biehn Be it known that on the 18^th December 1858, the Last Will and Testament of Abraham Biehn late of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, who died on or about the 3^rd day of December 1858 at the Township of Waterloo and who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at the Township of Waterloo, was proved and registered in the said surrogate Court…a true copy of which said Last Will and testament is hereunder written and that the administration...was granted to Aaron Biehn of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, David Shantz of the Township of Blenheim in the County of Oxford, Yeoman and Jacob Yost Shantz of the town of Berlin, Yeoman, the Executors named in said Will…

I, Abraham Biehm of the Township of Waterloo…do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament…first that all my just debts shall be paid by my hereinafter named Executors; Second I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Varonica, two beds and bed sheaeds[sic] [sheets?] my twenty-four hour clock and case, my corner cupboard and all what is in it, my case of drawers and all what is in it, my stove and pipe, and all my books, one cow, one horse, and my lease wagon, and one set of harness all the household furniture that my beloved wife may want. Further it is my will and desire that my son Aaron shall keep my wife's cow with his own cows during the whole year. Also I give one hundred and fifty pounds of pork to my wife in each and every year during her lifetime and ten buchels of apels[sic] in each and every year. I also order and devise that my loving wife shall have my house, I now live in free of rent, and as much fire wood delivered in the wood house as she may want for her own use. Further I order and desire and it is my will that my son Aaron shall have my farm I now live on, Lot no.1 in the Biehn's Tract at four thousand dollars with all the implements thereon, in the manner following, that is to say; twelve hundred dollars shall remain in my farm during the lifetime of my beloved wife Varonica at six per cent interest yearly for the same to her in hand paid each and every year, and one thousand dollars my son Aaron or his heirs shall have out of the then remaining two thousand eight hundred dollars for to equalize him with the rest of my children, according to my family's book and the then remaining eighteen hundred dollars my son Aaron shall pay five hundred dollars each and every year to my hereinafter named Executors, besides the interest on the twelve hundred dollars until the eighteen hundred are fully paid. Further it is my desire that all moneys arising from and out of my property personal or freehold, shall always be equally divided each and every year share and share alike amongst all my children or there heirs (my formerly son in law Jacob Y. Shantz shall always be considered as if my daughter Barbara was yet living) Except four hundred dollars of my daughter Mary her share (now intermarried to Benjamin Martin) shall be received for her two children, namely Moses , Martin and Mary Ann Martin, each of them shall have two hundred dollars, of the last payments or distributions of my daught. Mary's share and be put on interest till they become the age of twenty one years. Further it my will and desire that one year after the death of my wife my son Aaron or his successors shall pay no more interest but shall pay five hundred dollars yearly till the whole amount of twelve hundred dollars are fully paid, then my hereinafter named Executors shall give him a sufficient title or Deed.
Further, my son Aaron shall have the five acre Cedar Swamp joining lands of Daniel Staufer being part of Lot No 6, Biehn's Tract, Waterloo, south east corner of said Lot which is to go with my farm. Further I order and it is my will that within one year after my decease, my hereinafter mentioned Executors shall appraise all my goods, chattels and household furniture of whatsoever kind or nature, and sell the same by Public sale to the best for my heirs, and do as above decided and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my son Aaron Biehn and my son in law David Shantz and my friend Jacob Y. Shantz Executors of this my Last Will and Testament…

Witnessed by Johannes Steckler and C C. Martin
Will dated 23^rd September 1857
Proved 18^th December 1858
Died 3^rd December 1858
[Written in margin - very faint - two sums of money $800 and $1000]

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

Abraham married Veronica Shantz 1808. Veronica (daughter of Isaac Shantz and Barbara Rife) was born 14 Nov 1789, Pottstown, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA; died 27 Jul 1876, Near Doon, Waterloo Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Fanny Shantz
• Name: Veronica Biehn
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6847

Notes:

Veronica Shantz, "was born November 14th, 1789. In 1808 she was married to Abraham Biehn, a farmer. They resided near Doon where she died July 27th, 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.].