Elmer Nile Snider

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00106-5876.5

Other Events:

• Interesting: story, business, mill
• Name: T. B. Snider
• Name: Tilman B. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5876
• Residence: 1871, German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Tilman B. Snider, "was born December 9th., 1850. On October 24th, 1871, he was married to Magdalena Groff. He was raised at Waterloo and when well up in his "teens" he entered the mills and followed the milling business for a number of years. He and his brother Amos were joint owners of the German Mills for some years. In June, 1890, he moved to Sanborn, Iowa, U.S., where he is now engaged in farming and stockraising. While residing at German Mills Mr. Snyder took an active part in municipal matters, having served several years at the council board as councillor, then deputy reeve for the township. His family consists of six children"


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

______________________

T. B. SNIDER, Deputy Reeve of Waterloo Township, is a son of Elias Snider, and brother of E. W. B. Snider, M.P.P., and reckons among his ancestors some of the pioneers of this county, to whose efforts its development to its present high status is largely attributable. He was born in Waterloo Village in 1850, and there he grew to manhood. At the age of nineteen he assumed control of his father's extensive flouring mills, and later became a partner with his brother, A. B. Snider, in operating the large German Mills, an establishment which has been in commission about sixty years. He also participates in the promotion of agricultural matters, and has been largely instrumental in the improvement of the farm stock of the county by the importation of choice beasts from abroad. He has taken part as well in the conduct of municipal matters for several years past, and is now serving his third year in the township Council in the capacity of Deputy Reeve.


Illustrated Atlas of the County of Waterloo, H. Parsell & Co., Toronto, Ont. 1881

Tilman married Magdalena Groff 24 Oct 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Andrew H. Groff and Mary W. Bauman) was born 18 Nov 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Mar 1939, Sanborn, O'Brien, Iowa, USA; was buried , Roseland Cemetery, Sanborn, O'Brien, Iowa, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lena Groff
• Name: Magdalena Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3353
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Magdalena Groff, "was born November 18th, 1851. She is married to Tilman B. Snider, a farmer and stock raiser. They reside at Sanborn, Iowa, and have a family of six children"

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

__________________

Mrs. T. B. Snider

Mrs. T. Hewitt, 79 Victoria St., Wateroo, received word from Sanborn, Iowa of the passing at that place of Mrs. T. B. Snider, nee Magdalena Groff, wh odied on Saturday, March 18th, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. A. Hakeman in her 88th year. Deceased had been confined to her bed for several months. Funeral services. were held on the following Monday at the late home, when appropriate music was rendered by a mixed quartet. Pallbearers were grandsons of deceased and interment was made in the Roseland cemetery.

The late Mrs. Magdalena Snyder was a daughter of Andrew and Mary Groff and born in Waterloo, Ont., Nov. 18, 1851, and resided in Sanborn with her husband until his death, Oct., 1337 and then with her daughter, Mrs. Hakeman. She married Tilman B. Snider Oct. 24, 1871 and they resided at Waterloo until 1890 when they moved to Sanborn. About 33 years ago Mr. Snider retired from the milling business which he had conducted at Sanborn and they moved to Spencer where he died. we were held for Mr. Snider at his home on their 66th wedding annivesary. Since that time Mrs. Snider lived with her daughters, Mrs. Hakeman and Mrs. Peacock. Surviving are a family of six aughters, and one son, tweve grand- children and eleven great grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Mary Snider and a brother, Andrew Groff. One foster son. Thomas Hewitt, predeceased her in Canada.

Waterloo Chronicle Mar 31, 1939 pg 3

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story, religion
• Land: Waterloo Township - Bechtel Tract, Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 007, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 012, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Name: Elias Schneider
• Residence: German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5819
• Historic Building: Abt 1812, 172 King St. S., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Erb Kumpf House
• Occupation: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Historic Building: 1849, 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario; Dr. Voelker House
• Elected Office: 1850, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; coucillor - Waterloo Township
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• 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: 1874, Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ontario; Minister
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. Elias Snider "was born September 3rd, 1815. In his boyhood days he took great interest in his father's business. By the time he was twenty-one years of age he was not only a practical miller but also a thorough business man. In 1851 he purchased from the late Barnabas Devitt the large farm containing 310 acres of land, for Ð1500 and in 1853 he purchased the large grist mills now in possession of Wm. Snider & Co., together with 320 acres of land for Ð3500 In 1854 be again sold the large real estate in the town of Waterloo and purchased the "Musselman Farm" about one mile north of Waterloo, to which place he then moved. In 1860 he purchased the German Mills together with 669 acres of land. The same year he, in company with Samuel S. Schneider, regained possession of the Waterloo Mills and continued in business until 1879 when they sold out to the present proprietors. Mr. Snider now retired from business. On November 10th 1835, he was married to Hannah, daughter of John and Hannah (Bergey) Bingeman. She was born August 1st 1815, and died December 23rd, 1893. In 1874 Mr. Snider was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite body which position he held until his death which took place April 24th, 1890. His family consisted of twelve children, "


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

_______________________

Erb Street (David Eby) Mennonite Church

Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).

Due to a difference of opinion in the David Eby congregation, Sunday School classes were held at first in a private home, that of Levi Groff, beginning in 1887. The dissension which resulted culminated in a division in the church in 1889; the minister, Elias Schneider, and the deacon, Menno S. Shantz, left the church and joined with the Old Order Mennonites of Woolwich Township. The following year, 1890, saw the commencement of "Edification Meetings", which were held in the homes of members of the David Eby congregation. These meetings later became the Young People's Bible Meetings.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, it was recognized that the church building was either in need of repair or in need of complete replacement. Consideration was given to building a new church on the same site or on a site on King Street North. A decision was made to accept from Samuel S. Snider the donation of a parcel of land which was also on Erb Street, but nearer town. Excavation of the foundation for the new church began in the Spring of 1902. A dedication service was held on August 17, 1902. A parsonage was built in 1929 on land donated by Herbert Snider, the son of Samuel Snider. The church building was renovated and enlarged in 1949-1950; a dedication service was held on April 9, 1950. Further renovations were made in 1974..


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

____________

SNIDER.-In Waterloo township, Waterloo county, Ontario, on the 24th of April, Pre. Elias Snider, aged 74 years, 7 months and 21 days. Buried on the 27th at Martin's church, Waterloo township, where a very large concourse of relatives and friends had gathered, and on which occasion Paul Martin and Bish. Abraham Martin spoke from Psalm 126: 5, 6: and Luke 2: 29,30.

Herald of Truth pages, Vol. XXVII, Number 10, May 15, 1890, p. 157 and 158

Historic Building:
The original portion of the Erb-Kumpf House was built around 1812 by Abraham Erb, the founder of Waterloo, making it one of Waterloo's oldest homes. It was a three-bay structure facing a mill situated near the south-west corner of King and Erb Streets.
Abraham Erb came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1806 and settled on Lots 14 and 15 of the German Company Tract, land which now comprises the central business district of Waterloo. He established a sawmill on Beaver (Laurel) Creek in 1808 and a grist mill in 1816. In 1828, he sold his mills and a considerable quantity of land to Jacob C. Snider.
Magdalene Erb sold the home to Barnabas Devitt, her adopted son, in 1835. His son Benjamin served as Mayor of Waterloo from 1881 to 1883.
An addition to the house was probably built by Devitt in 1849. A slight hump in the roof on the north side indicates the location at which it joins the original structure. The application of a vertical board and clapboard which does not align is further evidence that it was added at a later date. The second addition, probably built by Hoffman around 1855, included the two-storey verandah at the front.

Elias Snider acquired the home and later sold it to Christian Kumpf in 1869. Kumpf was a newspaper owner, Mayor of Waterloo from 1879-1880, as well as Postmaster for 42 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Dominion Life Assurance Company in 1889. His son Ford, who became affectionately known as "Mr. Waterloo", was born in the home in 1877 and assumed ownership in 1899. One of the community's most public-spirited citizens, he served as Treasurer of Waterloo and Clerk/Manager of the Water and Light Commission. He was President of the Waterloo Red Cross Society and The Dominion Life Assurance Company.
At present, the house demonstrates a mixture of architectural styles. Among its Georgian characteristics is the six-over-six window pane arrangement. The facade, with its two wings, treillage, Gothic barge board and Doric columns, reflects the Regency influence.
In 1979, the home was sold to a law firm which has maintained the integrity of the exterior. A third addition in keeping with the style of the building has since been constructed.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Designated Properties www. waterloo.ca

Historic Building:
Constructed by Barnabus Devitt in 1849 and sold to Elias Snider in 1851.

Occupation:
Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).<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]

Elias married Hannah Bingeman 10 Nov 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Hannah (daughter of Johannes "John" Bingeman and Hannah S. Bergey) was born 1 Aug 1815, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 23 Dec 1893; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1050
• Residence: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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

Notes:

Hannah Bingeman, " was born August 1st, 1815. On November 10th, 1835, she was married to Rev. Elias Snider who was born September 3rd, 1815, and died April 24th, 1890. She died December 23rd, 1893. They resided in the farm now possessed by their son Jonas. Their family consisted of twelve children".


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

___________________

Mr. E. W. B. Snider's mother was buried at the Martin church cemetery on Tuesday.

Elmira Signet 4 Jan. 1894 p. 8, Col. 2

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200268672
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3351
• Residence: 1848, Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Andrew H. Groff, "was born near Galt, Ontario, July 26th, 1825. On May 30th, 1848, he was married to Mary Baumann who was born September 22nd, 1830. They reside on a beautiful farm about a mile north of the town of Waterloo. To them was born a family 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.].

_________________________

In 1901 Andrew was living with his daughter Lydia in Waterloo Township.

___________________

DEATH OF ANDREW GROFF.

Mr. Andrew Groff, a well known farmer, residing one mile north of Waterloo, passed away at 8.30 o'clock Wednesday morning, after an illness of several weeks, at the advanced age of 79 years and 10 months. The funeral will take place on Saturday morning. April 29th, at 9.30 o'clock, from his late residence, thence to Martin's meeting house for service and interment. The late Andrew H. Groff was born near Galt, Ont.. July 26th, 1825. On May 30th, 1818 was married to Mary Baumann, who predeceased. him in the year 1900. They resided on beautiful farm, one mile north of the town of Waterloo. To them were born a family of nine children, viz::- Henry, of Dundee, Minn., Magdalen, married to Tilman B. Snyder, a farmer and stock raiser in Sanborn, la.. Isaac B., residing on a farm near Yatton. Peel Tp., Israel, residing on. a farm in Pilkington Tp., Ephraim, of Iowa, dealer in stock, Mary, married to Rev. Absalom B. Snyder, a farm near Hespeler, Andrew B., unmarried, Pilkington Tp., Allan, unmarried, near German Mills, Lydia Ann, married to Abram Snyder, the old homestead near Waterloo.

The Chronicle Telegraph 27 Apr 1905, p. 5

Andrew married Mary W. Bauman 30 May 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Henry B. K. Bauman and Catherine Wismer) was born 22 Sep 1830, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Feb 1901, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200269036
• Name: Mary W. Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00002-503
• Residence: 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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:

Mary Baumann, "the third daughter of Henry B. K. Baumann, was born September 22nd, 1830. On May 30th, she was married to Andrew Groff who was born July 26th, 1825, They reside about a mile north of Waterloo where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists of nine children"

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

___________________

Death of Mrs. Andrew Groff. The many friends of Mrs. Andrew

Groff will learn with deep regret of her death which took place at her home north of Waterloo 6 o'clock Tuesday evening, at the age of 70 years. The funeral take will place at half past nine Saturday morning, March 2nd, from the residence, thence to Martin's meetng house for service and interment.

Mrs Groff, nee Mary Bowman, was the third daughter of the late Henry B. B. Bowman, Blair, and was born September 22nd, 1830. She was married to her now bereaved husband May 30th, 1848. Nine children were the fruit of this marriage all of whom are still living, viz: Henry, of Dundee, Minn; Magdalena, wife of T. B. Snider, Sanborn, Ia; Isaac, Peel township; Israel, Pilkington township; Ephraim, at present in Iowa; Mary wife of Rev Absalom B. Snyder, near Hespeler; Lydia Ann, wife of Abram B. Snyder, on the homestead, Waterloo, and Andrew and Allan, unmarried.

She was a kind and helpful neighbor, s good mother and wife and was universally esteemed. The husband and family will have the heartfelt sympathy of their friends and neighbors in the great loss they have sustained.

The Chronicle Telegraph 28 Feb 1901, p. 5

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob C. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5817
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Occupation: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Residence: 1845, 194 Forsyth Dr., Waterloo, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob C. Snider "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, February 19th, 1791. On July 21st., 1812, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, June 10th, 1791 and died in Waterloo, Ontario, January 12th, 1879. Soon after his marriage he moved on his farm a little to the west of the town of Waterloo where he resided until his death. Not many years after his arrival in Waterloo County he purchased the mill property belonging to the estate of Abraham Erb. Here he was engaged, besides farming, in the milling and saw-mill business and later erected the distillery. He died June 19th, 1865, leaving a family 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.].

__________________________

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was founded in 1837 by Rev. F.W. Bindemann, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kitchener; early services were held in homes or other suitable meeting places. Property for the first church building was purchased from Jacob C. Snider for 5 shillings (approximately $1.25). The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1838 and dedication services in the new church at 72 King Street North in Waterloo were held in the fall of the same year. Rev. Bindemann was pastor. He was replaced in 1841 by Rev. Jacob Huettner of Preston who then ministered to both congregations. When the church's first membership list was compiled on October 24, 1841, the congregation numbered sixteen persons.

The frame church was destroyed by fire and replaced by a new, larger one in 1883. This, too, was destroyed by fire - on October 31, 1959. The congregation then built a new stone church at a new location on Willow Street, with dedication taking place on October 14, 1962.

Early pastors except for Rev. Bindemann (1837-1841), who was asked to resign in 1841, were Revs. J. Huettner (1841-1849), F.A. Peifer, Immanuel Wurster (1851-1855), and Jacob Hoelsche who began his ministry in 1855. Rev. Wurster ministered to St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston jointly with St. John's for one year until assuming charge of only Preston in 1855.

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

_______________________


On the 19th of June, in Waterloo Co., C.W., of liver complaint and dropsy, Jacob Schneider, aged 74 years, and 4 months. He was born in Franklin Co., Pa., in 1791, emigrated with his father to Waterloo Co., C.W., in 1805; married to Elizabeth Kressman in 1812, and leaves an aged widow and 5 children to mourn their loss. He was calm and composed during his sickness and we hope he has gone from this weary world to rest in his Father's house in heaven. He was buried on the 21st, followed to the grave by a large concourse of relatives and friends, on which occasion the brethren Geo. R. Schmidt and Joseph Hegey preached a funeral discourse from Rev. 3: 21. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I I(sic) also overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne." E.S.

Herald of Truth July 1865 - Vol. II, No.7 Page 56

______________________

On September 1st, 1829, Abraham Erb transferred 240 acres of land including his saw-mill and flour-mill to Jacob C. Snider, who had moved from Pennsylvania to a farm a little west of the present town, and Mr. Snider, great-grandfather of Frederick W. Snider, who is now, with his partner, the owner of the same flour mill, carried on business here for many years.

As the waterpower was not sufficient for his purposes, he installed a steam plant. As he then had more power than he required, he added a distillery to his other lines, and this branch of the business was carried on actively for a long time.

His son Elias then rented the mill, and, as he objected to having the still, his father removed it to his own farm. Jacob C Snider transferred 320 acres to his son Elias in 1853, (see County Records), including the mill property and much of what is now the central part of town. A landmark for many years was a tall poplar tree which stood near the mill. It was said that early in the century a poplar switch was used to drive a team of horses from Pennsylvania, and, on his arrival, the driver planted the switch near the mill. It grew to be a very large tree, five feet or more in diameter, and for many years a heavy cable circled it several times as an anchor for a tall iron smokestack, the bark finally growing over the cable. The tree was cut down in the 90's to make way for street improvements, the tree having been planted before there was a street.

The community had a very slow growth for three decades or more after Abraham Erb first located in the cedar swamp, for Jacob C. Snider, like his predecessor, was not anxious to sell his land in small lots to intending settlers. He had a large family and preferred holding his lands as an inheritance.

....In the year 1854, Elias Snider sold most of his holdings of land to John Hoffman and Isaac Weaver, retaining the mill property, the dam and various lots. The price obtained was said to have been $32,000. The land was surveyed by Mr. Schofield, a well known Berlin surveyor of that time, staked off into lots, and the lots sold.

Sixteenth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1928, A Historical Sketch of the Town of Waterloo, Ontario, Clayton W. Wells, L.D.S., D. D. S.

________________________

Snider - Forsyth - Home
194 Forsyth Dr, Waterloo
Part of Lot 22, German Company Tract


The Germany Company, originating in Pennsylvania, was initially comprised of 26 shareholders. These shareholders raised 10,000 pounds to purchase 60,000 acres of property which came to be known as Waterloo Township. The property was bought from Richard Beasley. He, along with two partners, had purchased a total of 94,012 acres from the Crown who held the land in trust for Chief Joseph Brant of the Mohawk or Five Nations Indians. This transaction took place in 1798.

Lot 22 of the German Company Tract originally comprised 448 acres stretching between boundaries now defined approximately by streets Erb and Glasgow. It was sold by David and Jacob Erb, agents of the German Company, to Abraham Gingrich in 1805. In 1815, David Gingrich, Abraham's son, sold the lot to John Binkley of Ancaster. Binkley, in turn, sold the entire 448 acres to Jacob C. Snider in 1842.

Jacob C Snider was a Mennonite. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1790 and worked as a yeoman. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in 1791. The house at 194 Forsyth Drive was built by Jacob C. Snider in 1845. This fact is recorded in the census records of 1861. The original house was a two-storey, typical Georgian frame with walls 15 - 16 inches thick. These walls were made of concrete and brick, and were covered by a clapboard exterior. The entire house, at that time, was comprised of the present day living room and centre hall.

In 1853, Jacob C. sold the property to his nephew, Samuel S., a farmer. In 1864, Samuel took out a mortgage for $6,000 from the Canada Permanent Building Society. The mortgage was discharged in 1863 according to the 1861 census. Samuel and his wife Anna had 8 children - Cyrus, Elizabeth, Catherine, Hiram, Samuel, Menno, Susanna and Titus. With a family of this size it is speculated that the money was used for very needy additions. These included four second floor bedrooms, a third floor attic, a dining room, and the present-day kitchen. The architectural design of the addition was Gothic rather than the original Georgian. This is evident in the pointed cathedral window, the centre peaked roof, and the decorative mouldings above the east and west entrances to the centre hall.

One of the interesting additions to the house involves a separate building of brick construction which may be entered from the living room of the main house. The date of this addition is unclear according to some reports. It was used as a laundry prior to 1936. In a recent interview with Mrs. Howard Snider, who moved into the house as a new bride in 1929,[Howard and Linda were married in 1919] this addition was referred to by her as the "milk house," for the farm was still operational in those years. Mrs. Snider's daughter recalls, "my sister was old enough then to do the selling [of milk] to the townspeople. We would bring the milk from the barn, and use the milk house as our dairy." It is quite possible, however, that this building had been constructed prior to 1851 as "the doddy house" of Jacob and Elizabeth, for the census records of that year described their home as a "one storey brick." It was a very common Mennonite practice in those days for parents to have an add-on building constructed to the home of a son or daughter. Housed in this room is an enormous Dutch oven which was used for cooking. It remains uncertain whether this was the original location, or whether it had been relocated from another area of the house. While the large metal doors used to close the oven have been removed to expose the hearth, the cranes for supporting huge cooking pots remain.

Of the 448 acre property, Samuel sold 117 acres to his son, Titus, in 1903 for $8,000. In 1908, the executors of Titus Snider sold the property to George H. Hahn for $10,550. Six years later, the land was returned to the Snider family, this time to Jacob S., a ninth child of Samuel S., born after the 1861 census. The cost was $17,550. For the same amount Jacob sold the land to his son Howard S. in 1929. Jacob and his family then moved to the farm house now designated as 131 William Street West [Waterloo]. Howard sold various parcels of his land off, including a sizeable portion to the Westmount Golf and Country Club, and 56 acres, a
at a cost of $16,782 to John Derby C. Forsyth.

The Forsyths, who purchased the property in 1936 never lived at 194 Forsyth Drive, the street which now bears his name. It was purchased as a guest house. Shortly after they acquired the property, the old barn was torn down and an elaborate new one was built. Pine beams from the old were salvaged and sawed into mellow panelling for the livingroom and master bedroom of the house. "He didn't want to leave the land empty," said Mrs. Forsyth, "so he put in grain and bought a herd of purebred Jersey cattle. He lost money every year."

In 1947, the house was sold to Dominion Life Assurance Company. They planned a housing development and put the house up for sale. While the tender of Dr. Archie Case was not the highest submitted, his plans for the house most appealed to the company, and the property became his the following year. In his renovations, three-quarters of the house was replastered, and the old fashioned closed stairway was opened onto the centre hall. Part of the livingroom was put up on jacks, and garages were constructed under it at basement level. Adverse to change of any sort in the refurbishing, Dr. Case contracted for copies of the rotting window sashes, interior trim; and clapboard for exterior repairs was specially milled.

In 1963, the house was sold to Mr. and Mrs. J. Askin. Subsequent owners to the Askins included Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Epp in 1978 - 1980, and a Ms. D. Crossan and a Mr. D. Zimmer, 1980 - 1982.

Much of the research for the history was done by Marg Rowell, Waterloo. This was printed with permission by Marion Roes from the framed history hanging in the hall of the 2008 owners.

Jacob married Elizabeth Cressman 21 Jul 1812. Elizabeth (daughter of John Cressman and Anna Schowalter) was born 10 Jun 1791, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jan 1879, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2064
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1845, 194 Forsyth Dr., Waterloo, Ontario
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Cressman, "the third daughter, was born June 10th, 1791. She was married to Jacob C. Schneider who was born February 19th, 1791, and died June 19th, 1865. She died January 12th, 1879. 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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28023204
• Name: John Bingeman
• Eby ID Number: 00009-1044
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of John Bingeman
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 114, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 05E, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 011, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer

Notes:

John Bingeman, "who was born in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, March 15th, 1783. On November 3rd, 1805, he was married to Hannah, daughter of Abraham and Esther (Shantz) Bergey. She was born December 16th, 1787. In 1825 they with their large family moved to Canada and settled near what is now Bridgeport, Ontario. The following summer they moved on the east side of the Grand River. This is now in possession of Moses Kraft, one of their grand-children. He died October 18th, 1854, and she died June 11th, 1868. To them was born a family of fourteen 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.].

_________________________

A-1-46 John Bingeman: Administration to the Estate of John Bingeman, formerly of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, deceased, granted anede issued the 11 November 1854 to his widow Hannah Bingeman, after giving proof that her said husband was dead and dying intestate on or about the 18^th October next before, and on her giving surety herself and in the person orf Jonas Bingeman, of the aforesaid Township, Yeoman, and Elias Snyder, of the same place, Yeoman, each in the sum of £500/-. The Inventory of the chattels and goods left by said deceased at the time of his demise and the same delivered and on file in this office, amounting to £417/17/1 1/2d

Died October 18 1854
Letters granted 9 November 1854
Inventory £417/17/1 1/2

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

Johannes married Hannah S. Bergey 3 Nov 1805. Hannah (daughter of Abraham Bergey and Esther Shantz) was born 16 Dec 1787, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 11 Jun 1868, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 13 Jun 1868, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah S. Bingeman
• Eby ID Number: 00004-857
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Hannah S. Bergey

Notes:

Hannah S. Bergey," was married to John Bingeman."


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 11th of June, in Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, of apoplexy, HANNAH, widow of John BINGEMAN, aged 80 years, 5 months, and 25 days. Her maiden name was Berge. She was a native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She lived in wedlock forty-nine years and in widowhood nearly fourteen years, was the mother of fourteen children, nine of whom are still living, and leaves ninety-five grand-children and eighty-two great-grand-children. She was buried on the 13th in Ch. Eby's burying-ground. A funeral sermon was delivered by Pre. G. R. Smith from Eph. 2: 1, 5, and by Pre. Joseph Hegy from Rev. 14: 13.


Herald of Truth - Volume V, Number 8 - August, 1868, page 127, 128

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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

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

_________________________________-


SAMUEL GROFF. PRESIDENT NORTH WEST BUTTON CO.

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


Berlin Today 1806-1906 official souvenir
_______________________________________________________

From the Region of Waterloo Hall of Fame website.

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

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

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

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

Other Events:

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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-74
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Heinrich B. K. Bauman
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: Bef 1857, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; tanner and currier

Notes:

Henry B. K. Baumann, "sixth son of Peter Baumann, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 27th, 1790, died February 12th, 1858. Was married to Catharine Wismer, who was born April 17th, 1794, and died November 22nd, 1881. They resided near Preston, Ontario. Had a family of ten children."

Henry B. K. Baumann, "son of Peter Baumann (see No. 74), was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 27th, 1790. He came to Canada about 1816, and settled near Preston, on the Blair road, where he was engaged in farming and tanning. His brothers, Christian and David, and his sister Anna who was married to Christian Martin, settled in this county about the same time. Henry was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Fried) Wismer, May 4th, 1813. She was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 11th, 1794, came to Canada with her parents who settled in Waterloo County, near Blair, in 1800, and died at Preston, November 22nd, 1881. He died February 12th, 1858. They had a family of ten children"


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

____________________________


A-1-163 Henry B. K. Bauman Probate of the Will of Henry B.K. Bauman , late of the Village of Preston, Tanner and Currier, deceased, on the petition of Jacob Hagey of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, and Catharine Bauman (widow of said deceased) the Executor and Executrix named in said Will, which is in the words following:

I, Henry B, K. Bauman, of the Village of Preston…Tanner and Currier, being weak in body…First, I give and devise to my beloved wife Catharine Bauman, to have and to hold, one acre of vacant land, in the old homestead, wherever she wishes to have it, and my Executors shall build her a frame house thereon, 18 by 27 ft., and one story and a half high, and the outside walls of the lower story, later filled out with stone or brick, and further to have all such furniture as she wishes to keep, and also one cow, and five hundred dollars in money, of the first that will come out of the estate, and further to have one third of all the moveable property, and the interest of one third of the old homestead, to have and to hold the above property as long as she remains my widow, and after her decease it shall be equally divided amongst my heirs, and further I request my wife to continue house keeping until my youngest child is of age, and as long afterwards as she wishes to continue on, and further my wife Catharine Bauman shall have the right to sell the above mentioned house and one acre of land, whenever she wishes to do so, and further, whenever my widow wishes to quit housekeeping, my Executors shall sell the old homestead to the best advantage, either all together or in pieces, or in Village lots, any way they can sell it to the best advantage, and further, I give and devise to my fourth son Abraham Bauman, lot number five in the Twelfth concession of the Township of Hay in the County of Huron, to have and to hold to him, his heirs and assigns forever for the consideration of five hundred dollars. And further I give and devise to my three oldest sons Joseph K. Bauman, Solomon Bauman, and Peter Bauman, each an equal share of my property and likewise my daughters Hannah, Elisabeth, Mary and Nancy, each an equal share with my sons. And my Executors shall examine my books and see how much each of my heirs receive during my lifetime, and them that got least, shall share first until they have equal shares with the others, and then they shall all share alike and if any of them have any more then their shares will amount to when my property is equal divided, they then shall pay back to the Executors or other heirs, whatever they have more than their share will amount to so that they will all share and share alike, both sons and daughters, without reserve. And I hereby authorize my Executors to grant Deeds for my freehold property when sold. I do hereby nominate and appoint Jacob Hagey and Catharine Bauman Executors of this my Last Will and Testament…

Witnessed by Peter Bauman, Richard Kelsey and Aaron Bauman
Will dated 23^rd July 1857
Proved 8^th March 1858
Died 12^th February 1858
No Inventory

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

Henry married Catherine Wismer 4 May 1813. Catherine (daughter of Joseph Wismer and Hannah Fried) was born 11 Apr 1794, , Chester Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Nov 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Bauman
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8229
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Catherine Wismer
• Immigration: 1800, , Canada
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catherine Wismer, "was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 11th, 1794. On May 4th, 1813, she was married to Henry B. K. Baumann. She died at Preston, Ontario, November 22nd, 1881."


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.].
An Old Resident - There died at Preston on the 22nd November, Mrs. Catherine Bowman, relic of the late Henry B. K. Bowman, aged 87 years, 7 months and 11 days. The deceased lady emigrated to Canada in 1800.

Galt Reporter Nov 25 1881 pg 1