Reuben Litwiller

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63150849
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-202039
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Reuben — Olive Veronica Scallion. Olive was born 22 Mar 1912, Halifax, Halifax Co., Nova Scotia; died 1995; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14862832
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80822
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1896, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farm Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

Litwiller. - Jacob Litwiller was born near St. Agatha, Ont., March 7, 1874; aged 54 y. 2 m. 26 d. On Sept. 22, 1896 he was married to Rachael Jantzi. This union was blessed with 7 children. He leaves his widow, an adopted daughter (Eleanor), Nelson and Edna (Mrs. A. Swartzendruber - missionaries in South America), Reuben, Milton, Ella, Delton, 7 grandchildren, 2 brothers, and four sisters. He was confined to his bed for about five weeks. Death was due to complications, but his main sickness was bacterial endacarditis. During his illness he spent many wakeful nights, meditating with God, and during unconscious hours his talk was always of spiritual matters. He was a lover of song, and during his days of sickness he asked all those present to sing for him; leaving a blessed assurance of the eternal hope. In his younger years he united with the Amish Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member until death. Father's place in our home can never be filled. His kind disposition commanded all to love him and the loss of his counsel is heavy to us. Funeral services June 6 at the house by Christian Gascho, and at the A. M. Church near St. Agatha, by C. F. Derstine, Oscar Burkholder, and Peter Nofziger. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

"Deep in our hearts lies a picture,
Of a loved one laid to rest;
In memories frame we will keep it,
Because he was one of the best.
Friends may think we have forgotten,
When at times they see us smile;
But they little know the heart aches,
That the smile hides all the while. The Family.

Gospel Herald - Volume XXI, Number 18 - August 2, 1928, pages 382, 383

_________________

Mr. Jacob Litwiller of St. Agatha passed away Saturday at his home, In his 54th year after an illness of several months' duration. He was a prominent farmer for many years and a member of the St. Agatha Amish Mennonite Church. The late Mr. Litwiller had spent his entire life on his farm near the village. He Is survived by his wife, three daughters, Ella and Eleanor at home, Edna (Mrs. Amos Schwartzentruber) a missionary in South America, and five sons, Nelson, a missionary in South America, Milton or St. Agatha, Reuben of Wind sorf and Delton and Orie at home.

The funeral was held on Wednes day afternoon from his residence to the St. Agatha Amish Mennonite Church. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.

Waterloo Chronicle 7 Jun 1928, p. 4

Jacob married Rachel Jantzi 22 Sep 1896, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Rachel (daughter of Christian Jantzi and Annie Lichti) was born 2 May 1878, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Apr 1960, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Agatha Mennonite Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14862894
• Name: Rachel Litwiller
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80823
• Residence: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

Litwiller, Rachel, daughter of Christian and Annie (Lichti) Jantzi, was born May 19, 1878, in Wellesley Twp., Ont.; died of a heart attack at Kitchener, Ont., April 26, 1960; aged 81 y. 11 m. 7 d. In 1896 she was married to Jacob Litwiller, who died in 1928. Surviving are 5 sons (Nelson, Uruguay; Milton and Delton, Kitchener; Reuben, Preston; and Orrie, Waterloo), 3 daughters (Edna--Mrs. Amos Swartzentruber, Argentina; Ella--Mrs. Clifford Snider, Kitchener; and Eleanor--Mrs. Anson Litwiller, Toronto), and one sister (Mrs. Fannie Gerber). She was a member of the Steinman Church, where funeral services were held April 29, in charge of Orland Gingerich, assisted by Leslie Martin and John Mosemann.

Gospel Herald - June 21, 1960 - Vol. LIII, No.25 - page 574

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14865159
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124973
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1889, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

Litwiller.--Chr. Litwiller was born in St. Agatha, Ont., Sept. 13, 1848; died of heart failure at his home in Petersburg, Ont., Aug. 27, 1924; aged 75 y. 11 m. 14 d. He had been in good health till about six months ago when he began to fail. Seven weeks before his death he had a desire to go to church and said, "It will be the last time" (which it also was), and after that he thought he wasn't able to go any more. He gradually got weaker and was bedfast for only five days. Bro. Litwiller united with the Amish Church when yet a young man. He was ordained to the office of deacon when yet in his twenties, and in the same year was ordained to the ministry, which place he filled whenever possible. He was married to Maria Miller, who preceded him in death three years on the day that he was buried. He leaves 7 children (Barbara, Jacob, Annie, wife of M. O. Jantzi, Samuel, Mary, wife of Jac. Mussselman, Lydia, wife of Irvon Block, and David). He also leaves 32 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, and 1 brother. We believe that father has gone to be with Jesus. May we all prepare our hearts to meet him. He was buried on Aug. 30. Funeral services were conducted at the house by Daniel Steinman and at the church by Dan Jutzi and Eli Frey. Text. "For what is your life?" Buried in adjoining cemetery. "Weep not for me, children, I have passed all grief and pain: But live and labor for Christ the Savior, That we may meet in heaven again." A Daughter.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XVII, No. 28 - October 16, 1924 - pages 575

__________________

In Memoriam Died On Wednesday, August 27^th, 1924, at the Family Residence, Petersburg, Ontario, Rev. Christian Litwiller, aged 75 years, 11 months, 14 days. The Funeral Will take place from his late residence, on Saturday, August 30^th, at 1. 30 p. m, to St. Agatha A. M. Church for services. We miss him - oh! How sadly None but aching hearts can tell; We have lost him, Heaven has found him, our Father doeth all things well^.

Funeral Card

Christian married Maria "Mary" Miller 27 Sep 1870. Maria (daughter of Christian S. Miller and Maria Roth) was born 13 Dec 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 Aug 1921, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Agatha Mennonite Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14865206
• Name: Maria "Mary" Litwiller
• Name: Mary Miller
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-124984
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Notes:

Litwiller.-Maria Litwiller, nee Miller, was born in Wilmot, Ont., Dec. 13, 1851; died Aug. 30, 1921; aged 69 y. 8 m. 17 d. Sept. 27, 1870, she was married to Pre. Chr. Litwiller. To this union were born 9 children-4 sons and 5 daughters. One son and 1 daughter preceded her. She leaves husband, 7 children, 30 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, 1 brother, 3 sisters, and many friends and acquaintances. Mother was sick for nearly two years when the last 3 months she suffered much pain but was very patient during her afflictions. She united with the A. M. Church in her teens and remained faithful to the end. Funeral services were conducted at the home by Bro. P. Boshart and at the church by Bros. C. Z. Yoder in English and Jonas Snyder in German. Texts, Isa. 35: 8-10; Phil. 1: 21. Buried in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume XIV, Number 27 - October 6, 1921 - p. 527

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-59607
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Occupation: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Christian — Annie Lichti. Annie (daughter of Nicholas Lichti and Ann Ernst) was born 1839, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Bef 1911. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Annie Jantzi
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-69744
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24854
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Religious leader

Notes:

Litwiller, Peter (1809-1878)

Peter Litwiller was born 8 January 1809, in Illfurth, Upper Alsace. His parents were Anna Maria (the name she went by) Maurer and Jacob Litwiller. Jacob died in 1814. Widow Maria, three married daughters and their families, two single daughters and Peter left France and arrived in New York on 12 July 1827.

On their arrival in Waterloo, they selected lots in the newly-surveyed centre block in Wilmot Township and set to work. Young Peter selected Lot 7, on the north side of Erb's Road, but did little work on his own lot until after his marriage to Elizabeth Lichti in 1830. By 1835, however, he had completed his settlement duties and received his patent for the front fifty acres from the Crown.

In 1838 Peter bought a little notebook which he called his "Notizbuch." It illustrates the settlers' system of bartering goods and services. Litwiller frequently hired persons by the day or to do certain tasks. This may have been the labourer's only way to get a little needed cash as much as Litwiller's need for assistance. Goods supplied in exchange for work might be yarn for stockings, material for a coat, a pound of "dubock" (tobacco), or postage for a letter. A study of the names appearing in Litwiller's notebook is a veritable "who's who" of new Amish-Mennonite arrivals in Canada. Litwiller also had dealings with his non-Amish neighbours, most of whom were Roman Catholic.

Peter's compassionate business acumen won for himself the respect of his co-religionists and, at the age of 28, he was chosen for the ministry in the Wilmot Amish Mennonite congregation in 1845. That was also the year that he served as one of the trustees who purchased the school site which the Amish had established at the site of the present St. Agatha Mennonite Church.

Peter's brother-in-law, Rudolph Roth, a gifted preacher, had been ordained minister in 1835 and bishop in 1843. Family relationships during the next few years must have been very trying for Peter and his sisters and in-laws when Rudolph Roth, his wife Maria (nee Litwiller), Jacob and Barbara (Litwiller) Gardner, and Veronica (Litwiller) Gingerich (but not her husband) joined the Reformed Mennonites . Rudolph's early demise in 1853 removed him from any conflict which Peter might have had with him.

Rudolph's leaving the Amish-Mennonite fold and the deaths of both Bishop John Oesch in Hay and Bishop Christian Miller in Wilmot, left the aged Bishop Christian Wagler, recent immigrant from Alsace, as the only bishop for the whole Amish-Mennonite constituency. It must have been Bishop Wagler who ordained Peter Litwiller that same year, and after Wagler's death the following year, Peter was left with bishop oversight over the whole Amish-Mennonite community from Wilmot to Lake Huron.

Joseph Ruby was ordained bishop for the South Easthope-East Zorra congregation in 1853 and John Jantzi for the North Wilmot-Wellesley congregation in 1859. The Hay congregation, however, did not ordain a bishop, and were served by those in East Zorra or Wilmot for the next 100 years.

Peter Litwiller's farm buildings were across the street and up the road a short distance from the Catholic Church. In 1857, a dedicated young man by the name of Eugene Funcken arrived in St. Agatha to serve in the Congregation of the Resurrection. Father Funcken was full of zeal and energy. These two men might have had good reasons to ignore each other, at best, or engage in a running feud, at worst, but they did neither. According to family tradition, they met with each other regularly to discuss topics of a religious nature. They set the stage for a peaceful community, rather than one where various factions are in conflict.

Peter Litwiller died 7 July 1878. It is said that when the funeral cortege passed the Catholic church on its way to the Amish cemetery, Father Funcken had the bells tolled. A broadside printed at the time of his death is also attributed to Father Funcken. In it he extolled the bishop's character and his ministry.<sup>1

1</sup>Roth, Lorraine. "Litwiller, Peter (1809-1878)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. October 2004. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 13 Nov 2005

______________

Herald of Truth - Volume XV, Number 8 - August 1878, pages 141, 143 and 144

LITZWILER.-July 8th, of long suffering with rheumatism, PETER LITZWILER, bishop of the Amish Mennonite church, at the age of 69 years, 5 months and 27 days. He was beloved by all who knew him.

Peter married Elizabeth Lichti 1830. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes F. "John" Lichti and Magdalena Joder) was born 2 Oct 1808, , France; died 25 Feb 1882; was buried , Saint Agatha Mennonite Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Litwiller
• Name: Lizzie Lichty
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24855
• Immigration: 9 Jul 1825, New York City, New York, USA.
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Immigration:
Departed Le Harve, France on the passenger ship "Elizabeth" arrived New York City 9 Jul 1825"
John Leichy, age 67, farmer, from France
Madelina Leichty, age 52
Joseph Leichty,, age 26
Maria Leichty, age 18
Elizabeth Leichty, age 16
Nicholas Leichty, 1

Other Events:

• Residence: 130 Queen St., Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Caanda
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77975
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Miller. - Christian S. Miller was born Feb. 22, 1830, in the township of Wilmot, where he lived until the time of his death. He was married to Maria Roth Feb. 2, 1851, with whom he lived in matrimony 40 y. 8 m. 27 d. To them were born 8 children (Maria, Jacob, Barbara, Rudy, Mattie, Katie, Fannie, Christian) all are living in Waterloo Co. except Jacob, who lives in Alberta. After fighting the battles of a widower's life for 24 y. 3 m. 27 d. he departed this life on Feb. 25, 1916, at the ripe old age of 86 y. 3 d., leaving to mourn his departure 6 children (1 adopted), 48 grandchildren, and 56 great-grandchildren. Funeral Feb. 29 conducted at the house by Bro. D. Steinman and at the Steinman Church by Bro. E. J. Berkey in English (text, II Cor. 5: 1) and Bro. Eli Frey in German (text, Jno. 3: 36; 5: 24). Burial in cemetery near by.

"His face on earth we see no more,
But hope to meet on other shore."

Gospel Herald - Volume VIII, Number 51 - March 16, 1916 - pages 828, 831, 832

Christian married Maria Roth 2 Feb 1851. Maria (daughter of Rev. Rudolph Roth and Maria Litwiller) was born 1826, , Germany; died 1891; was buried , Steinmann Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Miller
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-120924
• Residence: 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Name: Michael Yantzi
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-80907
• Immigration: 1828, , Canada
• Residence: 1838, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Michael — Maria Boshart. Maria was born 1814, , , France; died Abt 1853. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Jantzi
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-87089
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish

Other Events:

• Name: Nick Lichty
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-239466
• Immigration: 1825, , Canada
• Immigration: 9 Jul 1825, New York City, New York, USA.
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Immigration:
Departed Le Harve, France on the passenger ship "Elizabeth" arrived New York City 9 Jul 1825"
John Leichy, age 67, farmer, from France
Madelina Leichty, age 52
Joseph Leichty,, age 26
Maria Leichty, age 18
Elizabeth Leichty, age 16
Nicholas Leichty, 1

Nicholas — Ann Ernst. Ann was born 1805, , , France; died Bef 1881. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ann Lichti
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-239467
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish