William Leander Scheifele

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-53727
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1906, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-53723
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1907, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer of Cigars
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Street
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

WILLIAM SCHEIFLE.

The visitor who calls upon this gentleman will not lack anything to keep him interested, as he is a fluent talker and advances many ideas that are worth noting. He comes from. German extraction. His father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and his mother is an Alsatian. Mr. Scheifle was born where he lives, forty-nine years ago. He had an early training on the farm, and knows what hard work is. In 1876 he was married to Mary, youngest daughter of the venerable Conrad Stroh, of near Conestogo. The couple started housekeeping, and with the determination to pay for a five- thousand-dollar farm. The task was a herculean one, but both having had a thorough training in agricultural pur- suits, were consequently prepared for the worst. Frequently during the harvest season he would go out in his fields at three and four o'clock in the morning and swing his cradle until breakfast, and during the day would help his neighbor, while his wife would bind the grain he had cut in the early morning. At night he would return home and shock the grain, and again swing the cradle by moonlight until ten or eleven o'clock. They accomplished their aim, and to day can survey one hundred and one acres of choice. land well improved, a substantial brick residence and all necessary outbuildings which they can call their own, and have a neat sum to spare. I refer to this merely to show what can be done if a man and his wife work in harmony together, and take hold with a determination to win. Fifty years ago, seventy acres of this land was purchased for seven hundred dollars. Twenty-two years ago, Mr. Scheifle bought it for five thousand dollars, and
its value will exceed that amount today.

On this farm in a field commanding a magnificent view of the majestic Conestogo and its fertile bottoms are unmistakeable evidences that the noble red man who was monarch of all he surveyed in this region, and flourished long before the advent of his pale-faced brother, found it a paradise to live in. Over a level expanee of ten or fifteen acres are four or five dark spots from thirty to forty yards in circumference, each a few rods distant from the other. They are easily distinguised from the natural soil of the field, and the seeker after Indian relics is often rewarded in finding pieces of flint, arrow heads and numerous other articles in common use in the wigwam of the wily sons of the forest. Large quantities of broken stone are also to be found, which were undoubtedly the work of Indians Tradition has it that they had coal for fuel, the whereabouts of which was never revealed to the whiteman. The dark soil in these spots is good ground for the supposition that coal was the fuel in use and that it was found in the immediate vicinity of this farm. A chemical test would doubtless disclose a large per cent. of coal dust in the soil.

Mr. Scheifle is also a horse fancier and has several fine animals in his stables. One, a splendid and intelli- gent looking animal, is from a noted German cavalry horse. In municipal affairs Mr. Scheifle has also had some experience, having served one term in the township council, three years as school trustee and is at present town- ship collector. In this capacity he has proven himself to be worthy of the honors thrust upon him.

Some of the oldest settlers in this section will be the subject of my next letter. H, N.

Waterloo County Chronicle 5 May 1898 pg 8

William married Maria "Mary" Stroh 13 Dec 1874. Maria (daughter of Conrad Stroh and Anna Maria "Mary" Oswald) was born 19 May 1850, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 16 Jun 1850, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Aug 1906, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Conestogo, Woolwich, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria "Mary" Scheifele
• Name: Mary Stroh
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-53724
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Conestogo

The Grim Reaper. Death has once more made his appearance in our midst and cut short the life of one not yet old in years, but who was not yet in the prime of life. The call did not come sudden, but after a lingering illness of about 1 ½ years, during which time she had to endure much pain. Deceased was Mary Scheifele (nee Stroh) who was born on May 19^th 1850 in the township of Woolwich near Elmira and when yet a child her parents Mr and Mrs. Conrad Stroh moved to the old Stroh homestead about a mile east of Conestogo where she spend the remainder of her early life. On Dec 13^th, 1874 she was married to Wm Scheifele with whom she spend her married life on the farm on which she died. She died on Thursday morning, Aug 2, aged 56 years 2 mos and 14 days. She is survived by the bereaved husband and with him there is left to mourn the loss of a loving mother and sister, 3 children, 2 grandchildren, the children being Annie, wife of Emanuel Hemmerich of Elmira, Charlie at home, and Wm. of Berlin. There are also four brothers, Yost and Charles of Elmira, Jacob of St. Jacobs, and George of Conestogo and numerous other friends. She was predeceased by her mother who died about 12 years ago, her father about 7 and sister Mrs. Adam Herman about 3 years ago. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon to the Lutheran church and cemetery for service and burial, the service being conducted by Rev. O. Liuke [?]. The large number of friends who came to pay a last tribute of respect would show that she was well and favorably known.


Elmira Advertiser, August 11, 1906

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-53729P
• Residence: 1839, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1864, Woolwich Township German Company Tract 032, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

He arrived in this area from Germany.

Christian married Annie Gatschene 24 Sep 1839, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Annie (daughter of Gatschene and Margareth) was born 10 Nov 1820, , Germany; died 6 Sep 1903; was buried , Saint Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Conestogo, Woolwich, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Annie Scheifele
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-53728P
• Immigration: 1827, , Canada
• Residence: 1839, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/241660671
• Interesting: pioneer, story, sports
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-115896
• Immigration: Sep 1837, New York City, New York, USA.
• Residence: 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1840, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1848, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; yeoman
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

November 10, 1899

Death of One of the First Settlers of Woolwich

On Friday the 13^th ult., there died at the home of his son George east of the village of Conestogo, Mr. Conrad Stroh, one of the old pioneers of Woolwich. Deceased was born in Lehrbach Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Oct 3^rd, 1811 and was consequently a little over 88 years old when he died. With his three brothers he left the Vaterland and after a voyage of 47 days reached America and came on to Berlin, where he made his home for a short time. Here he was married by Rev. Bindemann, in 1839 to Miss Annie Marie Oswald who shared his joys and sorrows for some 55 years and predeceased him about 5 years. Afterwards he took up land near West Montrose and a little later a couple of miles east of Elmira and finally he got possession of the homestead opposite the junction of the Conestogo and Grand rivers, where by preserving energy and thrift he and his partner in life succeeded in carving out of the rich virgin forest a comfortable home. Here he spent the remainder of his life with the exception of a few years prior to the death of his wife when they lived in Conestogo. Deceased enjoyed robust health until about a year and a half ago when he had a severe attack of the grippe from which he recovered but which left him in much feebler condition. A few weeks ago he was taken sick and gradually sank until released by death. During this time he had the best attention and care from his son and daughter-in-law for which he expressed his gratitude during his last days.

Deceased possessed many good qualities and as a mark of esteem his remains were followed to their last resting place in the Lutheran cemetery at Conestogo by a large concourse of relatives, neighbours and friends. He was one of the founders and a life long member of the Lutheran congregation at Conestogo [St. Matthews] and a staunch Liberal in politics. He leaves behind him four sons and two daughters, all married, 28 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also three brothers, Yost of Woolwich aged about 77 years, Henry of Waterloo aged 81 years and John of Berlin aged nearly 91 years.

Woolwich at the Turn of the Century: 1900, (Woolwich Historical Foundation, Woolwich Township, Ontario, Canada, October 2001), p. 42

_____________________________________

CONRAD STROH was one of the mighty hunters of by-gone days. He lived on the banks of the Grand River, about one mile east of Conestogo, and died at the good old age of 87 some eight years ago. Conrad was an unerring marksman, and when he pulled the trigger of the old flint lock the bullet sped with undeviating accuracy to the objective point. A friend and companion of Conrad's was Jacob Benner, of West Montrose, who was also a Nimrod who had won his reputation by practical and visible results. He, too, was a keen-sighted marksman and prided himself on never missing his aim. Although the two were fast friends there existed a little good-natured rivalry between them regarding the supremacy of marksmanship. One day a test of skill was determined on. Each was to fire at a spot on a certain. tree. Both fired, but on examination only one bullet hole was found. Both claimed it, and a dispute arose which cooled their friendship and threatened an open rupture. In those days the settlers made their own bullets and lead was scarce. Some days afterwards Benner, passing the spot where the trial had taken place, thought to save the lead by cutting out the ball embedded in the tree. Imagine his surprise when he found both bullets in the one hole. Benner communicated the discovery to his friend and the warm comradeship was resumed that was never afterwards broken.

Chronicle-Telegraph Newspaper, 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906 (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Chronicle-Telegraph Newspaper, 1906) pg 26

___________

Zur Erinnerung an Conrad Stroh Gestorben den 13ten Oktober 1899 Im Alter von 88j. 10t. [verse in German]

[Translation: In Memory of Conrad Stroh Died 13th of October,1899, aged 88 years, 10 days.]

Funeral Card

Conrad married Anna Maria "Mary" Oswald 9 Jul 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Philip Jacob Oswald and Margaretha Becker) was born 23 Apr 1821, Wilgartswiesen, Rhein-Baiern, Germany; died 3 Sep 1894, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, Conestogo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/241662240
• Name: Anna Maria "Mary" Stroh
• Name: Maria Oswald
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-115897
• Residence: 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Zur Erinnerung an Anna Maria Stroh Holy Bible Gestorben den 3ten September 1894 im Alter von 74J., 4M., 1(4) T. [verse in German]

[Translation: In Memory of Anna Maria Stroh, Died the 3rd of September,1894, aged 74 years, 4 months and 1(4) days.]

Funeral Card

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: 00099-5548

Notes:

Andrew Scheifle, (now Scheifle is spelled Scheifley, and Shyflee) "the pioneer settler of this family, was born in Switzerland probably as early as 1786. When a young man he left his native home and went to Wurtenberg, Germany, where he remained several years. In 1815 he emigrated to America and late in the fall of the same year he arrived at Berlin, Ontario. Here he resided until the following spring (1816), then he moved on the farm now possessed by the heirs of the late Abraham Groff. Old Mr. Scheifle was married to Maria Nagle. His family consisted of several children but the name of only one has been handed unto us"


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.].

Andrew — Anna Maria Nagle. Anna was born 1788, , Wuerttemberg, Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Maria Scheifele
• Name: Maria Nagle
• Eby ID Number: 00099-5548.1
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Residence:
Lived with Heinrich Herber.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-112986

— Margareth. Margareth was born 1793, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margareth Gatschene
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-112987
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Residence:
Was staying with Christian and Anna (Gatsgene) Schiefle in Woolwich at the time of the census

Other Events:

• Name: John Stroh
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-79453
• Immigration: Sep 1837, New York City, New York, USA.

Notes:

How More German Families Were Brought In

At that stage there was a further influx of German hand-workers. In the main they came from Hesse, with sprinklings from Baden, Saxony. Mecklenburg, and other States. Woodworkers predominated. The Dorf however boasted a weaver, wagonmaker, hatmaker. a tailor (John Nahrgang), two shoemakers, and several carpenters, while Anselm Wagner, potter, made shilling crocks and flowerpots for the Hausfrau. A Dr. Klinkert was the first doctor.

The late Jacob Stroh of Waterloo told how one German family brought in another. John Nahrgang, for example, wrote to his friend, Yost Stroh, of Lehrbach, Hesse-Darmstadt, a small land-owner and wagonmaker, urging him to come over, saying that good land could be bought at a low price. Yost Stroh reflected that his sons would soon be of age and require to serve seven years in the army: scratched his head when he thought of the seven or eight kinds of taxes he had to pay, including a head tax and a church tax; and winced when here remembered that the authorities took every tenth sheaf of grain he grew. So he resolved on emigrating.

Mr. and Mrs. Stroh and their sons John, Conrad, Henry and Yost, Jr., after a Grüsz Gott from relatives, set out on a sailing ship in 1837. The perilous seas tossed them hither and yon for twelve weeks before they reached New York. There they boarded a steamer for Albany; rode to Oswego in a train that ran on wooden rails faced with iron; at Oswego embarked in a ship they thought was bound for Hamilton but which landed them in Toronto; returned by boat to Hamilton, and hired a Negro to drive them up to Preston; then had a Mr. Guggisburg bring them up to Berlin in a wagon. When the party stepped inside John Nahrgang's door their combined capital was nine cents. Work however was plentiful and the family soon became householders. Later on John bought a farm at Lexington for eight dollars an acre, and Conrad one at West Montrose for $2.00 an acre. Henry and Yost Jr. were apprenticed to shoemakers. Afterward Henry opened a shop in Schneider's Road where the Seiler and Saddler blocks now are. Henry married Frederick Gaukel's daughter Susannah, and Mr. Jacob Stroh was one of their sons.

A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937 pg 39, 40

_________________________

It was reported that her husband YOST died by drowning in he mill pond in Bridgeport and was buried in the Lutheran Cemetery in Berlin.

Johann — Anna Catherine Hahn. Anna was born 20 Aug 1786, , Germany; died 28 May 1865, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Catherine Stroh
• Name: Catherine Hahn
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-79454
• Immigration: Sep 1837, New York City, New York, USA.
• Residence: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Residence:
Lived with her son Henry and his wife Susanna

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-191773

Philip — Margaretha Becker. Margaretha was born CA 1788, of, Wilgartswiesen, Rhein-Baiern, Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaretha Oswald
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-191774