Jacob S. Gingrich

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00039-3178.13
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61444702
• Name: Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3178
• Residence: 1863, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Jacob B. Gingerich, "was born June 13th, 1840. He was first married to Mary, daughter of Rev. David and Elizabeth (Betzner) Sherk. She was born February 4th, 1837. They resided on the old "Sherk Farm" on the east bank of the Grand River, opposite the village of Doon where she died May 3rd, 1866. After her decease he was married to Elizabeth Sherk, sister to his first wife. She was born July 27th, 1845. On July 1st, 1878, he was ordained as a minister of the Mennonite body for the Hagey and Wanner field of labor. He is a good man and a diligent worker for the Master, and is very liberal in his views in regard to the plan of salvation. As a minister he is very popular on his fields of labor. Of first wife there was one son named David (dead). Of second union there were 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

____________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.

Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.

Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.

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

____________________________________

Gingrich - Pre. Jacob B. Gingrich was born in Waterloo Twp., Ont., June 13, 1840; died Oct. 11, 1920; aged 80 y. 3 m. 28 d. He was first married to Sister Mary Sherk, daughter of Pre. David Sherk. She preceded him in death. He was again married to Elizabeth Sherk, sister of his first wife, Dec. 2, 1866. July 2, 1878 he was ordained to the ministry and for thirty years served to the best of his ability in that capacity. He labored with the Wanner and Hagey congregations. Twelve years ago he received a paralytic stroke while in the pulpit from which he never fully recovered. The last four years he has been confined to his home. He was a devoted companion and a kind father, ever willing to help those in need. He was patient in his sufferings. He leaves a loving companion, 4 sons, 3 daughters, and 26 grandchildren. Two sons and 1 daughter preceded him. Funeral services were held at Hagey's Church by Brethren Ben Shantz, Abram Snider, and Jonas Snider. Many relatives and friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Burial in cemetery nearby.

Obituary - Gospel Herald, November 25, 1920

Jacob married Elizabeth Sherk 9 Dec 1866, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Rev. David Sherk and Elizabeth B. Betzner) was born 27 Jul 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Nov 1934; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61444742
• Name: Elizabeth Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5647
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1866, 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
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Shirk, "was born July 27th, 1845. She was married to Rev. Jacob B. Gingerich and resides on part of the old "Sherk Homestead." To them 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.].

__________________________

Gingrich. - Elizabeth Sherk, wife of the late Jacob B. Gingrich, was born July 27, 1845; died Nov. 12, 1934; aged 89 y. 3 m. 15 d. She became a member of the Mennonite Church in her early years. She was married to Jacob B. Gingrich in 1866, who was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite Church 12 years later and who preceded her in death in the year 1920. To this union were born 10 children: Mary (Mrs. Martin Boyer), John (who died in infancy), Enoch, Norman, Dilman, Elizabeth (Mrs. W. K. Jacobs), Nancy (Mrs. Levi Hostetler), Jacob, Samuel (died in 1904), Barbara (died, 1911) ; also 24 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren living.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXVII, No. 35 - November 29, 1934 - pages 754,755

Other Events:

• Name: John Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3176
• Residence: 1837, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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

Notes:

John Gingerich, "son of John and Anna (Hackman) Gingerich, was born December 26th, 1814, and died December 11th, 1875. He was married to Anna Burkhard who was born November 1st, 1816, and died October 18th, 1883. They resided on their farm a few miles north of the town of Waterloo where 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.].

Johannes married Anna Burkhard 7 Feb 1837, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Peter Burkhard and Barbara Guth) was born 1 Nov 1814, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 17 Oct 1883; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00019-1502
• Residence: 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Burkhard, "was born November 1st, 1816, and died October 17th, 1883. She was married to John Gingerich and resided about two miles from the town of Waterloo, on the farm now occupied by Moses S. Baumann."


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: religion, story
• Name: David Schoerg
• Name: David Sharick
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5640
• Historic Building: CA 1830, 330 Joseph Schoerg Crescent, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; brick 2 and 1/2 story house
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. David Shirk, "was born September 9th, 1801. On January 30th, 1827, he was married to Elizabeth Betzner who was born May 10th, 1811, and died at her son Benjamin's place, August 26th, 1894. On July 2nd, 1837, Mr. Shirk was ordained as a deacon of the Mennonite Church and on December 2nd, 1838, he was ordained as a minister of the same body for the Strasburg, Hagey and Wanner field of labor. In his long and dutiful services rendered unto the congregations of his charge he preached many a spiritual and instructive sermon and in his time was considered one of the ablest ministers of the Mennonite body. He died near Doon where he resided on his father's old homestead, (This old homestead comprises lot No. 11, Broken Front, Beasley Block, S. R.) September 19th 1882. His family consisted 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.].

____________________________


Died, on the 19th of September, near Preston, in Waterloo Co., Ontario, of the infirmities of old age, Pre. David Sherk, aged 82 years and 22 days. He was in the ministry nearly 44 years, and had served as deacon several years previously. He is said to have been the first white child born in Waterloo county. He leaves a widow and two sons and three daughters to mourn his departure. Services were held by A. Hunsperger, Elias Weber and Jacob Mensch, the latter from Pennsylvania. Text, Rev. 5: 5, 10 and I Tim. 1: 15.

He was a faithful laborer in the cause of Christ, using every means at his command to spread the gospel and lead sinners to God. He visited, and preached, and wrote as long as his physical powers permitted him to do so. He was active also in circulating papers, having books and pamphlets printed and circulated which might have a tendency to enlighten the people, encourage the Christian, and awaken in God,s people a more earnest Christian life. His last work in this direct was the compiling and arranging for the publication of the little work recently issued in the German language, "Non-Conformity to the World." The English is now in press and will be out in a couple of weeks. Writing to the Editor he said, he thought this would probably be his last work in this direction, and so it proved as the Lord called him away before the English edition was published.

He was a warm friend of our church paper, the Herald of Truth from its first appearance and labored zealously for its success. Many will long remember the earnest labors of our departed brother, and thank the Lord for his kind admonition and words of cheer on the pilgrimage of life. Peace to his ashes.

Obituary - Herald of Truth, Nov 1, 1882

___________________________

Sherk, David (1801-1882)

David Sherk (1801-1882) was a leading Mennonite Church (MC) minister. He was born in 1801, the sixth child of Joseph Schoerg, who came to Waterloo County, Ont. in 1800 from Franklin County, PA. David married Elizabeth Betzner (1811-94) in 1827. They had ten children. Two of his daughters were successively the wives of Jacob Gingerich (1840-1920), preacher of the Hagey and Wanner congregations. About 1837 David Sherk was ordained deacon for the Hagey Mennonite Church and the following year served as minister for the three churches of Strasburg, Hagey and Wanner. In his time he was considered one of the leading ministers of the Ontario Mennonite Conference (MC). He was the author of Nonconformity to the World (Elkhart, 1882), 72 pp. He died in 1882.

Fretz, Joseph C. "Sherk, David (1801-1882)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1959. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

___________________________________

Wanner Mennonite Church
Begun: 1829

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

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

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

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

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

_____________________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.
Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.
Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.<sup>5a

5a</sup>Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

__________________________

Pioneer Park (Weber/Strasburg) Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church

Early services were held in the homes of the first settlers, perhaps as early as 1833. Services often were held at the home of David Weber who lived across from where the church would be located. David Sherk was ordained deacon to serve the group in 1837, and in the next year, 1838, he was ordained minister. He was followed in 1840 by John Steckle (Stoeckle).
In 1842, David Weber donated one acre of land for a meeting house and burial ground. The deed was dated March 23, 1854, although the meeting house had been built in 1843. A new yellow brick church was built in 1894 on the same site. Noah Stauffer, who had been ordained in 1876 to assist John Steckle, was minister at the time. A Sunday School was organized in the 1890s; Sunday School records date from 1898. In 1899 the first Bible Conference to be held in an Ontario Mennonite church was held in the Weber church.
In 1971-1972 the church was enlarged and completely renovated. During that time - from October 17, 1971 to January 23, 1972 - the congregation met in the Herbert Feick home on Doon Village Road. On September 24, 1872 the congregation celebrated the 130th Anniversary of the building of the first meeting house. The name of the church was changed to Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church in 1972.
In 1951 the congregation had purchased from Clifford Snider an additional acre of land located behind the church. In 1976, for the sum of $1, the congregation acquired a sixty-five foot strip of land along the south edge of the church property from Major Holdings & Development Co. A new church was built within several feet of the old yellow brick one which was removed; the date on the cornerstone is 1980. The 150th Anniversary of the construction of the first meeting house is to be celebrated in 1993. <sup>6a

6a</sup>Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

________________________

Partial demo slated for heritage site
Rear annex of 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres. to be demolished in coming months


Owners of the Schoerg farmhouse at 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres., are working on a plan to complete the restoration of the property, which has sat vacant for a number of years. The restoration will include a partial demolition of its rear annex, which is structurally unsound.

Kitchener Post By Laurie Snell


The old Schoerg family farmhouse at 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres. is the next heritage property in Kitchener to face demolition '97 a partial demolition of its rear annex to fix what's currently deemed unsafe.

That's because given the choice '97 to demolish it entirely and build a brand new home, or to spend the time and money to repair the rundown heritage home '97 Pat George and his JHS Properties team opted to save it.

They just didn't think it would take so long, nor did they plan on having to demolish any part of it.

"It's been a long process, that's for sure," George said. "We just thought, it's a cultural area and if we could save the house we would do it."

George's company purchased the property and surrounding land to build the Deer Ridge subdivision in the late 1990s. They have been trying to repair the heritage-designated farmhouse ever since.

The-two-and-a-half-storey, red brick house is a classic example of a Mennonite Georgian style building. David Sherk, son of early pioneer Joseph Schoerg, built the homestead in 1830. It is believed that Sherk was the first non-native child born in what would soon become Waterloo County, and his building it is one reason for the farmhouse's heritage designation.

"Looking back, would I do it again? Probably not, because I didn't realize all of what is involved here and how bad the house was," George said. "At the time it seemed like a worthwhile thing to do."

He added, the company has spent well over $100,000 just to gut the house and temporarily hold up the rear annex, which was a later addition to the house. To fix it, according to City of Kitchener documents from 2007, would cost upwards of $235,000.

"At one point, we had a report that indicated the house was possibly better than what it was," he said. "It was pretty run down."

"When we actually started the process, the house was vacant and the prior owner had applied for a demolition permit. We basically decided we would attempt to save the house, which became a lot longer process and a lot more involved than what we had ever imagined."

The bad news just kept coming.

"There were major problems where roof troughs were collapsing and the wiring was totally shot prior to us taking ownership of the house," George said. "People did interior renovations where they cut through structural beams to put stairs in and create washrooms in different areas, so they structurally had done a lot of damage to the house that wasn't apparent."

So now that the Deer Ridge subdivision around the heritage site is near complete, George said his team is again trying to create a Heritage Kitchener-approved plan that would bring the old farmhouse back to life.

George said the goal is to complete the rest of the project in six to seven months.

"We're still working on it. We've got blueprints being prepared right now that will shortly be submitted to Heritage Kitchener in coming months," he said.

George said because people occasionally break into the property, they regularly check on the property, ensuring it's boarded up and well-secured.

In an interview last month, Leon Bensason, the city's cultural heritage co-ordinator, said properties such as this one continue to be a concern. When it comes to protecting heritage properties, "The city can't do this alone," he said.

"It's been vacant for a number of years," Bensason said, adding that's a red flag.

It's unclear how long 330 Joseph Schoerg Cres. has been unoccupied, but George said it's been vacant as long as they've owned it. Though, he was uncertain of the date it was purchased.

"We've been trying to work with the property owner again, trying to ensure that the property is adequately maintained and hopefully find a tenant or a new owner for the property who wants to restore it," Bensason said.

"A lot of responsibility lays with the property owner.

You have to have a property owner who is willing to maintain the property, and willing to ensure heritage attributes are well cared for."

It's especially difficult for the city to monitor the site if the property is both privately-owned and vacant, he added.

"There is a measure of protection under the property standards bylaw," Bensason said. "That ensures the city undertakes inspections every couple of years to understand which of those designated properties are vacant. Those are the ones that are most at risk."<sup>7a

7a</sup>Partial demo slated for heritage site. (2016). Kitchenerpost.ca. Retrieved 2 June 2016, from https://www.kitchenerpost.ca/news-story/6700522-partial-demo-slated-for-heritage-site/

Historic Building:
The Schoerg Homestead, located at 381 Pioneer Tower Road, is situated on a ridge overlooking the Grand River Valley in Pioneer Tower West, City of Kitchener. The two-and-a-half-storey red-brick building was designed in the Mennonite Georgian style, and constructed circa 1830 by David Sherk.
The property was designated for its heritage value by the City of Kitchener under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (By-law 2003-227).

The Schoerg Homestead is a classic representation of the Mennonite Georgian style. The house is a two-and-a-half-storey dwelling, constructed of hand-made red-brick, with a two-storey wood frame wing to the rear. The structure is in sound condition and has been altered very little from its original appearance. The brick portion of the home is set upon a foundation of rough squared granite stone. The fieldstone foundation of the two-storey rear wing suggests an earlier farmhouse may have existed at this location.

David married Elizabeth B. Betzner 30 Jan 1827. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes "John" Betzner and Mary Bechtel) was born 10 May 1811, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Aug 1894, Breslau, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Doon Pioneer Tower Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Name: Elizabeth B. Sherk
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0952
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Betzner "the eldest daughter of John and Mary (Bechtel) Betzner, was born May 10th, 1811, and died August 26th, 1894. On January 30th, 1827, she was married to Rev. David B. Sherk who was born September 19th, 1801, and died September 19th, 1882. To them were born ten children, namely: IV Isaac, IV Anna (deaad), IV Maria (dead), IV David (dead), IV Mary (dead), IV Veronica (dead), IV Elizabeth, IV Barbara, IV Benjamin, and IV Leah (dead). See Rev. David Sherk's family."


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.].

__________________________________


Sherk - On the 26th of August 1894, at the residence of her son, Bro. Benjamin Sherk of Breslau, Waterloo Co., Ont., of general debility and dropsy, sister Elizbeth Sherk, maiden name Betzner, aged 83 y., 3 m., 16 d. Her husband, Pre. David Sherk, died a number of years ago. They lived for many years on the old Sherk homestead opposite the village of Doon, in a neighborhood where almost the first ground was broken for cultivation in the backwoods by our brethren who came from Pennsylvania over a century ago. Sister Sherk seemed like one of the connecting links that bound the past to the present, and her interesting accounts of the pioneer days, the meeting of the Mohawk Indian braves in council on the opposite bank of the Grand River every fall, the gradual settlement of the country, the building of villages that have since grown into towns, the gradual growth of the church from a small body to a large membership, and the gradual disappearance of the red man of the forest, always found ready listeners. Her faith was unwavering, and as she slowly passed down to the river of death she realized the presence of that "one that sticketh closer than a brother," and with such companionship, death had no terrors for her. She leaves 2 sons, Bro. Benjamin and Isaac W. B., and two daughters, sister Gingrich, wife of Pre. J. B. Gingrich, and sister Barbara, who was the constant and loving companion and stay of her mother in her declining years. The burial in the family graveyard, as also the funeral services at the Cressman M. H., Breslau, were very largely attended.


Obituary - Herald of Truth, September 15, 1894

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00039-3152
• Land: 1829, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 122, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1829, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 095, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Gingerich, "son of Joseph (Joseph was the youngest son of old Michael and probably 24 years younger than his brother Abraham) Gingerich, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 12th, 1788. He came to Canada with others at an early date and spent a few weeks at Preston with his cousins before he settled on his farm. He was married to Anna, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Histand) Hackman. She was born December 6th, 1788, and died November 21st, 1862. He died November 26th, 1831."

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.].

**John was incorrectly listed as the son of Joseph, but actually was the son of David Ginrich (b. 1857) & Anna Eschlman (b. 1761)

John — Anna Hackman. Anna (daughter of Jacob Hackman and Elizabeth Histand) was born 6 Dec 1788, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 21 Nov 1862; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Gingerich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3152.1
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lady
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

1851 - Ann Gingerich is in same household as Samuel E. Reist.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00019-1494
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 012, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Peter Burkhard, "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 15th, 1780. He was married to Barbara Guth* who was born February 4th, 1777, and died May 11th, 1849. They resided in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, near what is now called "Blue Ball" until spring, 1820, when they with their family of seven children + and others, moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, on the old "John Lichty Farm", about one mile north of Waterloo, where they both died. He died August 1st, 1834. their family consists of eight children"

*Guth now spelled "Good."

+ The eighth and youngest child was born in Canada.


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.].

Peter — Barbara Guth. Barbara was born 4 Feb 1777; died 11 May 1849, About One Mile North Of Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Burkhard
• Eby ID Number: 00019-1494.1

Other Events:

• Name: Joseph Schörg
• Name: Joseph Sherk
• Name: Joseph Shurick
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5597
• Residence: CONSTRUCTED 1830, 381 Pioneer Tower Rd., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 11, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Joseph Schorg, "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, February 3rd, 1769. He came to Canada in fall of 1799, and in spring, 1800, he with his wife and family of five children settled on lot No. 11, B.F. Beasley Block, S. R., on the banks of the Grand River, opposite Doon. Here they raised a family of ten children. He died February 17th, 1853."


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.].

_____________________________


February 17, 1855 - Joseph Schorg. The first settler of Waterloo township. 86 years, 14 days.


Death Announcement - Deutsche Canadier, March 1, 1855

___________________________

Joseph Sherk

It was 100 years on Monday since the first settler came to Waterloo County. His name was Joseph Sherk; after he visited the area in 1799, he and his family settled on Lot 11, Beasley Block, on the banks of the Grand River opposite Doon. He died February 17, 1853.

Berliner Journal 3 Mar 1904 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk October 28, 2005 for the Kitchener Public Library

_________________________


A-1-60 Joseph Sharick: Last Will and Testament of Joseph Sharick of Waterloo, Yeoman, ..

I Joseph Sharick the Elder, of the Township of Waterlooo, Yeoman, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, but being of sound mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament, in manner following, that is to say : I will and desire that all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expensees be paid by my Executors hereinafter named, as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, and as to my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to blessw me, I give and dispose of the same as follows, that is to say, I give and devise to my beloved wife the Bedstead and bedding and the bureaus which she brought with her at her marriage with me, and my will is, that my executors do support and maintain my said wife Barbara out of my estate hereinafter named in such manner as shall be ample and sufficient for her proper maintenance during the time of her natural life. And my will is further, that all the proceeds out of my real and personal estate hereinafter named shall be divided unto and among my hereinafter named children, viz: Catharine, the wife of John Brubacher, John, David, Elizabeth the wife of Peter Woods, Joseph, Magdalena the wife of David Codlin, Susanna the wife of John Thornton, Lidia[sic] the wife of Morgan Thompson, share and share alike, subject nevertheless to the following conditions, that is to say that Magdalena shall have the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars in addition to the different sum and articles which she already has received, over and above her equal share as aforsaid, and said one hundred and fifty dollars and the different sums and articles which she already has received, shall be in lieu of wages for the time she has worked for me over age, and the said Susannah shall have the said one hundred and fifty dollars less than her equal share as aforesaid. And my will is further, that the said Magdalena shall only be entitles to draw one half of the amount of her share and the one hundred and fifty dollars, and for the other half the Executors shall pay her the lawful interest, provided always that if it shall appear to said Executors that the said interest shall not prove sufficient at any time for the support of the said Magdalena, the said Executors then shall have power to pay over to the said Magdalena such sums out6 of the said remaining half share, as they may think sufficient, and my will is further that if my said daughter Magdalena should die without leaving lawful issue, that then my Executors shall divide the remainder of her share unto and among the other of my above named children share and share alike. And my will is further that my Executors in dividing the proce3eds of my estate, shall take my Book wherein I have made charges to my said children as and for their guide and divide accordingly to said charges already made, and before any of my heirs shall receive his full share, my will is that all the above named heirs are placed on an equal footing according to the above named charges in the book, and none of my heirs shall have any right to demand their respective shares of my Executors during the lifetime of my said wife Barbara….I nominate my trusty and worthy friends Jacob Hagey of the said Township of Waterloo, Blacksmith, Abraham Kinsey, of the same place, Yeoman, and my son David Sharick of the same place Yeoman, to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament.

Witnessed by John Betzner, Aaron Biehn, Otto Klotz, Notary Public
Will dated 6 March 1852
Will proven 26 February 1855
No Inventory amount
Died 17 February 1855

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

Residence:
The Schoerg Homestead is a classic representation of the Mennonite Georgian style. The house is a two-and-a-half-storey dwelling, constructed of hand-made red-brick, with a two-storey wood frame wing to the rear. The structure is in sound condition and has been altered very little from its original appearance. The brick portion of the home is set upon a foundation of rough squared granite stone. The fieldstone foundation of the two-storey rear wing suggests an earlier farmhouse may have existed at this location.
The barn, constructed circa 1830, was a classic example of a Pennsylvania Mennonite bank barn and the remains of the granite and limestone foundations can be seen just west of the farmhouse.<sup>1a

1a</sup>381 Pioneer Tower Road, Heritage Property Report, City of Kitchener, December 7, 2004.

Joseph — Elizabeth Betzner. Elizabeth (daughter of Samuel Betzner and Maria Detweiler) was born Abt 1773, Of, Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Doon Pioneer Tower Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Schoerg
• Name: Elizabeth Schoerg
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0915

Notes:

Elizabeth Betzner "was born about 1773, and was first married to John Schörg who was born in 1761, and resided in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in 1792. After his death she was married to Joseph Schörg who was born February 3rd, 1769. They came to Canada in 1800 and settled near Doon where he died February 17th, 1853. She died many years ago. To her were born eleven 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:

• Historic Building: 437 Pioneer Tower Road, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: John Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0916
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 11, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 12, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Betzner, "the third son of Samuel and Maria (Detweiler) Betzner, was born May 7th, 1783. In 1804he was married to Mary, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Morris) Bechtel. She was born July 11th, 1782 and died September 22nd, 1843. After their marriage they moved on his father's farm opposite Doon where he died November 3rd, 1852. To them were born five children"


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

Historic Building:
The Betzner Farmstead, composed of a farmhouse, drive shed and cultural heritage landscape, is located at 437 Pioneer Tower Road, in the southeast end of the City of Kitchener. The two-storey farmhouse was designed in the Mennonite Georgian style by John Betzner, and the accessory drive shed was designed in the utilitarian and vernacular style typical of pioneer farmsteads. Both buildings were constructed in circa 1830.

Johannes married Mary Bechtel 6 Jul 1804. Mary (daughter of George Bechtel and Elizabeth Mary) was born 11 Jul 1782 OR 22 Jul 1782, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Sep 1847, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Doon Pioneer Tower Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0814

Notes:

Mary Bechtel "the eldest in the family, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, July 11th, 1782. She came to Canada when nineteen years of age and on July 6th, 1804, she was married to John, son of old Samuel Betzner. He was born May 7th, 1783, and died November 3rd, 1852. They resided on a farm opposite Doon. She died on September 22nd, 1843. They 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.].

___________________________________


Sept 22, 1847, Maria Betzner, nee Bechtel, wife of Johann Betzner, Aged 65 y, 2 m.


Death Announcement - Deutsche Canadier, September 30, 1847