Viola L. Schafer

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-70942

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00112-7072.5
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical N.
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1939, , Manitoba, Canada

Jacob married Salome Israel 28 Jan 1891, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Salome (daughter of George Israel and Magdalena "Lena" Shoemaker) was born 21 Jul 1870, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sally Israel
• Name: Saloma Israel
• Name: Salome Schaefer
• Name: Sarah Israel
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7072.4
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Methodist

Notes:

Sarah Israel, "was born July 21st, 1870. On January 28th, 1891, she was married to Jacob Schaefer. They have two 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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/127440925
• Name: William Schaefer
• Name: William Schafer
• Name: William Shafer
• Residence: 230 Queen St. S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-142589
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Reformer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical N.
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Mr. Wm. Schaefer, S., Queen. Died

Friends will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Wm. Schaefer, South Queen Street, last night. Further particulards to-morrow.

The News Record 03 Jan 1918, Thu Page 2

__________

Mr. Wm. Shafer Answers Last Call
Was A Former Member of Township and Town Councils

The county has lost a citizen of sterling worth and character, by the death of M. William Shafer, which occurred on Wednesday evening at his home at 2.30 South Queen Street, following an affliction of about a year's duration.

Mr. Shafer was widely known in this district. Both in private life and in the municipal field his name was familiar to not a few, who were admirers of his friendliness, geniality and fair dealings. He was born in this town in the year 1838 and had reached the advanced age of 79 years, 6 months and 24 days, but was reared in the Township of Wilmot. For forty years he farmed on his property on the Petersburg Road, a mile and a half from this city, which a few years ago was sold to a syndicate and put on the market. Sixteen years ago he retired from his farming pursuits and removed to this town, his home being the handsome property at 230 South Queen Street.

Mr. Shafer besides devoting his attention to farming found time to serve the public as a municipal legislator. For about eight years he served, on the WaterlooTownship Council and for some years he also was a member of the local Town Council. His services as Councillor were valuable and ware so recognized by those in touch with public affairs.

His wife predeceased him about twenty years ago. Surviving him are the following children John, on the old homestead Alexander of the Petersburg Road Jacob, Guersney, Sask., who is here at present Ezra, of Marian, Kansas, George, of London, and one daughter, Veronica, at home.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. next Monday at the residence and later Zion Evangelical Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The News Record 4 Jan 1918 pg 1

Wilhelm married Susanna Hoffman 23 Dec 1863, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susanna (daughter of Jacob Hoffman and Veronica Eby) was born CALC 8 Jan 1843, , Ontario, Canada; died 14 Sep 1897; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/127441185
• Name: Susanna Schaefer
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3810
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; EA
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical N.
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Susannah Hoffman, "was born January 18th, 1839. She was married December 23rd, 1863, to William Shaefer, a farmer. They reside a few miles west of Berlin. To them are born 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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53589798
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7072.1
• Confirmation: 17 Apr 1859, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1868, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Methodist
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Retired: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Retired: Bef 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, 31 Irvin St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1926, 31 Irvin St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

George Israel

Following a week's illness, George Israel passed away on Friday in his 84th year at 31 Irvin St., Kitchener. He had been a resident of Kitchener for 22 years, formerly residing on a farm near Strasburg. The funeral was held on Monday.

Waterloo Chronicle, 29 Apr 1926, p. 5

______________________

Crossing over the woods and fields via a private road we soon found ourselves with Mr. George Israel the man who usually supplies the townspeople with such excellent apples, but this year for the first time he is short. Thinking that there would be more money in pork than feeding cattle for export, he erected a large and model piggery which will hold a hundred pigs easy, well and cistern are inside the building so when feeding he does not need to go out for water. The prettiest lot of pigs you would wish to see were frisking about in the abundant straw in the stables, the thermometer registering zero outside yet the stable was nice and warm. We must class Mr. Israel as well as Mr. Wangeline two of our model farmers, as they never kick about hard times but if one thing don't pay they try an other, thus in the end they always succeed.

VISITOR.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 3 Jan 1895, p. 4

George married Magdalena "Lena" Shoemaker 1 Aug 1868, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Jacob D. Shoemaker and Jane Dunbar) was born 16 Jan 1844, Maryhill (New Germany) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario; died 1 Apr 1917, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lena Shoemaker
• Name: Magdalena "Lena" Israel
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7072
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Magdalena Shoemaker, "was born January 16th, 1844. On August 13th, 1867, she was married to George Israel. They reside on the old "Henry Woods Farm" near Williamsburg. Their family consists of seven children, of whom one is dead."

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. GEORGE ISRAEL.

Magdalena Shoemaker, wife of Mr. George Israel of Kitchener, passed away at her home on Sanday after an illness of about one year. Deceased was 73 years of age, being born in Waterloo Township, January 16th. 1844. Mrs. Israel was well known in this city and the news of her death will be received with extreme regret among a wide circle of friends. She is survived by one sou and five daughters, Urias of Kitchener, Mrs. J. H. Shafer of Guernsey, Sask.. Mrs. E. S.. Liebler of Brown City, Mich.. Mrs. H. Dubrick, Mrs. N. Shafer and Miss Emma Israel all of this city. One sister, Mrs. Joseph Snyder of this city also survives.

The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock from the residence and later from Zion Evangelical Church where services will be held. Interment will be made at Mount Hope Cemetery.

The Chronicle Telegraph, 5 Apr 1917, p. 4

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210256311
• Name: John Matthias Schaefer
• Name: Mathias Schafer
• Name: Matteus Schäfer
• Name: Matthew Schaefer
• Name: Matthias Schaefer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-75285
• Birth: 29 Jan 1808, Falten Gaisas, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Reformed
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Yeoman
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Matthias born at Falkengesas, Erbach, Hesse; baptism (film 1346439;item 2, book 7) Beerfelden, Erbach, Odenwald, Hesse, Church books for Beerfelden, parish register baptisms; date of birth 29 Jan 1808 at 3:00 pm; mother Elizabetha Christina Seip; father Johann Wilhelm Schafer; grandfathers Samuel Schafer (master smith) and Johann Justus Seip (councilman); occupation of father master tailor; first child born to parents; record in book 7, p. 11, no. 18; named spelled Matthaeus. His parents were not married and did not marry. His mother does marry three times, but not to Schafer.

David Armstrong - Ancestry Public Member Tree 2020

Johann — Eva Maria Rebscher. Eva (daughter of George Nikolaus "Nicholas" Rebscher and Sophia) was born 12 Sep 1810, Beerfelden, Odenwaldkreis, Hessen, Germany; died 8 Mar 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, St. Agatha, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210256596
• Name: Eva
• Name: Eva Maria Schaefer
• Name: Maria
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-75286
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Reformed
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W, Methodist

Notes:

In Berlin, on Monday morning, March 8th, Mrs Eva Maria Schaefer, aged 86 years months and 24 days.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, from the residence of her son, Mr J Schaefer, Park St, to the German Methodist church, and thence to the Wilmot cemetery for interment.

The News Record - 09 Mar 1897, Tue Page 1

_________________

Called Home

An old resident of Berlin, Mrs Eva Maria Selhaefer, was called over the river, on Monday afternoon, after a short illness Deceased was 86 years old, and had been in her usual health until Saturday last, when La Grippe set in, caused by a cold, and this illness took her away. Mrs Schaefer was born in Germany, and after immigrating to Canada, lived for a long time in Wilmot Centre. After the death of her husband, some seven years ago, she took up her residence with her son, Mr John Schaefer, Park St, Berlin, where she remained till her death. She leaves a family of four sons: William, Petersburg road; George, Plattsville; Daniel, May City, Iowa, and John, of Berlin, and one daughter, Mrs John Jacobs, Sebringville. The funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, from the residence of Mr J Schaefer, Park street, to the German Methodist church, and thenee to the Wilmot cemetery for interment.

The News Record - 09 Mar 1897, Tue Page 1

Other Events:

• Name: Jakob Hoffman
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3799
• Historical Event: 29 Aug 1839, Evangelical Association Church, Waterloo, Ontario; church founding
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; chair and cabinet maker
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association

Notes:

Jacob Hoffman, "son of Peter Hoffman, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 18th, 1809. When a young man he came to Canada and settled in Waterloo County where he worked with the carpenters for a number of years. He was married to Veronica Eby who was born March 8th, 1817, and died December 19th, 1876. They resided in the town of Berlin where he was engaged in manufacturing all kinds of furniture. He died November 15th, 1864. They had a family of eight children, two of whom died in infancy."


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.].

________________________

Bridgeport United Church

The early Evangelical Association congregations in Berlin and Waterloo date back to August 1839 when a Camp Meeting was held over a number of days at David Erb's farm (Lot 7, German Company Tract) at Lexington. Classes (or congregations) in Berlin and in Waterloo were organized at that meeting by Bishop John Seybert - on August 29th. Twenty-six charter members were divided into the two classes. Class leader for Waterloo and vicinity was Jacob Hoffman. His brother, John, was class leader for Berlin.

The Waterloo class, along with classes at Lexington and Breslau, was connected to the Berlin Mission until the organization of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1864. The Waterloo Mission was formed at that time. In 1866 the Breslau class was merged with the Lexington class and in 1876 the Lexington class, with 31 members, was referred to as the Bridgeport class for the first time.

An old log schoolhouse was purchased in 1879 for $500.00 on condition that it be used only for Sunday School services, not for preaching. The exterior walls were covered with lumber and the building was dedicated on November 9, 1879. A new white brick church was built ten years later, in 1889, when the old schoolhouse became inadequate for the growing congregation. This church was in use until 1934 when the present building was completed. A decision had been made at a congregational meeting in July 1933 to proceed with construction of a new church. The ground-breaking service was held on August 28, 1933 and on October 1 of that year the cornerstone was laid by Rev. W.J. Zimmerman. Dedication services were held in the new red brick church on Sunday March 18, 1934. In 1942 the old brick church was sold to Mr. Minnacker for $100. An addition which was built on to the west side of the church in 1958 provided additional space for the Sunday School, as well as offices and a kitchen. The new complex was dedicated on November 30, 1958 with Professor John F. Schaefer of Naperville, Illinois preaching the dedication sermon.

Bridgeport and Waterloo were a joint parish from 1876 until 1910, when Bridgeport was joined with Strasburg. This association lasted until 1914 when Bridgeport called its own full-time pastor. The Evangelical Church joined with the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. On January 1, 1968 when the Evangelical United Brethren joined with the United Church, Emmanuel's name was changed once again - to Emmanuel United Church. In February 1987 the congregation voted to change the name of the church to Bridgeport United Church.

Rev. J. Kaechele (1864-1865) was pastor in 1864 when the Waterloo Mission was formed; Solomon Kraft was the Bridgeport class leader when the schoolhouse was bought in 1879 and Rev. S.R. Knechtel (1888-1891) was pastor in 1889 when the new white brick church was built.

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

___________________________

Zion United Church

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

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

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

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

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

_______________________

Emmanuel United Church

The first Evangelical missionaries arrived in the Waterloo area in 1837. The first Waterloo class (congregation) was formed on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert during a camp meeting at David Erb's farm near Lexington. Jacob Hoffman was the Waterloo-Lexington class leader; his brother, John, was class leader in Berlin. A brick building which was erected by Samuel Burkholder in 1849 on Church Street, near King, was offered to the congregation for their use as a church, rent free, provided that they agreed to finish and furnish the building. Dedication of the new church was in 1851. The house, known as Burkholder House, is still standing, but Church Street in Waterloo is now known as Central Street.

In the early 1890s Waterloo was in the North District of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association, and was ministered to jointly with Bridgeport. Pastors in those years were Revs. C.R. Knechtel (1890-1891), F. Meyer (1892), D. Kreh (1893), and W.J. Yaeger (1894).

A new church, which was built in 1871 at the corner of Cedar and Water Streets (now Bridgeport Road and Dorset Street), was replaced in 1905 by the present structure. Dedication was in May, 1906. Emmanuel Hall was built in 1938. Changes made in 1963 included an addition, a new front entrance and renovation of the former Christian Education area.

On November 16, 1946 the Evangelical Church joined with congregations of the United Brethren in Christ Church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. When the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada as of January 1, 1968, Emmanuel became a United Church..

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

______________________

King Street , North Side

Foundry Street (now Ontario Street).

Jacob and John Hoffman, brothers, who came from Pennsylvania, erected a furniture factory on the corner about 1840. It was a two story frame building extending along King St., had 25 to 30 employees and a 15 h.p. engine brought from Buffalo.

Eby's history gives John Hoffman as having come from Pennsylvania in 1825; Jacob, almost two years older, seems to have come before. They both worked at carpentry, etc., for a number of years before starting the factory in which enterprise they were assisted by Benjamin Eby. On the ridge of the factory roof there was a belfry with the only larger bell in Berlin. This bell served not only the factory but the village as well, pinging at 7 in the morning, at 12, at 1 and at 6 o'clock in the evening. It was used also as a fire bell and was tolled for funerals.

By some prank or spite the bell was stolen in 1850 before there was a night watchman at the factory, and disappeared for two or three years. Eventually it was found in a well at the comer of Duke and College Streets, put back in place on the Hoffman factory and later was taken to a belfry on the Simpson factory spoken of, where it was used until this factory was discontinued. It was then taken to the pavilion in Victoria Park and was melted down when the pavilion was destroyed by fire.

Behind the Hoffman factory there was a pond, about three feet deep, fed by a spring, the water being used for the factory boiler, etc. About 1860 a frame building, used by the firm for a warehouse, covered the site of the spring. Further back there was a saw mill, also a planing mill, the first of its kind in Berlin. A two story frame building extending along Foundry Street was later added to the factory and used as a turning shop. At the rear of this building was the factory boiler house.

Next to the factory on King Street there was a three story brick building. The ground floor was used as a store, called the Berlin Warehouse. Jacob Hoffman, who by this time was alone in the business, John having gone to Waterloo, announced himself as dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, china, glassware, crockery, and paint and oils and manufacturer of all kinds of furniture, also sash doors, etc., selling low for cash. An overhead passage way on a bridge connected the second stories of the factory and brick building. Over the store was the paint shop and in the rear a warehouse. Hoffman's store was later occupied by William Schmidt, son of Rev. Wm. Schmidt, an early minister of the Evangelical Church. Schmidt had a dry goods store only, known as the Golden Lion store because of a large gilt lion over the entrance. Isaac Hoffman, son of Jacob, carried on the factory and store for several years; later John S. Anthes was in possession while Hoffman went to Waterloo and continued the furniture business there with Adam Klippert and Martin Wegenast as partners. Jacob and John Hoffman erected a number of houses in Berlin.

Jacob Hoffman was very stout, weighing over 300 pounds. He was a member of the Evangelical Church. For a time he served on the village council. He resided on Foundry Street in the rear of the Canadian Block in a square, hip roof, two story, frame house, until it was destroyed by fire, when he moved to the west side of Foundry Street, south, where now is the Robe & Clothing Co. building. Here he had a one and one-half story frame house with a large two story addition at the rear where were lodged apprentices and other factory employees. There was a small portico over the front door and a porch extending along the northerly side of the house.

Next to the Hoffman warehouse there was a saloon and restaurant occupied by a Mr. Unger. He served, among other things, oysters which came in small wooden, 1-gal. kegs. Adjoining Hoffman's store there was the tailor shop of H. J. Nahrgang, later occupied by Henry Glebe, an early band master; next a store differently occupied at various times and next the shoe store of Wm. Niehaus. A three story brick building occupied by Wm. Young as a grocery. Mr. Young eventually went to the Canadian Block and the store was used for various purposes, among them auction sales in the evening. Here there was sold the first white crockery offered in Berlin. Later the building was occupied by the Berliner Journal.

A one and one-half story frame building with gable toward King St. and a veranda, occupied by Mr. Fuchs, a tailor and shoemaker, whose wife assisted her husband as expert in repairing clocks. The family lived in the building. About 1865 the frame building was moved to the rear and Fuchs' block erected on the street. The ground floor had three stores, the west one occupied by Mr. Fuchs, the middle by John Kayser, dry goods merchant, and the third one by Tindall Simpson and Sons, shoemakers and tailors. The first building on part of the Fuchs' block site was a rough frame structure used by one Susand, colored, who was the first barber in Berlin.

A two story brick building with gable facing King Street, occupied by Christian Garman, harness maker, who later moved to New Hamburg and started a tannery. This building was later occupied by Levi Gaukel, son of Frederick Gaukel, after his father's death. He had a small hotel known as The Red Lion. In 1860 Urban Prinzer succeeded Gaukel and continued the hotel for a short time.

A two and one-half story brick building with gable facing King St. was occupied by Levi Gaukel, as a butcher shop after he gave up the hotel next door. Jacob Gaukel was associated with Levi. Later George Debus occupied this shop.

A building with gable and porch facing King Street, later occupied by George DeBus as a barber shop.

On the corner of King and Queen Streets there was first a driving shed for the Gaukel hotel opposite, until the Bowman block was erected in 1860. This was a three story brick building lengthwise with King Street. Joseph Bowman the noted violinist occupied the third floor of this building. Half of the ground floor of the building was occupied by Henry B. Bowman with a partner Heins as general dry goods store. This was on the corner. The other half was a brick store occupied by Cole and Graf, druggists, and later by Wm. Bowman in the same business. On the site of the Bowman block is the handsome Bank building built by the Merchants Bank and now occupied by the Bank of Montreal.


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

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

Historical Event:
A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob, was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation.<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]

Jacob — Veronica Eby. Veronica (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger) was born 8 Mar 1817, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Dec 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Veronica Hoffman
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2744
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ea
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evang. Assoc.

Notes:

Veronica Eby, "the youngest daughter of George Eby, was born March 8th. 1817, and died December 19th, 1876. She was married to Jacob Hoffman who was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 18th, 1809, and died in Berlin, Ontario, November 15th, 1864.


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 Veronica's daughter's marriage (Maria) it states that Veronica's name was Fredericka.

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/235705034
• Name: George Israel
• Eby ID Number: 00084-5025.56
• Residence: 1837, Waterloo 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; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Rsrch. Note:
George Israel (M)
Birth: 7 Jan 1806 Germany
Death: 1885
Father: Jean Michel Israel
Mother: Anna Margueite Flach

Marriage 1:

Salome Mahler (F)
Birth: Abt 1815 Germany
Death: 1905
Father:
Mother:


Children from Marriage 1:

1 George Israel 1842 1926
2 John Israel Abt 1837
3 Cathrina Israel 23 Oct 1840 9 Jan 1908
4 Salome Israel 7 Nov 1843 7 Aug 1926
5 Eliza Israel Abt 1846
6 Michael Israel Abt 1848
7 Margaret Israel Abt 1850
8 August Israel Abt 1853

Johann — Saloma Mahler. Saloma (daughter of Johann Jacob "Jacob" Mahler and Marie Catherine Jedele) was born 2 Feb 1815, Mietesheim, , Alsace, France; died 27 Jul 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pioneer Park Mennonite Cemetery, [formerly Weber Mennonite Biehn Drive Cemetery] Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53525320
• Name: Sally Mahler
• Name: Saloma Israel
• Name: Sarah Mahler
• Eby ID Number: 00084-5025.57
• Immigration: 1837, , Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Other Events:

• Honoured: Lakeside Park, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lakeside Park in Kitchener was once part of his property. The Lake is called Shoemaker Lake
• Name: Jakob D Schumacher
• Residence: 38 Shirk Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7042
• Retired: 1801, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1829, , Ontario, Canada
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 019, 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
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob D. Shoemaker, "the eldest son of George Shoemaker, was born on his grandfather's place near the old mills on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, November 24th, 1799. His boyhood days were spent in assisting his father in the woollen mills, carding and dying wool and yarns. From his fifteenth to his eighteenth year he was engaged in the grist and oil mills and during the wool season he assisted his father in the carding mills. When eighteen years of age he hired himself to John Funk who during that time had the misfortune of having his dwelling destroyed by fire, Shoemaker losing all his earthly possessions except the clothing he wore at the time. After quitting at John Funk's in the fall of 1818, he obtained work for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove. In spring of 1819 he attended school for six weeks in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County. During the summer he labored for six months with David Allebach, in Skippack Township, at $12 per month. He paid out his wages $50 annually to his parents until he became of age.

After having served his six months he attended school another six weeks in Lower Salford Township. His teacher's name was Mr. Borsch. This then finished his school days. In 1820 he engaged himself to Abraham Clemens where he remained for two years, receiving $80 for the first year's wages and $72 for the second year. During the year 1822 he worked for George Reiff of Skippack Township, for $80 per year. The following year he spent in working by the day among the farmers. On November 18th, 1823, he was married to Jane, daughter of Alexander Dunbar. She was raised by Jacob Merkley who resided on the Perkiomen Creek, Skippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In spring of 1824 he, in company with his wife moved to Joseph Lowery in Skippack whose farm he managed for five years. He received one-third of the product of the farm as wages for his labor and management. The annual income thus derived generally amounted to about $80.

In 1829 they with their family of two children, his parents, and two of his brothers and one sister, namely, Daniel, Joshua and Catharine, moved to Canada and came to what is now Bridgeport. Here he was engaged with Jacob S. Shoemaker who had come to Canada in 1820. During the fall of 1829 he worked on the sawmills erected the same year. While engaged here he purchased pine logs from Henry Erb who resided on lot No. 58, German Company's Tract, and had them sawed during the winter and drawn on his farm where he had a small shanty put up. Into this shanty they moved in April, 1830. The year previously he had purchased his farm, being south-west half of lot No. 19, Germam Company's Tract. containing 224 acres. During his first year on this extensive farm large clearings were made and a two-story log dwelling, 24x28 feet, erected. The log barn was erected the year following. In 1851 he erected the stone dwelling now occupied by his son, Alexander, and in 1842, he put up the large frame barn still standing. He is still living and enjoying good health and has his home with his son, Alexander who resides on the old homestead. His family consisted of ten children, of whom two died in infancy."


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

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JACOB C. SHOEMAKER,

The well-known centenarian of Berlin, Ontario, Bro. Jacob Shoemaker, died on Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 1902, at three o'clock, at the old homestead, occupied by his son, Alexander Shoemaker. The cause of death was due to old age. Bro. Shoemaker having reached the age of 102 years, 3 months, and 9 days. He had been confined to his bed for the past few months, and although he received every possible attention he passed peacefully away. Though death was not unexpected, he will be missed by those with whom he has been surrounded during the latter part of his life. Bro. Shoemaker was extremely kind hearted and the attention and the self sacrifice shown him by his children was always appreciated, and he never lost an opportunity of referring to their kindness to his friends who would visit him at his home.

Jacob D. Shoemaker was the eldest son of George Shoemaker, and was born on his grandfather's place near the old mills on Swamp Creek, Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 24th, 1799. His boyhood days were spent in assisting his father in the woolen mills, carding and dying wool and yarns. From his fifteenth to his eighteenth year he was engaged in the grist and oil mills and during the wool season he assisted his father in the carding mills. When eighteen years of age he hired himself to John Funk who, during that time, had the misfortune to have his dwelling destroyed by fire, Bro. Shoemaker losing all his earthly possessions except the clothing he wore at the time. After quitting at John Funk's in the fall of 1818 he obtained work for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove. In the spring of 1819 he attended school for six weeks in Lower Salford township, Montgomery County. During the summer he labored for six months with David Allebach, in Skippack township, at twelve dollars per month. After having served his six months he attended school another six weeks in Lower Salford. This finished his school days. In 1820 he engaged himself to Abraham Clemens, where he remained for two years. During 1822 he worked for George Reiff of Skippack Township at eighty dollars per year. He then spent one year working amongst various farmers. On November 18th, 1823, he was married to Jane, daughter of Alexander Dunbar. She was raised by Jacob Merkley, who resided on the Perkiomen Creek, Shippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1824 he, in company with his wife, moved to Joseph Lowery in Skippack, whose farm he managed for five years. He received one-third of the product of the farm as wages for his labor and management. The annual income thus derived averaged about eighty dollars annually. In 1829 they, with their family of two children, his parents, and two of his brothers and one sister, namely, Joshua and Catherine, moved to Canada and came to what is now Bridgeport. Here he was engaged with Jacob S. Shoemaker, who had come to Canada in 1820. During the fall of 1829 he worked in the sawmills erected the same year. While engaged here he purchased pine logs from Henry Erb who resided on lot number fifty eight, German Co.'s Tract, and had them sawed during the winter and drawn on his farm where he had a small shanty put up. Into this shanty they moved in April, 1830. The year previous he had purchased his farm, being south-west half of lot number nineteen, German Co's Tract, containing two hundred and twenty-four acres. During his first year in this extended farm large clearings were made and a two story dwelling, twenty-four by twenty-eight feet, erected. The log barn was erected the year following. In 1851 he erected the stone dwelling now occupied by his son, Alexander, and in 1842 he put up the large frame barn still standing.

Bro Shoemaker united with the Mennonite church in his youth and lived an exemplary life, worthy of imitation. In his last years his desire to depart and be with Christ was always strong, and can be truly said that he was homesick for heaven. A year ago he was stricken with illness, and he asked those who visited him not to pray for his recovery, but that if it pleased God, He should take him home. His conversation on temporal affairs was in later years mostly of a period of time from 1815 to 1840. The companions of his early life have all preceded him.
During the past number of years Bro. Shoemaker has been living with his son, Alexander. His family consisted of ten children, viz, Mary Ann, deceased; David, deceased; Mrs. John Shiedel, Waterloo Township, deceased; Mrs. Henry McKay, Aldborough Township, Elgin County; Geo. D., Woolwich Township; Alexander, on the homestead; Mrs. Joseph B. Snyder, Woolwich Township; Jane, deceased; Mrs. George Israel, near Williamsburg; Jacob, deceased. There are a large number of grandchildren.

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, at one o'clock, from the old homestead, and was very largely attended. Services by Noah Stauffer from Heb. 11: 16, and A. Y. Haist from Job 5: 26 at the C. Eby M. H., Berlin. Interment in the burying ground adjoining.

Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIX, No. 7, April 1, 1902, page 109, 110, 111

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Jakob D. Schumacher

Finally, the last hour has sounded for our dear, old friend, Jakob D. Schumacher. On Wednesday afternoon, he fell gently and quietly asleep, to awake again in a better world. He attained the age of 102 years, 3 months, and 9 days and although he had to keep to his bed for approximately a year because of weakness, he was still in full possession of his mental faculties and could talk about his many experiences with his family and visiting friends; which he was fond of doing. About two weeks ago, he had a stroke, and since then, he was no longer fully conscious.

The deceased was the eldest son of George Schumacher, and was born November 24, 1799 at his grandfather's place by the old mill on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. As a youth, he helped his father in his woolen mill with stapling and dying. From his 15th to his 18th year, he worked in the meal and oil-mill, when necessary. At 18 years of age, he apprenticed himself to John Funk, whose residence burned down, whereby he lost everything, except for the clothes on his body. In the autumn of 1818, he worked for a time in a tannery near Pottsgrove.

In the spring of 1819, he attended school for 6 weeks in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County. In the summer, he worked for 6 months for David Allenbach in Schippach Township for $12. a month. Then, he attended school in Lower Salford again for 6 weeks. With this, he finished his schooling. In 1820, he came to Abraham Clemens and worked for him for 2 years. In 1822, he worked for George Reiff in Schippach Township for $80. a year and the following year, he worked for various other farmers.

On November 18, 1823, he married Jane Dunbar, who had been raised by Jakob Merkley, who lived on Perkiomen Creek, Schippach Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1824, he and his wife moved to Joseph Lowery's in Schippach, whose farm he managed for 5 years. For this, he received one third of the produce as his wages for his labour and administration. His annual income at this place was approximately $80.

In the year 1829, he moved to Canada with his wife, 2 children, as well as 2 brothers and one sister and settled there where Bridgeport now stands. He worked there for one year for his cousin, Jakob S. Schumacher, who had come to Canada in 1820, in the saw-mill, erected in the same year. During the winter, he purchased tree-trunks from Henry Erb, on Lot 58, German Company Tract, and turned them into lumber for a small house, which he raised the following summer on his 224 acre lot #19, German Company Tract. After he had moved into the house, he set about clearing the forest, and also erected a 2-storey residence. The next year, a barn was built. The stone house now occupied by his son, Alexander, came about in 1851. The large frame barn that still stands on the place was built in 1842. His wife, with whom he had lived in a small frame house, after having passed the place on to his son, Alexander, died August 9, 1880 and since then, he had found his home with his son's family, who had given him the best of care.

His family consisted of ten children, of whom five are still living, namely: George, living near Elmira; Mrs. Joseph Schneider, Berlin; Mrs. George Israel, Williamsburg; and Mrs. H. McCoy, Bothwell. In addition to these two sons and three daughters, he is survived by 43 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, namely, Mrs. Wm. Luke, in Bothwell.

Also, it should be mentioned, that, he often suffered from epilepsy in his younger years, which, however, he later remained free of, after he had earnestly prayed to God and had promised to fast every Good Friday, which vow he had faithfully kept, even in later years, when age weakened him. His burial took place on the previous Saturday at the Mennonite cemetery in the eastern ward, with an exceptionally large number attending. The meeting-house was crammed full. Rev. Noah Stauffer preached in German and Rev. J. Y. Haist, in English. It should also be mentioned that he was one of the few men still living, who had helped with the construction of the meeting-house built in 1834, and the last man whose funeral service was held in it. Yesterday, on Wednesday, the demolition of the building was begun, in order to make room for a new, bigger House of God, to be built in the course of the coming summer.

Berliner Journal 13 Mar 1902 pg 4 col 5 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

_________________________________________


100 Years Old

That which is granted only to relatively few mortals, namely: to attain the age of 100 years, was granted on Friday to Mr. Jakob D. Schumacher, who resides with his son Alexander, about three miles south of Berlin. In celebration of the day, many relatives and friends from near and far had gathered to wish the old gentleman much happiness on his day of celebration. During the day and evening, probably two hundred people carried out this affectionate duty. Fifty to sixty people shared in the noon dinner. His children, and his children's children honoured him with a giant bouquet of 100 white roses, tastefully arranged, as well as a speech wishing him well. There were also other floral offerings received, even one from Rochester, N.Y.

The old gentleman was happy and well. He is still in possession of his mental faculties, and although he is somewhat hard of hearing and his eyesight is weak, he recognized immediately most of the friends congratulating him. Those whom he did not recognize, he recalled as soon as their names were given. A quartet, consisting of the gentlemen. A.L. Breithaupt, H.S. Hallmann, A.B. Devitt, and J.A. Wiederhold, from Zion Church, came that evening and delighted the celebrants with the performance of several lovely songs.

Jakob D. Schumacher was born November 24, 1799, as the oldest son of George Schumacher, on his grandfather's farm near the old mill on Swamp Creek in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In his youth, he helped his father with wool-carding and dying wool and yarn. From his 15th to 18th year, he worked in a grinding and oil-mill, and in the wool-season, he helped in his father's business. At 18 years of age, he apprenticed himself to John Funk, whose house burned down, whereby Schumacher lost everything, except for that which he had on his own body. In the autumn of 1818, he worked for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove.

The following spring, he attended the school in Lower Salford Township for six weeks, and in the summer worked for six months for David Allenbach in Schippach Township for $12 a month. From his salary, he gave his parents $50 a year, until he reached his majority. After six months had expired, he again attended school for six weeks and with that, his schooling came to an end. In 1820, he apprenticed himself to Abraham Clemens, as a labourer where he remained for two years. The first year, he earned $80 salary, and in the second year, $72. In 1822, he worked for George Reiff in Schippach Township for $80 a year, and later, earned daily wages from farmers.

On November 18, 1823 he married Jane Dunbar, daughter of a Scotsman, Alexander Dunbar by name. She had been raised by a German farmer, Jakob Merkley by name, in Schippach Township. In the spring of 1824, he moved to Joseph Lowery's farm in Schippach and worked on it for five years. As pay for his work, he received one third of the harvest. His annual income amounted to approximately $80.

In 1829, he came to Canada with his wife, and two children as well as two brothers and a sister and settled on the spot where Bridgeport now stands. He worked on the very spot where the sawmill of his cousin, Jakob S. Schumacher, had been constructed. The latter had arrived in 1820. He purchased several pine logs from Henry Erb, who lived on Lot Number 58, German Company Tract, and had them sawed up into boards. On the south-west half of Lot Number 10, German Company Tract, which contained 224 acres, which he had purchased in the meantime, he built a shack into which he moved in April 1830. In the first year, a considerable section of the forest was cleared and a two-storey log house was built. A log barn was built the following year. The large barn which now stands on the spot was erected in 1842 and the stone house in 1851.

When he passed the farm on to his son Alexander, he had a frame house built for himself and his wife. Since the death of his wife approximately 19 years ago, he has lived with his son Alexander, where he receives the best of care. Several years after he had settled down in the forest, he developed epilepsy, which occurred so often that he could not be left alone. For about fifty years, he has been free of this torment. He attributes this to the vow he made then, not to eat anything on Good Friday, which he has conscientiously held to ever since.
His descendants consist of two sons and three daughters, 38 grand-children and 42 great-grandchildren, who all are lovingly devoted to the "old Gross Dady" and wish him a good and peaceful old-age, in which the "Journal" also joins in.

Berliner Journal, Nov. 30, 1899, Page 4, Col. 5 - translated by Patricia Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

Jacob married Jane Dunbar 18 Nov 1823, , Pennsylvania, USA. Jane (daughter of Alexander Dunbar) was born 8 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 9 Aug 1880, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jane Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7042.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite