Leighton W. Schmitt

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-116747

Notes:

Schmitt, Leighton W., 89, Cambridge, Ont. Born: March 27, 1905, Carstairs, Alta., to Moses H. and Leah Weber Schmitt. Died: Feb. 12, 1995, Cambridge, Ont. Survivors - daughters: Verdella France, Ruby; one grandchild. Predeceased by: Leona Rosenberger Schmitt (wife). Funeral and burial: Feb. 15, First Mennonite Church, by Brice Balmer and Rudy Baergen.

Gospel Herald - Volume 88, Number 10 - March 7, 1995

Leighton — Leona Rosenberger. Leona (daughter of Rev. Isaiah S. Rosenberger and Persida Shantz) was born 20 Mar 1910, Guernsey, Saskatchewan; died 26 Oct 1991, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00048-3568.3
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son

Notes:

Schmitt, Moses H. (1876-1947)

Moses H. Schmitt Moses H. Schmitt: deacon, minister and bishop of the West Zion Mennonite Church near Carstairs, the Mayton Mennonite Church at Mayton, Alberta, the Clearwater Mennonite Church near Youngstown, Alberta, and the Sharon Mennonite Church near Guernsey, Saskatchewan, was born 13 August 1876 near Baden, Ontario, and died at Galt, Ontario, on 23 December 1947. He married Leah Weber (1874-1944) on 26 February 1902. They had four sons and one daughter; two sons died in infancy.

Moses Schmitt grew up, joined and participated in the Mennonite churches in the Berlin (Kitchener) area of Ontario. He first came west in 1900 to look for a homestead and moved the following year.In 1901 he became a founding members of the West Zion Mennonite Church near Carstairs, and was in the lot but not chosen as the congregation's first deacon. He was chosen and ordained as a deacon in 1909, serving in that capacity until 1915 when he was chosen and ordained as a minister.

The circumstances of Moses Schmitt's ordination as a minister were somewhat unusual. John K. Lehman, a minister in the congregation at Mayton, moved to Oregon in the spring of 1915. The conference agreed to provide the Mayton congregation with ministerial support. The West Zion congregation was closest to Mayton, but an additional minister was needed if ministers from West Zion would also assist at Mayton. Moses Schmitt, while remaining on his farm in Carstairs, was ordained to meet the needs of the Mayton congregation.
The Lehman's returned to Mayton in 1917. Conference leaders then asked Moses Schmitt to move to Reist/Youngstown, Alberta, to assist the struggling Clearwater congregation there. In 1919 Schmitt answered a call to serve the Sharon Mennonite Church near Guernsey, after Abram Reist agreed and was ordained as the minister of the Clearwater congregation.

Moses Schmitt served the Sharon congregation near Guernsey as minister from 1919 until his retirement and move back to Ontario in 1940. He was ordained as a bishop on 12 August 1929 to serve both the local congregation and the conference. He was, according to a published obituary, "Loved in the home circle, respected by the community, appreciated in church circles for his humility, loyalty, and sacrificial service."

Regehr, Ted D. "Schmitt, Moses H. (1876-1947)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. December 2003. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

______________


Schmitt. - Moses H., son of the late John B. and Magdalena (Hallman) Schmitt, was born near Baden, Ont., Aug. 13, 1875; passed away at the Galt General Hospital, following a lengthy illness, Dec. 23, 1947; aged 72 y. 4 m. 10 d. He was married to Leah Weber, who predeceased him on Aug. 14, 1944. Surviving are 2 sons (Leighton, Petersburg, Ont.; and Lloyd, New Dundee, Ont.), one daughter (Mrs. Osias Gingrich, Elmira, Ont.), 11 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Herman, Kitchener, Ont.; and Jonathan, Red Deer, Alta.), and 2 sisters (Mrs. Joseph Weber, Carstairs, Alta.; and Mrs. Irvin Snider, Guernsey, Sask.). In his early years he became a Christian. In 1901 he moved from Waterloo Co., Ont. to Carstairs, Alta., where he was ordained deacon in 1910, minister in 1915, and bishop in 1928. In 1940 he moved back to Ontario and spent his last years in the fellowship of the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener. He was loved in the home circle, respected by the community, appreciated in church circles for his humility, loyalty, and sacrificial service. Funeral services were in charge of C. F. Derstine, assisted by S. F. Coffman, J. B. Martin, Manasseh Hallman, and Oscar Burkholder. Text: II Sam. 3: 38.


Gospel Herald - Volume XLI, Number 2 - January 13, 1948, pages 46, 47.

Moses married Leah Weber 26 Feb 1902. Leah (daughter of Levi M. Weber and Susannah U. Bowman) was born 5 Mar 1874, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Aug 1944, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7900.5
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Schmitt.-Leah B., daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Levi Weber, was born at Freeport, Ont., March 5, 1874; died suddenly Aug. 18, 1944; at her home near Rosebank, Ont.; aged 70 y. 5 m. 13 d. In her late teens she accepted Christ during the revival meetings conducted by the late J. S. Coffman at Kitchener, and remained faithful until the end. On Feb. 26, 1902, she was united in marriage to Moses H. Schmitt at Carstairs, Alta. To this union were born 4 sons and one daughter. Two sons died in infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure her sorrowing husband, 2 sons (Lloyd, Rosebank; Leighton, Petersburg), one daughter (Naomi-Mrs. Ozias Gingrich, Elmira), 10 grandchildren, 3 brothers (Jeremiah, Guernsey, Sask.; Abram, Tofield, Alta.; Burton, Lockport, N.Y.), and one sister (Susie-Mrs. S. S. Shantz, Markham), besides many other relatives and friends. She was a very devoted wife and mother, and will be greatly missed by all. Funeral services were in charge of her pastor, Bro. C. F. Derstine. Theme: "The homegoing of Believers." Brethren M. Hallman, J. B. Martin, and Isaac Miller assisted in the services.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXVII, No . 22 - September 1, 1944, page 439, 440

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202006541
• Misfortune: killed by street car
• Name: Johannes Schmitt
• Name: John Becker Schmidt
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5802
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1873, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

John Schmidt, "was born June 30th, 1835. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Hallman, and after her decease to Magdalena, daughter of John Hallman. The first union was blessed with eight children, three of whom are dead, and with the second wife there were five children. In 1893 he sold his farm in Wilmot Township and purchased the old homestead of the late Isaac Eby, two miles east of Berlin."

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.].

_____________


JURY FINDS JOHN SCHMIDT'S DEATH WAS ACCIDENTAL

Did Not Find P. & B. Street Railway Negligent, But Make Recommendations. Proceedings of Inquest.

"We the jury empanelled to enquire into the cause of death of John B. Schmidt found dead about one mile east of Berlin along the line of the Preston and Berlin Railway about 15 p. m. on Friday, March 17th. 1911, finds as follows:

That, the death of John B. Schmidt was accidental.

"We the jury strongly recommend that the whistle be blown one hundred yards before farmers crossings if a team is seen to be going in the same direction and also that the Express car should be provided with a whistle to prevent such accident."

After an hour's deliberation the jury empanelled to enquire into the death of John B. Schmidt, returned the above verdict on Monday afternoon. The inquest was held in the police court chamber, commencing at two o'clock. Coroner Dr J. F. Honsberger presided and Mr. Ward H. Bowlby conducted the examination of witness for the Crown and Mr. Secord of Galt appeared for the Preston and Berlin street railway. The chamber was crowded with friends of the deceased, comprising chiefly the farmers of the district. Twelve witnesses were examined, the most important ones being Mrs. Schmidt conductor Morrison, motorman Burrows and Lester Weaver, a passenger on the car when the accident occurred.

The following constituted the coroner's jury Wendell E. Shantz, foreman, David Shuh, Wm. Adler, Henry Wagner, C. Thoman, John C Shantz, Daniel E. Shantz, Titus Shantz, Menno Shantz, Moses B. Shantz, Wm Nottgraves, and Victor Meyer.

According to the evidence submitted John Schmidt apparently met death without any realization of danger, He had turned to cross the tracks to enter This home, unaware of the approaching danger.

The substance of the evidence is as follows:

Addison Sniider was the first witness He lived in the vicinity and was out to the barn when the accident happened. He did not hear a whistle when the car came down the grade. Did not know the deceased to be deaf.

Mrs. Schmidt, wife of deceased was at the window. She saw her husband turn in toward the house: was crossing the tracks when she heard the car whistle and the next instant the car struck the buggy. Witness left the house. The horse had run away. Body was dragged along the track. Did not know who brought him into the house. Witness had heard only one whistle. Sometimes she heard the car whistle on the hill. Her husband was in good health when she left for Berlin. He was in good health when she left for Berlin. He was only slightly deaf when he contracted a cold. Did not have a cold at the time.


W Manx was at Addison Snider's barn when the accident occurred. Witness saw Schmidt driving along and heard the car whistle before it reached the Schmidt crossing. Heard crash after the whistle Did not hear the whistle on the hill and did not see the crash. The body was picked up 200 feet from where the car struck the buggy. Witness judged the car to be going 20 to 25 miles an hour.

Albert Thomassing corroberated Addison Snider's evidence.

Chas Ahrens was a passenger on the car. Witness saw buggy on the road going in the direction of the car. Was not certain he heard whistle on the hill. Whistled just before it struck the buggy. Thought motorman had done all be could Schmidt turned about 75 feet from the car Whistle sounded a couple of times. Car struck buggy. Body was lying 150 feet from where car struck it and car stopped another 150 feet further down the road. Thought the railway was not to blame. Motorman had applied brakes when the horse turned. Witness did not think car was going 25 miles an hour. Thought car was going slowly. Car jarred when whistle sounded. Motorman had done everything to stop the car and warn the deceased Schmidt evidently did not see the car coming. Sides were attached to the buggy.

Mr. Louis Lang, another passenger did not see the buggy or the collision He felt the jar of the brakes. Car was not going at unusual speed.

Miss M. Weaver, of German mills another passenger, next testified. She did not hear of any whistle, and did not see the man drive across the track.

J. M. Schneider, a passenger, did not remember, did not hear the whistle on the hill. Heard the whistle when he saw the buggy turn in. Expected accident but thought car would strike horse. Car was not going at excessive speed. Could not suggest by what. way motorman could have avoided accident. Schmidt had not looked out of buggy Motorman had done everything to avoid accident.


Lester Weaver, of Hespeler, a passenger, gave important evidence. At the top of grade he heard three whistles. He felt the appliance of the brake on the grade. Had seen the buggy but did not expect it to turn in A distance of 25 yards from the car the horse turned quickly. There were no side curtains on the buggy. He saw car strike. Thought the car to be going slowly.


To Mr. Secord witness said. Schmidt could have seen car had he looked out. Witness heard whistle when team turned. Car was going at twelve to fifteen miles an hour. Witness could not suggest anything by which the accident could have been prevented. Conductor Morrison testified that

on the top of hill, the signal sounded as usual four times, two long whistles and two short ones at a distance of 600 feet from the German Mills road. Car was not going very fast. Had often gone faster. Witness did not see buggy. His first intimation of trouble was the application of brakes and reversing of car. between the German Mills road and the Schmidt house. There was nothing to stop car quicker than reversing the brakes. It took 200 feet to stop the car and the rate of speed they were going, due largely to the dampness of the rails on that day. Car had skidded. Under favorable conditions and on the level it would take 150 feet to stop a car, witness stated. Car was going at 13 to 15 mile rate.

Wm. Burrows, the motorman, had applied the brakes, reversed the car and sounded the signal when he saw horse turn at a distance of 75 to 80 feet in front of car. He had sounded signal at top of hill. Car had stopped 400 feet from where it struck buggy.

"I done everything I knew of to prevent the accident and I do not think the railway was at fault." said the witness. Deceased had not looked out of buggy and evidently did not know car was coming.

Mr. Kirkwood, of Preston. an employe [sic] of the railroad, gave testimony relating to rules of the company. Car was travelling on company's right-of-way. There was not speed limit outside of towns.

This concluded the evidence at 4.15 o'clock.

Coroner Honsberger, in summing up the case, said the circumstances surrounding Schmidt's death were positively sad. He reviewed the evidence and told the Jury it was their business to decide whether there was any negligence on the part of the street railway company.

The chamber was then vacated with the exception of the Jury who returned a verdict about an hour later.

Berlin News Record 21 Mar 1911

John married Magdalena Hallman 19 Mar 1872, Mannheim, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Johann "John" Hallman and Sarah Elizabeth Bergey) was born 13 Dec 1839, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 May 1893, East Of Berlin, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00048-3568
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Magdalena Hallman, "was married to John Schmidt, a farmer. They resided two miles east of Berlin where she died May 27th, 1893, leaving 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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7900
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Hespeler (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Woolen Mill Hand
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, 109 Weber St. E. & 74 Cedar St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Levi Weber," the sixth son of Abraham C. Weber, was born March 14th, 1850. He is married to Susannah, daughter of Joseph and Leah (Unger) Baumann. They reside on his brother Daniel's farm, known as the old "Histand Place." They have a family of ten children, namely: VII Matilda, VII Leah, VII Jeremiah, VII Leander (dead), VII Malinda, VII Isaiah, VII Addison, VII Susannah, VII Malissa, and VII Alvin."


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.].


________________________________

Weber.-Levi Weber was born Mar. 14, 1850, on a farm where part of the city of Kitchener, Ont., now stands; died Oct. 24, 1923, at the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital after about two days' illness with pneumonia; aged 73 y. 7 m. 10 d. He was married to Susannah Bowman who died a little over three years ago. Eleven children were born to this union of whom seven survive (Mrs. Moses Schmitt, Jeremiah, Abram, Burton, Mrs. Harvey Bricker, Mrs. Joseph Cressman, Mrs. S. S. Shantz). There are also a number of grandchildren, besides two brothers and four sisters to mourn his departure. He united with the Mennonite Church in his young years, lived a consistent life to the end, and also had the satisfaction of seeing all his children accept their Saviour. Funeral services Oct. 28 from the home of his son-in-law, Bro. Joseph Cressman, to the First Mennonite Church for services which were conducted by the brethren, U. K. Weber and Abram Gingrich.


Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 33 - November 15, 1923 - pp. 684, 685

Levi — Susannah U. Bowman. Susannah (daughter of Joseph B. Bowman and Leah Unger) was born 8 Sep 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Sep 1920, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah U. Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00002-116
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Susannah U. Bowman, "the second daughter, is married to Levi M. Weber. They reside on the old "Stafford" farm near Freeport. Their family consists 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.].

__________________


Weber. - Sister Susannah Bowman, beloved wife of Bro. Levi M. Weber, was born in Waterloo County, Ont., on Sept. 8, 1852 and died at the home of her son-in-law, Bro. Joseph Cressman, Kitchener, Ont., on Sept. 11, 1920. The cause of her death was heart trouble and dropsy. Her age was 68 y. 3 d. There were eleven children in the family, seven of whom survivie, viz., Leah, wife of Pre. Moses Schmitt; and Jeremiah of Saskatchewan, Melissa, wife of Harvey Bricker; Abram and Burton of Alberta; Melinda, wife of Joseph Cressman, Kitchener, and Susannah, wife of S. S. Shantz, missionaries at Jebba, West Africa. Funeral on Sept. 15. Service at the house by Bro. U. K. Weber and at the First Mennonite Church by the Brethren Jonas Snider and Allan Good.


Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 27 - September 30, 1920 - Page 527

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41212942
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5799
• Ordained: 12 Apr 1840
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. George R. Schmidt "son of John and Catharine (Riehl) Schmidt, was born in Muhlhausen, Alsace, November 23rd, 1809, and died September 12th, 1882. His death was caused by the upsetting of his buggy, at the railway crossing a little east of Baden, from which he received injuries proving fatal a few hours after its happening. He had an older brother named John and a sister named Catharine. His parents suffered greatly during the wars of Napoleon I and again during the year 1817 when there was almost a total failure of crops in Europe and America, thus causing great scarcity of food for both man and beast. During these trials the father died. His death took place August, 1817. In 1819 the mother was married again to Jacob Linhart. After the old homestead which the father had erected was sold, the parents moved to a place called Bischols, some miles distant from their former home. The second union was blessed with four children, named Jacob, Margaret, Christian and Maria. On March 6th, 1828, they left the old country and emigrated to America and arrived at Buffalo, New York on May 6th of the same year. From Buffalo they came to Canada where the father rented a farm. The two sons, John and George, worked among the neighbors to earn money to assist their step-father. In January, 1829, these two sons with but 50 cents in their pockets, made a journey on foot over 100 miles. They came to Waterloo (their parents resided in Welland County, not very far from Buffalo) where John engaged himself to Jacob Schneider (farmer and miller at Waterloo) for one year and George engaged himself to Joseph Goldschmitt of Baden for 3 months at the rate of $8.00 per month. He worked on the saw mills situated where now the Baden woollen mills are. After being in the county for several months he returned home with his and his brother John's wages. This money was given to their parents. In October, 1829, he returned to Waterloo and engaged himself to Rev. Benjamin Eby for one year at the rate of $10.00 per month. Later on he and his brother John purchased lots Nos. 12 and 13, in the township of Wilmot, consisting of four hundred acres, of which they gave one hundred acres to their father. George was engaged in clearing land for various parties at the rate of $10.00 per acre. In August, 1831, he returned home where he was married on the 14th day of the same month to Salome Becker. After his marriage he again came to Waterloo and finished the "chops" he had commenced the previous spring. In October he and his brother John who had been in the services of Jacob Schneider for several years, returned home, George to fetch his wife and John to get married to the woman of his choice, namely, Margaret Roth who resided in Buffalo. This marriage took place November, 1831. In 1832 they all returned to their farms in Wilmot Township where the mother died in July, 1851, aged 68 years. Catharine, the only sister of George and John Schmidt, was born March 25th, 1814, and was married December 25th, 1835, to Martin Anthes. She has a family of five children, of whom three are still living. John was born November 1st, 1806, and died March 12th, 1882. He had a family of twelve children, of whom seven are still living. George was ordained minister of the church of his choice, the Mennonite, April 12th, 1840. He was a true and faithful worker for His Master. Many an eloquent sermon did he preach and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. It proved a great loss to the church to lose such an active and able worker as he was, but let us hope that our earthly loss may prove to be his eternal gain. He was married to Salome Becker who was born February 28th, 1811, and died November 21st, 1887. They had a family of thirteen 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 14th of September, near Baden, Waterloo Co., Ont., Pre. George R. Schmit, in the 73rd year of his age. He had been to the Post office to get his paper, and as he was ready to return, his horse became frightened by a passing train of cars, threw him out of the buggy against a fence, with such force that three of his ribs were broken, from the effect of which he died in about three hours. He was buried on the 17th, followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Services were held by M. Bowman at the house, and by J. Woolner, and Jacob Mensch (The latter from Montgomery Co., Pa.,) at the meeting house, from the text Heb. 13: 17. He leaves a sorrowing widow, four sons and five daughters to mourn his sudden departure.Bro. Smith was a zealous Christian, and an active laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. He was a man of forethought and decision of mind. When he preached, the gospel gave no uncertain sound. He was a bold, fearless speaker and one who carried his audience with him while at the same time his heart was filled with love toward all. He was one of these men who could not be driven about by every wind of doctrine, but amid all the overturnings and religious convulsions which characterized his day. Bro. Smith remained steadfast and faithful in his calling, and immoveable in his faith. In the death of Bro. Smith and Bro. Sherk, the church in Canada has lost two veterans in the cause of Christ, two pillars in the church, whose active and devoted labors will be long remembered. May their successors in their respective places, labor for the cause with the same devotion, the same zeal, and the church continue to prosper and be blessed.

Herald of Truth - Volume XIX, Number 21 - Nov 1, 1882 - p 333, 334

__________________________

Schmitt, George R. (1809-1882)

George R. Schmitt: minister and farmer; born in 1809 in Mulhausen, Alsace to Lutheran parents. In 1828 he came with his parents and at least one sibling to North America, first living in Welland County, Ontario. In August 1831 he married Salome Becker and they settled on a farm near what became Baden, Ontario. One of his grandchildren was Jacob B. "J.B." Smith , Bible scholar and first president of Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. George R. Schmitt died in an accident on 14 September 1882.
Although of Lutheran heritage, it is said that George Schmitt worked for a time as a farm laborer for Bishop Benjamin Eby, and then embraced the Mennonite faith. For some years he was a farmer and schoolteacher. He was ordained as the first minister for the Shantz Mennonite Church congregation near Baden on 12 April 1840 or in February 1847; the date is uncertain because of conflicting evidence.
George Schmitt was apparently a remarkable orator; one biographical sketch said "his clear ringing tones, with 'silver-tongue' effect could readily be heard by overflow audiences which frequently greeted his public ministry." Others also referred to him as a "forceful" preacher. Because of his oratorical gifts he often spoke in Amish and Lutheran congregations in the area. During the U.S. Civil War, George Schmitt, together with David Sherk, made preaching visits through Pennsylvania and Virginia; and later he made a similar tour through the Central States.
Schmitt died as the result of an accident when in town to fetch a newspaper at the Baden post office. His horses became frightened by a passing train, and threw him from his buggy against a fence. He died of his injuries within three hours.
George R. Schmitt's major service occurred at a time when pastoral activity was not well documented. Nonetheless he had a ministry that extended far beyond his local community. Several times he participated in ministerial delegations from Ontario that sought to bring peace to other parts of the Mennonite Church that were in conflict. This role indicates his ability, and the stature he had within the church's leadership.

Steiner, Sam. "Schmitt, George R. (1809-1882)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. January 2002. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

George married Salome "Sally" Becker 14 Aug 1831, Welland Co., Ontario. Salome was born 28 Feb 1811, , Alsace Lorraine, France; died 21 Nov 1887, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41213092
• Name: Salome "Sally" Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7890.3
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

SCHMIDT.-On the 21st of Nov., in Wilmot Twp., Waterloo county, Ont., of infirmities of old age, Sister Salome, wife of the late Pre. George Schmidt, aged 76 years, 8 months and 21 days. Buried on the 24th at Shantz's Meeting-house. She was a beloved mother, a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the Mennonite church. Services were held from her own chosen text, Phil. 1: 21, by N. Stauffer and M. Bowman.

HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXIV, Number 24, December 15, 1887 - pp 381, 382

Other Events:

• Name: John Hallman
• Eby ID Number: 00048-3567
• Birth: CALC 1 Apr 1815
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Hallman, "was born August 1st, 1812. He was married to Sallie Bergey (No. 902) who was born May 27th, 1821, and died May 6th, 1886. They resided near Mannheim, Ontario, where he owned a large farm. He died March 13th, 1888."


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.].

____________________________


HALLMAN . - On the 13th of March, in Wilmot township, Waterloo Co., Ont., Bro. John Hallman, aged 75 years, 7 months and 12 days. Came from Pennsylvania with his parents in the year 1824; was married to Sarah Bergy in 1838; lived in matrimony 48 years; was the father of 18 children of whom 12 survive him. He was buried on the 15th at Latshaw's meeting-house where a large concourse of relatives and friends had assembled. Appropriate remarks were made by Moses Bowman and Noah Stauffer, from 2 Cor. 5: 1 and Prov. 4: 32


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXV, Number 7, April 1, 1888, Pages 108, 109

Johann married Sarah Elizabeth Bergey 27 Mar 1838, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Joseph Bergey and Elizabeth Wagner) was born 27 May 1821, , Ontario, Canada; died 6 May 1886; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sallie Bergey
• Name: Sarah Elizabeth Hallman
• Eby ID Number: 00004-843
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Sallie Bergey," was born May 27th, 1821, and died May 6th, 1886." Sallie Bergey, " daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wagoner) Bergey, was born May 27th, 1821, and died May 6th, 1886. She was married to John Hallman and had a numerous family. They resided near Manheim. "


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:

• Name: Abraham Weaver
• Name: Abram Weber
• Residence: 748 Old Zeller Dr., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7889
• 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:

Abraham C. Weber," the youngest son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Cressman) Weber, was born in Berlin, Waterloo County, Ontario, March 14th, 1817. On October 23rd, 1838, he was married to Judith, youngest daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin. She was born January 2nd, 1821, and died March 12th, 1884. After their marriage he moved on his father's farm, being composed of part of lot No. 15, German Company's Tract. Here they resided until the Grand Trunk Railway was built in 1855, when they sold their large farm and purchased that of Benjamin Shantz and Stafford's farms at Freeport. Here they resided until his death which took place July 6th, 1874. She resided until his death which took place July 6th, 1874. She resided with her son, Moses, on the west side of the Grand River, near Chicopee, where she died. He was ordained as minister of the Gospel for the Mennonite denomination, December 22nd, 1850. He preached regularly and attended frequently at funerals. His time was largely occupied in visiting the sick and giving words of consolation to such who were seeking their spiritual welfare, and his life was a busy one. So much of his time was devoted to his pastoral duties that he was almost unable to attend to his private affairs. Although sacrificing much of his time in the service of the church of his choice, he would not receive any compensation for the time devoted in behalf of the church, but looked for his reward beyond the present life where the faithful labors in His vineyard shall be spiritually rewarded for all ages of eternity. They had a numerous family, being composed of sixteen 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.].

_________________________

First Mennonite Church

The first church built in Waterloo County was erected in Berlin in 1813, and was known as Benjamin Eby's Meeting House.

Benjamin Eby had come to Canada in 1807 and in 1809 was ordained preacher. Three years later, in 1812, he was ordained bishop. His "parish included sections of Waterloo, Wilmot and Woolwich" (Uttley 1937: 27). In 1818 a frame addition, which was to be used as a winter school, was built on to the church. The log meeting house was replaced in 1834 by a larger frame church, and the old building was taken to Breslau to become the first meeting house in that community. (The Breslau church was known as Cressman Meeting House, a name which was changed in 1968 to Breslau Mennonite Church.) A Sunday School was opened in the church in 1841.

Benjamin Eby died in 1853. He was followed by Abraham C. Weber who served the congregation until his death in 1874. In that same year, a division in the church brought about the departure of a group who organized a congregation of Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites, to become United Mennonites in 1875 and then Mennonite Brethren in Christ in 1883. Their church is the present-day Bethany Missionary Church on Lancaster Street East. Christian Eby was the next minister of the Berlin Mennonite Church, until 1879. The church was known over the years as Benjamin Eby's Church, Christian Eby's Church (from 1854-1904), and the Berlin Church (from 1904 until 1917.) The name of the church became First Mennonite Church in 1917.

A new brick church was built in 1902. A Bible Study School was begun in 1907, and in 1928 a separate brick Bible Study School building was erected. Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church was formed by some members in 1924 as a result of a division in the church.

Of interest: when the new church was built in 1902, the 1834 frame church was bought by D.B. Betzner who moved it to Cedar Street where it became a woodenware business and then a furniture factory. It was destroyed by fire in 1937.

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

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In the 1851 Census of Waterloo Township the birthdates of the children don't agree with Eby's book.

Residence:
The Woolner Farmstead buildings, located at 748 Zeller Drive, are situated in the north end of the City of Kitchener on 6.47 acres off scenic Zeller drive. The original Mennonite Georgian farmhouse and outbuildings were constructed in 1830. The farmhouse addition was built circa 1858, and the barn and concrete silo were built circa 1870.

Abraham married Judith Martin 23 Oct 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Judith (daughter of Peter Martin and Anna Zimmerman) was born 2 Jan 1821, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Mar 1884, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Judith Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4503
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Judith Martin, "the eighth and youngest daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin, was born in Waterloo County, January 2nd, 1821. On October 23rd, 1838, she was married to Rev. Abraham C. Weber."


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.].

____________________

the 13 th of March, in Waterloo township, Waterloo county, Ontario, of dropsy, Sister Judith(Martin), widow of Pre. A. E. Weber, aged 63 years. Buried on the 15 th of March, at Christian Eby's burying-ground. She was the mother of 16 children of which 14 are still living.


Herald of Truth - Volume XXI, Number 8 - APRIL 15, 1884, page 125,126

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-114
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; weaver
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph Bowman, "the second son of Benjamin and Susannah (Bechtel) Baumann, was born near Berlin, May 11th, 1821. He was first married to Leah, daughter of George and Catharine (Kraft) Unger. They resided near Manheim where she died. After his first wife's decease he was married again to Amanda, daughter of Christopher Cress. They resided in Blenheim where they both died. He died July 3rd, 1889. He had a family of nine children, six of whom are of the first wife"


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.].

Joseph married Leah Unger 2 May 1848, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of George Unger and Catherine Kraft) was born 12 May 1825, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jun 1864, Mannheim, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Bowman
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7900.3
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Leah Unger, "was married to Joseph Bowman, a farmer. They resided at Manheim where she died, leaving 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.].