Clayton Peterson

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183163410
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5896.2

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183163408
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5896.1
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; U. Brethren
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Occupation: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Elected Office: 1903, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Warden for the County of Waterloo
• Occupation: 1911, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran

Notes:

In Loving Memory Died At St. Jacobs, on Wednesday, Sept. 8th, 1920 Alexander Peterson Aged 72 years, 8 months and 27 days. The Funeral Will be held from his late home in St. Jacobs on Saturday, Sept. 11th, at 2 o'clock p.m., to the Presbyterian Church, Hawkesville, for service and thence to cemetery for interment Friends and acquaintances please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

Alexander married Elizabeth Snider 21 Nov 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Jacob C. Snider and Anna "Nancy" Bricker) was born 2 May 1850, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Sep 1913, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hawkesville Union Cemetery, Hawkesville, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183163409
• Name: Elizabeth Peterson
• Name: Elizabeth Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5896
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Residence: 1911, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran

Notes:

Elizabeth Snider, "was born May 2nd, 1850. On November 21st, 1871, she was married to Alexander Peterson. They reside in Woolwich Township, west of St. Jacobs, where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists of 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.].

_________________

Peterson - Near Hawkesville, Sept. 27th, Elizabeth Snyder, beloved wife of Alex Peterson, aged 63 years, 4 months and 27 days.

Elmira Signet Oct 2 1913 pg 2

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95190379
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95190379
• Interesting: story, military, pioneer
• Name: H. W. Peterson
• Name: William Peterson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26909
• Immigration: 1826
• Birth: 6 Mar 1832
• Immigration: 1834, , Canada
• Residence: 1847, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; U. Brethren
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Retired: 1901, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Hawkesville, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Hawkesville, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran

Notes:

The Late Henry W. Peterson of Hawkesville

There passed away on Thursday, August 20th, 1913, a familiar figure and one of the few remaining pioneer settlers of the County of Waterloo, in the person of Henry William Peterson, of Hawkesville, in his 92nd year. The deceased was born in Somerset County, Pa., March 6th, 1822, the son of Charles Lewis Peterson and Theresa Boyer, of Baltimore, Md. He, with his parents, came to Upper Canada in 1826 and settled in Markham Township, County of York. IN 1839 they removed to a farm about one mile from St. Jacobs and about five years afterwards settled on the homestead property on the Conestogo River, Tp. of Woolwich, now known as the DeKay Farm. In 1894 the deceased retired from active farming operations and made his residence in Hawkesville up to the time of his death.

The late Mr. Peterson was a man of strong character, cheerful disposition and artistic taste. He was a great believer in making the home life of a farm as attractive as that of the city to which the delightful surroundings of his own late farm today testify. He also took a great interest in the breeding of horses and other stock being among the first to import thoroughbred stock into the County. He took a keen interest in all public matters and always wished to hear all sides of a question before forming his opinion. His political proclivities were Liberal and in religion he was a member of the Church of the United Brethren. He often recounted the stirring events of the Rebellion of 1837 in the vicinity of Toronto and retained his mentality to the last.

The deceased was married to Fanny Bristow who predeceased him in 1893 leaving his surviving children, Alexander, Ex-Warden of Waterloo County; James, of Dundalk, Ont.; Hannah, at home; John, of Grenfell, Sask.; Henry, of St. Jacobs; Charlotte, now Mrs. Clemens D. Bowman, of West Montrose; and Charles, of Hamilton, Ont. The interment took place at Hawkesville on Saturday, the 23rd instant, in presence of a large concourse of friends and relatives. The religious services were conducted by Rev. John Lynn, Berlin, and Rev. L. Thoms, of Hawkesville. The pall-bearers were, Howard Bowman, Leslie, William, Gordon, Clayton, and Birrell Peterson, all grandsons of the deceased.

Elmira Signet Aug 28 1913 pg 3

___________________

Fanny Bristow b. 12 Nov 1827 Shipley, Sussex
m. 23 Mar 1847 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
d. 20 Oct 1893 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario

Henry William Lewis Peterson b. 6 Mar 1822 ?, Pennsylvania
d. 20 Aug 1913, Hawkesville, Waterloo Co, Ontario

Alexander Peterson b. 12 Dec 1847 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
Elizabeth Snider m. 21 Nov 1871 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
6 known children d. 8 Sep 1920 St Jacobs, Waterloo Co, Ontario

James Albert Peterson b. 18 Sep 1849 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
Ann Joyner m. 25 Oct 1875 Kingston, Frontenac Co, Ontario
6 known children d. 23 Dec 1941 Beamsville, Lincoln Co, Ontario

Hannah Lavinia Peterson b. 20 Mar 1852 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
dnm
d. 19 Mar 1922 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario

John E Peterson b. 26 Apr 1856 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
Lucy C Hill m. 1 10 Jan 1882 Sutton, York Co, Ontario
no known children
Lizzie Thompson m. 2 @ 1904 Saskatchewan, Canada
1 known child d. ? likely Saskatchewan

Henry Peterson b. 25 Nov 1859 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
Agnes Winn m. 14 Feb 1882 Hawkesville, Waterloo Co, Ontario
6 known children d. ?

Charlotte A Peterson b. 6 Aug 1863 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
Clemens D Bowman m. 4 Oct 1882 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
9 known children d. 3 Feb 1941 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario

Charles Edward Peterson b. 4 Jul 1865 Woolwich Twp, Waterloo Co, Ontario
Jean (Jennie) McCulloch m. 20 Aug 1897 Hawkesville, Waterloo Co, Ontario
1 known child d. 1943?

From: Roger Miller

__________

In Memoriam Died At Hawkesville Wednesday, August 20th, 1913 H. W. Peterson Aged 91 years, 5 months and 14 days The Funeral will be held from his late residence on Saturday afternon, August 23rd, at 2 o'clock, to Hawkesville Cemetery for interment. Friends and acquaintances please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

Henry married Fanny Bristow 23 Mar 1847, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Fanny (daughter of Edward Bristow and Hannah Streeter) was born 20 Nov 1827, Shipley, Sussex, England; died 20 Oct 1893, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hawkesville Union Cemetery, Hawkesville, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95189771
• Name: Fanny Peterson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26910
• Residence: 1847, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; U. Brethren
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Died near Hawksville on Friday, Oct. 20th Fannie, beloved wife of Mr. H.W. Peterson, aged 65 years, 11 months and 8 days. The deceased bore the reputation of being a most estimable, kind-hearted and benevolent lady who made many warm friends and acquaintances of those with whom she came in personal contact. These together with nearer relatives mourn her demise. The funeral, which took place on Sunday afternoon to the Hawksville Cemetery, was largely attended by the bereaved relatives and a large concourse of sympathizing friends and acquaintances.


ELMIRA ADVERTISER, October 26, 1893

_________________________

On Friday morning, Oct. 20th, Mrs. Wm. Peterson passed peacefully to her long home. Mrs. Peterson was a native of Sussex, Eng., and came to this country when but four years old, settling first near Elmira. For many years past she resided on the old homestead about a mile east of this village.…A noble wife, a loving mother,who will be sadly missed by the bereaved family. The remains were interred in the cemtery here on Sabbath afternoon.…Rev. J. Showers of the U. B. church, of which Mrs. Peterson was a member preached. [See also p. 9, col. 1]

Elmira Signet 26 Oct 1893 pg 8 col 4

______________


Death of Mrs. Wm. Peterson.

On Friday morning, Oct. 20th, Mrs. Wm. Peterson of Hawksville passed peacefully to her long home.

Mrs. Peterson was a native of Sussex, England, and came to this country when but 4 years old, settling first in Elmira. For many years past she resided on the "Old Home" about a mile east of Hawksville. During the past seven years she had been a great sufferer, and for some two months past has been gradually getting worse but not until a few days back were hopes of her recovery given up. Death comes as a relief. Mrs. Peterson's life was a living example of what a Christian may be. To the motherless she was a mother, to the stranger a friend, to the troubled a comforter. Her heart was ever open to the cry of the needy. Blessings followed wherever she went. She leaves a sorrowing family and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. Her remains were interred in the cemetery at Hawksville on Sabbath when friends from far and near came to pay their last tribute to the departed. Rev. Showers of the U. B. Church of which Mrs. Peterson was a member, preached an able sermon paying glowing tribute to the moral worth of such a character.

The stricken husband and family have the sincerest sympathy of their many friends.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 26 Oct 1893, p. 6

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00106-5891
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Misfortune: 1857, near, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario; killed in train accident

Notes:

Jacob C. Snider, "was born January 12th, 1822. He was married to Nancy Bricker who was born July 29th, 1820. They resided in St. Jacobs where he was proprietor of the mills now in possession of E. W. B. Snider. He died March 12th, 1857, (* He was a passenger on board the illfated train that broke through the bridge crossing the Desjardine Canal near Hamilton. He was one of the number who was instantly killed. Date of the accident March 12th, 1857.) 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.].

___________________________________


We have lost no one from Berlin, but St. Jacobs mourns for one manly heart which has ceased its pulsations. Poor Jacob C. Snyder, jr., we parted with him in Toronto on Wednesday morning, in the enjoyment of health and in the hope of a long and useful life. Thursday evening he was a corpse! Mr. Snyder had gone to Toronto to place himself under the care of Dr. Cadwell, the Oculist. He had left Toronto to see a party in Hamilton, intending to return on the morrow. Unfortunate man -- he hurried himself into eternity. He was a generous-hearted and upright man, and we feel certain left not an enemy in the world. His remains were brought to St. Jacobs on Saturday and were laid in their last restingplace on Monday, attended by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. The evidence on the Coroner's Jury, taken thus far, we are unable to print this week, Until the verdict is rendered we withhold our opinion of the cause of the accident -- an opinion formed after the closet examination of surrounding appearances.


Berlin Chronicle 18 Mar 1857

_______________________________

A-1-132 Jacob C. Snyder Letters of Administration of the estate of Jacob C. Snyder the younger, late of the Township of Woolwich, Gentleman, deceased, to Nancy Snyder, Woolwich, aforesaid widow of the said deceased upon her giving proof that the said deceased died intestate on or about the twelfth day of March 1857 and on her giving a bond with security for the due administration of such estate herself and two sureties in the persons of Elias Snyder, of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, [note added over text] "in the sum of twelve thousand pounds", and Jacob Bricker of the Village of Waterloo, Mechanish[sic] each in the sum of two thousand pounds, the inventory delivered being to the amount of six thousand two hundred and ninety five pounds 2/6.

Letters granted 7^th April 1857
Died 12^th March 1857
Inventory £6295/2/6

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

Jacob — Anna "Nancy" Bricker. Anna (daughter of Peter Bricker and Elizabeth Cress) was born 29 Jul 1820, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 8 Mar 1909; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna "Nancy" Snider
• Name: Nancy Bricker
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1237
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Residence: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Nancy Bricker," the eldest daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Cress) Bricker, was born July 29th, 1820. She was married to Jacob Snider who lost his life near Hamilton, Ontario, by the breaking of the railroad bridge across the canal, March 12th, 1857. They had a family of five children".


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

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95190110
• Name: Carl Ludwig Peterson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26907
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Meth

Notes:

"Peterson: On the 17th inst., at Wellesley, in the neighbouring County of Waterloo, Charles L. Peterson, in the 81st year of his age. His remains were interred at Hawkesville, on the 21st, by the Rev. Mr. Smith of Berlin, after which funeral discourses in German and English, by attending ministers, were delivered in the Church of the United Brethren. Notwithstanding the extreme severity of the weather, the funeral was most numerously attended, the procession of vehicles containing sympathizing friends and neighbours being nearly a mile in length. The aged and devoted partner of his long life had predeceased him only a few years, and their remains were laid side by side in one grave, united both in the life and death. Mr. Peterson had reached a truly patriarchal age, and up to a few moments of his death he was perfectly concious, possessing all his faculties. He was the honored and beloved head of a numerous race of descendants, prosperous, vigorous and in the prime of life. Three married sons and five wedded daugh-ters, twenty-nine grandsons and grand-daughters, and seven great-great grandchildren, besides numerous collateral connections, all assembled to pay their last tribute of affectionate respect for the beloved head of their House. A yeoman all his days, the many hundred broad acres of his descendants testify to the sure reward of honest toil and industry. His life was that of an honest man and full of the Christian's hope. Death had no terrors for one who was for many years fully prepared for the last great change. A. J. Peterson, Esq., of Berlin, H.W. Peterson and Joseph Peterson, Esqrs. of Wellesley, are his three surviving sons. Our Townsman, H. W. Peterson, Esq. County Crown Attorney, a Nephew of the deceased."

THE GUELPH EVENING MERCURY January 22, 1876.

Charles — Theresaa Amelia Boyer. Theresaa was born 1797, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 1851, Hawkesville, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hawkesville Union Cemetery, Hawkesville, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95190223
• Name: Theresaa Amelia Peterson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26908

Other Events:

• Family Photograph: Edward Bristow and Hannah Streeter
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-171709
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1881, Shipley, Perth Co., Ontario; Postmaster

Notes:

Thriving Elmira ..

"THE WOOLWICH METROPOLIS"

A RETROSPECTIVE GLANCE, COUPLED WITH A GRAPHIC SKETCH OF THE MERCANTILE AND INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS OF OUR THRIFTY NORTH-END NEIGHBORS

…[Edward] Bristow came to this region, then known as West Woolwich, some time in 1833, and for a number of years was engaged in clearing up and cutting himself out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of remarkable energy and perseverance, being for three years the only white man in the neighborhood. His cabin was a welcome shelter for new settlers en route north and south and many a belated pioneer adventurer found within its thatched walls a safe and comfortable refuge from the freezing blasts of a winter's night or wild beasts. While he did not profess to keep a public lodging house all who came were tendered his hospitality without money and without price. But this generous soul soon found that this constant drain upon his limited source of supplies threatened his own existence and consequently about the year 1843 he converted his home into a tavern, the first establishment of the kind for many miles around. He then made a small charge for the bill of fare he could afford. In addition to the actual necessaries of life with which his table was supplied he kept on tap a quantity of liquid refreshments for the accommodation of those of his guests who were not total abstainers. It was indeed an indispensable resort for passengers en route on the stage running then between Glenallen and Hamilton. Here the half-frozen passengers could find relief in the cheerful glow of a log fire in the primitive fire place, or, per chance, seek consolation at the bar in the way of an "eye-opener". On many an occasion the old inn was taxed to its utmost limit to accommodate all who sought shelter beneath its roof, and frequently there was "standing room only". In other words, it was a haven of rest for all manner of humanity, and occasionally had for its guests men eminent in Canadian jurisprudence.

Bristow was undoubtedly a man well fitted to maintain the gradual advancement of civilization in an unbroken wilderness, being qualified to hold positions without which progress in a new settlement would be impeded by various obstacles. In addition to being landlord he was for many years a Justice of the Peace, the first official of the kind in the community, and for several years he owned one of the first threshing machines introduced in Woolwich Township, and after harvest time, with his odd pioneer contrivance, would go about the neighborhood threshing for the settlers. For years one Eisenhour carried the mail on horse back from Glenallen to Waterloo, and many a thrilling adventure he could relate pertaining to his experience as a servant of the Government when his route was over a mere trail along which lurked many dangers. On several occasions he was attacked by wolves and had to keep his horse at full speed to make his escape.

Mr. Bristow was also the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Henry Christman, father of Jacob and Philip Christman, now of Elmira. Christman was followed by Peter Wenger, who held the office for 25 years. After the latter it was held by several others until Sep. 11, 1889, when the present incumbent, Mr. John Ruppel, took charge.

Bristow died some time in 1883 at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Wm Henry Peterson, on the farm now owned by Wm. DeKay, in the vicinity he was mainly instrumental in transforming from the primeval wilderness to one more adapted to civilized life. His son Walter still lives here. Mrs. William Peterson, of Hawkesville, who died several years ago, was a daughter.



Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1

________________________


Edward was reportedly from Horsham, Sussex, England some of his children born in Shipley, Sussex, England.

________________

Edward married Hannah Streeter 31 Jul 1827, Shipley, Sussex, England. Hannah (daughter of Michael Streeter) was born CALC 2 Jul 1808, , Surrey, England; died 2 Aug 1873, Wallace Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Harris-Howick Baptist Cemetery, Howick Township, Huron Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Family Photograph: Edward Bristow and Hannah Streeter
• Name: Hannah Bristow
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-171710
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob C. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5817
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Occupation: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Residence: 1845, 194 Forsyth Dr., Waterloo, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob C. Snider "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, February 19th, 1791. On July 21st., 1812, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, June 10th, 1791 and died in Waterloo, Ontario, January 12th, 1879. Soon after his marriage he moved on his farm a little to the west of the town of Waterloo where he resided until his death. Not many years after his arrival in Waterloo County he purchased the mill property belonging to the estate of Abraham Erb. Here he was engaged, besides farming, in the milling and saw-mill business and later erected the distillery. He died June 19th, 1865, leaving a family of nine 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.].

__________________________

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

The congregation was founded in 1837 by Rev. F.W. Bindemann, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kitchener; early services were held in homes or other suitable meeting places. Property for the first church building was purchased from Jacob C. Snider for 5 shillings (approximately $1.25). The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1838 and dedication services in the new church at 72 King Street North in Waterloo were held in the fall of the same year. Rev. Bindemann was pastor. He was replaced in 1841 by Rev. Jacob Huettner of Preston who then ministered to both congregations. When the church's first membership list was compiled on October 24, 1841, the congregation numbered sixteen persons.

The frame church was destroyed by fire and replaced by a new, larger one in 1883. This, too, was destroyed by fire - on October 31, 1959. The congregation then built a new stone church at a new location on Willow Street, with dedication taking place on October 14, 1962.

Early pastors except for Rev. Bindemann (1837-1841), who was asked to resign in 1841, were Revs. J. Huettner (1841-1849), F.A. Peifer, Immanuel Wurster (1851-1855), and Jacob Hoelsche who began his ministry in 1855. Rev. Wurster ministered to St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Preston jointly with St. John's for one year until assuming charge of only Preston in 1855.

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

_______________________


On the 19th of June, in Waterloo Co., C.W., of liver complaint and dropsy, Jacob Schneider, aged 74 years, and 4 months. He was born in Franklin Co., Pa., in 1791, emigrated with his father to Waterloo Co., C.W., in 1805; married to Elizabeth Kressman in 1812, and leaves an aged widow and 5 children to mourn their loss. He was calm and composed during his sickness and we hope he has gone from this weary world to rest in his Father's house in heaven. He was buried on the 21st, followed to the grave by a large concourse of relatives and friends, on which occasion the brethren Geo. R. Schmidt and Joseph Hegey preached a funeral discourse from Rev. 3: 21. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I I(sic) also overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne." E.S.

Herald of Truth July 1865 - Vol. II, No.7 Page 56

______________________

On September 1st, 1829, Abraham Erb transferred 240 acres of land including his saw-mill and flour-mill to Jacob C. Snider, who had moved from Pennsylvania to a farm a little west of the present town, and Mr. Snider, great-grandfather of Frederick W. Snider, who is now, with his partner, the owner of the same flour mill, carried on business here for many years.

As the waterpower was not sufficient for his purposes, he installed a steam plant. As he then had more power than he required, he added a distillery to his other lines, and this branch of the business was carried on actively for a long time.

His son Elias then rented the mill, and, as he objected to having the still, his father removed it to his own farm. Jacob C Snider transferred 320 acres to his son Elias in 1853, (see County Records), including the mill property and much of what is now the central part of town. A landmark for many years was a tall poplar tree which stood near the mill. It was said that early in the century a poplar switch was used to drive a team of horses from Pennsylvania, and, on his arrival, the driver planted the switch near the mill. It grew to be a very large tree, five feet or more in diameter, and for many years a heavy cable circled it several times as an anchor for a tall iron smokestack, the bark finally growing over the cable. The tree was cut down in the 90's to make way for street improvements, the tree having been planted before there was a street.

The community had a very slow growth for three decades or more after Abraham Erb first located in the cedar swamp, for Jacob C. Snider, like his predecessor, was not anxious to sell his land in small lots to intending settlers. He had a large family and preferred holding his lands as an inheritance.

....In the year 1854, Elias Snider sold most of his holdings of land to John Hoffman and Isaac Weaver, retaining the mill property, the dam and various lots. The price obtained was said to have been $32,000. The land was surveyed by Mr. Schofield, a well known Berlin surveyor of that time, staked off into lots, and the lots sold.

Sixteenth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1928, A Historical Sketch of the Town of Waterloo, Ontario, Clayton W. Wells, L.D.S., D. D. S.

________________________

Snider - Forsyth - Home
194 Forsyth Dr, Waterloo
Part of Lot 22, German Company Tract


The Germany Company, originating in Pennsylvania, was initially comprised of 26 shareholders. These shareholders raised 10,000 pounds to purchase 60,000 acres of property which came to be known as Waterloo Township. The property was bought from Richard Beasley. He, along with two partners, had purchased a total of 94,012 acres from the Crown who held the land in trust for Chief Joseph Brant of the Mohawk or Five Nations Indians. This transaction took place in 1798.

Lot 22 of the German Company Tract originally comprised 448 acres stretching between boundaries now defined approximately by streets Erb and Glasgow. It was sold by David and Jacob Erb, agents of the German Company, to Abraham Gingrich in 1805. In 1815, David Gingrich, Abraham's son, sold the lot to John Binkley of Ancaster. Binkley, in turn, sold the entire 448 acres to Jacob C. Snider in 1842.

Jacob C Snider was a Mennonite. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1790 and worked as a yeoman. His wife, Elizabeth, was born in 1791. The house at 194 Forsyth Drive was built by Jacob C. Snider in 1845. This fact is recorded in the census records of 1861. The original house was a two-storey, typical Georgian frame with walls 15 - 16 inches thick. These walls were made of concrete and brick, and were covered by a clapboard exterior. The entire house, at that time, was comprised of the present day living room and centre hall.

In 1853, Jacob C. sold the property to his nephew, Samuel S., a farmer. In 1864, Samuel took out a mortgage for $6,000 from the Canada Permanent Building Society. The mortgage was discharged in 1863 according to the 1861 census. Samuel and his wife Anna had 8 children - Cyrus, Elizabeth, Catherine, Hiram, Samuel, Menno, Susanna and Titus. With a family of this size it is speculated that the money was used for very needy additions. These included four second floor bedrooms, a third floor attic, a dining room, and the present-day kitchen. The architectural design of the addition was Gothic rather than the original Georgian. This is evident in the pointed cathedral window, the centre peaked roof, and the decorative mouldings above the east and west entrances to the centre hall.

One of the interesting additions to the house involves a separate building of brick construction which may be entered from the living room of the main house. The date of this addition is unclear according to some reports. It was used as a laundry prior to 1936. In a recent interview with Mrs. Howard Snider, who moved into the house as a new bride in 1929,[Howard and Linda were married in 1919] this addition was referred to by her as the "milk house," for the farm was still operational in those years. Mrs. Snider's daughter recalls, "my sister was old enough then to do the selling [of milk] to the townspeople. We would bring the milk from the barn, and use the milk house as our dairy." It is quite possible, however, that this building had been constructed prior to 1851 as "the doddy house" of Jacob and Elizabeth, for the census records of that year described their home as a "one storey brick." It was a very common Mennonite practice in those days for parents to have an add-on building constructed to the home of a son or daughter. Housed in this room is an enormous Dutch oven which was used for cooking. It remains uncertain whether this was the original location, or whether it had been relocated from another area of the house. While the large metal doors used to close the oven have been removed to expose the hearth, the cranes for supporting huge cooking pots remain.

Of the 448 acre property, Samuel sold 117 acres to his son, Titus, in 1903 for $8,000. In 1908, the executors of Titus Snider sold the property to George H. Hahn for $10,550. Six years later, the land was returned to the Snider family, this time to Jacob S., a ninth child of Samuel S., born after the 1861 census. The cost was $17,550. For the same amount Jacob sold the land to his son Howard S. in 1929. Jacob and his family then moved to the farm house now designated as 131 William Street West [Waterloo]. Howard sold various parcels of his land off, including a sizeable portion to the Westmount Golf and Country Club, and 56 acres, a
at a cost of $16,782 to John Derby C. Forsyth.

The Forsyths, who purchased the property in 1936 never lived at 194 Forsyth Drive, the street which now bears his name. It was purchased as a guest house. Shortly after they acquired the property, the old barn was torn down and an elaborate new one was built. Pine beams from the old were salvaged and sawed into mellow panelling for the livingroom and master bedroom of the house. "He didn't want to leave the land empty," said Mrs. Forsyth, "so he put in grain and bought a herd of purebred Jersey cattle. He lost money every year."

In 1947, the house was sold to Dominion Life Assurance Company. They planned a housing development and put the house up for sale. While the tender of Dr. Archie Case was not the highest submitted, his plans for the house most appealed to the company, and the property became his the following year. In his renovations, three-quarters of the house was replastered, and the old fashioned closed stairway was opened onto the centre hall. Part of the livingroom was put up on jacks, and garages were constructed under it at basement level. Adverse to change of any sort in the refurbishing, Dr. Case contracted for copies of the rotting window sashes, interior trim; and clapboard for exterior repairs was specially milled.

In 1963, the house was sold to Mr. and Mrs. J. Askin. Subsequent owners to the Askins included Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Epp in 1978 - 1980, and a Ms. D. Crossan and a Mr. D. Zimmer, 1980 - 1982.

Much of the research for the history was done by Marg Rowell, Waterloo. This was printed with permission by Marion Roes from the framed history hanging in the hall of the 2008 owners.

Jacob married Elizabeth Cressman 21 Jul 1812. Elizabeth (daughter of John Cressman and Anna Schowalter) was born 10 Jun 1791, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jan 1879, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2064
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1845, 194 Forsyth Dr., Waterloo, Ontario
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Cressman, "the third daughter, was born June 10th, 1791. She was married to Jacob C. Schneider who was born February 19th, 1791, and died June 19th, 1865. She died January 12th, 1879. To them were born nine 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: 00016-1222
• Occupation: 1851, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Non-Professor

Notes:

Peter Bricker," the eldest son of John and Anna ( Erb) Bricker, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, November 26th, 1793. In 1802 he came to Canada with his parents who settled near the present village of Blair. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Simon Cress, who settled in this county in 1806. She was born February 17th, 1792, and died November 14th, 1854. He died January 25th, 1856. After their marriage they moved on the farm known as young "Daniel Snyder's" farm, within the corporation of the town of Waterloo, now possessed by the descendants of John E. Brubacher. Here they resided for twenty-five years when they moved south of "Huron Road," Wilmot Township, where they resided for two or three years, then they purchased the beautiful farm situated on the township line between Wellesley and Woolwich, now in possession of their son, John. Here they resided until their death which took place as stated above. They had a family of 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.].

Peter — Elizabeth Cress. Elizabeth (daughter of Simon Cress and Catharine) was born 17 Feb 1792, , Maryland; died 14 Nov 1854; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Bricker
• Eby ID Number: 00027-2014
• Residence: 1851, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Cress, "the second in family was born February 17, 1792. She was married to Peter Bricker who was born November 26th, 1793, and died January 25th, 1856. They resided in Waterloo County. She died November 14th, 1854. To them were 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.].