Reta Viola Schmitt

Other Events:

• Name: Reta Viola Knechtel
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-123031
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

KNECHTEL, Reta Viola Passed away at the Village of Winston Park in Kitchener on November 1, 2010, at the age of 94. Devoted mother of Shirley (Jim) Shantz, Janet (Jim) McLaughlin, Marlene Knechtel, Douglas Knechtel, and Brian (Kathy) Knechtel. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Kim (Mike) Trottier, Greg (Michele) Shantz, Dean (Pat) Shantz, Mark (Lori) McLaughlin, Paul (Aya) McLaughlin, Jason (Yumi) McLaughlin, Amy (Jeremy) Inglis, Laura Knechtel, Ben Knechtel and Jenna Knechtel and by great-grandchildren, Jill (Tyler) Drader, Josh (Dara) Martin, Emily and Matthew Shantz, Marly McLaughlin, Nicholas and Riki McLaughlin, and Kori and Jubei McLaughlin. Special great-great-grandmother of Jake Drader. Predeceased by her husband, Clifford Knechtel on November 2, 2002; brothers, Lorne, Delton, Harold, Edward and Wilfred Schmitt; sisters, Vinetta, Edith, Edna and Ethel; and by her parents, Samuel Schmitt and Sarah (nee Witmer). Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The memorial service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 2: 30 p.m., with Rev. Wayne Schiedel officiating. Reception to follow the funeral in the Fireside Reception Room. A private family committal will be held at Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery prior to the memorial service. Donations in memory of Reta may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and can be arranged through the funeral home, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.


The Waterloo Region Record 2 Nov 2010

Reta — Clifford Stanley Knechtel. Clifford (son of Ephraim Knechtel and Edna Snyder) was born 1912, Mannheim, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Nov 2002, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Shirley Eileen Knechtel

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00034-2984.4
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agent
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Milk Vendor
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Schmitt.-Samuel E., son of the late David and Leah (Eschleman) Schmitt, was born Aug. 19, 1875, near Baden, Ont.; died at his home near Kitchener on Sept. 15, 1939; aged 64 y. 28 d. On March 13, 1901, he was united in marriage to Sarah, daughter of the late Isaac and Leah (Baer) Witmer of Rosebank. To this union were born 5 sons and 5 daughters: Vinetta (Mrs. Herbert Feick) of Blair; Edith (Mrs. Lester Bachert) of Kitchener; Pre. Lorne of Nine Pines; Delton, at home on his father's farm; Edna (Mrs. Harold Schiedel) of Kitchener; Harold of Waterloo; Edward of New Dundee; Wilfred of Petersburg; Reta (Mrs. Clifford Knechtel) of Bridgeport and Ethel, at home. These all remain to mourn his passing, along with 4 brothers (Josiah of Niles, Mich.; David of Williamsburg, Ont.; George of Kitchener and Simon of Louisiana). Seventeen grandchildren also survive. At the age of 16, under J. S. Coffman's ministry, he confessed Christ as his personal Saviour and united with the Latschar Mennonite Church of which he was a faithful member until his death. For many years he served as a member of the Ontario Mennonite Rural Mission Board and later on the Rural Mission Committee, until a few years ago when, because of poor health, he ceased to serve. For about 3 1/2 years he suffered a great deal from a heart condition from he was finally relieved by death and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.

"Peacefully sleeping, resting at last,
The world's weary troubles and trials are past;
In silence he suffered, in patience he bore,
Till God called him home to suffer no more."
-Mother and Family

Gospel Herald October 12, 1939 - Vol. XXXII, No 28 - pages 606, 607 and 608

Samuel married Sarah Witmer 13 Mar 1901, Mannheim, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Isaac Witmer and Leah Bear) was born 25 Sep 1877, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1952; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00003-605.8
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Domestic
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45286867
• Name: David B. Schmidt
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5809
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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

Notes:

David Schmidt, "was born October 13th, 1847. He is married to Leah Eshelman and resides on a farm 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.].

____________

SCHMITT - On the 14th of December, 1895, in Wilmot, Waterloo Co., Ont., of pneumonia, David B. Schmitt, aged 48 years, 2 months, 1 day. Services by Tobias Bowman at the house. Moses C. Bowman spoke on Rom. 8:18, which was selected by the deceased, and Menno Cressman, on Psa. 90:12 at the meeting house He leaves his wife, five sons, brothers and sisters to mourn, but not as those who have no hope. Buried in Latschar's graveyard.

Herald of Truth , Vol. XXXIII, No. 2, January 15, 1896, Page 30, 31

David married Leah Eshleman 5 Feb 1871, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of David Eshleman and Esther Shantz) was born 29 Mar 1846, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Sep 1916; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Schmitt
• Name: Leah Sherk
• Eby ID Number: 00034-2984
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Mannheim, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Leah Eshleman, "born March 29th, 1846, is married to David B. Schmitt. To them were born seven 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.].

__________________

Schmidt - Leah Eshleman was born in Wilmot Tp., Waterloo Co., Ont., March 29, 1846; died Sept. 12, 1916; aged 70 y. 5 m. 14 d. She was united in marriage to David B. Schmitt April 12, 1871, lived in matrimony 24 years. He preceded her to the glory world 21 years. This union was blest with 7 sons, 5 of whom survive to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. She united with the Mennonite Church a number of years ago and remained faithful until death. Funeral services were conducted at the Latschar Menmnonite Church on Sept. 15, by the brethren Manasseh Hallman and Jonas Snider. Texts, Heb. 11: 16; I Cor. 15: 55, 56.


GOSPEL HERALD - Volume IX, Number 27 - October 5, 1916 - 503

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00135-8304
• Residence: 1867, Guelph Township, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard
• Retired: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Isaac Witmer, "is married to Leah Bear. They reside in Wilmot Township, near Huron Road. He is a farmer."


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.].

_______________


Witmer. - Isaac Witmer was born April 3, 1842; died Jan. 10, 1929, at the home of his son J. Wesley, near Petersburg, Ont. On Nov. 5, 1867, he was united in marriage to Leah Baer and to this union were born ten children: Mrs. Wm. Spaetzel, New Dundee, Ont.; Mrs. Jacob Spaetzel, Petersburg, Ont.; Jonas, who died in his fourteenth year; Isaiah, Kitchener, Ont.; Mrs. Enoch Gingerich, Preston, Ont.; Mrs. Samuel Schmitt, Kitchener, Ont.; Mrs. Noah Otterbein, Petersburg, Ont.; J. Wesley, Petersburg, Ont.; Edmund, Kitchener, Ont.; and Mrs. Herbert Herner, who preceded him in death twenty-three years ago. These with 3 brothers (John, Listowel, Ont.; Benjamin of Sask.; Henry, Preston, Ont.), 1 sister (Mrs. Edward Grabiel, Fordwick, Ont.), 72 grandchildren, and 59 great-grandchildren survive. On Aug. 17, 1908, his wife was called to her eternal home. He was married on Feb. 1, 1910, to Elizabeth Doner of Stayner, Ont., who also passed to her reward on May 31, 1918. He was converted when forty-four years of age and united with the Brethren in Christ Church and lived a faithful and consistent Christian life. He served in the office of deacon in the Waterloo, Ont., district for a number of years. Because of a lingering illness he was confined to his bed for the past three years, yet he always bore his suffering with patience and Christian fortitude. Funeral services were conducted at the Rosebank church on Jan. 14, 1929, in charge of E. J. Swalm assisted by Simon Cober and Manasseh Hallman. Text, Psa. 107: 30. Interment in cemetery near by.


Gospel Herald - Volume XXI, Number 48 - February 28, 1929 - page 1005, 1006, 1007

Isaac married Leah Bear 5 Nov 1867, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of Rev. John G. Bear and Anna "Nancy" Pannabecker) was born 2 Sep 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Aug 1908; was buried , Rosebank Community Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Witmer
• Eby ID Number: 00003-605
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunkard

Notes:

Leah Bear, "was born September 2nd, 1839. She is married to Isaac Witmer. They reside in Wilmot Township, where he is engaged in farming. 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.].

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:

• Eby ID Number: 00034-2983
• Residence: 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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
• Directory: 1864, Wilmot Township - Block A Concession 1 Lot 06, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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; Farm Hand
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

David Eshleman, "the second son of Samuel and Nancy (Bechtel) Eshleman, was born near Blair, November 24th, 1822. On March 19th, 1844, he was married to Esther, daughter of Isaac and Esther (Bechtel) Shantz. She was born January 7th, 1823, and died September 16th, 1883. They resided in Wilmot Township where he was engaged in farming for many years. When quite a young man he was ordained as deacon of the Mennonite body. His family consisted of eight 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.].

__________________


Deacon David Eshleman died near Mannheim, Waterloo Co., Ont., of pneumonia, on Feb. 11, 1905; aged 82 Y., 2 M., 17 D. He was married to Esther Shantz, who preceded him to the spirit world 21 years ago. To them were born a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. He leaves behind him six children, twenty grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and a great many friends. In 1859 he was ordained deacon of the Mennonite church, which office he faithfully filled until a few years previous to his death, when he resigned owing to ill health. He took a great interest in church work; he leaves a bright hope of the glorious beyond. Funeral services were conducted by Moses Bowman, Menno Cressman, Noah Stauffer and A. D. Wenger of Pennsylvania. Text, Phil. 1: 21; 2 Tim. 4: 6.

Herald of Truth, Vol. XLII, No. 12, March 23, 1905, page 95

David married Esther Shantz 19 Mar 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Esther (daughter of Isaac Shantz and Esther Bechtel) was born 7 Jan 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Sep 1883, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Eshleman
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6832
• Residence: 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esther Shantz, "was born January 7th, 1823, and died September 16th, 1883. She was married to David Eshelman."


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.].

____________________

ESHLEMAN. - On the 16th of September, in Waterloo county, Ont., Sister Esther, wife of David Eshleman, and daughter of Isaac and Esther Shantz, aged 60 years, 8 months and 9 days. Her affliction was palsy, of which she suffered three days, when, as we believe, she went asleep in Jesus. Buried at Latshaw's graveyard. Services were held a the house by Amos Cressman and at the meeting-house by Moses Bowman and Joseph Nahrgang.


Herald of Truth - Volume XX, Number 21 - November 1, 1883, pages 332, 333

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00135-8295

Notes:

Abraham Witmer, "third son of Abraham and Annie (Eversole) Witmer, was married to Catherine Groh. They resided north of Hespeler, near what is known as "Tuck's Hill" where they possessed a beautiful farm. They are both dead. To them was born a family of fifteen 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.].

Abraham — Catharine Groh. Catharine (daughter of John Groh and Susannah Wanner) was born 25 Nov 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Jul 1891, Howick Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Holm
• Name: Catharine Witmer
• Eby ID Number: 00045-3408
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Dunker

Notes:

Catharine Groh, "was born November 25th, 1813. She was first married to Abraham Witmer, a farmer. They resided in Guelph Township, near Waterloo Township line. They had a large family, namely:...Joseph, Polly, Susannah, Abraham, Benjamin, Hannah, Annie, Henry, George, Sarah, Samuel, Elizabeth, John, Isaac, and Moses. After the decease of her first husband she was married to Rev. Peter Holm, bishop of the Dunkard Church."


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/39053199
• Name: John Baer
• Eby ID Number: 00003-597
• 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
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Bear, "was born near Preston, Ontario, May 15th, 1804. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. When eighteen years of age he commenced life as a builder and contractor. Many a house and barn still standing in this and adjoining counties. were erected by him between the years 1823 and 1835. He was also the possessor of a beautiful farm lying between Preston and Hespeler, now owned by Anson Groh. Here he resided until the death of his wife in 1875. Then he had his home with his youngest son, Joseph, for five years. In 1880 he went to live with his son John, who resides a little west of Doon, where he died happy in the Lord, December 24th, 1894. He was converted unto the Lord when a young man, and in 1833 he joined the Mennonite Church. On December 2nd, 1838, he was ordained as Minister of the Gospel by the late Bishop Benjamin Eby. His field of labor was to be at 'Wanners', for which locality he was ordained. In 1870-71 when the first glimmerings of dissatisfaction were observable among the Mennonites, Mr. Bear was an active worker to keep up the union (The writer heard him advocate strongly in favor of union in 1870-71-72) but the spirit of disunion was carried so far (1873-4), which ultimately caused a division into the old and new communions. Mr. Bear joined himself with the new party and was one of their first ministers. We might add in conclusion that his educational attainments were very limited. Besides the acquisition of the simple elementary branches of reading, writing, and arithmetic, he in his youth was not favored, as the country was new and the schools in their primeval state. Being possessed of a very retentive memory, he exhibited a great taste for reading and was remarkably fond of investigation. He seldom accepted anything without first giving it due consideration and careful study. What little spare time he was able to snatch from the labors of the farm, he studiously devoted to the reading of such works as came within his reach. His library was composed of books pertaining to religious and devotional works. He was well versed in the Bible and works of a religious character. On February 11th, 1827, he was married to Anna, daughter of Cornelius and Anna (Detweiler) Pannabecker. She was born near Hespeler, Waterloo County, Ontario, April 23rd, 1812, and died February 16th, 1875. 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.].

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"Bear, John (1804-1894)

John Bear: minister and building contractor; born 15 May 1804 near Preston, Upper Canada to Martin and Catharine (Gingrich) Bear. He was the oldest child in a family of six sons and seven daughters. On 11 February 1827 he married Anna Pannabecker (23 April 1812-16 February 1875); they had ten sons and three daughters. John died 24 December 1894.

By vocation John Bear became a carpenter and builder. One of his projects was the Union Mennonite/Tunker school and meetinghouse of 1829 that predated the Wanner building of 1837. This building was used as a school until 1848. He did much of his construction work between 1823-1835. He also farmed between Preston and Hespeler (both now part of the city of Cambridge).

John Bear was baptized as a member of the Mennonite Church in 1833; on 2 December 1838 he was ordained as a minister by Benjamin Eby particularly for service in the Wanner/Hagey area of the conference. He was widely read, but had only the basic primary education of the day. He was a second generation minister in the conference; his father had been one of the first persons ordained as a minister in the Waterloo region.

When a doctrinal conflict arose in the Ontario Conference beginning in 1869, John Bear led an party of three ministers to investigate revival activities in Solomon Eby's congregation at Port Elgin, ON. Bear's group brought back a positive report in early 1870, but a division ultimately could not be averted. Bear then joined the new "Reformed Mennonites"; a group that ultimately became part of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ denomination (later known as the Evangelical Missionary Church). He served as a minister in that denomination until his death. He was ordained as an elder in that denomination on 4 March 1888 by Menno Bowman.

Bear's departure from the Ontario Mennonite conference was very significant because of his longstanding leadership role in the conference. As leader of the investigation committee to Port Elgin he carried the respect of his fellow ministers, and his loss to the movement was keenly felt."

Mennonite Historical Society of Canada https://www.mhsc.ca/

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Wanner Mennonite Church
Begun: 1829

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

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

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

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

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

John married Anna "Nancy" Pannabecker 11 Feb 1827. Anna (daughter of Cornelius Pannebecker and Anna Detweiler) was born 23 Apr 1812, Near Hespeler, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Feb 1875, Near Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39053031
• Name: Anna "Nancy" Bear
• Name: Nancy Panabaker
• Name: Nancy Pannebecker
• Eby ID Number: 00087-5121
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Pannebecker, "was born April 23rd, 1812, and died near Preston, Ontario, February 16th, 1875. She was married to Rev. John Bear."

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.]