Enoch Clemens

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00023-1626
• Residence: 1896, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Notes:

Enoch Clemens, "the eldest son in family, was born May 10th, 1849. He is unmarried and resides in Calgary, Alberta, where he is engaged in painting."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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/21753268
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1622
• Residence: 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Samuel Clemens, "was born May 13th, 1819, and is married to Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Gingerich. She was born February 16th, 1824. They reside in Puslinch Township, Wellington County , near the lake, where he was engaged in farming but now lives retired. Their family consists 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

_______________________

Clemens, Samuel

The angel of death has once more visited this vicinity, this time taking as its victim one of our most respected and oldest settlers, in the person of Mr. Samuel Clemens, whose demise took place last evening, at 5.30 o'clock, at his home on the Puslinch Lake Road. Mr. Clemens had been suffering for the past seven months from enlargement, of the liver and heart failure, which at length resulted in his death. Up to the last Mr. Clemens was conscious and died happy, trusting in his Heavenly Father. The late Mr. Clemens was born in Hespeler in 1819 and has resided here all his life. He was one of those old pioneers, whose labors show the results of a useful life, he making many a clearance on his farm. He moved to the old homestead, 49 years ago, where he resided until his death. The 13th of May, the day of his death, was his birthday. In 1854, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Gingerich, who survives him. Eight children blessed this union, seven of whom are living, Mrs. MeKercie, Detroit; Mrs. Mulholland, Beverly; Enic, Calgary; David, Hamilton; Joseph, Marina Ranch, Alberta; Samuel, at home; and Mrs. Neustadt, Hespeler. Deceased was brought up in the Mennonite doctrines, to which faith he remained true till the last. The funeral took place Friday afternoon, to the Union Cemetery.

The Weekly Reformer 21 May 1896 pg 10

____________________

CLEMENS, SAMUEL

After weeks of patient waiting and suffering of much intensity, quietly on Wednesday, May 13, 1896. He was a man of industry and energy but when disease began its insidious work, he laid down toil. He has been a resigned invalid for weeks, calmly awaiting the transition. He was a framer by trade and also worked a farm. Through his whole life his motto was "excelsior", quietly completing every undertaking and improving every plan. His examples shall be a lesson to all who knew him. His principles were lived up to. No one could say aught against him. He was a man of honesty and integrity. He died aged 77 years. His wife and family receive the tender sympathy of many. He was born in Waterloo in the year 1819 and has always resided in the vicinity (Puslinch Lake).

-Information from the transcription of the Brethren in Christ Cemetery: His wife was Elizabeth Gingrich (Feb. 16, 1824-Feb. 25, 1900).

A Celebration of Lives Obituaries of Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario Vol 1, Anna Jackson & Marjorie Clark
Used with kind permission of Marjorie Clark

Samuel married Elizabeth Gingerich 14 Dec 1841, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Abraham Gingrich and Mary Neff) was born 16 Feb 1824, , Ontario, Canada; died 25 Feb 1900, Puslinch Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Crossroads Brethren in Christ Cemetery, Puslinch Township, Wellington Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21753338
• Name: Elizabeth Clemens
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3127.7
• Residence: 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Interesting: accident
• Misfortune: killed by lightning
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1620

Notes:

Nathan Clemens, "eldest son of Abraham and Rebecca (Miller) Clemens, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, March 5th, 1790. He came to Canada with his parents when 19 years old. He was married to Veronica, daughter of Rev. Joseph and Magdalena (Allenbach) Bechtel. She was born February 17th, 1794, and died December 19th, 1879. They resided on the farm now in possession of David Rife, north-east of Hespeler. He was killed by lightning November 11th, 1832. After his decease the widow was married to Christian Strohm, and after his decease the widow married the third time. Her third husband was William Copplen. No issue of last two marriages. To Mr. and Mrs. Clemens were born five children"

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

Nathan — Veronica "Fanny" Bechtel. Veronica (daughter of Rev. Joseph Bechtel and Magdalena Allebach) was born 17 Feb 1794, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 19 Dec 1879, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Fanny Bechtel
• Name: Veronica "Fanny" Clemens
• Name: Veronica "Fanny" Coplin
• Name: Veronica "Fanny" Strome
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0673
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Veronica Bechtel "was born February 17th, 1794, and died December 19th, 1879. She was first married to Nathan Clemens who was killed by lightning. They had five children, namely: VI Polly, VI Elizabeth, VI Samuel, VI Hannah, and VI Joseph. See Nathan Clemens' family. After her first husband's death she was married to Christian Strome, and after his decease to William Copplin. Their was no issue of last two marriages."

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: 00039-3127
• Residence: 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Abraham Gingerich, "son of Abraham Gingerich, resided, at the time of his death, one mile east of Hespeler. He was married twice, first to Mary Neff and after her deceased to Polly Ringler. With first wife there were seven children... With second wife there was one son named Levi. The descendants of these families are very much scattered through Michigan, Illinois, and other Western States."


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 — Mary Neff. Mary was born Abt 1778, Of, Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3127.1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39091890
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1619
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 3 Lot 09, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 3 Lot 10, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Abraham Clemens, " was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1764. He was married to Rebecca Miller who was born in 1763 and died in 1819. They moved to Canada in 1809 and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario. near Hespeler, where he died in 1819. To them were born 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.].

______________________________________________


WARNING: In my view (Jim McKane), the preponderance of the evidence suggests that at least the first 5 of Abraham's children were born to Rebecca Miller and the last one, two, or three of his children to Mary Custer. Hannah and Elizabeth could have been the last children of Rebecca (and I have listed them this way) or the first two children of Mary. Apparently all the children were born in Chester Co., PA before Abraham and his second wife moved to Canada. But I have no primary sources to confirm the dates of the two marriages or which wife was the mother of each child.

Abraham — Rebecca Miller. Rebecca (daughter of Miller) was born 15 Feb 1763, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 1819, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/250518525
• Name: Mary Miller
• Name: Rebecca Clemens
• Eby ID Number: 00079-4777

Notes:

Rebecca Miller, "sister to John Miller and aunt to II Magdalena, II Christian, and II William Miller, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1763. She was married to Abraham Clemens who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1764, and died near Hespeler, in 1819. In 1809 they moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, near Hespeler where she died in 1819, being the same year in which her husband died." [this is apparently in error, the tombstone and family bible indicate it was Mary who died in 1819 and was born in 1763]


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/19546720
• Residence: 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Location of his log house.
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0645
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 04S, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Joseph Bechtel "son of Martin Bechtel, a minister of the Mennonites, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1761. He was married March 5th, 1786, to Magdalena Allebach who was born September 21st, 1761, and died September 21st, 1837. They moved to Canada in 1802 and settled on the farm situated at the mouth of the Speed River where it meets with the Grand River. Here they resided many years. In 1804 he was ordained as a minister of the Mennonite body which position he held until his death which took place April 11th, 1838. They had a family of 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.].

________________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

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

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

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

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

Residence:
The current building contains some original logs from the home.

Joseph married Magdalena Allebach 5 Mar 1786. Magdalena was born 21 Sep 1765, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 21 Sep 1837, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19546759
• Name: Magdalena Bechtel
• Residence: 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0645.2

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/138031993
• Name: Abraham Gingerich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3087
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 05, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Abraham Gingerich, "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about the year 1751. He was married to Barbara Hunsicker and had a family of eleven children, ten of whom came to Canada. The father not being able, financially to procure a home for each of his sons in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, resolved to emigrate to some country where land could be purchased cheap, consequently his son David was requested to go on a journey to the much-spoken-of Canada and make a thorough inspection of the nature of the soil, timber, water, and of the advisability of settling there. No sooner had his son arrived in this part of he country, now Waterloo County, than he found everything far beyond his expectations and immediately a lot on which he intended to settle the following spring, was selected. This lot was west of Doon. Late in fall he returned to Pennsylvania where he and his father made ample preparations to move to Canada the following spring. In April, 1801, old Abraham Gingerich with his wife and family of ten children, of whom his son David and several daughters were married, moved to Canada, arriving at old Joseph Schoerg's (Now spelled Shirk and Sherk) place, opposite Doon, the first week in June. To their great surprise they found on their arrival that another party (This party was Henry Bechtel) had located on the lot selected by young David the fall previously. This caused the father and his sons to make another selection of a lot on which to settle. They then settled a little east of Preston. Abraham, the father, settled on the farm afterwards purchased by Isaac Bergey, where he died about the year 1814, while his son David settled on the farm now in possession of his grandson, Jacob S. Gingerich. The family of Abraham Gingerich consisted of eleven children"

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


From page 690
"N. B. - You will find the names of the eleven children of old Abraham Gingerich, but they may not be given in their proper order of birth. The family record, showing dates of birth is lost."

Abraham — Barbara Hunsicker. Barbara was born Abt 1751, Of, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died , Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Gingrich
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3087.1