Norman Edward Bean

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-136425

Notes:

Bean. --- Norman Edward, youngest son of Warren and Margretha (Axt) Bean, was born near New Dundee, Ont., April 22, 1923; died at the K. W. Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., June 25, 1940; aged 17 y. 2 m. 3 d. His death was caused by peritonitis, following an appendix operation. On Nov. 4, 1934, he was received into the fellowship of the Blenheim Mennonite Church, to which call he remained faithful during these few years. He was deeply interested in the activities of the Church, where he will be great missed, as well as in the home. Those remaining to mourn their loss are his parents, 3 brothers (Andrew of Woodstock, Oliver of New Dundee, Gordon of Bright); 3 sisters (Dorothy, Ruth, and Hilda, at home), his aged grandmother, and many friends and relatives. Funeral services were held June 28 at the Blenheim Mennonite Church, in charge of Moses N. Baer and C. C. Cressman. Text, Job 14: 14. Interment in the Blenheim Cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXIII, No 17 - July 25, 1940 --- page 382, 383, 384

Other Events:

• Name: Warren Bean
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6730.5
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1937, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Henry married Margaret Axt 3 Mar 1909, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Andrew Axt and Catharine Shantz) was born 14 Jun 1884, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Dec 1972, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maggie Axt
• Name: Margaret Bean
• Name: Margretha Axt
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6662.6
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Domestic Servant
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Bean, Margretha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Axt, was born at Philipsburg, Ont., June 14, 1884; died at the Fairview Mennonite Home, Preston, Ont., Dec. 14, 1972; aged 88 y. 6 m. In March 1909 she was married to H. Warren Bean, who preceded her in death in 1946. She is survived by 3 sons (Andrew, Oliver, and Gordon), 3 daughters (Dorothy, Ruth - Mrs. Matthew Kiereta, and Hilda Mae - Mrs. Walter Helmuth), 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and one brother (Elam Axt). She was preceded in death by one son (Norman). She was a member of the New Hamburg Conservative Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 17, in charge of Earl Koch and Elmer Grove; interment in the Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Volume 66, Number 8 - February 20, 1973

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00008-1019
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Noah S. Bean, "the third son, is married to Susannah Shantz. They reside near Haysville, Ontario, where he is engaged in farming."

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.].

______________________

DEATH OF NOAH BEAN

Highly Respected and a Prosperous Farmer of Wilmot Twp. Funeral on Saturday Was Very Largely Attended

On Wednesday, May 13th, a highly respected resident of Wilmot Township passed away after a short illness in the person of Noah Bean. A little more than a year ago while out driving, he was thrown from his buggy sustaining severe injuries from which he never recovered fully. About two weeks ago complications set in which confined him to his house, terminating in his death from pernicious anaemia, at the age of 65 years, 1 month and 13 days. Deceased who was the third son of the late John Bean, was a successful and prosperous farmer. He was of a retiring disposition and never sought public honors, though he served very acceptably as public school trustee, for a number of terms, finding in farming on approved principles and the cultivation of fruit trees in which he took great interest, a sufficient scope for exercise of his activities. His farm, the south half of the old homestead, 2 miles south-west of Haysville, with its up-to-date buildings, is one of the finest in this part of the country. He was a zealous, consistent and faithiul member of the church of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. in politics he was a strong Liberal. About thirty years ago he was united in marriage to Susannah Shantz, daughter of the late Joseph Y. Shantz, of the Huron Road. Six children were born of this marriage all of whom survive: Simon a Rosemount, Sask., Lizzie, of Vineland, Ont.; Bernice, Warren, Susie at home and Salome, teacher at New Dundee. The bereaved widow and children have sustained a severe and irreparable loss and have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community. The funeral on Saturday, May 16th, was attended by an immense concourse of sorrowing relatives, friends and neighbors, who came to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed one. The services were conducted by the pastor of the Bethel church, Rev. Mr. Sievenpiper, of New Dundee. The remains were interred in the Stauffer cemetery near Haysville. Three brothers and one sister, also survive, George and Isaac, farmers near Haysville, David, editor of the Chronicle-Telegraph, Waterloo, and Elizabeth of Waterloo.

Chronicle Telegraph 14 May 1908 pg 8

Noah married Susannah Shantz 2 Oct 1877, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susannah (daughter of Joseph Y. Shantz and Elizabeth Stauffer) was born 6 Jul 1850, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Feb 1937, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Bean
• Name: Susannah Schaefer
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6730
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; New Mennonite
• Residence: 1937, 79 Brubacher St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Susannah Shantz, "was born July 8th, 1850. On October 2nd, 1877, she was married to Noah S. Bean, a farmer. They reside near Haysville, Ontario. 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.].

__________________________

partial obitaury

"The death of Mrs. Susan Schafer, 86, occurred at her residence, 79 Brubacher street, last evening. She had been ill only a few days.

Deceased was born in Wilmot Tp. on July 6, 1850, a d/o the late Joseph Y.Shantz and wife, the late Elizabeth Stauffer. She was a member of Bethany Mennonite Church and of the Mission Circle. Deceased was twice married,in 1877 to the late Noah Bean, and in 1912 to the late John Schafer, who died in 1908 and 1923 respectively.

Mrs. Schafer is survived by two sons and four daughters, Simon Bean, Ceylon, Sask., Warren Bean, New Dundee, Mrs. William Crosley, Woolseley, Sask., Mrs. Earl Drewery, Stouffville, Miss Elizabeth Bean and Miss Sue Bean of Kitchener. There also are three sisters, Mrs. Dan Cressman, Mrs. Ezra Cressman and Mrs. Moses Cressman, all of Wilmot Tp....Woodland Cemetery...")

The Daily Record 25 Feb 1937

Other Events:

• Name: Andres Axt
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6662.1
• Immigration: 1855, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1858, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Naturalization: 1867, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farm Servant
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; No Religion
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reg. Baptist
• Occupation: 1888, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Naturalization: 1891
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Andrew Axt was born Jan. 28, 1850 in Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany; came to Canada with his parents when four years of age; was married to Kathrine Shantz, Dec. 25, 1873. This union was blessed with 2 sons and 4 daughters. One daughter died in infancy. He died near Baden, Ont., July 7, 1923; aged 73y. 5m. 9d. He leaves a deeply bereaved widow, 5 children, 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; also 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services were conducted by Orphen Wismer and Mannassah Hallman. Text, II Cor. 5: 1. Interment in Shantz Cemetery. May God comfort the bereaved family. "All is over. Hands are folded, O'er a quiet and peaceful breast; All is over, pain is ended, Now dear father is at rest.

Gospel Herald - Volume XVI, Number 18 - August 2, 1923

Andrew married Catharine Shantz 25 Dec 1873, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catharine (daughter of Jonas C. Shantz and Hannah Snyder, daughter of Jonas C. Shantz and Mary Snyder) was born 6 Nov 1844, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 8 Oct 1942; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Axt
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6662
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Philipsburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1940, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Catharine Shantz, "was born November 6th, 1844. On December 25th, 1873, she was married to Andrew Axt. They reside near Philipsburg P. O., Ontario, 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.].

________________________

Axt. - Catharine, beloved wife of Andrew Axt, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Nov. 6, 1844; died Oct. 8, 1942; aged 97 y. 11 m. 2 d. "Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season." She was married to Andrew Axt Dec. 25, 1873. This union was blessed with 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters. One daughter (Hannah) prede-ceased her Feb. 17, 1889, and another daughter (Lizzie, Mrs. Adam Doering) July 6, 1934. Her husband died July 7, 1923. She was the last surviving member of the Jonas Shantz family; her sister (Mrs. Rosenberger) having passed a-way only a few months ago, at the age of 96 years. She leaves 2 sons and 2 daughters: Ja-cob, of Petersburg; Elam, of Baden; Maggie (Mrs. Warren Bean) of New Dundee; and Lillie, at home. There also survive 19 grandchil-dren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. "She was a mother in Israel" and was wonderfully blessed with health all through her life until the last few years she began to fail. The last nine weeks of her life she spent mostly in bed, when life just seemed to ebb away. She was the oldest resident of Wilmot Township and in her passing one of the oldest landmarks has been removed. Funeral services were held Oct. 12 at the home and at the Shantz Mennonite Church, in charge of Bros. Orphen Wismer, Leslie Witmer, and Manassah Hallman. Interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXV, No . 32 - November 5, 1942 - pages 686-688

Other Events:

• Name: Johannes Biehn
• Name: John Bean
• Eby ID Number: 00008-1014
• Residence: 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• 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; Mennonite

Notes:

John Bean, "the fifth member in the family, was born about the year 1812. He was married to Annie, daughter of John and Barbara (Groh) Sheirich. She was born October 25th, 1818. After their marriage they moved to Wilmot Township, near Haysville, Ontario, where she died March 31st, 1881. To them was born a family 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.].

_________


WATERLOO COUNTY PIONEER'S INTERESTING HISTORY

Story of Life of Late John Bean who Settled in Wilmot Township in 1835. - Thrilling Adventure on the High Seas.

It is to be regretted that in the rush of modern life there is a tendency to forget those who, in the days long since gone by, through hardship and sacrifice made possible the advantages and privileges we now enjoy.

We become so occupied with the affairs of the moment that we frequently fail to appreciate the fact that there are certain benefits to be derived from a study of our ancestors. "Nature," says Emerson in his essay on History, "is an endless combination and repetition of a very few laws. Generation after generation she hums the same old air with innumerable variations." To gain a clear insight into the Present it is imperative that we study the Past.

The study of family history is frequently made difficult by the fact that no person has assumed the re- sponsibility of recording it. The duties of the family historian are invariably arduous, too often unremunerated, and the result is that this task is avoided. Fortunate, indeed, is the community where some public-spirited citizen or organization sponsors the task of compiling and preserving the records of the splendid men and women who, in days gone by, laid the foundations. of our present society.

In the old Stauffer Cemetery, one mile south of Haysville, sleep some two score persons, among them four or five of Wilmot's early pioneers. Their names are for the most part unfamiliar to the younger generation and their descendants have scattered far afield. But there is one outstanding exception, one whose descendants remain to take a part in the affairs of Waterloo County, one who by his activities a half a century ago left his impress on the community. It is with his and his ancestral history that the writer of this article wishes to deal.

Grave of John Bean.

Two plain stones mark the spot where lies the last mortal remains of John Bean (formerly spelled Biehn) and his wife Anna (Shiery) Bean. Born near the village of Doon in 1815, John Bean, accompanied by his young wife, came to South-West Wilmot in the year 1835, where he bought 200 acres of land from the Canada Company, the north half of which is now known as the Bean homestead. There he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1898, his wife predeceasing him by 17 years. His younger son, Isaac, now the only surviving member of his family, lives retired on the homestead and now in his 79th year enjoys the distinction of having spent nearly four-score years on the farm where he was born. Fred Bean, second son of Isaac, now owns and operates the old homestead.

History of "John Biehns"

John Bean, the subject of this sketch, came of a long line of progenitors of the same name, the Christian name "John" evidently being a favorite in the Bean family since we know his father, grandfather and great grandfather bore that name. The curtain rises on the Bean history in the year 1700, when in a canton in Switzerland between Zurich and Berne, the first John Bean, of whom we have record, was born. As is the way of the world he grew up, married, and begot children and in the year 1742 when his son John was five years old, decided to seek his fortune and freedom in America. Accompanied by friends and relatives he engaged passage on a vessel that sailed from a French port. This voyage to the new world was so eventful that the adventures encountered therein might well have been taken from the stirring tales of Robert Louis Stevenson. A voyage with a climax 80 dramatic and savouring 90 strongly of barratry and piracy on the high seas that it could well be classed with the truth that is stranger than fiction. This adventure was given little publicity in the early days for the simple reason that the tenets of the religious beliefs of the earlier Beans frowned on the use of force even in a just cause. In order to avoid the semblance of an anti-climax in this sketch the telling of this tale will be deferred until the close of the narrative.

Reaching America, the Beans settled in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where they followed the occupation of farming for many years. The five-year-old lad of the eventful voyage grew up and married a maiden named Barbara Fried. Of the six children of this union the one born in 1776 was named John, who was the father of the Wilmot pioneer.

Trek to Canada.

After spending half a century in Pennsylvania, the Beans decided to seek their fortunes further afield and in the year 1800 the John Bean, branch of the family began a long "trek" to Canada, while another section, the Paul Bean branch, moved to Texas and from that time. to this the two branches have never been in touch with each other. A few years ago the Saturday Evening Post in an article descriptive of early days in the "Pan-Handle State mentioned particularly a Judge. Bean who was an outstanding exponent of law and order when that state was rife with banditry and outlawry. The Canadian Beans have often wondered if he were one of the Paul Bean branch.

Settle in Waterloo County.

Just 134 years ago the John Bean family came to Waterloo County, bringing with them 9 covered wagons, 22 horses and a number of cattle. The major difficulties encountered were on the trip through the Alleghany Mountains, the crossing of the Niagara River and the penetration of the great Beverley swamp. They took up 3600 acres of land near Tow-town (now Doon) purchased from Robert Beasley, and John Baptist James Wilson and John Roseneau, the contract being signed July 18th, 1800. This land, known as the Bean tract, extended from the bend of the river at Doon to just west of Blair. The John Bean born in 1776 (father of the Wilmot pioneer) was married to Nancy Ann Bechtel in 1799 and their oldest child, Mary, born in 1800, was the first white child born in Waterloo County. She married John P. Saltzberger in 1819 and died December 29, 1888. There is a rival claimant for this honour but the Beans assert that the honour rightfully belongs to them. This John Bean had a combination grist and sawmill at Tow-town, which he sold to a man named Ferry. The name of the village was then changed to Ferry's Mills and later to Doon.

Had Fine Character.

John Bean, the Wilmot pioneer, had certain qualities that were characteristic of of the Beans history knew them. Quiet of speech, as refraining from interfering in the affairs of others, loving truth and fair play, he won the respect and esteem of his neighbours and associates. A faithful member of the Mennonite Church, he donated the land where now stands Bean's Mennonite Church.

A medium-sized man, inclined to be slight in build, he possessed the ability to perform his work on the farm with a facility that his appearance belied. Many a man working with him for the first time and anticipating an easy time in keeping pace with Mr. Bean found to his surprise and chagrin that his task was no sinecure. Measured and steady were the blows of his axe,

no hurry, no waste-motion, but with a rythm of stroke that was the same at the close of the day as in the morning. Of a quiet and peaceful, disposition, he was, like many quiet men, fearless when aroused. He resented injustice in any form and an incident is told that illustrates this characteristic. An agitation to build the first school in this pioneer settlement was being opposed by a certain ratepayer for obviously selfish reasons. At a public meeting, where this man was airing his views, Mr. Bean arose and denounced his attitude so scathingly that listeners for years afterward referred to his reply as a "classic". Perhaps he inherited this faculty of rising to the occasion from his great grandfather who, as referred to earlier in the narrative, participated in an unusual adventure which was as follows:

Colorful Ocean Voyage.

In the year 1712 the Beans, with a number of compatriots, set sail for America. They secured passage on a vessel that was leaving from a port in the Bay of Biscay. Who owned the vessel, of what nationality were the captain and crew, the compiler of this narrative could not ascertain. In the light of what happened envoyage cannot conceivably imagine that they were British. When they were at sea two months (a crack liner now makes the trip in less than a week) things began to go wrong. The passengers were informed by the captain that the food supply was running low and it was imperative that they be put on short rations. Shortly after this, disease broke out and many passengers sickened and died. Still, there was nothing unusual in this, just the fortune of the sea and what one might expect. But there were certain other things that were out of the ordinary. No sooner were the unfortunate victims of disease consigned to the ocean than any possessions they had aboard were confiscated by the ship's officials. Suspicion grew among the passengers that they were the victims of a nefarious plot that the issuing of short rations was not because of low supplies but just a diabolical method of undermining the vitality of these peace-loving emigrants in order to secure their possessions when they ultimately succumbed to starvation and disease, that the captain could land them in a short time if he so desired, but was deliberately keeping the vessel at sea. Then, on the 82nd day at sea, the drama opened in earnest. By one bold stroke the passengers seized the captain and crew and took possession of the ship. They made an investigation and their worst suspicions were confirmed, there was plenty of food on board ship. An ultimatum was then issued to the captain-forty-eight hours to land the passengers or pay the penalty of death. The captain, while scoundrel, was no fool. He read in the faces of the aroused people an inexorable purpose. Their lives and the lives of their children jeopardized by his villainy, they had reached a point where they would do exactly as they had stated. Had this captain been hundreds of miles at sea he certainly would have been in a tough "spot". But fortunately for himself, he was not. Under his direction the helm was turned and in one-half the time stipulated the passengers were landed on a point on the eastern coast of America. Overjoyed at their deliverance, they knelt and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving, and reverting to their former habit of thought, forgave the captain and crew, permitting them to sail away without inflicting well- deserved punishment.

Waterloo Chronicle, 25 Oct 1934, p. 4

_____________________

John Biehn.

Here is an individual who can be aptly called the "Grand Old Man" of this section. He was born May 12, 1813 He was married to Barbara (Groh) Sherich in 1834. She was born Oct. 25, 1818, and died March 31, 1881. They had eleven children. They came to Wilmot on June 16, 1834, and settled in the wilderness, and cleared up the farm upon which he now lives a retired life. When they arrived they erected a log cabin, cut a hole in the side for a door, put down some loose boards and started house- keeping. Their first child, Barbara, was born in this humble pioneer home, and was the first child born in the neighborhood. For some time Mr, Biehn's brother Jacob, lived with them. At that time the old four in hand stage coach then travelled between Niagara and Goderich, and often it would require seven hours to reach Stratford, a distance of seventeen miles. Deer were in abundance, and if other delicacies happened to be conspicuously scarce in the cabin larder, venison would often form a savory morsel for the festal board. Despite the drawbacks and privations incident to a pioneer life, Mr. Biehn succeeded in clearing up a 200 acre farm and provided for his children.

On May 12th next he will have attained the advanced age of eighty- five years. Yet he has a mind as perfect as one in the vigor of youth, and is an agreeable conversationalist. In the latter particular be does not exhibit the least sign of old age. What surprised me most was to see this octogenarian read with ease small newspaper print without the aid of glasses. He uses neither tobacco or intoxicating liquor. He informed the writer that on one occasion he smoked tobacco to cure the toothache, but it made him dizzy without having any permanent beneficial effect upon the offensive molar, and he has not used the weed since. He has also had some narrow escapes in his time. Once when he was down in a well, the man at the top accidentally let a stone drop on his head. He was drawn up in a dazed condition, but soon after recovered without serious results. About thirteen years ago he fell from a load of hay with a pitchfork in his hands. In this mishap be injured his neck, and broke the crystal of his watch. He will converse for hours without a sign of fatigue, and his memory is remarkably keen. His present robust physical condition would indicate that he will easily reach the century mark.

In my next letter I will endeavor to give some very interesting sketches of Haysville and vicinity.

H. N.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 21 Apr 1898, p. 8

John married Anna Scheirich 3 Nov 1835, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of John Scheirich and Barbara Groh) was born 25 Oct 1818, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Mar 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Stauffer Abandoned Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Biehn
• Eby ID Number: 00100-5565
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Scheirich, "was born October 25th, 1818, and died March 31, 1881. She was married to John Biehn. They resided in Wilmot Township, near Haysville, where she died. Their family 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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35218222
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6724
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Joseph Y. Shantz
• Residence: 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer & Saw
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph Y. Shantz, "was born July 10th, 1815. On May 15th, 1838, he was married to Elizabeth Stauffer who was born January 5th, 1820. They reside in Wilmot Township where he followed farming many years but now lives retired. To them were born the following 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.].

________________________

SHANTZ - Joseph Y. Shantz, son of Jacob and Mary (Yost) Shantz, was born July 10, 1815, in Waterloo Co., Ont. He was married to Elizabeth Stauffer on the 15th of May, 1838. To them were born twelve children, of whom four sons and five daughters survive, all living in Wilmot Twp., near the paternal home. Bro. Shantz passed away on the 8th of May at the ripe old age of 84 ys., 9 ms., and 28 ds. A large circle of relatives and friends followed the remains to their last resting place at Geiger's M. H. on the 11th. Deceased united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and was a consistent member until death. Funeral services were held by E.S. Hallman from Psa. 39: 4, and Amos Cressman from Rev. 14: 13. Sister Shantz preceded her husband several years ago. May the Lord comfort the family and friends.

HERALD OF TRUTH, Vol. XXXVII, No. 11, June 1, 1900, pages 174, 175

_____________

Joseph Y. Shantz.

Under the hospitable roof of this pioneer citizen I spent a few pleasant hours. He is one of the specimens of noble manhood, through whose instrumentality vast sections of the wilds of Western Canada have been made to blossom as the rose. He was born July 10th, 1815. His wife, nee Elizabeth Stauffer, was born near Doon, in Waterloo township, January 10th, 1820. They were married on May 15th, 1838, and now live a quiet and retired life on the old homestead, which through years of hard toil and privations they accumulated that in after years they and their offspring might enjoy. That they have faithfully responded to the Divine injunction to replenish and multiply the earth, is proved by the fact that they are the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, and have fifty grand children to their credit. They have lived here for about sixty years Besides securing sufficient of this world's goods to enable them to live in ease and comfort during their declining years, their nine children now living have been amply provided for, their sons all having good farms and in well- to-do circumstances. The old saw-mill, some distance below the old homestead, was built about fifty years ago. In this pioneer industry Mr. Shantz expended countless drops of perspiration, and when sawing logs not entirely beyond his strength to handle he would operate it single-handed and alone. At that time there was a large amount of custom sawing and he did not waste time in taking advantage of it. Mr. Shantz was evidently a young man of extraordinary physical endurance and of strong mental capacity, for now in the eighty-third year of his age we find him still vigorous in mind and not what may be called infirm physically. Mrs. Shantz is yet hail and hearty in the seventy-eighth year of her age. They are both devout adherents of the Mennonite faith.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 21 Apr 1898, p. 8

Joseph married Elizabeth Stauffer 15 May 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Daniel Stauffer and Susannah Kinzie) was born 5 Jan 1820, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Aug 1898, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35218269/elizabeth-shantz
• Name: Elizabeth Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00117-7374
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Elizabeth Stauffer
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Stauffer, "was born January 5th, 1820. She is married to Joseph Y. Shantz, a farmer. They reside in Wilmot Township and have had a family of twelve 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.].

_________________________________


SHANTZ.- In Wilmot, Waterloo Co., Ont., of paralysis, beloved wife of Joseph Y. Shantz. She lived to be over79 years of age. She lived in matrimony over 60 years, and leaves a loving husband, nine children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sister Shantz was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. In her last sickness she bore her affliction with Christian fortitude. May her life long be remembered. Funeral services were held by Bro. E. S. Hallman, in English, from Rev.14: 13, and Bro. Amos Cressman, in German, from Phil. 1: 21, at Geiger's M. H., where her remains were laid to rest.


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXV, No. 17, September 1, 1898, page 269

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/203645520
• Name: John Axt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-4228
• Residence: 1855, Queck, , Hessen, Germany
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Johann — Catharina Diebel. Catharina was born 14 Nov 1825, , Germany; died 11 Nov 1912, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Linwood, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59295664
• Name: Catharina Axt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-15075
• Residence: 1855, Queck, , Hessen, Germany
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reg. Baptist

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6657
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Jonas C. Shantz
• Residence: 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• 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 Laborer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Jonas C. Shantz, "was born July 26th, 1813. On March 28th, 1837, he was married to Hannah, daughter of John C. and Catharine (Shantz) Snyder. She was born July 25th, 1819, and died December 12, 1848. On January 21st, 1851 he was again married to Mary, daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Clemmer) Janzen (She was the widow of the late Abraham Honsberger). She was born June 18th, 1802, and died March 26th, 1888. Mr. Shantz shortly after his first marriage moved several miles north of Baden where he still resides"


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.].

Jonas married Hannah Snyder 28 Mar 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Hannah (daughter of John C. Snyder and Catharine Shantz) was born 25 Jul 1819, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Dec 1848; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah Shantz
• Name: Johanna Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5932
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Hannah Snyder
• Residence: 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Hannah Snyder, "was born July 25th, 1819. On March 28th, 1837, she was married to Jonas C. Shantz and died December 12th, 1848."


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.].