Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Gordon Leslie Bean

Male 1928 - 1983  (55 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Gordon Leslie Bean was born 2 Apr 1928 (son of Howard Leslie Bean and Martha Elizabeth Wilhelm); died 5 Oct 1983; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-141277

    Notes:

    Bean, Gordon - The late Gordon Bean of Willowdale, died in hospital after a lengthy illness culminated by a sudden heart attack. He was the son of Howard and Martha Bean of Toronto and nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bean of the Huron Road.

    Surviving is his wife Joan, and five sons, David, Peter, Robert, John and Alan. Also one brother Dr. Douglas Bean of Waterloo.

    A Memorial Service was held at Forest Grove United Church, Willowdale. Committal service and interment at the Bethel Church cemetery, South-West Wilmot.

    New Hamburg Independent Oct 26 1983 pg 14


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Howard Leslie Bean was born 12 Aug 1897, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Isaac S. Bean and Margaret Gilmar); died 18 Feb 1988, Etobicoke, York Co., Ontario; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Military: WW1 - Battery/Rawlinson's 4th Army
    • Residence: New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78712P
    • Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
    • Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, 2nd Lieutenant, Battery / Rawlinson's 4th Army
    • Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Univesity of Tororto Taining Co., Service #490821
    • Residence: Abt 1916, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Howard married Martha Elizabeth Wilhelm 14 Jul 1926. Martha (daughter of John M. Wilhelm and Louisa Heipel) was born 7 Mar 1903, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 23 Jan 1997, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Martha Elizabeth Wilhelm was born 7 Mar 1903, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada (daughter of John M. Wilhelm and Louisa Heipel); died 23 Jan 1997, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Martha Elizabeth Bean
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-141276

    Children:
    1. Dr. Douglas Ellworth Bean
    2. 1. Gordon Leslie Bean was born 2 Apr 1928; died 5 Oct 1983; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Isaac S. Bean was born 3 Dec 1855, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of John Biehn and Anna Scheirich); died 18 Dec 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199708955
    • Eby ID Number: 00008-1023
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
    • 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; Methodist
    • Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Occupation: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

    Notes:

    Isaac S. Bean, "the seventh son, is married to Maggie Gilmar. They reside in Wilmot Township, near Haysville, 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.].

    _________________

    Isaac Bean - by Record Correspondent

    Southwest Wilmot, Dec. 18 - A pioneer of Southwest Wilmot, Isaac Bean, died at the home of his son Robert here this morning in his 83rd year. The deceased, a son of the late John and Ann Bean, was born on the Bean homestead where he has resided all his life. Early this fall he went to the home of his son Robert, where he planned to stay for the winter. His wife predeceased him in February.

    Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Mervin Facey of Blandford township, four sons, Howard of Toronto, Alfred, Robert and Fred, all of Southwest Wilmot, and ten grandchildren.

    Funeral services will be held from the home of Robert Bean on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Services at the home will be private with a public service at Bethel United church. Burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery.

    Kitchener Daily Record De 18 1937 pg 15

    Isaac married Margaret Gilmar 22 Feb 1881, Plattsville, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Robert Gilmar and Mary Ann Lucas) was born 17 Mar 1860, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 8 Feb 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Margaret Gilmar was born 17 Mar 1860, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Robert Gilmar and Mary Ann Lucas); died 8 Feb 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/199708897
    • Name: Maggie Gilmar
    • Name: Margaret Bean
    • Eby ID Number: 00008-1023.1
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist
    • Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
    • Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

    Notes:

    "Margaret Gilmar, wife of Isaac Bean, passed away at her home at Haysville in her 77th year on Monday evening, Feb. 8, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.Robert Gilmar, pioneer settlers of Wilmot Tp., and lived her entire life there. She was a frequent visitor in the Milverton district. She is survived by her husband, one daughter Mrs. Mervin Facey, Blandford; four sons, Alfred E., Robert J., and Fred all of Wilmot Tp, the latter residing on the old homestead, and Howard, Toronto, 10 grandchildren, one sister Mrs. Eliza Langley, Stratford, and three brothers Ed, Joe and Alex Gilmar, all of Woodstock District."

    Milverton Sun obit., Feb. 18, 1937

    ____________________

    "(Haysville) A highly respected and esteemed resident of Wilmot Tp., Margaret Gilmar, wife of Isaac Bean, passed away at 6:30 o'clock last evening at her home, one and one-half miles south of this community. Mrs. Bean, who had been ill the past ten weeks with a heart condition, was in her 77th year. A d/o the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gilmar, Wilmot pioneers, she lived all her life in this district and six years ago celebrated with her husband the diamond jubilee of their marriage. She was a faithful and active member of Bethel United church as well as her WCTU and the Haysville Women's Institute.

    Surviving are her husband, one daughter, MRs. Mervin Facey of Blandford Tp., four sons, Arthur, Fred and Robert of Wilmot, Howard of Toronto, and ten grandchildren. One sister, Mrs. E. Langley of Stratford, and three brothers, Edward, Joseph and Alex Gilmar, all of Woodstock, also survive...."

    KW Record obit. of Tues., Feb. 9, 1937

    ______________

    SOUTH-WEST WILMOT

    Descendant of Pioneer Family Dies in 77th Year


    Beloved Wife of laaac Bean, Highly Esteemed in Wilmot Township, Succumbs to Heart Ailment.

    (By Chronicle Correspondent) HAYSVILLE, Feb. 9.-A wide circle of friends in Wilmot township learned with sincere regret of the passing at her home at 6.30 o'clock on Monday evening of Margaret Gilmar, beloved wife of Isaac Bean, well known retired farmer, of near Haysville. Mrs. Bean, who had been quite ill for the past ten weeks, suffering trom a heart ailment slept peacefully away. She was in her 77th year.

    The late Mrs. Bean was a descendent of one of the oldest ploneer families in the township. Her grand. father, Wm. Gilmar came from Ireland in 1840 and took up the farm known as the Gilmar homestead and now owned by Isalah Gingerich. Her father Robert Gilmar and mother (Mary Ann Lucas) were life- long residents of Wilmot township. She was married to Isaac Bean in 1881 and the couple celebrated their golden wedding six years ago. Mrs. Bean was a loyal and devoted member of the Bethel United Church and up to the time of her illness a faithful attendant. She was also much interested in Women's Institute and W.C.T.U. work.

    There survive, her husband, one daughter, Laura (Mrs. Mervin Facey) of Blandford township, four sons, Alfred E., Fred and Robert of Wilmot, Howard at Toronto, and ten grand- children; also one sister, Mrs. E. Langley, Stratford and three brothers, Edward, Joseph and Alex Gilmar all of Woodstock.

    Friends and relatives in large numbers attended the funeral held on Thursday afternoon. Private service was held at the home at two o'clock and public service at the Bethel church at 2.30 p.m. The pastor of the church preached an impressive sermon and appropriate music was contributed by the choir.

    Interment was made in the adjoin- ing cemetery. Numerous floral tributes were sent by friends.

    Waterloo Chronicle 12 Feb 1937 pg 6

    Children:
    1. Alfred Ellworth Bean was born 20 Nov 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1959; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Laura Eliza Bean was born 24 Nov 1884, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Dec 1977, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Frederick Arnold Bean was born 31 Dec 1888, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1963; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Robert John Bean was born 10 Oct 1892, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Nov 1990, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. 2. Howard Leslie Bean was born 12 Aug 1897, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Feb 1988, Etobicoke, York Co., Ontario; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 6.  John M. Wilhelm was born 1872, , Ontario, Canada (son of Jacob B. Wilhelm and Elisabeth Mohr); died Dec 1963; was buried , Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, Perth Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-109183

    John — Louisa Heipel. Louisa (daughter of Johannes "John" Heipel and Mary Christina Scheifele) was born 1874; died Aug 1970; was buried , Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, Perth Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Louisa Heipel was born 1874 (daughter of Johannes "John" Heipel and Mary Christina Scheifele); died Aug 1970; was buried , Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, Perth Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Louisa Wilhelm
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-22672

    Children:
    1. 3. Martha Elizabeth Wilhelm was born 7 Mar 1903, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 23 Jan 1997, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  John Biehn was born 12 May 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Johannes "John" Biehn and Anna "Nancy" Bechtel); died 17 Aug 1898, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Stauffer Abandoned Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    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]


  2. 9.  Anna Scheirich was born 25 Oct 1818, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of John Scheirich and Barbara Groh); died 31 Mar 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Stauffer Abandoned Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    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.].

    Children:
    1. Barbara Bean was born 28 Dec 1835, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Oct 1906, Fargo, Greenwood Twp. St. Clair, Michigan, USA; was buried , Spring Hill Cemetery, Greenwood Twp., St. Clair Co., Michigan.
    2. Nancy Bean was born 1837, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    3. Levi S. Bean was born 1839, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Feb 1863.
    4. John S. Bean was born 31 Dec 1841, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Oct 1903, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Stauffer Abandoned Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Noah S. Bean was born 1 Apr 1843, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 May 1908, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Stauffer Abandoned Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. George S. Bean was born 4 Jul 1845, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Oct 1931, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. Henry S. Bean was born 14 Mar 1847, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Feb 1903, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Lingelbach Cemetery, South Easthope Township, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
    8. Mayor David S. Bean was born 29 Dec 1850, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Nov 1921, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    9. 4. Isaac S. Bean was born 3 Dec 1855, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Dec 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Simon Bean was born 1859, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    11. Elizabeth B. Bean was born 8 Jan 1859, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    12. Simon S. Bean was born 20 Dec 1859, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Feb 1863.

  3. 10.  Robert Gilmar was born 14 Nov 1833, Prescott, Grenville Co., Ontario (son of William Gilmar and Mary); died 28 Jun 1923, Mornington Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185198726/robert-gilmar
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78542P
    • Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
    • Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England
    • Residence: 1866, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesleyan Methodist
    • Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
    • Retired: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    Death of Robert Gilmar.

    The death of Robt Gilmar, a well-known resident of Wilmot took place on Friday morning, June 29th, at the ripe age of ninety years. The deceased was one of the pioneers of Wilmot township, coming here 83 years ago, when but a lad. He spent sixty-five years of his life on the Gilmar homestead taken up by his father, Wm. Gilmar, in 1840, and now owned by Jacob Cressman. He married Mary Ann Lucas of Carrick Tp.. who died in 1901. One brother Frank of Sault Ste Marie, aged 92, and one sister, Mrs. Grill of Grand Rapids, Mich., survive him. Of a family of eleven children, five are still living. Two daughters, Mrs. Isaac Bean of Wilmot and Mrs. John Langley of Stratford, and three sons Edwin of Woodstock, Joseph of Helvin and Alex of Aylmer.

    The deceased, who had been in falling heath for some time, spen: the declining years of his life with his son, Edwin of Woodstock, but died at the home of his niece, Mr. Lowry of Millbank. The funeral took place on Monday, July 2, from the residence of Mr. Isaac Bean at Bethel Methodist Church, interment taking place in the family plot at Pine Hill cemetery.

    Waterloo Chronicle, 12 Jul 1923, p. 6

    Robert — Mary Ann Lucas. Mary (daughter of John Lucas and Catharine) was born 11 Jun 1837, , Ireland; died 6 Sep 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  4. 11.  Mary Ann Lucas was born 11 Jun 1837, , Ireland (daughter of John Lucas and Catharine); died 6 Sep 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185198688
    • Name: Mary Ann Gilmar
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78543P
    • Birth: CALC 22 Jun 1838
    • Residence: 1866, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist
    • Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

    Children:
    1. Gilmour
    2. 5. Margaret Gilmar was born 17 Mar 1860, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 8 Feb 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bethel United Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. William Gilmar was born 1861, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    4. John Gilmar was born CALC 9 Jan 1863; died 22 Sep 1869; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Catharine Ann Gilmar was born CALC 15 Jul 1864; died 29 Feb 1868; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Eliza Gilmar was born 17 Feb 1866, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. Robert Henry Gilmar was born 9 Apr 1868, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Sep 1868, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    8. Edwin Gilmar was born 1869, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    9. Dr. Frederick George Gilmar was born 21 Feb 1871, , Ontario, Canada; died 8 Apr 1905, , Quebec, Canada; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Joseph James Gilmar was born 28 Feb 1873, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    11. Aaron Alexander Gilmar was born 13 Feb 1876, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Hillview United Cemetery, Woodstock, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    12. Robert Ellworth Gilmar was born CALC 11 Apr 1878, , Ontario, Canada; died 7 Jun 1888; was buried , Pinehill Cemetery, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  5. 12.  Jacob B. Wilhelm was born 20 Oct 1844, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Johann Peter "Peter" Wilhelm and Anna Barbara "Barbara" Wittig); died 14 Nov 1914, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Tavistock, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/184418706
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-152993
    • Residence: 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1867, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1880, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
    • Occupation: 1881, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
    • Occupation: 1904, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; farmer

    Jacob married Elisabeth Mohr 7 Oct 1867, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. Elisabeth (daughter of Henry Mohr and Elizabeth) was born 12 Jul 1846, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 21 Jun 1903, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Tavistock, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  6. 13.  Elisabeth Mohr was born 12 Jul 1846, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada (daughter of Henry Mohr and Elizabeth); died 21 Jun 1903, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Tavistock, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/184418681
    • Name: Elisabeth Wilhelm
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-109181

    Notes:

    The death of Mrs. Jacob Wilhelm occurred at her home near Shakespeare last Sunday. The family formerly lived at Lisbon, and deceased is well known here. Several from this section attended the funeral yesterday.

    Wellesley Maple Leaf Jun 25 1903 pg 3

    Children:
    1. Annie Wilhelm was born 4 Nov 1868, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 8 Jan 1930, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. 6. John M. Wilhelm was born 1872, , Ontario, Canada; died Dec 1963; was buried , Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, Perth Co., Ontario.
    3. Barbara Wilhelm was born 1873, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    4. Leah Caroline Wilhelm was born 1876, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    5. Mary Jane Wilhelm was born 9 Jul 1878, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Dec 1935, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried 3 Jan 1936, Linglebach's Evangelical United Brethren Cemetery, South Easthope Township, Perth County, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Lydia Wilhelm was born 5 Nov 1880, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. George Wilhelm was born 30 Apr 1885, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    8. Emma A. Wilhelm was born 5 Aug 1887, North Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 12 Sep 1969, White Rock, , British Columbia, Canada; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    9. Aaron Wilhelm was born 12 Nov 1891; died 22 Oct 1979, Tavistock, East Zorra Twp., Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Lingelbach Cemetery, South Easthope Township, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Margaret Elizabth Wilhelm was born 16 Jan 1883, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1956; was buried , Fairview Cemetery, Listowel, Wallace Township, Perth County, Ontario, Canada.

  7. 14.  Johannes "John" Heipel was born 9 Apr 1836, Breitenbach am Herzberg Kreis Hersfeld-Rotenburg, Hessen, Germany (son of Ludwig Heipel and Elizabeth Blumenauer); died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Name: John Heipel
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-108948
    • Residence: 1859, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Johannes married Mary Christina Scheifele 15 Jun 1859, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Mathew Scheifele and Salome Reichart) was born 7 Jan 1844, St. Catharines, Welland, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Mar 1910, Clifford, Minto Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario; was buried , Clifford Cemetery, Clifford, Minto Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  8. 15.  Mary Christina Scheifele was born 7 Jan 1844, St. Catharines, Welland, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Mathew Scheifele and Salome Reichart); died 12 Mar 1910, Clifford, Minto Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario; was buried , Clifford Cemetery, Clifford, Minto Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Maria Schiefley
    • Name: Mary Christina Heipel
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-112997
    • Residence: 1859, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Children:
    1. 7. Louisa Heipel was born 1874; died Aug 1970; was buried , Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, Perth Co., Ontario.