Clarence Leslie Wismer

Other Events:

• Name: Leslie Wismer
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8184
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1923, Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada

Notes:

Clarence Leslie Wismer, "born May 12, 1887."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

Clarence married Selina Zeller 29 Oct 1913, Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada. Selina (daughter of Philip Zeller and Mary Riener) was born 11 Jul 1887, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 20 May 1888, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Interesting: story, pioneer
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8178
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; --
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, General
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Isaac E. Wismer, "was born September 15th, 1847. On March 7th, 1869, he was married to Susannah, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Snider. She was born at Bloomingdale, October 7th, 1849. They reside in Elmira. 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

_______________________________


WELL-KNOWN MAN CALLED BY DEATH
MR. ISAAC WISMER PASSES AWAY AT RIPE OLD AGE
RESULT OF STROKE

A prominent figure in the life of Elmira was removed from the scene Tuesday night when Mr. Isaac Wismer passed away as the result of a stroke sustained on Friday last when with his usual energy, despite his seventy-five years, he was sweeping the cellar at his home on Park street. Mrs. Wismer, who was upstairs heard him call, and on running to his assistance found him helpless below. She assisted him upstairs but shortly afterwards he lapsed into unconsciousness, from which he never recovered until his death, which was due not only to the stroke but to a pneumonia complication which also set in.

The late Mr. Wismer was born at New Hamburg but moved with his family to Bloomingdale while still a young boy, his school days being spent at the latter village. He married Miss Susan Snider of Bloomingdale, and shortly afterwards moved to Floradale. About thirty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Wismer moved to Elmira, where Mr. Wismer took an active interest in affairs, his activity in recent years in driving the cattle through the streets of the town for the drovers whose shipping work he attended to being always conspicuous. His white beard, cheery smile, and top boots always identified him as one of the picturesque figures of the pioneer age which has slipped away. He celebrated the fifty-fourth year of his marriage on the seventh of March last.

Besides his widow, he leaves two daughters and three sons as follows: Mrs. James Mann (Jane) of Kitchener, Mrs. Burnham Fisher (Ida) of Petersburg, Mr. Edgar Wismer of Buhl, Idaho, Mr. Arthur A. Wismer of Edmonton, Alberta, and Mr. Leslie Wismer of Edmonton, Alberta.

There survive also two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Moyer, of Kitchener, and Mrs. Croft of Michigan, and one brother Daniel Wismer of Kitchener. The funeral takes place tomorrow afternoon, with services at the house and at the Evangelical church, interment being made in the Elmira Union Cemetery.

Elmira Signet 26 Apr 1923

Isaac married Susannah Snider 7 Mar 1869. Susannah (daughter of Henry Snider and Elizabeth Snider) was born 7 Oct 1849, Bloomingdale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1923; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Wismer
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6333
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; --
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Susannah Snider, "was born October 7th, 1849. She is married to Isaac E. Wismer, a farmer. They reside near Elmira, Ontario"


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/42089808
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8166
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1889, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister of the Gospel
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Daniel Wismer, "was born in Waterloo County, July 29th, 1820. In 1843 he was married to Sallie, daughter of Peter and Susannah (Bomberger) Erb. She was born near Bridgeport, Waterloo County, Ontario, April 4th, 1823, and died in Marion County, Kansas, October 17th, 1885. After the decease of his wife he returned to Canada where he has since married Lydia Musselman, widow of the late Samuel Brubacher. They reside in the town of Berlin. Some thirty years ago he was ordained minister of the Mennonite body and while in Kansas he was ordained bishop. His family consisted 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.].

_____________


Wismer. - Bishop Daniel Wismer died at his home in Berlin, Ont., May 4, 1909 of old age. He was born in Waterloo county July 29, 1820. In 1843 he was married to Sallie Erb with whom he lived in holy matrimony 41 y. 6 m. 26 d. This union was blessed with five sons and two daughters of whom three sons and two daughters survive him. Bro. Wismer was ordained to the ministry Aug. 1, 1860, some time after this he moved to Marion county, Kans. On April 9, 1887 he was ordained to the office of Bishop. After the decease of his wife he returned again to Canada where he married Lydia Musselman, widow of the late Sam. Brubaker, with whom he lived in holy matrimony nearly twenty years. Bro. Wismer was an earnest preacher of the Gospel for 48 years. Six weeks before he died he preached his last public sermon. During the last few weeks of his life he appeared to be much concerned for the welfare of the Church. His mind was almost constantly upon the Word of God. While lying in bed in a semi-conscious condition he would preach for several hours at a time. His funeral took place on Thursday, May 6. It was very largely attended, the church being crowded to the doors and many still outside. Services at the house were conducted by Samuel S. Bowman and at the church by Bish. Jonas Snider in German, Text, Phil. 1: 21: "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Bro. Noah Stauffer in English, from Rev. 21: 1.The loss sustained by the church and community through the death of Bro. Wismer is his eternal gain. May God comfort and bless the bereaved widow and sorrowing friends.
M. C. C.

Gospel Herald - Vol. II, No. 9 - May 27, 1909, page 142, 143

Daniel married Sarah "Sallie" Erb 21 Mar 1844, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Peter Erb and Susannah Bomberger) was born 4 Apr 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Oct 1885, , Marion Co., Kansas; was buried , Catlin Community Cemetery, Catlin, Marion Co., Kansas. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96667873
• Name: Sallie Erb
• Name: Sarah "Sallie" Wismer
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2953
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Sarah Erb, "was born April 4th, 1823. She was married to Rev. Daniel Wismer who was born July 29th, 1820. They resided on the old 'Peter Erb Farm', north of Bridgeport, until 1877 when they moved to Marion, Kansas, where she died October 17th, 1885. Their family consisted 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.].

Other Events:

• Land: Waterloo Township - Wilson's Tract (Upper Block) Lot Oxbox, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Name: Heinrich Schneider
• Residence: Bloomingdale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6302
• Residence: 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Elected Office: 1850, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Waterloo Township
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Henry Snider, "the youngest of old Jacob Schneider's large family, was born near Bloomingdale, Ontario, February 2nd, 1811. On march 27th, 1836, he was married to Elizabeth daughter of Jacob C. and Elizabeth (Cressman) Snider. She was born April 19th, 1817. Soon after his married he moved on his father's old homestead where she died January 13th, 1855. Some time after the decease of his wife he was again married to Margaret, daughter of Conrad and Margaret (Kraft) Brehm. She was born October 9th, 1836. Besides being proprietor of the large farm now in possession of his son, Josiah, Mr. Snider was owner of the large roller flour mills in Conestogo, now in possession of his son, Menno S. he and the late Samuel S. Shantz always took an active part in all municipal matters pertaining to their native township and county, Waterloo. Mr. Snider was one of the first parties advocating the necessity of forming a County Agricultural Society, and after its formation was chosen as one of its first directors which position he held for many years in succession. He died January 22nd, 1877. After his decease his widow moved to St. Jacobs where she 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.].


Death of Mr. Henry Snyder - The Berlin Telegraph says: - It is with feelings of sorrow that we record the death of an old and respected resident of the township of Waterloo, Mr. Henry Snyder, which took place at his residence near Bloomingdale on Monday last, the 22nd inst., after a lingering illness of about three months, aged 66 years. The deceased was one of the oldest residents of this county and was born in the old homestead, where he died, in the year 1810, his parents having settled there some four years before that date. He was widely known and highly esteemed in the community. He always took an active part in aiding every commendable public object, enjoying a large share of public confidence, and occupied the position of Councilor of the Township of Waterloo for several years and represented that township in the Provisional County Council at the time of the separation of Waterloo from the union with Wellington and Grey in 1852. For the last ten years he took an active interest in the affairs of the Agricultural Society of this riding, of which he was at one time the President. He was known as a warm and consistent Reformer. His death will be generally lamented, but especially by those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. His funeral, which took place at Bloomingdale, was largely attended.

Galt Reporter Feb 2 1877 pg 1

Henry married Elizabeth Snider 27 Mar 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Jacob C. Snider and Elizabeth Cressman) was born 19 Apr 1817, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jan 1855, Near Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery, Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elisabeth Schneider
• Name: Elizabeth Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5881
• Residence: 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00133-8157,8163
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Old Survey Lot 10, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Henry Wismer, "was born March 10th, 1794, and died June 11th, 1876. He was married to Mary Cressman. The sixth child of Joseph and Barbara Wismer, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, March 10th, 1794, and came to Canada in 1815. He was married to Mary, daughter of Daniel and Esther (Bechtel) Cressman. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, August 17th, 1792, and came to Canada with her parents in 1806. In January, 1816 (a few weeks after their marriage), they moved on their farm three miles south-east of Berlin. This farm is still known as the old 'Wismer Farm' and is at present owned by John Kercher. Here they resided until their deaths. She died July 12th, 1872, and he died June 11, 1876. They had a family 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.].

Henry married Mary Cressman Jan 1815. Mary (daughter of Daniel Cressman and Esther Bechtel) was born 17 Aug 1792, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jul 1872, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Wismer
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2197
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Cressman, "the youngest child of Daniel and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Cressman, was born August 17th, 1792. She was not quite a year old when her father met his sad death. In January, 1815, she was married to Henry Wismer who was born March 10th, 1792, and died June 11th, 1876. 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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00032-2931
• Military: 1812; War of 1812
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 125, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Erb, "the second son of Peter and Anna (Schãeffer) Erb, and brother to Daniel Erb, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 13th, 1787. On December 14th, 1806, he was married to Susannah Bomberger who was born in the same place, September 17th, 1787, and died April 3rd, 1867. In 1807 they, with others, moved to Canada and settled in what is now Waterloo County, Ontario. They located on the west bank of the Grand River, about two miles north of Bridgeport, on the farm now known as the 'Wismer Farm'. Here they resided until their deaths. He died February 24th, 1865. To them were born eleven children, all born in Waterloo County, Ontario"


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.].

_______________________


On Febr. 24th, in Waterloo Co., Canada West, of apoplexy, Bro. Peter Erb, aged 78 years, 1 month and 10 days. He was born in the State of Pennsylvania-was married on the 14th of November 1806, with Susanna Bomberger and emigrated to Canada in 1807, where, as a peaceable citizen, he experienced, with others, the difficulties of a new country. He had, with his wife, who is still living, 11 children, three sons and eight daughters. He enjoyed good health generally until he reached his 75th year, when his strong bodily powers were shattered by a stroke of apoplexy, from which he suffered by repeated attacks until at last, as we hope, he fell asleep in the Lord. DAVID SHERK

Herald of Truth April 1865 - Vol. II, No.4 Page 31, 32

_____________

"... On the 18th day of June, 1812, President Madison declared war against England. This placed the Pennsylvania people in a very trying position and as they could not be induced to take up arms, they were pressed into service as teamsters and were obliged to furnish their own horses. Ox-teams were employed when no horses were to be had. Those who were required to serve in this capacity were Christian Schneider Jr., Peter Erb, Joseph Eby, Samuel Eschelman, Benjamin Springer, Frederick Herner, Jacob Bock, Henry Pannebecker, John Scheirich, Henry Wismer, John Biehn, Adam Shupe and Wildfong.

In January, 1813, General Proctor defeated the Americans near Detroit, capturing General Wilkinson with 500 men. In September General Harrison having been joined by a fierce body of riflemen from Kentucky, advanced towards Detroit in such force that General Proctor crossed the Detroit River and retreated up the Thames. On being followed by the American Army of 3500 men, he made a stand at Moraviantown with 800 British and 500 Indians under Tecumseh. This warrior was killed, and Proctor retreated in great confusion to Burlington Heights in order to join the Niagara Army. A number of the Waterloo people were up at the battle on the Thames. These Waterloo boys acting as teamsters had taken shelter in a swamp near by while the battle was being fought. An officer of the British army, seeing that all was lost, gave them warning, said 'Boys, all is lost, clear out and make the best you can,' upon which some ran, while others unhitched their horses and rode off for their lives. Christian Schneider Jr., who carried the money-safe on his wagon, cleared out on his horses, leaving the wagon with all its contents behind. In this defeat old Adam Shupe was taken prisoner by the Americans. He was taken before General Harrison who, perceiving his innocent and harmless appearance, dismissed him and granted him permission to return to his Canadian home. He lost both his horses and wagon. Christian Schneider was away the greater part of the summer. On his first trip he had a two-horse team. After being home a few weeks he had to go again, this time with a four-horse team. During this war which lasted a little more than two years, quite a number of small battles were fought in the Niagara Peninsula and in the vicinity of Detroit. Quite a few of these Pennsylvania Dutch boys were pressed to serve as teamsters and exposed to all manner of danger, but strange to say, not one lost his life through the war.

On the 24th of December, 1814, peace was made between England and the United States, leaving each in exactly the same position as they had been before the war. After peace was restored the government of Canada fully compensated those teamsters for their losses during the war and for their valuable services. Christian Schneider Jr. was paid $5.00 a day for the time he served with a two-horse team, and $8.00 per day for a four-horse team, besides they were paid for horses and wagons that were lost during the time they served the government."


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

Peter married Susannah Bomberger 14 Dec 1806. Susannah was born 17 Sep 1787, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 3 Apr 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2931.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

On the 3rd of April, in the same township, of dropsy, widow SUSANNA ERB, aged 79 years, 6 months and 19 days. Her maiden name was Bomberger. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa.., She was buried at Christian Eby's burying-ground. She was a member of the Mennonite Church and died as we have reason to hope a happy death. Funeral sermons were preached by the brethren Moses Bowman, G. R. Schmidt and Tillman Moyer.


HERALD OF TRUTH - Volume IV, Number 5 - May 1867 - Page 78

Other Events:

• Land: Bloomingdale Mennonite Church, Bloomingdale, Waterloo, Ontario; donated land for church
• Name: Yoch Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6103
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 069, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Wilson's Tract (Upper Block) Lot 9, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Wilson's Tract (Upper Block) Lot 11, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Residence: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Probate: 8 Mar 1853, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Jacob (Yoch) Schneider, "the seventh member of his father's family, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 24th, 1764. In 1790 he was married to Mary, daughter of Christian and Mary (Scherch) Erb (No. 2777). She was born March 2nd, 1766 and died in Waterloo County, Ontario, near Bloomingdale, August 27th, 1835. In 1806 he, with his wife and family, his brother Christian and family, and others, moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County. Old Yoch, as he was generally called, settled on the east bank of the Grand River, near Bloomingdale, on the farms now possessed by Benjamin S. Snyder, Josiah S. Snyder, and Rev. Menno B. Bowman where he was engaged in farming and acquiring real estate so as to be able to give a large farm to each one of his children. His family consisted of ten children and were all married save one, and resided within the same neighborhood. He died February 6th, 1853,."


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.].

__________________

Jacob Snider: The Last Will and Testament of Jacob Snider, late of the Township of Waterloo.

… I, Jacob Snider, Sr. of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, being of sound and perfect mind and memory…I give and bequeath to all my sons and daughters, share and share alike, all my freehold and personal property of what kind and nature soever, except my farm, Levi Bechtel now living on for which I hold the deed for which is Lot No. 69 in Waterloo aforesaid, the said Levi Bechtel is to have the benefit of the said Lot during his natural life, then the said lot is to fall to his children, and all the share and shares arising out of my property after my decease which falls to my daughter Magdalene, wife of Levi Bechtel and will remain for the heirs of daughter Magdalene, except for the yearly interest, which Levi Bechtel was to have during his natural life. Should my said daughter Magdalena die, and Levi marry again, he should still have the benefit of the farm, but not the interest of any money out of the estate. .Further, I order and desire and it is my Will that the share that falls to 'my' daughter Elizabeth Snider shall remain on interest during her life, for which interest my daughter Elizabeth Snider shall be kept during her life with good and sufficient meal and drink, washing and lodging and other things necessary for her comfortable support during her life, and after her death, her share is to be divided amongst the other sons and daughters, except Magdalene, wife of Levi Bechtel, who is to have the interest or he as long as he does not marry again, and after hid decease all shall fall his children the heirs of my daughter Magdalene, the Lot No. 69, which I hold the deed will be seen by the receipts after my decease aled also notes signed by Levi Bechtel as well as by others so that all my estate will be made equally share and share alike as before mentioned, always to save her share for her and her children only the benefit of the farm during his natural life and the interest of all moneys till he married again, then that is to be stopped for his first children…And I do nominate, constitute and appoint in full power, as my own person, my son Christian J. Snider and my son Jacob J. Snider, Executors of this my Last Will and Testament.

Will dated 24^th June 1841
Witnesses Jacob S. Shoemaker and Henry Snider.
Proved 8^th March 1853
Died [not entered]
Inventory given of £646/3/6


Wills of Waterloo County Register A 1853-1871, transcribed by Frances Hoffman

Residence:
Lived with son Henry.

Jacob married Maria "Mary" Erb 1790. Maria (daughter of Christian Erb and Maria Scherch) was born 2 Mar 1766, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 27 Aug 1835, Near Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery, Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria "Mary" Schneider
• Name: Mary Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2777.8
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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

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

__________________________

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Events:

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

Notes:

Elizabeth Cressman, "the third daughter, was born June 10th, 1791. She was married to Jacob C. Schneider who was born February 19th, 1791, and died June 19th, 1865. She died January 12th, 1879. To them were born nine children"


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