Amos Weber

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7696
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Notes:

Amos Weber," was born March 21st, 1857. He is a waggon maker by trade and resides in Elmwood, Ontario. Some time ago he was married to Susannah Meuser. Their family consists of five children, namely: VII Alberta, VII Elma, and three whose names were not received"


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

Amos — Susannah Meuser. Susannah (daughter of Henry Meuser and Rebecca Seiler) was born 1856, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

1. Elma Weber
2. Alberta Louisa Weber was born 1881, Burgoyne, Bruce Co., Ontario; died Yes, date unknown.

Other Events:

• Name: Johann Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7686
• Immigration: 1822, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1840, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

John C. Weber," the third son of John and Catherine Weber, was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 17th, 1818, and came to Canada when he was seven years of age. He had his home with his parents who resided on the farm now possessed by Aaron Sheifley, a little south of the village of Conestogo. On January 21st, 1840, he was married to Mary, daughter of Nathan and Veronica (Bechtel) Clemens. She was born July 23rd, 1823. After their marriage they moved on his father's farm for two years. In 1842 they moved on lot No. 50, German Company Tract, Woolwich Township, thence on a farm near Hawksville, and from this place to Upper Woolwich where they resided until 1881 when they moved to West Montrose where they still reside. He was an auctioneer for 21 years, from 1851 to 1872. Their family consisted of fourteen 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.].

John married Mary "Polly" Clemens 21 Jan 1840, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Nathan Clemens and Veronica "Fanny" Bechtel) was born 27 Jul 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Jun 1917, West Montrose, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , West Montrose United Cemetery, West Montrose, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Clemens
• Name: Mary "Polly" Weber
• Name: Polly Clemens
• Name: Polly Clements
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1631
• Residence: 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, West Montrose, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, West Montrose, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Polly Clemens, "the second daughter in the family, was born July 27th, 1823, and is married to John Weber. They reside at West Montrose, Ontario, where they live retired."


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.].

____________________

West Montrose

Obituary - There passed away on June 10th, a highly respected citizen of our village in the person of Mrs. John c. Weber in her 94th year. Deceased was born near Hespeler, her maiden name being Mary Clemens. She had lived here for 35 years, and her husband died 9 years ago. Of 14 children, 8 are still living, also 60 grandchildren, 123 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was conducted by Rev. C. F. Krauth, of Breslau, and Rev. J. H. Williams. The large gathering from all parts of the county, also from London, Thamesford, Listowel, Guelph and Galt shows the high esteem in which the aged lady was held. In her younger years Mother Weber was much sought after in cases of sickness.

Elmira Signet Jun 21 1917

Other Events:

• Interesting: story, religion, pioneer
• Name: Johann Weber
• Name: Johannes Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7678

Notes:

John Weber," the eldest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Wenger) Weber, was born March 20th, 1786, and was married, March 18th, 1806, to Catherine, daughter of Benjamin Gehman. She was born March 11th, 1782, and died June 2nd 1864. They resided in Earl Township, Lancaster County, until 1825 when they moved to Canada. They left their home April 7th, and arrived at the farm now possessed by Joseph M. Brubacher, two miles north-east of the town of Waterloo, on the 26th day of the same month. Shortly after their arrival they located on a farm in the township of Woolwich, about one mile south of Conestogo. The farm is now possessed by Aaron Sheifley. Here old John Weber resided until his death which took place January 21st, 1854. Mr Weber was a deacon of the Mennonite body when he came to Canada. In July, 1833, he was ordained at the Martin Mennonite Meeting House as minister of the Mennonites by Bishop Benjamin Eby. He was considered a good speaker and ranked among the foremost of the ministers of his day. Their family consisted of ten children, all born in Pennsylvania. The names of three of the children are not given, they died when quite young, none being more than five days old. Those whose names were given were as follows:"


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.].

_____________________

Martin Meeting House

According to Isaac Horst, "Martins meeting house was the first of the Old Order places of worship to be built. A meeting house is reported to have been built in 1830; burial was begun in the adjoining cemetery in 1831. Martins was aptly named. The first three bishops of the area were Martins, all descended from the pioneer, Peter Martin. The land on which the house stands was formerly owned by Martins (1979: 376)." Peter Martin, Jr. purchased 220 acres of land from his brother, Henry Martin, on May 8, 1824. Apparently he set aside four acres for a meeting house and burying ground at that time. The first burial is reported to have been that of Peter Martin, Sr., who died March 2, 1831. The meeting house was enlarged in 1900.

John Weber was the first minister, followed by Abraham W. Martin, Samuel Weber, Paul Martin, Tobias Martin and Urias Martin. At one time surrounded by countryside, the meeting house and cemetery are now completely encircled by the commercial development brought about by the rapid expansion northward of the city of Waterloo.


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

_________________________

John Weber: Last Will and Testament of John Weber of the Township of Woolwich, in the united Counties of Wellington, Waterloo and Grey, Yeoman.

…I John Weber, of the Township of Woolwich, Yeoman, do make and consitute these presents, dated the thirtieth day of August 1852, my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and declaring null and void all other Will or Wills which I ever before have made and may have made, and desiring and ordaining, that with my worldly property, it shall after my demise be held and done as follows Having disposed of the whole of my real estate to my son in law, David Gingrich, by a certain indenture I do hereby authorize and empower my Executors to issue, execute and deliver to him or to his heirs and assigns, good and sufficient Deed or Deeds, of conveyance for the same, as soon as the terms and conditions of the sale, as stated in the said Indenture shall have been fully complied with. I also hereby request, authorize and empower them to have and cause the said Indenture, of which there is a copy in my possession, to be fully carried out in all its bearings, to enforce the payments to be made, and receive - also distribute the monies mentioned and specified therein, as also all other monies, notes, bills, accounts, charges and dues owing and do to me as well as owing and due by me. I request and empower them, after the demise of both myself and my wife or widow, to sell all our personal effects and distribute the proceeds thereof, amongst all my legal heirs viz. my children or the bodily issue left by them…except my son Peter Weber, now residing in some one of the United States, who is to have one pound five shillings more than any of the rest, and except my daughter Anna Weber, to whom shall be given the Book in my possession called the Martyred S[piegel [The Martyed Spiegel is a book that was part of every Mennonite and Amish home, telling about the Martyres and faith.] I nominate, and appoint my beloved and trusty friend David Musselman, of Woolwich Township, Yeoman, and Christian G. Martin of the Township of Waterloo, my Executors…my children and heirs, I especially commend to their care and kindness…[and] my said beloved widow and my sickly daughter Anne. The farm for which they are desired to give deed to said Gingrich, his heirs and assigns composed of One hundred and sixteen acres of Lot number Two, and ten acres of Lot number One of the German Company Tract, of Woolwich Township. Concerning my sickly daughter Anna Weber it is to be understood that she is to have draw and receive annually, during the whole of her lifetime, the interest of Two Hundred Pounds of lawful money of Canada, to be paid to her by my son-in-law David Gingrich, just in accordance with a certain Indenture between us…

Witnessed by David Good and Christian Martin
Will Dated 30^th August 1852
Proved and insinuated the 9^th February 1854
Inventory £119/17/3

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 partial transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber. A-1-25

John married Catherine (Katherina) Gehman 18 Mar 1806. Catherine was born 11 Mar 1782, Of, Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 2 Jun 1864; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine (Katherina) Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7678.1

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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

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

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

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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

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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7677

Notes:

Peter Weber," the sixth, child of Christian and Magdalena (Rutt) Weber, was born in the year 1760. He was married to Elizabeth Wenger and resided near the old homestead in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 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.].

Peter — Elizabeth Wenger. Elizabeth was born Abt 1760, Of, Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7677.1

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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

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

______________________________________________


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

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

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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


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

Other Events:

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

Notes:

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


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

________________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Events:

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