Reeve Menno L. Weber

Other Events:

• Business: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Weber and Erb
• Interesting: business, story, politics
• Name: M. L. Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7774
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Store Clerk
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; merchant
• Elected Office: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Elmira
• Residence: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Menno G. Weber," the eldest son, was born March 22nd, 1856. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. When quite a young man he commenced clerking in a store. On July 28th, 1882, a partnership was formed with Alonzo Erb under the name of Weber & Erb, as dealers in general merchandise. Their place of business is in Elmira, one of our liveliest and most business-like incorporated villages in Canada. Their business still continues and is in a flourishing condition. Mr Weber is unmarried and has his home with his sister."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

_______________________

Mr. Menno L. Weber was born on a farm a short distance north of Elmira. He attended public school here, after which he served time in a general store at Seaforth. Later he returned to Elmira, clerked for Messrs Ratz & Baetz and subsequently for Mr. James Nichol, until the year 1882, when the partnership of Weber & Erb was formed. Mr. Weber has been an active member of the Elmira Board of Trade since its organization and has since January last held the position of Village Councillor. He is known as an enterprising merchant and a public spirited citizen.

Enterprising Elmira Souvenir, An historical, descriptive, and illustrated Book of the Village of Elmira, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, published by George Klinck, 1903.

__________________________

Menno L. Weber Is Laid to Rest On Monday

Prominent Elmira Citizen Dies Friday in 82^nd Year; Active in Municipal Affairs

SERVED AS REEVE OF ELMIRA

Menno L. Weber, former Reeve and for many years an active merchant of Elmira, died Friday evening, March 18th, at his home, 27 Park Street, following a short but sudden illness. Mr. Weber would have marked his 82nd birthday on Tuesday of this week.

Mr. Weber was well-known in Elmira and throughout the district. He was born on a farm a mile and half north of Elmira, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Weber, early pioneers of Waterloo County. Mr. Weber's early days were spent on the farm of his father before he left for Seaforth to learn the mercantile trade.

Returning to Elmira, Mr. Weber started in the mercantile business in 1882, forming a partnership with Alozono Erb. When Mr. Erb died in 1904, Mr. Weber carried on the well-established general store trade until about 1912, when he sold out to J. D. Merner.

Mr. Weber's active interest in community affairs saw him serve Elmira as Reeve, then the highest municipal office in the village. He was also a member of the Elmira Chamber of Commerce and for two years was president of this organization.

For many years he was a director of the Great West Felt Co.

A member of the United Church, Mr. Weber was also Sunday school superintendent in his younger days. He was a Past Grand Brother of the I.O.O.F. He was initiated into the lodge on February 19th, 1879, being a member of the order of 59 years. Mr. Weber attained the highest office in the lodge in 1880, when he was Noble Grand. A few years ago he received his fifty-year jewel for a half century of continuous service to his home lodge and the order in general.

Surviving Mr. Weber are his wife, (nee Margaret Schroder), and four sisters, Mrs. W. Behrens of Elmira, Mrs. W. Baetz of Cleveland, Mrs. E. Walmsley of Chicago and Mrs. A. E. Devitt of Waterloo.

A large number of friends and acquaintances paid final tribute to the memory of Menno Weber when the funeral service was conducted from his late residence on Monday afternoon. The profusion of floral tributes signified the high esteem in which Mr. Weber was held in Elmira and district.

Rev. A. W. Fosbuary, Rev. G. D. Little and Rev. C. H. Cornwell officiated at the service. Mr. Oscar Weichel sang, "Nearer My God to Thee," with piano accompaniment by Mrs. D. D. Ratz. Members of the Elmira I.O.O.F. lodge conducted the ceremony at the grave. Interment was made at the Elmira Cemetery.

Elmira Signet 24 Mar 1938

__________________

WEBER & ERB.

The individual interests of these two well known gentlemen were consolidated on July 28th, 1882. To look at their mammoth establishment of to-day and the small beginning they made in their first business venture the reader is at once reminded of what men of pluck and eminent business qualifications can accomplish. Their first stock of merchandise was kept in a building which has since been converted into a residence that is at present occupied by James Nicol. This they soon found to be too small for their rapidly increasing business, and they moved to the corner building formerly occupied by Mr. J. S. Bauman. At the end of two years they found this building also entirely inadequate to meet the requirements of their constantly increasing trade and they purchased what was then known as the "Ratz Block." To this they erected an addition equal in dimensions to the original building, and which now comprises their two mammoth double stores of 75 feet in length and two stories high. This spacious structure is packed from cellar to garret with foreign and domestic merchandise and seldom do we find such a varied exhibit of that line in a country town. Mr. M. L Weber, the senior member of the firm, was born near Elmira in 1856 and spent, the first fifteen years of his life on the farm. He is a business man from the ground up and an adherent of the Methodist church. He has had a thorough and practical experience in the vocation in which he is now engaged, having for a number of years been connected with some of the prominent mercantile establishments of several of the leading towns and cities of Ontario. Mr. A H. Erb, the junior member, was born in the town of Waterloo, in 1857, his father at that time being in partnership with Mr. John Shuh, at present of that town. Mr. Erb's first business venture was at St. Jacobs in 1876, being associated with Mr. David Betzner in the business formerly carried on by Peter Gleiser. In 1881 the firm sold out to one Ortwein and Mr. Erb became a business partner of Mr. Weber. He was Reeve of the village for six years in succession, and would likely have had the office thrust upon him that many times more had he not declined to further serve in that capacity. In January, 1897, after the county had been divided into districts, he was elected a member of the Council and at the first meeting of the County Council he was unanimously chosen warden of the county, the responsible office of which he is now the incumbent awaiting the appointment of his successor. Messre. Weber & Erb have been in every sence of the word honorable in their personal and business relation with the public in general. They are public spirited, for it cannot be said that in any worthy enterprise that meant increased prosperity for the town they have not shown a liberal hand.

Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1, 2, 3

Menno married Margaret "Maggie" Schroder 18 Jun 1895, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Levi Schroder and Mary Reichert) was born 10 Jul 1872, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jan 1963, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Weber was born 25 Feb 1896, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Feb 1896, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Weber was born 25 Feb 1896, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Feb 1896, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7773
• Residence: 1855, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist

Notes:

Solomon Weber," was born at Strasburg, Ontario, December 31st, 1831. He resided in the township of Woolwich, north of Elmira, on the farm lately owned by Henry Groff. He died October 10th, 1871. He was married to Emma Elizabeth Grey. Their family consisted 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.].

Solomon married Emma Elizabeth Gray 20 Feb 1855, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Emma (daughter of James Gray and Anna) was born 6 Dec 1834, , Yorkshire, England; died 19 Aug 1917, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Mennonite Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth
• Name: Elizabeth Emma Gray
• Name: Emma Elizabeth Mickus
• Name: Emma Elizabeth Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7773.1
• Immigration: 1844, , Canada
• Immigration: 1854, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1855, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Residence: 1874, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Interesting: story, building, religion
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7766
• Historic Building: Abt 1820, 69 Biehn Dr., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

David R. Weber," was born November 2nd, 1800, and emigrated to Canada when quite a young man while the others of the family remained in Pennsylvania. Here he was married to Mary Lyons who was born May 19th, 1803, and died July 10th, 1871. They resided on a farm near Strasburg, now in possession of their son Noah. Their family consisted of fifteen 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.].

________________________

Pioneer Park (Weber/Strasburg) Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church

Early services were held in the homes of the first settlers, perhaps as early as 1833. Services often were held at the home of David Weber who lived across from where the church would be located. David Sherk was ordained deacon to serve the group in 1837, and in the next year, 1838, he was ordained minister. He was followed in 1840 by John Steckle (Stoeckle).

In 1842, David Weber donated one acre of land for a meeting house and burial ground. The deed was dated March 23, 1854, although the meeting house had been built in 1843. A new yellow brick church was built in 1894 on the same site. Noah Stauffer, who had been ordained in 1876 to assist John Steckle, was minister at the time. A Sunday School was organized in the 1890s; Sunday School records date from 1898. In 1899 the first Bible Conference to be held in an Ontario Mennonite church was held in the Weber church.

In 1971-1972 the church was enlarged and completely renovated. During that time - from October 17, 1971 to January 23, 1972 - the congregation met in the Herbert Feick home on Doon Village Road. On September 24, 1872 the congregation celebrated the 130th Anniversary of the building of the first meeting house. The name of the church was changed to Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship Mennonite Church in 1972.

In 1951 the congregation had purchased from Clifford Snider an additional acre of land located behind the church. In 1976, for the sum of $1, the congregation acquired a sixty-five foot strip of land along the south edge of the church property from Major Holdings & Development Co. A new church was built within several feet of the old yellow brick one which was removed; the date on the cornerstone is 1980. The 150th Anniversary of the construction of the first meeting house is to be celebrated in 1993.

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

Historic Building:
Built about 1840, it has stone walls and a stencilled ceiling in the home's main room. The stencilled ceiling has been identified as the work of John Moser and 1860's era painter who died similar work in a house restories in the 1970's in Cobourg.<sup>1a

1a</sup>The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 11 May 1981

David married Mary "Polly" "Pauline" Lyons , Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Abraham Lyons and Mary Biehn) was born CALC 17 May 1803; died 8 Jul 1871; was buried , Pioneer Park Mennonite Cemetery, [formerly Weber Mennonite Biehn Drive Cemetery] Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Lyons
• Name: Mary "Polly" "Pauline" Weber
• Name: Pauline Lyons
• Name: Polly Lyonett
• Name: Polly Lyons
• Eby ID Number: 00008-971.2
• Birth: 19 May 1803, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Death: 10 Jul 1871, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-134590

James — Anna. Anna was born Abt 1803, Of, Yorkshire, England; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Gray
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-134591

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7765

Notes:

Joseph Weber," seventh son of Christian and Magdalena (Ruth) Weber, was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He was married to Anna Burkholder. They had a numerous family but names of children have not been handed to the writer. We know that one son was named IV David R."


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.].

(Joseph's mother Magdalena(Ruth) Weber, was Magdalena Rutt who married Christian Weber.)

Joseph — Anna Burkholder. Anna was born Abt 1765, Of, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7765.1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00008-971.1

Notes:

Weber Mennonite Cemetery: Abraham's stone reads Abraham Lyons/ Born 1774/ Died 1804/ Aged 30 years

Abraham married Mary Biehn 1799. Mary (daughter of John Biehn and Barbara Fried) was born 1766, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Lyons
• Eby ID Number: 00008-971

Notes:

Mary Biehn, " the eldest, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in 1766. She was married to Abraham Lyons in 1799. He was born in 1774 and died at Strasburg, Ontario, in 1804. To them was born one child named IV Mary who was married to David B. Weber.


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.].