Laverne Shantz

Other Events:

• Name: Laverne Witmer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-181920

Laverne — Joyce Victor Witmer. Joyce (son of Deacon Isaiah B. Witmer and Jemima Schwartz) was born 11 Aug 1908, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Aug 2006, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Howard Keith "Keith" Witmer

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6741.9
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Occupation: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1945, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Samuel — Mary Ellen Hallman. Mary (daughter of Moses S. Hallman and Veronica "Frances" Foreman) was born 27 Jul 1886, , Ontario, Canada; died 9 Aug 1948; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Ellen Shantz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-23505
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Domestic Servant
• Residence: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1942, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6741
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1870, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Amos M. Shantz, "was born June 15th, 1847. On August 16th, 1870, he was married to Isabella Nahrgang who was born June 9th, 1850, and died October 14th, 1871. On December 3rd, 1873, he was again married to Esther Cressman who was born January 20, 1848. He resides near Manheim, Ontario, where he is engaged in farming."


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

________________

Died/ At Petersburg, Ont., on Monday, Febuary 9th, 1920/ Amos M. Shantz/ aged 72 years, 7 months and 25 days/ The Funeral/ will take place from his late residence on/ Friday, February 13, 1910/ at two o'clock, p. m./ to the Latschar church and cemetery for service/ and interment/ Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.


Funeral Card of Amos M. Shantz

Amos married Esther C. Cressman 3 Dec 1873. Esther (daughter of Samuel S. Cressman and Barbara Cressman) was born 20 Jan 1848, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Sep 1919, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther C. Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2138
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esther C. Cressman, "was born January 20th, 1848. On December 3rd, 1872, she was married to Amos M. Shantz. They reside near Manheim, Ontario, where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists 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.].

_______________


Shantz. - Esther (Cressman) Shantz was born at New Dundee, Ont., Jan. 20, 1848; died at her home near Petersburg, Ont., Sept. 4, 1919 ; aged 71 y. 7 m. 16 d. She was united in marriage to Amos M. Shantz. To this union were born 3 sons and 6 daughters. One daughter preceded her to the spirit world. She is survived by her husband, 3 sons, 5 daughters, 14 grandchildren, 1 sister and 3 brothers. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church. Funeral services were conducted at the Latschar Church by Bro. Jonas Snider. Text, Phil. 2: 21.


Gospel Herald - Volume XII, Number 28 - October 9, 1919 - page 527

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00048-3555
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Moses S. Hallman, "was born March 25th, 1859. He is married to Fannie Foreman and resides at Red Bay, Bruce County, Ontario, where he is engaged in the fish business. On December 10th, 1894, he took his small boat and sailed over to White Fish Isle, several miles to the east of Bruce Peninsula where he had stored a number of barrels of fish. After having taken 18 barrels on his small boat he set sail for the main land. Not having proceeded far on his return, he was suddenly overtaken by a violent storm, tearing away his masts and sails and driving him northward towards the upper end of the peninsula. To keep his small leaky craft afloat he was obliged to toss the whole of his cargo overboard and work his way through the foaming waves the best he could with two small oars. It cost him all his time to guide the boat with one hand and with a small tin can bail out the water with the other. He was thus drifted along by the cold and severe snow storm now blowing at a terrific rate. When darkness set in he was passing Cabot Head and rapidly drifting out on Lake Huron where he spent the whole night and the greater part of the following day, working at his oars and bailing out the water. A change in the wind at six in the morning caused his boat to return towards Bruce Peninsula where he arrived at Stokes Bay late in the afternoon. His lower limbs were so badly frozen during the thirty hours he experienced on that never-to-be-forgotten trip that when he arrived at land he was not able to walk but crawled on hand and foot over one-half mile to the nearest residence which, to his great disappointment, he found vacated. From here he crawled to another log cabin about forty rods distant where he arrived at sunset. The inmates, who were kind people, did all in their power to alleviate the sufferings of their almost dying guest who was a perfect stranger to them. After partaking of some food he fell asleep and slept several hours. When awakening he suffered extreme pain in his limbs which continued for several days when he gradually commenced to recover. It caused tears of joy to his wife, mother, brother, and relatives when the news came that the "supposed lost one" was saved."


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.].


__________________________


Hallman, Moses S., son of Joseph and Salome (Schmitt) Hallman, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., March 25, 1859; died in Rainham, Ont., Jan. 14, 1942; aged 82 y. 9 m. 20 d. His death was caused by a stroke, from which he suffered for about a week. He was married to Fanny Foreman, who predeceased him in 1920. To this union were born 5 daughters and 1 son; Salome Winger of Rainham, Mary Shantz of Petersburg, Tena Shantz of Preston, Estella Hinde of Kansas, Lucille Scott of Toronto, and Ivan of Kitchener. This unbroken circle of children will miss very keenly the passing of their father. There also survive 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. The first 30 years of his life were spent in Waterloo Co., while his last 8 years were spent mainly with his daughter Salome, of Rainham. At the age of 32 he confessed his Lord as Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church where he has been a faithful member till death. His keen interest in the work of the Church was evident by his earnest labors in organizing Sunday schools during his earlier years. May the comfort of the Holy Spirit abide with each of the family who remain. The funeral service was conducted at the Winger home by Bro. A. L. Fretz, after which the body was conveyed to Kitchener for burial in the Mennonite Cemetery adjoining First Mennonite Church.


GOSPEL HERALD - Vol. XXXIV, No . 46 - February 12, 1942 - pp 982, 983

Moses — Veronica "Frances" Foreman. Veronica (daughter of John Foreman and Christina Sherk) was born 22 Sep 1858, , Haldimand Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1920; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Fannie Foreman
• Name: Veronica "Frances" Hallman
• Eby ID Number: 00048-3555.1
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6737
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Joshua Y. Shantz, "was born near Berlin, September 11th, 1817. On March 17th, 1840, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of Henry and Catharine (Miller) Martin. She was born December 8th, 1822, and died February 6th, 1892. They resided in Wilmot Township where he followed farming many years. To them were born ten 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.].

Joshua married Magdalena Martin 17 Mar 1840, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Henry Z. Martin and Catharine Miller) was born 8 Dec 1822, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 6 Feb 1892, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4304
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Magdalena Martin, "the eldest daughter of Henry and Catharine (Miller) Martin, was born in Woolwich Township, Waterloo County, December 8th, 1822. On March 17th, 1840, she was married to Joshua Y., son of Jacob and Mary (Yost) Shantz."


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.].

__________________________

Last Saturday Mrs. Joshua Shantz was called to her long home, after a short illness and was buried at the cemetery between Hamburg and Wilmot Centre last Wednesday morning. Mrs. Shantz leaves a husband and grown-up family to mourn their loss. She resided on the farm on which she died for fifty-two years.

New Hamburg Independent 12 Feb 1892 pg 3

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00028-2129
• Residence: 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Samuel Cressman, "the second son of Abraham and Mary (Schneider) Cressman, was born near Strasburg, Waterloo County, March 30th, 1817. On April 13th, 1841, he was married to Barbara Cressman who was born near Breslau, Ontario, July 8th, 1823. They resided in Wilmot Township, near New Dundee, where he is engaged in farming. His death took place January 5th, 1870. Their family consisted of thirteen 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.].

Samuel married Barbara Cressman 13 Apr 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Barbara (daughter of John Cressman and Esther Wismer) was born 8 Jul 1823, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 May 1896, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2077
• Residence: 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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; Female Farmer

Notes:

Barbara Cressman, "the fourth in the family, was born July 8th, 1823. On April 13th, 1841, she was married to Samuel Cressman who was born March 30th, 1817, and died in Wilmot Township, near New Dundee, Ontario, January 5th, 1870. They had a family of thirteen 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: 00048-3554
• Residence: 1858, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph C. Hallman, "was born September 28th, 1837. He was married to Salome Schmidt, July 6th, 1858. They resided in Blenheim Township, where he died August 29th, 1881, leaving a family of two 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.].

Joseph married Salome Schmitt 6 Jul 1858, Greenbush (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Salome (daughter of Rev. Dr. George R. Schmitt and Salome "Sally" Becker) was born 27 Apr 1838, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Jul 1917, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68812366
• Name: Salome Erb
• Name: Salome Hallman
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5804
• Residence: 1858, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Salome Schmidt, "was born April 27th, 1838. She was first married to Joseph, son of Joseph B. Hallman with whom she had two children. After his decease she was married to Rev. Moses Erb. They reside in Berlin."

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.].

______________________

Was Resident of Kitchener Over 50 Years

Mrs. Moses Erb, for more than a half century a resident of this city, passed away Tuesday evening at her home at the corner of King and Cameron streets after an illness of about 17 weeks duration. The deceased was born near Baden 78 years ago. Her maiden name was Salome Schmidt, and the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Schmidt. In 1858, July 6th, she was married to Joseph Hallman. He predeceased her and on June 16, 1885, she was married to Moses Erb. She is survived by two sons, Moses and Jacob Hallman, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the house and at 2 o'clock from the East End Menonite [sic] Church. Interment will be made in the Mennonite Cemetery.

The Daily Record Aug 1 1917 pg 1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24303
• Occupation: 1881, South Cayuga Township, Haldimand Co., Ontario; shoemaker

Notes:

Frederick Street, West Side.

On the site in front of the present Fire Hall, on the street line next to the St. Nicholas hotel, an unpainted frame shed, with an enclosed part at one end where the fireman's hook and ladder truck was kept. In case of fire this truck was generally rushed out by hand, a long rope attached to the pole and a double line of men. After the fire was out they would hire a team to draw the truck back.

An open space.

A small dark yellow frame school building erected in 1834 and later used to store the fire engine.

A wood shed later used as a two-cell lock-up for the village, 1857-60, and probably a little later.

Behind the school house stood an undenominational church erected in 1842. The church had a steeple with a railing around it. About ten years later the building was used for a school room, called the Advanced School. In 1856 it was used for the village council and known as the Town Hall. In 1874 it was used as an engine house, and so continued until the building known as the Market House was built in 1869. After 1874 it was again used as an engine house until the present Fire Hall was built on its site.

A two-story brick building with gable toward Frederick Street and a second story porch along the front erected by Justus Werner about 1850, or 51, still standing. Werner had a waggon shop on the first floor and lived with his family on the second. Later a Mr. Foreman bought the building and had a shoe shop on the first floor for a number of years.

A brick house later occupied by Dr. Mylius when he moved there from his King Street house.

A frame building the house of Henry Knell, the jeweller, later occupied by Mathias Riener, a tailor, who came from Vienna, Austria, and moved here from Breslau.
one-story red frame building a little back of the street line with gable toward Frederick Street, erected about 1838, occupied by Peter Rebscher Senior, the brewer's father.

A one and one-half story frame building, not painted, lengthwise with Frederick Street with ground floor a few steps above the sidewalk, occupied by Mrs. Krug, a widow, and next to it her barn.

A vacant space to Weber Street. The Court House was built in 1852, the registry office later, and still later the present Judge's chambers. Vacant space on Ahrens Street.

On the northerly corner of Ahrens a 1 ½ story brick dwelling parallel with Frederick Street built and occupied by Philip Reichert, a carpenter. His father was a pedler, vending tinware and china, rags and produce. A 1 1/2 story frame building with a small veranda over the front door, the dwelling of Otto Fleischauer, still standing and now on the corner of Otto Street.

Intersection of Lancaster, Frederick and Ellen Sts., long known as the five points. Next, on Frederick Street a double, white frame weather board dwelling, half occupied by Henry Otterbein, the other half by Balzar Schmalz.

Next, the farm house of John Eby with his dwelling directly opposite the House of Refuge. The county bought most of Eby's farm for this latter institution.



REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

John — Christina Sherk. Christina was born 1827, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Christina Foreman
• Name: Dinah Sherk
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24304

Notes:

Rsrch. Note:
From Reaman's "Trail of the Black Walnut",page 59:

"Sherk is a well known name in the Niagara Penninsula. The original settler who spelled his name Schoerg, came from Lancaster Co., Penn. U.S.A. in 1789, the revolutionists having burned his home because he sympathised with the British and harboured their officers. He bought his river farm, lot 6, con. 1 Willoughby twp. Welland County, along the Niagara River." Bertie and Humberstone twp's lie next to it, and many Stoners and Sherks were in those twp's later on. Joseph seems to have been this early settler's name. There was also a Joseph who went to Waterloo County. By Mrs. Young, also a Sherk relative, seven pioneer Sherks came to Bertie twp., but one wonders if they weren't sons of the first Joseph. I would say so.
I found five Sherks on the 1851 census who were likely five of the seven mentioned. Christian was in Haldimand, John, Joseph, Daniel and Ben were in Bertie twp. They ranged in age from 7 to 56 years, born U.S.A. Samuel who is Mrs. Young's ancestor, would also be one of the seven sons, and possibly Casper who went to Markham. Christian was born Canada, by census.
I stand to be corrected in thinking the above Sherks were sons of pioneer Joseph. But by Reaman's book, it sounds as if one pioneer Sherk in Welland. How the Joseph who went to Waterloo County was related I am not sure, but he likely was. Casper Sherk who settled in Markham twp. York Co. was brother to the Joseph in Waterloo. "Reaman." Also a Peter Sherk settled in Waterloo County in 1805. Perhaps a son of Joseph. No proof.
Back to "Trail of the Black Walnut", p. 109:

"In the fall of 1799 Joseph Sherk and Samuel Betzner (note, Joseph's wife was a Betzner) came from Franklin Co. Penn. U.S.A. to Canada. They arrived safely on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, and Shark spent the winter there, (one presumes with the Sherks) while Betzner went on to the vicinity of Ancaster and remained there until spring. In the spring Joseph Sherk and Samuel Betzner pressed on about twenty miles beyond the limits of civilization desiring to locate a fine river of which they had heard, the Grand. In 1800 Joseph Sherk bought 261 acres opposite to Doon. Richard Beasley owned the land, got into finincial difficulties and could not give them clear title. They had to raise $20,000 for 60,000 acres or loose all they had put in. Joseph Sherk and Sam Bricker agreed to go to their relatives in Pennsylvania to try to raise this sum. Sam's father was very ill and they were almost in despair. Here "Trail of the Black Walnut" and "The Trail of the Conestoga" differ. According to Reaman Bricker vent to his wife's people for help. This, according to Conestoga, was only partly true as Bricker married his wife while there, and their honeymoon was the trip back to Canada with the money slung under their light wagon, 'waegle', in a keg.
John and Jacob Erb accompanied them back to Canada. A joint company was formed called the German Company. Christian Eby had contributed $2500 of the money and his son Benjamin was secretary treasurer of the company. He later was made Bishop of the Mennonite church, and founded Kitchener, Ontario.
Among the earliest familiea to settle in Waterloo Co. were Benjamin, Daniel, Abraham, John, Joseph and Christian Eby. John, Daniel, Joseph, Christian and Abraham Weaver. Bowmans, John Moyer, Martin Overholt, Peter
Sherk, and the two Erbs, John and Jacob. By 1805 thirty five families were in the settlement.
Descendants of 11 John Fretz and Sherk:
This John Fretz came from Pennsylvania and settled in Welland County in 1800, the same year that another John Fretz settled in Lincoln Co. The two 'Johns' visited each other but were unable to establish a relationship.
11 John Frets, b. Feb. 8, 1749; died August 30, 1815. Md. Magdalena Fox of Pa., b. April 1, 1748; died Sept. 23, 1820. He was a wheel-wright, joiner and manufacturer of fanning mills and a member of the Dunkard Church. His ancestory is involved in doubt. By some of the connection he is supposed to have emigrated from Germany. He settled near Mannheim, in Lancaster Co., Pa. where probably all his children were born. In 1800 he emigrated to Welland Co. Can, with all his family except daughter Barbara and son Daniel. They were six weeks in making the journey, taking their live stock with them. At night, bells were put on the horses and cattle and they were turned out to pasture. After a milking, the milk was put into the churn, which was fastened to the hind part of the wagon, and their butter was churned by the motion of the wagon as they proceeded. On the 12th day of June they crossed the Niagara River on a raft. They swam the horses and cattle across They were helped by friendly Indians. John Fretz settled in Bertie Twp., Welland Co., Ontario on about 400 acres of land. He built a log house. Some time previous to his death he laid out a family burying ground on his property. He and his wife and several descendants are buried there. His children were:
I Barbara Fretz b. June 8, 1771, d. June 29, 1829; md. Abraham Winger. They stayed in Penn. for awhile after her folks left for Canada but came later and settled near her father. Their children were Abraham, John, Magdalena, Fanny, Barbara, Nancy and Susan Winger.
II Abraham Fretz b. Dec. 10, 1773, d. young.
III Rev. Daniel Fretz b Aug. 3, 1776, d. Aug. 16, 1864; md. Jemina Sullivan. Stayed in Penn. He a bishop of the German Baptist Church, an undertaker and manufacturer of fanning mills corn shellers and cutting boxes. No data on children, if any.
IV Jacob Frets b. June 3, 1779, d. Jan. 25, 1850; md. Barbara Sherk. No data on children.
V Peter Frets b. Feb. 28, 1781, d. Oct. 31, 1864; md. Mary Zavitz. No data.
VI Frances Frets b. Dec. 12, 1784, d. Mar. 3, 1810; md. John Sherk. No issue.
VII Mary Frets b. Sept. 25, 1788, d. Oct. 16, 1839; md. Joseph Sherk. They lived all their lives on lots 7 and 8, con. 14 Bertie Tvp., Welland Co., Ontario. No dates for him. Christian or Chrystal, their son, born about 1804, must have come to Haldimand County, Ont. quite early as I found him on the 1842 census in Rainham Twp. He married Anna Dauner, born about 1810 by census They had children: Elias, Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, called Folly and given as Anna Maria on tombstone, Lydia, Catherine, Fanny, Magdalena, Jacob, Benjamin, Anna, Josiah and Susanne.
1. Elias son of Christian Sherk b. 1829 or 1830; md. Catherine Cusler or Coosler. No children. Adopted 5 or 6; E]ias and Frances Bingleman, Catherine, Allen Hedder or Hedden and Ed Stephen. I am unsure whether this is two boys or two names.
2. Joseph Shark son of Christian Shark, b. Feb. 1, 1833, d. July 15, 1911. Md. Anna Swartz, b. Oct. 25, 1838, d. Mar, 28, 1870. On the 1871 census Joseph was alone with Hezikiah age 8 and Josiah age 4. Grave stones give Josiah as born 1866, died 1951; wife Margaret Featherston. 1868 - 1941 and Hezekiah Shark 1862 - 1938. No other data. Joseph (2) remarried to Elizabeth Overholt b June 12, 1838, d. April 16, 1916. One child - Melvin, unmarried; 1874- 1947. Was found in his home murdered, supposedly for the money that gossip said he had in the house. Joseph, his wife end sons are bur. in the Union Cemetery, Sweets Corners, Selkirk, Ont. west of South Cayuga.
3. Elizabeth Shark daughter of Christian Shark, b. about 1835, md. Jacob Snider. Children Annie b. about 1855, Joseph b. about 1856, Alma and Albert, twins b. about 1858, Emma about 1860. The approximate ages of these above from 1871 census. Given elsewhere ware also Joseph, James, Amelia and Graham. No dates.
4. Mary Ann (Anna Maria, on grave stone) called 'Polly' Shark, b. June 1837, d. Dec. 1921. Md. Andrew Bingleman from Haldimand Co., Ont. Rainham twp. See Bingleman for their family. (How Stoner's grandparents.) Andrew Bingleman died leaving young children. They were kept for some time by relatives. She remarried to Henry Rhora; no date.
5. Lydia Shark b. about 1838; md. Henry Hoover. Children: David, John, Adolphus, Annie, Josiahi lived near Selkirk, Ontario.
6. Catherine Shark b. about 1839 or 1840; md. Paul Effinger. Children: Eli, Susanne, Emma, Edward, Annie.
7. Francis "Fanny" Shark b. about 1841 or 1842; ad. August Helky. Children: Joanna, George, Arminta, Elias, Rosie, Mary, Fredrick, Henry.
8. Magdalene Shark, b. 1843 or 1844; md. Jacob Frets. Children: Benjamin, Abraham, Christian, Clara, Norman, Arminta, Manassah and Edward.
9. Jacob Shark b about 1846; md Augusta Thomas, Essex Co, Ont. Children: Etta, Sybilla, Dessmoro, Catherine Elizabeth, Theo.
10. Benjamin Shark b. about 1848; md. Caroline Reichala. Children: Josiah and John. They adopted Nora Nie. Josiah lived on the family homestead in Rainham twp. Haldimand Co., Ontario.
11 Annie Sherk b. Dec. 11, 1850, d. May 2, 1907; by cemetery readings md. Samual. Fess. Children: Allen, Loretta, Edward or William. Perhaps both names. Lanson A. born 1871, died 1881. Cemetery reading.
12 Josiah Sherk b. about 1853; md. Eliza Yoger. Children Lucy, John, Elmer, Palmer, Christian, Amos, Annie, Herman.
13. Susanna Sherk b. about 1856; md. John Eckard. Lived Selkirk, Rainham twp. Children: Annie, Ella, Sarah, Lanson, Winnie. Dates for these Sherks are mostly from census. They are Howard Stoner's grandmother, her parents, grandparents and brothers and sisters.
Now we go back to Christian or Chrystal's brothers and sisters. Children of Mary Fretz and Joseph Sherk. Chrystal is given as I. Re II, Frances III, Elizabeth IV, Catherine V, Annie VI, Mary VII, Barbara VIII, Christina IX, Andrew X, Joseph XI.
II Regina Sherk daughter of Joseph and Mary Shark md. Henry Zimmer Rainham twp. Haldimand Co., Ontario. Children: Joseph, Annie, Mary, Samuel, Catherine, Bernard, Elizabeth, Susan, Henry; no dates.
III Frances Sherk, daughter of Joseph Sherk and Mary Fretz; md Sam Neff, Welland Co., Ont. Children: Elizabeth, Caroline, Chrystal or Christian, Leve Ephriam, Frances. No dates.
IV Elizabeth Sherk daughter of Joseph Sherk and Mary b. Mar. 27, 1814, d. Mar. 25, 1887; md. Bernard Werner from France. Men minister. Children: George, Jacob, Mary, John, Levi, Julia, Elizabeth. Jacob lived in Edmonton, Alta.
V Catherine Sherk daughter of Joseph and Mary Sherk; md. Dudrick Hoover. Lived Rainham twp. Children: Benjamin, Aaron, Simeon, Moses, Joseph.
VI Annie Sherk daughter of Mary and Joseph Sherk; md. Rev. Moses Sider, Wainfleet, Ont. One child, Andrew Sider.
VII Mary Sherk, died young.
VIII Barbara Sherk b. Oct. 21, 1823 Welland Co.; md. Christian Sider. Children: Anna Sider, Mary Sider, Christie, Julian, Joseph, Sarah, John, Emma, Barbara, Christian, Melissa, Fannie.
IX Christine Sherk; md. John Foreman. Shoemaker in South Cayuga twp. Children: Julia, Joseph, Jacob, Henry, Mary, Christopher, Tryphena, Thyphesa, Frances John, Sarah Andrew Foreman.
X Andrew Sherk md. Elizabeth Sider. Children: Anna Sherk (dec'd), William Sherk (Dec'd), Henry Sherk, Joseph, Mary, Fidellan, Chris Elizabeth and Menno Sherk.
XI Joseph Shark aid. Catharine Heximer. Farmer, Mennonite. Children: Elizabeth Sherk, Ephraim, Hubbard, Emmanuel, Richard, Andrew Sherk and Mary Sherk (dec'd).