Ervin C. Weber

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7890.8
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer Son
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

WEBER, Ervin C. -- On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1981, at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Ervin C. Weber, aged 96 years, a resident of Fairview Mennonite Home for the past five years, and formerly of RR 1, Blair. Dear father of Elva (Mrs. Simon Gascho) of Imlay City, Mich. Grace (Mrs. Mervin Bowman) of RR 1, Plattsville, Willis and his wife Eveline of Burlington, Royal and his wife Doris of Kitchener, Maurice and his wife Marianne of Ayton and brother of Mrs. Nettie Steckley of Cambridge. Also survived by 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife, the former Louida Martin in 1960, his son, Arnott; his daughter, Rhea in infancy; his sister Adelia Steckley; his father George Weber and his mother, the former Phyllis Cressman. He was a member of the Conservative Mennonite Church, New Hamburg, and a well known farmer in this area all of his life. Friends may call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener, after 7 p.m. this evening, until noon on Friday, then at FirstMennonite Church 800 King St E., Kitchener for a funeral service at 2 p.m. Friday, Rev. Timothy Martin will conduct the service. Interment in First Mennonite cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 28 Oct 1981

Ervin married Louida B. Martin 8 Dec 1915, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Louida (daughter of Simeon Martin and Rebecca Bauman) was born 3 Oct 1888, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Jan 1960, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Rhea Weber was born 9 Sep 1916, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Feb 1917, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Elva Weber was born 1 Apr 1918, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Mar 1999; was buried , Bethany Mennonite Cemetery, Dryden, Lapeer, Michigan, United States.
3. Willis Weber was born 1919, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Jan 2007, Burlington, Halton Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Greenwood Cemetery, Burlington, Halton Co., Ontario.
4. Arnott Weber was born 27 Apr 1921, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Apr 1972, Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada.
5. Royal Weber was born 3 Oct 1922, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Nov 2015, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
6. Grace Ruth Weber was born 11 Aug 1924, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Dec 2003, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
7. Maurice Weber was born 9 Jul 1932, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Dec 2011, Ohsweken, , Brant Co., Ontario; was buried , Pioneer Park Mennonite Cemetery, [formerly Weber Mennonite Biehn Drive Cemetery] Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7890.5
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, 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

George — Phyllis Cressman. Phyllis (daughter of Henry Cressman and Sarah Woolner) was born 25 Aug 1863, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 6 Nov 1920; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Phyllis Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2083
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Phillis Cressman, "was born August 25th, 1863. She is married to George S. Weber, a farmer. They reside on her father's farm. To them are born 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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00127-7890
• Birth: 1 Nov 1839, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Birth: 21 Sep 1842
• Residence: 1860, 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
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Weber," the eldest son of Abraham C. and Judith (Martin) Weber, was born October 6th, 1839. He is married to Leah, daughter of Rev. George and Salome (Becker) Schmitt. She was born October 24th, 1841. They have a family of two children, one died in infancy and the other son, named VII George, is married to Phillis, daughter of Henry Cressman. They reside on her father's farm three miles east of Berlin and have a family of two children named VII Ervine and VII Ida."


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 M. Weber was born Nov. 1, 1839, on the old Weber homestead which was then a farm but at the present time the Canadian Goodrich Tire factory is built where the old farmhouse stood. In 1860 he was married to Leah Schmitt who predeceased him some years ago. Two children were born to this union of whom one survives -Geo. S., with whom he had has home. Two children were adopted by them - Mrs. Leah Cressman and Mrs. Abram Wambold. He also leaves 1 brother, 4 sisters, 3 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Bro. Weber was converted in his youth and joined the Mennonite Church, which faith he kept to the end. He died near Kitchener, June 13, 1925, at the ripe old age of 85 y. 8 m. 13 d. Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, June 16, Bros. Orphen Wismer and Manasseh Hallman conducting the services.


Gospel Herald - Vol. XVIII, No. 14 - July 2, 1925, pages 286-288.

Peter married Leah Schmitt 25 Sep 1860, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of Rev. Dr. George R. Schmitt and Salome "Sally" Becker) was born 24 Oct 1841, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Oct 1914; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23333100
• Name: Leah Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5806
• Residence: 1860, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Leah Schmidt, "was born October 24th, 1841. She is married to Peter, son of Rev. Abraham M. Weber. They reside one mile east of Berlin, on a beautiful farm. They have one son."

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: 00028-2078
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; joiner
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Henry Cressman, "the youngest child of John and Esther (Wismer) Cressman, was born February 27th, 1825. On March 4th, 1851, he was married to Sarah Woolner who was born May 13th, 1827. Soon after their marriage they moved on the "Huber Farm" below Preston, where they resided three years. From here they moved to Bridgeport, on the farm now owned by Benjamin M. Eby where they resided three years, thence, on March 31st, 1857, they moved on the farm where they still reside, about three miles east of Berlin. To them 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.].

______________

Cressman - Henry Cressman, youngest in the family of John and Esther (Wismer) Cressman, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Feb. 27, 1825; was married to Sarah Woolner Mar. 4, 1851. To this union were born five daughters, of whom three, together with a number of grandchildren, remain to mourn the loss of a kind-hearted parent. Bro. Cressman united with the Mennonite church in his youth and took an interest in the church work. He was identified with the first Sunday school organized in that neighborhood, which was held in the Natchez schoolhouse. He was interested in the welfare of young people and for many years took a leading part in the public school work of his district. He died in St. Jacob's, Ont., at the home of his daughter, on the 19th of March, 1906, aged 81 Y., 25 D. Funeral services were held on the 22d from the residence in St. Jacob's to the Breslau Mennonite church and cemetery.

Herald of Truth, March 29, 1906, pg 110 Vol XLIII. No. 13

Henry married Sarah Woolner 4 Mar 1851, Greenbush (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of William Woolner and Phyllis Grey) was born 13 May 1827, , Suffolk, England; was christened 9 Dec 1827, Beccles, , Suffolk, England; died 15 Aug 1899, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Cressman
• Residence: Mennonite
• Eby ID Number: 000136-8370
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Sarah Woolner,"was born in Suffolk, England, May 13th, 1827. On March 4th, 1851, she was married to Henry Cressman. They reside on central part of lot No. 119, German Company's Tract, about three miles east of Berlin. Their family consists of 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.].

____________________

On the 15th of August, 1899, about three miles from Berlin, Waterloo Co., Ontario, Sister Sarah Woolner, beloved wife of Henry Cressman, of congestion of the lungs. To this union were born five daughters, three of whom are living. She was born in Norfolk Co., England, on May 13th, 1827, aged 72 years, 3 months and 2 days. She has been a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. Of late years she had been a sufferer occasionally, especially the last few weeks of her life she endured much, but bore her sufferings with "patience." She was laid to rest at the Cressman burying ground near Breslau, where services were held by E. S. Hallman, text, 1 Cor. 15: 57, and David Sherk of the U. B. Church. Text, Phil. 1: 21.

The Herald of Truth , Vol. XXXVI, No. 18, September 15, 1899 - page 286

Other Events:

• Name: Abraham Weaver
• Name: Abram Weber
• Residence: 748 Old Zeller Dr., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7889
• 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

Notes:

Abraham C. Weber," the youngest son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Cressman) Weber, was born in Berlin, Waterloo County, Ontario, March 14th, 1817. On October 23rd, 1838, he was married to Judith, youngest daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin. She was born January 2nd, 1821, and died March 12th, 1884. After their marriage he moved on his father's farm, being composed of part of lot No. 15, German Company's Tract. Here they resided until the Grand Trunk Railway was built in 1855, when they sold their large farm and purchased that of Benjamin Shantz and Stafford's farms at Freeport. Here they resided until his death which took place July 6th, 1874. She resided until his death which took place July 6th, 1874. She resided with her son, Moses, on the west side of the Grand River, near Chicopee, where she died. He was ordained as minister of the Gospel for the Mennonite denomination, December 22nd, 1850. He preached regularly and attended frequently at funerals. His time was largely occupied in visiting the sick and giving words of consolation to such who were seeking their spiritual welfare, and his life was a busy one. So much of his time was devoted to his pastoral duties that he was almost unable to attend to his private affairs. Although sacrificing much of his time in the service of the church of his choice, he would not receive any compensation for the time devoted in behalf of the church, but looked for his reward beyond the present life where the faithful labors in His vineyard shall be spiritually rewarded for all ages of eternity. They had a numerous family, being composed of sixteen 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.].

_________________________

First Mennonite Church

The first church built in Waterloo County was erected in Berlin in 1813, and was known as Benjamin Eby's Meeting House.

Benjamin Eby had come to Canada in 1807 and in 1809 was ordained preacher. Three years later, in 1812, he was ordained bishop. His "parish included sections of Waterloo, Wilmot and Woolwich" (Uttley 1937: 27). In 1818 a frame addition, which was to be used as a winter school, was built on to the church. The log meeting house was replaced in 1834 by a larger frame church, and the old building was taken to Breslau to become the first meeting house in that community. (The Breslau church was known as Cressman Meeting House, a name which was changed in 1968 to Breslau Mennonite Church.) A Sunday School was opened in the church in 1841.

Benjamin Eby died in 1853. He was followed by Abraham C. Weber who served the congregation until his death in 1874. In that same year, a division in the church brought about the departure of a group who organized a congregation of Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites, to become United Mennonites in 1875 and then Mennonite Brethren in Christ in 1883. Their church is the present-day Bethany Missionary Church on Lancaster Street East. Christian Eby was the next minister of the Berlin Mennonite Church, until 1879. The church was known over the years as Benjamin Eby's Church, Christian Eby's Church (from 1854-1904), and the Berlin Church (from 1904 until 1917.) The name of the church became First Mennonite Church in 1917.

A new brick church was built in 1902. A Bible Study School was begun in 1907, and in 1928 a separate brick Bible Study School building was erected. Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church was formed by some members in 1924 as a result of a division in the church.

Of interest: when the new church was built in 1902, the 1834 frame church was bought by D.B. Betzner who moved it to Cedar Street where it became a woodenware business and then a furniture factory. It was destroyed by fire in 1937.

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

____________________



In the 1851 Census of Waterloo Township the birthdates of the children don't agree with Eby's book.

Residence:
The Woolner Farmstead buildings, located at 748 Zeller Drive, are situated in the north end of the City of Kitchener on 6.47 acres off scenic Zeller drive. The original Mennonite Georgian farmhouse and outbuildings were constructed in 1830. The farmhouse addition was built circa 1858, and the barn and concrete silo were built circa 1870.

Abraham married Judith Martin 23 Oct 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Judith (daughter of Peter Martin and Anna Zimmerman) was born 2 Jan 1821, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Mar 1884, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Judith Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4503
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Judith Martin, "the eighth and youngest daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin, was born in Waterloo County, January 2nd, 1821. On October 23rd, 1838, she was married to Rev. Abraham C. 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.].

____________________

the 13 th of March, in Waterloo township, Waterloo county, Ontario, of dropsy, Sister Judith(Martin), widow of Pre. A. E. Weber, aged 63 years. Buried on the 15 th of March, at Christian Eby's burying-ground. She was the mother of 16 children of which 14 are still living.


Herald of Truth - Volume XXI, Number 8 - APRIL 15, 1884, page 125,126

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41212942
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5799
• Ordained: 12 Apr 1840
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Minister
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. George R. Schmidt "son of John and Catharine (Riehl) Schmidt, was born in Muhlhausen, Alsace, November 23rd, 1809, and died September 12th, 1882. His death was caused by the upsetting of his buggy, at the railway crossing a little east of Baden, from which he received injuries proving fatal a few hours after its happening. He had an older brother named John and a sister named Catharine. His parents suffered greatly during the wars of Napoleon I and again during the year 1817 when there was almost a total failure of crops in Europe and America, thus causing great scarcity of food for both man and beast. During these trials the father died. His death took place August, 1817. In 1819 the mother was married again to Jacob Linhart. After the old homestead which the father had erected was sold, the parents moved to a place called Bischols, some miles distant from their former home. The second union was blessed with four children, named Jacob, Margaret, Christian and Maria. On March 6th, 1828, they left the old country and emigrated to America and arrived at Buffalo, New York on May 6th of the same year. From Buffalo they came to Canada where the father rented a farm. The two sons, John and George, worked among the neighbors to earn money to assist their step-father. In January, 1829, these two sons with but 50 cents in their pockets, made a journey on foot over 100 miles. They came to Waterloo (their parents resided in Welland County, not very far from Buffalo) where John engaged himself to Jacob Schneider (farmer and miller at Waterloo) for one year and George engaged himself to Joseph Goldschmitt of Baden for 3 months at the rate of $8.00 per month. He worked on the saw mills situated where now the Baden woollen mills are. After being in the county for several months he returned home with his and his brother John's wages. This money was given to their parents. In October, 1829, he returned to Waterloo and engaged himself to Rev. Benjamin Eby for one year at the rate of $10.00 per month. Later on he and his brother John purchased lots Nos. 12 and 13, in the township of Wilmot, consisting of four hundred acres, of which they gave one hundred acres to their father. George was engaged in clearing land for various parties at the rate of $10.00 per acre. In August, 1831, he returned home where he was married on the 14th day of the same month to Salome Becker. After his marriage he again came to Waterloo and finished the "chops" he had commenced the previous spring. In October he and his brother John who had been in the services of Jacob Schneider for several years, returned home, George to fetch his wife and John to get married to the woman of his choice, namely, Margaret Roth who resided in Buffalo. This marriage took place November, 1831. In 1832 they all returned to their farms in Wilmot Township where the mother died in July, 1851, aged 68 years. Catharine, the only sister of George and John Schmidt, was born March 25th, 1814, and was married December 25th, 1835, to Martin Anthes. She has a family of five children, of whom three are still living. John was born November 1st, 1806, and died March 12th, 1882. He had a family of twelve children, of whom seven are still living. George was ordained minister of the church of his choice, the Mennonite, April 12th, 1840. He was a true and faithful worker for His Master. Many an eloquent sermon did he preach and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. It proved a great loss to the church to lose such an active and able worker as he was, but let us hope that our earthly loss may prove to be his eternal gain. He was married to Salome Becker who was born February 28th, 1811, and died November 21st, 1887. 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.].

_______________________


Died, on the 14th of September, near Baden, Waterloo Co., Ont., Pre. George R. Schmit, in the 73rd year of his age. He had been to the Post office to get his paper, and as he was ready to return, his horse became frightened by a passing train of cars, threw him out of the buggy against a fence, with such force that three of his ribs were broken, from the effect of which he died in about three hours. He was buried on the 17th, followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Services were held by M. Bowman at the house, and by J. Woolner, and Jacob Mensch (The latter from Montgomery Co., Pa.,) at the meeting house, from the text Heb. 13: 17. He leaves a sorrowing widow, four sons and five daughters to mourn his sudden departure.Bro. Smith was a zealous Christian, and an active laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. He was a man of forethought and decision of mind. When he preached, the gospel gave no uncertain sound. He was a bold, fearless speaker and one who carried his audience with him while at the same time his heart was filled with love toward all. He was one of these men who could not be driven about by every wind of doctrine, but amid all the overturnings and religious convulsions which characterized his day. Bro. Smith remained steadfast and faithful in his calling, and immoveable in his faith. In the death of Bro. Smith and Bro. Sherk, the church in Canada has lost two veterans in the cause of Christ, two pillars in the church, whose active and devoted labors will be long remembered. May their successors in their respective places, labor for the cause with the same devotion, the same zeal, and the church continue to prosper and be blessed.

Herald of Truth - Volume XIX, Number 21 - Nov 1, 1882 - p 333, 334

__________________________

Schmitt, George R. (1809-1882)

George R. Schmitt: minister and farmer; born in 1809 in Mulhausen, Alsace to Lutheran parents. In 1828 he came with his parents and at least one sibling to North America, first living in Welland County, Ontario. In August 1831 he married Salome Becker and they settled on a farm near what became Baden, Ontario. One of his grandchildren was Jacob B. "J.B." Smith , Bible scholar and first president of Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. George R. Schmitt died in an accident on 14 September 1882.
Although of Lutheran heritage, it is said that George Schmitt worked for a time as a farm laborer for Bishop Benjamin Eby, and then embraced the Mennonite faith. For some years he was a farmer and schoolteacher. He was ordained as the first minister for the Shantz Mennonite Church congregation near Baden on 12 April 1840 or in February 1847; the date is uncertain because of conflicting evidence.
George Schmitt was apparently a remarkable orator; one biographical sketch said "his clear ringing tones, with 'silver-tongue' effect could readily be heard by overflow audiences which frequently greeted his public ministry." Others also referred to him as a "forceful" preacher. Because of his oratorical gifts he often spoke in Amish and Lutheran congregations in the area. During the U.S. Civil War, George Schmitt, together with David Sherk, made preaching visits through Pennsylvania and Virginia; and later he made a similar tour through the Central States.
Schmitt died as the result of an accident when in town to fetch a newspaper at the Baden post office. His horses became frightened by a passing train, and threw him from his buggy against a fence. He died of his injuries within three hours.
George R. Schmitt's major service occurred at a time when pastoral activity was not well documented. Nonetheless he had a ministry that extended far beyond his local community. Several times he participated in ministerial delegations from Ontario that sought to bring peace to other parts of the Mennonite Church that were in conflict. This role indicates his ability, and the stature he had within the church's leadership.

Steiner, Sam. "Schmitt, George R. (1809-1882)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. January 2002. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

George married Salome "Sally" Becker 14 Aug 1831, Welland Co., Ontario. Salome was born 28 Feb 1811, , Alsace Lorraine, France; died 21 Nov 1887, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41213092
• Name: Salome "Sally" Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7890.3
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

SCHMIDT.-On the 21st of Nov., in Wilmot Twp., Waterloo county, Ont., of infirmities of old age, Sister Salome, wife of the late Pre. George Schmidt, aged 76 years, 8 months and 21 days. Buried on the 24th at Shantz's Meeting-house. She was a beloved mother, a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the Mennonite church. Services were held from her own chosen text, Phil. 1: 21, by N. Stauffer and M. Bowman.

HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXIV, Number 24, December 15, 1887 - pp 381, 382

Other Events:

• Name: Johnannes Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2066
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 115E, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Cressman, "the eldest son of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, May 15th, 1795. In 1807 he came to Canada with his parents and was raised near Freeport, Ontario. On October 3rd, 1818, he was married to Esther, daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Wismer) Wismer. She was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, January 12th, 1790, and died near New Dundee, Ontario, September 2nd, 1881. After their marriage they moved on the farm now possessed by Philip Zeller, Jr., about a mile south of Breslau. Here he died June 30th, 1840. To them 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.].

John married Esther Wismer 3 Oct 1818. Esther (daughter of Joseph Wismer and Barbara Wismer) was born 12 Jan 1790, , Bucks Co., Pennsylvania; died 2 Sep 1881, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8155
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esther Wismer, "was born January 12th, 1790, and died September 2nd, 1881. She was married to John Cressman. The fourth daughter of Joseph and Barbara Wismer, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, January 12th, 1790. In 1818 she came to Canada and settled in Waterloo County. On October 3rd, 1818, she was married to John, son of John and Anna (Showalter)Cressman. He was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, May 15th, 1795, came to Canada with his parents in 1808 and settled in Waterloo County, a little below Freeport. After their marriage they moved on the farm now possessed by the heirs of the late Jacob Zeller, about one mile south of Breslau. Here they resided until his death which took place June 30th, 1840. After his decease she continued farming until her youngest son, Henry, had attained the age of manhood, then the farm was sold and the mother made her home with her daughter, Barbara, who was married to Samuel Cressman, where she died September 2nd, 1881. Their family consisted of 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.].

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CRESSMAN - Sept. 2nd, in Waterloo Co., Ont., Sister Esther Cressman, widow, at the advanced age of 91 years, 7 months and 20 days. During the last nine months she suffered greatly from a fall. Buried the 5th at Cressman's.


Herald of Truth - Volume XVIII, Number 10 - October 1881, Page 173, 174, 179, 180

Residence:
Was visiting her daughter Barbara at the time of the census.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 000136-8368

Notes:

William Woolner, "with family of six children, came from England to Canada in 1835."

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.].

William married Phyllis Grey 21 Oct 1824, Beccles, , Suffolk, England. Phyllis was born 1796, , England; died 2 Aug 1877, East Garafraxa Township, Wellington Co., Ontario; was buried , Price's Corners Cemetery, Prices Corner, Dufferin County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Phyllis Syret
• Name: Phyllis Woolner
• Eby ID Number: 000136-8368.44