Noah Bechtel Snyder

Other Events:

• Birth: Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41459498
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6064
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1887, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, 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
• Occupation: 1923, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Noah B. Snyder, "was born March 21st, 1865. On October 11th, 1887, he was married to Leah Bowman (no. 134). They reside near Preston, on Rev. Jacob B. Gingerich's farm. "

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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

Noah Snyder
Seriously ill for the past year, the death took place yesterday at the home of Waterloo Township of Noah Snyder in his 78^th year. The late Mr. Snyder was born in Wilmot, coming to the district when a young man and has reside here ever since. He was a faithful member of the Hagey's Mennonite Church. He is survived by his widow Nancy Rudy, one son, Alvin, at home, and town brothers, Christian and Moses at Mannheim. The late Mr. Snyder is resting at the H.K. Stager Funeral Home, Preston, until Thursday at 2 p.m. at which time removal will be made to the residence, Waterloo Township, for the funeral on Friday. Private serviced will be held at the residence at 2 p.m. after which public service will be held in Cressman's Mennonite Church, Interment will be in Cressman's Cemetery.

Kitchener Daily Record 22 Sep 1942

Noah married Leah S. Bowman 11 Oct 1887, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of Rev. Tobias Bowman and Anna Schneider) was born 16 Sep 1866, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Aug 1918; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Norman Snyder was born , Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Bef 1896.
2. Alvin Bowman Snyder was born 21 Aug 1890, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1974; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Noah married Nancy Rudy 11 Nov 1923, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Nancy (daughter of Benjamin Rudy and Mary Ann Hoffman) was born 19 Sep 1867, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Aug 1947, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39811903
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6059
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• 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
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Misfortune: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; killed in railway accident
• Residence: 1901, Wilmot Township - Concession 1 Lot 02, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Berlet's Corners - The funeral of Mr. Moses Snyder whose death occurred in the railway accident in Berlin Monday evening, June 3rd, took place Thursday morning and was very largely attended, there being about one hundred and forty rigs.

Wellesley Maple Leaf, June 13, 1901

___________________

Moses, Schneider, of Wilmot, Instantly Killed by a Train in Berlin.

His Wife Fatally Injured

The people of this district were shocked, last Monday evening, to learn the sad news that Mr. and Mrs. Moses Schneider, who have lived for half a century on their farm near Berlet's Corners, were run into by a Galt train at a crossing in Berlin that afternoon.

It appears the old couple were returning from attending a Mennonite convention. Mr. Schneider, being partly deaf, did not hear the warning whistle or the frantic screams of friends behind him. The train dashed into his buggy, smashing it to atoms, killing the horse, grinding Mr. Schneider's body almost to a pulp and horribly bruising his aged wife. She was at once taken to the hospital but so many bones were broken and her other injuries were so serious that no hopes of her recovery are entertained.

Deceased was between 70 and 80 years of age, most of which time had been spent on the homestead, lot II. con. 1, Wilmot, where he earned a competency for his family and gained a character for honor and Christian nobility which few attain.

We understand the funeral is to occur today at the Mennonite church between Philipsburg and St. Agatha.

Wellesley Maple Leaf Jun 6 1901 pg 5

____________

MET DEATH ACCIDENTLY

No Blame Attached to Rallway Employees

Jury Recommends Grand Trunk to Erect Gates at Crossings.

WERE COMING TO BERLIN TO DE- POSIT $200 IN THE BANK.

Moses K. Snyder and his aged life partner left their large, well cultivated farm, in Wilmot township, with its neatly appointed home, shortly after noon on Monday, to come to Berlin. Their mission was a two-fold one - Mr. Snyder wanted to have his measure taken for a new -suit of clothes, and in his inside coat pocket there was a roll of ten $20 bills, which he was going to deposit in the Savings Bank and add to the credit balance of $1,444.61. They drove to town in one of those aquare top buggies-one of which belongs to nearly every Old Mennonite family. The faithful old horse jogged slowly along, and bye and bye they came to town along Albert-st. Whether the occupants of the buggy were dozing or were interested in conversation is not known; but certain it is, they were oblivious of the danger that lay in the fast approaching train, and which proved to be, for one of them, at least, the Messenger of Death.

The train, bound for Galt, pulled out of the Berlin yards at 2.37, and was travelling at its ordinary speed, observing the usual whistle signals for the different crossings. The collision came with a frightful crash, the tender, which was ahead, catching the horse about midway. The buggy did not cross the track, being hurled against the whitewashed fence, breaking it down, and crashing the vehicle into a mass of kindling wood.

Mr. Snyder suffered almost instant death, his head being terribly smashed. He breathed his last just after being carried into the house. He appears to have been either struck by the train or hurled against the post of the fence. His body lay be side the track, having not crossed it. Mrs. Snyder was carried or thrown about 40 feet further, where she was picked up, apparently at the point of death. The horse, which was disembowelled, was spitted on a large stump fully fifty feet from where the collision took place, and over twenty feet from the track.

The train was brought to a stand- still as soon as possible and the bodles carried to Mr. Chr. Hopp's reisdence, near by. Coroner Lackner was telephoned for, from Bramm's mill, and he, with Dr. Kalbfleisch, was soon on the scene. Examination showed that Mr. Snyder was past all earthly help- but Mrs. Snyder was partially conscious. She had sustained several broken ribs, the left arm was fractured near the elbow and she had two cuts on her head. She told her brother, Samuel S. Bowman, that they had left home to bring some money to Berlin to bank, but could not remember whether they had done so. She asked her brother to see if the money was still on her husband's body, and if so, to take charge of it. The brother asked Mr. J. K. Master to look through the dead man's clothes, and in the inside pocket of his vest, was found a savings bank book and $200-ten $20 bills. The book showed a credit balance of $1,444.61; the last deposit having been made in December last. The watch in his vest pocket was still going, and showed 5.20 when taken from his prostrate form.

Mrs. Snyder's injuries were dressed and she was conveyed to the Hospital in a hack, accompanied by her brother and Dr. Kalbflelsch. The remains of her life partner were entrusted to Undertaker Surarus.

The scene of the fatality was visited by hundreds of citizens as soon as the news spread, and morbid curiosity attracted far more women and little girls, than men, who crowded into the Hopp house in swarms to look upon the ghastly sight.

Deceased has a family of seven children surviving: they are, Amos, near Baden; Christian and Noah, at Hespeler; Samuel on the homestead, and Moses. The daughters are Mrs. Noah Bechtel, at Waldau, and Miss Sarah. There is only one brother living- Absolom, at Breslau; and two sisters -Mrs. Tobias Bowman, near Hespeler, and Mrs. Honsberger, New Dundee.

Coroner Lackner called an inquest for 10 o'clock on Tuesday.

THE INQUEST.

The coroner had the following gentlemen sworn in as jurors:
JOHN UNGER, Foreman.
M. MASSEL.
A. DENGIS.
G. M. DEBUS.
P. HYMMEN.
A. SACHS.
A. WAGNER.
H. HELLER.
C. BERCK.
JACOB WELHEISER
F. SEIBERT.
JOHN LEWIS.

They visited the residence of Mr. Hopp and viewed the corpse of the old man, as well as the spot where the collision took place. After this, the coroner gave the relatives permission to prepare the remains for burial.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at 9 o'clock from his late residence to the Shantz church, two miles west of St. Agatha

The Jury came hack to Berlin and took the evidence in the Grand Central.

The Evidence.

Walter Jones, fireman on the Galt train, was sworn, and said: My run is from Galt to Elmira: my train ran between Berlin and Galt yesterday afternoon; it is due to leave Berlin 2.50; yesterday we were seven minutes late; when we are late we try to make up time and were doing so in this case; when we are on time we run about a mile in three minutes - yesterday we were running between 30 and 25 miles an hour. I have no instructions regarding the speed to be run in the town limits. The engine whistled for Albert-st. crossing: we are to whistle a quarter mile before each crossing, and the bell is to be rang continuously until the cross is made; the whistle was blown about half way between the two crossings.
I was on the right side going down; first saw the buggy when we were past the bank to our right. The rig was about ten feet from the track; I gave the signal to stop, and the engineer threw down the brake. I saw the engine strike; the horse had pretty well crossed over. All I could see of the people was the woman's head: our train could have stopped in about 150 yards; we were about 25 yards away from the crossing when I gave the signal to my mate. We came to a standstill about 100 yards past the crossing; the man was lying beside the track on the road. I do not think the man saw the train coming: we could not try to make up our seven minutes from the station to Albert-st. I rang the bell.


J. W. Mitchell.-1 am engineer on the G.T.R. running from Elmira to Galt; went from Berlin to Galt on Monday afternoon: we were seven minutes late; left station at 2.57; instructions are to whistle at the different whistling posts, which are about 400 yards from the crossing; I whistled for the Albert-st. crossing as we crossed the Mill-st. crossing. My fireman told me we were going to strike a rig, about 30 or 10 yards from the crossing. I closed off the throttle, put down the brake and stopped the train; generally run from 20 to 25 miles an hour: were not going any faster than usual; have no special instructions to speed within the corporations. Have to keep the bell ringing for all crossings: Jones was doing this yesterday. The road is not a dangerous one.

G. Whitlock-Conductor I heard the whistle blow and felt the application ol the brakes, near the crossing: he was in the coach punching tickets as the time; heard the whistle for Albert-at. crossing.

Samuel B. Schneider-I saw the accident: I was on Mill st. at the time: saw the train cross Mill-st; had a full view of Albert-st crossing; heard the train whistle just before crossing Mill-st. Did not hear the bell ring. I saw the rig near the crossing; first about three or four rods from the track: the horse was walking the persons could easily see the train they had looked; I saw the train strike the rig; do not think the horse or driver saw the train, which struck both horse and rig. I do not think the Grand Trunk is to blame; I think the train was going its ordinary rate.

Mrs. Blankstein, living near Albert- st., crossing, saw the accident. Heard the train whistle three times. Saw the people drive by her house; both man and woman were awake.

The Verdict

The Jury decided enough evidence had been heard and draw up the following verdict:

We, the Jury empanelled to enquire as to the death of Moses K. Snyder, find that the deceased came to his death by being struck by & Grand Trunk engine on the Galt Branch, and that no blame is attached to any of the railway's employees in consequence of this accident.

Your Jury feel that, owing to the numerous accidents that have occurred in Berlin within the last few years at various crossings, the Grand Trunk Railway should provide gates for all crossings in Berlin.

Berlin News-Record - 06 Jun 1901, Thu Page 8

Moses married Lydia Bechtel 15 Jun 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Lydia (daughter of Samuel Bechtel and Barbara Bauman) was born 15 Nov 1830, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Aug 1886, 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/39812001
• Name: Lydia Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0671
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Other Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26517103
• Name: Christian C. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6058
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 115W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist
• 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; Labourer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Christian Schneider, "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, May 28th, 1804. When two years of age his parents moved to Canada and settled in Doon, Ontario, where he was raised. On December 5th, 1825, he was married to Anna (No. 2104), daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman. She was born June 18th, 1803, and died July 12th 1887. Shortly after their marriage they moved about a mile south of Breslau where he was the proprietor of the large farm now in possession of his youngest son, Absalom. he is the only one of his father's large family that is still living, and is yet quite strong considering his great age. His mental powers are good yet and he seems to enjoy the best of health but is anxiously waiting for the time to be called home to the mansions beyond. Since the decease of his wife he resides in his own house on the old place, having a housekeeper. His family consisted of eight children".


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

Christian married Anna Cressman 5 Dec 1825. Anna (daughter of John Cressman and Anna Schowalter) was born 18 Jun 1803, , Chester Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jul 1887, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Snyder
• Name: Annie Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2104
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Cressman, "the fifth and youngest daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman, was born June 18th, 1803. She was married to Christian Schneider, December 5th, 1825. He was born May 28th, 1804, and is still living on the old farm, near Breslau, with his son, Absalom. She died July 12th, 1887. To them was born a family of eight children"


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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00007-0648
• Historic Building: CONSTRUCTED About 1815, 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; squared timber (about 1815) & stone after 1840
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 2 Lot 08, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Residence: 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Old Survey Lot 02, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Samuel Bechtel "son of Joseph and Magdalena (Allenbach) Bechtel, was born January 24th, 1791, and died February 21st, 1861. He was married to Barbara, daughter of Wendel and Mary (Huber) Baumann. She was born January 17th, 1799. They resided on the farm now occupied by their son Solomon, situated in the township of Waterloo, near Hespeler. Their family consisted of seven children"

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

________________________

Wanner Mennonite Church
Begun: 1829

A small wooden meeting house was built in 1829 on a corner of the farm belonging to Samuel Bechtel which was located in the vicinity of the present-day regional headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources near the intersection of Highways 24 and 401. The site for this community meeting house, as well as a school and a burial ground, had been chosen on August 8, 1829. The land was donated by Samuel Bechtel and his wife Barbara (Baumann) on March 15, 1830. A new meeting house, of white brick, was built in 1837 on the east side of Henry Wanner's farm, somewhat north of the first meeting house. Meetings at first were held every eight weeks. The deed of land for the meeting house known as Wanner's was dated October 15, 1837. Early preachers were David Sherk, who had been ordained by Benjamin Eby in July 1837, Jacob Bretz, Jr., and Joseph Hagey.

Joseph Hagey was ordained bishop in 1851. During his time divisions occurred in the church by a surge of enthusiasm for a Methodist form of revivalism. Solomon Eby of Port Elgin, who announced his own conversion in December 1869, was leader of a group which believed that members could be converted through participation in revival meetings. John Baer of Wanner's became associated with Solomon Eby, and was compelled to leave the church in the spring of 1874, as were Eby and his other followers. The new church movement resulted in organization conferences which culminated in the conference on March 23, 1875 at Bloomingdale where New Mennonites and Reforming (or Reformed) Mennonites joined together as United Mennonites. The United Mennonites favored revival meetings, Sunday Schools and prayer meetings, and were opposed to the use of alcohol and tobacco.

The date of construction of the meeting house which replaced the one built in 1837 is somewhat in doubt. It is possible that a new building was erected in the early 1870s; it is also possible that the 1837 building only underwent extensive renovations at that time. There is no doubt, however, that a new brown brick church was built in 1938. An education wing was added in 1969.

The earliest Mennonite Sunday School in North America was begun in 1842 and was held jointly by the Wanner and Hagey Meeting Houses. It was discontinued after a short time because of a division of opinion within the congregations. An attempt was made later, in the mid-1860s, to begin another Sunday School, but this, too, did not last long. Many years later, on June 10, 1896, a meeting was held to organize a Sunday School. Anson Groh was appointed superintendent..

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

Samuel — Barbara Bauman. Barbara (daughter of Wendel Bauman and Maria Huber) was born 17 Jan 1799, Alleghany Valley, Berks Co., Pennsylvania; died 7 Jun 1871; was buried , Wanner Mennonite Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Bechtel
• Eby ID Number: 00002-32
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Barbara Baumann, "the fourth daughter of Wendel Baumann, was born January 17th, 1799 and died June 7th 1871. She was married to Samuel Bechtel. They resided in Waterloo County near Preston. 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.].

Other Events:

• Historic Building: Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christian Schneider's homestead
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5816
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Unnumbered Lots Doon, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Christian Schenider, "was born August 28th, 1758. In 1789 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Christian and Maria (Scherch) Erb (See No. 2777). She was born in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 23rd, 1770, and died in Waterloo County, Ontario, September 29th, 1818. In 1806 they, in company with others, emigrated to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, near where now is the village of Doon. Here he resided for a number of years. It was his intention to construct a dam across the creek flowing through his plantation and have a grist mill erected thereon. But in order to have the desired "head of water" he found that the "back water" would flood a few acres of Mr. Biehn's swamp adjoining that of his (Mr. Schneider's) property, This, although worth nothing, or comparatively little, Mr. Biehn would not sell to Mr. Schneider and thus prevented the building of a grist mill. Mr. Schneider died August 6th, 1850, leaving a family 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.].

Historic Building:
Two story wooden house built about 1807

Christian married Elizabeth Erb 1789. Elizabeth (daughter of Christian Erb and Maria Scherch) was born 23 Jan 1770, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 29 Sep 1818, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Doon Presbyterian Cemetery, Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5816.1
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00028-2061
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 10, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Cressman, "son of Nicolaus Cressman, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1755. He was married to Anna Schowalter who was born April 4th, 1761, and died in Waterloo County, Ontario, July 2nd, 1829. They with their family of seven children, moved to Canada in 1807, and settled in Waterloo County, near Freeport, Ontario, on the farm lately owned by Daniel B. Snyder. Here he died in 1818."


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 — Anna Schowalter. Anna was born 4 Apr 1761, Of, Pennsylvania; died 2 Jul 1829, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2061.1
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image

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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-25

Notes:

Wendel Baumann, "the third son of Christian Baumann, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 25th, 1758. He resided in the house built by his father in 1749. Here he died November 20th, 1842. He was married to Maria Huber, who was born May 20th, 1760, and died April 20th, 1816. They had a family of eight children,"


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

Wendel — Maria Huber. Maria was born 20 May 1760, Of, Alleghany Valley, Berks Co., Pennsylvania; died 20 Apr 1816. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Bauman
• Eby ID Number: 00002-25.1