Wilbur Joseph Shantz

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-208988
• Residence: 1960, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Wilbur married Audrey Kathryn "Kathryn" Hallman 16 Aug 1952. Audrey (daughter of Reeve Gordon B. Hallman and Idella Mae "Mae" Cassel) was born 18 Aug 1927, Rosebank, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Jun 2014, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Philip Shantz
2. Kathryn Colleen "Connie" Shantz
3. Faye Suzanne Shantz
4. Margaret Mae "Maggie" Shantz
5. Kathryn Colleen "Connie" Shantz

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6734.6
• Occupation: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Farm
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1937, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Shantz, Walter C., son of Noah S. and Susannah (Cassel) Shantz, was born in Wilmot Township, Ont., Apr. 13, 1894; died at Cambridge, Ont., Dec. 10, 1987; aged 93 y. On Jan. 7, 1920, he was married to Selina Shirk, who preceded him in death in 1979. He is survived by 2 sons (Kenneth and Wilbur), 5 daughters (Lorna Bergey, Jeanne Culp, Joanne Hunsberger, Kathryn Leatherman, and Beth Good), and a sister (Marion Steiner). He was preceded in death by a son (Clyde), 3 brothers (Eden, Lincoln, and Stauffer), and a sister (Mrs. Laura Good). He was a member of the Nith Valley Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Dec. 13, in charge of Amzie Brubacher and James Sider; interment in Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery^.1a

Gospel Herald - Volume 81, Number 2 -January 12, 1988, page 30

Walter married Selina Shirk 7 Jan 1920, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Selina (daughter of Peter Shirk and Judith Weber) was born 21 May 1898, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jun 1979, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Selina Shantz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-28571
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00110-6734
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Noah Shantz
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1883, 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, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Noah S. Shantz, "was born May 16th, 1859. On March 6th, 1883, he was married to Susannah Cassel who was born March 3rd, 1860. They reside in Wilmot Township 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.].

_____________________


Shantz.-Noah S., youngest son of Joseph Y. and Elizabeth (Stauffer) Shantz, was born in Wilmot Twp., on May 16, 1859; died at his home in Baden, Ont., May 7, 1936. He was in his 77th year. He had been in failing health for some time, and while he was able to be around, his death came suddenly, due to a heart attack. On March 6, 1883, he was united in marriage to Susannah B. Cassel, also of Wilmot Twp. After their marriage they moved to their homestead farm where they resided until thirteen years ago when they took up their residence in the village of Baden, Ont. This union was blessed with 11 children, 6 of whom have predeceased him. Those surviving are his wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters (Laura, wife of Tobias Shantz of Waterloo; Marian, wife of Reuben Steiner of Lima, Ohio; Lincoln C. of Kitchener; Walter C. on the old homestead; Dr. Stauffer C., also of Kitchener), 10 grandchildren, 1 brother, 4 sisters, and a host of friends. In the winter of 1886 he with his companion confessed Christ as their personal Savior and united with the Mennonite Church to which faith he remained true to the end. He was a member of the Blenheim congregation and served as an officer of the Sunday school for a number of years and was at the time of his death a member of the board of trustees. The funeral was held May 10, with services at his home and also at the Blenheim Mennonite Church, conducted by M. H. Shantz, assisted by M. Hallman. Text, I Pet. 1: 3-5. Burial in adjoining cemetery.


Gospel Herald, May 21, 1936 - Vol. XXIX, No.8 - page 175, 176

Noah married Susannah Cassel 6 Mar 1883, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susannah (daughter of Henry B. Cassel and Mary Ann Bricker) was born 3 Mar 1860, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 13 Mar 1937, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1328.5
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Susannah Cassel
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1883, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1937, 39 Rudy St., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Cassel.-Susannah, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Cassel, was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., March 3, 1860: died March 13 1937, at the home of her daughter in Waterloo. She was in her 78th year. On March 6, 1883, she was united in matrimony to the late Noah S. Shantz, also of Wilmot, who predeceased her 10 months ago. Two daughters (Mrs. Tobias Shantz of Waterloo and Mrs. Marian Steiner of Lima, Ohio) and 3 sons (Lincoln C. of Kitchener, Walter C. of Wilmot, and Dr. Stauffer C. of Kitchener), 10 grandchildren and 2 brothers (Samuel of Kitchener, and Ephraim of New Hamburg) survive. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Mennonite church a few years after her marriage and has been a consistent member of Blenheim congregation ever since. Her constant testimony was to serve her Lord and she had a longing desire to depart and be with her Master, especially since the passing of her late husband. Her desire has been granted and though her lips may be silent and her hands cease to minister, yet her labors will still go on for "she being dead yet speaketh." "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them." Funeral services were held on March 16 with Bro. J. B. Martin at the home and at the Blenheim Mennonite Church with M. H. Shantz in charge. Text, Job 14 : 14, 15. Burial in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald, April 15, 1937 - Vol. XXX, No.3 - page 62,63,64

_______________________

Golden Wedding Celebrated

On Monday, March 6th, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Shantz, of Baden, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their old homestead near New Dundee, where their son, Mr. Walter Shantz, now resides. The bridesmaid and best man of fifty years ago were present for the occasion, namely, Mrs. Ezra Cressman, of Plattsville, and Mr. Samuel Cassel, of Kitchener. A sumptuous dinner was served from a table prettily arranged with gold tapers and centered with the wedding cake decorated in gold and white. A unique feature of the dinner was that the set of dishes used had been brought to this country from Pennsylvania by Mrs. Shantz's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bricker, almost 100 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Shantz received lovely gifts and congratulations from their many friends. During the afternoon a program was given consisting of songs of yester-year and short addresses. Mr. and Mrs. Shantz's children and grandchildren were all present.

Independent Mar 10 1933 pg 4

______________

"Many Ontario Mennonite women were known for their hospitality, but few Indians were found among their recipients. What Susannah Shantz may have done to merit the gift which she received from two Indian women has been lost to memory - only the memory of the gift remains.

'FOR YOUR LITTLE PAPOOSE'

Susanna Bricker Cassel was born in Wilmot Township, Waterloo County. Her home was on the Huron Road, west of Haysville. Her father, Henry B.Cassel, her grandfather, Peter Bricker, and her great grandfather Sam Bricker had pioneered their respective farms in the Waterloo District.

When Susannah married Noah S. Shantz they took up residence on a farm south of the Huron Road, two miles east of Haysville, and became active members of the Blenheim Mennonite church. (This church has since merged with the Biehn congregation to form the Nith Valley Mennonite Church).The Shantz home was known for its warm hospitality to strangers as well as friends. Immigrant labourers from Europe found both employment and a home with Noah and Susannah.

On the Shantz farm there remained a heavy stand of hardwood and pine forest. Each year several Indian families came and camped in an old lumber shack on the edge of the forest while they harvested ginseng, the root of which was used for medicinal purposes.

One day, several months after the birth of her oldest child, Susannah responded to a knock on her kitchen door and found two Indian women standing there. The one had a small child with her. The older woman held a beautiful, hand-woven doll cradle fashioned from black ash which she shyly handed to Susannah, saying 'for your little papoose'.

This doll cradle and this intriguing tale of a Mennonite woman's interaction with native Indians was handed down to Susannah's daughters and grand daughters. Unfortunately the cradle has not been seen since the family moved from the old homestead, but the memory remains.

When this story was recounted to someone who was acquainted with the ways of Indian people, he responded that Indians presented gifts to persons whom they hold in high regard. Since that conversation the grand daughters have wondered about previous contacts their grandmother may have had with these two Indian women. Her hospitality, no doubt, had also been extended to them, prompting this generous gift."

Willing Service:Stories of Ontario Mennonite Women", pg. 248-49

Other Events:

• Historic Business: 1820'S, 90 Old Mill Road, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blair
• Land: Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 059, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5663
• Immigration: 1862, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1862, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1862
• Residence: 1866, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Business: 1878, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lancaster Flour Millers
• Naturalization: 1878
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Public Service: 1892, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Treasurer - Waterloo Township
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller Flour
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter Shirk, "son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk, is a native of Canarvon Township, Lancaster County Pa., where he was born November 11th, 1839. When a young man he left his native state and went to Canada, arriving at Berlin, Ontario, May 1st, 1862. Here he had his home with his uncle the late Jacob Hoffman in whose services he was for nearly two months, piling lumber and assisting in the saw mill. From here he went to the town of Waterloo and engaged himself as miller with D. H. Moyer & Co. who were then the proprietors of the Union Mills. After E. and S. S. Snider became proprietors of the mills he continued his services with the new firm until December 1st, 1866, when he purchased the Blair Mills. Here Mr. Shirk did a well paying business until December, 1869, when he sold the mills and, entering into partnership with Mr. S. S. Snider of Waterloo, purchased in December of the same year (1869) the Lancaster Mills of Bridgeport where he has since been engaged very extensively in manufacturing patent and high grade flour. In 1887 Mr. Snider retired from the firm, thus leaving Mr. Shirk sole proprietor of the extensive business. In connection with the Lancaster Mills, Mr. Shirk is also proprietor of the Baden Mills which he purchased from Mr. James Livingstone in 1889. Mr Shirk commenced life as a farmer's boy and being possessed with but little of this world's substance, he, by energy and perseverance and being naturally gifted with first class business qualities, besides having a good character, gradually worked his way up from one position to another and is now rated as one of our well-to-do millers (See his rating in the Mercantile Agency for the Dominion of Canada by R. G. Dun & Co.) of the province. Of late years he has been identified with public life and has held prominent positions of honour and trust, thus proving for himself a record of which no one has any need of feeling ashamed. On June 5th, 1866, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of John and Anna (Weber) Martin. She was born March 2nd, 1845. They reside in Bridgeport, Ontario. To them were born the following 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.].

____________________________



Shirk.--Peter Shirk was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 11, 1839; died in Bridgeport, Ont., on Oct. 1, 1919; aged 79 y. 10 m. 20 d. Bro. Shirk came to Canada in 1862 and entered the milling business. He was married twice, his first wife being Magdalene Martin who died 24 years ago and the second wife was Judith Krampien who survives. There are also left to mourn his departure ten children, 38 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Oct. 6 at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont. The services at the house were conducted by Bro. Noah Stauffer and at the Church by the brethren Jonas Snider, Urias Martin and Manasseh Hallman.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XII, No. 30 - October 23, 1919

__________________________

PETER SHIRK

It will be of interest to know a little of his ancestors. The first we have record of was Ulrich Shirk who came from Switzerland in 1832 to Pennsylvania with his six sons and two daughters. One son was named Peter who had a son named Joseph and Joseph had a son named Christian.

Peter Shirk was the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Shirk and was a native of Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was born November 11th, 1839. He came from a poor family which made it necessary for him to go to work and help support the family when eleven years of age. He worked hard and had long hours, but he was eager to learn so studied a good deal at night. He learned the milling trade at Peter Rupe's flour mill near Churchtown, Pennsylvania.

When he was a young man he left his native state and came to Canada with his eldest sister Barbara, arriving at Berlin (Kitchener) on May 1st, 1861. He made his home with his uncle, the late Jacob Hoffman in whose services he was for nearly two months piling lumber and assisting in the saw mills. (Jacob Hoffman's saw mill was situated where Schreiter's Furniture Store now stands). From here he went to the village of Waterloo and engaged himself as miller with D. H. Moyer & Co., who were then the proprietors of the Union Mills. After E. and S. S. Snider became proprietors of the mills he continued with the new firm until December 1st, 1866, when he purchased the Blair Mills. Here he did a well paying business until December, 1869, when he sold the mills and entered into partnership with Samuel Snider in Bridgeport. In 1887 Peter Shirk bought Mr. Snider's interest in the company and continued the business under the name of Shirk & Snider until 1910 when the firm name was changed to Shirk & Snider Ltd., Peter Shirk as President and his eldest son Geo. M. as managing-director.

On August 17th, 1889, the Baden Mills were purchased from James Livingstone, the business having grown to such an extent that it was necessary to increase its capacity. The two mills, Bridgeport and Baden had a combined capacity of 250 barrels per day.

The Bridgeport flour mill of Shirk & Snider Ltd. is one of the old industries of Waterloo County, this mill having been built in 1830 and the dam, of about 25 acres, in 1829, by Jacob Shoemaker. Mr. Shoemaker operated the mill for 20 years when he sold to Elias Eby who had it for the following 20 years. Peter Shirk and S. S. Snider bought from Mr. Eby in 1870. The buildings were always kept in good repair and the machinery modern.

In addition to the mill Peter Shirk also owned and operated a cooperage, supplying the barrels for the Bridgeport, Baden, Waterloo and other mills. Most of the flour was sold and shipped in barrels in the earlier days. All the export flour had to be teamed to Dundas in the early days as that was the nearest shipping station. After 1856 the flour was teamed to Berlin (now Kitchener.) In 1903, through the influence and efforts of Peter Shirk a spur line was extended direct to the mill from the beet sugar factory of that time.

The company 's products always had an enviable reputation both locally and in the foreign markets. The special flour brands were "Buda" a blended flour for all purposes (this getting its name from the abbreviation of Budapest, Hungary, where the first roller mills were used) ; "Two Sisters" a special flour for pastry and cakes and "Evangeline" a pure Manitoba flour for bread.

Peter Shirk was in his youth possessed of but little of this world's substance, but by energy and perservance and being naturally gifted with first class business qualities besides having a good character, he gradually worked his way up from one position to another and to affluence. In his later years he was identified with public life and held prominent positions of honor and trust. He was on the board of trustees of the Kitchener and Waterloo Collegiate and Technical Institute about 30 years. During his term he was instrumental in having Manual Training and Household Science added to the curriculum. He was treasurer of Waterloo Township for 20 years when he resigned, being succeeded by his son, Geo. M., who held the position for 15 years. Allen Shirk has been Township Treasurer for the past 6 years, since the death of his father Geo. M. Shirk.

Peter Shirk was married on June 5th, 1866, to Magdalena (Weber) Martin. Mrs. Peter Shirk's grandfather was Abraham Weber who in company with Benj. Eby and wife, Samuel Eby and family, Joseph Schneider and family, and others, came to this section of Waterloo County on June 2nd, 1807. The Conestogo driven by Abraham Weber on his trip from Lan-caster County, Pennsylvania, in 1807, is now in the Waterloo Historical Society Museum.

Soon after Abraham Weber's arrival in Canada he married Elizabeth Cressman and they settled on the corner of King and Wilmot Streets where the Canadian Goodrich plant is now situated. It was at this place that Mrs. Peter Shirk's mother was born, on August 14th, 1811, being one of the first children born in Berlin (Kitchener).

To Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shirk were born the following children: Peter, Anna, George, Emma, Elizabeth, Catherine, Martin, Magdalena, John, Maria, Noah, Veronica and Barbara. Mr. Shirk's first wife died on November 7th, 1895 and Peter Shirk died on October 1st, 1919, aged 79 years. He is survived by his second wife, 1 son and 7 daughters.

-Contributed by Mrs. F. Capling, Granddaughter of Peter Shirk.

Twenty-First Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1933

Historic Business:
Your Heritage Waterloo Region

Business:
Shirk & Snider Proprietors

Peter married Judith Weber 29 Nov 1896, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Judith (daughter of Rev. Abraham C. Weber and Judith Martin) was born 4 Jul 1855, Freeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Apr 1942, Pinehill, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Judith Krempien
• Name: Judith Shirk
• Residence: Centreville (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7903
• 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
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Judith Weber," the third daughter of Abraham C. Weber, was born July 4th, 1855. She was married to Charles Krampien who was born October 20th, 1852, and died May 30th, 1892. Their family consisted of five children, namely: VII Lovina, VII Norman, VII Colinda (dead), VII Menno (dead), and VII Mary. The widow resides with Jacob B. Shantz, one mile south-east of 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.].

__________


Shirk. - Mrs. Judith Shirk passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Shantz, at Pine Hill, Ont., April 9, 1942; aged 86 y. 9 m. 5 d. The deceased was a daughter of the late Abraham Weber and Judith Martin and was the last surviving member of a family of 16 children. She was born in Freeport, Ont., on July 4, 1855. She was united in marriage to Charles Krempien and resided near Centreville, Ont., until his death 48 years ago. In November 1896, she was again united in marriage, this time to Peter Shirk of Bridgeport, Ont., who predeceased her on Oct. 1, 1919. She was a lifelong adherent and member of the Mennonite Church, in which faith she passed away. She leaves to mourn her loss 1 son, Norman Krempien of Acadia Valley, Alta.; also 2 daughters, Mrs. Walter Snider of Bridgeport and Mrs. Walter Shantz of Pine Hill. One stepson, Noah Shirk of Bridgeport, and 7 stepdaughters -- Mrs. William Kraft, Bridgeport; Mrs. Gideon Bechtel, Baden; Mrs. Catherine Shantz, Kitchener; Mrs. Isaiah Cressman, Kitchener; Mrs. Addison D. Snyder, Bloomingdale; Mrs. Addison S. Snider, Bridgeport; and Mrs. Benjamin Drudge of Bridgeport, also survive. One daughter, Mrs. Charles Himburg of Edmonton, Alta., predeceased her two years ago. The funeral was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Shantz, with services conducted by Bro. Moses N. Baer, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., where the service was conducted by Bishop Manasseh Hallman. Interment in adjoining cemetery. Texts, Prov. 16: 31; Ps. 107: 30.


Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXV, No . 6 - May 7, 1942 - pages 126,127

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35218222
• Eby ID Number: 00110-6724
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Joseph Y. Shantz
• Residence: 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer & Saw
• 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:

Joseph Y. Shantz, "was born July 10th, 1815. On May 15th, 1838, he was married to Elizabeth Stauffer who was born January 5th, 1820. They reside in Wilmot Township where he followed farming many years but now lives retired. To them were born the following 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 - Joseph Y. Shantz, son of Jacob and Mary (Yost) Shantz, was born July 10, 1815, in Waterloo Co., Ont. He was married to Elizabeth Stauffer on the 15th of May, 1838. To them were born twelve children, of whom four sons and five daughters survive, all living in Wilmot Twp., near the paternal home. Bro. Shantz passed away on the 8th of May at the ripe old age of 84 ys., 9 ms., and 28 ds. A large circle of relatives and friends followed the remains to their last resting place at Geiger's M. H. on the 11th. Deceased united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and was a consistent member until death. Funeral services were held by E.S. Hallman from Psa. 39: 4, and Amos Cressman from Rev. 14: 13. Sister Shantz preceded her husband several years ago. May the Lord comfort the family and friends.

HERALD OF TRUTH, Vol. XXXVII, No. 11, June 1, 1900, pages 174, 175

_____________

Joseph Y. Shantz.

Under the hospitable roof of this pioneer citizen I spent a few pleasant hours. He is one of the specimens of noble manhood, through whose instrumentality vast sections of the wilds of Western Canada have been made to blossom as the rose. He was born July 10th, 1815. His wife, nee Elizabeth Stauffer, was born near Doon, in Waterloo township, January 10th, 1820. They were married on May 15th, 1838, and now live a quiet and retired life on the old homestead, which through years of hard toil and privations they accumulated that in after years they and their offspring might enjoy. That they have faithfully responded to the Divine injunction to replenish and multiply the earth, is proved by the fact that they are the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, and have fifty grand children to their credit. They have lived here for about sixty years Besides securing sufficient of this world's goods to enable them to live in ease and comfort during their declining years, their nine children now living have been amply provided for, their sons all having good farms and in well- to-do circumstances. The old saw-mill, some distance below the old homestead, was built about fifty years ago. In this pioneer industry Mr. Shantz expended countless drops of perspiration, and when sawing logs not entirely beyond his strength to handle he would operate it single-handed and alone. At that time there was a large amount of custom sawing and he did not waste time in taking advantage of it. Mr. Shantz was evidently a young man of extraordinary physical endurance and of strong mental capacity, for now in the eighty-third year of his age we find him still vigorous in mind and not what may be called infirm physically. Mrs. Shantz is yet hail and hearty in the seventy-eighth year of her age. They are both devout adherents of the Mennonite faith.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 21 Apr 1898, p. 8

Joseph married Elizabeth Stauffer 15 May 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Daniel Stauffer and Susannah Kinzie) was born 5 Jan 1820, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Aug 1898, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilmot Mennonite (formerly Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35218269/elizabeth-shantz
• Name: Elizabeth Shantz
• Eby ID Number: 00117-7374
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Elizabeth Stauffer
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Elizabeth Stauffer, "was born January 5th, 1820. She is married to Joseph Y. Shantz, a farmer. They reside in Wilmot Township and have had a family of twelve 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.- In Wilmot, Waterloo Co., Ont., of paralysis, beloved wife of Joseph Y. Shantz. She lived to be over79 years of age. She lived in matrimony over 60 years, and leaves a loving husband, nine children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sister Shantz was a member of the Mennonite Church for many years. In her last sickness she bore her affliction with Christian fortitude. May her life long be remembered. Funeral services were held by Bro. E. S. Hallman, in English, from Rev.14: 13, and Bro. Amos Cressman, in German, from Phil. 1: 21, at Geiger's M. H., where her remains were laid to rest.


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXV, No. 17, September 1, 1898, page 269

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00021-1574
• 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; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Henry Cassel, "was born May 8th, 1835. He is married to Mary Ann Bricker. They reside two and one-half miles south of New Hamburg where he is engaged in farming. To them are born four 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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On the 20th of Sept., 1900, at New Hamburg, Ontario, Bro. Henry R. Cassel, as we trust, fell asleep in Jesus, at the advanced age of 65 years, 4 months and 12 days. He suffered with Bright,s disease for a little over eight months, and had a desire to go home and be with Christ which is far better. He was born in Montgomery Co., Pa., and leaves a widow, two sons and one daughter to mourn his death. Funeral services were held at the Blenheim M. H. on the 23rd, were largely attended, and conducted at the house by Jos. Nargang and Isaiah Rosenberger, and at the M. H. by Noah Stauffer, from Isa. 38: 1, and by Amos S. Cressman from Heb. 2: 6.


October 15, 1900 Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXVII, No. 20, page 318, 319

Henry — Mary Ann Bricker. Mary (daughter of Peter Bricker and Susannah Erb) was born 8 Jul 1839, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 4 Jan 1922; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Ann Cassel
• Eby ID Number: 00016-1328
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Mary Ann Bricker
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Ann Bricker," was born July 8th, 1839. She is married to John B. Cassel. They reside near Haysville, Ontario, where he is engaged in farming. To them were born four children, namely: VI Ephraim, married to Hannah Bricker; VI Samuel, married to Miss Marks; VI Susannah, married to Noah Shantz; and VI Sarah (dead)."


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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Mary Ann Bricker, wife of Henry Cassel, was born July 8, 1839; died Jan. 4, 1922; aged 82 y. 5 m. 27 d. She united with the Mennonite Church in early life and remained faithful until death. She leaves 2 sons, 1 daughter, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Blenheim Church, near New Dundee, Ont., Jan. 6, conducted by Bros. Moses H. Shantz and Manasseh Hallman. Text, II Tim. 4: 6-8.


Gospel Herald - Volume XIV, Number 46 - February 16, 1922, page 911, 912

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00055-3787.1

Christian — Elizabeth Hoffman. Elizabeth (daughter of Peter Hoffman) was born 8 May 1805, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 9 Apr 1862, near, Churchtown, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Judder
• Name: Elizabeth Shirk
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3787

Notes:

Barbara Hoffman, "was married to Christian Shirk. They resided in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and had a family of several children, three of whom, namely Peter (see Peter Shirk's family), Barbara, .. and Magdalena (see John Shuh's family), and also Lehman (see Lehman Shirk's family), a son of Thomas (Thomas was also a son of Barbara but never resided in Canada), reside in this county. The others are all in the United States."


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.].
Elizabeth Hoffman, "was married to Michael Judder, a farmer. They resided in Juniata County, Pennsylvania."


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:

• 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

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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