Susannah Horst

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/27358122
• Name: Susannah Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5880.2
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Snider - Susannah (Horst), wife of Bishop Jonas Snider, was born June 2, 1862, passed away at her home near Waterloo, Ont., July 3, 1933; aged 71 y. 1 m. 1 d. Acute dilatation of the heart caused her death, which came as a shock to all. She was engaged in her household duties until two hours before her death. She manifested a special joy the last two days of her life. As the age of seventeen she accepted Christ as her Savior and united with the Mennonite church, remaining true and faithful till the end. Her special vision of the cross had been a great help to her in life's experiences. July 5, 1887, she was united in marriage to Jonas Snider. She was a loving and faithful companion and mother, and was a great help both temporarily and spiritually, in the ministry and the home. She was deeply concerned for the spiritual welfare of the rising generation and of the Church in general. There remain to mourn their loss, her husband, 8 sons, 2 daughters (Edgar, Clayton, Deldon, Addison, Walter, Gilbert, all of Waterloo; Omar of New Dundee; Benjamin, Clara, Hannah at home). Three daughters died in infancy. There remain also 25 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Her only sister (Mary - Mrs. Moses Hunsberger) predeceased her Dec. 1, 1932. Funeral services were held July 6, and conducted at the home by Noah Hunsberger, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, by Moses H. Shantz, assisted by M.M. Brubacher and J.B. Martin. Text, Num. 23: 10. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXVI, No. 17 - July 27, 1933, Page 367, 368

________________________

Passed Away At her home Waterloo, Ont., on Monday, July 3^rd, 1933 Susannah Horst Beloved wife of Bishop Jonas Snider Aged 71 years 1 month 1 day The Funeral will take place from her late residence, Waterloo, Ont. Thursday, July 6^th, 1933 1. 30 o'clock p. m. to the First Mennonite Church Kitchener, for service. Interment will be made in the adjoinging [sic] Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation^.

Funeral Card

Susannah — Weber. was born CA 1859; died Bef 1891. [Group Sheet]

Susannah married Rev. Jonas B. Snider 5 Jul 1887. Jonas (son of Rev. Elias Snider and Hannah Bingeman) was born 2 Oct 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 6 Sep 1944, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Mary H. Snider was born Abt 1888, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Bef 1996.
2. Laura Snider was born Abt 1889, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Bef 1896.
3. Walter H. Snider was born 19 Oct 1890, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Sep 1964, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
4. Clara Snider was born 14 Jan 1892, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Mar 1972, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
5. Hannah Snider was born 5 Oct 1893, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
6. Omar Snider was born 29 Jun 1896, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Mar 1980, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
7. Melinda Snider was born 14 Apr 1898, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Apr 1898, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
8. Benjamin Snider was born 23 Jul 1899, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Apr 1976, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
9. Gilbert Snider was born 30 Jul 1903, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Oct 1981, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00058-3896
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Benjamin M. Horst, "was born September 18th, 1837. He was married to Veronica Weber and resided near Breslau, on the farm now possessed by John Fry, where he died October 30th, 1871. To them were born two children, namely: Susannah and Mary."


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.].

Benjamin married Veronica "Fanny" Weber 14 May 1861. Veronica (daughter of John Weber and Susannah Brubacher) was born 25 Nov 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Apr 1916, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Frances Weber
• Name: Veronica "Fanny" Horst
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7860
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Veronica Weber," was born November 25th, 1840. On May 14th, 1861, she was married to Benjamin, son of David and Magdalena (Martin) Horst. He was born September 18th, 1837, and died of Typhoid fever, October 26th, 1871. They resided on her father's farm near Breslau where he died. Their family consisted of two children named VII Susannah and VII Mary."

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.].

_________________________

Horst. - Veronica Horst was born Nov. 25, 1840; died at Bridgeport, Ont., April 3, 1916; aged 75 y. 4 m. 9 d. She was united in matrimony with Benjamin Horst May 14, 1860, who preceded her nearly 45 years ago, leaving to mourn her departure 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church at Waterloo for many years, being present whenever opportunity afforded it, an attentive listener, and had the welfare of the church at heart. She was well as usual until Thursday morning, March 30, when she got up, dressed herself, and remaining longer than usual the daughter went to look after her, when she was lying on the floor, unconscious. In this state she remained till the following Monday night, when she peacefully passed away. Funeral services April 6, conducted at the house by J. S. Woolner and at the Cressman Church by N. Stauffer from Jno. 14: 4, and N. Hunsberger from Phil. 1: 21.

Gospel Herald - Volume IX, Number 3 - April 20, 1916 - pages 54,55

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00058-3893
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

David Horst, "son of David and Anna (Weber) Horst, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 28th, 1804. He came to Canada when a young man and was engaged in Waterloo County, Ontario. On December 4th, 1832, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin. She was born April 14th, 1814. Soon after their marriage they moved on part of lot No. 20 German Company's Tract, Woolwich Township, about a mile or so west of Heidelberg Station, where they resided until his death which took place May 15th, 1884. She is still living and has her home with her son, Menno, who resides on the old homestead. To them was born a numerous family"


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.].

_________________


HORST. - On the 15th of May at his residence in Waterloo Co., Ont., of old age, Bro. David Horst, aged 80 years, 3 months and 17 days. He was a member of the Mennonite Church. A wife, children and 32 grandchildren mourn their loss, which we hope to be his eternal gain. He was buried at Martin's Meeting-house. Services were held by Elias Snyder and Abraham Martin, from Rev. 3 : 19. May the Lord comfort the sorrowing friends.


HERALD OF TRUTH - Volume XXI, Number 11 - June 1, 1884 - page 173

David married Magdalena Martin 4 Dec 1832, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Peter Martin and Anna Zimmerman) was born 14 Apr 1814, Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 23 Feb 1897, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Horst
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4492
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Immigration: 1819, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Magdalena Martin, "the seventh daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin, was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 14th, 1814, and came to Canada in 1819. On December 4th, 1832, she was married to David, Son of David and Anna (Weber) Horst."


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.].

_________________________


HORST - On the 22d of February, 1897, in Waterloo Co., Ont., of cancer, Sister Magdalena Martin, widow of the late David Horst, aged 82 years, 10 months, 8 days. Buried on the 25th, in the Martin graveyard, north of Waterloo, where Paul Martin and Bishop Abraham Martin preached to a large concourse of friends. Deceased was a member of the Mennonite church for many years and was highly respected. She was born in Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., Apr. 14th, 1814. She came to Canada with her parents in 1819. Dec. 4th, 1832, she was united in marriage to David Horst who died May 15th, 1884. Of their fourteen children, nine survive to mourn the loss of an affectionate mother.


Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIV, No. 6, March 15, 1897 - Page 93, 94, 95

Other Events:

• Name: Johann Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7859
• Residence: 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Retired

Notes:

John Weber," the fourth son of Benjamin and Veronica (Martin) Weber, was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 23rd, 1814. He was married to Susannah, daughter of John and Catherine (Sherk) Brubacher, April 9th, 1839. She was born June 28th, 1819, and died May 21st, 1891. They ha a family of one child"


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 Susannah Brubacher 9 Apr 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susannah (daughter of Deacon John E. Brubacher and Catharine Shirk) was born 28 Jun 1819, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 May 1891, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1395
• Residence: 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Susannah Brubacher, "eldest daughter of John and Catharine (Sherk) Brubacher, was born June 28th, 1819. In 1839 she was married to John Weber. They resided about one and half miles west of Breslau for many years, then, when old, they moved to Bridgeport where they both died. She died May 21st, 1891. To them was born one child named Veronica. See John M. Weber's family."


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: 00058-3893.1

David — Anna Weber. Anna was born Abt 1780, Of, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Horst
• Eby ID Number: 00058-3893.2

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38400277
• Interesting: story, pioneer, religion
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4295
• Residence: 1830, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 010, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Peter Martin, "was born in West Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 26th, 1769. He was married to Anna Zimmerman, December 25th, 1793. She was born February 18th, 1775. He followed farming in his native state, but owing to the poor harvests for several years in succession, together with low wages and many business failures, caused him to make arrangements with his numerous family to move to Canada. Two of his daughters, Barbara, married to David Martin and Maria, married to Christian Zimmerman, remained in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, while the parents with fourteen of their children, together with Daniel Weber and others, moved to Canada in 1819. They, at their arrival here, settled first on the farm now owned by Dilman Shantz and the heirs of the late Abraham Groff, but not finding this to their taste they finally located on the farm now possessed by Menno Gingerich. Here they resided until their deaths. He died March 2nd, 1831, and she died December 12th, 1836. They had a family of seventeen children, all of whom were married."

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.].

______________________________________

Martin Meeting House

According to Isaac Horst, "Martins meeting house was the first of the Old Order places of worship to be built. A meeting house is reported to have been built in 1830; burial was begun in the adjoining cemetery in 1831. Martins was aptly named. The first three bishops of the area were Martins, all descended from the pioneer, Peter Martin. The land on which the house stands was formerly owned by Martins (1979: 376)." Peter Martin, Jr. purchased 220 acres of land from his brother, Henry Martin, on May 8, 1824. Apparently he set aside four acres for a meeting house and burying ground at that time. The first burial is reported to have been that of Peter Martin, Sr., who died March 2, 1831. The meeting house was enlarged in 1900.

John Weber was the first minister, followed by Abraham W. Martin, Samuel Weber, Paul Martin, Tobias Martin and Urias Martin. At one time surrounded by countryside, the meeting house and cemetery are now completely encircled by the commercial development brought about by the rapid expansion northward of the city of Waterloo.

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

________________________________

...Martin was 62 when died in 1831, just 12 years after coming to Canada, but his important role in local history was not forgotten. His home doubled as the Martin's Church before the Martin's Meeting House on King Street North was completed.

The meeting house still stands today, next to the Martin's cemetery that holds Peter Martin's remains. Across King Street was the Martin's School (SS21), in use until 1972. It's gone now.

Because of his large family, 17 children in all, Martin was once described as "probably the most vigorous progenitor in the history of the region." His story is told in a booklet Thou Art Peter, published in 1983 by the Mennonite historian Isaac Horst of Mount Forest.....

Flash from the Past: Peter Martin House once stood in Waterloo, Waterloo Region Record 4 May 2013 Jon Fear, Record Staff

Peter married Anna Zimmerman 25 Dec 1793. Anna was born 18 Feb 1775, Of, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 9 Dec 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38400457
• Name: Anna Martin
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4295.1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20684523
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7833
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 008, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 113, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; yeoman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Benjamin Weber," the eldest son of Henry and Veronica (Hershey) Weber, was born near Blue Ball, Earl Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 2nd, 1786. He was married to Veronica Martin, April 28th, 1806. She was born May 24th, 1784, and died 11th, 1859. In 1817, in company with others, they, with their family, left Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and moved to the wilds of Canada, and located on lot No. 8, German Company Tract, Waterloo County, Ontario, where they resided until their deaths. He died January 21st, 1863. To them was born 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.].

Benjamin married Veronica Martin 28 Apr 1806. Veronica was born 24 May 1784, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 11 Apr 1859, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20684963
• Name: Fronica Martin
• Name: Veronica Weber
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7833.1

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1389
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 057, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 059, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 006, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

John Brubacher, "the youngest son of Jacob and Susannah (Erb) Brubacher, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, July 11th, 1793. In 1815 he came to Canada (See pages 45, 46 and 47) and selected his lot, No. 57, German Company's Tract, township and county of Waterloo, Ontario, a little to the east of Berlin. Here he had a small clearing made and a log shanty erected thereon. Late in fall of the same year Mr. Brubacher returned to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to make arrangements for moving to Canada the following spring. Early in 1816, he, in company with his mother, moved to this country and had their home with Bishop Benjamin Eby. As soon as the log shanty on his large farm was finished he started housekeeping for himself. His mother proved to be his female assistant for one year. On March 6th, 1817, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betzner) Sherk. She was born February 11th, 1798 and died October 8th, 1882. He died October 10th, 1875. When quite a young man he was ordained as deacon of the Mennonite Church for the Eby field of labor. This position he held until his death. To them was born a family of fifteen children"


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

________________________________________________


October 10th, in Berlin, Canada, John Brubaker, one of the first settlers in this section, aged 82 years and 3 days.


Death Announcement - Herald of Truth, November 1875

_____________

JOHN BRUBACHER

John Brubacher came to Canada in 1816 and was accompanied by his widowed mother, Mrs. Susanna (Erb) Brubacher. She was a plucky woman and whatever she did was done aright. On the way over Mrs. Brubacher rode on a horse and killed a rattlesnake with her whip. Her son drove a heavily-laden Conestoga. Among other articles he brought in a churn. When they reached this settlment, their first meal was eaten off a pine stump. Mother and son then threaded their way through the woods to her son-in-law, Ben Eby's place,

John Brubacher made a clearing on Lot 57 and erected a log home. His mother kept house for him until 1817, when he married Catherine, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Betzner) Sherk. Ezra Eby said that Mrs, Susanna Brubacher sold her son 896 acres for $672 and then returned to Pennsylvania. Later on John Brubacher. as has been said, bought the Elias Eby farm in the East Ward and built a home in Brubacher Street that is still in use. Eventually John is said to have acquired 3,000 acres of land and to have given each of his fifteen children a farm.

John Brubacher was a short, dark man, and could lift a barrel of cider to his shoulder and take a drink out of the bunghole. His favorite saying was: Truth lasts the longest. His great-grand-father, also named John, when urged by his neighbors in Pennsylvania to build a gristmill declined, because he feared he might he tempted to take too heavy tolls.

Mrs. John Brubacher dressed plainly and wore a white cap. Her descendants treasure the heirlooms she handed down. There were no locks on their doors and often at night Indians entered her kitchen and slept on the floor. Once she was alarmed at breakfast time when a squaw fed a young papoose a piece of liver-sausage.

Fire was hard to make, for the settlers had no matches. A handful of dry cedar-bark was shredded and sparks struck from a flint with a piece of steel. Some families kept their fire burning the year round.

One night an Indian buck rapped on John's window and pleaded for a drink of whisky, but the pioneer did not give him any. Wild animals were all too plentiful and wolves a menace. Occasionally he heard the squeal of a pig as it was dragged from its pen by a black bear.

The Mennonites loved music. Once, while revisiting his old home in Pennsylvania, John Brubacher called on a man who owned a medodeon and had him play a hymn often sung in Ben Eby's church. As he listened tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. The pioneer walked with his head bent Ward Bowlby once met him in East King Street and said, "Mr. Brubacher, when walking you should keep your head up" John responded, "Mr. Bowlby, yonder is a field of wheat. Some of the stalks stand with their heads up those are empty; the bent heads only are filled with grain."

Mr. Brubacher's youngest daughter, Veronica (Mrs. Moses Betzner) died in 1936, when in her ninety-second year. She was an early riser; ate whole-wheat bread and until her fortieth year never tasted tea nor coffee after that she drank milk or butter-milk. "Sunrise," said she, "has a virtue no other part or the day has. Work is a blessing. Without it He would not be worth living."

"This community," she added, "was based on practical Christianity. The people were honorable and in business matters no writings passed among them It was all done by word of mouth and a man's Yes was binding."

A History of Kitchener, W. V. (Ben) Uttley, Kitchener, Ontario 1937, pg 23, 24

John married Catharine Shirk 6 Mar 1817. Catharine (daughter of Joseph Sherk and Mary Betzner, daughter of Joseph Schoerg and Elizabeth Betzner) was born 11 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 8 Oct 1882, near, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 11 Oct 1882, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Brubacher
• Name: Catherine Scherich
• Eby ID Number: 00101-5638
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catharine Shirk, "was born February 11th, 1798. She was married to Deacon John Brubacher. They resided near Berlin where they both died. She died October 8th, 1882"


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.].