Amos B. Shoemaker

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-56025
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1925, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Factory Worker

Amos married Nellie Norma Snyder 16 Sep 1925, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Nellie (daughter of Edward B. Snyder and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Schneider) was born 20 Mar 1900, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Apr 1986; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Grace M. Shoemaker was born 1926; died 2002; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00112-7052
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer, Own Farm
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Noah Shoemaker, "was born March 27th, 1867. He was married to Sarah Burkhard, February 1st, 1891. They have one son named Ervin."


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

__________________

Shoemaker.-Noah, was born near Floradale, Ont., March 27, 1867; died May 18, 1943; aged 76 y. 1 m. 21 d. On Feb. 1, 1891, he married Sarah Burkhardt. Two sons were born to this union, Ervine, residing on the homestead, and Amos in Kitchener. Surviving are his wife, 2 sons, 5 grandchildren, a brother (Joseph), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Jane Dreisinger, Mrs. Dilman Brubacher, and Mrs. Noah Lichty). Funeral services were conducted May 20 at the home and at the Mennonite Church, Floradale, Ont., where he had been a faithful member. The services were conducted by Bros. Oliver D. Snider and Reuben Dettwiler. Texts, Rev. 2: 10b; II Cor. 5: 1. Burial in North Woolwich cemetery


Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXVI, No . 28 - October 7, 1943 - pp. 575, 576

Noah married Sarah Burkhard 1 Feb 1891. Sarah (daughter of Joseph Burkhart and Sarah Sitler) was born 26 Feb 1868, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00019-1497.11
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Name: George Schumacher
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7047
• Residence: 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• 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
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

George D. Shoemaker, "was born February 11th, 1834. On March 15th, 1857, he was married to Magdalena Snyder. They reside in Woolwich Township, along the Pilkington line, where they possess a large farm. Here they raised 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.].

__________________________

WOOLWICH PIONEER DEAD

After a protracted illness there passed away early this morning another of the pioneers of Woolwich township in the person of George Shoemaker. Deceased suffered a paralytic stroke five years ago, which undermined his previously robust health and from which he never fully recovered. About a year ago his condition became worse and he gradually lost strength until the end came.

The subject of this sketch was born on a farm near Berlin in 1834. In 1857 he was married to Magdalena Snyder. They moved to the northeastern part of Woolwich a couple of years later and resided there continuously until the present time. Deceased is survived by his sorrowing widow, eight children, 32 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and three sisters.

The children are: - Benjamin, Elmira; Jacob, Pilkington; Joseph, on the old homestead; Jane (Mrs. Jacob O. Dreisinger), east of Elmira; Noah, north of Floradale, Ephraim, Pilkington; Katie (Mrs. Elias M. Brubacher), near St. Jacobs; Rachel (Mrs. Noah Lichty), near Floradale.

The funeral will take place on Saturday forenoon, 9: 30 o'clock, to the Mennonite cemetery north of Floradale.


Elmira Advertiser 6 Oct 1910

George married Magdalena Snyder 15 Mar 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Benjamin Snyder, Sr. and Catharine G. Saltzberger) was born 1 Feb 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6247
• Residence: 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00019-1497
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonist
• Occupation: 1856, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• 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
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph Burkhard, "is married to Sarah Sitler. They reside on a farm adjoining that of his brother, John. To them were born ten children, namely: V Enoch, married to Hannah Eby; V Isaac (dead), V Menno (dead), V Joseph, V Noah (dead), V Jacob, V Ezra, V Elizabeth, married to J. Shoemaker; V Anna, married to Wendel Baumann; and V Sarah, married to Noah Shoemaker."


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

Joseph married Sarah Sitler 8 Apr 1856, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Johann "John" Sitler and Sarah Clemmer) was born 2 Jan 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Mar 1913, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , North Woolwich Mennonite Meeting House Cemetery, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Burkhart
• Eby ID Number: 00114-7216
• Residence: 1856, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Sarah Sitler, "was born January 2nd, 1837. She is married to Joseph Burkhard. They reside on a farm one mile north of Floradale."


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.].

______________________


Burkhardt.-Sarah Burkhardt (nee Sitler) was born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Jan. 2, 1837; died at the home of her son-in-law, Noah Shoemaker, Floradale, Ont., March 27, 1913; aged 76 y. 2 m. 25 d. On April 8, 1856, she was married to Joseph Burkhardt, who preceded her to the world beyond about 18 years ago. This union was blessed with 11 children, 6 of whom survive. One of her daughters, Susannah (Mrs. J. P. Martin), died on March 16, 1913, exactly one week before her mother's death. She suffered a stroke of paralysis, pneumonia developing after a short time and five days from the beginning of her illness death ensued. The funeral was held on March 30, from the residence of her son-in-law to the Mennonite cemetery nearby.
Beloved mother, oh, how we miss thee,
Thy smiling face no more to see;
In heaven again we hope to meet thee,
Where parting never more shall be.
By a daughter.


Gospel Herald - Volume VI, Number 5 - May 1, 1913 - page 79

Other Events:

• Honoured: Lakeside Park, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lakeside Park in Kitchener was once part of his property. The Lake is called Shoemaker Lake
• Name: Jakob D Schumacher
• Residence: 38 Shirk Place, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7042
• Retired: 1801, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1829, , Ontario, Canada
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 019, Waterloo County, Ontario
• 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; Gentleman
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob D. Shoemaker, "the eldest son of George Shoemaker, was born on his grandfather's place near the old mills on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, November 24th, 1799. His boyhood days were spent in assisting his father in the woollen mills, carding and dying wool and yarns. From his fifteenth to his eighteenth year he was engaged in the grist and oil mills and during the wool season he assisted his father in the carding mills. When eighteen years of age he hired himself to John Funk who during that time had the misfortune of having his dwelling destroyed by fire, Shoemaker losing all his earthly possessions except the clothing he wore at the time. After quitting at John Funk's in the fall of 1818, he obtained work for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove. In spring of 1819 he attended school for six weeks in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County. During the summer he labored for six months with David Allebach, in Skippack Township, at $12 per month. He paid out his wages $50 annually to his parents until he became of age.

After having served his six months he attended school another six weeks in Lower Salford Township. His teacher's name was Mr. Borsch. This then finished his school days. In 1820 he engaged himself to Abraham Clemens where he remained for two years, receiving $80 for the first year's wages and $72 for the second year. During the year 1822 he worked for George Reiff of Skippack Township, for $80 per year. The following year he spent in working by the day among the farmers. On November 18th, 1823, he was married to Jane, daughter of Alexander Dunbar. She was raised by Jacob Merkley who resided on the Perkiomen Creek, Skippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In spring of 1824 he, in company with his wife moved to Joseph Lowery in Skippack whose farm he managed for five years. He received one-third of the product of the farm as wages for his labor and management. The annual income thus derived generally amounted to about $80.

In 1829 they with their family of two children, his parents, and two of his brothers and one sister, namely, Daniel, Joshua and Catharine, moved to Canada and came to what is now Bridgeport. Here he was engaged with Jacob S. Shoemaker who had come to Canada in 1820. During the fall of 1829 he worked on the sawmills erected the same year. While engaged here he purchased pine logs from Henry Erb who resided on lot No. 58, German Company's Tract, and had them sawed during the winter and drawn on his farm where he had a small shanty put up. Into this shanty they moved in April, 1830. The year previously he had purchased his farm, being south-west half of lot No. 19, Germam Company's Tract. containing 224 acres. During his first year on this extensive farm large clearings were made and a two-story log dwelling, 24x28 feet, erected. The log barn was erected the year following. In 1851 he erected the stone dwelling now occupied by his son, Alexander, and in 1842, he put up the large frame barn still standing. He is still living and enjoying good health and has his home with his son, Alexander who resides on the old homestead. His family consisted of ten children, of whom two died in infancy."


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.].

__________________________________________________

JACOB C. SHOEMAKER,

The well-known centenarian of Berlin, Ontario, Bro. Jacob Shoemaker, died on Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 1902, at three o'clock, at the old homestead, occupied by his son, Alexander Shoemaker. The cause of death was due to old age. Bro. Shoemaker having reached the age of 102 years, 3 months, and 9 days. He had been confined to his bed for the past few months, and although he received every possible attention he passed peacefully away. Though death was not unexpected, he will be missed by those with whom he has been surrounded during the latter part of his life. Bro. Shoemaker was extremely kind hearted and the attention and the self sacrifice shown him by his children was always appreciated, and he never lost an opportunity of referring to their kindness to his friends who would visit him at his home.

Jacob D. Shoemaker was the eldest son of George Shoemaker, and was born on his grandfather's place near the old mills on Swamp Creek, Frederick township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 24th, 1799. His boyhood days were spent in assisting his father in the woolen mills, carding and dying wool and yarns. From his fifteenth to his eighteenth year he was engaged in the grist and oil mills and during the wool season he assisted his father in the carding mills. When eighteen years of age he hired himself to John Funk who, during that time, had the misfortune to have his dwelling destroyed by fire, Bro. Shoemaker losing all his earthly possessions except the clothing he wore at the time. After quitting at John Funk's in the fall of 1818 he obtained work for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove. In the spring of 1819 he attended school for six weeks in Lower Salford township, Montgomery County. During the summer he labored for six months with David Allebach, in Skippack township, at twelve dollars per month. After having served his six months he attended school another six weeks in Lower Salford. This finished his school days. In 1820 he engaged himself to Abraham Clemens, where he remained for two years. During 1822 he worked for George Reiff of Skippack Township at eighty dollars per year. He then spent one year working amongst various farmers. On November 18th, 1823, he was married to Jane, daughter of Alexander Dunbar. She was raised by Jacob Merkley, who resided on the Perkiomen Creek, Shippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1824 he, in company with his wife, moved to Joseph Lowery in Skippack, whose farm he managed for five years. He received one-third of the product of the farm as wages for his labor and management. The annual income thus derived averaged about eighty dollars annually. In 1829 they, with their family of two children, his parents, and two of his brothers and one sister, namely, Joshua and Catherine, moved to Canada and came to what is now Bridgeport. Here he was engaged with Jacob S. Shoemaker, who had come to Canada in 1820. During the fall of 1829 he worked in the sawmills erected the same year. While engaged here he purchased pine logs from Henry Erb who resided on lot number fifty eight, German Co.'s Tract, and had them sawed during the winter and drawn on his farm where he had a small shanty put up. Into this shanty they moved in April, 1830. The year previous he had purchased his farm, being south-west half of lot number nineteen, German Co's Tract, containing two hundred and twenty-four acres. During his first year in this extended farm large clearings were made and a two story dwelling, twenty-four by twenty-eight feet, erected. The log barn was erected the year following. In 1851 he erected the stone dwelling now occupied by his son, Alexander, and in 1842 he put up the large frame barn still standing.

Bro Shoemaker united with the Mennonite church in his youth and lived an exemplary life, worthy of imitation. In his last years his desire to depart and be with Christ was always strong, and can be truly said that he was homesick for heaven. A year ago he was stricken with illness, and he asked those who visited him not to pray for his recovery, but that if it pleased God, He should take him home. His conversation on temporal affairs was in later years mostly of a period of time from 1815 to 1840. The companions of his early life have all preceded him.
During the past number of years Bro. Shoemaker has been living with his son, Alexander. His family consisted of ten children, viz, Mary Ann, deceased; David, deceased; Mrs. John Shiedel, Waterloo Township, deceased; Mrs. Henry McKay, Aldborough Township, Elgin County; Geo. D., Woolwich Township; Alexander, on the homestead; Mrs. Joseph B. Snyder, Woolwich Township; Jane, deceased; Mrs. George Israel, near Williamsburg; Jacob, deceased. There are a large number of grandchildren.

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, at one o'clock, from the old homestead, and was very largely attended. Services by Noah Stauffer from Heb. 11: 16, and A. Y. Haist from Job 5: 26 at the C. Eby M. H., Berlin. Interment in the burying ground adjoining.

Herald of Truth, Vol. XXXIX, No. 7, April 1, 1902, page 109, 110, 111

_________________________


Jakob D. Schumacher

Finally, the last hour has sounded for our dear, old friend, Jakob D. Schumacher. On Wednesday afternoon, he fell gently and quietly asleep, to awake again in a better world. He attained the age of 102 years, 3 months, and 9 days and although he had to keep to his bed for approximately a year because of weakness, he was still in full possession of his mental faculties and could talk about his many experiences with his family and visiting friends; which he was fond of doing. About two weeks ago, he had a stroke, and since then, he was no longer fully conscious.

The deceased was the eldest son of George Schumacher, and was born November 24, 1799 at his grandfather's place by the old mill on Swamp Creek, Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. As a youth, he helped his father in his woolen mill with stapling and dying. From his 15th to his 18th year, he worked in the meal and oil-mill, when necessary. At 18 years of age, he apprenticed himself to John Funk, whose residence burned down, whereby he lost everything, except for the clothes on his body. In the autumn of 1818, he worked for a time in a tannery near Pottsgrove.

In the spring of 1819, he attended school for 6 weeks in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County. In the summer, he worked for 6 months for David Allenbach in Schippach Township for $12. a month. Then, he attended school in Lower Salford again for 6 weeks. With this, he finished his schooling. In 1820, he came to Abraham Clemens and worked for him for 2 years. In 1822, he worked for George Reiff in Schippach Township for $80. a year and the following year, he worked for various other farmers.

On November 18, 1823, he married Jane Dunbar, who had been raised by Jakob Merkley, who lived on Perkiomen Creek, Schippach Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1824, he and his wife moved to Joseph Lowery's in Schippach, whose farm he managed for 5 years. For this, he received one third of the produce as his wages for his labour and administration. His annual income at this place was approximately $80.

In the year 1829, he moved to Canada with his wife, 2 children, as well as 2 brothers and one sister and settled there where Bridgeport now stands. He worked there for one year for his cousin, Jakob S. Schumacher, who had come to Canada in 1820, in the saw-mill, erected in the same year. During the winter, he purchased tree-trunks from Henry Erb, on Lot 58, German Company Tract, and turned them into lumber for a small house, which he raised the following summer on his 224 acre lot #19, German Company Tract. After he had moved into the house, he set about clearing the forest, and also erected a 2-storey residence. The next year, a barn was built. The stone house now occupied by his son, Alexander, came about in 1851. The large frame barn that still stands on the place was built in 1842. His wife, with whom he had lived in a small frame house, after having passed the place on to his son, Alexander, died August 9, 1880 and since then, he had found his home with his son's family, who had given him the best of care.

His family consisted of ten children, of whom five are still living, namely: George, living near Elmira; Mrs. Joseph Schneider, Berlin; Mrs. George Israel, Williamsburg; and Mrs. H. McCoy, Bothwell. In addition to these two sons and three daughters, he is survived by 43 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, namely, Mrs. Wm. Luke, in Bothwell.

Also, it should be mentioned, that, he often suffered from epilepsy in his younger years, which, however, he later remained free of, after he had earnestly prayed to God and had promised to fast every Good Friday, which vow he had faithfully kept, even in later years, when age weakened him. His burial took place on the previous Saturday at the Mennonite cemetery in the eastern ward, with an exceptionally large number attending. The meeting-house was crammed full. Rev. Noah Stauffer preached in German and Rev. J. Y. Haist, in English. It should also be mentioned that he was one of the few men still living, who had helped with the construction of the meeting-house built in 1834, and the last man whose funeral service was held in it. Yesterday, on Wednesday, the demolition of the building was begun, in order to make room for a new, bigger House of God, to be built in the course of the coming summer.

Berliner Journal 13 Mar 1902 pg 4 col 5 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

_________________________________________


100 Years Old

That which is granted only to relatively few mortals, namely: to attain the age of 100 years, was granted on Friday to Mr. Jakob D. Schumacher, who resides with his son Alexander, about three miles south of Berlin. In celebration of the day, many relatives and friends from near and far had gathered to wish the old gentleman much happiness on his day of celebration. During the day and evening, probably two hundred people carried out this affectionate duty. Fifty to sixty people shared in the noon dinner. His children, and his children's children honoured him with a giant bouquet of 100 white roses, tastefully arranged, as well as a speech wishing him well. There were also other floral offerings received, even one from Rochester, N.Y.

The old gentleman was happy and well. He is still in possession of his mental faculties, and although he is somewhat hard of hearing and his eyesight is weak, he recognized immediately most of the friends congratulating him. Those whom he did not recognize, he recalled as soon as their names were given. A quartet, consisting of the gentlemen. A.L. Breithaupt, H.S. Hallmann, A.B. Devitt, and J.A. Wiederhold, from Zion Church, came that evening and delighted the celebrants with the performance of several lovely songs.

Jakob D. Schumacher was born November 24, 1799, as the oldest son of George Schumacher, on his grandfather's farm near the old mill on Swamp Creek in Frederick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In his youth, he helped his father with wool-carding and dying wool and yarn. From his 15th to 18th year, he worked in a grinding and oil-mill, and in the wool-season, he helped in his father's business. At 18 years of age, he apprenticed himself to John Funk, whose house burned down, whereby Schumacher lost everything, except for that which he had on his own body. In the autumn of 1818, he worked for a short time in a tannery near Pottsgrove.

The following spring, he attended the school in Lower Salford Township for six weeks, and in the summer worked for six months for David Allenbach in Schippach Township for $12 a month. From his salary, he gave his parents $50 a year, until he reached his majority. After six months had expired, he again attended school for six weeks and with that, his schooling came to an end. In 1820, he apprenticed himself to Abraham Clemens, as a labourer where he remained for two years. The first year, he earned $80 salary, and in the second year, $72. In 1822, he worked for George Reiff in Schippach Township for $80 a year, and later, earned daily wages from farmers.

On November 18, 1823 he married Jane Dunbar, daughter of a Scotsman, Alexander Dunbar by name. She had been raised by a German farmer, Jakob Merkley by name, in Schippach Township. In the spring of 1824, he moved to Joseph Lowery's farm in Schippach and worked on it for five years. As pay for his work, he received one third of the harvest. His annual income amounted to approximately $80.

In 1829, he came to Canada with his wife, and two children as well as two brothers and a sister and settled on the spot where Bridgeport now stands. He worked on the very spot where the sawmill of his cousin, Jakob S. Schumacher, had been constructed. The latter had arrived in 1820. He purchased several pine logs from Henry Erb, who lived on Lot Number 58, German Company Tract, and had them sawed up into boards. On the south-west half of Lot Number 10, German Company Tract, which contained 224 acres, which he had purchased in the meantime, he built a shack into which he moved in April 1830. In the first year, a considerable section of the forest was cleared and a two-storey log house was built. A log barn was built the following year. The large barn which now stands on the spot was erected in 1842 and the stone house in 1851.

When he passed the farm on to his son Alexander, he had a frame house built for himself and his wife. Since the death of his wife approximately 19 years ago, he has lived with his son Alexander, where he receives the best of care. Several years after he had settled down in the forest, he developed epilepsy, which occurred so often that he could not be left alone. For about fifty years, he has been free of this torment. He attributes this to the vow he made then, not to eat anything on Good Friday, which he has conscientiously held to ever since.
His descendants consist of two sons and three daughters, 38 grand-children and 42 great-grandchildren, who all are lovingly devoted to the "old Gross Dady" and wish him a good and peaceful old-age, in which the "Journal" also joins in.

Berliner Journal, Nov. 30, 1899, Page 4, Col. 5 - translated by Patricia Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

Jacob married Jane Dunbar 18 Nov 1823, , Pennsylvania, USA. Jane (daughter of Alexander Dunbar) was born 8 Feb 1798, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 9 Aug 1880, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jane Shoemaker
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7042.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38439571
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6230
• 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

Notes:

Benjamin Snyder, "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, January 15th, 1798. When a lad of eight years of age his parents moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, near Bloomingdale, where he was raised. On October 21st, 1823, he was married to Catharine, daughter of John Philip and Veronica (Gingerich) Saltzberger. She was born June 1st, 1806, and died January 3rd, 1869. After his marriage he moved a little to the north of Bloomingdale where he was the owner of several hundred acres of land. He died April 18th, 1861, leaving a family of thirteen children"

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

Benjamin married Catharine G. Saltzberger 21 Oct 1823. Catharine (daughter of John Philip Saltzberger and Veronica Gingrich) was born 1 Jul 1806, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Jan 1869, Near Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Bloomingdale Mennonite Cemetery, Bloomingdale, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38439475
• Name: Catharine G. Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00098-5490
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catharine Saltzberger, "was born July 1st, 1806, and died near Bloomingdale, January 3rd, 1869. She was married to Benjamin Snyder"


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: 00019-1495

Notes:

Joseph Burkhard, "was born September 8th, 1805, and died September 5th, 1831. He was married to Elizabeth Gingerich and they resided one mile west of St. Jacobs, Ontario. Their family consisted of two children".


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

Joseph — Elizabeth Gingerich. Elizabeth (daughter of John E. Gingerich and Anna Hackman) was born 7 Apr 1809, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 14 Jul 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Burkhard
• Name: Elizabeth Martin
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3153

Notes:

Elizabeth Gingerich, "was born about the year 1809. She was married to Joseph Burkhard who was born September 8th, 1805, and died September 5th, 1831. Their family consisted of two sons"


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:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21074838
• Name: John Sitler
• Eby ID Number: 00114-7203
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 011, Waterloo County, Ontario
• 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:

John Sitler, "was born in Columbus, Ohio, November 2nd, 1811. His parents, Martin and Elizabeth Sitler, had moved to Ohio, from Pennsylvania, a few years before he was born. He came to Canada when a young man and was married to Sarah Clemmer, widow of Jacob Ziegler. She was born December 21st, 1812, and died January 4th, 1877. She had one son, named Aaron, with her first husband. See Aaron Ziegler's family. They resided on the farm now possessed by Menno S. Shantz nearly three miles north of Waterloo where they had 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.].

Johann — Sarah Clemmer. Sarah (daughter of Henry M. Clemmer and Sarah Bergey) was born 21 Dec 1812, Franconia Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; died 4 Jan 1877; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21075125
• Name: Sarah Sitler
• Name: Sarah Ziegler
• Eby ID Number: 00024-1920
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Misfortune: 1877; accidently death - falling down steps

Notes:

Sarah Clemmer, "was born December 21st, 1812, and died January 4th, 1877. She was first married to Jacob, son of Dilman Ziegler, with whom she had one son named Aaron. After the decease of her first husband she was married to John Sitler with whom she 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.].