Edna Brubacher

Other Events:

• Name: Edna Snider
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1427.2
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Snider.-Edna Brubacher Snider, wife of Norman Snider and daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Brubacher, Kitchener, Ont., was born Dec. 17, 1891; passed peacefully away at the K and W Hospital Feb. 13, 1944; aged 52 y. 1 m. 27 d. She was united in marriage to Norman Snider, June 11, 1913. She leaves to mourn her passing her sorrowing husband, 2 sisters (Ada, wife of Angus Weber, Conestoga, Ont.; Vera, wife of Harold Howden, Kitchener, Ont.), 4 nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. Since their marriage they had resided in Elmira and vicinity. She was converted in her youth, joined the Mennonite Church, and remained a faithful member until death. She was never blest with a family of her own but she possessed a motherly disposition which endeared her to all children. This was especially manifested in her work as a teacher of the beginners in the primary department of the Sunday school. Her benevolent qualities and gracious hospitality won for her the esteem and respect of all with whom she came in contact. The joy of her life was in her service for others. Short funeral services were held Feb. 16, 1944, at the Elmira Mennonite Church in charge of Bro. O. D. Snider, and at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, in charge of Bros. U. K. Weber and S. F. Coffman. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Life's race well run;
Life's work well done
Life's crown well won.
Now comes rest.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XXXVI, No . 49 - March 2, 1944, page 1037, 1038 and 1039

Edna married Norman M. Snider 11 Jun 1913. Norman (son of Sidney S. Snider and Blandina Martin) was born 13 Aug 1890, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Sep 1997, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Honoured: Simeon St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Simeon Street in Kitchener is named for him.
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1427
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Business: 1906, Kitchener Daily Record Newspaper, Kitchener, , Ontario, Canada; Simeon Brubacher's Planing Mills
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Simeon Brubacher, "was born April 28th, 1864. After being of age he purchased the old homestead belonging to his father's estate, a part(the [part thus surveyed was the North-west corner of farm, bordering on Lancaster Street and along the 'Poor House' farm, of which he had since surveyed and laid out in regular town lots. These are now nearly all sold to different parties who have erected beautiful residences thereon. (This is now one of the cleanest and most healthy parts of the town of Berlin) After the sale of these lots Mr. Brubacher purchased the greater part of his grandfather 'Brubacher's' old homestead on which he has since erected grand new buildings becoming to such a fine tract of land and thus making it one of the most desirable and best farms in the county of Waterloo. Mr. Brubacher is married to Lucinda Snyder. Their family consists 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.].

______________

Brubacher. - Simeon, son of Samuel and Lydia Brubacher, was born at Berlin, Ont., April 28, 1864; died Feb. 2, 1915; aged 50 y. 9 m. 5 d. In 1889 he was married to Lucinda Snyder, with whom he lived in matrimony 26 years. The union was blessed with 4 children, 3 of whom survive. Owing to the death of his father, he was called upon to assume at the age of 15 years, the responsibilities of a man, by taking charge of his father's farm. At the age of 20 years he purchased the homestead on Brubacher Street, where he resided until 1893, when he moved to the farm on Edna Street, where he lived until his death. In addition to his occupation of farming, he carried on a lumber business for 20 years. Deceased was of a quiet and retiring disposition, a man who had many friends, and, so far as is known, not a single enemy. His integrity in all his dealings, his liberality in matters of charity, and his sympathetic nature, gained for him the respect of the entire community and of all with whom be came in contact. As a husband and father, he was kind and indulgent to his family, and while be will be greatly missed in the family circle, they have the assurance that he has gone to his heavenly home where he will be waiting to meet his loved ones and where there will be no more parting. Funeral services were held Feb. 5 from his late residence on Edna Street to the East End Mennonite Church and Cemetery, Berlin, Ont., for services and interment.. Bro. Jonas Snider officiated at the house and at the church impressive sermons were preached by Bro. Urias Weber from Jno. 6: 67,68, and Luke 12: 40; and by Bro. Fred Coffman from Jno. 14.

Gospel Herald - Volume VII, Number 47 - February 18, 1915 - page 759

_____________________________

"Fri. Feb. 5 Morning mild - about 20 above sky red - p.m. sleet, rain & wet snow - evening at 9 stopped snowing. - a.m. don jores - took a order of turnips to the Co-op grocery - also planted the lily of the valley I got yesterday - planted them in the same pots with the fuschia trees. - p.m. drove Mother & Bella to Simmion Brubachers funeral, Mennonite Church. About the largest funeral they ever had - church all filled up, even the basement fairly crowded."

Gordon C. Eby (2022) Mennonite Archives of Ontario. Available at: https://uwaterloo.ca/mennonite-archives-ontario/personal-collections/gordon-c-eby (Accessed: 5 October 2023).

_____________________

Died At Berlin, Ont., on Tuesday, February 2nd, 1915 Simeon Brubacher Aged 50 years, 9 months and 5 days. The Funeral will take place from the late residence, Edna St., Berlin, on Friday, February 5th, 1915 at 1. 30 o'clock, p. m., thence to the East End Mennonite Church and Cemetery for service and interment. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

Simeon married Lucinda Snyder Mar 1889. Lucinda (daughter of Joseph C. Snyder and Elizabeth Betzner) was born 6 Nov 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Oct 1936; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21731219
• Name: Lucinda Brubacher
• Name: Lucinda McNally
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6373
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Honoured: Samuel St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Samuel Street in Kitchener is named for him.
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1425
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Historic Building: 1867, 209 Frederick St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Samuel Brubacher, "was born January 4th, 1829. On March 4th, 1862, he was married to Lydia, daughter of David and Esther (Martin) Musselman. She was born June 22nd, 1838. After his marriage he purchased his father's farm situated a little to the south-east of the Berlin Central School. Here he followed the agricultural life until his death which took place December 2nd, 1875. To them was born a family of nine children"


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

Historic Building:
Built in 1867 it was a one story frame house. In 1978 it was listed in very good condition and was demolished about 2004. It was a example of the Regency style with a low hipped roof, verandah along the facade with some attempt at some trelliage. A style rarely used in Kitchener.

Samuel married Lydia Musselman 4 Mar 1862, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Lydia (daughter of David Musselman and Esther Z. Martin) was born 22 Jun 1838, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Oct 1918, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/146827484
• Honoured: Lydia St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lydia Street in Kitchener is named for her.
• Name: Lydia Brubacher
• Name: Lydia Wismer
• Eby ID Number: 00083-4949
• Residence: 1862, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennoite
• Residence: 1889, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Lydia Musselman, "was born in July, 1838. On March 4th, 1862, she was married to Samuel Brubacher who was born January 4th, 1829. They resided in Berlin where he died December 2nd, 1875, leaving a family of nine children. After Mr. Brubacher's decease she was married to Rev. Daniel Wismer."

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.].
_______________________________

DEATH: Wismer.-Lydia (Musselman) Wismer was born July 22, 1838, near Conestoga, Ont. In March 1862 was married to Samuel Brubacher, living in matrimony 14 years when he died. After living in widowhood 14 years she was again married to Bishop Daniel Wismer of Kitchener, Ont., living in matrimony 19 years when he died, living in widowhood again for 10 years. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church from her youth. Died at the home of her daughter Mrs. Ben Eby, near Waterloo, Ont., Nov. 1, after being bedfast for nearly 11 months, aged 80 y. 3 m. 9 d., leaving to mourn her departure, 2 sons, 3 daughters, 22 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. Only brief services were conducted at the home on account of influenza epidemic, by Bishop Jonas Snider. Buried at First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Ont.

Gospel Herald - Volume XI, Number 34 - November 21, 1918 - pages 620 and 621

_____________________

Death of an Aged Citizen

The death took place yesterday of a highly respected resident of the county in the person of Mrs. Lydia Wismer at the ripe old age of 80 years, 3 month and 9 days, the deceased passing away at the home of Mr. Benjamin Eby one mile north west of Waterloo.

Funeral on Sunday afternoon at 2.30 from home of Mr. B. Eby where a private service will be held. Interment will take place at East End Cemetery Kitchener where friends will have a chance to view the remains.

Berlin News Record, November 1, 1918

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00106-6366
• Residence: 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Joseph C. Snyder, "was born October 21st, 1837. On October 12th, 1858, he was married to Elizabeth Betzner (No. 949). They reside about two miles east of Berlin on his father's old homestead 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.].

________________

Joseph C. Snyder

One of Waterloo County's oldest and best known farmers, Mr. Joseph C. Snyder, passed away on Sunday, June 25, on the Snyder homestead at Natchez, aged 71 years, 9 months and 4 days, having been born on the farm on which he died June 21,, 1837. He had been in failing health for about fifteen months.

The late Mr. Snyder is survived by a wife and five children, also two sisters. The children are: Isadore B., Berlin; Lucinda (Mrs. Simeon Brubacher), Berlin; Maggie (Mrs. Stauffer Shantz), Baden; Jacob B. on old homestead and Lincoln, of Potter's Hardware, Berlin. The two sisters are, Mrs. Isaac Moyer, Bloomingdale, and Mrs. Isaac Cressman, Strasburg.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 1.30 o'clock from his late residence at Natchez to the East End Mennonite Church and burying grounds.

Berlin Daily Telegraph, July 26, 1909

Joseph married Elizabeth Betzner 12 Oct 1858, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes B. "John" Betzner and Magdalena Eby) was born 30 Oct 1839, Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Sep 1932, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Snyder
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0949
• Residence: 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Misfortune: 1932; accident which occurred last week when Mrs. Snyder fell fracturing a limb

Notes:

Elizabeth Betzner "was born October 30th, 1839. On October 12th, she was married to Joseph C. Snyder who was born October 21st, 1837. They reside about two miles east of the town 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.].

___________________


Mrs. Joseph C. Snyder

Death claimed an esteemed nonagenerian of this district at 7.30 o'clock last night at the home of her son, Jacob B. Snyder on the Naches road in the person of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Snyder, widow of the late Mr. Joseph C. Snyder in her 93rd year. Death came as the result of an accident which occurred last week when Mrs. Snyder fell fracturing a limb. The late Mrs. Snyder was born in Doon and lived in this district her entire life, residing for 74 years on the farm where she passed away. She is survived by three sons and one daughter, Mr. Isadore Snyder of Kitchener, Mrs. John McNally of Kitchener, Mr. Jacob Snyder of the Naches road, and Mr. Lincoln Snyder of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by two daughters, Lavina, who passed away in 1868 and Mrs. Stauffer Shantz who died in February of this year. The funeral will take place with a private service at the home of her son, Mr. Jacob Snyder on Monday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock and will proceed thence to the Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church for public service. Internment will be made in the East End Mennonite cemetery. Rev. U. K. Weber, pastor of the Stirling avenue Mennonite Church will have charge of the service.


Obituary - Kitchener Daily Record, September 10, 1932

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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37030080
• Interesting: pioneer, mill, story
• Eby ID Number: 00083.4908
• Birth: CALC 25 Apr 1799
• Occupation: 1852, 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

Notes:

Musselman, "The two old pioneer settlers of this numerous family were David and Frederick who were no relatives to each other. They came to Canada in 1819 and settled in Waterloo County. The former, Mr. David Musselman settled in Woolwich Township, near Conestogo, on the farm now possessed by David Koch, while Frederick Musselman settled on the farm known as Rev. Elias Snider's place a little north of Waterloo. We shall first five the family of David and then of Frederick."

David Musselman, "was a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was born April 18th, 1799, and was married to Esther, daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin. She was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, August 29th, 1803, and died July 31st, 1872. He died October 25th, 1870. To them was born 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.].

_______________________________

All lands in the early days was in the hands of large holders. Where the village now standing was part of a large holding belonging to David Musselman who himself lived on the western side of the village[Conestogo]. It was this man Musselman who started the wheels of Conestogo running by beginning the very important business of flour milling. This was urgent owing to the extreme distance that settlers had to hand for their supplies as all these were brought in on horseback from Dundas.

The Milling Industry

In 1845 the flour mill was built, also a saw mill, both run by waterpower, obtained from the waters of the Conestogo River diverted to these plants thru a raceway nearly a mile in length, the building of which was a colossal piece of work.

Mr. Musselman did not continue long as a miller, for in 1850 he sold the saw and grist mill with the property belonging to them to Henry Snider who conducted both for some years. The saw mill was finally abandoned and the mill taken away. More time was devoted to the flour mill which had attained wonderful proportions so much so that a new building on a far larger scale was put up equipped with more machinery.

About this time it was a common occurrence for farmers to come 40 and 45 miles with their wheat, so that very often from 20 to 30 teams stood waiting at this mill for their chance to unload. After a very successful term, Mr. Snider turned over his interests here to one of his sons Menno who remained at the head until about 1916. During this time he suffered reverses and a severe fire in 1904 wiped out the mill with its contents together with the storeroom for wheat all of which was lost.

Berlin Daily Record Apr. 26, 2008 typed by Marion Roes

______________________________

CONESTOGA

A pioneer named David Musselman is credited with having founded Conestoga. He first purchased 700 acres of forest in the vicinity. In 1830 he bought a parcel of land where the village stands from Abram Martin. It was watered by the Conestoga River and Spring Creek, on which he built a sawmill. In 1844 he built a dam across the Conestoga River and erected another sawmill and a flourmill. A hamlet sprang up. Among the first buyers of lots in Musselman's survey were: John Miller, Adam Heller, Stephen Washburn, John B. Eby, Christian Stuernagel, James Merrilees, H. von Trilera, Theodore Spetz, Henry Snider, Jacob Grosz, Philip Oswald, Joseph S. Weaver, George Davidson, Peter Eby, S. B. Eby, Peter Buchanan, Michael Oswald, Jacob Kuntz, Charles Hendry, Solomon Kaufman, and Jacob Lippert.

After their advent a cooper shop, blacksmithshop, a store, an hotel, and a post office followed. In time a brickyard, a school, and a church were added, and the place was called Musselman's Mills. Later Perine Brothers built a flaxmill on Spring Creek, while on the same stream Goodworth & Sills constructed a paint mill.

The hamlet was known as Musselman's Mills until 1852, when it was renamed Conestoga, after the Conestoga River or the town of Conestoga in Lancaster County, Pa., from which county many of the pioneers had come. David Musselman operated his mills until 1856 and then sold them to Henry Snider, who carried on the milling till his death in 1885. His executors sold the mills to Menno Snider, who operated the flourmill until his own death in 1916. During his closing years he was assisted by his son Walter J. Snider, who succeeded to the property. Walter Snider afterward purchased the flour-mill at St. Jacobs from W. W. Snider and operated the two mills as the Snider Flour Milling Company, Limited. After his decease, his son Russell became head of the industries..

Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1933 pg 16 - Woolwich Township - Its Early Settlement by W. V. Uttley

David — Esther Z. Martin. Esther (daughter of Peter Martin and Anna Zimmerman) was born 29 Aug 1803, Earl Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 31 Jul 1872, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Z. Musselman
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4391
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esther Martin, "the fourth daughter of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, August 29th, 1803, and came to Canada when sixteen years of age. She was married to David Musselman who died October 25th, 1870. She died July 31st, 1872."

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:

• Residence: 466 Queen st., S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6348
• Residence: 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob E. Schneider, "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 2nd, 1800. On November 18th, 1827, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham and Molly (Miller) Clemens. She was born February 8th, 1810, and died May 20th, 1870. Soon after his marriage he moved a little east of Berlin, on the farm now possessed by his son, Joseph, where he resided until his death which took place October 2nd, 1884. "


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 married Elizabeth Clemens 18 Nov 1827. Elizabeth (daughter of Deacon Abraham L. Clemens and Magdalena "Molly" Miller) was born 8 Feb 1810, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 May 1870, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6348.1

Notes:

Elizabeth Clemens, "was born February 8th, 1810. On November 18th, 1827, she was married to Jacob E. Schneider. They resided on a farm two miles south-east of Berlin where she died May 20th, 1870"


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: John B. Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0926

Notes:

John B. Betzner "the second son of John D. and Mary (Bechtel) Betzner, was born February 13th, 1808. Early in spring of 1833 he was married to Magdalena, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Eby. She was born December 12th, 1813, and died April 2nd, 1886. Soon after their marriage they moved on his father's and grandfather's old place opposite Doon where he died February 6th, 1854. Their family consisted of six 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.].
___________________________-


February 6, 1854 - John Betzner. Waterloo Township. 45 years


Death Announcement - Deutsche Canadier, February 16, 1854

______________________

A-1-32 John Betzner: Administration to the estate of John Betzner, late of the Township of Waterloo granted on Petition and issued in favor of his widow Magdalene the eighth day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty four, after her giving proof that the said deceased died intestate on or about the sixth day of February of same year, and on her giving Bond into the sum of Five Hundred Pounds, with David Sherick and Abraham Cressman, both of the said Township of Waterloo, Yeomen, as her sureties. Inventory amounting to Six Hundred and seventy four pounds, eighteen shillings and 5 1/2 pence.

Granted and issued 8^th March 1854
Inventory £674/18/51/2d

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber.

Johannes married Magdalena Eby 30 Apr 1833. Magdalena (daughter of David Eby and Elizabeth Bechtel) was born 12 Dec 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Apr 1886, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Betzner
• Name: Magdalena Hallman
• Name: Magdalena Histand
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2371
• Residence: 1865, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Magdalena Eby, "the second daughter in the family, was born December 12th, 1813. On April 30th, 1833, she was married to John Betzner who was born February 13th, 1808, and died February 6th, 1854. After Mr. Betzner's decease she was married, June 19th, 1855, to Abraham Hiestand. After Mr. Hiestand's decease she was married to Mr. Joseph Hallman. When married the third time she resided near New Dundee, Ontario, where she died April 2nd, 1886. With her first husband she had six children, namely:., and with Mr. Hiestand she had one child named Magdalena."


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.].