Noah Unger Bowman

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-119
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Retired: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Noah U. Bowman, "the second son, is married to Celina Kaufman. He resides in Blenheim Township, Oxford County, Ontario, near Washington, where he is engaged in farming. His family consists 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

Noah married Nancy Selina Kaufman 30 Sep 1877, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Nancy (daughter of Solomon E. Kaufman and Elizabeth "Eliza" Bauman) was born 1857, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Nov 1929, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Clayton Bowman was born 7 May 1878, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
2. Angus K. Bowman was born 30 Nov 1879, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 13 Nov 1963; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
3. Samantha Bowman was born 2 Sep 1881, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
4. Lloyd K. Bowman was born 9 Feb 1883, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jan 1953, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilmot Centre (Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario.
5. Melvin Bowman was born Abt 1887, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
6. Elizabeth Bowman was born 26 Jun 1890, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 19 Jan 1916; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
7. Selina K. Bowman was born 19 Apr 1893, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
8. Nelson K. Bowman was born 29 Dec 1894, Washington, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1 Apr 1990; was buried , Fairmount Cemetery, Baden, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-114
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; weaver
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph Bowman, "the second son of Benjamin and Susannah (Bechtel) Baumann, was born near Berlin, May 11th, 1821. He was first married to Leah, daughter of George and Catharine (Kraft) Unger. They resided near Manheim where she died. After his first wife's decease he was married again to Amanda, daughter of Christopher Cress. They resided in Blenheim where they both died. He died July 3rd, 1889. He had a family of nine children, six of whom are of the first wife"


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 Leah Unger 2 May 1848, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of George Unger and Catherine Kraft) was born 12 May 1825, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jun 1864, Mannheim, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Bowman
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7900.3
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Leah Unger, "was married to Joseph Bowman, a farmer. They resided at Manheim where she died, leaving 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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-100
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 054, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Benjamin Baumann, "born February 15th, 1787 and died December 7th, 1874. He was married to Susannah Bechtel, who was born June 16th, 1797, died September 19th 1870. They lived and died in Canada. They had a family of nine children".

Benjamin Baumann, "eldest son of Wendel and Maria (Huber) Baumann, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 15th, 1787. He was married to Susannah, daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Allenbach) Bechtel. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, June 16th, 1797 and died September 19th, 1870. In spring of 1815 he came to Canada, prospecting the country. He found Waterloo to be a favorable county for the forming of settlements. In fall of the same year, he in company with Jonathan B. Baumann and John Brubacher (Deacon Johney), returned to Pennsylvania. In 1818 he, in company with Christian Burkholder and family, John Good and family, old Betty Baumann (wife of Peter Baumann), old Esther Cressman, Samuel Bechtel and others, came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to Waterloo County, Ontario Canada, making the journey in 28 days. On arriving here he settled on lot No. 54, German Company's Tract, township of Waterloo, about two miles south-east of Berlin, where he resided until his death. The farm is now owned by his son, Rev. Samuel Baumann. They had 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.].

Benjamin married Susannah Bechtel 1818. Susannah (daughter of Rev. Joseph Bechtel and Magdalena Allebach) was born 16 Jun 1797, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 19 Dec 1870, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Bauman
• Residence: 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0674
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Susannah Bechtel "was born June 16th, 1797, and died September 19th, 1870. She was married to Benjamin Baumann who was born February 15th, 1787, and died December 7th, 1874. They resided about two miles south-east of Berlin where they both died. Their family consisted 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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00124-7587
• Immigration: 1812, , Canada
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; labourer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

George Unger, "second son of Adam and Elizabeth (Koehner) Unger, was born in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and came to Canada with his parents in 1812. He was married to Catherine Kraft. After their marriage they moved to Strasburg, Waterloo County, where they resided for many years. When old they moved to Normanby Township, Grey County, near Neustadt, where they died. He died August 18th, 1880. They had a family of eight children"


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

George — Catherine Kraft. Catherine (daughter of Henry Kraft) was born 1803, , USA; died , Normanby Twp., Grey Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, Neustadt, Grey Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Unger
• Name: Katie Kraft
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7587.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-25

Notes:

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


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

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

Other Events:

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

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19546720
• Residence: 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Location of his log house.
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0645
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 04S, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Joseph Bechtel "son of Martin Bechtel, a minister of the Mennonites, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1761. He was married March 5th, 1786, to Magdalena Allebach who was born September 21st, 1761, and died September 21st, 1837. They moved to Canada in 1802 and settled on the farm situated at the mouth of the Speed River where it meets with the Grand River. Here they resided many years. In 1804 he was ordained as a minister of the Mennonite body which position he held until his death which took place April 11th, 1838. They had a family of seven children"


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

________________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.

Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.

Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.

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

Residence:
The current building contains some original logs from the home.

Joseph married Magdalena Allebach 5 Mar 1786. Magdalena was born 21 Sep 1765, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 21 Sep 1837, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19546759
• Name: Magdalena Bechtel
• Residence: 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0645.2

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00124-7565
• Immigration: 1812, , Canada
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 054NW, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 004, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Residence: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 116E, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Adam Unger, "son of John Unger, a native of Switzerland, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, about the year 1763. When some twenty years of age he, in company with others, emigrated to America and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, near Lititz. Here he was married to Elizabeth Koehner. They had a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, all born in Warwick Township. In 1812 he, in company with his wife and family, moved to Canada and arrived at Preston, Waterloo County, May 31st. For a short time they resided in one of the small log houses on the left side of the road leading from Preston to Blair, about a quarter mile from Cress's Hotel. From here he moved on north-west quarter of lot No. 54, German Company's Tract, near Centreville, part of his farm is now owned by David Thaler. After residing here for some years he sold this property and moved near Preston where he died."


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.].

Adam — Elizabeth Koehner. Elizabeth was born 1775, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 18 Mar 1884, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hallman Mennonite Cemetery, North Dumfries, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/87766176
• Name: Elizabeth Unger
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7565.1
• Immigration: 1812, , Canada

Other Events:

• Name: Henry Croft
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78999

Notes:

A-1-153 Henry Kraft Probate of the Will of Henry Kraft (proved in Solemn form) of the petition of Valentine Gildner of the Town of Berlin, Blacksmith, and Joseph S. Bowman of the Township of Wilmot, Yeoman, humbly sheweth: - that Henry Kraft, of the Township of Waterloo, departed this life on or about the twenty sixth day of September 1857…nominating and appointing your Petitioners, the above said Valentine Gildner and Joseph S. Bowman, the Executors…That the said Testator at the time of his death was not possessed of goods, chattels and credits to the amount of five pounds in two or more counties of the Province, or to that amount in any County other than the County of Waterloo. That the value of the goods, chattels and credits which the said Testator died possessed of, amounts to a sum over three hundred pounds and under four hundred pounds, to the best of our knowledge and belief. Therefore the prayer of your Petitioners is that the said Last Will and Testament be insinuated into the Registry of your Honorable Court and that Probate thereof be granted to them that the true intent and meaning thereof may be fully carried out, and to do as the law in such cases requires.

Dated 13th November 1857

_______________________

Dated 13th November 1857

I Henry Kraft of the Township of Waterloo do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz:- I give and bequeath to my son George the sum of twenty dollars. I give and bequeath to my daughter Catharine all my land containing about twenty two acres, more or less, joining the lands as follows: Gregory Weaber[sic] on the east side, Anton Wilhelm on the north side, Vincent Moyer and George Auger Junr of the west side, and A..D. Clemens on the south side. I also give to my daughter Catharine all the rest and residue of my estate…

Witnessed by Abraham D. Clemens and George Auger Jnr - his mark
Will dated 17th September 1857
_____________________

January 1858 In the Surrogate Court in and for the County of Waterloo

In the matter of the will of Henry Kraft whose will is Subject to be proven in Solemn form. I Abraham Duustube[?] Clemens of the Township of Waterloo, Farmer, being one of the religious Society called Mennonites, do affirm and say that I was personally present and did see the above named Henry Kraft sign seal and execute the hereto annexed Last Will and Testament on the day the same bears date…the I am one of the subscribing witnesses thereto. That Anton Wilhelm of Waterloo, Farmer, and George Unger the youngter, of Waterloo, Farmer, are the other subscribing witnesses to said Will….I asked the deceased whist I was taking down his instruction for the Will if he wished Henry Krafts children to have anything, the deceased replied no, that his daughter Catharine should have his property, that she had the trouble of him
.
Dated 4th January 1858.

________________________

I Anton Wilhelm of the Township of Waterloo, Farmer, make oath and say that I was personally present and did see the above named Henry Kraft sign seal and execute the hereto annexed Last Will and Testament…A messenger came to my home for me to go to deceased house. I went and on reaching the house I found deceased in bed. He sat up in bed after I entered the room. I asked him what he wanted. He stated that he wished me to draw up some writings. I replied that I could not do it in English and suggested that Abraham D. Clemens should be sent for. Clemens was sent for. The deceased asked Clemens to draw his Will. I asked the deceased what he wished to be done with his property. He replied that I should do with it what I wished. I refused and said the property was not mine. Deceased then said that Katy should have it. I asked him about his son George. He said he supposed he was dead. I suggested that he might be still living. Deceased then said that he wished him to have twenty dollars. I then asked him about Henry Kraft's children, if they were to have anything. Deceased replied no, Katy shall get all. Clemens drew the will. It was read over to deceased before execution. He said it was right….The deceased knew what he was doing when he signed the Will….The Will was read over in English and also in German.

Dated January 1858

_______________


On cross examination, nothing eluded favourably to party opposing the Will and Probate.

[Statement from George Unger]…that at the time of signing the said deceased appeared to know what he was doing. Heard Testator say that his daughter Katy was to have all before the Will was signed by him after it was drawn. And before it was read to deceased was aware that he had property to dispose of and knew its nature. I have known deceased since I can remember anything. I think the deceased would not have done with his property as advised by any one contrary to his own wishes that he had a mind and will of his own. Deceased lived about a week after he signed the will.

Dated 4th January 1858


Evidence on the part of those who oppose the granting of Probate:


I John Allister Mackie of the Town of Berlin, Merchant, make oath and say that I have known the deceased Henry Kraft for the last past five years, have been well acquainted with him. He transacted business with me. My impression of the man's mind is that he was wholly unfit to transact business of any consequence \endash he would come into my store and ask for sugar. When it was offered to him he would shake his head and say it was not what he wanted. Various articled would then be named to him, which he would always say were the things until they were presented. When the article was shown him that he really wanted, he would take it & pay for it. Deceased would know a dollar or half-dollar when he saw it. He has childish, in all his movements. I don't think the deceased had a disposing or sound mind.

Dated 5th January 1858

______________

I Daniel Shantz, Shoemaker of the Village of Bridgeport, make oath and say that I have known the deceased Henry Kraft for about twenty eight years. I have always been of the opinion that he was not of sound mind. I have never had any business transactions with him, nor have I ever seen him doing business so I have no seen him very frequently during the last four or five years.

Dated 5th January 1858

_____________________


I, James Potter, of the Town of Berlin, Inn Keeper, make oath and say that I have known the deceased Henry Kraft for about twenty four years. I knew him intimately. I always considered him a crazy man. He would not put more value upon a five dollar bill than a one dollar bill. I think he could be made to believe anything that was said to him. He would get cross when he was teased. I don't think he was capable of doing business

Dated 5th January 1858

________________


In the Surrogate Court…I do hereby pronounce and decree for the validity of said Will and Testament and order and direct that the said Will be received, approved and insinuated into the Registry of this Court, and the said executors be confirmed and established as the appointment as prayed for

Dated Berlin 5th January 1858 \endash signed by a. J. Peterson, Registrar and
Will of Henry Kraft:
Dated 17th September 1857
Proved and insinuated 5th January 1858
Died 26th September 1857
Inventory $1234.69¢

1aSurrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber. [in original is written "Henry Croft"]