Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.
Nancy Spreeman

Nancy Spreeman

Female 1868 - 1950  (82 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Nancy SpreemanNancy Spreeman was born 1868, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Carl Friedrich Erdmann "Charles" Speeman and Nancy Bock); died 1950; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Nancy Binkle
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78250P
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

    Nancy married Jacob Binkle 21 Mar 1900, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Jacob (son of Philip Binkle and Maria "Mary" Weber) was born 3 Jun 1863, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Jun 1926, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

    Children:
    1. Violet May Binkle was born 13 Jun 1905, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Feb 1984, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Clayton Binkle was born 18 Jun 1907; died 28 Dec 1987, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Carl Friedrich Erdmann "Charles" Speeman was born 31 Aug 1838, Sellin (Rutznow) Kries Griefenberg Pommern Germany (son of Friedrich Wilhelm Ferdinand "Frederick" Spreeman and Margaretha Sophia Dorothea "Dorothy" Krohn); died 25 Nov 1924, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , St. John's Norway Cemetery, Toronto, York, Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/224168441
    • Name: Carl "Charles" Spreeman
    • Name: Charles Spreeman
    • Name: Karl Spremann
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-24923
    • Immigration: 1854, , Ontario, Canada
    • Immigration: 1856, Quebec City, , Quebec, Canada
    • Naturalization: 1859
    • Residence: 1862, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; teamster
    • Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Teamster
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
    • Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
    • Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
    • Residence: 1892, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Occupation: 1901, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer

    Notes:

    SPREEMAN--At the residence of his son, Mr. John Spreeman. 42 Garnock Ave., on Tuesday, Nov. 25th, Charles Spreeman, in his 88th year.

    Funeral on Thursday, 27th Inat., at 2 p.m., to Norway Cemetery.

    Carl married Nancy Bock 27 Mar 1862, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Nancy (daughter of Levi Bock and Rachel Rosenberger) was born CALC 7 Dec 1844, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Jul 1891, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mindemoya Cemetery, Mindemoya, Mantioulin Island, , Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Nancy Bock was born CALC 7 Dec 1844, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of Levi Bock and Rachel Rosenberger); died 29 Jul 1891, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mindemoya Cemetery, Mindemoya, Mantioulin Island, , Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/201786065
    • Name: Nancy Speeman
    • Eby ID Number: 00012-1131.2
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
    • Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

    Notes:

    On the 29th of July, 1891, at her uncles, B. Bock, on the Manitoulin Island, Nancy, wife of Chas. Spreeman, of New Dundee, Waterloo County, Ont., aged 46 years, 7 months and 22 days. She leaves a husband and eleven children to mourn. May the Lord console and comfort them. On the 27th June she started in company with her brother, Levi Bock, for Manitoulin Island, to visit her friends, and while on the Steamer between Wiarton and the Island, she was prostrated by a stroke of Paralysis, and had recovered a little and thought she would get well again and said that she was ready and willing to go or stay if it pleased the Lord to take her, that she was satisfied. Her whole trust was in the Lord. She improved in strength, but could not move her left arm nor left leg but her foot a little. She could rest well until the morning of the 27th of July, when she was taken with pains, and the Dr. said that her heart was affected, and that there was not much hope. She was a great sufferer for two days and nearly two nights. She could speak whenever the pains ceased a few minutes. Only a few minutes before she died she asked whether Jesus was with her and she looked up and said, Yes. The word "Jesus" seemed to cheer her. She died in great peace. Funeral services conducted by Mr. Johnston, Presbyterian Student, who delivered a very appropriate address. Text, Rev. 14: 13.

    Gospel Banner, 15 Aug 1891

    Children:
    1. John Spreeman was born 1862, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Jan 1943, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Pine Hills Cemetery, Scarborough, York, Ontario, Canada.
    2. Matilda Spreeman was born 1864, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Mar 1895; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Isaac Spreeman was born 18 Feb 1866, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 7 Dec 1959, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada; was buried , Didsbury Cemetery, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada.
    4. 1. Nancy Spreeman was born 1868, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1950; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Simon Spreeman was born 24 Sep 1869, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 May 1942, North Bay, Nipissing District, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilhelm Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Samuel Spreeman was born 7 Sep 1871, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Mar 1874; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. Aaron Spreeman was born 26 Feb 1874, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Jun 1918, North Battleford, , Saskatchewan, Canada.
    8. Elizabeth Mary "Lizzie" Spreeman was born 7 Jun 1876, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1956, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 8 Aug 1956, Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    9. Margaret Spreeman was born 21 Aug 1878, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Apr 1961, Paris, Brant County, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Paris Cemetery, Paris, Brant Co., Ontario.
    10. Carl Speeman was born 23 Sep 1880, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Sep 1880, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    11. Allan Spreeman was born 17 Apr 1882, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Jun 1975, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada; was buried , Didsbury Cemetery, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada.
    12. Corporal Levi Spreeman was born 12 Feb 1885, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Sep 1970, Vancouver, , British Columbia, Canada; was buried , Hazelwood Cemetery, Abbotsford, , British Columbia, Canada.
    13. Menno Speeman was born 29 Apr 1887, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Feb 1891, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Friedrich Wilhelm Ferdinand "Frederick" Spreeman was born 19 Jul 1809, Sellin (Rutznow) Kries Griefenberg Pommern Germany; died 27 Apr 1886, Sister Bay, Door, Wisconsin, United States; was buried , Little Sister Cemetery, Sister Bay, Door, Wisconsin, United States.

    Other Events:

    • FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21641713
    • Name: Fred Spreeman
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-215103
    • Immigration: 1856, Quebec City, , Quebec, Canada
    • Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
    • Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ng

    Friedrich — Margaretha Sophia Dorothea "Dorothy" Krohn. Margaretha was born 23 Feb 1803, Nienhusen, , Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; died 28 Nov 1880, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Margaretha Sophia Dorothea "Dorothy" Krohn was born 23 Feb 1803, Nienhusen, , Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; died 28 Nov 1880, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Dorothy Krohn
    • Name: Margaretha Sophia Dorothea "Dorothy" Spreeman
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-215104
    • Immigration: 1856, Quebec City, , Quebec, Canada
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

    Children:
    1. 2. Carl Friedrich Erdmann "Charles" Speeman was born 31 Aug 1838, Sellin (Rutznow) Kries Griefenberg Pommern Germany; died 25 Nov 1924, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , St. John's Norway Cemetery, Toronto, York, Ontario.
    2. Dorothea Luise Wilmelmine "Minnie" Spreeman was born 31 Jul 1845, Sellin (Rutznow) Kries Griefenberg Pommern Germany; died 12 Feb 1895, Ellison Bay, Door, Wisconsin, United States; was buried , Ellison Bay Cemetery, Ellison Bay, Door, Wisconsin, United States.

  3. 6.  Levi Bock was born 20 May 1815, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (son of Jacob Bock and Catharine Shupe); died 19 Nov 1880, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00012-1131
    • Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
    • 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:

    Levi Bock, "was born May 20th, 1815, and died November 19th, 1880. He was married to Rachel Rosenberger and resided on his father's homestead where he was engaged in farming. To them were born twelve children, namely: IV Nancy (dead), IV Isaac, IV Elizabeth, IV Aaron, IV Catharine, IV Gideon, IV Jacob (dead), IV Magdalena, IV Margaret (dead), IV Levi, IV Barbara, and IV Hannah (dead)."


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

    Levi married Rachel Rosenberger 3 Sep 1844, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Rachel (daughter of John Rosenberger and Margaret Pannebecker) was born 16 Jun 1828, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Dec 1908, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Rachel Rosenberger was born 16 Jun 1828, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada (daughter of John Rosenberger and Margaret Pannebecker); died 29 Dec 1908, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Rachel Bock
    • Eby ID Number: 00095-5347
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
    • Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Notes:

    Rachel Rosenberger, "was born June 16th, 1828. She was married to Levi Bock. They resided near New Dundee, Ontario, where he died, leaving 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.].
    ________________

    Bock
    - Sister Rachel Bock (nee Rosenberger) was born June 16, 1828, and died at Dundee, Ont., Dec. 29, 1908, aged 80 y. 6 m. 13 d. Her husband, the late Levi Bock, preceded her to the sprit world over 28 years ago. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom seven, three sons and four daughters, survive. Although she was partly helpless during the last five or six years of her life, owing to partial paralysis of her lower limbs, yet she seemed to be contented and happy in her trust in the Lord, and she fell gently asleep, to awake, as we hope, in His likeness. The interment took place in the Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, on which occasion Pre. Peifer preached in German from John 17: 24, and Bro. N. Stauffer in English from Psa. 16: 11, to a well filled house


    Gospel Herald - Vol. I, No. 45 - February 6, 1909, page 719

    Children:
    1. 3. Nancy Bock was born CALC 7 Dec 1844, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Jul 1891, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mindemoya Cemetery, Mindemoya, Mantioulin Island, , Ontario.
    2. Isaac Bock was born 18 Jul 1846, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Nov 1903; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Aaron Bock was born 1847, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    4. Dr. Aaron R. Bock was born 17 Aug 1848, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Hannah Bock was born 29 Nov 1853, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Dec 1854; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. Gideon Bock was born 10 Aug 1854, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Dec 1919, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , New Dundee Union Cemetery, New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. Catharine Bock was born 1 Jul 1856, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Jan 1947, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    8. Jacob Bock was born 27 Jul 1856, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 27 Oct 1861; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    9. Margaret Bock was born 1858, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Nov 1883; was buried , Mannheim Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    10. Elizabeth Bock was born 26 Aug 1862, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Aug 1932, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    11. Magdalena "Lena" Bock was born 12 Jul 1864, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Jan 1929, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    12. Levi Bock was born 17 Jul 1868, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    13. Barbara Bock was born 31 May 1870, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1960; was buried , Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 4

  1. 12.  Jacob BockJacob Bock was born 18 Feb 1789, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania (son of Mary Reichert, son of Frederick Bock and Mary Reichert); died 18 Mar 1867, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Land: Wilmot Township - Block A Concession 4 Lot 09, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Military: War of 1812
    • Eby ID Number: 00012-1130
    • Birth: 18 Feb 1798
    • Land: 1816, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 118, Waterloo County, Ontario
    • Public Service: 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Assessor - Waterloo Township
    • Public Service: 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk - Waterloo Township
    • Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 118, Waterloo County, Ontario
    • Public Service: 1843, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Assessor - Wilmot Township
    • Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; potter
    • Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Retired Farmer
    • Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Notes:

    Jacob Bock, "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 18th, 1798. He came to Canada when a mere lad and made his home with his uncle, Christian Reichart, who resided at Freeport, Ontario. He was married to Catharine daughter of old John and Elizabeth (Diefenbacher) Shupe. She was born March 29th 1798, and died May 2nd, 1869. He died March 18th 1867. The resided near New Dundee, Ontario, on the farm now possessed by Mr. David E. Bergey. 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.].

    _________________________________

    On the 18th of March, in Wilmot Township, Waterloo Co., C.W., JACOB BOCK, aged 78 years and one month. He leaves a widow and ten children to mourn their loss. Funeral sermons were preached by the brethren George Smith and Moses Bowman. He was a Deacon in the Mennonite Church for 24 years. L.B.

    HERALD OF TRUTH - Volume IV, Number 5 - May 1867 - Page 78


    ____________________________________


    Jacob Bock's Will:

    The last will and testament of Jacob Bock the Elder of the Township of Wilmot in the County of Waterloo, in the Province of Upper Canada. I Jacob Bock considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being yet of sound mind and memory thanks be to God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament in the following manner and form.

    First, I will that my funeral expenses and other lawful debts shall as soon as may be paid by hereinafter named Executor out of my Estate. I will that after my death my beloved wife Katharine shall have and own and possess all the household furniture together with all and singular the effects commodities and income from the farm on which we now live and every property that I may be in possession of at my death the same to have and to hold for her own use and benefit as long as she shall live.

    I Will that after her death all the household furniture and all her private property shall he appraised and sold by my after named executor to the best advantage either public or private as to him shall seem most fit and proper. I also will that my daughter Magdalena shall have the sum of One Hundred Dollars and the privilege of taking any article at the appraisment for her own use, all this over and above her lawful share.

    I Will that one year after the demise of myself and wife my Estate shall be settled and a division made among all my children so they all receive ever equal and alike, and concerning the legacy in my favor from my Brother John's Estate in the State of Pennsylvania when that becomes due and is collected then I Will that that also be divided even equal and alike, and lastly that Wendle Hallman of the Township of Wilmot in the County of Waterloo and Province of Upper Canada be constituted and appointed the Executor of this my last will and Testament and he is hereby enpowered to collect debts grant receipts and to do my thing and everything that may be required in settling up the Estate, revoking all former wills heretofore by me made.

    In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.

    Signed, Jacob Bock

    Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said Jacob Bock as his last will and testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed their names.
    Signed, John Hallman; Jacob Bock, Junior.

    Filed for recording, October 27 A.D. 1876. A true copy taken from the original Nov. 16, 1876. A. A. Skinner, Register.
    (Source: Will Book, Vol H., Page

    ________________________________



    JACOB BOCK (1789-1867): WATERLOO COUNTY'S FIRST POTTER by Michael Bird

    Dr. Bird, an associate professor of Religious Studies at Renison College, University of Waterloo, has made an extensive study of Germanic folk arts and crafts in Ontario and is the author of a number of books and articles dealing with the subject.

    The tradition of village craftsmanship was particularly strong throughout the 19th century in Waterloo County, supported by the German settlers and their descendants who patronized local cabinetmakers, blacksmiths, weavers and potters. Of special interest is a Mennonite craftsman who produced redware pottery in the 1820s, making him the earliest known potter of Waterloo County, and one of the earliest in Upper Canada.

    During the early waves of emigration from Pennsylvania to Waterloo Township, numerous talented craftsmen brought with them the necessary skills required by a fledgling community along the Grand River. Among these early settlers appears the name of Jacob Bock, a Pennsylvania-German Mennonite whose family made the trek from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to Canada in the early 1800s. According to the account of local historian Ezra E. Eby, Jacob Bock came to Canada when a mere lad and made his home with his uncle, Christian Reichert, who resided at Freeport, Ontario.(Footnote 1) Married to Catharine Shupe (1798-1869), he lived in the Freeport area until eventually moving a few miles further to the west, where he took up farming near New Dundee, settling on the farm later owned by David E. Bergey.

    Throughout his life, Jacob Bock was to serve the local community in various capacities, including both civic and religious functions. In 1823 he was appointed township clerk, a task he performed until 1827, when the position was filled by David Clemens. (Footnote 2) Bock returned to these duties in later years. In a letter written in 1844 to his brothers John and David, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, Jacob narrates the following interesting story:

    I myself have now been confined for two weeks with a sore foot. I had for two years to travel our township regularly to take the assessment, and this year on the 8th of March, when on my return home after taking my route, my horse fell with me and bruised my right foot in such a manner that after riding about a mile my foot swelled so that I had to cut the boot to get it off. (Footnote 3)

    In addition to his services as township clerk, Jacob Bock accepted, somewhat reluctantly, the township position of superintendent of Common Schools, which he described as a very critical, harassing, difficult, unprofitable and like-wise responsible business, and an imposed task which ...I still expect to get through with credit to myself and without incurring any penalty. (Footnote 4)

    That Jacob Bock was a man of strong religious character is attested by family recollection and by notes preserved by descendants, (Footnote 5) and by the fact he was ordained the first deacon in the Blenheim Mennonite Church, assuming that position in 1841. (Footnote 6) He served in this capacity until his death in 1867, when he was succeeded by John Cressman. (Footnote 7)

    On the basis of known signed and dated pieces, it appears that the pottery-making career of Jacob Bock was brief and of modest proportion. The positively identifiable crocks from his hand were made within a few short years. Most were made in a single year, 1825, between the dates of January 4 and September 17. One jar is dated 1822, making it possibly the earliest known surviving example of Ontario redware pottery. That pottery-making was a short-lived activity is suggested in the remark by descendants, pottery-making must have been a sideline for him; he was really a farmer first and foremost. (Footnote 8)

    Pottery examples attributable to Jacob Bock are few in number, but include several unusual straight-sided earthenware jars with applied decoration in the form of faces and a figure labelled S. Ambrosius. From these pieces it is apparent that he employed a mould with which he was able to fashion identical details. Made of dark earthenware, these jars are finished with transparent glaze. They do not possess the dramatic mottling or spatter technique used by many Germanic potters in Ontario, although the interiors are finished with a black speckling similar to that used by later Waterloo County potters such as William K. Eby (1831-1910) of Conestogo.

    The choice of design motifs on the Bock earthenware jars suggests the possibility that he was familiar with comparatively sophisticated European press-moulded ceramics. Such applied figurative details are to be seen also on stoneware pottery. It is not inconceivable that he had seen a single piece from which he adapted general design arrangements used in his own work. The figure of St. Ambrosius, known traditionally as patron saint of bees, is imprinted four times on some jars, while on the September 17, 1825 example it appears twice. Some jars have a small number of applied faces, while the September 17 jar has this detail applied in 46 places around the exterior of the piece! In contrast to much simple utilitarian earthenware of Ontario's Germanic settlements, the pieces made by Jacob Bock present an almost formal appearance, an effect to be achieved again at a much later date by Germanic potters in Huron County who produced urns and flowerpots with applied sprigs and floral embellishments. While Jacob Bock made a very small number of jars during a brief period for localized use, these later potters manufactured a large quantity of decorated earthenware over a lengthy period for comparatively wide distribution.

    Two other pre-1830 pottery examples found in Waterloo County are of somewhat less certain attribution. One is a simple storage jar with the date 1820 inscribed on the bottom, found in Preston (Cambridge). Another is a redware barrel, inscribed Waterloo 1827. The signature on this piece, if by the same hand, suggests a production of at least five years. If by another hand, it raises the intriguing possibility of two potters at work in Waterloo Township at an extremely early date.

    Although the pottery-making career of Jacob Bock was of short duration, it is interesting that he apparently continued to think of himself as a craftsman until late in life. Indeed, in the 1851 Ontario Census there appears a last descriptive entry: Jacob Bock potter retired craftsman. (Footnote 9)

    FOOTNOTES
    1. Ezra E. Eby, A Biographical History of Early Settlers and Their Descendants in Waterloo Township (Kitchener: reprinted by Eldon D. Weber, 1971), p. 69.
    2. Waterloo Historical Society, vol. 16 (1928), p. 39.
    3. Waterloo Historical Society, vol. 50 (1962), p. 93.
    4. Ibid., p. 93.
    5. Much helpful information was generously provided to the writer by Evelyn Blundell, Mildred Lehman and other descendants in
    conversations in August and September, 1980.
    6. Cf. L. J. Burkholder, A Brief History of the Mennonites in Ontario (Toronto, 1935), p. 280.
    7. Ibid., p. 64.
    8. Cameron Bock of New Dundee made this observation in conversations with the author in January, 1980, indicating that it was a generally-held view among family descendants.
    9. Recorded in 1851 Ontario Census Returns, District 2, Wilmot Township, Waterloo County, p. 69.
    (Source: Waterloo Historical Society, Volume 20, 1982)

    ________________

    "... On the 18th day of June, 1812, President Madison declared war against England. This placed the Pennsylvania people in a very trying position and as they could not be induced to take up arms, they were pressed into service as teamsters and were obliged to furnish their own horses. Ox-teams were employed when no horses were to be had. Those who were required to serve in this capacity were Christian Schneider Jr., Peter Erb, Joseph Eby, Samuel Eschelman, Benjamin Springer, Frederick Herner, Jacob Bock, Henry Pannebecker, John Scheirich, Henry Wismer, John Biehn, Adam Shupe and Wildfong.

    In January, 1813, General Proctor defeated the Americans near Detroit, capturing General Wilkinson with 500 men. In September General Harrison having been joined by a fierce body of riflemen from Kentucky, advanced towards Detroit in such force that General Proctor crossed the Detroit River and retreated up the Thames. On being followed by the American Army of 3500 men, he made a stand at Moraviantown with 800 British and 500 Indians under Tecumseh. This warrior was killed, and Proctor retreated in great confusion to Burlington Heights in order to join the Niagara Army. A number of the Waterloo people were up at the battle on the Thames. These Waterloo boys acting as teamsters had taken shelter in a swamp near by while the battle was being fought. An officer of the British army, seeing that all was lost, gave them warning, said 'Boys, all is lost, clear out and make the best you can,' upon which some ran, while others unhitched their horses and rode off for their lives. Christian Schneider Jr., who carried the money-safe on his wagon, cleared out on his horses, leaving the wagon with all its contents behind. In this defeat old Adam Shupe was taken prisoner by the Americans. He was taken before General Harrison who, perceiving his innocent and harmless appearance, dismissed him and granted him permission to return to his Canadian home. He lost both his horses and wagon. Christian Schneider was away the greater part of the summer. On his first trip he had a two-horse team. After being home a few weeks he had to go again, this time with a four-horse team. During this war which lasted a little more than two years, quite a number of small battles were fought in the Niagara Peninsula and in the vicinity of Detroit. Quite a few of these Pennsylvania Dutch boys were pressed to serve as teamsters and exposed to all manner of danger, but strange to say, not one lost his life through the war.

    On the 24th of December, 1814, peace was made between England and the United States, leaving each in exactly the same position as they had been before the war. After peace was restored the government of Canada fully compensated those teamsters for their losses during the war and for their valuable services. Christian Schneider Jr. was paid $5.00 a day for the time he served with a two-horse team, and $8.00 per day for a four-horse team, besides they were paid for horses and wagons that were lost during the time they served the government."


    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 — Catharine Shupe. Catharine (daughter of John Shupe and Elizabeth Diefenbach) was born 29 Mar 1798, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 2 May 1869, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 5 May 1869, Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  2. 13.  Catharine Shupe was born 29 Mar 1798, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania (daughter of John Shupe and Elizabeth Diefenbach); died 2 May 1869, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 5 May 1869, Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Catharine Bock
    • Eby ID Number: 00095-5353.3

    Notes:

    On Sunday, the 2d of May, in Wilmot Township, Waterloo County, Ontario, Widow Catharine Bock, aged 71 years, 2 months and 4 days. Her maiden name was Schupp. She was sick about eight days, during which time she suffered much; not withstanding she said: "My Savior suffered much more and was entirely innocent." She was much concerned about the Salvation of her Children, and admonished them to live peaceably together, and finally she said she had committed them to the care of the Lord, and desired to meet them all in heaven. She was buried on the 5th at Blenheim M. House. The funeral services were conducted by John Baer, Jacob Hallmann, Enoch Detweiler and George Smith.


    Herald of Truth - Volume VI, Number 12 - December 1869 - pages 190 & 191

    Children:
    1. 6. Levi Bock was born 20 May 1815, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Nov 1880, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    2. John Bock was born 24 Sep 1816, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Oct 1892, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    3. Mary Bock was born 1 May 1818, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Jul 1900, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. Elizabeth Bock was born 25 Oct 1819, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Oct 1851, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Catharine Bock was born 15 Feb 1821, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Nov 1897, Near, Berne, Huron Co., Michigan; was buried , Bay Port Union Cemetery, Bay Port, Huron, Michigan, USA.
    6. Magdalena Bock was born 4 Aug 1822, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Aug 1876, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    7. David Bock was born 19 Feb 1824, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Jan 1903, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 24 Jan 1903, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    8. Rebecca Bock was born 6 Sep 1825, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    9. Jacob Bock was born 2 Apr 1828, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown; was buried , Port Elgin Cemetery, Port Elgin, Bruce Co., Ontario.
    10. Benjamin Bock was born 7 May 1830, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Mar 1911, Carnarvon Township, Manitoulin Island, Algoma District, Ontario; was buried , Providence Bay Cemetery, Providence, Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin District, Ontario.
    11. Gideon Bock was born 18 May 1832, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Jun 1849, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    12. Samuel Bock was born 11 Aug 1834, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Feb 1840, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    13. Frederick Bock was born 19 Apr 1836, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 9 Aug 1836, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    14. Ezra Bock was born 23 Jun 1837, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Jun 1837, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    15. Susannah Bock was born 11 May 1840, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Nov 1924, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 5 Nov 1924, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 14.  John Rosenberger was born 1797, , Pennsylvania, USA (son of Benjamin Rosenberger and Elizabeth Biehn); died 1863, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: 00095-5335
    • Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; laborer
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Notes:

    John Rosenberger, "son of Benjamin Rosenberger was born 1797 and died in 1863. He was married to Margaret, daughter of Cornelius Pannebecker. She was born October 12th, 1805, and died March 28th, 1880. They resided on his father's place a little north of Preston. Both died in Preston. They 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.].

    John married Margaret Pannebecker 1822. Margaret (daughter of Cornelius Pannebecker and Anna Detweiler) was born 12 Oct 1805, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 28 Mar 1880, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  4. 15.  Margaret Pannebecker was born 12 Oct 1805, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania (daughter of Cornelius Pannebecker and Anna Detweiler); died 28 Mar 1880, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Margaret Rosenberger
    • Eby ID Number: 00087-5118
    • Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

    Notes:

    Margaret Pannebecker, "was born October 12th, 1805, and died March 28th, 1880. She was married, in 1822, to John Rosenberger and resided north of Preston. To them were born 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.].

    Children:
    1. Magdalena Rosenberger was born 23 Jun 1823, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Jan 1857, Near New Dundee, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    2. Joseph Rosenberger was born 25 Jan 1825, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 10 Apr 1893, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Sarah Rosenberger was born 23 Aug 1826, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died CA 1826.
    4. 7. Rachel Rosenberger was born 16 Jun 1828, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 29 Dec 1908, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario.
    5. Nancy Rosenberger was born 4 Jun 1830, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died IN INFANCY.
    6. Elizabeth "Betsy" Rosenberger was born 23 Jul 1832, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 May 1922, Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan, USA.
    7. Cyrus Rosenberger, I was born 18 Nov 1834, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died IN INFANCY.
    8. Cyrus Rosenberger, II was born 26 Feb 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died IN INFANCY.
    9. Mary Rosenberger was born 8 Dec 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died IN INFANCY.
    10. John Rosenberger was born 24 Mar 1843, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 Jan 1903; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    11. Annie Rosenberger was born 18 Nov 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died IN INFANCY.
    12. George Rosenberger was born 29 Apr 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died IN INFANCY.