Josiah B. Betzner

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00006-0929
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Storekeeper
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; bookkeeper - Piano Company
• Residence: 1901, 15 Church St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Book Keeper, Piano Factory
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1920, 14 Church St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Josiah B. Betzner "was born July 4th, 1857. He is married to Mary Pamelia Moyer. They reside in Berlin where he is engaged as book-keeper for The Berlin Piano & Organ Company. Their family consists 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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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.].

_____________________


Josiah Betzner

Josiah Betzner, 15 Church st., for many years identified as manager and accountant of the Haines Piano Company of Kitchener, passed away at the K-W hospital last night after an illness of only a few days duration. About four years ago the late Mr. Betzner was obliged to discontinue his duties at the offices of the Haines Piano company, when his health became endangered. Since his retirement from active business he had not suffered any serious illness until ten days ago when he contracted a cold. Deceased was born in St. Jacobs the son of the late David and Catharine Brubacher Betzner. In November of 1881 he was married to Mary Pamelia Moyer, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Moyer of Berlin, who survives him. The late Mr. Betzner started his business career as a bookkeeper for the late Shantz Button Company. After leaving this firm he was connected with the Haines Piano Company for 25 years. In addition to his widow, he is survived by two sons, Hugh, in Dallas, Texas, and Orvel, of New York City, and five daughters, Mrs. A. H. Holdsworth of Windsor, Mrs. H. W Shoemaker of this city, Mrs. Clayton Kraft of Kitchener, Mrs. Harry Forler of Peterborough and Jerene at home. Three brothers, Henry, David, and Eliab, all of Kitchener, also survive his death. Two brothers, John and Benjamin predeceased him. The funeral which will be private, will be held from his late residence, 15 Church st., on Sunday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock. Rev. H. F. Deller of Trinity United church will conduct the services. Internment will follow in the East End Mennonite cemetery. Please omit flowers.


Kitchener Daily Record, April 22, 1927

Residence:
Betzner Josiah : Bookkeeper Piano Co [Current Address 2023] 15 Church St [Historical Address] 9 Church

Josiah married Mary Pamelia Moyer Nov 1881. Mary (daughter of William S. Moyer and Maria "Mary" Erb) was born 20 May 1862, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Jun 1930, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Cora May Betzner was born 20 Sep 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1966; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Wanetta "Nettie" Betzner was born 1884, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1979; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
3. Irene Maud Betzner was born 28 Sep 1884, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
4. Dr. Hugh Lloyd Betzner was born 16 Sep 1886, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Apr 1972, Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA; was buried , Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dalls, Dallas, Texas.
5. Florence Ethel "Flossy" Betzner was born 1 Jul 1888, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 31 Aug 1982, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
6. Catharine Melvina "Katie" Betzner was born 22 Mar 1890, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Mar 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
7. Private Orval Victor Betzner was born 2 Feb 1892, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 Jan 1970, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
8. Myrtle Viola Betzner was born 15 Apr 1893, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Dec 1973, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
9. Jerene Hallie Betzner was born 28 Apr 1896, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 23 Mar 1994, Woodstock, Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00006-0927
• Occupation: 1833, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; 1837-1838
• Residence: 1855, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufactures, Wooden Ware
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

David Betzber "the eldest, was born November 14th, 1833. He is married to Catharine Brubacher. They used to follow farming but now live retired and reside in Berlin. Their family consists of six sons"

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


Aged Country Resident Dead

The death occurred at Kitchener on Monday of David Betzner, one of the oldest residents of that place. Had Mr. Betzner lived another three weeks he would have been 89 years old. He was born at Doon on Nov. 14, 1833. He is survived by two sons, David and Elias, both of Kitchener. The late Mr. Betzner's father, John Betzner, was one of the early pioneers of Waterloo County, and the latter's father. Samuel Betzner was the first settler in Waterloo County, leading the Mennonite trek to this part of the country.

New Hamburg Independent, October 27, 1922

________________

Betzner - David Betzner, Sr., was born Nov. 14, 1833; near Doon, Ont., died Oct. 24th at the home of his son, E. B. Betzner, Kitchener, Ont., aged 88 y. 11 m. 10 d. On April 3, 1855, he was married to Catherine Brubacher, who predeceased him eleven years. Besides his two brothers, Noah and Moses and one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder, Kitchener; one half-sister, Mrs. Levi Snyder of Didsbury, Alta., he is survived by four sons, Josiah, Henry, David and Eliab. Eighteen grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren also survive him. Funeral services were held Oct. 27 at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Pre. U. B. Weber of Kitchener, and Bishop S. F. Coffman of Vineland, Ont., officiating. Brother Betzner united with the Mennonite Church in early manhood. In his demise the Church at Kitchener loses one of its old members and the community an early pioneer, who was a grandson of the original settler of Waterloo County. E. B. Betzner.

Obituary - Gospel Herald, November 30, 1922

David married Catharine Brubacher 3 Apr 1855, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catharine (daughter of Deacon John E. Brubacher and Catharine Shirk) was born 5 Jul 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 Sep 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 29 Sep 1911, First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00018-1439
• Residence: 1855, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catharine Brubacher, "was born July 5th, 1838. On April 3rd, 1855, she was married to David Betzner. They reside in Berlin, Ontario. To them was born a family of six sons"


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

________________________


Mrs. David Betzner

Death came suddenly through heart failure Monday morning at 9 o'clock to one of Berlin's oldest residents in the person of Mrs. David Betzner, who resided with her son, Hy. B. Betzner on 62 Scott street.

The deceased was in her 74th years and spent most of her time in the County of Waterloo. She was widely known in Berlin and throughout the County and many homes will be saddened by the news of her death. She had been ailing for some time but of late had improved considerably and was able to attend to her duties when death overtook her.

The maiden name of the deceased was Catherine Brubacher. She is survived by her husband and five sons, John, Joseph, Henry and David in Berlin and Eliah of Ohio. Two sons predeceased her. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite church and a daughter of the late John Brubacher, being a family of 15 children of whom only two survive, namely Mrs. Moses Betzner, and Mrs. David Musselman, both of this town.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon when services will be held at the residence of her son Mr. H. B. Betzner, 62 Scott street, at 2 o'clock and thence to the east end Mennonite Church. Internment will take place in the East End cemetery.
Friends are requested to omit flowers.

Berlin Daily Telegraph, September 27, 1911

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.].

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:

• Historic Building: 437 Pioneer Tower Road, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: John Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0916
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 11, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Broken Front Lot 12, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

John Betzner, "the third son of Samuel and Maria (Detweiler) Betzner, was born May 7th, 1783. In 1804he was married to Mary, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Morris) Bechtel. She was born July 11th, 1782 and died September 22nd, 1843. After their marriage they moved on his father's farm opposite Doon where he died November 3rd, 1852. To them were born five 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:
The Betzner Farmstead, composed of a farmhouse, drive shed and cultural heritage landscape, is located at 437 Pioneer Tower Road, in the southeast end of the City of Kitchener. The two-storey farmhouse was designed in the Mennonite Georgian style by John Betzner, and the accessory drive shed was designed in the utilitarian and vernacular style typical of pioneer farmsteads. Both buildings were constructed in circa 1830.

Johannes married Mary Bechtel 6 Jul 1804. Mary (daughter of George Bechtel and Elizabeth Mary) was born 11 Jul 1782 OR 22 Jul 1782, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Sep 1847, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Doon Pioneer Tower Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Betzner
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0814

Notes:

Mary Bechtel "the eldest in the family, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, July 11th, 1782. She came to Canada when nineteen years of age and on July 6th, 1804, she was married to John, son of old Samuel Betzner. He was born May 7th, 1783, and died November 3rd, 1852. They resided on a farm opposite Doon. She died on September 22nd, 1843. They had a family of five 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.].

___________________________________


Sept 22, 1847, Maria Betzner, nee Bechtel, wife of Johann Betzner, Aged 65 y, 2 m.


Death Announcement - Deutsche Canadier, September 30, 1847

Other Events:

• Residence: Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2360
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 032, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Historical Event: 29 Aug 1839, Evangelical Association Church, Waterloo, Ontario; church founding
• Historic Building: 1842, 15 Fischer-Hallman Rd. N., Waterloo, Ontario
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

David Eby, "was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 23rd, 1785. The house in which he and the Rev. Benjamin Eby made arrangements in regard to the moving to Canada is still standing and occupied by a son of Henry E. Brubacher. On June 21st, 1807, David Eby, in company with Benjamin Eby and wife, Joseph Schneider and wife, Peter Erb and wife, Daniel Eby, Samuel Eby, Daniel Erb, and others arrived at George Eby's who resided on the farm now owned and occupied by Jacob B. Shantz, one-half mile south-east of Berlin. He made his home for a few months with Peter Erb for whom he cleared ten acres of forest. Peter Erb had settled on the west side of the Grand River, one mile north of Bridgeport. David Eby was always happy and merry, even while at his work clearing away the large trees of the dense forest he was either singing or whistling most of the time. On May 8th, 1810, he married Elizabeth Bechtel who was born March 5th, 1787, and died January 15th, 1844. They resided on lot No. 32, German Company's Tract, where he died April 1st, 1860. They raised a family of eleven 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.].

___________________________

Erb Street (David Eby) Mennonite Church

Early services which began around 1837 were held in private homes. Land at the corner of Erb Street and Hallman Road, where the present-day cemetery is located, was donated by David Eby Sr. on July 14, 1851; a red brick church known as David Eby's Church was built in the same year. The first minister in the new church was Jacob M. Oberholtzer who served from 1852 to 1874. He was followed by Elias Schneider (1874-1889), Jonas Snider (1892-1900), Newton Weber (1921-1923), and Noah Hunsberger (1923-1929).

Due to a difference of opinion in the David Eby congregation, Sunday School classes were held at first in a private home, that of Levi Groff, beginning in 1887. The dissension which resulted culminated in a division in the church in 1889; the minister, Elias Schneider, and the deacon, Menno S. Shantz, left the church and joined with the Old Order Mennonites of Woolwich Township. The following year, 1890, saw the commencement of "Edification Meetings", which were held in the homes of members of the David Eby congregation. These meetings later became the Young People's Bible Meetings.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, it was recognized that the church building was either in need of repair or in need of complete replacement. Consideration was given to building a new church on the same site or on a site on King Street North. A decision was made to accept from Samuel S. Snider the donation of a parcel of land which was also on Erb Street, but nearer town. Excavation of the foundation for the new church began in the Spring of 1902. A dedication service was held on August 17, 1902. A parsonage was built in 1929 on land donated by Herbert Snider, the son of Samuel Snider. The church building was renovated and enlarged in 1949-1950; a dedication service was held on April 9, 1950. Further renovations were made in 1974..


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

_________________________


In 1852 David lived with his son David.

Historical Event:
A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob , was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Ambrose, Rosemary. Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1993. [used the kind permission of Rosemary Ambrose 2011]

Historic Building:
Two story log house covered with clapboard was built in 1842. The logs were dressed down to 7" and by 1851 was covered in clapboard The date 1842 was carved into one of the second story logs. The house was on land in 1981 to be redeveloped and has probably been demolished.

David married Elizabeth Bechtel 8 May 1810. Elizabeth (daughter of Rev. Joseph Bechtel and Magdalena Allebach) was born 5 Mar 1787, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 15 Jan 1844; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Eby
• Residence: 168 Bechtel St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: 00007-0646

Notes:

Elizabeth Bechtel "the eldest in family, was born March 5th, 1787, and died January 15th, 1844. On May 8th, 1810, she was married to David Eby, who was born February 23rd, 1785, and died April 1st, 1860. They resided two miles west of the town of Waterloo where they both died. Their family consisted of eleven 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: 00018-1372

Notes:

Jacob Brubacher, "the fourth member of the last named family, was born June 11th, 1758. He, in 1781, was married to Susannah Erb who was born March 17th, 1762, and died January 22nd, 1844, aged 81 years, 10 months and 5 days. They commenced 'keeping house' on the old 'Brubacher homestead' in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They afterwards moved to Ephrata village, same county, to what is now called 'Keller's Mill', which they owned and also the farm adjoining it. Jacob Brubacher was a good farmer and a successful miller. During a trip on business to Philadelphia he contracted the yellow fever from which he died. His death occurred August 31st, 1793, aged 35 years, 2 months, and 20 days. His young widow devoted her time and energies nobly in the raising of her family of seven children. Two of the family, Maria, married to Benjamin Eby and John, the youngest of the family, moved to Canada, as also did Elias a son of Christian. In the year 1809 the widow, Susannah Brubacher, paid a visit to her daughter, Maria, who then resided in Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario. Here in Waterloo, Ontario, she met her parents, Christian and Maria (Scherch) Erb who had moved here but a short time previously. Her three brothers, Jacob, Abraham, and John, and four sisters, Elizabeth, Barbara, Anna, and Magdalena, were all married and had moved here during the years 1804-1807. In the year 1816 she paid her second visit to this part of the country. This time her youngest son, John, accompanied her. He was unmarried and was about 23 years of age. She remained here two years with her son, John, who started on his farm, lot No. 57, German Company's Tract. After his marriage she returned home to spend her remaining days in the service of her Lord more fully so that when the death summons should call her away she would be ready to meet her Lord in peace. It is related that on her last journey over the Alleghanies she noticed a large rattle snake lying on the middle of the road, she dismounted her pony and with a well-aimed blow she killed this dangerous serpent, thus proving to be a woman of courage. The names of Jacob and Susannah (Erb) Brubacher's children were Jacob, John, Henry, Christian, Mary, Susannah, and John. Of those who remained in Pennsylvania we shall give merely names of children but of those members of the above family who settled in Canada we shall give a full history."


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 Susannah Erb 1781. Susannah (daughter of Christian Erb and Maria Scherch) was born 17 Mar 1762, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Jan 1844. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Brubacher
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2778

Notes:

Susannah Erb, "daughter of Christian and Maria (Scherch) Erb, was born March 17th, 1762, and died January 22nd, 1844. In 1781 she was married to Jacob Brubacher who was born June 11th, 1758, and died of yellow fever, August 31st, 1793. After their marriage they moved on his father's homestead in Elizabeth (part of Warwick) Township, Lancaster County, where they had seven children, namely:... She remained a widow for upwards of fifty years and raised her family save John, the second of the children, who died of small-pox when a lad of nine years of age. Two of her children, Mary and John, moved to Canada. Mary was married to Bishop Benjamin Eby and came to Canada in 1807 (see family of Benjamin Eby). John was married to Catharine Sherk and came to Canada in 1816 (see family of John Brubacher). In 1809 the mother paid a visit to her daughter, Mary, and her brothers and sisters who had moved here a few years previously, besides her parents who had their home with old Christian Schneider. Here she remained until September of the same year when she returned to her family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In the year 1816 she paid her second visit to this part of the country. This time her youngest son, John, accompanied her. He was unmarried. She remained here two years with her son for whom she kept house when he commenced on his farm which was composed of lot No. 59, German Company's Tract. After his marriage she returned to the land of her fathers to spend her remaining days in serving her Lord more fully so that when the death summons should call her away, she would be ready to meet her Lord in peace. It is related that on her last journey across the Alleghany Mountains she noticed a large rattle snake lying in the middle of the road. She dismounted her pony and with a well aimed blow killed the dangerous serpent, thus proving herself to be a woman of courage."


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: 00018-1389.2

Joseph — Mary Betzner. Mary was born Abt 1768, Of, Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Sherk
• Eby ID Number: 00010-1389.3