Sadie May Cressman

Other Events:

• Name: Sadie May Steckley
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2166.3
• Residence: 1921, 82 Samuel St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Steckly. - Sister Sadie Cressman, beloved wife of Bro. Joe J. Steckly of near Carstairs, Alta., died on Oct. 11, 1925. She was born near Kitchener, Ont., on July 30, 1887. She leaves a sorrowing husband and three children (Irene, Lyle and Merl), also a mother, sister, and two brothers, in Kitchener, Ont. She had cancer but on taking treatment in Linden, Ont., hope was held out for her recovery. She came home just about six weeks before her death happy to be in her home. Sister Sadie was of a cheerful and loving disposition, so is greatly missed by her many friends. She was patient in her suffering and expressed her longing to depart and be where there is no more pain. The funeral was held on Oct. 16, Bro. N. B. Stauffer of Aldersyde preaching an impressive sermon. Bro. N. R. Weber and the home minister, Bro. H. J. Harder, assisted. Sadie was laid away to await the call of her Lord, in the cemetery near the church where she was used to worship.

Gospel Herald - Vol. XVIII, No. 39 - December 24, 1925, page 799.

Sadie — Joseph Steckley. Joseph was born 29 May 1892, near, Seward, Seward, Nebraska, USA; died 26 Dec 1978, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Eileen Steckley was born 1916, , Alberta, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
2. Lyal Steckley was born 1919, , Alberta, Canada.
3. Joseph Lyal "Lyal" Steckly was born 28 Mar 1920; died 2005; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
4. Clifford Mearl "Mearl" Steckly was born 3 Mar 1924, , Alberta, Canada; died 24 Jul 2018, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00028-2166

Notes:

Levi Cressman, "the third and youngest son of Abraham and Susannah (Schneider) Cressman, was born October 1st, 1858. On March 11th, 1884, he was married to Leah Schmidt who was born April 10th, 1859. They resided in Blenheim Township, near Washington, where he died September 14th, 1894. The widow now resides with her sister, Mrs. Jacob Erb, near Waterloo. Their family consisted 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.].

_____________


Cressman.-On Sept. 14th, 1894, in Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Bro. Levi Cressman. He was born October 1st, 1858, and was aged 35 yrs., 11 mo., 14 d. He died of typhoid fever and pneumonia. A sorrowing widow and five small children are left, who mourn not as those who have no hope. He was buried in the Blenheim Mennonite cemetery on Sunday, September 16th, followed to his last resting place by a large number of people. Funeral services were conducted at the house by Bro. S. Gehman and at the church by Bro. J. Nahrgang in German, from Matt. 24: 44, and by Bro. I. A. Wambold in English, from Isa. 38: 1.


Herald of Truth , Vol. XXXI, No. 20, October 15, 1894 - pp. 318, 319

Levi married Leah Schmitt 11 Mar 1884, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Leah (daughter of Schmidt and Catherine, daughter of John Becker Schmitt and Elizabeth Hallman) was born 10 Apr 1859, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Oct 1928, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Leah Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00048-3553.4
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1921, 82 Samuel St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Name: Abram Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2163

Notes:

Abraham S. Cressman, "the fifth son of Abraham and Mary (Schneider) Cressman, was born November 27th, 1826. On April 18th, 1852, he was married to Susannah, daughter of Christian and Anna (Cressman) Schneider. She was born April 17, 1829, and died April 3rd, 1875. On January 21st, 1877, he was married to Mary, daughter of Henry and Mary (Cressman) Wismer. She was born January 21st, 1831. Mr. Cressman resides in Blenheim Township, Oxford County, near Washington P. O., where he followed farming for a number of years but now lives retired. To him and his first wife were born three 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.].

Abraham married Susannah Schneider 18 Apr 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Susannah (daughter of Christian C. Snyder and Anna Cressman) was born 17 Apr 1829, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Dec 1875; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6067
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202006541
• Misfortune: killed by street car
• Name: Johannes Schmitt
• Name: John Becker Schmidt
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5802
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1873, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

John Schmidt, "was born June 30th, 1835. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Hallman, and after her decease to Magdalena, daughter of John Hallman. The first union was blessed with eight children, three of whom are dead, and with the second wife there were five children. In 1893 he sold his farm in Wilmot Township and purchased the old homestead of the late Isaac Eby, two miles east of Berlin."

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

_____________


JURY FINDS JOHN SCHMIDT'S DEATH WAS ACCIDENTAL

Did Not Find P. & B. Street Railway Negligent, But Make Recommendations. Proceedings of Inquest.

"We the jury empanelled to enquire into the cause of death of John B. Schmidt found dead about one mile east of Berlin along the line of the Preston and Berlin Railway about 15 p. m. on Friday, March 17th. 1911, finds as follows:

That, the death of John B. Schmidt was accidental.

"We the jury strongly recommend that the whistle be blown one hundred yards before farmers crossings if a team is seen to be going in the same direction and also that the Express car should be provided with a whistle to prevent such accident."

After an hour's deliberation the jury empanelled to enquire into the death of John B. Schmidt, returned the above verdict on Monday afternoon. The inquest was held in the police court chamber, commencing at two o'clock. Coroner Dr J. F. Honsberger presided and Mr. Ward H. Bowlby conducted the examination of witness for the Crown and Mr. Secord of Galt appeared for the Preston and Berlin street railway. The chamber was crowded with friends of the deceased, comprising chiefly the farmers of the district. Twelve witnesses were examined, the most important ones being Mrs. Schmidt conductor Morrison, motorman Burrows and Lester Weaver, a passenger on the car when the accident occurred.

The following constituted the coroner's jury Wendell E. Shantz, foreman, David Shuh, Wm. Adler, Henry Wagner, C. Thoman, John C Shantz, Daniel E. Shantz, Titus Shantz, Menno Shantz, Moses B. Shantz, Wm Nottgraves, and Victor Meyer.

According to the evidence submitted John Schmidt apparently met death without any realization of danger, He had turned to cross the tracks to enter This home, unaware of the approaching danger.

The substance of the evidence is as follows:

Addison Sniider was the first witness He lived in the vicinity and was out to the barn when the accident happened. He did not hear a whistle when the car came down the grade. Did not know the deceased to be deaf.

Mrs. Schmidt, wife of deceased was at the window. She saw her husband turn in toward the house: was crossing the tracks when she heard the car whistle and the next instant the car struck the buggy. Witness left the house. The horse had run away. Body was dragged along the track. Did not know who brought him into the house. Witness had heard only one whistle. Sometimes she heard the car whistle on the hill. Her husband was in good health when she left for Berlin. He was in good health when she left for Berlin. He was only slightly deaf when he contracted a cold. Did not have a cold at the time.


W Manx was at Addison Snider's barn when the accident occurred. Witness saw Schmidt driving along and heard the car whistle before it reached the Schmidt crossing. Heard crash after the whistle Did not hear the whistle on the hill and did not see the crash. The body was picked up 200 feet from where the car struck the buggy. Witness judged the car to be going 20 to 25 miles an hour.

Albert Thomassing corroberated Addison Snider's evidence.

Chas Ahrens was a passenger on the car. Witness saw buggy on the road going in the direction of the car. Was not certain he heard whistle on the hill. Whistled just before it struck the buggy. Thought motorman had done all be could Schmidt turned about 75 feet from the car Whistle sounded a couple of times. Car struck buggy. Body was lying 150 feet from where car struck it and car stopped another 150 feet further down the road. Thought the railway was not to blame. Motorman had applied brakes when the horse turned. Witness did not think car was going 25 miles an hour. Thought car was going slowly. Car jarred when whistle sounded. Motorman had done everything to stop the car and warn the deceased Schmidt evidently did not see the car coming. Sides were attached to the buggy.

Mr. Louis Lang, another passenger did not see the buggy or the collision He felt the jar of the brakes. Car was not going at unusual speed.

Miss M. Weaver, of German mills another passenger, next testified. She did not hear of any whistle, and did not see the man drive across the track.

J. M. Schneider, a passenger, did not remember, did not hear the whistle on the hill. Heard the whistle when he saw the buggy turn in. Expected accident but thought car would strike horse. Car was not going at excessive speed. Could not suggest by what. way motorman could have avoided accident. Schmidt had not looked out of buggy Motorman had done everything to avoid accident.


Lester Weaver, of Hespeler, a passenger, gave important evidence. At the top of grade he heard three whistles. He felt the appliance of the brake on the grade. Had seen the buggy but did not expect it to turn in A distance of 25 yards from the car the horse turned quickly. There were no side curtains on the buggy. He saw car strike. Thought the car to be going slowly.


To Mr. Secord witness said. Schmidt could have seen car had he looked out. Witness heard whistle when team turned. Car was going at twelve to fifteen miles an hour. Witness could not suggest anything by which the accident could have been prevented. Conductor Morrison testified that

on the top of hill, the signal sounded as usual four times, two long whistles and two short ones at a distance of 600 feet from the German Mills road. Car was not going very fast. Had often gone faster. Witness did not see buggy. His first intimation of trouble was the application of brakes and reversing of car. between the German Mills road and the Schmidt house. There was nothing to stop car quicker than reversing the brakes. It took 200 feet to stop the car and the rate of speed they were going, due largely to the dampness of the rails on that day. Car had skidded. Under favorable conditions and on the level it would take 150 feet to stop a car, witness stated. Car was going at 13 to 15 mile rate.

Wm. Burrows, the motorman, had applied the brakes, reversed the car and sounded the signal when he saw horse turn at a distance of 75 to 80 feet in front of car. He had sounded signal at top of hill. Car had stopped 400 feet from where it struck buggy.

"I done everything I knew of to prevent the accident and I do not think the railway was at fault." said the witness. Deceased had not looked out of buggy and evidently did not know car was coming.

Mr. Kirkwood, of Preston. an employe [sic] of the railroad, gave testimony relating to rules of the company. Car was travelling on company's right-of-way. There was not speed limit outside of towns.

This concluded the evidence at 4.15 o'clock.

Coroner Honsberger, in summing up the case, said the circumstances surrounding Schmidt's death were positively sad. He reviewed the evidence and told the Jury it was their business to decide whether there was any negligence on the part of the street railway company.

The chamber was then vacated with the exception of the Jury who returned a verdict about an hour later.

Berlin News Record 21 Mar 1911

John — Elizabeth Hallman. Elizabeth (daughter of Joseph B. Hallman and Susanna Clemmer) was born 28 Feb 1836, , Ontario, Canada; died 30 Sep 1868, , Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00048-3553

Notes:

Elizabeth Hallman, "was born February 28th, 1836. She was married to John Schmidt, a farmer. They resided in Michigan where she died, leaving a family"

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

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202659390
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2107
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Biehn's Tract Unnumbered Lots Doon, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Bechtel Tract, Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Abraham Cressman, "was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Decenber 13th, 1789. In 1806, when in his seventeenth year, he came to Canada. On June 21st, 1814, he was married to Mary, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Erb) Schneider. She was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, June 9th, 1794, and died near Strasburg, Waterloo County, Ontario, May 19th, 1864. He died December 29th, 1871. To them was born a family of twelve children".

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


On the 29th of December, in Waterloo county, Ontario, Abraham Cressman, aged 82 years and 16 days. His remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of friends and relatives on the 31st to Eby's burying-ground. He was a beloved brother in the Mennonite church.

Herald of Truth - Volume IX, Number 2 - February 1872, page 29, 30

Abraham married Mary Schneider 21 Jun 1814, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Christian Schneider and Elizabeth Erb) was born 9 Jun 1794, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania; died 19 May 1864, Near Strasburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202659056
• Name: Maria Schneider
• Name: Mary Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00106-5974

Notes:

Mary Schneider, "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, June 9th, 1794. She was married, in Waterloo County, June 21st, 1814, to Abraham Cressman and died near Strasburg, Ontario, in 1864."

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

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26517103
• Name: Christian C. Schneider
• Eby ID Number: 00106-6058
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 115W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Christian Schneider, "was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, May 28th, 1804. When two years of age his parents moved to Canada and settled in Doon, Ontario, where he was raised. On December 5th, 1825, he was married to Anna (No. 2104), daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman. She was born June 18th, 1803, and died July 12th 1887. Shortly after their marriage they moved about a mile south of Breslau where he was the proprietor of the large farm now in possession of his youngest son, Absalom. he is the only one of his father's large family that is still living, and is yet quite strong considering his great age. His mental powers are good yet and he seems to enjoy the best of health but is anxiously waiting for the time to be called home to the mansions beyond. Since the decease of his wife he resides in his own house on the old place, having a housekeeper. His family consisted 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.].

Christian married Anna Cressman 5 Dec 1825. Anna (daughter of John Cressman and Anna Schowalter) was born 18 Jun 1803, , Chester Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Jul 1887, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Breslau Mennonite Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Snyder
• Name: Annie Cressman
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2104
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image
• Residence: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mennonist
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Anna Cressman, "the fifth and youngest daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman, was born June 18th, 1803. She was married to Christian Schneider, December 5th, 1825. He was born May 28th, 1804, and is still living on the old farm, near Breslau, with his son, Absalom. She died July 12th, 1887. To them was born 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.].

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41212942
• Eby ID Number: 00104-5799
• Ordained: 12 Apr 1840
• 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; Minister
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Rev. George R. Schmidt "son of John and Catharine (Riehl) Schmidt, was born in Muhlhausen, Alsace, November 23rd, 1809, and died September 12th, 1882. His death was caused by the upsetting of his buggy, at the railway crossing a little east of Baden, from which he received injuries proving fatal a few hours after its happening. He had an older brother named John and a sister named Catharine. His parents suffered greatly during the wars of Napoleon I and again during the year 1817 when there was almost a total failure of crops in Europe and America, thus causing great scarcity of food for both man and beast. During these trials the father died. His death took place August, 1817. In 1819 the mother was married again to Jacob Linhart. After the old homestead which the father had erected was sold, the parents moved to a place called Bischols, some miles distant from their former home. The second union was blessed with four children, named Jacob, Margaret, Christian and Maria. On March 6th, 1828, they left the old country and emigrated to America and arrived at Buffalo, New York on May 6th of the same year. From Buffalo they came to Canada where the father rented a farm. The two sons, John and George, worked among the neighbors to earn money to assist their step-father. In January, 1829, these two sons with but 50 cents in their pockets, made a journey on foot over 100 miles. They came to Waterloo (their parents resided in Welland County, not very far from Buffalo) where John engaged himself to Jacob Schneider (farmer and miller at Waterloo) for one year and George engaged himself to Joseph Goldschmitt of Baden for 3 months at the rate of $8.00 per month. He worked on the saw mills situated where now the Baden woollen mills are. After being in the county for several months he returned home with his and his brother John's wages. This money was given to their parents. In October, 1829, he returned to Waterloo and engaged himself to Rev. Benjamin Eby for one year at the rate of $10.00 per month. Later on he and his brother John purchased lots Nos. 12 and 13, in the township of Wilmot, consisting of four hundred acres, of which they gave one hundred acres to their father. George was engaged in clearing land for various parties at the rate of $10.00 per acre. In August, 1831, he returned home where he was married on the 14th day of the same month to Salome Becker. After his marriage he again came to Waterloo and finished the "chops" he had commenced the previous spring. In October he and his brother John who had been in the services of Jacob Schneider for several years, returned home, George to fetch his wife and John to get married to the woman of his choice, namely, Margaret Roth who resided in Buffalo. This marriage took place November, 1831. In 1832 they all returned to their farms in Wilmot Township where the mother died in July, 1851, aged 68 years. Catharine, the only sister of George and John Schmidt, was born March 25th, 1814, and was married December 25th, 1835, to Martin Anthes. She has a family of five children, of whom three are still living. John was born November 1st, 1806, and died March 12th, 1882. He had a family of twelve children, of whom seven are still living. George was ordained minister of the church of his choice, the Mennonite, April 12th, 1840. He was a true and faithful worker for His Master. Many an eloquent sermon did he preach and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. It proved a great loss to the church to lose such an active and able worker as he was, but let us hope that our earthly loss may prove to be his eternal gain. He was married to Salome Becker who was born February 28th, 1811, and died November 21st, 1887. They had a family of thirteen children"


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

_______________________


Died, on the 14th of September, near Baden, Waterloo Co., Ont., Pre. George R. Schmit, in the 73rd year of his age. He had been to the Post office to get his paper, and as he was ready to return, his horse became frightened by a passing train of cars, threw him out of the buggy against a fence, with such force that three of his ribs were broken, from the effect of which he died in about three hours. He was buried on the 17th, followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives. Services were held by M. Bowman at the house, and by J. Woolner, and Jacob Mensch (The latter from Montgomery Co., Pa.,) at the meeting house, from the text Heb. 13: 17. He leaves a sorrowing widow, four sons and five daughters to mourn his sudden departure.Bro. Smith was a zealous Christian, and an active laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. He was a man of forethought and decision of mind. When he preached, the gospel gave no uncertain sound. He was a bold, fearless speaker and one who carried his audience with him while at the same time his heart was filled with love toward all. He was one of these men who could not be driven about by every wind of doctrine, but amid all the overturnings and religious convulsions which characterized his day. Bro. Smith remained steadfast and faithful in his calling, and immoveable in his faith. In the death of Bro. Smith and Bro. Sherk, the church in Canada has lost two veterans in the cause of Christ, two pillars in the church, whose active and devoted labors will be long remembered. May their successors in their respective places, labor for the cause with the same devotion, the same zeal, and the church continue to prosper and be blessed.

Herald of Truth - Volume XIX, Number 21 - Nov 1, 1882 - p 333, 334

__________________________

Schmitt, George R. (1809-1882)

George R. Schmitt: minister and farmer; born in 1809 in Mulhausen, Alsace to Lutheran parents. In 1828 he came with his parents and at least one sibling to North America, first living in Welland County, Ontario. In August 1831 he married Salome Becker and they settled on a farm near what became Baden, Ontario. One of his grandchildren was Jacob B. "J.B." Smith , Bible scholar and first president of Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. George R. Schmitt died in an accident on 14 September 1882.
Although of Lutheran heritage, it is said that George Schmitt worked for a time as a farm laborer for Bishop Benjamin Eby, and then embraced the Mennonite faith. For some years he was a farmer and schoolteacher. He was ordained as the first minister for the Shantz Mennonite Church congregation near Baden on 12 April 1840 or in February 1847; the date is uncertain because of conflicting evidence.
George Schmitt was apparently a remarkable orator; one biographical sketch said "his clear ringing tones, with 'silver-tongue' effect could readily be heard by overflow audiences which frequently greeted his public ministry." Others also referred to him as a "forceful" preacher. Because of his oratorical gifts he often spoke in Amish and Lutheran congregations in the area. During the U.S. Civil War, George Schmitt, together with David Sherk, made preaching visits through Pennsylvania and Virginia; and later he made a similar tour through the Central States.
Schmitt died as the result of an accident when in town to fetch a newspaper at the Baden post office. His horses became frightened by a passing train, and threw him from his buggy against a fence. He died of his injuries within three hours.
George R. Schmitt's major service occurred at a time when pastoral activity was not well documented. Nonetheless he had a ministry that extended far beyond his local community. Several times he participated in ministerial delegations from Ontario that sought to bring peace to other parts of the Mennonite Church that were in conflict. This role indicates his ability, and the stature he had within the church's leadership.

Steiner, Sam. "Schmitt, George R. (1809-1882)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. January 2002. Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 14 Nov 2005

George married Salome "Sally" Becker 14 Aug 1831, Welland Co., Ontario. Salome was born 28 Feb 1811, , Alsace Lorraine, France; died 21 Nov 1887, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Shantz Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41213092
• Name: Salome "Sally" Schmitt
• Eby ID Number: 00127-7890.3
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

SCHMIDT.-On the 21st of Nov., in Wilmot Twp., Waterloo county, Ont., of infirmities of old age, Sister Salome, wife of the late Pre. George Schmidt, aged 76 years, 8 months and 21 days. Buried on the 24th at Shantz's Meeting-house. She was a beloved mother, a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the Mennonite church. Services were held from her own chosen text, Phil. 1: 21, by N. Stauffer and M. Bowman.

HERALD OF TRUTH , Vol. XXIV, Number 24, December 15, 1887 - pp 381, 382

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68832071
• Eby ID Number: 00048-3537
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Joseph Hallman
• Residence: 1865, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Joseph Hallman, "was born September 15th, 1808. In 1831 he was married to Susannah, daughter of Henry M. and Sarah (Bergey) Clemmer. She was born December 29th, 1810, and died February 15th, 1854. In 1856 he was again married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Clemmer. She was born October 29th, 1820, and died March 27th, 1860. In 1866 he was again married to Magdalena, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Eby. She was born December 12th, 1813, and died April 2nd, 1886. See No. 2371 and also Nos. 926 to 951. After Mr. Hallman's first marriage he moved to Manheim, on the farm now possessed by Peter Geiger, where he resided four years, then he moved on the farm now owned by Samuel Tohman, a little west of New Dundee, where they resided one year, then he moved to Blenheim Township, Oxford County, about one and a half miles south-west of New Dundee, where he still resides and is enjoying good health. His family consisted of fourteen children, all of whom, save the youngest, are of 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 — Susanna Clemmer. Susanna (daughter of Henry M. Clemmer and Sarah Bergey) was born 29 Dec 1810, Franconia Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; died 15 Feb 1854; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susanna Hallman
• Eby ID Number: 00024-1919
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone of Susannah Clemmer

Notes:

Susanna Clemmer, "was born December 29th, 1810. She was married to Joseph Hallman of Blenheim Township, Oxford County. For her descendants see Joseph Hallman's family."


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.].