Mary Ann Oberholtzer

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00086-5057.7
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68479343
• Eby ID Number: 00086-5057
• Residence: 1859, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Abraham Oberholtzer, "was born November 30th, 1834. He is married to Sarah Erb who was born December 16th, 1840. They reside on a farm on the east bank of the Grand River, a little above the village of Doon. Several years ago he was ordained a deacon for the Mennonite Church, a position he well and worthily represents. His family consists of six children".


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a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character.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

____________________________

Preston (Bechtel or Hagey) Mennonite Church

The second meeting house in Waterloo County was built, probably in 1814, by John Erb, a wealthy miller of Preston. This brick meeting house served as a community church and was located "near Jacob Hagey's", which was on the road running from the top of the Kress Hill west and "adjoining the Kitchener Highway" (Witmer 1967: 26). Another meeting house, known as the Union Meeting House, was built in the area around 1824. A meeting was held in the Union church on November 20, 1824 to commence recording the accounts of the congregation in Hagey's Deacon Book. The deed of land for the Union Meeting House and burial ground, which was for one acre of part Lot 22, Beasley's Broken Front, was transacted in 1835.
Hagey Meeting House was buiilt of red brick in 1842 on part Lot 23, just north of Preston on the west side of the Breslau Road, and slightly north of the Union Meeting House site. The deed, dated February 2, 1842, recorded the purchase of the land from John Hilborn and stressed that the property was to be for "the purpose of public worship by the Mennonist Society" (Witmer 1967: 28). Joseph Bechtel was the first minister in the area, from 1804-1837; he was followed by David Sherk (1838-1843). Next came Joseph Hagey (1844-1877), who was ordained bishop in 1851, and then Jacob B. Gingrich from 1878 to 1901. Services were held every four weeks until 1890 when bi-weekly services were begun. A Sunday School was established in 1842 with the congregation of Wanner Meeting House near Hespeler, but it was discontinued because of a difference of opinion regarding the need for Sunday Schools. On April 26, 1891 a Sunday School was organized at Hagey's, with deacon Abraham Oberholtzer as superintendent. Five years later, on June 10, 1896, a Sunday School was organized at the Wanner church.
Major changes were made to the church building in 1927-1928 when the basement was excavated, new windows were installed and the roof was raised two feet. Fire on January 15, 1950 caused extensive damage to the interior and furnishings of the church. The building was completely renovated and also enlarged at the same time; dedication was on July 2, 1950. Another fire, on Feburary 19, 1953, completely destroyed the church. A congregational decision was made to build a new church, on Concession Road in Preston, and the cornerstone was laid on Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 1953. Official dedication services in the new Preston Mennonite Church were held on May 16, 1954. The building was enlarged in the summer of 1989.

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

Abraham married Sarah Erb 15 Feb 1859, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Peter C. Erb and Mary Ann Clemens) was born 16 Dec 1840, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Jun 1909; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68479346
• Name: Sarah Oberholtzer
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2916
• Residence: 1859, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• 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
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Sarah Erb, "was born December 16th, 1840. She is married to Abraham Oberholtzer, a farmer. They reside near Freeport, on the old 'Bechtel Farm'. To them are born six children"


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

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00086-5044
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 035S, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1852, Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ontario; Minister
• 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; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Jacob M. Oberholtzer, "was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, March 30th, 1800. He came to Canada in 1826 and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario. On January, 9th, 1831, he was married to Hannah, daughter of Jacob and Salome (Graybill) Erb. She was born January 25th, 1813 and died November 12th, 1894. Soon after their marriage they moved two miles west of Berlin on their farm, then all forest, which was composed of part of lot No. 35, German Company's Tract. Here they resided some forty years, then he sold the farm and moved to Berlin where he and his aged wife spent the evening of their life in comfort and ease. When a young man he was ordained as a minister of the church of his choice, 'The Mennonite', which body he served faithfully unto his end. He died January 14th, 1879. His family consisted of fourteen 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

Occupation:
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).<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]

Jacob married Hannah Erb 9 Jan 1831. Hannah (daughter of Jacob Erb and Salome Graybill) was born 25 Jan 1813, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Nov 1894, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hannah Oberholtzer
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2860
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Hannah Erb, "the seventh daughter, was born January 25th, 1813. On January 9th, 1831, she was married to Rev. Jacob M. Oberholtzer who was born March 30th, 1800, and died January 14th, 1879. She died in Berlin, November 12th, 1894. To them was born a family of fourteen children, namely"


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: 00032-2911
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Peter C. Erb
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• 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; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Peter C. Erb, "the eldest in family, was born February 16th, 1810. On March 26th, 1832, he was married to Mary Ann Clemens who was born August 16th, 1816, and died March 26th, 1893. They resided on the farm now owned by Levi P. Snyder where he died February 26th, 1873. Their family consisted of nine children"


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

Peter married Mary Ann Clemens 26 Mar 1832. Mary (daughter of George Clemens and Esther Stauffer) was born 16 Aug 1816, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Mar 1893, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Ann Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00023-1742
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Mary Ann Clemens
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; her son Isaac's home
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Ann Clemens, "was born August 16th, 1816. She was married to Peter Erb, Jr. They resided a little north of Bridgeport, Ontario, where he died February 26, 1873. She had her home with her son Isaac where she died March 26th, 1893. To them were born nine children".


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

__________________________________


ERB - On the 26th of March, 1893, at the home of her son, Isaac, in Wilmot township, Waterloo Co., Ontario, sister Mary Ann Erb (nee Clemens), relict of the late Peter Erb, aged 76 years, 7 months and 10 days. The funeral services were held at the Blenheim Mennonite meeting house on the 28th, when Bro. Joseph Narhgang spoke in German from Rev. 14: 13, and Bro. Noah Stauffer in English from Psalm 39: 7. She was buried in C. Eby's cemetery, Berlin, on the 29th.


Herald of Truth , Vol. XXX, No. 9, May 1, 1893 - Page 149, 150, 151

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00086-5043

Notes:

John Oberholtzer, "(From Rev. Jacob Oberholtzer) was married to Susannah Moyer. They resided in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where they had a family of several children, three of whom settled in Canada"


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 — Susannah Moyer. Susannah was born Abt 1770, Of, Montgomery Co. Pennsylvania; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Susannah Oberholtzer
• Eby ID Number: 00086-5043.1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58525530
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2835
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 017, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 049, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 036, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 006, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 020, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 079, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Jacob Erb, "the fifth son of Christian and Maria (Scherch) Erb, was born in Warwick Township, Pennsylvania, January 25th, 1768. He was married to Salome Graybill who was born August 8th, 1778, and died May 6th, 1821. In 1806 they, in company with his brother Abraham and others, came to Canada and located on lot No. 17, German Company's Tract, a little to the west of Berlin. Here they resided until their deaths. He died March 20th, 1834, leaving 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.].

Jacob married Salome Graybill 22 Jun 1802, Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Salome was born 8 Aug 1778, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 6 May 1821, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58525520
• Name: Salome Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2835.1

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00032-2910
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 012W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 125S, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Daniel Erb, "the eldest son of Peter and Anna (Schãeffer) Erb, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 11th, 1784. He, in company with his brother Peter, Benjamin Eby, Joseph Schneider, and others, came to Canada in 1807 and settled a little north of Bridgeport, Ontario, on the plantation now owned by Dilman G. Moyer and Levi P. Snyder. He was married to Barbara, daughter of John and Anna (Schowalter) Cressman. She was born May 22nd, 1786, and died October 20th, 1831. He died June 21st, 1845. To them was born a family of nine children"

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

Daniel — Barbara Cressman. Barbara (daughter of John Cressman and Anna Schowalter) was born 22 May 1786, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 20 Oct 1831; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Barbara Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00028-2063
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Gravestone Image

Notes:

Barbara Cressman, "the second daughter, was born May 22nd, 1786. She was married to Daniel Erb who was born January 11th, 1784, and died June 21st, 1845. She died October 20th, 1831. To them were born nine children,"

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


Ezra Eby's book has her misidentified as Elizabeth in Tobias Yost's section.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00023-1730
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: George Clemens
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 08, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 09, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 01, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 1 Lot 02, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - Beasley's Lower Block Conc. 2 Lot 02, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

George Clemens, "younger son of George and Elizabeth (Carlisle) Clemens, was born in Pikeland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1777. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm and during the winter months he attended the public school and received such an education as the times afforded. It is well known that the facilities for obtaining a good common school education were at that time far inferior to what they now are. While visiting friends in Montgomery County during the winter of 1799 and 1800, Mr. Clemens was informed that numerous families intended to move either to the western part of the state or to Ohio, and even some were meditating of moving to Canada, the way-out-of-the-world country. No sooner was he in possession of this information than he hunted up such parties who were making preparations to move to Canada in order to receive all the information that could be obtained of this country at that time. Upon his return home he informed his father of what he had heard in regard to Canada. After listening to his son for some time, his father said: 'Well George, if all be true that you have heard in regard to Canada, it truly must be a good country to go to in order to seek one's fortune, but take my advice, first go and see the country for yourself.' During the winter of 1800-1 seven families of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, made arrangements for moving to Canada which company Mr. Clemens joined. He drove one of the teams (see Historical notes on pages 22, 23, and 24 in regard to Mr. Clemens)and in May, 1801, he arrived where now the village of Blair is situated. After making a thorough inspection of this country he found everything beyond his expectations and immediately selected his land on which he settled. This was about one mile east of Preston, near Speedsville, on the farm now owned by his grandson, Isaac B. Clemens. After having cleared several acres of his land he erected a small log house and commenced housekeeping. In course of time he found the words recorded in Genesis 2: 18 to be true, he therefore amended or improved his condition in life by taking to himself a wife in the person of Esther Stauffer who was born December 18th, 1790, and died August 17, 1836. After her decease he was married to (October 27th, 1840) Elizabeth, the widow of David Histand. She was a daughter of old George Bechtel and was born August 8th, 1792, and died July 21st, 1885. old Mr. George Clemens died August 10, 1863. To him and his first wife was born a family of eighteen children"

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

George — Esther Stauffer. Esther (daughter of Abraham Stauffer and Elizabeth Zug) was born 18 Sep 1790, Near Lititz, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; died 17 Aug 1836, Near Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Limerick-Cornell Cemetery, Waterloo Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Clemens
• Eby ID Number: 00117-7372
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Esther Stauffer

Notes:

Esther Stauffer, "was born September 18th, 1790. She was married to George Clemens. They resided near Preston where she died August 17th, 1836, leaving a numerous 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.].