Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.
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Rev. Elias Snider[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Male 1815 - 1890  (74 years)


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  • Name Elias Snider 
    Prefix Rev. 
    Historic Building Abt 1812  172 King St. S., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [6] 
    Erb Kumpf House 
    • The original portion of the Erb-Kumpf House was built around 1812 by Abraham Erb, the founder of Waterloo, making it one of Waterloo's oldest homes. It was a three-bay structure facing a mill situated near the south-west corner of King and Erb Streets.
      Abraham Erb came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1806 and settled on Lots 14 and 15 of the German Company Tract, land which now comprises the central business district of Waterloo. He established a sawmill on Beaver (Laurel) Creek in 1808 and a grist mill in 1816. In 1828, he sold his mills and a considerable quantity of land to Jacob C. Snider.
      Magdalene Erb sold the home to Barnabas Devitt, her adopted son, in 1835. His son Benjamin served as Mayor of Waterloo from 1881 to 1883.
      An addition to the house was probably built by Devitt in 1849. A slight hump in the roof on the north side indicates the location at which it joins the original structure. The application of a vertical board and clapboard which does not align is further evidence that it was added at a later date. The second addition, probably built by Hoffman around 1855, included the two-storey verandah at the front.

      Elias Snider acquired the home and later sold it to Christian Kumpf in 1869. Kumpf was a newspaper owner, Mayor of Waterloo from 1879-1880, as well as Postmaster for 42 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Dominion Life Assurance Company in 1889. His son Ford, who became affectionately known as "Mr. Waterloo", was born in the home in 1877 and assumed ownership in 1899. One of the community's most public-spirited citizens, he served as Treasurer of Waterloo and Clerk/Manager of the Water and Light Commission. He was President of the Waterloo Red Cross Society and The Dominion Life Assurance Company.
      At present, the house demonstrates a mixture of architectural styles. Among its Georgian characteristics is the six-over-six window pane arrangement. The facade, with its two wings, treillage, Gothic barge board and Doric columns, reflects the Regency influence.
      In 1979, the home was sold to a law firm which has maintained the integrity of the exterior. A third addition in keeping with the style of the building has since been constructed.1a

      1aDesignated Properties www. waterloo.ca
    Born 3 Sep 1815  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14] 
    Gender Male 
    Occupation 1835  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [15] 
    miller 
    Historic Building 1849  36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Dr. Voelker House 
    • Constructed by Barnabus Devitt in 1849 and sold to Elias Snider in 1851.
    Elected Office 1850  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    coucillor - Waterloo Township 
    FindAGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26087558 
    Interesting pioneer, story, religion 
    Land Waterloo Township - Bechtel Tract, Waterloo Township, Waterloo County, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Land Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 007, Waterloo County, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Land Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 012, Waterloo County, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Name Elias Schneider 
    Occupation 1852  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [16] 
    miller 
    Occupation 1861  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [13] 
    Farmer 
    Residence 1861  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [13] 
    Mennonite 
    Occupation 1871  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [14] 
    Farmer 
    Residence 1871  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [14] 
    Mennonite 
    Occupation 1874  Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Minister 
    • 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).1a

      1aAmbrose, 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]
    Residence German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Residence 1881  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [11] 
    Mennonite 
    Eby ID Number 00106-5819 
    Died 24 Apr 1890  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8, 9, 12] 
    Buried Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [17] 
    Person ID I6008  Generations
    Last Modified 12 May 2025 

    Father Jacob C. Snider,   b. 19 Feb 1791, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 19 Jun 1865, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 74 years) 
    Mother Elizabeth Cressman,   b. 10 Jun 1791, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 12 Jan 1879, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 87 years) 
    Married 21 Jul 1812  [7] 
    Family ID F325  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Hannah Bingeman,   b. 1 Aug 1815, , Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Dec 1893  (Age 78 years) 
    Married 10 Nov 1835  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8, 9, 15] 
    Children 
     1. Elizabeth Snider,   b. 29 Nov 1836, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 28 Jan 1893, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 56 years)
     2. Mary Snider,   b. 7 Apr 1838, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 21 Oct 1913, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 75 years)
     3. Israel B. Snider,   b. 17 Aug 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 24 Apr 1911, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 71 years)
     4. Isaac B. Snider,   b. 13 Jan 1841, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 13 Mar 1921, German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 80 years)
     5. Elias Weber Bingeman Snider, MPP,   b. 19 Jun 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 Oct 1921  (Age 79 years)
     6. Mayor William Snider,   b. 26 Oct 1845, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Mar 1915  (Age 69 years)
     7. John Snider,   b. 24 Dec 1848, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 Feb 1930  (Age 81 years)
     8. Deputy Reeve Tilman B. Snider,   b. 9 Dec 1850, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Oct 1937, Spencer, Clay, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 86 years)
     9. Jacob B. Snider,   b. 10 Jan 1853, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 May 1936, German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 83 years)
     10. Amos B. Snider,   b. 19 Apr 1855, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 4 May 1945, Ocheyedan, Osceola, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 90 years)
     11. Hannah Snider,   b. 23 Apr 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 16 Dec 1942, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 85 years)
     12. Rev. Jonas B. Snider,   b. 2 Oct 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Sep 1944, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 85 years)
    Last Modified 13 May 2025 
    Family ID F1844  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Rev. Elias Snider "was born September 3rd, 1815. In his boyhood days he took great interest in his father's business. By the time he was twenty-one years of age he was not only a practical miller but also a thorough business man. In 1851 he purchased from the late Barnabas Devitt the large farm containing 310 acres of land, for Ð1500 and in 1853 he purchased the large grist mills now in possession of Wm. Snider & Co., together with 320 acres of land for Ð3500 In 1854 be again sold the large real estate in the town of Waterloo and purchased the "Musselman Farm" about one mile north of Waterloo, to which place he then moved. In 1860 he purchased the German Mills together with 669 acres of land. The same year he, in company with Samuel S. Schneider, regained possession of the Waterloo Mills and continued in business until 1879 when they sold out to the present proprietors. Mr. Snider now retired from business. On November 10th 1835, he was married to Hannah, daughter of John and Hannah (Bergey) Bingeman. She was born August 1st 1815, and died December 23rd, 1893. In 1874 Mr. Snider was ordained to the ministry of the Mennonite body which position he held until his death which took place April 24th, 1890. His family consisted 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.].

      _______________________

      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

      ____________

      SNIDER.-In Waterloo township, Waterloo county, Ontario, on the 24th of April, Pre. Elias Snider, aged 74 years, 7 months and 21 days. Buried on the 27th at Martin's church, Waterloo township, where a very large concourse of relatives and friends had gathered, and on which occasion Paul Martin and Bish. Abraham Martin spoke from Psalm 126: 5, 6: and Luke 2: 29,30.

      Herald of Truth pages, Vol. XXVII, Number 10, May 15, 1890, p. 157 and 158

      ______________

      ELIAS SNIDER'S DEATH.

      A Pioneer of Waterloo County Goes to His Reward.

      WATERLOO, Ont., April 24. One of the patriarchs of Waterloo county, Elias Snider, passed away to-day about noon in his seventy-fifth year at his residence just north of the Waterloo town boundary. Mr. Snider, about three weeks ago, was driving homeward in his covered buggy when it was overturned by a railway train coming from behind. Mr. Snider was injured about the head in such a way as to cause his death as stated.

      He was a man of much enterprise in his active years, having until a few years ago owned and operated the Snider mill in the town of Waterloo, and his sons have been for years amongst the most successful and extensive millers in Western Ontario. His son William has been warden of Waterloo county and mayor of the town. His son T. B. Snider has been reeve of Waterloo township, and his son E. W. B. Snider, of North Waterloo, is the representative in the Ontario legislature. It is a coincidence that a sister of the deceased, Mrs. Samuel Snider, also a resident of this town, is to be buried to-morrow, having proceeded him only one day.

      The Hamilton Spectator, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Fri, Apr 25, 1890 Page 7

  • Sources 
    1. [S3] Book - Vol I 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..., 477.

    2. [S3] Book - Vol I 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..., 123.

    3. [S10] Book - Vol II 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..., 42.

    4. [S3] Book - Vol I 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..., 868.

    5. [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 018426-04.
      Isaac Snider, 63, Occ. Yeoman, b. Waterloo, Res. German Mills, Widower, son of Elias and Hannah married Magdalena Pfohl, 45, b. Waterloo Twp, Res. New Dundee, Widow, daughter of Henry and Mary Staddelberger, Witn Sarah H. Sherk and Mary E.S. Becker Both of Berlin, 23 March 1904 in Berlin.

    6. [S873] Waterloo City - designated properties list, Bean-Wright House.

    7. [S3] Book - Vol I 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..., 267.

    8. [S3] Book - Vol I 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..., 268.

    9. [S16] Bible - Genealogical Information in the Bibles of the Waterloo Historical Society, Elias Schneider and Hannah Bingeman Family Bible.

    10. [S131] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1851, Div 3 Pg 17.
      Elias SNIDER Miller Canada MN 37 M
      Hannah SNIDER wife Pennsylvania MN 37 F
      Elisabeth SNIDER daughter Canada F. MN 16 F
      Mary SNIDER daughter Canada F. MN 14 F
      Israel SNIDER son Canada F. MN 13 M
      Isaac SNIDER son Canada F. MN 12 M
      Elias SNIDER son Canada F. MN 10 M
      William SNIDER son Canada F. MN 7 M
      John SNIDER son Canada F. MN 4 M
      Dillman SNIDER son Canada F. MN 2 M

    11. [S224] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1881, Div 2 Page 21.

    12. [S32] News - Herald of Truth, May 15, 1890 - Obituary of Elias Snider.

    13. [S1943] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1861, Div. 10 Page 79.

    14. [S168] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1871, Div. 3, Pg. 32.

    15. [S9] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Canada Museum und Allgemeine Zeitung (1835-1840), 12 Nov 1835:12.
      last Tuesday Rev B. Eby m. Elias Schneider (son of Jacob Schneider, miller) to Hannah Bingeman, both of Waterloo.

    16. [S131] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1851, Div 3 Pg 17.

    17. [S64] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo City - Martin's Mennonite CC#4521 Internet Link.

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsHistoric Building - Erb Kumpf House - Abt 1812 - 172 King St. S., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 3 Sep 1815 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - miller - 1835 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarried - 10 Nov 1835 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsHistoric Building - Dr. Voelker House - 1849 - 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsElected Office - coucillor - Waterloo Township - 1850 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsLand - - Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 007, Waterloo County, Ontario Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsLand - - Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 012, Waterloo County, Ontario Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - miller - 1852 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Farmer - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Mennonite - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Farmer - 1871 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Mennonite - 1871 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Minister - 1874 - Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, Ontario Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - - German Mills (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Mennonite - 1881 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 24 Apr 1890 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - - Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 


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