Notes |
- CONTRARY TO THE DEATH DATE ON THE GRAVESTONE, THE 2 OBITUARIES BELOW AGREE THAT JACOB DIED ON MONDAY NOV. 1, 1915. HIS BIRTHDATE ON THE GRAVESTONE MAY ALSO BE INCORRECT.
Gospel Herald - Volume VIII, Number 36 - December 2, 1915 - Page 590, 591 Betzner. - Bro. Jacob B. Betzner was born Sept. 5, 1818, in one of the early settlements of Waterloo Co., Ont.; died at the home of his son, Bro. Aaron Betzner, in Berlin, Ont., Nov. 1, 1915; aged 97 y. 1 m. 26 d. Death was due to the infirmities of old age. On April 15, 1842, he was married to Magdalena Scheirick. This union was blessed with four children, all of whom are yet living. She died in 1849. On Sept. 28, 1851, he was married to Maria Bretz, which union was blessed with 6 children, all living except one. His second wife died in 1899. He leaves a posterity of 10 children, 9 of whom are living; 45 grandchildren, 42 whom are living; 53 great-grandchildren, of whom 7 died, and also 2 great-great-grandchildren. Bro. Betzner was a member of the Mennonite Church from his youth. The funeral was held on Nov. 3. Services at the house by Bro. Isaish Wismer and at the Cressman Mennonite Church at Breslau by Bro. Jonas Snider. (Text, Dan. 12:13) and Bro. Isiah Wismer. (Text, Job 19:25). Interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Obituary - Berlin Daily Telegraph, November 2, 1915
Oldest Berlin Citizen is Dead
Jacob B. Betzner Passes Away on Monday in His 98th Year
Was Born Near Doon
Berlin's oldest citizen, Mr. Jacob B. Betzner, passed peacefully away on Monday afternoon at the advanced age of 97 years, 1 month and 26 days. The decease enjoyed good health almost until the end. Two months ago he became quite feeble but his mind was clear up to about two weeks ago when the infirmities of old age weakened his constitution until the Grim Reaper summoned him.
The late Jacob B. Betzner was one of the pioneer native-born residents of Waterloo County. He was the youngest child of John and Mary (Bechtel) Betzner, and was born September 5, 1818, on the first settlement in Waterloo township, east of Doon, now known as the old Betzner Homestead. He began farming when a young man on the Springbank farm, near Breslau, now owned by Mr. A. C. Hallman. He later moved to Port Elgin where he purchased the flour mills of that village which he operated for a number of years. He sold those mills and then bought the New Dundee mills which he run several years. He retired later and moved back to Breslau. Since the death of his second wife he has been living with his children in Berlin and vicinity.
On April 15th, 1842, he was married to Magdalena Scheirich, and the union was blessed with four children, viz: Mary (Mrs. Benj. Stauffer), High River, Alta.; Barbara (Mrs. (Rev) Noah Stauffer), Waterloo; John, Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Isaac, New Hamburg. After her decease in 1849, the late Mr. Betzner married Maria Bretz and the union was blessed with six children, viz: Mrs. Aaron Cressman, Vineland, Ont.; Aaron, Berlin; Moses, on the Breslau Road; Samuel, Yukon Territory; Mrs. Eph. S. Cressman, Berlin. The youngest child, Mrs. Ozias Snyder, died at Breslau in 1893.
The late Mr. Betzner was industrious and successful in his various undertakings, whether as a farmer or a miller. He was of a retiring disposition, but has always been held in the highest esteem by all his acquaintances. During years of his retirement he kept himself informed regarding the events that were announced from time to time. He was particularly interested in the automobile enterprise and greatly enjoyed rides throughout the country. He was a Mennonite in religion and a Liberal in politics.
The funeral will take place from the residence of his son, Aaron Betzner, 148 Weber Street E., Berlin on Wednesday, Nov. 3rd at 1:30 p.m., to the Breslau Mennonite Church for service and internment.
|