Classification scheme:
Hist.Mss.2.72
Title: Joseph Witmer collection
Note: This item is located in the oversize map cabinet.
Dates of creation: 1825-1902
Biographical sketch: Joseph Witmer (11 July 1812-5 November 1896) married Susannah Groh (9 October 1817-30 January 1849) on 22 December 1834. They had five children. After her death he married Catharine Sherk (1 April 1826- ) ; they also had five children. They farmed near Hespeler (Cambridge) for many years. Their home was a meetingplace for the Tunkers (Brethren in Christ). The Bible remains in private hands, but items found in the Bible of historical significance were given for historical preservation.
Custodial history: Donated by J. Harold Sherk in December 2008.
Scope and content: The fonds consists of five loose items from the Joseph Witmer Bible, plus a page of explanation provided by the donor, J. Harold Sherk.
Note: Original archival description created by Sam Steiner.
File list:
- A holograph meeting calendar for Waterloo County Tunkers, 1888-1889.
- A promotional broadside for Revival Meetings at the "Zion Church, near Martin's School" in Ocotber 1888 (probably Evangelical Association)
- A typescript birthday poem by J. W. Hoilborn of Starthcona, Alberta, for his mother, 29 January 1902
- "A Poem on the Life and Death of Elizabeth Shoop" [Shupe] by John A. Cornell, 1825. She was a Tunker who lived near Freeport. The poem is evidence of the relationship of John Cornell to the Tunkers.
- "All is Well" an undated poem attributed to John A. Cornell by J. Harold Sherk.
- Accompanying note by J. Harold Sherk, reproduced here as Notes by J. Harold Sherk on items found in the Joseph Witmer Bible in pdf format.