Witmer, Joseph (1812-1896)

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:

1. A holograph meeting calendar for Waterloo County Tunkers, 1888-1889.
2. A promotional broadside for Revival Meetings at the "Zion Church, near Martin's School" in Ocotber 1888 (probably Evangelical Association)
3. A typescript birthday poem by J. W. Hoilborn of Starthcona, Alberta, for his mother, 29 January 1902
4. "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.
5. "All is Well" an undated poem attributed to John A. Cornell by J. Harold Sherk.
6. 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.

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