David K. Jantzi and Lavina B. Kuepfer Jantzi family fonds

Title: David K. Jantzi and Lavina B. Kuepfer Jantzi family fonds

Dates of creation: 1895 - [198-]; predominantly 1942-1943

Physical Description: 25 cm of textual records

Biographical Sketch: David K. Jantzi (Feb. 21, 1916-Oct. 1994) was the seventh child of Solomon S. Jantzi (1873-1965) and Sarah Kuepfer (1882-1950), an Amish couple in the Milverton, Ontario area. On  Nov. 7, 1940 he married Lavina B. Kuepfer (1920- ), daughter of Ezra Z. Kuepfer (1892- ) and Lydia Bender Kuepfer (1889-1966); they had six children.

From 1942-1943, David served as a conscientious objector in Alternative Service camps in British Columbia. He was a cabinet maker by vocation. On September 7, 1958 he was ordained as a minister in the Ontario Amish Mennonite Conference. He served the Riverdale Mennonite Church until his retirement in 1982.

Custodial history: Some of the 1942-1943 letters were donated by David and Lavina Jantzi's daughter Miriam Jantzi Bauman about 1990. The rest of the fonds were donated by David and Lavina's son Alvin Jantzi in 2000. Before the 2000 accrual, this fonds was titled "David K. Jantzi (s.c.)."

Scope and Content: The fonds predominantly consists of letters between David Jantzi, his wife Lavina, and other family and friends during his time in Alternative Service. It also contains some letters to the couple's parents from various relatives and friends, a journal kept by David Jantzi on his trip to British Columbia in 1942, and writings of David Jantzi in his capacity as pastor. Also includes a book of home remedies owned by Lydia (Bender) Kuepfer.

Note: Original archival description created by Laureen Harder-Gissing

File list:

Series 1. Correspondence

1. Letters to Solomon S. Jantzi and Sara K. Jantzi,
   1895-1986, 1898, 1900, 1908, 1937, 1944, 1950, 1961
2. Postcards to Lydia Bender 1907, 1912
3. Letters to David K. Jantzi and Lavina B. Kuepfer Jantzi,
   19--, 1935,1942-1943

Series 2. Writings

1. Journal of David K. Jantzi, 1942
2. Editorials in The Milverton Sun by David K. Jantzi, [196-] - [198-]
3. Sermons of David K. Jantzi
   Book I
   Book II
   Book III
   Tabernacle Study

Series 3. Miscellaneous

1. Collected tracts
   Note: The following was transferred to the CGUC library: Hoffart und Demuth : einlander gegebanuber gestellt / by J. M. Brenneman. -- Elkhart, Ind. : John F. Funk, 1867
2. High school diploma of David K. Jantzi, 1930
3. Dr. Chase’s third, last and complete receipt book and household physician, or, Practical knowledge for the people ... Memorial ed. / by A. W. Chase. -Windsor, Ont. : F.B. Dickerson, 1899. 
   Note: Label on book reads "Manual used by Lydia (Bender) Jantzi at P[f]effers circa 1916." The book was probably owned by Lydia (Bender) Kuepfer. Includes annotations and newspaper clippings.