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Mark Brynn Chronicle Staff When the Sherks get together, they really... Calling all Shuts. you have a family manly»: to, attend, The thought of a family reunion may seem ho-hum to many, but not the Sherks. Jane Sherk of Waterloo describes it more as an event than a reunion. "There should be between 500 and 1,000 people attending. It is very interestil g to meet people you share The massive reunion is to be held July 1 at the Sherkston Community Center near Ft. Erie. The Niagara Peninsula was the first place settled in by the Sherks in the late 17005 and the name is still a very prominent one in the region. _ irual; With and" cdmphre their roots to your own." said Sherk. The rich history of the Sherk family in North America began in 1727 after Joseph Sherk migrated to Pennsylvania from Switzerland to escape religious persecution. Like many early settlers, the Sherks had large families. Thus, the name Sherk became a we0-known one throughout Pennsylvania. Eventually land became hard to come by in Pennsylvania and many of the Sherks moved North to Canada. Although the majority set- tled in the Niagara area. Joseph Sherk and Samuel [leaner pushed on to present day Waterloo county and settled in 1799. When word spread that the area around the Grand River was good farmland many Pennsylvanians USED ORGAN JAMIBOREE SATURDAY JUNE 23rd PRICES FROM '299'0 s,s,/,,t,,,e,,t,,,fj, KEYBOARDS Gila; in": [mmmm 885-2940 made the journey north. Despite being excellent farmland, settle- ment in Waterloo almost came to an abrupt end in me because Richard Beasley, who had sold the land to these settlers, was in financial difrieuities and could not give clear The Mennonite settlers were faced with the task of raising t20,000 or losing their 80,000 acres. Sam Bricker and Joseph Sherk returned to Pennsylvania for financial aid from family members. They were successful and returned with the money and many new settlers. Among those accompanying them back were Eby. Erb and Brubaeher. all prominent names in the develop- ment of Waterloo. Although family history has always been important to the Sherks, Jane Sherk said much of the credit must go to Thomas A. Sheri: of New York who did extensive research and traced the roots back to Switzerland. He is also respons- ible for the family newsletter ta small book). The reunion in July should attract family members from all over North America as well as 20 Sherlts from Switzerland. Since there are five branches in the Sherk family. members will he given different color ribbons to show which line they are descendants of. Some Sherks. including Jane Sherk‘s twins Darren and Jeremy. will wear more than one color. Her twins will each wear three. VS}; the next time you are asked. what's in a name you'" know. so Univonity Ammo. Rut Jan- shows on two of the latest member: of the Shout clan, Jeremy (bit) and Darren. They'll all be attending a huge family reunion July 1. an m M Epur Lttcat mum" 105; 136mm 108:8AWY 104 Bath 8. Kitchen World "atuetttttr,t+oo8RtfbAWt0 c-rote-tues-tat-tee-tr-tt Como and no our showroom batons: 0 (Domain! Spas and Whinpools trom Acmotm o Bookemunn Kitchens and Bathroom Fumiture o The complete line ot Kohle! Sir-ks. ”follow and about; 0 Shows trom Willis-Suppw Fixtures G American Stands“! and Craoe . Exclusive "alien Fboor and w.» The o A unique line ot cotodul Faucoh. Manon and Accomios . We SpochMiae in Bathroom and Kitchen 'umodlog o A Compute Doom Service with Free who!” Your local mm tor m uses 2 Locations: o PASSENGER o TRUCK o FARM TIRES Sales a. Setvice Call OI Vial!