Frank "The Bridgeport General" Groff

Other Events:

• Honoured: General Dr., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Honoured: General Dr., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; General Drive in Bridgeport/Kitchener is named after him
• Honoured: Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Grand Hotel "The General's Crossing"
• Name: Bridgeport General
• Residence: Corner of General Drive and Lancaster, Kitchener
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-134922

Notes:

GROFF, Frank (The Bridgeport General) -- At K-W Hospital, on Tuesday, January 10, 1978, Frank Groff of 559 Lancaster St, W., Kitchener, where he was born and had been a lifetime resident. In his youth he was a caddy at the Grand River Golf Club, and later worked McBrine Baggage Company, and for the past 26 years was an unpaid school crossing guard in Bridgeport. Son of the late Allan Groff and the former Gilda Saltzberry. Surviving are two brothers, Norman of Elmira and Kenneth of Vancouver B.C.; two sisters, Doris (Mrs. Stewart Adye-White) of Streetsville, and Mrs. Ruth Doepel of Kitchener. Friends may call at the Grihn Funeral Home, 178 Queen St. S., Kitchener, after noon today. Funeral and committal service at the funeral home on Friday at 2 p.m. Rev William Wilkinson of Emmanuel United Church, Bridgeport, and Canon E. Ralph Adye of Weston, officiating. Interment Bridgeport Cemetery.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 11 Jan 1978

Honoured:
Oak St., Kitchener renamed General Drive in his honour.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00044-3359
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farm Laborer
• Occupation: 1905, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1921, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Odd Jobs
• Residence: 1921, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Allan Groff, "was born November 14th, 1869. He is at home on the farm, assisting in doing the various labors connected with farm life. He is not married."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

Allan — Gilda Ann Saltzberry. Gilda (daughter of Lovina Saltzberry) was born 30 Aug 1876, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1966; was buried , Saint Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/93192329
• Name: Gilda Ann Groff
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-296977
• Residence: 1921, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200268672
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3351
• Residence: 1848, Dumfries Township, Gore District, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Retired: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Andrew H. Groff, "was born near Galt, Ontario, July 26th, 1825. On May 30th, 1848, he was married to Mary Baumann who was born September 22nd, 1830. They reside on a beautiful farm about a mile north of the town of Waterloo. To them was born a family of nine children

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_________________________

In 1901 Andrew was living with his daughter Lydia in Waterloo Township.

___________________

DEATH OF ANDREW GROFF.

Mr. Andrew Groff, a well known farmer, residing one mile north of Waterloo, passed away at 8.30 o'clock Wednesday morning, after an illness of several weeks, at the advanced age of 79 years and 10 months. The funeral will take place on Saturday morning. April 29th, at 9.30 o'clock, from his late residence, thence to Martin's meeting house for service and interment. The late Andrew H. Groff was born near Galt, Ont.. July 26th, 1825. On May 30th, 1818 was married to Mary Baumann, who predeceased. him in the year 1900. They resided on beautiful farm, one mile north of the town of Waterloo. To them were born a family of nine children, viz::- Henry, of Dundee, Minn., Magdalen, married to Tilman B. Snyder, a farmer and stock raiser in Sanborn, la.. Isaac B., residing on a farm near Yatton. Peel Tp., Israel, residing on. a farm in Pilkington Tp., Ephraim, of Iowa, dealer in stock, Mary, married to Rev. Absalom B. Snyder, a farm near Hespeler, Andrew B., unmarried, Pilkington Tp., Allan, unmarried, near German Mills, Lydia Ann, married to Abram Snyder, the old homestead near Waterloo.

The Chronicle Telegraph 27 Apr 1905, p. 5

Andrew married Mary W. Bauman 30 May 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Henry B. K. Bauman and Catherine Wismer) was born 22 Sep 1830, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 26 Feb 1901, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/200269036
• Name: Mary W. Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00002-503
• Residence: 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Baumann, "the third daughter of Henry B. K. Baumann, was born September 22nd, 1830. On May 30th, she was married to Andrew Groff who was born July 26th, 1825, They reside about a mile north of Waterloo where he is engaged in farming. Their family consists of nine children"

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

___________________

Death of Mrs. Andrew Groff. The many friends of Mrs. Andrew

Groff will learn with deep regret of her death which took place at her home north of Waterloo 6 o'clock Tuesday evening, at the age of 70 years. The funeral take will place at half past nine Saturday morning, March 2nd, from the residence, thence to Martin's meetng house for service and interment.

Mrs Groff, nee Mary Bowman, was the third daughter of the late Henry B. B. Bowman, Blair, and was born September 22nd, 1830. She was married to her now bereaved husband May 30th, 1848. Nine children were the fruit of this marriage all of whom are still living, viz: Henry, of Dundee, Minn; Magdalena, wife of T. B. Snider, Sanborn, Ia; Isaac, Peel township; Israel, Pilkington township; Ephraim, at present in Iowa; Mary wife of Rev Absalom B. Snyder, near Hespeler; Lydia Ann, wife of Abram B. Snyder, on the homestead, Waterloo, and Andrew and Allan, unmarried.

She was a kind and helpful neighbor, s good mother and wife and was universally esteemed. The husband and family will have the heartfelt sympathy of their friends and neighbors in the great loss they have sustained.

The Chronicle Telegraph 28 Feb 1901, p. 5

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/152620769
• Name: Lavina Saltzberry
• Name: Lovina Underwood
• Eby ID Number: 00098-5498
• Residence: 1882, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethern
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Congregational
• Residence: 1924, 59 Glasgow St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mrs. J. T. Underwood - Mrs. J. T.

Underwood, formerly Leovina Saltzberry, passed away at her home 65 Glasgow street Sunday morning. Deceased was born at New Dundee, Nov. 7, 1855 and was in her 69^th year. She is survived by her husband, one daughter, Ina (Mrs. Sahli) at home, and six sons, Obal of Sandwich, Ira, Oscar, Milo and Lloyd all of this city, and Harry of Waterloo. There are also 24 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. W. P. Ellis of this city and Mrs. George Miller of Haysville. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock from the residence to Calvary Memorial church. Burial will take place in Woodland cemetery (sic).

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

Other Events:

• Name: Andreas Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3340
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 007, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: Bef 1865, Lititz, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Andrew Groff, "son of John and Anna (Moyer) Graff, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 18th, 1793. His boyhood days were spent in acquiring a business education which proved of great benefit to him in later years. At the age of seventeen he made choice of the milling business as the most pleasing to his taste. His first years of apprenticeship were served in Earl Township where he remained until 1822 when he was induced by others to seek his fortune either in the West or in Canada. Being persuaded by one Joseph Mosser and others who were on the point of leaving for Canada, to join in with their company, he came to Waterloo in the fall of 1822 and found everything most satisfactory. As he was a miller by trade, old Abraham Erb wanted him to take charge of his grist mills which he intended to do after moving to Canada. After being here a short time and making arrangements to move to Canada he started again for Pennsylvania. Arriving at home in safety and spending a few weeks in visiting friends, he then set out for his new home. He left Pennsylvania with his wife and family of four children and made the trip to Canada in seventeen days. On his arrival at Waterloo in November, 1822, he was engaged by Abraham Erb to work on the saw mill where he remained three weeks, after which he entered the employ of Mr. Shade of Galt where he remained for nearly two years, and acquired a considerable amount of cash. He then purchased 200 acres of land half way between Preston and Galt and in a few years he was the proprietor of a store, tavern, grist mill, saw mill, and distillery, from all of which he soon realized quite a fortune, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the county. In 1848 he sold this property and purchased the farm of the late David Erb, north of the town of Waterloo, now in possession of his son Jacob. During the close of his life he lived on the place now possessed by Mr. F. Scheifle, a little to the north of the town of Waterloo. Here he died May 11th, 1877. He was married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1815, to Annie, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Reist) Huber. She was born October 15th, 1795, and died in Waterloo County, Ontario, September 19th, 1865. They had a family of twelve children."

Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_________________________________-


SAMUEL GROFF. PRESIDENT NORTH WEST BUTTON CO.

Mr. Samuel Groff, though not a native born Berliner, still is a son of the fine old County of which Berlin is the chief town. He comes of Pennsylvania German stock. His grand father was Andrew Groff who learned the trade of Miller in his home state-Pennsylvania. In 1822 he came to Waterloo and after a few years spent there and at Galt, he acquired a large tract of land near Preston, where he carried on farming, saw-milling, a grist mill, store, hotel and distillery and became one of the wealthiest men in the county. His eldest son, Isaac, was the father of the subject of this sketch, who was born near Freeport in 1847. He early entered mercantile life in the late J. Hoffman's store and was one of the earlier merchants in Berlin. He was head of the firm Groff and Hymmen for many years, a house that was among the largest in the county. Several years ago, he went to Winnipeg and at present he is president of the North West Button Co.2^a


Berlin Today 1806-1906 official souvenir
_______________________________________________________

From the Region of Waterloo Hall of Fame website.

The name of Groff in Waterloo in the nineteenth century was associated with the raising of Shorthorn cattle.

Andrew Groff of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, settled in 1822 on 170 acres at the location of the Galt Country Club. He later owned a grist mill, general store, tavern and a distillery. In the 1840s the family moved to Waterloo where his sons and grandsons, with outstanding success, bred and raised Shorthorn cattle.

A Knight of Warlaby, imported from Scotland, proved to be an outstanding sire. A son, A Baron of Waterloo," in 1882 was Grand Champion at the leading Canadian show at Kingston. In 1886 he was champion at Guelph. He was then sold to the Hon. George Brown. This bull sired what was probably the best show herd in Canada, winning awards on the American and Canadian show circuits. The Groffs were justifiably proud of their reputation as Shorthorn breeders.

Andrew married Annie Huber 1815, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. Annie (daughter of Samuel Huber and Elizabeth Reist) was born 15 Oct 1795, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 19 Sep 1865, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Annie Groff
• Eby ID Number: 00044-3340.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00002-74
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Heinrich B. K. Bauman
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: Bef 1857, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; tanner and currier

Notes:

Henry B. K. Baumann, "sixth son of Peter Baumann, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 27th, 1790, died February 12th, 1858. Was married to Catharine Wismer, who was born April 17th, 1794, and died November 22nd, 1881. They resided near Preston, Ontario. Had a family of ten children."

Henry B. K. Baumann, "son of Peter Baumann (see No. 74), was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 27th, 1790. He came to Canada about 1816, and settled near Preston, on the Blair road, where he was engaged in farming and tanning. His brothers, Christian and David, and his sister Anna who was married to Christian Martin, settled in this county about the same time. Henry was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Fried) Wismer, May 4th, 1813. She was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 11th, 1794, came to Canada with her parents who settled in Waterloo County, near Blair, in 1800, and died at Preston, November 22nd, 1881. He died February 12th, 1858. They had a family of ten children"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

____________________________


A-1-163 Henry B. K. Bauman Probate of the Will of Henry B.K. Bauman , late of the Village of Preston, Tanner and Currier, deceased, on the petition of Jacob Hagey of the Township of Waterloo, Yeoman, and Catharine Bauman (widow of said deceased) the Executor and Executrix named in said Will, which is in the words following:

I, Henry B, K. Bauman, of the Village of Preston…Tanner and Currier, being weak in body…First, I give and devise to my beloved wife Catharine Bauman, to have and to hold, one acre of vacant land, in the old homestead, wherever she wishes to have it, and my Executors shall build her a frame house thereon, 18 by 27 ft., and one story and a half high, and the outside walls of the lower story, later filled out with stone or brick, and further to have all such furniture as she wishes to keep, and also one cow, and five hundred dollars in money, of the first that will come out of the estate, and further to have one third of all the moveable property, and the interest of one third of the old homestead, to have and to hold the above property as long as she remains my widow, and after her decease it shall be equally divided amongst my heirs, and further I request my wife to continue house keeping until my youngest child is of age, and as long afterwards as she wishes to continue on, and further my wife Catharine Bauman shall have the right to sell the above mentioned house and one acre of land, whenever she wishes to do so, and further, whenever my widow wishes to quit housekeeping, my Executors shall sell the old homestead to the best advantage, either all together or in pieces, or in Village lots, any way they can sell it to the best advantage, and further, I give and devise to my fourth son Abraham Bauman, lot number five in the Twelfth concession of the Township of Hay in the County of Huron, to have and to hold to him, his heirs and assigns forever for the consideration of five hundred dollars. And further I give and devise to my three oldest sons Joseph K. Bauman, Solomon Bauman, and Peter Bauman, each an equal share of my property and likewise my daughters Hannah, Elisabeth, Mary and Nancy, each an equal share with my sons. And my Executors shall examine my books and see how much each of my heirs receive during my lifetime, and them that got least, shall share first until they have equal shares with the others, and then they shall all share alike and if any of them have any more then their shares will amount to when my property is equal divided, they then shall pay back to the Executors or other heirs, whatever they have more than their share will amount to so that they will all share and share alike, both sons and daughters, without reserve. And I hereby authorize my Executors to grant Deeds for my freehold property when sold. I do hereby nominate and appoint Jacob Hagey and Catharine Bauman Executors of this my Last Will and Testament…

Witnessed by Peter Bauman, Richard Kelsey and Aaron Bauman
Will dated 23^rd July 1857
Proved 8^th March 1858
Died 12^th February 1858
No Inventory

Surrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber.

Henry married Catherine Wismer 4 May 1813. Catherine (daughter of Joseph Wismer and Hannah Fried) was born 11 Apr 1794, , Chester Co., Pennsylvania; died 22 Nov 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Bauman
• Eby ID Number: 00133-8229
• Grave Photograph - Find A Grave: Catherine Wismer
• Immigration: 1800, , Canada
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catherine Wismer, "was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, April 11th, 1794. On May 4th, 1813, she was married to Henry B. K. Baumann. She died at Preston, Ontario, November 22nd, 1881."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].
An Old Resident - There died at Preston on the 22nd November, Mrs. Catherine Bowman, relic of the late Henry B. K. Bowman, aged 87 years, 7 months and 11 days. The deceased lady emigrated to Canada in 1800.

Galt Reporter Nov 25 1881 pg 1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63313685
• Eby ID Number: 00098-5496
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Jacob Saltzberger, "was born May 25th, 1825. He is married to Esther Honsberger who was born October 16th, 1826. They reside in Plattsville Oxford County, Ontario, and have had a family of five children"


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].

_____________________________

Death of Mr. Jacob Saltzberry - One of the old pioneers has passed away in the person of Mr. Jacob Saltzberry. He had made his home for the last 3 years with his daughter, Esther (Mrs. Miller), Haysville. For the last ten weeks he had been ailing with dropsy and on Sunday, Aug. 20th, about 10 o'clock a.m. passed quietly away in his 87th year. He leaves to mourn his loss, 3 daughters, Lovina, Mrs. J. T. Underwood; Esther, Mrs. Geo. A. Miller, Haysville and Mary, Mrs. H. P. Ellis, Berlin. One son and two daughters died several years ago, Moses, Veronica, Mrs. A. Hilborn and Katherine, Mrs. Geo. Miller. His wife predeceased him about 9 years. the funeral will be held from Mrs. Miller's residence in Haysville to Blenheim cemetery. Service at the house at 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22nd.

The Daily Telegraph Aug 21 1911 pg 1

Jacob — Esther Honsberger. Esther (daughter of Abraham Honsberger and Catharine S. Bergey) was born 16 Oct 1826, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Jan 1902; was buried , Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Blenheim Township, Oxford Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63313710
• Name: Esther Saltzberger
• Eby ID Number: 00057-3881

Notes:

Esther Honsberger, "was born October 16th 1826. She was married to Jacob Saltzberger, a farmer. They reside several miles south-west of New Dundee. To them were born several children."


Eby, Ezra E. (1895). A biographical history of Waterloo township and other townships of the county: being a history of the early settlers and their descendants, mostly all of Pennsylvania Dutch origin: as also much other unpublished historical information chiefly of a local character. Berlin [Kitchener, Ont.]: [s.n.].