Horace Judah Hall

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-185481
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christian Science
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
• Residence: 1921, 22 College St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England
• Residence: 1925, 525 Park St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Horace — Doris Gertrude Savage. Doris was born 11 Feb 1899, , New Brunswick, Canada; died 3 Feb 1937, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Business: 241 King St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; H. Hall & Son, Planing Miller and Lumber Yard
• Name: M. C. Hall
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25448
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1900, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; bookkeeper
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; bookkeeper
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manager, Planing Mill
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christian Science
• Residence: 1918, 22 College St, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer, Planing Mill
• Residence: 1921, 22 College St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church Science

Notes:

Kitchener Business Man Passes Away

Montieth C. Hall, widely known in Waterloo County, who for many years conducted the planing mill known a H. J. Hall & Son, at Kitchener, passed away at his home on Friday morning following a long illness. On the death of his father, H. J. Hall, he took charge of the planing mill. He was a prominent member of the Grand River Masonic Lodge and other Masonic Lodges in Western Ontario. He was for many years a member of the Waterloo and Granite Curling Clubs. There survive two sons, Horace and Montieth, and three grandchildren; also one sister, Miss Catharine Hall. His wife predeceased him last February.

The Waterloo Chronicle Jun 2 1932 pg 1

Monteath married Phoebe Priscilla Hoffman 18 Oct 1900, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Phoebe (daughter of Isaac E. Hoffman and Caroline D. Herlan) was born 13 May 1870, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Feb 1932, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Phoebe Priscilla Hall
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3806
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evang. Assoc.
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christian Science
• Residence: 1921, 22 College St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England

Notes:

Phoebe Priscilla Hoffman, "was born May 13th, 1870. She is home with her mother and unmarried."

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.].

_______________________

MRS. MONTEATH C. HALL

Mrs. Phoebe Priscilla Monteath Hall, prominent in local women's circles, died early today at her residence, 23 College street. Mrs. Hall, who was born in Kitchener, (Berlin), a daughter of Isaac Hoffman and Caroline Herlan, was in her 62^nd year. She was actively connected with the Princess of Wales chapter, Daughters of the Empire, was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of St. John's Church and also of the parish workers of that church. Her husband, Monteath C. Hall, two sons, Horace Hall, premises Twin City sportsman, and Francis Monteath Hall, survive with two brothers, Dr. J.W. Hoffman, Detroit, and Alex. Hoffman, Windsor, and two sisters, Mrs. C.W. Schiedel, Waterloo and Mrs. J.J. Stewart, Detroit. Burial will be made Thursday afternoon in Mount Hope Cemetery with private services at her late home at 2: 30 o'clock followed by public services at St. John's Anglican Church at 3 o'clock. Rev. H.W. Lang-Ford, rector, will officiate. Remains will be held at Schreiters' Funeral Home until 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon when they will be removed to the home.

Kitchener Daily Record 9 Feb 1932 pg 13

Other Events:

• Business: 241 King St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; H. Hall & Son, Planing Miller and Lumber Yard
• Name: H. J. Hall
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-93248P
• Residence: 1871, Esquesing, Halton Co., Ontario
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lumber Merchant
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Elected Office: 1890, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor and Deputy Reeve - Kitchener
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lumber Dealer
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Committee Membership: 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Berlin Public School Board
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; manufactures doors

Notes:

The final summons came with startling suddenness to one of Berlin's eldest and foremost citizens. Mr. H. J. Hall, on Monday evening, shortly before 6 o'clock. He had spent the day in Elmira along with his foreman Mr. Cummings, driving there and back and he was In excellent spirits all day, chatting with Mrs. Cummings and being as active and as well as ever. When. they came to Mr. C. E. Moyer's house King St., west. Mr. Cummings left the cutter to go home. Mr. Hall saying he would drive home and have the horse stabled. It is considered likely that Mr. Hall may have had trouble with his driver a spirited animal at the railway crossing, and that the excitement may have superinduced the apoplectic stroke that cased death. The attack seized him, it is supposed, between the railway crossing and Water street, as he almost invariably took that route home when coming from the West. Mr. W. Brechbill noticed the horse come down King street guided, the reins hanging loose and body apparently limp. The horse was stopped in front of the Canadian block block and Dr. G H. Bowlby hastily called. Mr. Monteath Hall was also notified and the lifeless body was taken to the family residence on Yonge street and the and news broken to his life partner.

The news spread quickly and cast a hush over the busy streets. our citizens hardly realizing that one of their number who has for 30 years moved among us--and who has been an important" factor in the industrial. growth and development of the town, had been called away from the scene of action.

The late Horace J Hall was born at Acton, Ont., on Aug., 16th, 1837, and was therefore 64 years He was the eldest of the family a brother, Mr. Z. A. Hall, Penetang, and a Mrs. J. Brown, Acton, surviving. He came to Berlin in 1878 on St. Valentines Day, and purchased the lumber business carried on by Messrs. Shoemaker and Roat at the corner of Water and King Sts.. There he carried on business successfully when he moved into the premises now occupied.. His lumber And sash business was a large and ever increasing one, and was known the province over. In 1865 he was wedded to Miss Christiana Monteath of Montreal, who with a son, Monteath, and daughter, Kathleen have been so. heavily bereft. He was a zealous member of the First Church of Christ., Scientist, since its inception and by his sympathy and charity, did much to lighten life for those whom he came in contact with. He was a 32nd decree-Scottish Rite Mason.

He always took an interest in Municipal life, and enjoyed the unique distinction of having for 20 years served continuously on the School Board. He was a member this year, but had decided to retire. In the years 1890, '91 and '92 he sat in the Town Council, the latter year as Deputy Reeve. His counsel and action at all times were consistent progress in educational and municipal measures. In his which is sincerely regretted by the town at large, Berlin has lost a progressive, estimable, Christian citizen. The Record extends its condolences...

Berlin News Record 31 Dec 1901

___________________________________


Horace J. Hall

The well-known lumber dealer, Horace J. Hall, died suddenly here on Monday. He had spent the day with his foreman, Mr. Cummings, in Elmira. Shortly before 6 o'clock, the pair returned to Berlin; Mr. Cummings got out near the G.T.R. crossing and Mr. Hall drove on further by himself. When the vehicle arrived in front of the Journal-Press building, it was observed that the reins had fallen out of Mr. Hall's hands and his body was leaning out. The horse was brought to a halt near the Walper House and, to everyone's horror, it was discovered that a heart attack had caused the driver's death. The deceased was born in Acton in 1837, and had carried on the lumber business here since 1878. He belonged to the sect of the faith-healers and had, as well, attained the 32'd degree of the Free-masons. For twenty years without interruption, he had been a member of the school-board. The burial takes place today, Thursday.

Berliner Journal January 2, 1902 Page 4 - Column 2 Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

Elected Office:
Years Served: 1890-91, 1892 (Deputy Reeve)

Horace — Christine Monteath. Christine was born 20 Mar 1834, Dunblane, , Perth, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Christine Hall
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-93250
• Immigration: 1839, , Scotland
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00055-3800
• Residence: 1856, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; EA
• Business: 1867, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Cabinet Ware, Sash, Doors, Blinds, Flooring
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant and Cabinet Mfgr.
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evang. Assoc.
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Elected Office: 1884, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Councillor - Waterloo
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Isaac Hoffman, "the eldest, was born March 8th, 1835. He is married to Caroline, daughter of Rev. Francis and Caroline Harlen. She was born September 26th, 1838. Mr. Hoffman was, for many years, engaged in the manufacturing business but of late years he withdrew from all business and at present resides in Waterloo. To them was born a family of eight 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.].

_____________________

THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE

An interesting meeting took place the Saturday before last in the old log cabin in Waterloo Park.

This house was, of course, the first schoolhouse in this area and stood originally on the school-house square at the corner of King and Church Streets in Waterloo. It was built in 1820 and served its purpose until 1842, when it was torn down and a 1-storey stone house was constructed on the site. The dismantled log house was erected again in Greenbush and served as a residence for a long time for the coloured man, Mr. Carroll and his family. In the course of this year, the Waterloo Park Commissioners purchased the house, moved it to their park and furnished it again as it was when it was a school-house.

At this gathering, in addition to many other ladies and gentlemen, the following (male and female) former pupils attended, took their places on the benches, and were called to order by the 82-year-old teacher, Benjamin Burkholder, who held the scepter, or rather, the switch, from 1831 to 1842 in the old log-house: Joel Guth, 80 years old; Abraham Scherk, Blair, 79; Jakob Bricker, Waterloo, 77; Sarah Burkholder, nee Erb, Bridgeport, 75; Amos Weber, Berlin, 73; John C, Bricker, Hawksville, 71; Maria Erb, nee Quickfall, Norwich 69; David B. Eby, Waterloo, 69; Wendel Baumann, Woolwich, 68; Henry Stauffer, Erbsville, 67; Simon Beatty, Elmira, 67; Jakob Ratz, New Hamburg, 67; Israel Baumann, Berlin, 65; George Elbert, Moorefield, 63; George H. Baumann, Elmira, 63; John Devitt, Waterloo, 62; Richard Quickfall, Bridgeport, 62; Isaak Hoffmann, Waterloo, 61; Robert Barkwell, Peel, 60; Diana McMahon, nee Dekay, Berlin, 60; Thomas Quickfall, Floradale, 60; Benjamin Devitt, Waterloo, 60; Isaak Devitt, Floradale, 58; John Longmann, Peel, 57. In addition, to these, the teacher read the names of 25 pupils from the roll; they were, however, absent.

Mr. Burkholder gave an interesting talk about the history of the old school-house, and after him, Rev. J.A. MacLachlan, Rev. J. McNair, Mr. J.E. Baumann, M.P., and Mr. Jakob Ratz spoke about the old days which brought many things out of the past to mind again. School was, as a rule, only in session in winter and the costs were borne by the parents of the children. There were few subjects taught, namely: Reading, Writing and Sums. The children heard little about language, and geography; no child had more than 2 or 3 books. The predominant language was German. The pupils learned to read and write English, but didn't understand a word of it. Among the teachers in the old school-house from 1820-1842, with the exception of Mr. Burkholder, were the following whose names are still recognized: Jephtha DeKay, Joseph Guth, John Herringer, Peter Otto, John Dobbin, Elias Eby, Robert Barber, & Joseph Eby.

After those present, on hearing the various speeches felt themselves transported back to the past, the school was closed at four o'clock and the pupils were gathered together in front of the school and photographed as a group. On their return into the school, they found it had been transformed into a dining room with heavily-laden tables, which the old-timers thoroughly enjoyed. After everyone had chatted cordially for a while longer, the gathering broke up. The company will not meet again in complete numbers, nor in such a way.

Berliner Journal September 26, 1895 Page 4 Column 4

______________________

King Street , North Side

Foundry Street (now Ontario Street).

Jacob and John Hoffman, brothers, who came from Pennsylvania, erected a furniture factory on the corner about 1840. It was a two story frame building extending along King St., had 25 to 30 employees and a 15 h.p. engine brought from Buffalo.

Eby's history gives John Hoffman as having come from Pennsylvania in 1825; Jacob, almost two years older, seems to have come before. They both worked at carpentry, etc., for a number of years before starting the factory in which enterprise they were assisted by Benjamin Eby. On the ridge of the factory roof there was a belfry with the only larger bell in Berlin. This bell served not only the factory but the village as well, pinging at 7 in the morning, at 12, at 1 and at 6 o'clock in the evening. It was used also as a fire bell and was tolled for funerals.

By some prank or spite the bell was stolen in 1850 before there was a night watchman at the factory, and disappeared for two or three years. Eventually it was found in a well at the comer of Duke and College Streets, put back in place on the Hoffman factory and later was taken to a belfry on the Simpson factory spoken of, where it was used until this factory was discontinued. It was then taken to the pavilion in Victoria Park and was melted down when the pavilion was destroyed by fire.

Behind the Hoffman factory there was a pond, about three feet deep, fed by a spring, the water being used for the factory boiler, etc. About 1860 a frame building, used by the firm for a warehouse, covered the site of the spring. Further back there was a saw mill, also a planing mill, the first of its kind in Berlin. A two story frame building extending along Foundry Street was later added to the factory and used as a turning shop. At the rear of this building was the factory boiler house.

Next to the factory on King Street there was a three story brick building. The ground floor was used as a store, called the Berlin Warehouse. Jacob Hoffman, who by this time was alone in the business, John having gone to Waterloo, announced himself as dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, china, glassware, crockery, and paint and oils and manufacturer of all kinds of furniture, also sash doors, etc., selling low for cash. An overhead passage way on a bridge connected the second stories of the factory and brick building. Over the store was the paint shop and in the rear a warehouse. Hoffman's store was later occupied by William Schmidt, son of Rev. Wm. Schmidt, an early minister of the Evangelical Church. Schmidt had a dry goods store only, known as the Golden Lion store because of a large gilt lion over the entrance. Isaac Hoffman, son of Jacob, carried on the factory and store for several years; later John S. Anthes was in possession while Hoffman went to Waterloo and continued the furniture business there with Adam Klippert and Martin Wegenast as partners. Jacob and John Hoffman erected a number of houses in Berlin.

Jacob Hoffman was very stout, weighing over 300 pounds. He was a member of the Evangelical Church. For a time he served on the village council. He resided on Foundry Street in the rear of the Canadian Block in a square, hip roof, two story, frame house, until it was destroyed by fire, when he moved to the west side of Foundry Street, south, where now is the Robe & Clothing Co. building. Here he had a one and one-half story frame house with a large two story addition at the rear where were lodged apprentices and other factory employees. There was a small portico over the front door and a porch extending along the northerly side of the house.

Next to the Hoffman warehouse there was a saloon and restaurant occupied by a Mr. Unger. He served, among other things, oysters which came in small wooden, 1-gal. kegs. Adjoining Hoffman's store there was the tailor shop of H. J. Nahrgang, later occupied by Henry Glebe, an early band master; next a store differently occupied at various times and next the shoe store of Wm. Niehaus. A three story brick building occupied by Wm. Young as a grocery. Mr. Young eventually went to the Canadian Block and the store was used for various purposes, among them auction sales in the evening. Here there was sold the first white crockery offered in Berlin. Later the building was occupied by the Berliner Journal.

A one and one-half story frame building with gable toward King St. and a veranda, occupied by Mr. Fuchs, a tailor and shoemaker, whose wife assisted her husband as expert in repairing clocks. The family lived in the building. About 1865 the frame building was moved to the rear and Fuchs' block erected on the street. The ground floor had three stores, the west one occupied by Mr. Fuchs, the middle by John Kayser, dry goods merchant, and the third one by Tindall Simpson and Sons, shoemakers and tailors. The first building on part of the Fuchs' block site was a rough frame structure used by one Susand, colored, who was the first barber in Berlin.

A two story brick building with gable facing King Street, occupied by Christian Garman, harness maker, who later moved to New Hamburg and started a tannery. This building was later occupied by Levi Gaukel, son of Frederick Gaukel, after his father's death. He had a small hotel known as The Red Lion. In 1860 Urban Prinzer succeeded Gaukel and continued the hotel for a short time.

A two and one-half story brick building with gable facing King St. was occupied by Levi Gaukel, as a butcher shop after he gave up the hotel next door. Jacob Gaukel was associated with Levi. Later George Debus occupied this shop.

A building with gable and porch facing King Street, later occupied by George DeBus as a barber shop.

On the corner of King and Queen Streets there was first a driving shed for the Gaukel hotel opposite, until the Bowman block was erected in 1860. This was a three story brick building lengthwise with King Street. Joseph Bowman the noted violinist occupied the third floor of this building. Half of the ground floor of the building was occupied by Henry B. Bowman with a partner Heins as general dry goods store. This was on the corner. The other half was a brick store occupied by Cole and Graf, druggists, and later by Wm. Bowman in the same business. On the site of the Bowman block is the handsome Bank building built by the Merchants Bank and now occupied by the Bank of Montreal.


REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

Isaac married Caroline D. Herlan 15 Apr 1856, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Caroline (daughter of Rev. Francis "Frank" Herlan and Caroline Demarez) was born 26 Sep 1835, , USA; died 10 Mar 1923; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Caroline D. Hoffman
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3800.1
• Residence: 1856, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; EA
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evang. Assoc.
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Other Events:

• Name: Jakob Hoffman
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3799
• Historical Event: 29 Aug 1839, Evangelical Association Church, Waterloo, Ontario; church founding
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; chair and cabinet maker
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical Association

Notes:

Jacob Hoffman, "son of Peter Hoffman, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 18th, 1809. When a young man he came to Canada and settled in Waterloo County where he worked with the carpenters for a number of years. He was married to Veronica Eby who was born March 8th, 1817, and died December 19th, 1876. They resided in the town of Berlin where he was engaged in manufacturing all kinds of furniture. He died November 15th, 1864. They had a family of eight children, two of whom died in infancy."


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.].

________________________

Bridgeport United Church

The early Evangelical Association congregations in Berlin and Waterloo date back to August 1839 when a Camp Meeting was held over a number of days at David Erb's farm (Lot 7, German Company Tract) at Lexington. Classes (or congregations) in Berlin and in Waterloo were organized at that meeting by Bishop John Seybert - on August 29th. Twenty-six charter members were divided into the two classes. Class leader for Waterloo and vicinity was Jacob Hoffman. His brother, John, was class leader for Berlin.

The Waterloo class, along with classes at Lexington and Breslau, was connected to the Berlin Mission until the organization of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1864. The Waterloo Mission was formed at that time. In 1866 the Breslau class was merged with the Lexington class and in 1876 the Lexington class, with 31 members, was referred to as the Bridgeport class for the first time.

An old log schoolhouse was purchased in 1879 for $500.00 on condition that it be used only for Sunday School services, not for preaching. The exterior walls were covered with lumber and the building was dedicated on November 9, 1879. A new white brick church was built ten years later, in 1889, when the old schoolhouse became inadequate for the growing congregation. This church was in use until 1934 when the present building was completed. A decision had been made at a congregational meeting in July 1933 to proceed with construction of a new church. The ground-breaking service was held on August 28, 1933 and on October 1 of that year the cornerstone was laid by Rev. W.J. Zimmerman. Dedication services were held in the new red brick church on Sunday March 18, 1934. In 1942 the old brick church was sold to Mr. Minnacker for $100. An addition which was built on to the west side of the church in 1958 provided additional space for the Sunday School, as well as offices and a kitchen. The new complex was dedicated on November 30, 1958 with Professor John F. Schaefer of Naperville, Illinois preaching the dedication sermon.

Bridgeport and Waterloo were a joint parish from 1876 until 1910, when Bridgeport was joined with Strasburg. This association lasted until 1914 when Bridgeport called its own full-time pastor. The Evangelical Church joined with the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. On January 1, 1968 when the Evangelical United Brethren joined with the United Church, Emmanuel's name was changed once again - to Emmanuel United Church. In February 1987 the congregation voted to change the name of the church to Bridgeport United Church.

Rev. J. Kaechele (1864-1865) was pastor in 1864 when the Waterloo Mission was formed; Solomon Kraft was the Bridgeport class leader when the schoolhouse was bought in 1879 and Rev. S.R. Knechtel (1888-1891) was pastor in 1889 when the new white brick church was built.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

___________________________

Zion United Church

A Sunday School was established in Berlin in 1837, meeting in Jacob Hailer's carpenter shop which was located at the southeast corner of what is now King and Scott Streets. A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob, was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation. The Berlin congregation met in the old Town Hall until their first church was built in 1841 on Queen Street South across from Church Street on land purchased as of August 24, 1841 from Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schneider. The church was dedicated on September 25th of that year, with Rev. Christian Hummel of Buffalo, New York, officiating. Rev. Joseph Harlacher was pastor from 1840-1842. In 1842 the Waterloo Mission became a Circuit of the East Pennsylvania Conference. Two years later it was part of the New York Conference.

The second church building was built of brick on the same site in 1866, and dedicated in 1867; Rev. C.A. Spies was pastor at the time. The old frame church was sold and moved to Elgin Street where it was used as a dwelling. In the same year Berlin became a station.

The present church building was built in 1893 on Weber Street; dedication services were held on June 15, 16 and 17, 1894. This building was heavily damaged by fires in 1942 and 1965 but was renovated and restored each time.

The union of the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren in Christ Church on November 16, 1946 created the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The name of the church was to change again, to Zion United Church when the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada on January 1, 1968. Of interest: some maps of early Berlin show this church as a German Methodist church.

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

_______________________

Emmanuel United Church

The first Evangelical missionaries arrived in the Waterloo area in 1837. The first Waterloo class (congregation) was formed on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert during a camp meeting at David Erb's farm near Lexington. Jacob Hoffman was the Waterloo-Lexington class leader; his brother, John, was class leader in Berlin. A brick building which was erected by Samuel Burkholder in 1849 on Church Street, near King, was offered to the congregation for their use as a church, rent free, provided that they agreed to finish and furnish the building. Dedication of the new church was in 1851. The house, known as Burkholder House, is still standing, but Church Street in Waterloo is now known as Central Street.

In the early 1890s Waterloo was in the North District of the Canada Conference of the Evangelical Association, and was ministered to jointly with Bridgeport. Pastors in those years were Revs. C.R. Knechtel (1890-1891), F. Meyer (1892), D. Kreh (1893), and W.J. Yaeger (1894).

A new church, which was built in 1871 at the corner of Cedar and Water Streets (now Bridgeport Road and Dorset Street), was replaced in 1905 by the present structure. Dedication was in May, 1906. Emmanuel Hall was built in 1938. Changes made in 1963 included an addition, a new front entrance and renovation of the former Christian Education area.

On November 16, 1946 the Evangelical Church joined with congregations of the United Brethren in Christ Church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. When the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined the United Church of Canada as of January 1, 1968, Emmanuel became a United Church..

Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide To Churches Established Before 1900 By Rosemary Ambrose

______________________

King Street , North Side

Foundry Street (now Ontario Street).

Jacob and John Hoffman, brothers, who came from Pennsylvania, erected a furniture factory on the corner about 1840. It was a two story frame building extending along King St., had 25 to 30 employees and a 15 h.p. engine brought from Buffalo.

Eby's history gives John Hoffman as having come from Pennsylvania in 1825; Jacob, almost two years older, seems to have come before. They both worked at carpentry, etc., for a number of years before starting the factory in which enterprise they were assisted by Benjamin Eby. On the ridge of the factory roof there was a belfry with the only larger bell in Berlin. This bell served not only the factory but the village as well, pinging at 7 in the morning, at 12, at 1 and at 6 o'clock in the evening. It was used also as a fire bell and was tolled for funerals.

By some prank or spite the bell was stolen in 1850 before there was a night watchman at the factory, and disappeared for two or three years. Eventually it was found in a well at the comer of Duke and College Streets, put back in place on the Hoffman factory and later was taken to a belfry on the Simpson factory spoken of, where it was used until this factory was discontinued. It was then taken to the pavilion in Victoria Park and was melted down when the pavilion was destroyed by fire.

Behind the Hoffman factory there was a pond, about three feet deep, fed by a spring, the water being used for the factory boiler, etc. About 1860 a frame building, used by the firm for a warehouse, covered the site of the spring. Further back there was a saw mill, also a planing mill, the first of its kind in Berlin. A two story frame building extending along Foundry Street was later added to the factory and used as a turning shop. At the rear of this building was the factory boiler house.

Next to the factory on King Street there was a three story brick building. The ground floor was used as a store, called the Berlin Warehouse. Jacob Hoffman, who by this time was alone in the business, John having gone to Waterloo, announced himself as dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, china, glassware, crockery, and paint and oils and manufacturer of all kinds of furniture, also sash doors, etc., selling low for cash. An overhead passage way on a bridge connected the second stories of the factory and brick building. Over the store was the paint shop and in the rear a warehouse. Hoffman's store was later occupied by William Schmidt, son of Rev. Wm. Schmidt, an early minister of the Evangelical Church. Schmidt had a dry goods store only, known as the Golden Lion store because of a large gilt lion over the entrance. Isaac Hoffman, son of Jacob, carried on the factory and store for several years; later John S. Anthes was in possession while Hoffman went to Waterloo and continued the furniture business there with Adam Klippert and Martin Wegenast as partners. Jacob and John Hoffman erected a number of houses in Berlin.

Jacob Hoffman was very stout, weighing over 300 pounds. He was a member of the Evangelical Church. For a time he served on the village council. He resided on Foundry Street in the rear of the Canadian Block in a square, hip roof, two story, frame house, until it was destroyed by fire, when he moved to the west side of Foundry Street, south, where now is the Robe & Clothing Co. building. Here he had a one and one-half story frame house with a large two story addition at the rear where were lodged apprentices and other factory employees. There was a small portico over the front door and a porch extending along the northerly side of the house.

Next to the Hoffman warehouse there was a saloon and restaurant occupied by a Mr. Unger. He served, among other things, oysters which came in small wooden, 1-gal. kegs. Adjoining Hoffman's store there was the tailor shop of H. J. Nahrgang, later occupied by Henry Glebe, an early band master; next a store differently occupied at various times and next the shoe store of Wm. Niehaus. A three story brick building occupied by Wm. Young as a grocery. Mr. Young eventually went to the Canadian Block and the store was used for various purposes, among them auction sales in the evening. Here there was sold the first white crockery offered in Berlin. Later the building was occupied by the Berliner Journal.

A one and one-half story frame building with gable toward King St. and a veranda, occupied by Mr. Fuchs, a tailor and shoemaker, whose wife assisted her husband as expert in repairing clocks. The family lived in the building. About 1865 the frame building was moved to the rear and Fuchs' block erected on the street. The ground floor had three stores, the west one occupied by Mr. Fuchs, the middle by John Kayser, dry goods merchant, and the third one by Tindall Simpson and Sons, shoemakers and tailors. The first building on part of the Fuchs' block site was a rough frame structure used by one Susand, colored, who was the first barber in Berlin.

A two story brick building with gable facing King Street, occupied by Christian Garman, harness maker, who later moved to New Hamburg and started a tannery. This building was later occupied by Levi Gaukel, son of Frederick Gaukel, after his father's death. He had a small hotel known as The Red Lion. In 1860 Urban Prinzer succeeded Gaukel and continued the hotel for a short time.

A two and one-half story brick building with gable facing King St. was occupied by Levi Gaukel, as a butcher shop after he gave up the hotel next door. Jacob Gaukel was associated with Levi. Later George Debus occupied this shop.

A building with gable and porch facing King Street, later occupied by George DeBus as a barber shop.

On the corner of King and Queen Streets there was first a driving shed for the Gaukel hotel opposite, until the Bowman block was erected in 1860. This was a three story brick building lengthwise with King Street. Joseph Bowman the noted violinist occupied the third floor of this building. Half of the ground floor of the building was occupied by Henry B. Bowman with a partner Heins as general dry goods store. This was on the corner. The other half was a brick store occupied by Cole and Graf, druggists, and later by Wm. Bowman in the same business. On the site of the Bowman block is the handsome Bank building built by the Merchants Bank and now occupied by the Bank of Montreal.


REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

Historical Event:
A mission was begun by Rev. Christian Holl shortly after his arrival in Berlin on May 9, 1839, and a class (or congregation) was organized several months later on August 29, 1839 by Bishop John Seybert of the Evangelical Association during a camp meeting held at David Erb's farm near Lexington. John Hoffman was the Berlin class leader; his brother, Jacob, was class leader for the Waterloo-Lexington congregation.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Ambrose, Rosemary. Waterloo County Churches A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1993. [used the kind permission of Rosemary Ambrose 2011]

Jacob — Veronica Eby. Veronica (daughter of George S. Eby and Barbara Wenger) was born 8 Mar 1817, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Dec 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Veronica Hoffman
• Eby ID Number: 00031-2744
• Residence: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ea
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evang. Assoc.

Notes:

Veronica Eby, "the youngest daughter of George Eby, was born March 8th. 1817, and died December 19th, 1876. She was married to Jacob Hoffman who was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 18th, 1809, and died in Berlin, Ontario, November 15th, 1864.


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.].

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In Veronica's daughter's marriage (Maria) it states that Veronica's name was Fredericka.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00055-3800.2
• Map: 1861, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 020, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Historic Building: 1866, 51 Ahrens St. West, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Hay Twp., Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; minister
• Occupation: 1881, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; minister

Notes:

Rev. Frank Herlan was at one time the Minister of Zion Evangelical United Brethren (later Zion United) Church, Weber Street, West, Kitchener.

Historic Building:
Built in 1866 for Rev. Franz (Francis) Herlan, it is a frame house and in 1978 was listed in very good condition.

Francis — Caroline Demarez. Caroline was born 13 Nov 1813, Friedrichstal, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 12 Mar 1889, West Seneca, Erie, New York, United States; was buried , Blossom Cemetery, West Seneca, Erie, New York, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Caroline Herlan
• Eby ID Number: 00055-3800.3