Clara Louise Weichel

Other Events:

• Name: Clara Louise Ruppel
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26032
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Funeral service for Mrs. Oscar S. Ruppel of 22 Duke St., who died Thursday after a lengthy illness, was held at 2: 30 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

The body was at the Dreisinger Funeral Parlor until Saturday noon. Burial was in the Elmira cemetery.

Mrs. Ruppel, the former Clara Louise Weichel, was a life-long resident of Elmira. She was 91. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Weichel. Her husband, to whom she was married for 54 years, died in 1955.

She was a member of St. Paul's Church, sang in the church choir for 62 years and was secretary-treasurer of the church's ladies aid for 32 years. She was also a past-president of the Elmira Red Cross.

Surviving are three sons, Claire, at home, Harold, Elmira and Carl, Islington; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by three brothers, one sister and one granddaughter.

Clara married Oscar S. Ruppel 20 Sep 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Oscar (son of Deputy-Reeve Johann "John" Ruppel and Maria Annie "Mary" Huehn) was born 12 Aug 1877, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Dec 1955; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Weichel "Claire" "Big Tim" Ruppel was born 25 May 1905, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 25 May 1995, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
2. Harold Oscar Ruppel was born 25 Dec 1906, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 Apr 1995, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
3. Carl Gerhard Ruppel was born 1912, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jan 1996, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Business: M. Weichel & Son Co., Elmira, , Ontario, Canada
• Interesting: business, politics
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26030
• Immigration: 1859, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1866, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1866, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Hardware Merchant
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Hardware Merchant
• Residence: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant, Hardware
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Mr. Michael Weichel, has been a resident of Elmira since 1862. He came from Germany when 12 years of age. When 20 years of age he learned blacksmithing in Elmira. In 1868 he commenced a shop on his own account which he continued 12 years. In 1881 he bought the hardware business of Mr. Wachsmuth. He is a public spirited citizen and has done much towards the advancement of Elmira. He was the second Reeve of the Village of Elmira.

The Hardware Business of M. Weichel & Son has assumed large proportions. From a small beginning, it has grown to one of the largest enterprises of its kind in the County of Waterloo, comprising as it does, two large stores with immense stocks. From the beginning the firm has made it a practice to endeavor to please their customers and to supply them with anything they might want in hardware or kindred goods. They have constantly added new lines and are now handling apart from the ordinary class of hardware, coal, wood, binder twine, cement and other bulky goods. They have also a stove and tinware department in which they carry a heavy stock of stoves and furnaces of which they make a specialty. The tinsmithing department is under the management of a first-class experienced mechanic. In 1896 the firm started a store in Waterloo, on the same broad principles, which were responsible for their success in Elmira, with the result that they have now a very large and popular trade there.

Enterprising Elmira Souvenir, An historical, descriptive, and illustrated Book of the Village of Elmira, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, published by George Klinck, 1903.

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M. Weichel and Son Ltd., Hardware, Celebrates 75^th Year of Business

A special sale marks the 75^th anniversary of Elmira's oldest hardware store, M. Weichel and Son Ltd., this week. The store was founded in 1879 by Michael Weichel in a store leased from William Wachsmuth, on the site where the Dreisinger furniture store now stands. At that time two clerks were employed in the store, Mr. Weichel's 13 year-old son John and another man. In December 1885 the Weichels moved their stock, valued at $4000 into a store which stood on part of the ground now occupied by the E. S. Otto building. Mr. Weichel carried on business here for a year, meanwhile working on the building which was to become his permanent store.

When the Weichels had been in business in the permanent store for more than sixteen years fire destroyed the frame warehouse in back. 50 pounds of gunpowder were stored in the warehouse and the fire caused this to explode. This explosion brought the warehouse roof down on the fire and extinguished it. In those years the barter system was often used in dealings with farmers. Merchandise was exchanged for eggs and other foods. Sometimes as many as 200 dozen eggs were piled in the back of the store. Eggs brought ten cents a dozen then. In 1899 the Weichels bought the hardware store and stock of J. W. Fear, King street, south, Waterloo. At that time the company was formed with directors and shareholders. Mr. Weichel's brother, William G. Weichel, was the first manager of the Waterloo store. This store was sold in March, 1952 to William Schaefer, who had been its manager for 18 years.

For 35 years after the opening of the Elmira store coal and wood were sold there. This line of business was discontinued about the beginning of the first world war. At that time the price of coal was $6 a ton and wood sold at $5 a cord. Present management of the store is Oscar Ruppel, president; Harold Weichel, vice-president; H. (Lefty) Weichel, secretary-treasurer; Harold Ruppel, director. The store's shareholders are Mrs. Oscar Ruppel, Mr. H. O. Weichel, and Mrs. Ida Heimbecker. The five members of the store's staff are Philip Steenson, Louella Klinck, Wayne Pettie, Omer Bauman and Lawrence Frey.

The Elmira Signet, Thursday, November 4, 1954

_________________________________

Weichel's Hdwe [hardware] those earlier days handled coal & wood. They had their sheds down by the C.N.R. and old Adam Weichel emptied many a coal car and also sang while doing it. The older Mike Weichel Sr was always the first one at the store at 7 a.m. and he was an elderly man then. John Weichel then took over with Oscar Ruppel. Then big (Mike Henry) came back from the west. After that Lefty took over as it stands today. Young Mike Oscar worked there awhile and then left for the first world war.

Memories of Bill Rudow, transcript of an original in the Elmira Branch, Waterloo Region Library by Marion Roes 2011

____________________

MICHAEL WEICHEL

Last Monday death removed from Elmira one of her oldest and most highly respected citizens, in the person of Mr. Michael Weichel, a well known hardware merchant, who by dint of industry and enterprise. had acquired a high standing in the business sphere of the district throughout which he was widely known and appreciated. As a citizen he was known as a man of principle and integrity, considerate of the rights of others, honourable and reliable, energetic and enterprising in business, always ready to undertake and foster any project which promised to he of public benefit, foremost in the support of church and school work, and withal a stanch and substantial resident such as are required to uphold the standing of .a community.

Mr. Weichel was born in Hessen, Germany, on September 26th, 1842. When 12 years of age he emigrated to Canada with his mother, settling in this township. For a period of eight years he was engaged in farm work on the farm of the late Win. Peterson, near Hawkesville. Then he came to Elmira, where he learned the blacksmithing trade with the late Adam Heller. Later he started a blacksmith shop at east Heidelberg where he remained but a short time, after which he return to Elmira, and in company with Robert Lochran, bought out Mr. Heller. For some time the firm operated the two then existing blacksmith shops in Elmira. Later deceased became sole owner, and after being sixteen years in this business, he sold out to Mr. H. Oppertshauser, and acquired the hardware business then conducted by the late Wm. Wachsmuth in the store now occupied by Mr. C. Dreisinger. The transfer occurred 38 years ago. From the beginning the business increased and prospered and soon it became necessary to acquire more room, A new site was purchased and one of the most up-to-date hardware stores of the period was erected. With the assistance of his sons, deceased built up a business which called for expansion. Twenty-one years ago (in 1897), a branch store was started in Waterloo under the management of Mr. W. G. Weichel (ex-M. P. for North Waterloo). This store also was greatly improved and enjoyed a prosperous and growing trade under the firm name of M. Weichel & Sons. Besides increasing their own business, the firm took active interest in the formation of manufacturing enterprises which were responsible, in a great degree, for the rapid and substantial growth of Elmira at a time when prospects were not promising. Two years ago the business of the firm was changed into a joint stock company of which deceased was president up to the time of his death.

In 1878, after the death of the late John Ratz, who died while holding the office of Reeve of Elmira, Mr. Welchel was elected Reeve by acclamation In the former's stead. He was passionately fond of music and helped to organize the first brass band In Elmira in which he played for 18 years. He was also a member of St. Paul's Church Choir for 35 Years, in which he held the position of leading tenor up to the age of 70 years.

Deceased leaves to mourn the lose of a kind husband and Indulgent father; a widow, three sons and two daughters, namely, John and Henry, of Elmira; William G., of Waterloo; Clara (Mrs. Oscar Ruppel), and Edith (Mrs. Henry Heimbecher), both of Elmira.

He had reached the age of 75 years, 9 months and 21 days. The funeral will take place this (Thursday) afternoon at 2 o'clock, at his late residence. Service will be held in St,Paul's Lutheran Church I of which deceased was a consistent member for many years.

_____________________

M. WEICHEL & SON.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the above firm are the most extensive hardware dealers in Waterloo County. They have two mammoth establishments, one here and one at Waterloo. The Elmira branch would make a very creditable display in a city. Their business was established about eighteen years ago. The senior member of the firm has climbed from the ground up, first earning his daily bread as a humble blacksmith, and to-day there are none of our business men who evince more push, energy and enterprise. Mr. John Weichel, the junior member is, from a business point of view, "A Chip of the Old Block" He is the chief manager of the business here. The main store or salesroom is 20x87 feet in dimensions, and all the available space is occupied by every description of shelf and heavy hardware. They also occupy four flats and a cellar. To look over the immense collection of shelf hardware, one cannot help but arrive. at the conclusion that it would be impossible to fail in getting any article known to the hardware profession. The endless variety of useful and necessary articles so conveniently and neatly arranged, compels me to say that this is a model hardware store in the strictest sense of the term. This firm also deals extensively in coal, having a coal shed at the G.TR. depot, and they buy coal, coal oil and cement in carload lots. They make a specialty of binder twine and handled thirty- three tons of twine last year.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 27 Jan 1898, p. 3

Michael married Catherine Schmidt 16 Aug 1875, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catherine (daughter of Peter Schmidt and Henrietta Frauzman) was born 8 Jan 1856, , Ontario, Canada; died 28 Jun 1933, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherina Smith
• Name: Catherine Weichel
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26031
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1933, 22 Park St., Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26036

George — Elizabeth Schaefer. Elizabeth was born 20 May 1821, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Weichel
• Eby ID Number: 00039-3155.45
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

In 1901 Elizabeth with a Michael Weichel in Elmira, Ontario probably her son. She is reported to have been born in Fürstengrund, Odenwaldkreis, Hessen, Deutschland, OT v. Bad König. More research needed.

Other Events:

• Name: Peter Smith
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-268123
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farm Labourer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Peter — Henrietta Frauzman. Henrietta was born 16 Sep 1821, , Germany; died 1904. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Henrietta Schmidt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-5917
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada