Jane Elizabeth Ratz

Other Events:

• Name: Jane Elizabeth Lawrence
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-263931

Jane — Rial George Rutter "Barney" Lawrence. Rial was born 19 Nov 1925, Ottawa, Carleton Co., Ontario, Canada; died 30 Apr 2011, London, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Ann Elizabeth Lawrence was born 1955; died 10 Oct 2002, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-95988
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Student
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1926, 15 Weber St. E. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Reginald married Helen Madeline Maxwell 28 Aug 1926, Saint Marys, Blanshard Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. Helen was born 5 May 1900, Saint Marys, Blanshard Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1965; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Helen Madeline Ratz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-143031

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25867
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Tailor
• Occupation: 1889, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1918, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mr. Geo Ratz, is a member of the firm of Ratz Bros. He is a native of Elmira and a son of the late John Ratz. He attends to the office work of the firm and is well known as a shrewd and careful business man.

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

_______________


THE RATZ BROS.

It has always been my custom in writing up the industries of a community to first direct attention to its flouring mills, because from them is derived the staff of life, without which we would find a precarious subsistence. No other industry is of greater importance to the merchants, mechanics and inhabitants in general. In this particular, Elmira has a first-class establishment in the Elmira Roller Mills, owned and operated by the above well known firm. These mills were established in 1867 by a joint stock company. Sometime about the year 1870 they became the property of the late John Ratz, the father of the members of the present firm, in company with his brother Jacob. The latter is now living in New Hamburg, having withdrawn from the firm in 1872. His interest was then purchased by Isaac Wenger, it then being conducted under the firm name of Ratz & Wenger from 1872 to 1875, when Mr. Ratz became sole proprietor and operated the same until 1882, after which he gave his sons an interest in the business. It continued under the firm of Ratz & Sons until 1889, when the senior member of the firm died. The latter was a man honorable and prominent in the estimation of all who knew him, being both charitable and public spirited in every sense of the term. He was one of the first Reeves of the village and one of the main advocates of the railroad project for Elmira, and was prominent among those who rendered substantial encouragement to the movement that gave to the village its first railroad communication. Since his death the mills have been owned and operated by his three sons, Simon H. Daniel and George. They were among the first in the county to adopt the full roller process, and now have a capacity for turning out one hundred barrels of a superior grade of flour per day. A 75 horse power engine supplies the motive power. Their special brands are, viz, "Elmira" and "Sunshine," which are popular products in the market. They have an extensive local trade and a large demand in the maritime Provinces for their output.

They also buy and pay the highest market price for all the wheat that comes to their doors. In addition to the flouring mills the firm has a sawmill in connection, in which they do a large amount of custom sawing for the farmers of many miles around, besides manufacturing the heading, staves and hoops for their flour barrels. They also manufacture a first-class grade of shingles. Elmira's splendid electric light system is furnished by this firm, their plant having a capacity for producing 500 incandescent lights for that purpose. The brilliant, steady illumination of the town at night is ample proof that they are furnishing a first class article and giving the people good satisfaction. The Ratz Bros were all born within a mile and a half of Elmira and are among her honorable, industrious and enterprising citizens. The amount of money they pay out to the farmers annually is high in the thousands.

Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1, 2, 3

George married Clara Dunke 20 Aug 1889, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Clara (daughter of Heinrich "Henry" Dunke and Elizabeth Klinck) was born 8 Apr 1868, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Apr 1933, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Clara Ratz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25868
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1916, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1918, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1930, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mrs. George Ratz The death took place in Toronto on Friday last of Clara Dunke, widow of the late George Ratz of Elmira. Mrs. Ratz, who had been residing in Toronto for over fifteen years, was in her 65^th year and a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dunke of Elmira. She was one who was highly respected by her many friends and acquaintances and leaves four sons, Elmer of Hamilton Dr. R. G. and Rosswell of Kitchener and Herbert of Toronto, and one daughter, Ruth, of Toronto. Two sisters, Mrs. A. W Feick of Kitchener and Mrs. C. Middleton of Zion City, Ill., also survive. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon and on the arrival of the remains and motors from Toronto, burial took place in the Elmira cemetery.

Elmira Signet 20 Apr 1933

Other Events:

• Elected Office: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve - Elmira
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88439677
• Organization: Elmira Public Library, Elmira, Waterloo, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25862
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer - Miller
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• House: Abt 1876, 10 Centre St., Elmira, Ontario
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller

Notes:

The Late Reeve John Ratz, who was one of the leading spirits in the railroad agitation as well as in the movement to incorporate the Village of Elmira, was born in the town of Waterloo 70 years ago. He purchased a farm near Elmira in 1855, which he disposed of 26 years ago and removed to Elmira. He was elected the first Reeve of Elmira in the year 1887 and died while in office the next year.

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

_____________________

THE RATZ BROS.

It has always been my custom in writing up the industries of a community to first direct attention to its flouring mills, because from them is derived the staff of life, without which we would find a precarious subsistence. No other industry is of greater importance to the merchants, mechanics and inhabitants in general. In this particular, Elmira has a first-class establishment in the Elmira Roller Mills, owned and operated by the above well known firm. These mills were established in 1867 by a joint stock company. Sometime about the year 1870 they became the property of the late John Ratz, the father of the members of the present firm, in company with his brother Jacob. The latter is now living in New Hamburg, having withdrawn from the firm in 1872. His interest was then purchased by Isaac Wenger, it then being conducted under the firm name of Ratz & Wenger from 1872 to 1875, when Mr. Ratz became sole proprietor and operated the same until 1882, after which he gave his sons an interest in the business. It continued under the firm of Ratz & Sons until 1889, when the senior member of the firm died. The latter was a man honorable and prominent in the estimation of all who knew him, being both charitable and public spirited in every sense of the term. He was one of the first Reeves of the village and one of the main advocates of the railroad project for Elmira, and was prominent among those who rendered substantial encouragement to the movement that gave to the village its first railroad communication. Since his death the mills have been owned and operated by his three sons, Simon H. Daniel and George. They were among the first in the county to adopt the full roller process, and now have a capacity for turning out one hundred barrels of a superior grade of flour per day. A 75 horse power engine supplies the motive power. Their special brands are, viz, "Elmira" and "Sunshine," which are popular products in the market. They have an extensive local trade and a large demand in the maritime Provinces for their output.

They also buy and pay the highest market price for all the wheat that comes to their doors. In addition to the flouring mills the firm has a sawmill in connection, in which they do a large amount of custom sawing for the farmers of many miles around, besides manufacturing the heading, staves and hoops for their flour barrels. They also manufacture a first-class grade of shingles. Elmira's splendid electric light system is furnished by this firm, their plant having a capacity for producing 500 incandescent lights for that purpose. The brilliant, steady illumination of the town at night is ample proof that they are furnishing a first class article and giving the people good satisfaction. The Ratz Bros were all born within a mile and a half of Elmira and are among her honorable, industrious and enterprising citizens. The amount of money they pay out to the farmers annually is high in the thousands.

Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1, 2, 3

Organization:
On January 24, 1888, a meeting was held to organize a Mechanics' Institute in Elmira. Membership cost $1 a year. The first board members were: David Bean, George Klinck, A. Werner, John Ratz, A. H. Erb, A. Blatz, Wm. Behrens, Sol Laschinger, Dr. Ullyot, and M. Weber. The librarian/caretaker, C. K. Jansen was paid $30 a year.

John — Saloma Haist. Saloma (daughter of Christof "Simon" Haist and Eva Burkhardt) was born 29 Dec 1835, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 30 Oct 1836, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Mar 1917; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88990427
• Name: Saloma Ratz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25863
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Grandmother Ratz Departed

The funeral of Salome Ratz relict of the late John Ratz, took place from the family residence here, on Monday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. G.F. Brown, pastor of Zion Evangelical Church, of which deceased was a founder and constant member for upwards of forty years, conducted the service at the house. The choir of the church assisted in the musical service.

In the course of his remarks, the Rev. Mr. Brown paid tribute to the highly Christian character of Grandmother Ratz, as she was familiarly known, who had been a loving mother both to her own and her children's children. Almost from the time she learned to read she had been a faithful reader of the Christliche Botsch and the religious organist of the Evangelical denomination, a period of 70 years. She had endured with patience and resolute with Christian courage, the larger afflicions of a long life, including the loss of her husband and seven out of ten sons and daughters. The recent death of her youngest son, David, was, however more than she could bear and her frail body was unable to resist, the attack of pneumonia with which she was seized and she slept peacefully away on Friday evening last. The remains were laid to rest in the Union Cemetery at Elmira.

Two sons, Major (Dr.) Ratz, of Ottawa, and George, of Elmira, and one daughter, Mrs.W.J. McMurtry, of London, survive. Also one brother and two sisters, namely; Mr. S.B.

Heist, of Kitchener; Mrs. Lydia Frey, of Elmira, and Mrs. Simon Heist, of Salem, Oregon. Twenty-seven grandchildren survive.

A large number of friends and acquaintances from outside points attended the funeral.

The late Salome Ratz was daughter of Simon Heist and Salome (Burkhardt) Heist, being born on Maple Grove Farm near the City of Kitchener, on Dec. 29th, 1835. She was married to John Ratz in 1855 after which they moved to a farm 2 miles west of Elmira where they remained for twenty years, when they removed to Elmira, where the late John Ratz acquired milling and other large business interests. Her husband died in 1889, and since that time Mrs.Ratz has maintained the family home in Elmira. She was most devoted to her family, to her church and her friends and will be greatly missed.

Other Events:

• Elected Office: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve - Elmira
• Name: Henry Dunke
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-81414
• Birth: 30 Aug 1842, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1863, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wagon Maker
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Store Clerk
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant Dry Goods
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; general merchant
• Elected Office: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Elmira
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Notes:

The old residents from Elmira are fast passing from the scene of action. Another one in the person of Mr. Henry Dunke, who has been a familiar figure in Elmira for a half century, past away Saturday evening. The desceased was born in Preston, Aug 30 1842. and came to Elmira when 19 years old. He was married to Elisabeth Klinck on Sep 8 1864 and in 1914 they had the privilege of celebrating their golden wedding in good health and in the presence of a large circle of relatives. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunke were born eight children four of whom, along with Mrs. Dunke survive to mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. The surviving children are Albert of Toronto, Salome: Mrs. A.W. Feick of Berlin, Clara: Mrs. George Ratz of Elmira, and Carrie at home.

In politics the deceased was a stanch conservative, and in religion a faithful member of the Christian Catholic Church in Zion. Mr. Dunke took an active interest in the welfare of Elmira and was a member of the village council for a number of years, holding the office of reeve for a term also. He learned the carriage making trade in his youth and for a number of years carried on a successful business in that line, in the shop now owned by Mr. J.B. Lein. Later he carried on a merchantile business in the Dunke Block, and for about 17 years past has lived retired. He enjoyed good health until about a year ago, when an affection of the heart gradually crept upon him, increasing in severity until about a month ago he was compelled to stay in the house and on Saturday evening, as stated, he passed away. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon, servive beening held at the house only at which Rev. Cameron of the King St. Baptist Church, Berlin, spoke in English, and Rev. F.B. Meyer in German. The bereaved family have the sympathy of a large circle of relatives and family.


Paper Unknown

Heinrich married Elizabeth Klinck 8 Sep 1863, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Nicholas Klinck and Maria Philippina "Philppina" "Philipine" Christman) was born 1843, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Mar 1930, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Church Membership: Benton Street Baptist Church, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: Elizabeth Dunke
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25870
• Birth: 19 Sep 1844, Rhine Pfaix, Germany
• Immigration: 1856, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1857, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1863, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Residence: 1930, 44 Roy St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mrs. Elizabeth Dunke

At the age of 85 years, six months and nine days, Mrs. Elizabeth Dunke, widow of the late Henry Dunke, who died 14 years ago, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. W. Feick, 44 Roy Street, Kitchener, last Friday morning. She had been ill since last August, and had spent the winter with her daughter. Mrs. Dunke was born in Rhine Pfaix, Germany, on September 19, 1844, and came to Canada in 1857, settling with her parents in Elmira. She was married in 1864 at Elmira, and attended the Benton Street Baptist Church in Kitchener. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. A. W. Feick, 44 Roy street, Kitchener; Mrs. George Ratz, Toronto and Mrs. Charles Middleton of Zion City, Illinois, 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. One son Albert, predeceased her in 1923. The remains were at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. A. W. Feick, until Saturday afternoon, when they were taken to the Schrieter Funeral Home, where private funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1.45 p.m. Interment was made at the Elmira Union Cemetery. Rev. A. S. Imrie and Rev. G. F. Barthel conducted the services. Among those who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Reick and family of Kitchener; Mrs. George Ratz, Ruth and Herb of Toronto; Mrs. Middleton of Zion City; Dr. R. Ratz and Mrs. Ross Ratz of Kitchener, Mr. Elmer Ratz Hamilton; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Dunke and Carl Dunke of Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. W. Robertson, Toronto; Messrs. Ed and Reinhard Lang of Kitchener, Mr. Louis Weber of Hawkesville.


Elmira Signet 3 Apr 1930