Frederick Stephen Guggisberg

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21726394
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-346410
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• Business: Guggisberg Brothers & Co.
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21718138
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43311P
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1878, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; book keeper
• Occupation: 1881, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Occupation: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Furniture Dealer
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1913, Toledo, Lucas, Ohio, USA; travelling salesman

Walter — Mary Anne Dukeman. Mary was born 12 May 1853, , Richland Co., Ohio; died 8 Jan 1933, Toledo, Lucas, Ohio, USA; was buried , Forest Cemetery, Toledo, Lucas, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21718369
• Name: Mary Anne Guggisberg
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-101165
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21663464
• Interesting: business, life story, funeral, furniture
• Name: Frederick Guggisberg
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-42644
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; cabinet maker
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Chair maker
• Occupation: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Cabinet Maker
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Furniture Manufacturer
• Historic Building: 1884, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Friedrich Guggisberg (referred to as "Frederick" Guggisberg in commercial business directories) was the founder of one of Preston's earliest furniture works. Born in Uetendorf, Canton Bern, Switzerland in 1818, he came to Canada in 1834 with two older sisters and their families. In Preston, they joined two older brothers, Johann and Samuel. In 1838, Frederick started his own cabinetmaking shop, which grew from making chairs to a diversified manufacturing concern, making desks, tables and some of the first barrel type patented revolving drawer desks and high roll-top desks in Canada. The finest designs were sent to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. At one time, the Guggisberg furniture works was the largest employer in Preston. Involved in community affairs, in 1852, Frederick was a member of Preston's first village council. He is buried in the Old Preston Cemetery on Fountain Street, Cambridge.

After Guggisberg's death in 1888, his three sons took over the business and later sold out their interest. The business became the Preston Furniture Company, manufacturing office desks. This company was sold to Percy Hilborn in 1919, and became consolidated with Hilborn's Canadian Office and School Furniture Company in 1928.


Waterloo Hall of Fame

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Frederick S. Guggisberg described as the father of the furniture industry in Waterloo County. He was born in Usterdorf, Berne, Switzerland on Sep 19th, 1818. He came to Canada in 1834 following two brothers John and Samuel who had come two years earlier. John settled in Preston and Samuel Galt where he was a store keeper. Samuel's son also named Frederick operated a dry goods store called the Waterloo House at the corner of Main and Water Streets until his death in 1873.

Upon his arrival in Canada Frederick S. first settled in Dundas where he worked 1 year in a cabinet ship completing his training. He moved to Preston where his brother John operated a butcher shop and tavern called "The Black Bear" In 1838 he opened a small furniture shop beside the Speed River where he made chairs, tables, desks and coffins. He was a founding member of the Preston Horticultural Society. He served on Preston's first town council. He retired in 1879 turning it over to his sons who sold out in 1891, the business was later known as the Preston Furniture Co.


Cambridge Mosaic , Jim Quantrell, 1998, City of Cambridge [abbreviated snippet from original text in book]

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Guggisberg, Frederick, general manufacturer of furniture. Is a native of Switzerland. Born, 1818. Has resided here since 1834.

Illustrated Atlas of the County of Waterloo, H. Parsel & Co., Toronto - 1881 (Village of Preston entries)

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In 1841, Frederick Guggisburg started making chairs in Preston. Later he expanded his line to include pieces of furniture which were made largely by hand of such exquisite design and splendid workmanship that he found his limited space inadequate to cope with the demand from people who could afford to pay his price and wanted pieces of really fine furniture for their homes.

Some of this old Guggisburg furniture is still to be encountered here and there in homes where its present owners continue to admire the lovely lines and count it priceless. It is not for sale.

On December 11th, 1849, Jacob Hespeler invoiced Mr. Guggisburg in Preston with 11,281 feet of maple two by fours (sawn here) at $13.00 per M feet. This was probably used in making furniture. Prior to 1846 there was a carpenter here named Adam Hess who owned a house property on the north side of Queen Street east of Harvey. He had previously purchased the property from Michael Bergey and through it ran a small creek which carried water from several springs on the side hill down to the river.

In 1863, Hess sold his property to Fred. Guggisburg and in 1864 was tenant of the house on it. In 1866, Fred. Guggisburg is rated as owner of two acres on the north side of Queen Street, evidently the Hess lot, and other property between it and the river. In this year, George Guenther appears as Tenant of the Hess house. In 1871, Mr. Guenther bought one-fifth of an acre from Guggisburg, probably the house where he was living as tenant. The year following, that is, 1872, Guggisburg goes out of our picture and Mr. Guenther is shown as owner.

Previously, on March 5th, 1861, Guenther purchased from Joseph Oberholtzer seventy-four and three-quarters perches of land, part of lot ten, in the second concession, that is west of Harvey Street.

Le Rue De Commerce, Other Times Other Customs Other Days Other Ways, Winfield Brewster 1954

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Death of Frederick Guggisberg, Esq., of Preston - On Wednesday morning the sad intelligence reached us that our old and genial friend, Mr. Frederick Guggisberg, had suddenly expired at his residence in Preston, and inquiry soon proved the truth of the distressing report. For some time past, while not interfering with his pursuits or the energy of his life, Mr. Guggisberg complained of severe pains at his heart, which medical men consulted, pronounced of a rheumatic nature. These pains were but transitory, and he paid but little attention to them. On Tuesday he was about the factory his usual cheery, happy self; but on Wednesday morning, shortly after breakfast, a very severe spasm occurred; he fainted, and in but a very few moments passed away.

Mr. Guggisberg was born in the village of Thun, Canton Berne, Switzerland, and came to Canada with his sister, the late Mrs. Mosser, in 1834. He entered at once as an apprentice in a Cabinet Factory in Dundas and, completing his apprenticeship, in 1938, moved to Preston, where he established himself in his business and laid the foundation of what proved wealth for himself and now one of the largest and most successful Furniture Manufactories in the Province. Mr. Guggisberg retired in favor of his sons in 1879, and has since enjoyed wisely and usefully, the competence he had earned in his well spent business life. In 1852, he was married to Miss Ernst, daughter of the late John Ernst, of Petersburg, Mrs. Guggisberg dying in 1861, leaving a family of five children, three sons, viz: - Messrs. Christian and John Guggisberg, of the Preston factory, and Mr. Walter Guggisberg, head of the firm in Galt, and two daughters, Mrs. Philip Boehmer, of Berlin, and Mrs. Allemang, of Preston.

In 1880 Mr. Guggisberg visited his native town in Switzerland, and while there was united in marriage to the estimable lady who now survives him. After a stay of over a year, they returned to Canada, again visiting Switzerland in 1884. Returning from this trip Mr. and Mrs. Guggisberg have since continuously resided at their beautiful residence in Preston. In the wider circle of friends and acquaintances of the deceased gentleman there will be none who will not regret his death. He had the peculiar faculty of making friends and keeping them. He was energetic and industrious in the pursuit of his business, and all his dealings were so pleasant, straightforward and honorable, that his customers became his friends.

His funeral will take place from the family residence at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. He will be interred in Preston Cemetery.

Galt Reporter Mar 2 1888 pg 1

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The Funeral of the Late Mr. F. Guggisberg took place on Friday last on the arrival of the morning train from Toronto. The body was enclosed in a very handsome coffin which on being transferred from the car to the platform of the station was opened for a few minutes, to enable those friends who wished to take a last look at the remains. The body was then placed in the hearse and, preceded by the members of the Masonic Lodges, and followed by a very large concourse of mourners, the cortege proceeded slowly through the streets to Trinity Church, where the services for the dead were read by Dean Boomer and the Rev. Isaac Brock, pastor of the Church From thence the cortege proceeded to Trinity Church Cemetery, where the body was lowered into the grave and where the peculiar and imposing ceremonies of the Masonic Body were performed. The closing services of the English Church were then read, and the last token of respect had been paid to all that was mortal of our old friend. As a token of respect, the stores in town were all closed while the funeral procession passed through the street.

Newspaper Unknown

Friedrich married Maria "Marie" Ernst 20 Apr 1852, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Maria (daughter of Johann "John" Ernst and Maria Lugebiehl) was born 28 Dec 1834, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Mar 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21726542
• Name: Maria "Marie" Guggisberg
• Name: Maria Grust
• Name: Marie Ernst
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-263479
• Residence: 1852, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Protestant
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43312

Christian — Magdalena Moser. Magdalena was born CA 1770; died , Bern, Switzerland. [Group Sheet]

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• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81983791
• Name: Magdalena Guggisberg
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-40135

Other Events:

• Business: Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Petersburg Hotel - Blue Moon Inn
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/237839241
• Interesting: epidemic, business, politics, hotel
• Name: John Ernst
• Occupation: Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; postmaster
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0958.222
• Occupation: 1841, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; hotel keeper and business man
• Occupation: 1841, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; storekeeper
• Business: 1847, Petersburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Diana Tannery
• Elected Office: 1851, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve/Mayor
• Occupation: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Protestant
• Occupation: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Inn Keeper
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

The Late John Ernst

John Ernst, Sr., who died at New Hamburg on the 1st inst., was born at Grand Village, near Belford, Lorraine, France, on the 4th of Dec., 1807. He emigrated to America in the year 1827, landing in New York in the same year, where he remained but one year, long enough to enable him to learn the English language somewhat. He came to Wilmot township in 1838 where he took up land, cleared his lot, and remained on the same for a long time. During his time there the cholera (1837) broke out, and while the sad epidemic lasted he helped to bury many of his neighbours, even making coffins from rough lumber and taking them to the burying ground with his ox team, and attending to the burial all by himself. After that he removed to Petersburg, where he engaged in the general store business and hotel keeping. Some time after that he owned and run the New Dundee mills, also the tannery at Petersburg. He was a man of good judgement, and a man on whose word you could rely. Any appointment he made he was sure to fulfill; he was a man of temperate habits although a hotel keeper for over 40 years. Some years ago he withdrew from actual business pursuits, but was always ready to enter into conversation on the topics of the day, as well as render any assistance where needed if at all in his power to do so. About six weeks ago he was attacked with bronchitis, then heart trouble set in from which he never rallied. Although far advanced in years he bore his sufferings with Christian fortitude and was prepared to meet his Maker. In years gone by he held different municipal offices, was Justice of the Peace and also issuer of marriage licences. He was postmaster at Petersburg for 44 years, and was one of the first postmasters in the County of Waterloo. In politics he was a staunch Conservative, and was ever ready to do a good turn for his party. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was an old member of that body. His remains were taken to Petersburg, for internment on Wednesday Feb. 3rd. He leaves one daughter and three sons to mourn his loss; his wife preceded him some fifteen years ago.

Dumfries Reformer, February 11, 1886 by New Hamburg Correspondent.

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[The Blue Moon Inn was] erected circa 1855, by John Ernst, in the Village of Petersburg. In addition to being the inn's founder and proprietor, Ernst was actively involved in the political and social life of Petersburg and Wilmot Township. During his lifetime, Ernst held the positions of first Postmaster of Petersburg, in 1840, Chairman of the Wilmot Township Board of Commissioners, in 1843, Councillor with the Wellington District Council, from 1842 to 1850, Township Deputy Reeve, in 1850 and Township Reeve, from 1851 to 1853, and 1857 to 1859, among other significant posts.

https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=9989

Business:
In 1847 John Ernst took over an earlier established tannery known as the Diana Garberei (Diana Tannery).

Der Deutsche Canadier, 12 Aug 1847 mentions its sale.

Elected Office:
Years Served: 1851-1852, 1857-1858

Johann — Maria Lugebiehl. Maria was born 7 Feb 1805, Grandvillars, , Franche-Comté, France; died 28 Sep 1840, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Petersburg, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Ernst
• Eby ID Number: 00006-0958.223