John Wilfred Clare Erb

Other Events:

• Military: WW2 - RCAF
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-350957
• Residence: 1970, 501 Queenston Rd., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

John Clare Erb

PRESTON, John Clare Erb, 501 Queen St., died Friday, at South Waterloo Memorial Hospital, Galt. Born in Preston, Mr. Erb was a registrar in the Waterloo county registry office, in Kitchener. Except for a few years in Western Canada, he lived in Preston all his life. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, during the Second World War. He was a member of St. John's Anglican church. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Margaret Gee, in 1962. Surviving is one daughter, Catherine Margaret, at home. The body is at the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, until Monday, when removal will be made to the church for service, at 2 p.m. Canon John Birtch will officiate. Interment will be in Preston cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 31 Oct 1970 pg 27

John — Margaret Elvira Gee. Margaret was born 17 Apr 1910, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; died 21 Mar 1962, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 24 Mar 1962, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Catherine Margaret Erb

Other Events:

• Name: Harry Erb
• Name: Harvey Joseph Erb
• Name: Henry Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2819.5
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Not Given
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Harry married Margaret Elizabeth Clare 16 Jan 1901, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Reeve John Clare and Margaret Beck) was born 1868, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Dec 1949, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Elizabeth Erb
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-350956
• Residence: 1949, 519 Queenston St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mrs. Margaret Erb

PRESTON, Dec 22. One of Preston's oldest citizens, Margaret Elizabeth Clare. widow, of Harry Joseph Erb, died at her residence, 519 Queen Street, last night at the age of 81 years. Mrs. Erb was well known in Preston, having resided here for 77 years. Her, death culminated an illness of the past six months. A daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Clare of Preston, she was the last surviving member of their family. Born in Preston, she resided here all her life with the exception of four years spent in Winnipeg, about 40 years ago. A member of St. John's Anglican Church, she was active in the work of the church and various church organizations, until recent years. Surviving is a son, John Clare Erb of Preston. Her husband predeceased her in 1916. The body is resting at the residence, where the funeral will be held tomorrow at 2: 30. Interment will he in the Preston Cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 22 Dec 1949 pg 7

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86144826/
• Historic Building: 506 King St. E., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; stone 1 1/2 story
• Interesting: politics, business, mill, public service
• Name: A. A. Erb
• Name: Abram Erb
• Name: Albert Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2819
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Elected Office: 1860, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve of Preston
• Occupation: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Business: 1864, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; A. A. Erb & Brothers - Cambridge Flouring Mills
• Directory: 1864, Cambridge Flouring Mills, Preston (Cambridge), Ontario; A. A. Erb & Brothers
• Elected Office: 1867, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve of Preston
• Elected Office: 1871, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve of Preston
• Elected Office: 1871, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Warden for the County of Waterloo
• Occupation: 1871, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; inspector
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Inspector
• Occupation: 1891, , Ontario, Canada; Customs Officer
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Abram Erb, "the eldest in family, was born March 8th, 1829. He is married to Margaret Wallace. They reside in Preston. Some years ago the Dominion Government had him appointed customs and revenue officer which appointment he still holds. 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.].

_____________________________

A. A. ERB, Preston

With deep regret we this week chronicle the death of Mr. Abraham A. Erb, Collector of Customs at Preston, who passed past away peacefully away on Wednesday afternoon. The deceased gentleman was born in Preston, March 8th, 1829, and has resided there ever since. In 1863 he went into business with his father in a grist and flour mill and stave factory. In 1868, Mr. Erb, sr., retired, the business being continued by Erb Bros., consisting of A. A., Cyrus, Jacob K. and Jos. K. Erb and they were very successful. In 1878 Mr. Erb was appointed excise officer in Preston, and in 1891 was appointed to take charge of the customs outport of Preston. A social, kindly gentleman, his friends were everybody that knew him and his demise is sincerely regretted, His widow and six children survive him. The two sons, George and Harry J., live in Winnipeg. The four daughters are all married : Mrs. Geo. Pattinson, Mrs. C. R. Manning and Mrs. F. Moss live in Preston and Mrs. (Dr.) Goodall in New York. All will be home for the funeral, which takes place on Friday, at 2 o'clock. In politics, Mr. Erb was a consistent Conservative and in religion a member of the English Church.

Unknown Paper

Historic Building:
1 story stone house. In 1978: listed in good condition used by the Public Utilities Commission.

Abraham — Margaret Wallace. Margaret (daughter of Robert Wallace and Elizabeth Lind) was born CALC 11 Sep 1831, Blackburn, Scotland; died 11 Jan 1915, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86144972
• Name: Margaret Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2819.1
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182840447
• Interesting: business, life story, politics, public service
• Name: Johannes Klaar
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-35004
• Residence: 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Moulder
• Occupation: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Illegible
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Elected Office: 1862, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve of Preston
• Elected Office: 1870, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve of Preston
• Occupation: 1871, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Iron Founder
• Elected Office: 1876, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve of Preston
• Misfortune: Abt 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; hand torn off
• Occupation: 1881, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Founder
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

John Klarr later Clare, was born in Odenbach, Bavaria, Germany in 1823 and came to North America with his parents in 1834. The family first settled in Rochester, New York apprenticed in a foundry. In 1843 he arrived in Preston and in partnership he established a foundry with Jacob Beck and Valentine Wahn. The partnership dissolved in 1853 and he purchased the foundry previously operated by Erb and Guggisberg and made cast iron wood burning stoves, later building furnaces when central heating became available. He retired in 1881 sold his firm to his sons Frederick and George along with Henry C. Hilborn. He served on Preston council.


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

________________________

John Clare, one of the oldest inhabitants of Preston, died on March 9th, of pneumonia, at the age of 64 years, 4 months, and 23 days. He was born in Odenbach, Rhine-Bavaria, came to America in 1834 as an 11 year-Old boy, first to Rochester, N.Y., later worked in an iron foundry in Hamilton, settled in Preston in 1844, where he carried on his business for 33 years.

In 1845, he married Margaretha Beck from Weiler in Baden (Margaretha Beck von Weiler in Baden) and the peaceful marriage produced 10 children, 5 boys and 5 in 1880, a dreadful misfortune befell him, in that his left hand was torn off as he attempted to start up his machinery. As a result, he retired from business in 1881. He was a good family man, an industrious business-man, a loyal and active member of the lutheran church, and a capable official of the town of Preston, which he served for several years as councillor and reeve in the town council, and more recently, in the county council.

Berliner Journal- March 15, 1888 (P.4 - Col.2) translated by Patricia Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

____________________________

An enterprising young German came here [Preston] about 1838 by name of Mr. Jacob Beck. He had invented a peculiar kind of water-wheel, small in size but of great power, and its use in several small water powers gave young Mr. Beck quite a reputation. He commenced a small foundry near a saw-mill in the village of New Hope, and finding considerable encouragement came to Preston, where he erected a foundry upon the premises now owned by Peter E. Shantz in Fountain Street. Business increased rapidly, but unfortunately a fire broke out which completely destroyed his flourishing foundry and Mr. Beck, no insurance having been effected, stood once more poor and penniless; but, thanks to the liberality of his neighbors in and around Preston, a subscription was raised, men turned out to help with work and material and in a short time after the fire, Mr. Beck was again in possession of a foundry of considerably larger dimensions than the one destroyed by fire. He did an excellent business, and had men selling his stoves and other wares over a large part of Western Ontario. His means increased at a rapid rate, and he enlarged his premises according to the wants of his business. Some years later he took in as partners two of the young men in his employ, viz: John Clare and Valentine Wahn, and the foundry business continued to prosper for several years. Mr. Beck had in the meantime arranged with Mr. Robert Hunt of the Woolen Mills to improve his water power by heightening the dam and digging a canal from the dam alongside the (Speed River. This canal is still in existence except a small portion of its terminus which has recently been closed. Mr. Beck for the construction of the said canal obtained the privilege of erecting a saw-mill upon Mr. Hunt's premises. This saw-mill Mr. Beck carried on for some time but seeing that a grand scheme that he had in mind could not be carried out, he sold his sawmill to Messrs. Hunt & Elliott. This grand scheme was nothing less than extending the said canal, crossing King Street and Queen Street and erecting along the canal a number of factories and mills. The proprietor of the land positively refused to grant permission to construct such a canal and Mr. Beck was forced to abandon his cherished plan of making Preston a great manufacturing place, such as the Town of Galt is at the present day. Mr. Beck, notwithstanding the good business done in his foundry, became displeased with Preston. The partnership of Beck, Clare & Wahn was abruptly dissolved, the business closed and the affairs of the firm wound up. Each partner obtained his proper share of the assets, which were largely in excess of the liabilities, Mr. Clare a store and other property and Jacob Beck a large sum of money. He went in search of a mill property which he found in Wilmot. There he erected mills, foundry and other industries, and founded a village which he named Baden. The grist-mill built by him was the third grist-mill built with money earned in Preston.

Fifth Annual Report Of The Waterloo Historical Society, 1917 pg 29

_______________________


The family name of John Clare, an astute and forward-looking industrialist of Preston who came to Canada from Germany, was originally Klaar.

In his late teens he learned the moulding trade in a foundry in Buffalo, NY, and in 1843 was hired by Jacob Beck of Preston. A short time later he became Beck's partner.

In 1853 when the Great Western Railway was being built Beck said: "We must locate on the railway." Clare replied: "They will have to come to us eventually." Both proved to be right for the railway did go through Preston. Beck sold his interest in the flourishing firm which became John Clare and Company.

Several sons succeeded him in the business, one of whom, George became a member of Parliament at Ottawa and a member of the Cabinet.

The Waterloo Region Hall of Fame

______________________

Clare, John, iron founder and tinsmith ; manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer in stoves. Is a native of Germany, and has resided here since 1845. Formerly held the offices of Reeve and School Trustee.

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

John married Margaret Beck 28 Sep 1845, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Georg Friedrich "Frederick" Beck and Barbara Mourloch) was born 15 Sep 1826, Weiler, Baden, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 8 Mar 1906, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182840510
• Name: Margaret Clare
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-40734
• Immigration: 1830, , Canada
• Immigration: 1830, , Canada
• Residence: 1845, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29443946
• Eby ID Number: 00032-2818
• Occupation: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Occupation: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer & Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Joseph Erb, "the fourth son of John and Magdalena (Schrantz) Erb, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 30th, 1800. He came to Canada in 1805 with his parents who settled where now Preston is situated. Here Mr. Erb was raised and after arriving of age he conducted his father's business which then consisted of the grist mill, saw mill, distillery, general store, besides a large farm of nearly 500 acres of land. On December 11th, 1827, he was married to Mary, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Clemens) Kolb. She was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, near Skippack, August 4th, 1804, and came to Canada with her parents in 1819. She is still living on the old Erb place. Her residence is situated within sixty feet from where old John Erb had erected his first log cabin when coming to Canada in 1805. He died October 15th, 1885. To them was born a family of ten children"

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

______________


Joseph Erb died in Preston at the age of 85 years and 6 months. He came to Canada from Pennasylvania with his parents when only a few years old, and has lived ever since in Preston. He is survived by his widow, 6 sons and 1 daughter, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At his burial service on Sunday at Hegy's meeting-house, a great many mourners from near and far were congregated^.

Berliner Journal 22 Oct 1885 pg 5 col 2, translated by Pat Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

___________

ERB.-- On the 15th of October, in Waterloo County, Ontario, Joseph Erb, aged 85 years, 6 months and 15 days. He was taken last winter with kidney disease, but during the summer he was again able to walk out. During the last few weeks however he suffered a good deal, but bore it all with patience. He leaves a widow and seven children. He was buried at Hagy's Meeting-house on the 18th, followed to the grave by many people. Services by J. Woolner and Moses Erb.

Herald Of Truth - Volume XXII, Number 21 - Nov. 1, 1885, page 333:

Joseph married Mary Kolb 11 Dec 1827. Mary (daughter of Deacon Jacob Kolb, Sr. and Catharine Clemens) was born 4 Aug 1808, Near Skippack, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 13 Mar 1900, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96512200
• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Name: Mary Erb
• Eby ID Number: 00068-4117
• Residence: 1852, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Mary Kolb, "the eldest in the family, was born in Montgomery County, near Skippack, Pennsylvania, August 4th, 1804. On December 11, 1827, she was married to the late Joseph Erb of Preston where she is having her home with her daughter, Magdalena."

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.].

________________________

ERB - On Tuesday March 13, 1900, at her home in Preston, Ontario, of the infirmities of old age, Sister Mary Kolb, relict of the late Bro. Joseph Erb. She was the daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Clemens) Kolb and was born near Skippack, Montgomery Co., Pa., on the 4th of August 1804. In 1819 she came with her parents to Canada, when what is now known as Waterloo Co. was nearly all forest land. On the 11th of Dec. 1827 she was married to Joseph Erb who died Oct. 15th, 1885. To them were born eight sons and two daughters of whom five sons and one daughter survive her. With her husband who as a miller was widely known for his generosity she shared the trials and hardships of pioneer life as a true helpmeet, and the labors of their hands were greatly blessed. She enjoyed reasonably good health until about three years ago she fell on the floor dislocating her hip, since which time she was unable to walk. Thus the feet that through a long life had been so busy in household duties and missions of love and charity were forced to rest and she had to pass her days in her chair, not being able to get in or out of bed alone. Her daughter, Sister Lena Erb, who is unmarried and lives at home, attended to her aged mother's wants with true filial devotion for three years, being assisted by her two brothers Cyrus and Joseph, both living in Preston. Deceased suffered but little pain during the last year of her life, yet she was patiently waiting for the time of her departure to the land where so many of her loved ones had already gone. Her wish that she might just fall asleep, never to wake again in this world, was granted, and loving watchers did not know that she was gone until they came to look after her, when they found nothing but the cold clay; the longing soul, so long imprisoned in its frail earthly tenement, had gone home to God. The burial took place at the Hagey M. H. near Preston on the 16th. Funeral services by Jacob Woolner in German from Heb. 13: 14 and by Noah Stauffer in English from Isa. 58: 8. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church and reached the age of 91 years, 7 months and 9 days.

HERALD OF TRUTH - April 1, 1900 pages 109-111

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-130591P
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1852, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Residence:
Lived with Robert and Isabella Wallace

Robert — Elizabeth Lind. Elizabeth was born 1789, of, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 May 1846; was buried , Pioneer Pergola Cemetery, St. Andrew's Park, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Wallace
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-130541P

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-412659

— Barbara. Barbara was born 1790, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-412660
• Residence: 1861, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• House: Beck St., Doon, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: Frederick Beck
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-34518

Georg married Barbara Mourloch 8 Aug 1813, Weiler, Baden, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Barbara was born 10 Oct 1791, Sloan, Baden, Germany; died 1 May 1870, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182840169
• Name: Barbara Beck
• Name: Barbara Morlock
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-34519