Lieut. David Gordon Hilborn

Other Events:

• Military: WW2
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48362P

Other Events:

• Interesting: medical, public service
• Name: G. V. Hilborn
• Name: Verne Hilborn
• Eby ID Number: 00053-3730.2
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Accountant
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Church of England

Notes:

Gordon Verne Hilborn was born in Blair. After graduation from school he entered the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce but in 1909 decided to study at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. He completed his studies in 1913 and established his practice in Preston. In 1935 he became the Registrar of Deeds for the County of Waterloo. He was involved with Galt Kiwanis Club, the Ontario Ostepathic Association and the Ontario Registrar's Association. He also served as president of the Waterloo Historical Society.


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

______________________

HILBORN, Dr. Gordon Verne - At St. Petersburg, Fla., Sunday, April 20, 1975, Dr. Gordon Verne Hilborn, of Preston Cambridge, in his am year, beloved husband of Jean Gourlay Secord and the late Sadie Devitt dear father of Robert H. Hilborn of Oshawa;. predeceased by sons David H. and Hugh I. IIilborn; lovingly remembered grandfather of David and Lynn Hilborn. Dr. Hilborn was born in Blair and is a retired registrar of Waterloo County; member of Knox Presbyterian Church, Preston, and past president of the Waterloo Historical Society. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Aaron W. Hilborn who were early settlers of Waterloo County, Dr. Hiborn was a member of the Preston Masonic Lodge 297; Royal City Lodge of Perfection; Guelph Chapter, Rose Croix; Moore Sovereign Consistory; Preston Chapter, Royal Archmasons; Knights Templar Omer Perceptory; Mocha Temple, London; Waterloo County Piscine Club and the Cambridge Shrine Club. Resting at the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, corner Argyle and Queenston Road, Cambridge (Preston), from Tuesday afternoon. Funeral service Wednesday at 2 p.m. Interment in Hagey cemetery. Masonic services under the auspices of the Preston Masonic Lodge, Tuesday evening, at 7 pm at the funeral home.

Gordon married Sarah Winnifred "Sadie" Devitt 4 Oct 1916, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of Anson Harvey Devitt and Rachel W. Irving) was born 2 Nov 1887, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 18 Jun 1964, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sadie Devitt
• Name: Sarah Winnifred "Sadie" Hilborn
• Eby ID Number: 00142-2328.2
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Mrs. G. V. Hilborn - By Record Staff Writer

Preston - Funeral services will be conducted here Saturday for Mrs. Gordon V. Hilborn, 648 Queen St, who died Thursday in Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto.

The former Sadie Devitt, she was born in Hamilton and came to live in Preston from Kitchener in 1916. She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and was a past regent of Preston IODE.

Surviving are her husband, Dr. G. V. Hilborn; one son, Lt. Col. Robert Hilborn of Toronto and two grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons, Lieut. David Hilborn and FO. Hugh Hilborn

The body is at the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, where Rev A. H. Vair will conduct the service at 2 p. m. Saturday. Burial will be in Hagey Cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo record Jun 19 1964 pg 23

Other Events:

• Interesting: insurance, education, politics
• Eby ID Number: 00053-3730
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Residence: 1887, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Teacher
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; School Teacher, Central School
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Elected Office: 1929, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; mayor of Galt

Notes:

Aaron W. Hilborn, "was born August 23rd, 1860. He follows teaching as his profession and is at present principal of the Bloomingdale public school where he resides. He is married to Maggie Unger and has a family of one child named"


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.].

_____________________

Aaron W. Hilborn taught school for three years in St. Jacobs before attending Normal School in Toronto. He then taught for about 18 years in Blair, 3 in Dickson Public School and 4 at Suddaby School in Kitchener, where he was assistant principal. He left teaching in 1914 to become the secretary-treasurer of the North Dumfries and South Waterloo Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. until his retirement in 1934. He served as mayor of Galt 1929&1930 and did not retire from public life until he was 80, last serving as Chairman of the Galt Board of Education.


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

_______________________


A. W. Hilborn - One of this district's best known citizens, A. W. Hilborn, 82, passed away at his residence in Galt yesterday.Born near Preston, Mr. Hilborn was educated at the Kitchener High and Toronto Normal Schools. For several years he taught in Blair and at county institutions. Thirty years ago he became associated with the North Dumfries and South Waterloo Mutual Fire Insurance Company and for two decades served as manager. He retired nine years ago.

Mr. Hilborn took an active part in municipal life and only gave up his last office in 1941. Mayor of Galt during 1929 and 1930, he previously had served as alderman for seven years. A former chairman of the Board of Education it was from this body, as a trustee, he resigned two years ago.
He was an elder of Wesley United Church. Mr Hilborn belonged to Alma Masonic Lodge A. F. and A.M.

Surviving are his wife, one son, Dr. G.V. Hilborn of Preston and Kitchener; three grandsons, Capt.. Robert H. Hilborn, staff captain of the 9th Canadian Highland Brigade, overseas, Lieut. David G. , Western University, London, and Leading Aircraftman Hugh I., R.C.A.F., Goderich; and four brothers, David W., Selkirk, Jesse W. Paris, Edwin W., Hamilton, and Jacob, in Saskatchewan.

The funeral will be held from T. Little and Sons Funeral Home, Galt, on Saturday at 2:30p.m. Interment will be Mount View Cemetery.

The Daily Record, 21 Jan 1943

Aaron married Margaret "Maggie" Unger 7 Apr 1887, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Margaret (daughter of Moses Unger and Magdalena Histand) was born 24 Aug 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 3 Dec 1949, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 5 Dec 1949, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Maggie Unger
• Name: Margaret "Maggie" Hilborn
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7583
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1887, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Maggie Unger, "is married to Aaron W. Hilborn, teacher. They reside at Bloomingdale where he is principal of the public school."


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. A. W. Hilborn

Word has been received by Mrs. Ellen Rickert, 17 Otto St., of the death of her sister, Mrs. A. W. Hilborn, 82, of Galt, Saturday. Mrs. Hilborn went to Galt 45 years ago. She was a member of the Wesley United Church. Surviving are one son, Dr. G. V. Hilborn of Preston; eight sisters, Mrs. Rickert, Mrs. John Ford of Seattle. Washington; Mrs. C. G. Ott, Worcester. Mass.: Mrs. C. P. Wilkins of Brantford; Mrs. William Hurst of Winnipeg; Mrs. Tmma Thomas of Brantford; Mrs. J. Campbell of San Francisco; Mrs. H. E. James of Vancouver; two brothers, John Unger of Blum Coulee, Man. and Joseph of Eugene, Oregon; two grandsons and two great-grandsons. Funeral was held at the T. Little and Son Funeral Home, this afternoon. Interment was made in the Mt. View Cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 5 Dec 1949 pg 5

Other Events:

• Name: A. H. Devitt
• Name: Harvey Devitt
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2328
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Occupation: 1887, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; bank clerk
• Sports: 1907, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Berlin Bankers Hockey Club, 1907-1908
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Insurance Agent, Insurance
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Inspector, Insurance
• Residence: 1921, 38 Gordon Ave., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Harvey Devitt, "(Vol. I, No. 2328) has a family of one child named Sadie."

Harvey Devitt, "is married to Rachel Irving. They reside in Hamilton, Ontario, where he is engaged in one of the banks."


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.].

Anson — Rachel W. Irving. Rachel was born 1865, Dundas, West Flamborough Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Rachel W. Devitt
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2328.1
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1921, 38 Gordon Ave., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14714132
• Historic Business: 1820'S, 90 Old Mill Road, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blair Mill
• Interesting: mill, life story
• Eby ID Number: 00053-3727
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller

Notes:

Jacob Hilborn, "son of Jesse and Annie (Smith) Hilborn, was born at Preston, Ontario, December 14th, 1833. He was raised on the farm. On January 30th, 1855, he was married to Caroline, eldest daughter of Joseph and Susannah (Groh) Witmer. She was born April 16th, 1837. Soon after their marriage they moved on a farm at Speedsville, a small village near Preston, where they resided until March 19th, 1872, when they moved near Conestogo, on the farm formerly owned by John Groff. After disposing of this farm he purchased the Blair Mills, to which place he moved in October, 1884. Here he is doing a good business. Mr. Hilborn is a gentleman of excellent business abilities, push and enterprise, and is highly and justly esteemed by all who have dealings with him. Mr. Hilborn's family consisted of eleven children, of whom two 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.].

____________

Golden Wedding celebration of Mr & Mrs Jacob Hilborn at Blair last week, over 50 guests were present of which 43 were direct descendants of the aged couple. Mr Hilborn is 71 and his wife, who was Caroline Witmer, is 68. They were married in Berlin 50 years ago. They have raised a family of nine sons, all a credit to their parents and all doing well. They are: Isaac, Secretary, Treasurer of the Elimra Felt Boot Co., Amos of the New Dundee flour mills; Aaron, Principal of the Blair School; Emanuel of the Freelton Flour Mills, David, Merchant at Selkirk, Ont., Joseph, Manager of the Blair Flour Mills, Jesse, General Merchant at Paris, Jacob, Managing director at the Balgonia Assiniboia Flour Mills and Edwin, Stock Keeper, Paris Plow Co., Paris.

The Ayr News November 10 1904:

_____________________________

Soon after his marriage he moved to a farm at Speedsville where he and his wife stayed until 1872, then moved to a farm near Conestogo. In 1884 he purchased Blair Mills and known as Hilborn Mills. The mill original built in 1845 by Samuel B. Bowman had been known as Carlisle Mill. Jacob retired from milling in 1902 and moved to New Dundee to live with his son Amos.


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

__________________________

JACOB HILBORN

On Sunday morning, January 9th, death claimed one of Waterloo County's oldest resident, in the person of Mr. Jacob Hilborn, New Dundee, in his 77th year. Deceased was born near Preston, in the year, 1833 and after his marriage, in 1856 to Caroline Witmer, settled on a farm north of the town. In 1872, he moved on a farm near Conestoga, where he resided until 1884, when he purchased the Blair flour Mills, which he operated, until about five years ago, when owing to ill-health, he retired from business and spent his declining years, in New Dundee. He was very unassuming in his manner and was highly respected for his sterling qualities, in business and private life. For several years he was a member of the United Brethren church and always took a deep interest in anything pertaining to the welfare of mankind. He is survived by a widow and nine sons; Isaac, Elmira; Amos, New Dundee, Aaron, Berlin; Emanuel, Freelton; David, Selkirk; Joseph, Blair; Jesse and Edwin, Paris and Jacob, Moose Jaw, Sask. The funeral is on Tuesday afternoon and was held from his late residence, to the Hagey cemetery, Preston and was attended by a large concourse of friends, who came to pay their last tribute of respect, to one whom they loved.

Chronicle-Telegraph 13 Jan 1910 pg 10

Historic Business:
Your Heritage Waterloo Region

Jacob married Caroline Witmer 30 Jan 1855. Caroline (daughter of Joseph Witmer and Susannah Groh) was born 16 Apr 1837, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1 Apr 1919; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14714144
• Name: Caroline Hilborn
• Eby ID Number: 00135-8312
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; W. Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Residence: 1911, New Dundee, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren

Notes:

Caroline Witmer, "was born April 16th, 1837. She is married to Jacob Hilborn, a miller. They reside at Blair and have a family of eleven children, namely: Isaac, Amos, Aaron, Emanuel, David, Joseph, Jesse, Jacob, Eliza (dead), Edwin, and Milton."


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.].

Other Events:

• Interesting: accident, story, misfortune
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7580
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Residence: 1896, 19 Mill St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Cattle Dealer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran
• Misfortune: 1928; killed in auto accident

Notes:

Moses Unger, "resides in Hespeler where he is engaged in the wood and coal business. He is married to Magdalena Histand. Their family consists of twelve children..., the seven younger of Mr. M. Unger's family, reside with their parents in Hespeler."


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.].

_____________________

INJURIES CAUSED BY AUTO FATAL TO 88 YEAR OLD MAN

Moses Unger Succumbs Few Hours After Being Struck By Motor Car; Driver Absolved Of Blame

Moses Unger, 134 Church street, died last evening at his home on Church street of injuries and shock received when he was struck down at 2.40 yesterday afternoon on King street by a car driven by Roy Burns, 4 Grand street, Guelph. The deceased was in his 85th year. Mr. Unger's eyesight was poor and he was proceeding across King street near Norton's store when the accident occurred. The car was travelling along King street towards Galt when the aged man was struck. Eye witnesses of the accident state that the driver of the car was not to blame for the accident as he was driving very slowly when he hit Unger. The unfortunate man apparently did not see the approaching machine and stepped directly into its path. He sustained a bad gash on the forehead and other bruises and a bad shaking up. His advanced years and the injuries sustained are said to have caused his death. It is not likely that the driver of the death dealing car will be held and an inquest is unlikely. Following the accident Dr. A. Oaks attended the injured man. The late Mr. Unger has lived in Preston for many years and was a well known figure. He was one of the town's oldest men and easily recalled many early happenings of the district with great vividness. He had been living retired for many years at his home on Church street with his wife, who is now 86 years of age. At one time he was the government fruit inspector here. He is survived by his wife and two sons, John Unger, of Plum Coulee, Man. and Joseph Unger, of California: also ten daughters, Mrs. Ellen Rickert, at Kitchener; Mrs. Aaron Hilborn, of Galt; Mrs. C. G. Ott and Mrs. Hannah Rickert, of Buffalo; Mrs. W. Hurst, of Winnipeg: Mrs, H. R. James, of Vancouver; Mrs. W. Ford, Beattie, Wash.; Mrs. James Thomas, of Preston; Miss V. Unger, Toronto and Mrs. T. F. Wilkins, Chesley. The funeral will be held at 3.30 Thursday afternoon from the United church and interment will take place in the Hagey cemetery.

Kitchener Daily Record 4 Sep 1928 pg 3

Moses married Magdalena Histand 23 Dec 1862, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of John Histand and Catharine L. Bechtel) was born 7 Apr 1842, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 27 Apr 1935; was buried , Hagey Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Magdalena Unger
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7580.1
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Brethren
• Residence: 1896, 19 Mill St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Bretheran

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/97641375
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2325
• Residence: 1857, Lancaster, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Elected Office: 1865, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Councillor - Waterloo City
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Elected Office: 1873, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Waterloo City - councillor
• Elected Office: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mayor - Waterloo
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Swedenborgian
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Inspector
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Hotel Inspector

Notes:

Benjamin Devitt, "was born July 10th, 1835. He is married to Nancy Bowman. They reside in the town of Waterloo. He holds the position of Inspector of Hotels. They have 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.].

______________________________

BENJAMIN DEVITT- PASSES AWAY

The death of Mr. Benjamin Devitt who passed away on Sunday at his home on Erb Street removed another estimable and worthy citizen who say the town grow from a small hamlet to its present population. Especially during the early years of the town's history he took an active interest in Municipal affairs and was prominently identified with various organizations of the town.

The end came peacefully Sunday evening at six o' clock. After an illness of two years ago his health became less robust, being affected by hardening of the arteries. He, however, was able to be about until January last when he broke his hip bone while alighting from a cutter after a drive. Since the accident he was confined to his bed almost constantly being unable to walk owing to the injury. About two months ago, he suffered a paralytic stroke which was followed by several others. On Monday night another stroke left him in a very critical condition and he lingered until Sunday evening.

The funeral was held on Wednesday at 2 o'clock from his late residence, Erb Street East, Waterloo to the Emmanuel Evangelical Church for service, then to Mount Hope cemetery where the remains were interred.

Mr. Devitt was the third son of the late Barnabas Devitt and was born July 10, 1835 on the old homestead of Mrs. C. Kumpf, King Street. He followed the occupation of miller with his father at Bridgeport for a number of years and during his residence here was married to Miss Nancy Bowman. They later removed to Waterloo where Mr. Devitt erected the Devitt Block and conducted a general store for fifteen years when he disposed of the business. He afterwards became License Inspector for North Waterloo which position he held for about fifteen years.

Elmira Advertiser Sep 8 1910

________________

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

Rsrch. Note:
Benjamin Devitt, 1835 - 1913

Born in the village of Bridgeport in 1835 the son of a grist mill operator, Benjamin Devitt was a businessman. In partnership with local postmaster Daniel Snyder, Devitt constructed what became known as the Devitt-Snyder Block on King Street in 1860. From this location Devitt operated a general store that was later taken over by his younger brother Menno. He was also employed as the hotel building inspector for Waterloo for a number of years. Devitt was instrumental in the formation of the Waterloo Musical Society and became the founding president in 1882. He also served on the board of The Mechanics Institute and in 1888, with the transfer of the Institute's assets, he continued on the new municipal library board. Active in local politics, Devitt served on the Village of Waterloo Council from 1865-1866 and from 1873-1876. Five years after the incorporation of the Town of Waterloo, Devitt was elected mayor. One of the most debated issues during Devitt's three year term in office was the plan to purchase a steam fire engine and construct a new fire hall for the Town, a project that was not completed until he left office. In 1882, during Devitt's second year as mayor, The Grand Trunk Railway finally completed a branch line to Waterloo following extensive negotiations and council involvement.Taken from the City of Waterloo Website 2005
____________________________________________________________________________

Benjamin married Nancy Lewis Bowman 29 Sep 1857, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Nancy (daughter of Henry William Bowman and Amanda Melvina Lewis) was born 1 Jan 1839, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 May 1921; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Nancy Lewis Devitt
• Eby ID Number: 00002-429
• Residence: 1857, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Nancy Bowman, "was born January 1st, 1839. She is married to Benjamin Devitt, Inspector of Hotels. They reside in the town of Waterloo. Their family consists 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.].