Albert Near

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-91684
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Machinist
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Machinist, Foundry
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

I REMEMBER

By O. A. KUMMER Long Time Resident of Preston

EDITOR'S NOTE -This is the third in a series of articles being written for The Preston Reporter by long-time resident O. A. Kummer. Dealing with Preston's past, as Mr. Kummer remembers it, the article swill [sick] appear in these columns from time to time.


BICYCLE MEETS used to be a popular pastime in the area; the Town of Preston had many of them.

Riverside Park was usually the scene, and hundreds of cyclists attended.

I remember one particular day when there seemed to be only one winner. It was none other than Herbert Clare.

Two other noted cyclists from the area, who were famous for their long distance ability, were Ernie Evans and Albert Near.

I REMEMBER when Preston was famous for its horse racing meets in Speed Park. as it was called then. Trotting and pacing races were held periodically, and usually attracted fine crowds.

The track was noted as a fast one, and I can recall being in conversation with some of the horsemen. who said it "had a kind of bounce to it."

This, no doubt, was because the base upon which the raceway rests is more liquid than solid.

Preston horsemen included Perc Sauerson, Ed Perine, Blarrs Wilkes, J. Wetherall and H. Osgood.

I CAN RECALL when Preston had very little in the way of fire protection for the village-mostly water from the Speed River and the Klotz Dam.

A tank was constructed across from the Commercial Hotel to supply water and the pumping equipment consisted of a contraption resembling a railroad jigger upon with four men, two on each side, operated it in unison.

I REMEMBER when W. A Husband lived in the cottage which stands on the opposite corner of our municipal complex, and when he was clerk of the village.

He was also greatly interested in growing things and in horticulture in general.

He had a beautiful vine growing upon the verandah posts. the most beautiful vine I have ever seen, and he also took delight in presenting the earliest flower in the spring to the local editor of The Preston Progress, Mr. Blackstock.

Albert married Euphemia Florence "Florence" Wilbee 1 Jul 1903, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Euphemia (daughter of William Thomas Wilbee and Georgina Card) was born 16 Feb 1878, , Huron Co., Ontario, Canada; died 1952; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Myrtle Idella Near was born 31 Mar 1904, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Dec 1993, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 4 Dec 1993, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-91681
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Safe Maker
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Rope Maker
• Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Finisher, Furniture
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

JOHN NEAR DIES AFTER ILLNESS LASTING A YEAR

Served As Caretaker Of Grandview School For Many Years;

Was In His 85th Year

John Near who for over 25 years has been a resident of Preston, who until illness about a year ago prevented him continuing his duties was caretaker of Grandview school, passed away at his home, 953 Moore street, this morning at 6: 15 o'clock. He was in his 85th year. Altho he did not take an active part in town affairs, the late Mr. Near always evinced a keen interest in what was going on about the community. Prior to coming to Preston he lived at Doon for many years and previous to that farmed in Garafaxa township. Keenly interested in sports in his younger days, Mr. Near followed with interest the progress of local baseball teams. He was an ardent hunter. He was a member of the United Church and at one time belonged to the 1.0.0.F. Mrs. Near predeceased him two years ago, while one daughter. Mrs. W. J. Tyler, died about nine years ago. There are surviving five daughters and four sons. They are Mrs. John Uttley, Alberta. Mrs. J. H. Maffin, Galt, Mrs. Theo. Winn, Preston, Mrs. E. H. Wildfong, Preston, Mrs. Charles Gingerich, Preston, William of Kitchener, Anderson at home in Preston, Albert of Preston and Wallace also of Preston. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock from the late residence at the above address. Services will be conducted by Rev. R. M. Geiger, pastor of the United church, after which interment will be made in Preston cemetery.

The Daily Record 25 Oct 1929 pg 3

John married Elizabeth Jane Monahan 12 Jan 1871, West Garafraxa Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario. Elizabeth was born 12 Jun 1851, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; died 20 Dec 1927, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 23 Dec 1927, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Jane Near
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-91682
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist