William Valores "Ben" Uttley

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86041757
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Waterloo Region Hall of Fame
• Name: Ben Uttley
• Residence: 20 Ellen St. E., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-127128P
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Editor
• Elected Office: 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Kitchener
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Printer Manager
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

"William "Ben" Uttley in 1893 bought the struggling Berlin Daily Telegraph and two months later launched the Daily Record , now the Record.

Born in Elmira, he was educated at the local public school, the Berlin High School and the Toronto Business College. He began his active newspaper work with the St. Louis, Missouri, Chronicle.

Uttley was intensely interested in civic affairs and served as a member of the city council. He was one of the charter members of the Waterloo Historical Society, collected much historical data and published a History of Kitchener in 1939.

In 1919 he sold the News Record to W.D. Euler and W.J. Motz and returned to Elmira where he purchased the Elmira Signet."

Waterloo County Hall of Fame website 2009

https://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/WEB/Region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/D22EE171F2AA335185256B0A004D7B4C?OpenDocument

____________________

W. V. Uttley Former Signet Editor Passes

NEWSPAPERMAN WHO DEVELOPED KITCHENER DAILY-RECORD. FIFTY YEARS A MASON.

In his eightieth year, William V. Uttley, passed away at his home in Elmira on Thursday evening, May 25^th. Up until the past few months he had enjoyed very good health, but recently he began to fail, until his passing this week. For the past twenty-five years was a continuous resident of Elmira and he was a familiar figure about town as he enjoyed taking long walks daily when the weather was fine.

Born in Elmira, Jan. 1, 1865, he received his early education in Kitchener and went through as a school teacher and taught for three years at Doon. At this time he entered the newspaper business with the old Berlin Publishing Company and later was its editor. It was through his efforts and business administration The News-Record became a daily newspaper twenty-five years ago.

In 1919 he sold out his controlling interest in the News-Record and came to Elmira to live and on Dec. 1^st, 1919 he purchased the Elmira Signet from George Klinck and became editor and proprietor of his home town newspaper. He retained the Signet only for a few years and sold out to Mr. Kester. Since that time he has lived retired.

He was an outstanding writer in his time and through all his years of retirement was intensely interested in newspaper work and development. His writing ability during retirement was chiefly directed to collecting historical data. He compiled and published a history of Kitchener which has been used as a reference book by many, tracing early historical events. An original member of the Waterloo Historical Society much credit can be given to the late Mr. Uttley for its present high standing and collection of historical data.

A Mason for fifty years, he was signally honoured the week previous to his death by being presented with a fifty-year membership jewel by members of the Grand Valley Lodge, Kitchener. A fitting ceremony had been planned by the lodge but due to Mr. Uttley's very poor health at the time, he was unable to attend.

The late Mr. Uttley was popularly known about Elmira as "Ben" and held in the highest esteem by a host of friends both young and old. While living to eighty years of age, he kept in close touch with world affairs and as well read on many subjects. Except for his hearing, he was in possession of all his faculties to the last. One fact might be mentioned which was a characteristic of the man was that his word once given in trust was strictly adhered to, as this seemed to be a very important side of his character. While engaged in newspaper work in Kitchener, he took an active interest in the city's welfare and served on the city council for a number of terms.

Those left to mourn their loss are his wife, formerly Sara Matthews of Doon; two daughters, Mrs. B.H. (Vera) Tanner, of Toronto and Mrs. Harry (Kathleen) Weichel of Elmira; one grandchild and two sisters, Miss A. Uttley of Kitchener and Mrs. Mary Parr of Detroit.

Funeral services were conducted from Dreisinger's Funeral Chapel on Monday afternoon with Rev. F. Malinsky of St. Paul's Lutheran Church officiating.

Elmira Signet, Thursday June 1, 1944, page 1

Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region:
William "Ben" Uttley in 1893 bought the struggling Berlin Daily Telegraph and two months later launched the Daily Record , now the Record.

Born in Elmira, he was educated at the local public school, the Berlin High School and the Toronto Business College. He began his active newspaper work with the St. Louis, Missouri, Chronicle.

Uttley was intensely interested in civic affairs and served as a member of the city council. He was one of the charter members of the Waterloo Historical Society, collected much historical data and published a History of Kitchener in 1939.

In 1919 he sold the News Record to W.D. Euler and W.J. Motz and returned to Elmira where he purchased the Elmira Signet.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Waterloo Region Hall of Fame

Elected Office:
Years Served: 1905-07, 1910-12, 1917-19

William married Sara Matthews 11 Sep 1889, Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sara (daughter of John Matthews and Mary Ann Baker) was born 8 Jan 1867, Great Rissington, Great Rissington, , Gloucestershire, England; died 11 Aug 1955, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Vera Pansy Uttley was born 17 Oct 1890, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
2. Kathleen Mary Uttley was born 21 Jan 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Feb 1993, Southampton, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194986849
• Occupation: Perine Brothers, Doon, Waterloo, Ontario; laborer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-91536
• Immigration: 1856, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1865, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Christadelphian
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carder, Flax Mill
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

SAMUEL UTTLEY HAS CROSSED THE DIVIDE

CALL CAME MONDAY AT DAY-BREAK

On Monday morning at 5: 30 o'clock dissolution came to Samuel Uttley. Three weeks ago he suffered a slight stroke and grew gradually weaker. On Saturday and Sunday mornings he suffered additional attacks. Sunday afternoon he had brightened and conversed cheerfully with members of his family and friends. He realized that the sand in his hour glass was running low and had words of confort for all. The end came peacefully at daybreak Monday.
He had reached the advanced age of 83 years, 8 months and 13 days. He was born in 1837, near Norwich, in Norfolk County, England. His father was a shepherd on a large estate and three of his sons, Jonathan , Nathan and Samuel emigrated to Canada and located in Elmira.

Samuel came over when a youth of 17 years. An uncle, the late Mr. George Girling, had previously settled here. He came to their home and afterward was given employment by the late Mr. William Howlett. After learning to do farm work as practised in Canada, he engaged himself for some years to Mr. Wm. Wright near Guelph and to Mr. Hardy of Winterbourne.

In 1858 [actually four years later in 1862] he married Mary Baxter Taylor of Paisley Block, near Guelph, and they took residence in Elmira. For many years he was employed as stationary engineer by the firm of Winger and Weaver, who conducted a woolen and saw mill, which stood where now stands the Elmira Planing Mill. The late Henry Winger afterward purchased these and reengaged him. Some years later he was employed by Ratz and Winger, who then conducted a flour mill and sawmill, and continued there when the late John Ratz purchased and conducted that business. Among other later duties was the teaming of flour to Waterloo. Elmira had then no railway communication.

Having a family of six and being desirous of doing his utmost for them, he next undertook farming, first on Henry Winger's farm, on West Church street, and later at Yatton and Parker. After a number of years he decided to go to Doon and enter the employ of the M. B. Perine Co. There he remained until six years ago, when he returned to Elmira. Mrs. Uttley passed away while preparations were being made to move. He used to relate that his father, who had a family of a dozen, was anxious to see his children obtain some education. But in those days, public schools were unknown.

Families desiring to give their children a schooling had to engage and pay the teacher. His father asked the squire for whom he worked, to use his efforts to extend the benefits to families in humble circumstances. The old squire replied: "No! No! Give birds feathers and they'll fly." Samuel could neither read nor write when at seventeen he reached Elmira. Being ambitious he managed to learn to read at Sunday school and to write by studying in his spare hours in the evening. This acquirement seemed to him a valuable possession and made of him, in his modest way, a friend of education. Many were the sacrifices he made to give his children that which he was denied.

While he was rearing his brood, Canada was young and money was scarce. The topmost wage paid was $1 a day. One marvels how parents with a family of six managed to feed, clothe and educate them on this slender income. Indefatigable effort and self denial may furnish the explanation of how it was accomplished. He was during his long life credited with being an industrious man. Whomever he served he served to the best of his ability, and gave good measure. It is a tribute to his worth that he never in the dullest times lacked employment.
While working in Elmira it was one of his duties to measure the logs brought to the sawmill. He tried to do the square thing for both buyer and seller and the farmers called him "Honest Sam." This sobriquet pleased him greatly.

His has been a long and arduous life and he lived it cleanly and earnestly. His days were many and he liked to say were largely due to the intimate and friendly terms on which he and Work stood and to his having early adopted the habit of "early to bed and early to rise."
In the army of industry he never gained higher rank than that of full private. A more accurate description might be to place him in the list of men portrayed by Robbie Burns in his "Cotter's Saturday Night."

The immediate members of the family who survive him are: John of Big Valley, Alberta; Mrs. Harry Parr of Providence, R. I.; James of Kitchener; Miss Annie and Miss Edith and W. V. Uttley of Elmira.

He was on Wednesday afternoon laid to rest among his kith and kin in the old Elmira Cemetery. Rev. J. A. Jewitt officiated at the house and grave. The pallbearers were Messrs.: A. Jeanneret, W. W. Martinson, John Small, Wm. Bearens, Menno Wilfong and W. C. Quickfall.

Among the floral offerings contributed were a wreath of roses from the family; a spray of asters from Miss V. Cleghorn; a spray of gladioli from the Ladies' Aid of the Presbyterian church; a bouquet of gladioli from Mr. and Mrs. Louis Fischer; a bouquet of asters and ferns from Mr. and Mrs. L. Fulcher; a bouquet of daisies from Mr. and Mrs. John Schaefer; a bouquet of Cosmos and asters from Mr. and Mrs. A.Werner; a bouquet of clematis and daisies from Mr. and Mrs. John Small; a bouquet of asters from Mr. and Mrs. James Somerville and a bouquet of asters and daisies from Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Weichel.

Elmira Signet 8 Sep 1921

Samuel married Mary Baxter Taylor 5 Dec 1862, Paisley Block, Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of James Taylor and Agnes Richards) was born 1 Nov 1836, , Quebec, Canada; was christened 8 Dec 1836, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Quebec, , Québec, Canada; died 16 Mar 1915, Doon (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194986925
• Name: Mary Baxter Uttley
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-33210
• Birth: 4 Nov 1836, Quebec City, , Quebec, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

Mrs. Samuel Uttley Died of Heart Failure

END CAME WHOLLY UNEXPECTEDLY

The death of Mrs. Samuel Uttley occurred at noon to-day in Doon, of heart failure. She had been ill for several days from an attack of La Grippe but it caused no apprehension to the members of her family. The attending physician noted that her heart's action was somewhat weak, but did not consider the symptoms dangerous. She slept well during the greater part of Monday night. This forenoon there was nothing alarming outwardly in her condition. But at noon she passed peacefully from life unto death.

The deceased wife and mother was in her 77th year and leaves a husband, three sons and three daughters to mourn her departure. The daughters are Miss Annie of Hamilton; Mrs. Mary Parr, of Connecticut; Miss Edith of Doon. The sons are John J. of Stettler, Alberta, James T. of Doon and W. V. Uttley of Berlin.

Mrs. Uttley was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor and was born in Quebec city, shortly after the arrival of her parents from Arbroath, Scotland in 1837. The family afterwards located in Paisley Block, Guelph, where she resided until she reached womanhood and wedded. They took up their residence at Elmira and lived there many years, before removing to Doon.

She had all the virtues and strength of a good Scotch mother. Industrious to a degree, thrifty and self-sacrificing for her children -- prizing education as a great gift, and ambitious for her offspring. She was a modest, God-fearing woman who made not overly many friends but was true as steel to those she made. Two of her daily admonitions stand out: "Be a good boy" and "Make Spare". The day on which she is to be laid to rest has not yet been decided upon. Probably it will be Thursday.

Berlin News Record, Tuesday March 16, 1915, page 2

_________________________________

GOLDEN WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Uttley of Doon, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary today, surrounded by their children and descendants and close friends.

They were wedded in Paisley Block, near Guelph, on Dec. 5, 1862, by Rev. J. Ball, a Presbyterian clergyman of Guelph. Mrs. Uttley's maiden name was Mary Taylor, and she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor. She was born at Quebec on November 1st, 1836, shortly after the arrival of her father's family from Scotland. Mr. Uttley was born at Whitacker, Norfolkshire, Eng., on Dec. 23rd, 1837.

The bridesmaid at the wedding of fifty years ago was Miss Jane Christman of Elmira. The groomsman was Mr. George Tuck, of Clifford. Mrs. Christman attended the golden wedding festivity; Mr. Tuck's health prevented his attendance.

Mr. and Mrs. Utley resided in Elmira for the first twenty years of their married life. Later they removed to Peel Township for five years, after which they took up their residence in Doon, where they have lived for the past twenty-five years.

Their union was blessed with eight children, of whom six are living. They are John, of Settler, Alta.; Mrs. Harry Parr, of Pascoag, R.I.; Edith at home; Annie, James and William, of Berlin. Sixteen grandchildren are numbered among her descendants.

At 3 o'clock today, the Rev. Jos. James of Berlin, read a golden wedding service and wished the participants many further years of health and happiness. The assembled relatives and friends joined in offering congratulations and good wishes.

The celebrants were made the recipients of numerous gifts to mark the event. - Ex.


Elmira Advertiser 12 Dec 1912

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43139
• Occupation: 1831, Drayton, , Norfolk, England; shepherd

William married Ann Girling 12 Oct 1828, Drayton, , Norfolk, England. Ann (daughter of Girling) was born Abt 1806, of, Mendham, , Suffolk, England; was christened 16 Oct 1806, Mendham, , Suffolk, England; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ann Uttley
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43140
• Residence: 1831, Drayton, , Norfolk, England

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-145065
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Retired Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; R. Presb.

James married Agnes Richards Aug 1832, St. Vigeans, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland. Agnes (daughter of David Richards and Isabel Taylor) was born 26 Sep 1810, Tower Nook, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland; was christened 30 Sep 1810, St. Vigeans, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland; died 21 Apr 1907, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Agnes Taylor
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-96799
• Immigration: 1836, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; R. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

"GRANDMA TAYLOR" - for by that term she is known in Elmira -- was born at Tower Nook, Arbroath, Scotland, September the 26th 1810, and is therefore in her 93rd year. She remembers the Third George and the coronations of the four succeeding English sovereigns. She came to Canada in 1836 and remembers the Mackenzie and Papineau rebellion. She has 8 children, 36 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.


Enterprising Elmira 1903

____________________

Elmira, April 22 - One of the oldest residents of the county passed away on Sunday, at Elmira, Ont., in the person of Mrs. Agnes Taylor, who had reached the advanced age of 96 years and 6 months, having been born at Tower Neot, Arbroath, Farfarshire, Scotland, on September 26, 1810.

She came to Canada in 1836 with her husband, the late James Taylor, and settled in Quebec City. About two years later she moved with her husband and family to Paisley Block, near Guelph, where they took up farming. Upon their retirement from the farm, she took up her residence in Elmira, where she had since resided. Deceased was active all through life, and her memory remained clear and she would often relate incidents that took place early in the nineteenth century, she having lived under five sovereigns, George III, and IV, William IV, Queen Victoria and King Edward. Her husband saw active service at the Mackenzie rebellion in 37.

She is survived by eight children. They are Mrs. John Smith, Egremont, Ont.; Mrs. Samuel Uttley, Doon, Ont.; William at Selkirk, Man.; John, at Cartwright, Man.; James, at Yorkton, N.W.T.; Mrs. John Christian, Elmira, Ont.; David, in the Northwest; and Mrs. Henry Hayden, Listowel, Ont. Besides these there are 36 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, April 24th, from her late residence on Mill Street to the Elmira Cemetery.

Chronicle-Telegraph Apr 25 1907 pg 1

Residence:
Lived with her daughter Jane Christman.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-85030

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-166771

John married Margaret Ramsay 30 Jan 1800, St. Vigeans, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland. Margaret was born Abt 1775, of, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland; was christened 20 Nov 1775, St. Vigeans, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland; died 1814, St. Vigeans, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Taylor
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-166772

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-166769
• Residence: 1810, Tower Nook, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland

David — Isabel Taylor. Isabel was born Abt 1780, of, Tower Nook, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Isabel Richards
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-166770
• Residence: 1810, Tower Nook, Arbroath, , Angus, Scotland