John Zilliax

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-194381
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Business: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Anglo-American Hotel
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25913
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1877, Glen Allan, Peel Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario; Hotel Keeper
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Hotel Keeper
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Hotel Keeper
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Business: 1898, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Zilliax House
• Occupation: 1901, 6 Church Street West, Elmira, Ontario; Hotel Keeper
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

HENRY ZILLIAX

For an all-round busy man, the well known and familiar landlord of the venerable hotel on the corner, takes the lead. When he is not behind the bar he is on the street buying up most anything and everything the farmer brings in for sale. He is prominent among those of Elmira's produce buyers who are chiefly responsible for the extensive patronage the town derives from the farming community, for it is through such men like him the farmer finds a ready sale for any staple article he has to sell at as high a market price as he will get at any other town in the county. Many thousands of dollars pass through his hands annually for this purpose alone. His hotel, which was established over forty years ago by Henry Christman, is a favorite resort for farmers, and has probably a far larger patronage from this class than any other house in the vicinity. His reputation for supplying his tables with the best in the market is known from far and near, and what is still better it in cooked and served up in the best style of the culinary art. The tired traveller will also always find a clean and comfortable bed. Considering the large number of people who congregate at this house almost daily, it is surprising what good order is maintained. I have yet to see an occurrence there that should incur the displeasure of any law-abiding citizen. As in the dining room Mr. Zilliax has his bar supplied with the best brands of liquors and cigars. He has conducted this hotel for nearly twenty years Mr. Zilliax is also an admirer of fine horses, and occasionally holds the ribbons behind a high-spirited span of the finest white horses in the county. He could make a very showy turn out as he now has in his stable a span of fat spotless white steers, that would be difficult to duplicate.

Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1, 2, 3

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Mr. Hy. Zilliax who has been so seriously ill with heart trouble is improving slowly.

The Chronicle Telegraph 11 May 1911, p. 1

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DEATH OF HENRY ZILLIAX

Elmira, Sept. 23 Henry Zilliax died this morning. Mr. Zilliax had been in poor health for some time, but had improved so much lately that his death was a shock to all. For many years he was proprietor of the Zilliax House and there were few more popular proprietors among the travelers in Western Ontario. He retired about seven years ago. He was a staunch Conservative and was very eager to vote in the recent election, but his health provented him doing so. He leaves a widow and seven children, two daughters and five sons.

The Chronicle Telegraph, 28 Sep 1911, p. 3

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SWEPT BY FIRE
The Village of Elmira Narrowly Escapes.
Being Wiped Out.

THE LIGHTNING TERRIBLE WORK TWO FINE HOTELS, STABLES AND HOUSE BURNED TO THE GROUND-OTHER BUILDINGS BADLY SCORCHED-RAIN SAVES THE TOWN

Special to the Chronicle

Elmira, August 24.-One of the largest and most disastrous fires in the history of Woolwich township, visited this village on Tuesday night and all that is now left of the block consisting of Zilliax's Hotel and large stables, Christman's hotel and stables and the building occupied by Conrad Hahn is one mass of smouldering ruins. A CHRONICLE representative visited the scene of the fire to-day and found the village all agog with excitement as a result of the big blaze. The village had a most miraculous escape from being almost entirely swept away by fire and had it not been for the heroic efforts of its citizens from the first sound of the alarm there might have been a vastly different story for me now to relate. The buildings destroyed were situated right in the very heart of the village. Zilliax's hotel being on the four cross roads coming in from Floradale, Hawkesville, Guelph and Waterloo. The building on the side of the street opposite to the scene of the fire between Dr. Hay's office and Mr. Robert Jackson's residence, including Mr. John Miller's residence to the rear of Zilliax's hotel were saved with the greatest difficulty.

The Alarm.

About twelve o'clock the citizens of the village were startled out of their slumbers by a terrific report and crash of lightning which they knew to be dangerously near at hand. The clanging of fire bells, and the shrill shrieking of whistles soon brought them to their senses and before many minutes the streets were one seething mass of humanity all wending their way to the scene of the fire. The terrific crash which they had heard was the lightning striking the stables of Mr. Jac. Christman's hotel. The electric ball pierced the rear roof of the building and ignited the loose straw stored in that section. Mr. Christman was on the scene a few moments after and before the fire had time to gain much headway, he made a fruitless effort to quench the flames with the application of a few pails of water. But this only seemed to be adding fuel to the flames and a few minutes after the whole stable was enveloped in a fiery mantle. The old hand fire engine was on the scene shortly after the alarm was given and although it was constantly manned by willing hands it was by no means fit to cope with the flame. There was A STRONG WIND from the west fanning the flames at the beginning of the fire which very soon spread to the adjoining stables of Henry Zilliax and from thence to the hotel. Just before the roof of the latter stables fell in there was a beautiful pyrotechnic display, the tongues of fire seeming to leap high up into the air about a hundred feet, and after receding leaving the sky spangled with myriads of dissolving stars The night was pitch dark and a heavy rain was falling. It was a kind Providence that suffered the rain to fall continuously during the fire, giving the villagers the strongest possible fire protection and was probably the one thing that saved the village from almost total extinction. While the flames were rapidly spreading to Zilliax's and Christman's hotel, the wind suddenly shifted to the north and the business blocks on the opposite side of the street were immediately put in imminent danger. Shortly after the cornices along these buildings began to smoke. A large water pail brigade was however soon scattered along the roofs. It was composed of property owners and citizens who all worked like trojans, the latter just as though it was their own interests that were at stake. The heat was so intense that the glass fronts in all the buildings on that side of the street were cracked and how the workers on the roofs managed to stick to their posts, in the face of such a singeing heat is more than most people can understand. Their work was however not without effect as through their herculean efforts the property on that side of the street was saved. With regard to this the prevailing opinion here is that had these buildings ever got started the greater part of the village would undoubtedly have been wiped out.

At the same time willing hands were doing gallant work on the residences of Robert Jackson and John Miller. Both houses were pretty badly scorched, the cornices and woodwork about the windows being burnt out on Mr. Miller's house.

Heavy Losses.

The losses sustained are very heavy and will run up close to $20,000. Mr. Henry Zilliax has the heaviest loss, which when everything is summed up will amount to nearly $10,000. Besides his hotel and the large stables in connection all the hotel furniture and other contents were burned, including nearly $1000 worth of choice liquors stored away in his cellar. To this may be added about twenty tons of hay, a large quantity of oats and some twenty- five cords of hardwood. He carried insurance to the amount of $3,700,

$1,700 in the Economical of Berlin and $2,000 in the Gore.

Mr. Christman's loss is placed between seven and eight thousand dollars, with $2300 insurance in force at the time of the fire. The loss includes hotel and contents and three valuable horses, together with other stable contents, etc.

Mr. Conrad Hahn loses dwelling valued at about $1200.

Will He Rebuild?

When asked whether or not he would rebuild Mr. Zilliax told your representative that he would not be in a position to make any definite statement with regard thereto until he had more fully ascertained his loss.

Sparks.

Messrs. Charles Janzen, Fred Weidenhammer and Wm. Ziegler rendered valuable assistance on Miller's house.

Mr. Wm. O'Neill lost a valuable horse and rig which he had stabled in Christman's barn. The outfit was valued at $200

Among Mr. Christman's losses were three horses and six pigs. The horses were thoroughbreds which he was getting ready for exhibition at the fall shows and be naturally feels this part of his loss very keenly.

Elmira citizens are handling the village council without gloves at the present time for having such an antiquated and entirely inadequate system of fire protection, Tis said that the council is now considering the advisability of establishing a steam pumping station near the mill or buying a steam engine and other schemes to lock the door after the horse is stolen.

All the private papers of both Mr. Christman and Mr. Zilliax were saved. Between sixty and seventy dollars is still confined in the safe of Mr. Zilliax which at time of writing had not cooled off enough to be opened.

The G. T. R staff had an engine and flat car in readiness to run to the nearest town for assistance had the fire fighters been unable to confine the flames.

The only personal belongings which Mr. Zilliax saved out of the fire was the suit of clothes on his back.

Mr. M. Weichel did good execution with a small hand pump which he brought up out of his cellar. We understand Mr. Henry Dunke presented him with a five dollar bill for assistance rendered on his buildings.

Desolation now stares the villagers in the face.

Mr. Geo. Klinck burnt his hands rather badly in his efforts to save his property. His brother Charles burnt the soles of his feet on the hot tin of the roof.

A fine new Bell piano and an organ were among the destroyed contents of Zilliax's Hotel.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. O'Neill generously turned their house open to the family of Jacob Christman who were left homeless through the fire.

Mr. Zilliax and family have taken temporary quarters at the residence of his brother in law, John L in.

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ELMIRA FIRE.

Another Account from Our Own Correspondent.

Elmira, Aug. 24th-The most disastrous conflagration that has visited Elmira, took place last night shortly after midnight. The fire was first discovered in J. Christman's hotel stable and only a few minutes elapsed before the whole building was in flames. Adjoining the stables was the Union Hotel and C. Hahn's residence, and both being frame structures they quickly succumbed to the devouring element. East of the Union Hotel was Zilliax's stable, which caught fire and spread to the hotel, in spite of all efforts to save it. The fire was now at its height and all efforts were put forth to save the buildings on the opposite side of the street, which from the intense heat started to burn at the cornices in many places. By almost superhuman efforts the flames were extinguished and that side of the street saved. John Miller's residence, north of Zilliax's hotel, was in great danger and almost fell a victim to the devouring element. It can scarcely be seen how it was saved, but it escaped with considerable damage.

It was at one time thought that the whole town would go up in flames, but the wind and the rain were in its favor and the citizens felt relieved when danger was past. Sparks flew in all directions.

The losses are partly covered by insurance, and very little was saved. All, or nearly all, hotel furniture was burnt. J. Christman lost all his horses, and also one belonging to Wm. O'Neill.
The origin of the fire is supposed to have been from lightning, although not such a heavy shock was felt. The town this morning presents quite a desolate appearance.

Waterloo County Chronicle, 25 Aug 1898, p. 4

Business:
Destroyed by fire 1897-8.

Henry married Christina Lein 25 Feb 1877, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Christina (daughter of John Lein and Catherine Brechibiehl) was born 22 Sep 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Oct 1929, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Christina Zilliax
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25914
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Mrs. Christina Zilliax and Mrs. J. S. Weber Pass Into Great Beyond

The death occurred on Friday of Mrs. Christina Zilliax, widow of the late Henry Zilliax. The deceased who was one of Elmira's most widely known and highly respected citizens was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Lein and was born near St. Jacobs. Fifty-three years ago she was married to the late Henry Zilliax of Elmira, who predeceased her a number of years ago. Surviving are six children, John at home; Harry, collector of customs, Elmira; Emma, Mrs. Herman Schmidt, Stratford; Addie, at home; Roy of Gravenhurst; Charles, manager of the Royal Bank, at New Hamburg; one son Clayton died in 1918. The funeral will be held from her late residence on Church street on Monday at 2 p.m. to St. James Lutheran church for service, thence to Elmira cemetery for burial.

Elmira Signet 17 Oct 1929

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• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-38861P
• Residence: 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1850, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Directory: 1864, Woolwich Township German Company Tract 052, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Adam married Ann Elisabetha Steuernagel 15 Nov 1842, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Ann (daughter of Balthasar Steuernagel and Anna Margaret "Margaret" Schwarz) was born 28 Oct 1824, , Germany; was christened 7 Nov 1824, Ober Breidenbach, Ober Breidenbach, , Hessen, Germany; died 16 Mar 1889, Listowel, Wallace Twp., Perth County, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Fairview Cemetery, Listowel, Wallace Township, Perth County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Ann Elisabetha Zilliax
• Name: Elizabeth Steuernagel
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-81134
• Residence: 1842, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Just before the service began on Sunday evening at the German Lutheran Church the congregation was startled by a moan from pew occupied by Mrs Elizabeth Zilliax and some of her family. The old lady had fallen over and was being supported by her daughter Mrs. David Sanderson and Mr. Sanderson.


Listowel Banner Feb 15, 1889

Other Events:

• Interesting: pioneer, story
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-114140
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; 2 storey log house
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

At the ripe old age of 85 years and 4 months one of the pioneer citizens of the township was called from temporal to eternal life last Sunday forenoon, in the person of Mr. John Lein. Deceased was born in Hessia, Germany in 1823, came to America when a young man, settled near Heidelberg where he became acquainted with and married a Miss Brechbiehl who predeceased him several years ago. After residing a number of years near Heidelberg, the young couple removed to the farm about a mile east of Elmira, now occupied by Mr. David S. Brubacher. Here they lived 28 years and removed to Elmira 13 years ago. Five children survive him, all of whom are residents of this district. They are Mrs. Henry Zilliax, Mrs. David Hollinger, Philip, John, Mary Ann of Elmira and Mrs. L. Hollinger of St. Jacobs. The departed was known as a man of many good qualities. He was a quiet disposition, a kind father and a respected citizen. He was remarkably hardy for his age and was up to the day of his death, in good health. Sunday morning he arose as usual, and while attending to his household duties was seized with a spell of dizziness, the effect of heart failure, which resulted in death before noon. The funeral took place Wednesday and was largely attended.

Elmira Signet 22 Oct 1908

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Death of John Lein. - One of the eldest residents of the village passed away quite unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 15th in the person of Mr. John Lein. Deceased got up in the morning as usual and did some work around the house. About nine o'clock he complained of not feeling well. He laid down and after a while fell into what seemed a natural sleep, but shortly before twelve o'clock he suddenly expired without regaining consciousness. Deceased has lived in Elmira over thirteen years. Six children survive, namely Mary Ann, who iived with her father, Mrs. Henry Zilliax town, Mrs. L. Hollinger, St. Jacobs, Mrs. David Hollinger, Philip and John, Elmira.

The Chronicle Telegraph 29 Oct 1908, p. 1

John married Catherine Brechibiehl 20 Feb 1848, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catherine (daughter of Johann Philip "Philip" Brechbiel and Maria Katharina "Catharina" Boehmer) was born 1 Dec 1831, , Germany; died 23 Jun 1906, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Brechbill
• Name: Catherine Lein
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26645
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Death came suddenly to Mrs. John Lein sr, last Friday night. Late in the evening deceased was apparently as well as ever. An hour later she was seized with shortness of breath, resulting no doubt of heart trouble, and before a doctor could reach her bedside she was dead.

Deceased's maiden name was Brechbiehl. She was a native of Rhinish Bavaria, Germany, and came to this country 72 years ago, with her parents who settled on a farm 2 miles below St. Jacobs, near the Heidelberg road. She was married to Mr. John Lein, and with him removed to the Seaton farm, about a mile east of Elmira, forty years ago. Here they lived thirty years, then removed to Elmira. Although unable to move about freely on account of rheumatic trouble, deceased enjoyed fair health until a few years ago when she suffered a stroke of paralysis from which she, however recovered. She lived a quiet, and useful life and leaves to mourn her departure her aged husband, two sons and four daughter. The former are Philip and John, both of Elmira, and the latter are Mrs. Louis Hollinger, of St. Jacobs, Mrs. Hy. Zilliax, Mrs. David Hollinger, and Miss Mary Ann of Elmira. The funeral took place last Monday and was attended by a large number of relatives and friends of the deceased.