Edward Klinck

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-23568

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90159802
• Historic Building: farm
• Interesting: story, building, business, newspaper, politics, public service
• Organization: Elmira Public Library, Elmira, Waterloo, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2334.5
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Watch Maker
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; watch maker
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Jeweller
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Machinist
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; merchant
• Occupation: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; jeweller, watch maker, publisher of the Elmira Signet
• Residence: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1921, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; publisher, merchant, educator

Notes:

From the Waterloo Hall of Fame Website.

George Klinck, a native of Elmira, publisher, merchant and educator, had the distinction of being the founder in 1893, producer and editor of the highly regarded weekly newspaper, The Elmira Signet. He was the author of a book Early Days in Elmira.

At seventeen he had been apprenticed to the Pequegnat Clock Company in Berlin as a watchmaker. In 1881 he opened a watchmaking and jewellery business of his own in Elmira, and built a chopping mill as a service to farmers.

In 1885 he founded the Mechanics' Institute Library for workers; was instrumental in having electric street lights in Elmira in 1886; established St. Paul's Lutheran Parochial School in 1911; organized and played in the Elmira Band; served as reeve of Elmira; was the first chairman of the High School Board, secretary of the Public Library Board and a member of the Trustees and Ratepayers Section of the Ontario Educational Association.

_______________________________________



"The Red House On The Hill"

Century-Old Home Reveals How Pioneers Lived

One of the most fascinating homes in Elmira is "The Red House On The Hill" where the Misses Laurina and Flora Klinck live. This lovely red brick home, situated on high ground near the eastern edge of town, is more than 100 years old - and has been occupied by the Klinck family for 73 of those years. One doesn't even have to enter to sense the character of this home. As you walk up the winding drive, through the rolling 10-acre grounds fronting on Church street east, you suddenly come on some small cement steps. These are where lady and gentlemen visitors, in their high button boots, used to step out of their carriages a century or so ago. The next thing noticed is that the cellar opens to the outdoors. "So you see it may be 100 years old - but it's still split level," says Miss Laurina who has a neat sense of humour.

It is the cellar that reveals the historic background of the house, because that was where the entire family of the original owner lived - and the evidence of how they lived and worked are still there. In one room is a huge fireplace with cranes to swing the cooking pots - and from where boiling water was carried to the trough outside for scalding pigs at butchering time. [I'm sure they scalded the pigs after they were dead, to remove the hair !] At the bottom of the great chimney is a small heater - this was used for "schnitzing bees"' that is, drying quantities of apples laid out on iron rods above known as "schnitz trays." Two more rooms recall how mother and father worked. In one room, known as the "back kitchen," is a cement stand for the wash tub, with a place for the water to run away - and next to that a built-in tub where the clothes were rinsed.

In what was the "woodshed" are tools which reveal what a versatile man the pioneering home-owner had to be - they include a scythe, bucksaw, mitre box, wooden plane, chopping block, cooper's tools, including a cooper's plane. Still another is the "milk room" - and even the water supply which ran through the cooling troughs is interesting. Miss Laurina can remember that the household water came out of the pipe "thick as a man's thumb" - yet this water from a single spring ran first to the barn, through the barn to the house, to the kitchen into a big tank, downstairs to cool the milk, and out of the house to a goldfish pond, and on to a trough to water the cattle in the fields.

The builder of this unique home was an English carpenter named Mr. Grey who lived outside of Elmira. Not too much is known of the first owners except that their name was Kenning and the property was once known as the "Kenning place." They were the family that lived in the cellar, and four rooms above. The next owner was a grandfather of the Klinck family, George Hollinger. He added the four rooms and kitchen which comprise the present attractive home. The number of rooms, as the house now stands is, however, rather indefinite. Depending on how many basement rooms are counted, as well as two small sunrooms since added, the total could be 12 or 14.

The next owner was George Klinck, who moved in, in 1890. All of Mr. and Mrs. Klinck's nine children were born in the house. The four members of this distinguished family still living are the Misses Klinck; George of Toronto, teacher, writer and editor of the Modern Language Review, and Harold of Oldcastle, near Windsor, Ontario, former teacher who is now a scientific fruit-farmer as well as president of the Ontario Educational Association.

A pleasing feature is the manner in which the master bedroom has been maintained. The original bed, washstand, child's chair and other furniture are kept right where they were when Mr. and Mrs. George Klinck occupied the room. Around the corner is the desk where the illustrious Mr. Klinck - schoolboard chairman, library founder, feed merchant, jeweller and watchmaker, historian and publisher - did his work. The family has vivid memories of their father and a deep appreciation of the impact he had on his community. "He was always on the go," recalls Miss Laurina. To illustrate the point, Miss Flora produced a copy of the first issue of Elmira's weekly newspaper which Mr. Klinck published.

At that time, 70 years ago, this many-sided man included a furniture business among his many interests. In the first issue of his newspaper, he advertised a "bedroom suite - bed, bureau and washstand" - at $12. "That $12 bedroom suite is still in use - and still solid," reports Miss Laurina. Of the historic basement, Miss Laurina said: "When you've tidied it up, you know you've done some work." She notes that the coal supply is now kept in what was the dining room of the original family. One of the most picturesque memories the sisters have is of a Klinck grandmother who used to sit at the back kitchen fireplace making apple butter. "But with four boys in the family there were always lots of pants to mend," recalls Miss Laurina. "So she'd sit there, stirring the apple butter - and mending pants."

The Elmira Fair Dealer May 15, 1963

______________

ELMIRA

SHOE, FELT AND WOOLEN WORKS

Among the manufacturing industries of Elmira the above concern must be reckoned one of the most important, as it gives employment to the largest number of wage-earners and many of them expert and skilled mechanics. It is a part of the old Winger & Weaver Woolen factory. The latter, the first indusdry of note in this town, was established in 1856, by Peter Winger and Samuel Weaver who were prominent among the early settlers in this vicinity. They commenced operations in 1856 and continued to run it until 1873, when Mr. Henry Winger, son of the well known member of the firm, took charge and operated it until 1883, and after that in company with his brother, J. B. Winger, until 1895, at which time they added the felt manufactory. It was then operated by J. B. Winger and Amasa Winger for short one year, when in the spring of 1896, a joint stock company was formed and the plant improved and placed on a more extensive scale. The company is made up of some of the leading and most responsible citzens of the town, viz: Henry Winger, J. B. Winger, Amasa Winger, J. P. Lackhardt, Weber & Erb, M. Weichel, J. S. Weichel, Daniel Ratz, Casper Ziegler, David Snider, Chas. Klinck and son George, Henry Mogk and Isaac Hilborn. Board of Directors: A. H Erb, President; Henry Winger, Daniel Ratz, Casper Ziegler and J. P. Luckhardt, John Peel, Treasurer and general manager.

They manufacture both leather and felt goods, and the class of work turned out is equal in style, workmanship, finish and material to that of any other establishment of the kind in Ontario. There is a steady demand for about all the company can manufacture with their present facilities, most of their goods going to the Northwest and the Maritime Provinces. From twenty-five to thirty hands are employed. The factory is equipped with the latest and best improved machinery, and a walk through the building when all hands are at work will convince any person that experienced workmen are employed and that great care is exercised in putting the material together in a way that must produce a popular and durable article. The very latest styles of footwear are turned out. The company still continues the woolen factory and manufactures fine tweeds, flannels blankets and other woolen goods, and are always prepared for custom work.

Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 3

________________

GEORGE KLINCK.

It is enterprising young men like the above that give an air of busy life to a community. Mr. Klinck was born in Elmira in 1862. For seventeen years he has been engaged in the watchmaking and jewelry business. He has taken a course of training in the Horological School of Geneva, Switzerland, and has been for several years president of the Canadian Watchmakers' Association with headquarters at Toronto. It will thus be seen that he is as well equipped and qualified for this branch of his business interests as that of any dealer in the country. Mr. Klinck does not stop at the jewelry business, but he is one of Elmira's prominent grain dealers and buyers of farm produce generally and ships a large number of carloads of grain annually, and constantly caters to the demands of farmers for all kinds of feed He has lately added power that will enable him to furnish, on short notice, chopped grain, etc, which will be a great convenience to the farmers in this section. He is also adding machinery for bicycle repairing, a feature that will be welcomed by patrons of the bike. While Mr. Klinck is engaged in all these branches of his business, he still finds time to edit the "Signet," a bright little newspaper, which, I understand, is being well patronized. It was established in 1893. It is the newspapers that give prominence to a town, and in this particular the publisher of the "Signet" justly deserves extra encouragement.

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

_____________

Former Signet Editor George Klinck Passes

BORN HERE AND WAS SIXTY TWO YEARS IN
BUSINESS IN THIS COMMUNITY


Elmira mourns the loss of one of its most prominent citizens in the passing of George Klinek, who passed peacefully away at his residence
on Tuesday morning at the age of 82 years. Mr. Klinek had been ill for six months and of recent weeks his held no hope. Finally a long and useful life was closed.

George Klinck, the eldest son of the late Karl Klinck and Elizabeth. Hollinger, was born on his father's farm within the town limits of Elmira. part of which farm is at present owned by Earl Jackson, on July. 7th, 1862.

He attended the Elmira Public School, and at the age of 16 years, was apprenticed to the late Arthur Pequegnat of Berlin (now Kitchener) to learn the watchmaking trade.. After completing three years' apprenticeship, he returned to Elmira in 1881, and opened a Watch Repair Shop in the block now occupied by Dreisinger's Furniture Store, later. adding a stock of Watches and Jewelery, and moving the store to the block now occupied by Klinck Co., Ltd., and the Elmira Signet.

In 1887 he journeyed to Switzerland, where he took a post-graduate course in Watchmaking at the Geneva Watchmaking School. Returning to Elmira, he again took charge of his business, and assisted by his brother, the late Charles N. Klinck, as optician, he carried on this business until 15 years ago, when he sold out the stock. He was the first examiner at the Canadian Horological Institute, Toronto, and the first President of the Canadian Jewellers' Association.

...ness and interest in the progress of the farming community and did much to enable the farmers to secure good seed and feed, which enabled them to carry on their work with greater success.

Being endowed with a brilliant and versatile mind, an energetic and public-spirited disposition and a sound body, he gave much of his talents and time to the welfare of the community. As a young man, he was interested in securing the best to be had in literature and the arts, and along with the late David Bean, A. Werner, J. A. Harper, Henry Delion and others was successful in organizing; in 1887, the Elmira Mechanics' institute, which later became the Elmira Public Library.

As a member of the Elmira Board of Trade and of the Town Council, he was actively interested in securing new industries, the C.N.R. and C.P.R. railways, hydro and other public utilities and improvements for the town.

He also served as Elmira's representative on the County Council for several years: was an active member of the Children's Aid Society and the Elmira Horticultural Society, and, until his last illness, a member of the Red Cross Society. He was a life member of the Upper Canada Bible Society, and a member of the Waterloo County Historical Society.

With the welfare of children always at heart, he was instrumental in furthering the opportunities for education in Elmira. At the annual meeting of the ratepayers of the Elmira Public School held Dec. 31, 1918, a motion, moved by Geo. Klinck, seconded by Israel Groff, "that this meeting urge the trustees of this section to start a Continuation School," was carried. In Sept. 1915, the Elmira Continuation School was opened, and in 1922, it was changed to a High School. In 1923, a Night School, which was continued every winter until 1931, was established. Mr. Klinek acted as a member of the Elmira Continuation School and the Elmira High School for 15 years, and was ever on the lookout for improvements of teachers and equipment.

A staunch Lutheran in religion, he was a member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, where he served for a long time as a Sunday School teacher, member of the School Board, and for over 25 years was secretary of the congregation. Up to the time of his death, he was a member of the...

Organization:
On January 24, 1888, a meeting was held to organize a Mechanics' Institute in Elmira. Membership cost $1 a year. The first board members were: David Bean, George Klinck, A. Werner, John Ratz, A. H. Erb, A. Blatz, Wm. Behrens, Sol Laschinger, Dr. Ullyot, and M. Weber. The librarian/caretaker, C. K. Jansen was paid $30 a year.

George married Mary Ella Devitt 30 Sep 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Isaac Devitt and Mary Ann Quickfall) was born 21 Sep 1866, Floradale, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Jul 1926, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90159896
• Name: Ella Devitt
• Name: Mary Elizabeth Devitt
• Name: Mary Ella Klinck
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2334.4
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

PROMINENT ELMIRA LADY PASSES AWAY

Mrs. George Klinck, Resident of Town 35 Years, Succumbs to Long Illness

After a lingering illness, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Klinck, wife of George Klinck, and one of Elmira's most respected citizens, died yesterday at her home on Church Street, east, aged 59 years and 11 months.

The late Mrs. Klinck had been ailing for the past two years, but was taken acutely ill about Easter. Since that time she had been confined almost entirely to her home. A few days ago she took a sudden turn for the worse and despite careful medical attention and nursing she succumbed.

Mrs. Klinck, who was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Devitt, was born near Floradale on the farm now occupied by Jesse B. Snider. On her marriage to Mr. Klinck about 35 years ago she removed to Elmira and resided here until her death.

Of a living and generous disposition, the late Mrs. Klinck was held decidedly high in the regard of the community and her passing will leave a gap that will not be easily filled. Her work in connection with St. Paul's Lutheran Church of which she was a faithful member during her residence in Elmira, was most notable. She was a member of the Ladies' Aid society and the church since its inception and was regarded as one of the most valuable and painstaking workers.

The mother of nine children, seven of whom remain to mourn their loss, Mrs. Klinck was a sterling example of the home-loving type of woman and her residence on Church Street with its beautiful grounds remains a monument to her domestic labors.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons, Edmund of Elmira; Arthur of North Plate, Neb.; George and Harold of Hamilton; and three daughters, Luella, Flora and Laurina, all at home; and two grandchildren. One brother Irvin Devitt of Freeman, Ont., and a sister, Mrs. Arnold Jansen of Kitchener also survive.

The funeral will be held from her late residence Saturday afternoon at 2: 30 o'clock to St. Paul's Church where services will be held in English and thence to Elmira Cemetery for interment.

Other Events:

• Interesting: life story, pioneer
• Name: Charles Klinck
• Name: Charles Klink
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26624
• Immigration: 1853, , Ontario, Canada
• Immigration: 1854, , Ontario, Canada
• Naturalization: 1856
• Residence: 1860, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1860, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1870, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Retired: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

VETERAN CITIZEN IS CALLED BY DEATH

Mr. Karl Klinck, Patriarch of Community Lays Down His Task

WAS SPLENDID TYPE
Came to Canada From Germany When Nineteen Years of Age

Yesterday morning Elmira's veteran citizen, Mr. Karl Klinck, laid down the weapons of battle after having fought the good fight as one of the earliest pioneers of this district for nearly three-quarters of a century. He was the oldest male resident of this town, having just celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday a week ago. His illness was of short duration, as he was seriously ill for only a few days. He had for years been a familiar figure on the streets of Elmira, and his death has caused universal regret.

Mr. Klinck was born in the Palatinate (Rhinish Bavaria), that picturesque province of Germany, which came so near destruction at the end of the great war, just before the armistice was declared in November, 1918. His old home was but a few miles from the place where the cannons uttered their last roars.

After his school days he was apprenticed to the Cabinet Makers' trade in a neighboring town. The reminiscences of Mr. Klinck's apprentice years, as he occasionally related them for the benefit of the younger generation, are interesting. The ways of the world in those days were hard but they were productive of men well able to take care of themselves and men admirably fitted to take up the pioneer life of the new world to which many later emigrated. His duties as an apprentice were to pay a certain amount of money as "Lehrgeld"; to rise at 5 o'clock in the morning; to do certain chores in the shop and house of his master and to work at the bench from six o'clock in the morning until late at night. Breakfast was served at six and consisted of a few buns and a cup of coffee. Then there was nothing to eat before dinner was served. Dinner consisted of meat and soup, which was served so hot that the eating of it was a painful operation.

If an apprentice ever forgot that he had no business in the company of his journeyman fellow workers after hours, he was effectively reminded of his place in society by a thorough boxing of his ears. Under such conditions the life an apprentice was not a "cinch" as the expression now goes. However he grew to be a strong healthy young man of 18 when his apprenticeship ended. Then he entered upon his "Wandershaft," going from place to place working a few weeks in a shop, thus learning methods practiced by other masters.

In 1854, at the age of 19 years, Mr. Klinck emigrated to America. He embarked at Havre, on a sail ship, which required about six weeks to make the voyage and which had the cholera on board. He saw twenty-six of his fellow passengers who had died from the disease placed on a board in a covering of sail cloth, slid into the sea where the monsters of the deep took possession of the bodies before they had time to sink. From New York harbor he came by rail to Berlin (Kitchener) whence he started off on a rainy, muddy autumn day, by foot, to Elmira, where his uncle, the late Henry Christman, kept hotel, in the house which formerly stood where now stands the Steddick House. There were then but few houses in the village. The streets were in a lamentable condition and altogether, the contrast between the country he had left and the wilderness to which he had wandered was not calculated to impress him favorably with his adopted country. Nevertheless, he looked for work and found it with the late Mr. Henry Martin who was the pioneer builder and contractor of this part of the country.

After his marriage 1860, he took up residence on the farm and converted the primitive, stumpy acres into one of the finest and most fertile farms of the district, at the same time following his trade of building and manufacturing furniture, etc. during the winter months. He bought building lots in the village, prepared the material in the winter and erected some fifteen houses and stored [worked?] on them during the summer months, his enterprise helping materially in making Elmira the central place of business in northern Waterloo. He was also identified with many forward movements and his influence could always be found on the side of enterprise and progressiveness. To write a history of his activities would be to write a history of Elmira and the district around it. Briefly he adapted himself to the conditions he met, was an energetic worker, was blessed with good health, took reverses philosophically and while rearing a large family with the assistance of his good wife, he attained easy circumstances, so that he was able to retire from the farm to the village in the year 1903, since which time he was active and busy as formerly though not so severely taxed for production. He possessed many of the sterling qualities of character as well as the high sense of justice and respect for the law which were so instrumental in laying the foundations for the moral solidity of this comparatively new country and which might well be emulated by the present generation. Socially he was genial and considerate and made many friends by whom he will be greatly missed. With few interruptions he enjoyed good health so that he was able to be about and to take a live interest in his surroundings.

Deceased was a member of the Lutheran church and a firm adherent to the excellent precepts of the great Reformer which descended to him through his forefathers of several centuries, before the religious sky of the old land was clouded by the modern theology which precipitated Germany into a maze of doubt and unbelief. He is survived by his eleven children, namely Catherine at home; George, until lately editor of the Elmira Signet, and now engaged in various business enterprises in Elmira; Margaret (Mrs. J.B. Lein); Caroline (Mrs. John H. Miller); Lizzie at home; Charles N., optician; August, mechanical foreman in the Elmira Rubber Factory; Clara (Mrs. Wm. Heckendorn) and Ida at home. Besides these he leaves behind twenty-one grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters, Mrs. P. Jansen and Mrs. Henry Dunke. These will mourn the loss of a generous, kind-hearted family head who enjoyed their love as well as the respect of the whole community. The funeral will take place on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock from his late residence at 14 Arthur Street. A service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran church after which interment will take place in the Elmira Union Cemetery.

The Elmira Signet 12 Jun 1924



_________________________

ELMIRA

SHOE, FELT AND WOOLEN WORKS

Among the manufacturing industries of Elmira the above concern must be reckoned one of the most important, as it gives employment to the largest number of wage-earners and many of them expert and skilled mechanics. It is a part of the old Winger & Weaver Woolen factory. The latter, the first indusdry of note in this town, was established in 1856, by Peter Winger and Samuel Weaver who were prominent among the early settlers in this vicinity. They commenced operations in 1856 and continued to run it until 1873, when Mr. Henry Winger, son of the well known member of the firm, took charge and operated it until 1883, and after that in company with his brother, J. B. Winger, until 1895, at which time they added the felt manufactory. It was then operated by J. B. Winger and Amasa Winger for short one year, when in the spring of 1896, a joint stock company was formed and the plant improved and placed on a more extensive scale. The company is made up of some of the leading and most responsible citzens of the town, viz: Henry Winger, J. B. Winger, Amasa Winger, J. P. Lackhardt, Weber & Erb, M. Weichel, J. S. Weichel, Daniel Ratz, Casper Ziegler, David Snider, Chas. Klinck and son George, Henry Mogk and Isaac Hilborn. Board of Directors: A. H Erb, President; Henry Winger, Daniel Ratz, Casper Ziegler and J. P. Luckhardt, John Peel, Treasurer and general manager.

They manufacture both leather and felt goods, and the class of work turned out is equal in style, workmanship, finish and material to that of any other establishment of the kind in Ontario. There is a steady demand for about all the company can manufacture with their present facilities, most of their goods going to the Northwest and the Maritime Provinces. From twenty-five to thirty hands are employed. The factory is equipped with the latest and best improved machinery, and a walk through the building when all hands are at work will convince any person that experienced workmen are employed and that great care is exercised in putting the material together in a way that must produce a popular and durable article. The very latest styles of footwear are turned out. The company still continues the woolen factory and manufactures fine tweeds, flannels blankets and other woolen goods, and are always prepared for custom work.

Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 3

_______________

In 1881 living with Carl in Woolwich was an 18 year old Nicholaus Klinck who was born in Germany.

Karl married Elizabeth Hollinger 3 Jan 1860, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of George Hollinger and Margareth Brechbiel) was born 22 Sep 1840, Heidelberg, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 4 Jan 1921, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elizabeth Klinck
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26625
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1860, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1860, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

MRS. CHAS. KLINCK, SR. DIED ON TUESDAY
WAS ONE OF ELMIRA'S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED CITIZENS

A resident of Elmira for upward of sixty years, and an honored wife and mother departed this life on Tuesday, January 4, inst., in the person of Mrs. Charles Klinck, Sr. The deceased lady had reached the ripe age of 80 years 3 months and 13 days.

Mrs. Klinck's maiden name was Elizabeth Hollinger. She and Mr. Klinck were married on January 3, 1860, at the then town of Berlin by the Rev. Mr. Bindemann. Her home was in Heidelberg and there the young couple resided for three months before removing to Elmira in April of 1860. On January 3, 1920, they had the rare good fortune of celebrating their diamond wedding, representing sixty years of happy married life. Their children number nine and all of these were able to attend the diamond wedding celebration.

Mr. Klinck, her husband is still in fairly good health, though he has passed his 85^th birthday. The names of their surviving children are: Miss Catherine Klinck, who lives at home, Mr. George Klinck, Mrs. John B. Lein, Mr. Charles N. Klinck, Misses Carolline and Lizzie Klinck, living at home, Mr. August Klinck, Mrs. William Heckendorn and Miss Ida, living at home.

All the children and grandchildren with the exception of one granddaughter (Mrs. W.D. Schmidt, of Kitchener) reside in Elmira.
Mr. and Mrs. Klinck's grandchildren number twenty and their great-grandchildren four. Of her father's family, only Mrs. Margaret Wahl of Elmira survives her.

During the first 43 years of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Klinck lived on the farm opposite the C.P.R. station, adjacent to Elmira, on north Arthur street. When her husband purchased the farm it was in a primitive state. Mrs. Klinck proved a valuable helpmate to him in their task of meeting and overcoming the vicissitudes which beset pioneers in Northern Waterloo. She was a woman of sound Christian principles, possessed considerable strength of character and was a pattern of industry.

In 1903 Mr. and Mrs. Klinck retired to a fine residence on North Arthur street. During those sixty years, Mr. and Mrs. Klinck had lived in only two houses. The one on the farm and the other a quarter of a mile from it on the ?? street.

Mrs. Klinck had for thirty-seen years been a sufferer from rheumatism, and for about seven years she had been unable to leave her home. Shortly before Christmas, she became ill, but it was not until Sunday morning that her condition became serious. She grew gradually weaker and death ended her sufferings on Tuesday.

Her funeral will be held on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, from her late residence, proceeding to St. Paul's Lutheran Church for services, after which interment will take place in the Elmira Union Cemetery.

In her death Elmira loses a highly esteemed woman and her husband and family a beloved mother and wife. Hers has been a signally useful, fruitful life. Her departure will be sincerely mourned by all who enjoyed her friendship or acquaintance. The sympathy of the community will go out to the bereaved family. [Comment: Question marks (??) have been placed where the information was illegible in the obituary.]


Elmira Signet 6 Jan 1921

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92924671
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2334
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer - Postmaster
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Protestant
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1901, Nelson Twp., Halton Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Isaac Devitt, "was born January 22nd, 1837. He is a farmer by occupation and resides at Floradale, Woolwich Township, Waterloo County. He is married to Mary Ann Quickfall. They have had a family of five children, namely:... Ella, married to George Klink of Elmira."

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.].

_____________________

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

_________

Passed Away Near Burlington This Morning.--Well Known in This County.

The sad intelligence of the death of Mr. Isaac Devitt, brother of Mr. Menno and Mr. Benj. Devitt of this town was received this morning. Deceased on Wednesday last suffered a paralytic stroke since which time he has been in a critical condition, never regaining consciousness, passing away at 10 o'clock this morning.

The late Mr. Devitt was born on Jan. 22, 1837, and followed the occupaison of a farmer, first residing at Floradale where is owned a farm and also held the position of postmaster until his removal to Freeman about twelve years ago where he purchased a line large farm and had since resided The day previous to being taken ill he had disposed of his farm and intended and moving to Waterloo.

He was well known and highly respected in this county.

A widow and three children survive viz, Mary. (Mrs Klinck) Elmira, Ella (Mrs A Jansen) Berlin, and Irvine, at home. Another son Milton died last spring. Four brothers and two sisters and his aged mother, Mrs Barnabas Devitt also survive

The Daily Telegraph 16 Sep 1907, Mon Page 4

Isaac married Mary Ann Quickfall 18 Mar 1862, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Thomas Quickfall and Hannah Martinson) was born 17 Jan 1838, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 23 Oct 1842, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Jan 1912, Nelson Twp., Halton Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/92924757
• Name: Mary Ann Devitt
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2334.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Protestant
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90156680
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26647
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Nicholas — Maria Philippina "Philppina" "Philipine" Christman. Maria was born 11 Jan 1803, , Bavaria, Germany; died Bef 1861. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90156706
• Name: Maria Philippina "Philppina" "Philipine" Klinck
• Name: Philipine Christman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26630

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-48078
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Innkeeper
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• 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
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1883, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1883, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheram

Notes:

Mr. Geo. Hollinger, an old resident of Elmira, passed away at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Charles Klinck, on Sunday morning, November 13th, at the advanced age of 83 years, 2 months and 28 days. Mr. Hollinger was born in Germany and emigrated to America when 19 years of age. He settled in Woolwich township near Heidelberg where he followed the trade of cooper. In 1837 he was married to Margaret Brechbiebl. He afterwards purchased a farm near Elmira. Here his first wife died. He was again married to Mrs. Breimer of Waterloo who predeceased him about two years ago. Deceased was a staunch member of the Lutheran church and a man of sterling integrity. He possessed great powers of endurance and perseverance. He leaves a family of four children, viz: Louis Hollinger, of Wallace; Mrs. Charles Klinck, Mrs. D. Pfaff and Mrs. B. Wahl of Elmira.

Waterloo County Chronicle 24 Nov 1898, p. 5
______________

1851 - George Hollinger is staying with George Hollinger (1815).

George married Margareth Brechbiel 1837. Margareth (daughter of Johann Philip "Philip" Brechbiel and Maria Katharina "Catharina" Boehmer) was born CALC 13 Apr 1819, Schönberg, Rheinkreis, Bavaria; died 11 Oct 1880, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margareth Hollinger
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-164995
• 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

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55219191
• Historic Building: 38 Bridge St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Eby ID Number: 00030-2322
• Historic Building: Abt 1812, 172 King St. S., Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Erb Kumpf House
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027W, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Historic Building: 1849, 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario; Dr. Voelker House
• Residence: 1849, 36 Young St. W., Waterloo, Ontario
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Elected Office: 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; councillor - Waterloo Township
• 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; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

Barnabus Devitt, "the fourth son of his father, Dennis Devitt, was born in New Jersey, U.S., March 25th, 1807. He came to Canada with his parents in 1817 and settled on the old "Daniel C. Snyder Farm" west of the town of Waterloo. After the decease of his mother he was adopted by old Abraham Erb who raised him. He was only 11 years of age when he came to Erb's. On May 1st 1831, he was married to Magdalena Shoemaker who was born November 20th, 1811. In 1829 she came to Canada with her mother and family. Mr. and Mrs. Devitt resided in the town of Waterloo until 1851 when they moved to Bridgeport where he and Elias Eby entered into partnership in the milling business. After being in business for some years, he sold his interest to the late Jacob B. Eby and purchased the beautiful farm now in possession of Tilman Shantz. Here he resided until a few years previous to his death when he again moved to the town of Waterloo to spend the close of his life. He died January 20th, 1891. They had a family of twelve children" Barnabas Devitt, "(Vol. I, No. 2322) came to Canada in 1812 and came to Waterloo in 1815."


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.].

___________________

Devitt, Barnabus, retired farmer. Is a native of New Jersey. Born, 1807. Moved to this county in 1815.

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

_____________________

The Silver Thread Lofts on Devitt Avenue is a different addition to the ever growing list of condo projects in this city. It is only three storeys high with underground parking for 15 units. It is nestled into the quiet, tree-shaded environs at 15 Devitt Ave. S. in the historic Mary-Allen Neighbourhood....The development is called The Silver Thread Lofts. This area of the city was once owned by Barnabus Devitt, who had a radish farm on the site. Later, the Silver Thread Kraut Company made sauerkraut here...

Waterloo Region Record 14 Oct 2011

Historic Building:
Built in 1840 by Jacob S. Shoemaker across from the mill he constructed in 1830. In 1969 the house with stone foundation and handmade brick walls was listed in fair to poor condition. The roof was framed with mortise and tenon joining. The house was a combination of Georgian proportions and classical decorations. The large dormers were reminiscent of early buildings in Pennsylvania. In 1850 the house was sold to Elias Eby together with the mill complex. The house was been renovated a number of times. The porch was removed and the house converted into a tri-plex by 1969. Barnabus Devitt was also a propietor with Elias Eby.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Bridgeport Mill, a non-dated (probably 1969) type written manuscript located at Doon Heritage Crossroads 2009

Historic Building:
The original portion of the Erb-Kumpf House was built around 1812 by Abraham Erb, the founder of Waterloo, making it one of Waterloo's oldest homes. It was a three-bay structure facing a mill situated near the south-west corner of King and Erb Streets.
Abraham Erb came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1806 and settled on Lots 14 and 15 of the German Company Tract, land which now comprises the central business district of Waterloo. He established a sawmill on Beaver (Laurel) Creek in 1808 and a grist mill in 1816. In 1828, he sold his mills and a considerable quantity of land to Jacob C. Snider.
Magdalene Erb sold the home to Barnabas Devitt, her adopted son, in 1835. His son Benjamin served as Mayor of Waterloo from 1881 to 1883.
An addition to the house was probably built by Devitt in 1849. A slight hump in the roof on the north side indicates the location at which it joins the original structure. The application of a vertical board and clapboard which does not align is further evidence that it was added at a later date. The second addition, probably built by Hoffman around 1855, included the two-storey verandah at the front.

Elias Snider acquired the home and later sold it to Christian Kumpf in 1869. Kumpf was a newspaper owner, Mayor of Waterloo from 1879-1880, as well as Postmaster for 42 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Dominion Life Assurance Company in 1889. His son Ford, who became affectionately known as "Mr. Waterloo", was born in the home in 1877 and assumed ownership in 1899. One of the community's most public-spirited citizens, he served as Treasurer of Waterloo and Clerk/Manager of the Water and Light Commission. He was President of the Waterloo Red Cross Society and The Dominion Life Assurance Company.
At present, the house demonstrates a mixture of architectural styles. Among its Georgian characteristics is the six-over-six window pane arrangement. The facade, with its two wings, treillage, Gothic barge board and Doric columns, reflects the Regency influence.
In 1979, the home was sold to a law firm which has maintained the integrity of the exterior. A third addition in keeping with the style of the building has since been constructed.<sup>1a

1a</sup>Designated Properties www. waterloo.ca

Historic Building:
Constructed by Barnabus Devitt in 1849 and sold to Elias Snider in 1851.

Barnabas married Magdalena Shoemaker 1 May 1831, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Magdalena (daughter of Johannes "John" Schumacher and Maria "Mary" Shantz) was born 20 Nov 1811, Frederick Twp., Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania; died 12 Nov 1907, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55219293
• Name: Magdalena Devitt
• Eby ID Number: 00112-7023
• Immigration: 1829, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Magdalena Shoemaker, "was born November 20th, 1811. In 1829 she came to Canada with her mother and family. On May 1st, 1831, she was married to Barnabas Devitt who was born March 25th, 1807, and died January 20th, 1891."

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.].

_______________

In Memoriam Died. At Waterloo, Tuesday Nov. 12th, 1907, Mrs. Barnabas Devitt, Aged 95 years, 11 months and 22 days. The Funeral Will take place from the residence of Mr. Benjamin Devitt, at 1.30 o'clock, Friday afternoon, Nov. 15th, to Emanuel Evangelical Church, Waterloo, for service, thence to the East End Mennonite Cemetery, Berlin, for interment. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

____________

MRS. BARNABAS DEVITT PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY

Ninety-Six Years of Age and Waterloo's Oldest Resident. Generally Respected and Loved.

The death of one of Waterloo's most estimable in the person of Mrs. Barnabus Devitt, removes one of the early pioneers who has witnessed the growth of the town from a small struggling hamlet of a few houses nestling in the midst of the woods to the Waterloo of today. Although in her 96th year the aged lady enjoyed splendid health up to a week ago Saturday, attending service at the Mennonite church on Thanksgiving Day. However, she fortunately contracted pleurisy and had been confined to her bed since that time. The malady terminated fatally, and she passed peacefully away at 6.30 A. M. Tuesday at the ripe old age of 95 years, 11 months and 22 days.

Mrs. Devitt, whose maiden name was Magdalena Shoemaker, was a member of a long-lived and highly respected family and was the daughter of the late John Shoemaker, She was born in Pennsylvania, U.S. on Nov 20th, 1811, and would have celebrated her 96th birthday on the 20th of this month. She came to Waterloo in the year 1829 with her mother and family, traversing the distance in one of the old-fashioned Wagons used in those times. Two years later she was married to the late Barnabas Devitt and they resided for a time in Waterloo, afterwards removing to Bridgeport, where her husband purchased the mill at that place. It was later disposed and the family again moved to this place where she has almost continuously resided.

As one of the early pioneers Mrs. Devitt saw the transition of this sparsely settled community to the present prosperous town of Waterloo and often recounted experiences of early days conditions which
prevailed in those primitive times. On the journey to the new home in this county from Pennsylvania, the distance was made with horse and wagon, the mother of Mrs. Devitt travelling on horseback. They had several cows with them which supplied milk and butter was churned right on the wagon as they went along. The route lay over mountains, across rivers, through swamps and over roads almost impassable and in many places did not exist at all.

The passage over the Niagara River was made in a scow as there was no bridge across at that time. When the family arrived here Waterloo to consisted of a mill store, and a few houses, and the surrounding vicinity was all woodland. Mr. and Mrs. Barnabus Devitt for a goodly number of years resided on the site where the present residence of Mrs. C Kumpf now stands where Mr. Devitt had over 100 acres of farm land. After his retirement they removed to the old Barnabas Devitt property, now owned by Mr. Herold

Mr. Devitt died in 1891 and Mrs. Devitt has of late years made her home with her son, Mr. Benjamin Devitt.

The late Mrs. Devitt possessed those qualities of heart and mind which endeared her to all with whom she came in contact and was held in the highest regard not only by the members of her family but by all her acquaintances. She was unassuming. and of a sunny disposition and cheery presence and a wide circle of friends will sincerely mourn her demise. At the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Devitt she was the oldest of the five generations represented.

Despite het great age she took a lively and intelligent interest in every day life and retained her mental and bodily vigor almost to the time of her death. The passing away of this pioneer in a community wherein she resided for many years and in which she was held in general esteem will learn with sorrow by her many friends but the legacy which she leaves behind in an upright, and long life of activity and usefulness filled with many kindnesses will remain as a precious memory to those who had grows to love and esteem her for her many good and many qualities.

The deceased was an adherent of the Evangelical Church for many years.

Twelve children were burn to Mã and Mrs. Devitt, six of whom survive, vis. Benjamin, Waterloo, David Berlin, Mary (Mrs. Jacob Wissler), Lyndhurst, Virginia, Barnabus Philadelphia, Menno, Waterloo, Louisa (Mrs. Jacob Smith) Fork's Road. The dead are John, Abram, Isaac, Jacob, and Magdalena, who died in infancy and Matthew, whose death occurred when four years old. Thirty grandchildren, twenty-one great grand children and one great great child survive.

The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon the at 1.30 o'clock from the residence Benj Devitt, to the Evangelical Church for service thence to the East End Mennonite Cemetery, Berlin for interment.

The Telegraph extends sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.


The Chronicle Telegraph (190101), 14 Nov 1907, p. 5

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00088-5128.2
• Residence: 1825, Burton upon Stather, , Lincolnshire, England
• Land: Bef 1839, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 006E, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; England Church

Notes:

"The Quickfalls of this and other counties of Ontario are all descendants of old Franklin and Barbara Quickfall who emigrated to America and settled in New York State where they resided for many years. One of their sons, named II Thomas was born September 13, 1799. He was married to Hannah Martinson who was born November 14th, 1803, and died June 18th, 1889. In 1841 they (Thomas and his wife) with their family and his aged parents moved to Canada and settled in Waterloo County, Ontario, on the old "Moxley Farm" now known as the "Evergreen Farm", a little north-east of the town of Waterloo. Here they resided until their deaths. He died February 10th, 1868. To them were born several children, but the name of only one of their sons has been received"

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.].

_____________________________

According to letters held by Madeline Lavender of Burlington, Ontario in 1995, brother-in-laws William and John Martinson left Thealby, Lincolnshire, England in the spring of 1830 for Quebec and were some years in Jamesville, Onondaga County, New York through the 1830's.

Thomas married Hannah Martinson 20 Oct 1825, Burton upon Stather, , Lincolnshire, England. Hannah (daughter of Martinson) was born 14 Nov 1803, , England; died 18 Jun 1889, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Artifact: Hannah Martinson's coffin plate
• Name: Hannah Quickfall
• Eby ID Number: 00088-5128.3
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesley Methodist

Notes:

Artifact:
Original at the Waterloo Historical Society