Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Otto Henry Miller

Male 1881 - Yes, date unknown


Generations:      Standard    |    Vertical    |    Compact    |    Box    |    Text    |    Ahnentafel    |    Fan Chart    |    Media    |    PDF

Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Otto Henry Miller was born 26 Apr 1881, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada (son of Mayor Johann George "George" Rumpel and Wilhelmine "Minnie" Hartman); died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-243908
    • Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Tanner
    • Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Salesman, Traveller
    • Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Otto married Elvira Victoria "Ella" Riener 27 Aug 1902, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elvira (daughter of Matthias Riener and Maria "Mary" Novock) was born 30 Sep 1878, Breslau, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 26 Dec 1878, Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jun 1918, Paris, Brant County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

    Children:
    1. Adolph Reiner Miller was born Jun 1903, Harrisburg, Lafayette, Missouri, United States; died 1979, Englewood, Sarasota, Florida, United States.
    2. Hilda Miller was born 17 Mar 1907, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    3. Carl Miller was born Jun 1908, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Mayor Johann George "George" RumpelMayor Johann George "George" Rumpel was born 10 May 1850, Mühlhausen, , Thüringen, Germany (son of Frederick Rumpel and Fredericka); died 5 Jun 1916, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Club Membership: Mason
    • Historic Building: 38 Cameron Street, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Name: George Rumpel
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-36959P
    • Immigration: 1870, , Ontario, Canada
    • Immigration: 1870, , Ontario, Canada
    • Naturalization: 1873
    • Naturalization: 1873, , Ontario, Canada
    • Business: 1880, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Berlin Felt Boot Co.
    • Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Shoe Manufacturer
    • Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
    • Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Elected Office: 1898, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mayor - Kitchener
    • Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
    • Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
    • Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Business: 1912, 60 Victoria St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Rumpel Felt Company
    • Employer: 1912, Ecomonical Fire Insurance Company, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; director of Economical Fire Insurance Company
    • Residence: Abt 1912, 38 Cameron Street, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Possessions: 1913, 247 Duke St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    George Rumpel, Mayor 1898.

    Mr. George Rumpel occupied the mayor's chair very acceptably during the year 1898. The year previously he had been reeve. His term as Chief Magistrate was marked by the purchase of the water works system, which has proved Berlin's best public utility. Its purchase was opposed by many citizens and a heated compaign preceded its taking over. Mr. Rumpel has since served on both the Water Commission and the Park Board. He was born in Saxony, Germany and came to Berlin in 1871, and soon after established the Berlin Felt Boot Co. and has proved himself to be an able business man. As a citizen, he is esteemed for his many excellent qualities.

    Official souvenir of the celebration of cityhood, July 17th 1912, Berlin, Ontario, The German Printing and Publishing Co

    __________________


    GEORGE RUMPEL.

    George Rumpel, president of the Berlin Felt Boot Company, is numbered among the worthy Canadian citizens that Germany has furnished to the Dominion, his birth having occurred in Saxony on the 10th of May, 1850. His parents were Frederick and Fredericka (Rick) Rumpel, also natives of Germany, and the father was a furniture manufacturer of Saxony.

    In accordance with the laws of his native land, George Rumpel attended school between the ages of six and fourteen years and then entered business life as an apprentice to the shoemaker's trade, serving a three years term of indenture. He afterward traveled and worked as a journeyman for three years, being employed in twelve different factories after becoming a master workman. Hoping to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world, where wages were generally higher and competition not so great, he came to Ontario in 1871, settling in Hamilton, where he secured employment in the McPherson shoe factory. In 1875 he came to Berlin and for two years was in the employ of the Berlin Felt Shoe Company, while in 1879 he bought out the business, which he has since conducted. The enterprise is one of importance here, furnishing employment to about one hundred and seventy-five operatives. In this connection he carries on three factories and the plant covers an area of about ten acres, while the trade extends throughout the Dominion. The business has constantly grown and developed under the able management and keen discrimination of Mr. Rumpel, who has been watchful of every opportunity pointing to success and has utilized every means to the best possible advantage. He has kept his factory equipped with the latest improved machinery and he has always made it a point to pay good living wages, which has received from his employees faithful and valuable service.

    In 1872 Mr. Rumpel was married to Miss Minna Hartman, a daughter of the late Hans Hartman, who was a native of Saxony, Germany. Four children grace this union: Oscar, Olga, Walter and Hilda. Mr. Rumpel is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Royal Arcanum, the Maccabees tent and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is a Conservative and has usually refused the public preferment offered him. He has, however, filled some local positions, being a member of the council for eight years, while in 1897 he was reeve and in 1898 was mayor of Berlin. During his administration in the last named position he succeeded in securing municipal ownership of the water works, which prior to that time had been operated by private individuals. He is now chairman of the water works commission and is a member of the park board, on which he has served as chairman for several years. He is likewise a member of the Board of Trade and has done effective work in behalf of public welfare and progress for a long period. He belongs to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in which he is serving as deacon, and his humanitarian spirit is frequently manifest in his liberal contributions to church and to charity. His beautiful residence called Forest Hill, situated on King and Cameron streets, is considered the finest home in Berlin, while Mr. Rumpel has gained a position of prominence and distinction that justly entitles him to a place in this publication. Although his career has not been filled with thrilling incidents probably no life history published in this volume can better serve to demonstrate to young men the power of honesty and integrity, of diligence and perseverance in insuring success. Aside from his business interests his life has been actuated by unselfish motives, prompted by patriotism and guided by truth and justice.

    [Fraser, Alexander, 1860-1936; A History of Ontario; its History and Development; vol 2 Biography; Toronto; Canada
    History Co; date of publication unknown; U of Toronto Collection AMY-0015; www.archive.org/stream/ ]

    _________________

    The largest estate [in Berlin] was the Forest Hill property of Sheriff George Davidson. It consisted of 40 acres in the area bounded roughly by Cameron N, King, Stirling & Courtland Sts. Shortly after Sheriff Davidson's death in 1881 it became the property of Mr & Mrs George Rumpel. They enlarged and remodelled the house in colonial style, with a huge portico and massive, towering pillars. In my childhood I used to spend a lot of time there with my Godmother, Minna Rumpel. How well I remember the park, its creek, pond and island; the gardens, the fountain, the bowling alleys and the huge two-storey high conservatory with its towering palms and multitudes of ferns and plants.

    Potter, Alex O ; "Let's Reminisce" reprinted from the Kitchener-Waterloo Record.

    ____________________

    Sheriff Davidson decided to develop 36 acres of choice land at the east end of town back in the 1850s, elevated property which had a fine view to the northeast. The owner soon made 'Forest Hill' one of the show places of the county with hedges, many paths, a pond, groves of maple and elm , well constructed out-buildings and gardens. When Sheriff Davidson died in the 1870's, the property was bought by George Rumpel, felt boot manufacturer and at one time mayor of Berlin. Under this owner the estate displayed a profusion of vines, shrubs, rustic arbors and statuary. Later, this piece of Kitchener became too valuable in the shape designed by its original owners. Oscar Rumpel sub-divided it, laid out curved streets and built a nmber of attractive homes, assuring the steady growth of the area into a very handsome reidential district. The Rumpel mansion, called Forest Hill Gardens, was a huge structure marked by a lofty portico standing on four massive pillars. Early pictures of the interior show rooms furnished in splendor, crowded with elegant tables, rich tapestry and lace, burnished metal lamps and graceful statues. There is even a tiger skin spread on the rich rug. Round pictures of stern men with firece beards stare from the walls.

    "Former Rumpel Estate" Kitchener-Waterloo Record; 11 Feb 1966

    _________________________



    Elected Office:
    Years Served: 1898 (Mayor)

    Johann married Wilhelmine "Minnie" Hartman 2 Jul 1872, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada. Wilhelmine (daughter of Hans Hartman and Wilhelmine Jane Geisenheimer) was born 26 Mar 1853, Oppurg, , Thüringen, Germany; died 29 Apr 1919, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]


  2. 3.  Wilhelmine "Minnie" Hartman was born 26 Mar 1853, Oppurg, , Thüringen, Germany (daughter of Hans Hartman and Wilhelmine Jane Geisenheimer); died 29 Apr 1919, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Minna Hartman
    • Name: Wilhelmine "Minnie" Rumpel
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-36960
    • Immigration: 1868
    • Immigration: 1869, , Ontario, Canada
    • Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
    • Recipes: 1906, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Recipes: 1906, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Recipes: 1906, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Public Service: CA 1910, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; founding chairwoman of Berlin Hospital Ladies Auxilliary
    • Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

    Notes:

    Recipes:
    HERRING

    Mrs. Geo. Rumpel

    Lay 1/2 dozen Holland herring in water for 24 hours to extract salt, next clean well, keeping milk for further use, remove head and tail; cut herring in two lengthwise, removing all bones, lay on back and sprinke each half with mustard seed, finely chopped onion, a small pickle, roll up and fasten with a clove or two, place in an earthen jar and cover with the following: Beat the milk taken from herring, strain through sieve, add 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 grated onion, a little pepper.1a

    1aThe Ladies of Berlin, Waterloo and Friends Elsewhere, The Berlin Cook Book (Berlin, Ontario: The New Record Print Shop, 1906), pg 35

    Recipes:
    ROAST BEEF WITH WINE

    Mrs Geo. Rumpel.

    Take a tender roast of sirloin, pound it well, rub pepper and salt well into it. Place it in an earthen jar with a few laurel or bay leaves, cloves and mace; cover over with wine, let stand well covered a few days. Then it is ready for cooking. Transfer roast with wine, and seasoning into a cooking kettle, let simmer on top of stove until tender, take out meat, stir until smooth, add this to gravy and pour over roast, serve hot. Very good.1a

    1aThe Ladies of Berlin, Waterloo and Friends Elsewhere, The Berlin Cook Book (Berlin, Ontario: The New Record Print Shop, 1906), pg 49

    Recipes:
    SOUR BRATEN

    Mrs Geo. Rumpel.

    From 8 to 10 pounds of best roast beef, rub salt, pepper and 1/2 cup brown sugar into it. Placed in an earthen jar with a few pieces of onions, laurel leaves, whole mixed spice; cover it with a good cider vinegar. Add another 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup salt, let stand wellcovered from 2 to 7 days. When ready for use place slices of bacon in bottom of dripping pan, the roast of beef next, another row of sliced bacon and a few pieces of butter on top of roast. When done remove roast and to complete gravy, add the following, melt a little piece of butter in a saucepan, add 1 cup apple butter, 1/2 cup syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Gravy should be a light brown, not too thick. If too sour add a little burnt sugar..1a

    1aThe Ladies of Berlin, Waterloo and Friends Elsewhere, The Berlin Cook Book (Berlin, Ontario: The New Record Print Shop, 1906), pg 50

    Children:
    1. Rumpel
    2. Ernst Oscar "Oscar" Rumpel was born 14 Mar 1873, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 12 Dec 1942, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    3. Ida Clara Rumpel was born 10 Jun 1874, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 6 Jul 1875, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. George Victor Rumpel was born 25 Feb 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 21 Nov 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    5. Bertha Olga "Olga" Rumpel was born 21 Jan 1879, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 30 Oct 1958, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    6. 1. Otto Henry Miller was born 26 Apr 1881, Hamilton, Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
    7. George Walter "Walter" Rumpel was born 5 Jul 1885, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Sep 1944, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    8. Louise Wilhelmina Hilda Rumpel was born 20 Feb 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 16 Nov 1967, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Frederick Rumpel was born Abt 1820, of, Saxony, Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-102592

    Frederick — Fredericka. [Group Sheet]


  2. 5.  Fredericka
    Children:
    1. 2. Mayor Johann George "George" Rumpel was born 10 May 1850, Mühlhausen, , Thüringen, Germany; died 5 Jun 1916, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

  3. 6.  Hans Hartman was born Abt 1820, of, Oppurg, , Thüringen, Germany; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-159807

    Hans — Wilhelmine Jane Geisenheimer. Wilhelmine was born CA 1820; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]


  4. 7.  Wilhelmine Jane Geisenheimer was born CA 1820; died Yes, date unknown.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Wilhelmine Jane Hartman
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-37360

    Children:
    1. 3. Wilhelmine "Minnie" Hartman was born 26 Mar 1853, Oppurg, , Thüringen, Germany; died 29 Apr 1919, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.