Oscar Ratz

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25880

Other Events:

• Name: S. H. Ratz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25872
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper
• Occupation: 1890, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; merchant milelr
• Occupation: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Sawyer
• Residence: 1903, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Mr. Simon H. Ratz, is the senior member of the firm of Ratz Bros. He was born on a farm 1 ½ miles west of Elmira, in 1858, attended the Elmira public schools and took a short course at the Berlin High School, after which he engaged in milling. After this he clerked in the store of Ratz & Baetz four years. He then took charge of the saw and heading mills of his firm, and has become an expert in that line.

Enterprising Elmira Souvenir, An historical, descriptive, and illustrated Book of the Village of Elmira, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, published by George Klinck, 1903.

______________________

Mr. Simon Ratz who has had a severe attack of typhoid fever is on the fair way of convalescence. Mr. Peter Mattusch is also recovering from the results of his fall from the roof of the Catholic church and will soon be able to be around again. - Mr. John H Ruppel, our village Clerk, is also confined to his bed with indisposition. - Mr. Chr. Spaeth was stricken with paralysis last week and it is feart that he will not revive.


The Elmira Advertizer 15 Nov 1888

________________

Prominent Citizen Passes Away

Again the truth of the adage "Misfortune seldom comes singly" has been demonstrated in our midst. IN a period extending over less than thirteen months, the Ratz family has mourned the death of no less than four adult members. On Feb. 3rd 1909, word was received here that Arthur, son of Mr. Daniel Ratz, had died suddenly at Toronto. About a week or ten days later came the news of the death of William, son of Mr. Simon Ratz of typhoid, at Ottawa. Last Dec. occurred the demise of Mr. Daniel Ratz, of Bright's disease, and last Friday the death of his brother Simon who was at the time of the former's funeral hale and hearty and who seemed as likely to live to a good old age, as most of the men of his age. He was taken ill shortly before the beginning of the year and, with the exception of a week or two was confined to the house up to the time of his death.

____________


THE RATZ BROS.

It has always been my custom in writing up the industries of a community to first direct attention to its flouring mills, because from them is derived the staff of life, without which we would find a precarious subsistence. No other industry is of greater importance to the merchants, mechanics and inhabitants in general. In this particular, Elmira has a first-class establishment in the Elmira Roller Mills, owned and operated by the above well known firm. These mills were established in 1867 by a joint stock company. Sometime about the year 1870 they became the property of the late John Ratz, the father of the members of the present firm, in company with his brother Jacob. The latter is now living in New Hamburg, having withdrawn from the firm in 1872. His interest was then purchased by Isaac Wenger, it then being conducted under the firm name of Ratz & Wenger from 1872 to 1875, when Mr. Ratz became sole proprietor and operated the same until 1882, after which he gave his sons an interest in the business. It continued under the firm of Ratz & Sons until 1889, when the senior member of the firm died. The latter was a man honorable and prominent in the estimation of all who knew him, being both charitable and public spirited in every sense of the term. He was one of the first Reeves of the village and one of the main advocates of the railroad project for Elmira, and was prominent among those who rendered substantial encouragement to the movement that gave to the village its first railroad communication. Since his death the mills have been owned and operated by his three sons, Simon H. Daniel and George. They were among the first in the county to adopt the full roller process, and now have a capacity for turning out one hundred barrels of a superior grade of flour per day. A 75 horse power engine supplies the motive power. Their special brands are, viz, "Elmira" and "Sunshine," which are popular products in the market. They have an extensive local trade and a large demand in the maritime Provinces for their output.

They also buy and pay the highest market price for all the wheat that comes to their doors. In addition to the flouring mills the firm has a sawmill in connection, in which they do a large amount of custom sawing for the farmers of many miles around, besides manufacturing the heading, staves and hoops for their flour barrels. They also manufacture a first-class grade of shingles. Elmira's splendid electric light system is furnished by this firm, their plant having a capacity for producing 500 incandescent lights for that purpose. The brilliant, steady illumination of the town at night is ample proof that they are furnishing a first class article and giving the people good satisfaction. The Ratz Bros were all born within a mile and a half of Elmira and are among her honorable, industrious and enterprising citizens. The amount of money they pay out to the farmers annually is high in the thousands.

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

Simon — Clara Melissa Strohm. Clara (daughter of Abraham Rosenberger "Abram" Strome and Esther Martin) was born 6 Mar 1862, Pilkington Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; died 16 Oct 1888, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Clara Melissa Ratz
• Name: Melissa Strome
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25878

Other Events:

• Elected Office: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Reeve - Elmira
• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88439677
• Organization: Elmira Public Library, Elmira, Waterloo, Ontario
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25862
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer - Miller
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• House: Abt 1876, 10 Centre St., Elmira, Ontario
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; miller
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Miller

Notes:

The Late Reeve John Ratz, who was one of the leading spirits in the railroad agitation as well as in the movement to incorporate the Village of Elmira, was born in the town of Waterloo 70 years ago. He purchased a farm near Elmira in 1855, which he disposed of 26 years ago and removed to Elmira. He was elected the first Reeve of Elmira in the year 1887 and died while in office the next year.

Enterprising Elmira Souvenir, An historical, descriptive, and illustrated Book of the Village of Elmira, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, published by George Klinck, 1903.

_____________________

THE RATZ BROS.

It has always been my custom in writing up the industries of a community to first direct attention to its flouring mills, because from them is derived the staff of life, without which we would find a precarious subsistence. No other industry is of greater importance to the merchants, mechanics and inhabitants in general. In this particular, Elmira has a first-class establishment in the Elmira Roller Mills, owned and operated by the above well known firm. These mills were established in 1867 by a joint stock company. Sometime about the year 1870 they became the property of the late John Ratz, the father of the members of the present firm, in company with his brother Jacob. The latter is now living in New Hamburg, having withdrawn from the firm in 1872. His interest was then purchased by Isaac Wenger, it then being conducted under the firm name of Ratz & Wenger from 1872 to 1875, when Mr. Ratz became sole proprietor and operated the same until 1882, after which he gave his sons an interest in the business. It continued under the firm of Ratz & Sons until 1889, when the senior member of the firm died. The latter was a man honorable and prominent in the estimation of all who knew him, being both charitable and public spirited in every sense of the term. He was one of the first Reeves of the village and one of the main advocates of the railroad project for Elmira, and was prominent among those who rendered substantial encouragement to the movement that gave to the village its first railroad communication. Since his death the mills have been owned and operated by his three sons, Simon H. Daniel and George. They were among the first in the county to adopt the full roller process, and now have a capacity for turning out one hundred barrels of a superior grade of flour per day. A 75 horse power engine supplies the motive power. Their special brands are, viz, "Elmira" and "Sunshine," which are popular products in the market. They have an extensive local trade and a large demand in the maritime Provinces for their output.

They also buy and pay the highest market price for all the wheat that comes to their doors. In addition to the flouring mills the firm has a sawmill in connection, in which they do a large amount of custom sawing for the farmers of many miles around, besides manufacturing the heading, staves and hoops for their flour barrels. They also manufacture a first-class grade of shingles. Elmira's splendid electric light system is furnished by this firm, their plant having a capacity for producing 500 incandescent lights for that purpose. The brilliant, steady illumination of the town at night is ample proof that they are furnishing a first class article and giving the people good satisfaction. The Ratz Bros were all born within a mile and a half of Elmira and are among her honorable, industrious and enterprising citizens. The amount of money they pay out to the farmers annually is high in the thousands.

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

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.

John — Saloma Haist. Saloma (daughter of Christof "Simon" Haist and Eva Burkhardt) was born 29 Dec 1835, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was christened 30 Oct 1836, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Mar 1917; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88990427
• Name: Saloma Ratz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-25863
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Notes:

Grandmother Ratz Departed

The funeral of Salome Ratz relict of the late John Ratz, took place from the family residence here, on Monday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. G.F. Brown, pastor of Zion Evangelical Church, of which deceased was a founder and constant member for upwards of forty years, conducted the service at the house. The choir of the church assisted in the musical service.

In the course of his remarks, the Rev. Mr. Brown paid tribute to the highly Christian character of Grandmother Ratz, as she was familiarly known, who had been a loving mother both to her own and her children's children. Almost from the time she learned to read she had been a faithful reader of the Christliche Botsch and the religious organist of the Evangelical denomination, a period of 70 years. She had endured with patience and resolute with Christian courage, the larger afflicions of a long life, including the loss of her husband and seven out of ten sons and daughters. The recent death of her youngest son, David, was, however more than she could bear and her frail body was unable to resist, the attack of pneumonia with which she was seized and she slept peacefully away on Friday evening last. The remains were laid to rest in the Union Cemetery at Elmira.

Two sons, Major (Dr.) Ratz, of Ottawa, and George, of Elmira, and one daughter, Mrs.W.J. McMurtry, of London, survive. Also one brother and two sisters, namely; Mr. S.B.

Heist, of Kitchener; Mrs. Lydia Frey, of Elmira, and Mrs. Simon Heist, of Salem, Oregon. Twenty-seven grandchildren survive.

A large number of friends and acquaintances from outside points attended the funeral.

The late Salome Ratz was daughter of Simon Heist and Salome (Burkhardt) Heist, being born on Maple Grove Farm near the City of Kitchener, on Dec. 29th, 1835. She was married to John Ratz in 1855 after which they moved to a farm 2 miles west of Elmira where they remained for twenty years, when they removed to Elmira, where the late John Ratz acquired milling and other large business interests. Her husband died in 1889, and since that time Mrs.Ratz has maintained the family home in Elmira. She was most devoted to her family, to her church and her friends and will be greatly missed.

Other Events:

• Name: Abram Strome
• Eby ID Number: 00120-7467
• Occupation: 1855, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; joiner
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Protestant
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1903, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter

Notes:

Abram R. Strome, "was born March 21st, 1833. On May 15th, 1855, he was married to Esther Martin who was born May 29th, 1831. They reside in the town of Berlin, near the "Two Bridges". He is a contractor and builder. Their family consisted of six children".


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.].

Abraham married Esther Martin 15 May 1855, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Esther (daughter of Christian Martin and Esther Stauffer) was born 17 Feb 1831, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 9 Apr 1901; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Strome
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4341
• Residence: 1855, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Protestant
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; E. Methodist
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Esther Martin, "was born May 29th, 1831. On May 15th, 1855, she was married to Abram R. Strohm."


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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43182
• Birth: CALC 19 Aug 1798, , Germany
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesleyan Methodist

Notes:

...Valentine Ratz, opened a blacksmith's shop in Waterloo and his mother [wife], Anna Gertrude, contributed to the family income by knitting items of clothing to sell to her neighbours. The first small family sawmill was opened at St. Jacobs, and then a larger mill at Gads Hill which in time was operated by Henry....


Woman of Waterloo County edited by Ruth Russell

___________________________

Valentine Ratz, the forebear of numerous millers, built a sawmill west of the village on the Conestoga River in 1844. Jacob C. Snider, in 1848, bought a farm on the south side of the Conestoga and after constructing a dam across the river, erected a saw-mill, a flour-mill, and a woollen-mill. Those industries attracted more mechanics and stores. In 1852 the village was named St. Jacobs after Mr. Snider. The "Saint" was added to his first name "for the sake of euphony." He sold the mills to his son Jacob in 1855. From 1856 until 1870 there were five different owners. In December of 1870 E. W. B. Snider purchased the flour-mill and operated it till 1917, when he sold the enterprise to W. W. Snider, who incor-porated the business as the Snider Flour Milling Company. The latter later sold the business to Walter J. Snider of Conestoga, whose heirs still operate it.


Waterloo Hitorical Society, Annual Volume 1933 pg 20

________________________

It is reported that Valentine was born in Grebenau, Vogelsbergkreis, Hessen, Germany, no source yet

Valentine — Anna Gertrute "Gertrude" Lanz. Anna was born 2 May 1798, , Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany; died 14 Jul 1872, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Wilmot Centre (Geiger) Cemetery, Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Gertrute "Gertrude" Ratz
• Name: Garhutte Lanz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-43183
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelist
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Wesleyan Methodist

Notes:

Gertrude's mother died on board the ship coming to North America in 1828. Her name was Anna Gertraud Fleischauer wife of Jacob Lanz

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/203095002
• Name: Simon Haist
• Name: Simon Heist
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-45094
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Evangelical

Christof — Eva Burkhardt. Eva was born 14 Oct 1812, Baiersbronn, , Baden-Württemberg, Germany; died 6 Apr 1869, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/155791624
• Name: Eva Haist
• Name: Magdalena Burkhardt
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-45095
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Association

Other Events:

• Name: Johann R. Strome
• Eby ID Number: 00120-7466
• Death: 17 Sep 1877, Fisher Mills, (Cambridge) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

John Strome, "the youngest and only son of Christian and Mary (Rutt) Strome, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 12th, 1810. On March 31st, 1831, he was married to Nancy, the youngest daughter of Jacob and Polly (Detweiler) Rosenberger. She was born May 7th, 1812. After their marriage they resided on the old "Strome Homestead," near Fisher's Mills, where he died August 19th, 1865. Old Mrs. John Strome is still living and quite smart for a woman of so great an age. At present she has her home with her son, Abram. Their family consisted of twelve children"


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.].

John married Nancy R. "Annie" Rosenberger 31 Mar 1831. Nancy (daughter of Jacob Rosenberger and Maria "Polly" Detweiler) was born 7 May 1812, , Pennsylvania, USA; died 13 Jul 1903, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Roseville Mennonite Cemetery [Formerly Detweiller], Roseville, Waterloo, ON, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Annie Rosenberger
• Name: Nancy R. "Annie" Strome
• Eby ID Number: 00095-5408
• Residence: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Nancy Rosenberger, "was born May 7th, 1812. She was married to John Strome. They had a family of twelve children"


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.].

______________________


Died at Berlin, July 13th, at the residence of her son, Mr. Abram R. Strome, Mrs. John R Strome, aged 91 years, 3 months. Of a family of twelve children, the following survive: - Henry R. and Abram R. of Berlin; David of Elmira; Aaron of Floradale; Isaiah of Brandon, Man.; Amos of Minnesota; Elijah of California, and Mrs. Geo. Diebel of Waterloo. The deceased was a member of the Evangelical church. The funeral takes place to-day (Thursday) at 1 p.m., from the residence of Abram R. Strome, corner Weber and Cedar streets, to Roseville cemetery.


Elmira Signet Newspaper 16 July 1903 p. 1, col. 4

_________________

DEATH OF Mrs. J. H. STROME.

The death of Mrs. J.R. Strome, (Nancy Rosenburger) took place on Monday afternoon, at the home of her son, Abram R., corner of Weber and Cedar streets, at the advanced age of 91 years. She has been for about twelve years living in Berlin. Her husband predeceased her over a quarter of a century ago. Of a family of twelve children the following survive - Henry H. and Abram R. of Berlin; David of Elmira, Aaron of Floradale; Isaiah of Brandon, Manitoba; Amos of Minnesota; Elijah of California, and Mrs. Geo. Diebel of Waterloo. The deceased was a member of the Evangelical Church. The funeral will take place on Thursday at 1 p. m. from the residence of Mr. Abram H. Strome, corner of Weber and Cedar streets, to Roseville cemetery.

________________

On her tombstone her name is given as Mills, this is because she raised her grandchildren whose surname was Mills.

Residence:
Lived with her son Abraham.

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00075-4327
• Occupation: 1852, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer

Notes:

Christian Martin, "the second son of Peter and Anna (Zimmerman) Martin, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, October 16th, 1797. He came to Canada with his parents in 1819, and shortly thereafter was married to Esther, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Martin) Stauffer. She was born February 7th, 1796, and died October 21st, 1851. They settled on part of lot No. 18, German Company's Tract, Woolwich Township, (Heidelberg Station is now situated on their farm). Here he died November 23rd, 1863. They had a family of thirteen children"


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.].

Christian — Esther Stauffer. Esther (daughter of Jacob Stauffer and Maria Martin) was born 7 Feb 1796; died 21 Oct 1851; was buried , Martin Meeting House Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Esther Martin
• Eby ID Number: 00075-4327.1