Catherine Christman

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26294

Other Events:

• Name: J. Christmann
• _FSFTID: L412-B8S
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26287
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Fire: 1898, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1901, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Hotel Keeper

Notes:

Last Sunday morning, Mr. Jacob Christman, a well-known citizen, who had spent almost the whole of his life in this neighborhood, passed away after suffering a number of years from a lingering illness which, however, did not confine him to the house until last Christmas. Deceased was a son of the late Henry Christman and came to Elmira with his parents when he was two years of age. He was born on the "Twenties" Lincoln County, in 1848, was married to Miss Louisa Miller in 1875, with whom he had six children, two of whom died in their youth. He leaves a sorrowing widow, two sons, John and Oscar, and two daughters. After his marriage, deceased engaged in agriculture and lived several years on the farm now occupied by Mr. Hy. Horst. Later he returned to the Christman homestead, a short distance south of Elmira. He was a model of physical strength and manhood of a kind and generous disposition and enjoyed the respect of his acquaintances. In 1892 he purchased the Union Hotel in Elmira, where he did a large business until fire destroyed the premises after which he purchased the O'Donnell House. This he conducted until a few years ago, when he retired and lived in a private residence. He was a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows, and his fellow members participated in the funeral services which were held last Tuesday. After the burial, Rev. Schulz preached an impressive sermon in St. James Lutheran church where a large concourse of relatives and friends had gathered.

Elmira Signet, May 16, 1908

_________________

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

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

Special to the Chronicle

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

The Alarm.

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

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

Heavy Losses.

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

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

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

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

Will He Rebuild?

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

Sparks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Desolation now stares the villagers in the face.

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

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

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

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

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ELMIRA FIRE.

Another Account from Our Own Correspondent.

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

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

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

Waterloo County Chronicle, 25 Aug 1898, p. 4

Jacob married Louisa Miller 16 May 1875, St. Jacobs, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Louisa (daughter of Peter B. Miller and Sophia Winkler) was born 5 Jul 1855, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 24 May 1917, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Louisa Christman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26288
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Interesting: story
• Name: Henry Christman
• Occupation: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Postmaster
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26155
• Immigration: 1846, , Canada
• Residence: 1846, Gainsborough Twp., Lincoln Co., Ontario
• Residence: 1850, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Inn Keeper
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1866, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Notes:

It is our duty this week to chronicle the death of Mr. Henry Christman, one of our pioneers. Mr. Christman died on the 9th inst., 1888 after a lingering illness of several years. His sickness was a complication of disorders, but death was due to flooding of the heart. Mr. Christman was born in Greese, Rhein Giessen, Baiern on the 1st of July 1818. He emigrated to America in 1846, going to Gensborough near St. Catharines, where he stayed four years, when he came to West Woolwich in 1850, being one of the very first settlers here. After his arrival here he worked for Mr. Edward Bristow at the blacksmithing for a time, afterwards starting for himself, at which he was employed until 1856 when he built the brick hotel now occupied by Mr. Henry Zilliax, and was second Postmaster here, being followed by Mr. Peter Winger our present Postmaster. After being in the hotel for some time he bough the farm known as the Christman Homestead, one mile south of Elmira, on which he lived 15 years, after which he retired to Elmira, where he lived until his death Mr. Christman was married twice having 11 children of the first wife of whom 6 are living. After the death of his wife he married the widow of Mr. Warle, having 6 children of his second wife of whom 3 are living. His wife and 9 children therefore survive him. His children are Mr. Philip Christman of Elmira, Mrs. Lewis Hollinger of Wallace, Mrs. Fritz Conrad near Elmira, Mr. Jacob Christman do., Mrs. Jacob Brown of Listowel, Mr. William Christman of Chippawa Hill and Herman, Leopold and Henry. Mr. Christman was a member of the Lutheran Church for a good many years, a staunch conservative and believer in the N. P. Mr. Christmas died surrounded by his children and large circle of friends. The funeral which took place on Sunday was largely attended.


Elmira Advertiser 15 Nov 1888

Heinrich married Katherina "Catherine" Kehart 24 Oct 1841, Obermiesau, Pfalz, Bavaria, Germany. Katherina was born 2 Jul 1823, , Germany; died 4 Feb 1864, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharina Karth
• Name: Katherina "Catherine" Christman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-26156
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-114311P
• Birth: 15 Jul 1815, , Germany
• Residence: 1845, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

Peter married Sophia Winkler 16 Sep 1845, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Sophia (daughter of George Jakob Winkler and Regina Dorothea Schneider) was born 12 Oct 1827, , Baden, Germany; died 4 May 1906, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Sophia Miller
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-56647P
• Immigration: 1833, , Canada
• Residence: 1845, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1891, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Recipes: 1906, Factory St., Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

The late Sophia Miller, whose death was briefly referred to in our Saturday issue was born in the Grand-Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1826. She came to Canada with her parents when she was 8 years old, and they settled in Waterloo county. In 1845 she was married to the late Peter Miller, and they lived on a farm about five miles south west of Elmira until the death of her husband 18 years ago. She remained there a few years longer with her son, then came to live with her daughter, Mrs. Jacob Christman, in Elmira, where she stayed until the great hotel fire in 1898, out of which she escaped barefooted and with only scant clothing on, saving only a few books and private papers. Then she lived four years at Floradale and exactly two years at Elmira with her other daughter, Mrs. Jacob Steffler. She leaves four children, David, of St. Jacobs, Edward, of Northampton, Mass., and the two daughters already mentioned; also a brother, Mr. Philip Winkler, and a sister, Mrs. J. L. Wideman both of St. Jacobs. Four children died young. Her remains were interred in St. Jacobs on Sunday afternoon, after funeral service had been held in St. James church here.


Elmira Signet 7 May 1906

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-114246

Philip — Philipine Gaessel. Philipine was born Abt 1790, Of, Bavaria, Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Philipine Christman
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-114247

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-165487
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob Winkler
• Eby ID Number: 00129-8034.2
• Immigration: 1 Sep 1834, New York City, New York, USA.
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Weaver
• Residence: 1871, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

Immigration:
Arrived on the ship Yazoo, also on ship was Mathias Hauk.

George — Regina Dorothea Schneider. Regina was born 20 Oct 1797, , Germany; died 28 Jan 1877; was buried , Saint James Lutheran Cemetery, St. Jacobs, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Regina Dorothea Winkler
• Eby ID Number: 00129-8034.3
• 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