John U. Gildner

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00124-7598.4
• Birth: 4 Jul 1845, , Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist
• Occupation: 1921, Erbsville, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer, own farm
• Residence: 1921, Erbsville, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Methodist

Notes:

King Street Kitchener

Benton to Eby Etreet.-Successive occupation was as follows: From Benton Street easterward, before 1855, a one-story brick building with gable facing King Street was erected at the corner and used by Jacob Benner as blacksmith shop. Later Benner moved to West Montrose and the next occupant was Valentine Gildner and after him his son John Gildner. This blacksmith shop continued until comparatively recent years. A frame building painted white, with veranda in front, was Gildner s residence..

Vacant lot.

A tinsmith shop owned by Mr. Lehnen. This had a nice front with two good-sized glass windows on either side of the door.

A dwelling house built by Henry Rothaermel 1848-9. He was a carpenter and later was market clerk and tax collector.

A lane.

A one and one-half story building, with gable facing King Street and a verandah extending over the sidewalk, occupied by a Mr. Coleman 1855-1860. Adjoining it was a warehouse. 1 he store passed to Coleman's son and then to John Kegel. Later John George Schmidt, shoemaker, occupied the building.

. A lane.

A double, frame building about 50 feet along King St.; the east half used as a dwelling had a veranda; the west half was occupied by Charles Koehn, shoemaker.

Open space.

Dwelling of Gabriel Bowman, carpenter, who built the house.

A one and one-half story building occupied by Balzar Allendorf, a coverlet weaver, about 1840. Allendorf later moved to New Hamburg. There was a veranda at the front of the house and under it a well. Cattle ran at large in the streets at this time and one Sunday afternoon a steer got on the veranda floor, which was partly rotted, broke through, fell into the well and had to be pulled out by means of a windlass. The building was torn down later.
frame building ocupied by Henry Sippel, former employee of Allendorf, as a weaver's shop.

In 1855 there was a frame building one and one-half story high along Kmg Street divided into two parts, one part a dwelling and the other part a hat shop, owned by John Kidder, who made felt hats and old-fashioned bonnets. The shop was a few steps above the sidewalk level.

A dwelling.

A one and one-half story frame building lengthwise with King street occupied by a widow, Mrs. Caroline Lehnen.

A driveway.

A two story brick building with gable toward King Street, occupied by J. J. Lehnen, son of the widow Lehnen, as a copper and tinsmith shop and a store. Lehnen made his own tinware. Later Jacob Doebler occupied this building as a bakery.

A one and one-half story frame building with gable toward King Street occupied by George Yantz, a cabinet maker. He had a tavern in this same building for a time, and lived there.

In the early years a garden.

A small shop with sloping roof used by Christian Enslin as a book store and book-bindery, the first book-bindery in Berlin Enslm arrived in Berlin about 1830. Jacob Stroh remembers going with his father to the store to buy school supplies. Enslin later was editor, for Henry Eby, the publisher, of the Deutsche Canadier which began publication in 1840.

Enslin's House, one-half story, frame, standing lengthwise with King Street and having a veranda over the door, was on the site of Dr. Hetts present office and house. At the rear there was an orchard.

About 60 feet back of King Street there was a house built by Henry Eby. Shubel Randall, brother of George Randall, lived in it later. In 1860 the building was destroyed by fire and a servant girl Dina Hertz, perished in the flames. The walls remaining standing, the house was re-built, and is still in use.

A brick building, abutting on King Street with gable facing the street, was Henry Eby's printing office. The main floor was she or seven feet above the sidewalk level. In 1860 this building was changed to a church and was the first Anglican Church in Berlin.

A frame building, one end of which was used by Henry Bowman as a general store; he lived in the other end. This was known as the Bowman building. Later William Stein had a tailor shop in it and after him William Thoms used it as a shoe repair shop.

REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

John — Esther Erb. Esther (daughter of Joseph H. B. Erb and Anna "Nancy" Detweiler) was born 9 Mar 1850, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 14 Jan 1930; was buried , First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. Willie Gildner was born 1870, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
2. William E. Gildner was born 2 May 1871, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
3. Laura Gildner was born 5 May 1874, , Ontario, Canada; died 1968; was buried , Winterbourne Presbyterian Cemetery, Winterbourne, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
4. Edith Gildner was born 5 Jan 1878, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
5. Ephraim Gildner was born 1 Mar 1879, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.
6. Edyth Gildner was born Jan 1883, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown.

Other Events:

• Name: Valentin Gueldner
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7598.1
• Residence: 1839, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; blacksmith
• Occupation: 1861, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; blacksmith
• Elected Office: 1865, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; member of Kitchener Council
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

King Street Kitchener

Benton to Eby Etreet.-Successive occupation was as follows: From Benton Street easterward, before 1855, a one-story brick building with gable facing King Street was erected at the corner and used by Jacob Benner as blacksmith shop. Later Benner moved to West Montrose and the next occupant was Valentine Gildner and after him his son John Gildner. This blacksmith shop continued until comparatively recent years. A frame building painted white, with veranda in front, was Gildner s residence..

Vacant lot.

A tinsmith shop owned by Mr. Lehnen. This had a nice front with two good-sized glass windows on either side of the door.

A dwelling house built by Henry Rothaermel 1848-9. He was a carpenter and later was market clerk and tax collector.

A lane.

A one and one-half story building, with gable facing King Street and a verandah extending over the sidewalk, occupied by a Mr. Coleman 1855-1860. Adjoining it was a warehouse. 1 he store passed to Coleman's son and then to John Kegel. Later John George Schmidt, shoemaker, occupied the building.

. A lane.

A double, frame building about 50 feet along King St.; the east half used as a dwelling had a veranda; the west half was occupied by Charles Koehn, shoemaker.

Open space.

Dwelling of Gabriel Bowman, carpenter, who built the house.

A one and one-half story building occupied by Balzar Allendorf, a coverlet weaver, about 1840. Allendorf later moved to New Hamburg. There was a veranda at the front of the house and under it a well. Cattle ran at large in the streets at this time and one Sunday afternoon a steer got on the veranda floor, which was partly rotted, broke through, fell into the well and had to be pulled out by means of a windlass. The building was torn down later.
frame building ocupied by Henry Sippel, former employee of Allendorf, as a weaver's shop.

In 1855 there was a frame building one and one-half story high along Kmg Street divided into two parts, one part a dwelling and the other part a hat shop, owned by John Kidder, who made felt hats and old-fashioned bonnets. The shop was a few steps above the sidewalk level.

A dwelling.

A one and one-half story frame building lengthwise with King street occupied by a widow, Mrs. Caroline Lehnen.

A driveway.

A two story brick building with gable toward King Street, occupied by J. J. Lehnen, son of the widow Lehnen, as a copper and tinsmith shop and a store. Lehnen made his own tinware. Later Jacob Doebler occupied this building as a bakery.

A one and one-half story frame building with gable toward King Street occupied by George Yantz, a cabinet maker. He had a tavern in this same building for a time, and lived there.

In the early years a garden.

A small shop with sloping roof used by Christian Enslin as a book store and book-bindery, the first book-bindery in Berlin Enslm arrived in Berlin about 1830. Jacob Stroh remembers going with his father to the store to buy school supplies. Enslin later was editor, for Henry Eby, the publisher, of the Deutsche Canadier which began publication in 1840.

Enslin's House, one-half story, frame, standing lengthwise with King Street and having a veranda over the door, was on the site of Dr. Hetts present office and house. At the rear there was an orchard.

About 60 feet back of King Street there was a house built by Henry Eby. Shubel Randall, brother of George Randall, lived in it later. In 1860 the building was destroyed by fire and a servant girl Dina Hertz, perished in the flames. The walls remaining standing, the house was re-built, and is still in use.

A brick building, abutting on King Street with gable facing the street, was Henry Eby's printing office. The main floor was she or seven feet above the sidewalk level. In 1860 this building was changed to a church and was the first Anglican Church in Berlin.

A frame building, one end of which was used by Henry Bowman as a general store; he lived in the other end. This was known as the Bowman building. Later William Stein had a tailor shop in it and after him William Thoms used it as a shoe repair shop.

REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

________________________

Queen Street South, West Side.

A frame building used as a tavern by Phineas Varnum and later the kitchen of the Gaukel Hotel.

A frame building erected by Frederick Gaukel about 1833 as shelter for the considerable number of immigrants coming to Berlin at that time. In 1837 it was made into a dwelling for John Stroh, uncle of Jacob Stroh. Two children were born in this building, Katie, in 1838, (she married Jacob Oswald, still living, now 93 years of age), and Henry Stroh, born in 1840.

Hall's Lane.

A brick building erected about 1850. John Klein, father of John Klein of Buffalo, was the first occupant. Later the building was used as a printing office, first by the "Berlin Chronicle", William Jaffray editor and proprietor, and later by the "Berliner Journal", Rittinger & Motz. The site is now occupied by the Lockhart garage.

The Franklin Hotel, a handsome, good-sized frame building, erected by Philip Roth about 1856. Successive hotel-keepers were John Klein, Levi Gaukel, Frederick Riegelman, who later moved to Buffalo, and Jacob Weber. Weber was occupant in 1874 when the hotel was burned down. The fire started in the barn at the rear of the hotel. The hotel shed, next south, extended, at right angles, from Queen Street to the barn.

A garden.

A one and one-half story frame building lengthwise with the street occupied by Christopher K. Nahrgang whose parents came from Hessen, Germany, about 1835. He was married to a Miss Zinkann of New Hamburg.

A stone building used as a tailor shop by Mr. Nahrgang who was deaf and dumb. His wife helped him in the business. She lived to be 87. It was in this building that John Motz of the "Journal" and eventually County Sheriff, learned the tailoring trade.

A one and one-half story dwelling, erected about 1857, occupied by George Fischer, barber, who had his shop on King Street. A later occupant was George Lutz, a cabinet maker in Hoffman's factory and after him Henry Schaefer's mother.

A frame building lengthwise with the street, the church of the Evangelical denomination, erected in 1841. In 1866 it was replaced by the brick building still standing, now used as stores and upstairs dwellings.

A one and one-half story frame building with kitchen at the rear erected by William Becking, wagonmaker, about 1848. Becking was noted as a hunter. White hare and passenger pigeons, practically extinct long ago, were abundant at that time.

Becking's wagon-shop and lumber yard at the corner of John Street with the customary incline and stair to the second story of the shop. Up this incline the wagons were drawn to the paint shop. Valentine Gildner, at the corner of King and Benton Streets, did the blacksmith work for Becking's wagons.

John Street.

A one and one-half story house occupied by H. Baedecker in 1860 and later by Adam Doering.

Rev. F. W. Tuerk's residence erected about 1860 by Henry Rothaermel, a carpenter. The matching and planing was all done by hand, slow but thorough work. Window sashes, panel doors and all other requirements were made in the same manner. A skilled workman at that time was expected to he able to do painting as well as carpenter work. A single room in the shape of a square turret on the ridge of the building was Rev. Tuerk's study. The house was up-hill about twenty feet above the street level so that the study on top gave a good outlook. The site is now occupied by the York Apartments.

A frame building one and one-half story high.

Nothing but a building used as an ashery between that and Joseph E. Schneider's house and farm buildings.


REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.

Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930

Elected Office:
1865-1868, 1871-1873

Valentine married Catherine Unger 29 Oct 1839, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catherine (daughter of George Unger and Catherine Kraft) was born 15 Mar 1824, Strasburg (Kitchener) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 6 Feb 1875, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Gildner
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7598
• Residence: 1839, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Catherine Unger, "was married to Valentine Gildner, a blacksmith. They resided in Berlin where she died, leaving 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.].

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00124-7587
• Immigration: 1812, , Canada
• Occupation: 1851, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; labourer
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

George Unger, "second son of Adam and Elizabeth (Koehner) Unger, was born in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and came to Canada with his parents in 1812. He was married to Catherine Kraft. After their marriage they moved to Strasburg, Waterloo County, where they resided for many years. When old they moved to Normanby Township, Grey County, near Neustadt, where they died. He died August 18th, 1880. They had a family of eight 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.].

George — Catherine Kraft. Catherine (daughter of Henry Kraft) was born 1803, , USA; died , Normanby Twp., Grey Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery, Neustadt, Grey Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Unger
• Name: Katie Kraft
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7587.1
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: 00124-7565
• Immigration: 1812, , Canada
• Land: Bef 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 054NW, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Land: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 004, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Residence: 1831, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 116E, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

Adam Unger, "son of John Unger, a native of Switzerland, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, about the year 1763. When some twenty years of age he, in company with others, emigrated to America and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, near Lititz. Here he was married to Elizabeth Koehner. They had a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, all born in Warwick Township. In 1812 he, in company with his wife and family, moved to Canada and arrived at Preston, Waterloo County, May 31st. For a short time they resided in one of the small log houses on the left side of the road leading from Preston to Blair, about a quarter mile from Cress's Hotel. From here he moved on north-west quarter of lot No. 54, German Company's Tract, near Centreville, part of his farm is now owned by David Thaler. After residing here for some years he sold this property and moved near Preston where he died."


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.].

Adam — Elizabeth Koehner. Elizabeth was born 1775, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania; died 18 Mar 1884, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Hallman Mennonite Cemetery, North Dumfries, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/87766176
• Name: Elizabeth Unger
• Eby ID Number: 00124-7565.1
• Immigration: 1812, , Canada

Other Events:

• Name: Henry Croft
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-78999

Notes:

A-1-153 Henry Kraft Probate of the Will of Henry Kraft (proved in Solemn form) of the petition of Valentine Gildner of the Town of Berlin, Blacksmith, and Joseph S. Bowman of the Township of Wilmot, Yeoman, humbly sheweth: - that Henry Kraft, of the Township of Waterloo, departed this life on or about the twenty sixth day of September 1857…nominating and appointing your Petitioners, the above said Valentine Gildner and Joseph S. Bowman, the Executors…That the said Testator at the time of his death was not possessed of goods, chattels and credits to the amount of five pounds in two or more counties of the Province, or to that amount in any County other than the County of Waterloo. That the value of the goods, chattels and credits which the said Testator died possessed of, amounts to a sum over three hundred pounds and under four hundred pounds, to the best of our knowledge and belief. Therefore the prayer of your Petitioners is that the said Last Will and Testament be insinuated into the Registry of your Honorable Court and that Probate thereof be granted to them that the true intent and meaning thereof may be fully carried out, and to do as the law in such cases requires.

Dated 13th November 1857

_______________________

Dated 13th November 1857

I Henry Kraft of the Township of Waterloo do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz:- I give and bequeath to my son George the sum of twenty dollars. I give and bequeath to my daughter Catharine all my land containing about twenty two acres, more or less, joining the lands as follows: Gregory Weaber[sic] on the east side, Anton Wilhelm on the north side, Vincent Moyer and George Auger Junr of the west side, and A..D. Clemens on the south side. I also give to my daughter Catharine all the rest and residue of my estate…

Witnessed by Abraham D. Clemens and George Auger Jnr - his mark
Will dated 17th September 1857
_____________________

January 1858 In the Surrogate Court in and for the County of Waterloo

In the matter of the will of Henry Kraft whose will is Subject to be proven in Solemn form. I Abraham Duustube[?] Clemens of the Township of Waterloo, Farmer, being one of the religious Society called Mennonites, do affirm and say that I was personally present and did see the above named Henry Kraft sign seal and execute the hereto annexed Last Will and Testament on the day the same bears date…the I am one of the subscribing witnesses thereto. That Anton Wilhelm of Waterloo, Farmer, and George Unger the youngter, of Waterloo, Farmer, are the other subscribing witnesses to said Will….I asked the deceased whist I was taking down his instruction for the Will if he wished Henry Krafts children to have anything, the deceased replied no, that his daughter Catharine should have his property, that she had the trouble of him
.
Dated 4th January 1858.

________________________

I Anton Wilhelm of the Township of Waterloo, Farmer, make oath and say that I was personally present and did see the above named Henry Kraft sign seal and execute the hereto annexed Last Will and Testament…A messenger came to my home for me to go to deceased house. I went and on reaching the house I found deceased in bed. He sat up in bed after I entered the room. I asked him what he wanted. He stated that he wished me to draw up some writings. I replied that I could not do it in English and suggested that Abraham D. Clemens should be sent for. Clemens was sent for. The deceased asked Clemens to draw his Will. I asked the deceased what he wished to be done with his property. He replied that I should do with it what I wished. I refused and said the property was not mine. Deceased then said that Katy should have it. I asked him about his son George. He said he supposed he was dead. I suggested that he might be still living. Deceased then said that he wished him to have twenty dollars. I then asked him about Henry Kraft's children, if they were to have anything. Deceased replied no, Katy shall get all. Clemens drew the will. It was read over to deceased before execution. He said it was right….The deceased knew what he was doing when he signed the Will….The Will was read over in English and also in German.

Dated January 1858

_______________


On cross examination, nothing eluded favourably to party opposing the Will and Probate.

[Statement from George Unger]…that at the time of signing the said deceased appeared to know what he was doing. Heard Testator say that his daughter Katy was to have all before the Will was signed by him after it was drawn. And before it was read to deceased was aware that he had property to dispose of and knew its nature. I have known deceased since I can remember anything. I think the deceased would not have done with his property as advised by any one contrary to his own wishes that he had a mind and will of his own. Deceased lived about a week after he signed the will.

Dated 4th January 1858


Evidence on the part of those who oppose the granting of Probate:


I John Allister Mackie of the Town of Berlin, Merchant, make oath and say that I have known the deceased Henry Kraft for the last past five years, have been well acquainted with him. He transacted business with me. My impression of the man's mind is that he was wholly unfit to transact business of any consequence \endash he would come into my store and ask for sugar. When it was offered to him he would shake his head and say it was not what he wanted. Various articled would then be named to him, which he would always say were the things until they were presented. When the article was shown him that he really wanted, he would take it & pay for it. Deceased would know a dollar or half-dollar when he saw it. He has childish, in all his movements. I don't think the deceased had a disposing or sound mind.

Dated 5th January 1858

______________

I Daniel Shantz, Shoemaker of the Village of Bridgeport, make oath and say that I have known the deceased Henry Kraft for about twenty eight years. I have always been of the opinion that he was not of sound mind. I have never had any business transactions with him, nor have I ever seen him doing business so I have no seen him very frequently during the last four or five years.

Dated 5th January 1858

_____________________


I, James Potter, of the Town of Berlin, Inn Keeper, make oath and say that I have known the deceased Henry Kraft for about twenty four years. I knew him intimately. I always considered him a crazy man. He would not put more value upon a five dollar bill than a one dollar bill. I think he could be made to believe anything that was said to him. He would get cross when he was teased. I don't think he was capable of doing business

Dated 5th January 1858

________________


In the Surrogate Court…I do hereby pronounce and decree for the validity of said Will and Testament and order and direct that the said Will be received, approved and insinuated into the Registry of this Court, and the said executors be confirmed and established as the appointment as prayed for

Dated Berlin 5th January 1858 \endash signed by a. J. Peterson, Registrar and
Will of Henry Kraft:
Dated 17th September 1857
Proved and insinuated 5th January 1858
Died 26th September 1857
Inventory $1234.69¢

1aSurrogate Court Records Copybook Register A 1853-1871 transcript to 1863. Frances Hoffman transcriber. [in original is written "Henry Croft"]