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

Johann B. "John" Hett

Male 1829 - 1911  (81 years)


Personal Information    |    Notes    |    Sources    |    Event Map    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Johann B. "John" Hett 
    Born 9 Nov 1829  Bernsburg, , Hessen, Germany Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Gender Male 
    FindAGrave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/263122069 
    Interesting business, building, pioneer 
    Immigration 1845  , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Immigration 1845  , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    Name J. B. Hett 
    Name John B. Hett  [9
    Occupation 1861  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Carpenter 
    Residence 1861  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Lutheran 
    Occupation 1870  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [10
    builder 
    Occupation 1871  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8
    Carpenter 
    Residence 1871  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8
    Lutheran 
    Occupation 1881  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Carpenter 
    Residence 1881  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Lutheran 
    Occupation 1891  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    Carpenter 
    Residence 1891  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    Lutheran 
    Occupation 1901  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Contractor 
    Residence 1911  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [5
    Lutheran 
    Eby ID Number Waterloo-130923 
    Died 19 Jul 1911  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [4
    Cause: heart failure (1 day) & old age 
    Buried Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I130923  Generations
    Last Modified 17 Feb 2026 

    Father Johann Heinrich "Henry" Hett, Sr.,   b. 30 Jul 1807, , Germany Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 24 Oct 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 75 years) 
    Mother Anna Christina Goss,   b. 30 May 1796, Eberklein Gross, Hessen, Germany Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 May 1869, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 72 years) 
    Married 1 Mar 1833  Bernsburg, , Hessen, Germany Find all individuals with events at this location  [11
    Family ID F7696  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Eva Elizabeth Heller,   b. 15 Jan 1833, Udenhausen, Vogelsbergkreis, Hessen, Germany Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 2 Jul 1910, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 77 years) 
    Married 28 Sep 1852  Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [12, 13, 14
    Children 
     1. Louise E. Hett,   b. 1852, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     2. Salome Hett,   b. 6 Nov 1855, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1936  (Age 80 years)
     3. Sarah Hett,   b. 1858, , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1860, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 2 years)
     4. Catherine Matilda Hett,   b. 4 Aug 1858, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 9 Jun 1860, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 1 years)
     5. Wilhelmina "Mena" Hett,   b. 1860, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     6. Albert N. Hett,   b. 10 Apr 1862, , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 25 Aug 1932  (Age 70 years)
     7. Katharine Mathilda Hett,   b. CALC 23 May 1864, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 11 Jul 1865  (Age ~ 1 years)
     8. Elizabeth Hett,   b. 1865, , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     9. Alice Hett,   b. 1865, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     10. Dr. - Mayor John Emil Hett,   b. 2 May 1870, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 25 Sep 1956, Windsor, Essex Co., Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 86 years)
    Last Modified 24 Feb 2026 
    Family ID F32278  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Golden Wedding

      Mr. and Mrs. John B. Hett celebrated the rare occasion of a golden wedding anniversary on Friday in the presence of their children and grand-children. The celebratory couple took their vows on September 26, 1852 before Pastor Wunderlich in Waterloo. Mr. and Mrs. Hartmann Schnarr, both long dead, functioned as witnesses. Mr. John B. Hett originated in Hessen, Germany and settled in Berlin in 1845 and followed the cabinet-makers's trade. Mrs. Hett came to Berlin with her father, Mr. J. H. Heller, at the age of 9 years.

      A festive meal took place at Dr. Hett's residence on Friday afternoon at 5: 00 o'clock; at which four generations were represented. All the children of the celebratory couple were present, namely, Mrs. L.H. Drumm of Watseka, Ills; Mrs. C.B. Webb of Springfield, Mass; Mr. A.B. Hett of Buffalo, and Mrs. M. Massell and Dr. J.E. Hett of Berlin. May Mr. and Mrs. Hett spend many more years, happy and content together!
      (poem follows)

      Berliner Journal October 2, 1902 Page 4 - Column 6

      _________________

      OLD RESIDENT PASSES AWAY

      Death Removes One of Berlin's Pioneers in the Person of John B. Hett.

      In the death of John B. Hett this morning. Berlin loses one of its few remaining pioneers and also one of its most highly esteemed and respected residents. The deceased who was in his 82nd year, had been in failing health for some time and death was due to old age.

      The late Mr. Hett was born in Ernsburg, Germany, on Nov. 9. 1829, and came to Berlin when he was 16 years of age, accompanied by his half-brother. the late N. Killer of Waterloo. Shortly after his arrival here he left for New Orleans, but was compelled to return after a few months owing to the prevalance of yellow fever in that district. With this exception he resided continnously in Berlin for more than 60 years and during that time he was an indefatigable worker for the advancement of the town's interests. Berlin, when he first arrived here was but a small village without one of the modern conveniences which make life easy for the residents of to-day, and the deceased could and did tell many incidents in the history of the town. Some time after his arrival in Berlin he went into the contracting and building business and majority of the older houses about town are evidences of his skill as a craftsman. To him Berlin owes the credit for a great many of its public buildings, including the Court house. fire hall. Central School, high school. and a number of the business blocks. Well and truly built were these structures, and while their creator has departed on his last long journey they will remain for many years to come, a mute, testimony to the handiwork of John B. Hett.

      For a number of years the deceased was a member of the Town Council and his life was marked by a deep interest in civic affairs. He was at all times ready and willing to lend his assistance to a worthy project. and hhis efforts figured largely in many of the advances made by the town.
      He was one of the best known men in Berlin. being personally acquainted with practically the entire populace and his demise is the cause of sincere and widespread regret. A true citizen in every sense of the word, was the late John B. Hett, and his death removes one of the town's grand old men.

      He was married in 1852 to Eva Elizabeth Heller, who predeceased him just one year ago at the age of 76 years. Two sons. Dr. J. E. Hett and A. N. Hett, and two daughters. Mrs. M Massel. Berlin amd Mrs. C. B. Wehb. Springfield. Mass, survive. Two daughters died a few years ago.

      He was also survived by one brother, Mr. Henry, Hett, of Berlin, and two sisters. Mrs. Geo Schieck, Goldstone, Ont, and Mrs. J. Zehad, of St. Louis, Mo.

      The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon at two o'clock from the family residence. King street east, to Mount Hope Cemetery.

      The Berlin News Record, Kitchener, Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Wed, Jul 19, 1911 Page 1

  • Sources 
    1. [S137] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) A-8 Page 10.

    2. [S158] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1881, Div 1 Page 51.

    3. [S123] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1861, Div. 1 Page 6.

    4. [S713] Vit - ON - Death Registration, death certificate 31063 (1911), John B. Hett, accessed 22 Nov 2009.
      John B. Hett, d. 19 Jul 1911 Berlin, b. 9 Nov 1824 Germany, s/o of Henry Hett (b. Germany) & unknown, cause: heart failure (1 day) & old age

    5. [S340] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1911, Div. 33 Pg. 9.

    6. [S1592] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1891, Section 3 Page 16.

    7. [S2784] Deutschland, ausgewählte evangelische Kirchenbücher 1500-1971.
      Name: Johannes Hett
      Alias: John
      Father's Name: Heinrich Hett
      Father's Sex: Male
      Mother's Name: Christina
      Mother's Sex: Female
      Event Type: Baptism
      Event Date: 22 Nov 1829
      Event Place: Bernsburg, Oberhessen, Großherzogtum Hessen, Deutsches Reich

    8. [S229] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1871, Sect. 2 Page 12.

    9. [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration.
      Michael Massel Born: Canada Age: 23 Father: Ignatius Massel Mother: Jane Babcock Massel Born: abt 1855 Spouse: Salome Hett Age: 23 born: Berlin Father: John B Hett Mother: Elizabeth Hett married 21 Apr 1878

    10. [S57] Vit - ON - Birth Registration.
      John Emil Hett Date of Birth: 2 May 1870 Gender: Male Birth County: Waterloo Father's Name: John B Hett (builder of Berlin) Mother's Name: Eva Elizabeth Heller

    11. [S908] Church Records - Germany, Hessen, Bernsburg - Evangelical Lutheran, FHL microfilms (595926-595929) 595927.

    12. [S244] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Deutsche Canadier (1841-1865) - Index to Births, Deaths and Marriages Announced in the Deutsche Canadier, Berlin, Canada West. originally indexed by Simone Nieuwolt and Sylvie Kuppek..organised by Rosemary Ambrose.
      HELLER, Elisabetha married 26 Sep 1852 To Johannes HETT. Both from Berlin. minister F.W. Wunderlich newspaper date 30 Sep 1852:40

    13. [S13] Vit - - ON, Waterloo - Wellington District Marriage Register Part 1 1840-1852, Rev. Fr. Wilh. Wunderlich, Rev. return 232.
      John Hett married Eva Elizabeth Hiller 28 Sep 1852, wit: Hartman Schnare & wife.

    14. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), Golden Wedding - October 2, 1902.

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 9 Nov 1829 - Bernsburg, , Hessen, Germany Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsImmigration - 1845 - , Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsImmigration - 1845 - , Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarried - 28 Sep 1852 - Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Carpenter - 1861 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Lutheran - 1861 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - builder - 1870 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Carpenter - 1871 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Lutheran - 1871 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Carpenter - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Lutheran - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Carpenter - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Lutheran - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Contractor - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Lutheran - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - Cause: heart failure (1 day) & old age - 19 Jul 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - - Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth