Noah Zeller^[1]

1851 - 1914  (62 years)

• Name	Noah Zeller
  Born	12 Oct 1851	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
  Gender	Male
  Residence	1861	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	Mennonite
  Occupation	1871	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Farmer
  Residence	1871	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Mennonite
  Occupation	1891	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Musician
  Residence	1891	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Evangelical
  Occupation	1901	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [2]
  	Musician
  Occupation	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Music Teacher
  Residence	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Evangelical
  Died	8 Feb 1914	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5, 10]
  Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region	Bef 2012	, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  Interesting	music
  Eby ID Number	00138-8388
  Buried	Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5]
  Person ID	I1327	Generations
  Last Modified	3 Mar 2025

  
  

  Father	Jacob Zeller,   b. 24 Feb 1813, Rhein Bajerin, Germany ,   d. 20 May 1886, Near, Breslau, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 73 years)
  Mother	Catharine Schiedel,   b. 21 Nov 1825, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 6 Jul 1909  (Age 83 years)
  Married	19 Jun 1849  [1, 9]
  Family ID	F433	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Anna Katherine Todt,   b. 24 Sep 1854, Kirchheim, Hessen, Germany ,   d. 16 Sep 1927, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 72 years)
  Married	29 Oct 1872	Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  Children	1. Ellen Zeller,   b. 29 Oct 1873, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1961, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 87 years)   2. Julius Nelson Zeller,   b. 15 Aug 1875, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 3 Dec 1952, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 77 years)   3. Laura C. Zeller,   b. 22 Nov 1877, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1959  (Age 81 years)   4. Alma Zeller,   b. 21 Jan 1880, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   5. Henry Zeller,   b. 1881, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   6. Harvey Jacob Zeller,   b. 12 Jul 1882, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1969  (Age 86 years)   7. Mary Zeller,   b. 11 Dec 1884, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   8. Ernest G. Zeller,   b. 27 Dec 1889, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1904  (Age 14 years)   9. Albert Vernon Zeller,   b. 1 Aug 1897, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1981, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 83 years)
  Last Modified	4 Mar 2025
  Family ID	F437	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos

  Noah Zeller bandleader

  
  

• Notes

  Noah Zeller "was born October 12th, 1851. He is married to Anna Todt. They reside in Berlin where he is engaged as a band master and teacher in all kinds of musical instruments. His family consists of seven children".1 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.]. _________________________ From Waterloo Hall of Fame website Noah Zeller was Waterloo County's most famous self-made musician. His Mennonite parents, of Breslau, refused to allow him to play any instrument. However, he bought a violin which he hid and lowered from his bedroom window to practice in secret. In spite of parental feelings, he persevered with his musical studies and at eighteen developed an orchestra in Bridgeport. He taught music and was a cabinetmaker. Zeller was a member of the Kitchener band from 1869 to 1875, as a clarinetist, and became leader in 1880. At different periods he was leader of either the Waterloo or the Kitchener band (at one time leading both) and brought them to a high state of perfection. He also led the St. Jacobs, New Hamburg and Baden bands and gave private lessons. In 1912, because of ill health, he resigned as leader of the Kitchener band, after twenty- three continuous years of service _____________________ WILLIAM KAISER'S BAND Towards the latter years of the Glebe Band, there was an opposition band which proved to be the nucleus of the Berlin Musical Society which celebrated its 125th birthday in 2001. In 1866, the Kaiser band was organized at a meeting held in the market building. William Kaiser, who was considered one of the foremost band musicians of Detroit and Windsor, had come to Berlin in 1862 and became head of the new organization which was successfully launched. When he died in 1905, his obituary called him "first leader of the band" and "the father of band music in this town". This new aspirant for public favour and honour was a thorn in the side of the veteran Glebe, according to a story in Berlin Today (1806-1906) and feeling between the leaders ran high. Some of the encounters between them were amusing and at times spirited, though never fraught with serious results. Glebe eventually retired from Berlin and "took hold of the musical talent in Waterloo". Among those enrolled as early members of the Kaiser band were Noah Zeller, E flat clarinet; William Kaiser, Ben H. Ziegler and Albert Ziegler, B flat cornet; George Lippert and John S. Smith, E flat cornet; William Fleischhauer, Fred Kress and Henry Moebus, alto; Louis Seip, bass; William Kaiser Jr., horn; Ambrose Schill and George Schaefer, trombone. The total membership was about 15 and the instrumentation was almost entirely brass. Zeller, a student of Kaiser's succeeded him as leader in 1880. He was also leader of the Waterloo band and inter-town rivalry made him decide to stay with Waterloo two years later. Kaiser was born in Hamm, Westphalia, Prussia, Germany in 1822 and came to this continent in 1857. He first went to Detroit as an instructor in the city band, but after a short time he organized a military band which was highly successful. During that period he was also instructor of a band in Windsor. In 1862 he came to Berlin and lived in a house on King Street East near the later Stirling Avenue. He also opened a hotel which he ran for many years. While Kaiser was the Berlin bandmaster, he also taught the bands at Preston, Elmira and New Germany (Maryhill) and for a time, the Waterloo Band. He was a master artist on almost every instrument and gave lessons at his house until just before his death April 9, 1905 from la grippe at the age of 82. His obituary said, "during the last week or two, three prospective students had applied and he gave them encouragement that as soon as he became stronger, he would begin their tuition." Noah Zeller, who had returned in 1900 to lead the band then known as the 29th Regiment Band, and a few members had arranged to go to his house on Sunday and play for him on the very day he died. "But the final reveille sounded for him before they came." The funeral service was conducted on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the family residence by Rev. Emil Hoffman. The members of the 29th regiment played the Dead March as the remains were conveyed from the residence to Mount Hope Cemetery. Kaiser was a Lutheran and a staunch Conservative. His wife Caroline (née Wittheff) predeceased him on Feb. 5, 1904 at age 73. He was survived by his children, Mrs. Morris Smith, and Mrs. George Lippert of Berlin; Mrs. Ephriam Runstedler of Walkerton; Mrs. John McKenzie of Buffalo, New York; William Jr. of London; Albert of Walkerton; and Charles of West Branch, Michigan. by Kathryn Hansuld Lamb from a undated column from the Kitchener Waterloo Record _______________________ Zeller, Noah Zeller, Noah. Bandmaster, teacher, b near Breslau, Canada West (Ontario), ca 1852, d Berlin (Kitchener), Ont, 8 Feb 1914. He was the clarinet soloist in 1875 and the conductor 1878-82 of the 29th Regiment Band of Berlin. In 1882 he became the first conductor of the Waterloo Musical Society Band . The Waterloo band became a leading musical organization and won many contests - so many that for a time it was barred from competition. In 1900 Zeller resigned to resume his former duties with the 29th Regiment Band. During his years with both bands he also trained the bands at Elmira, New Hamburg, St Jacobs, and Baden, Ont. After a Toronto engagement by the Berlin band Saturday Night commented, 'Of all the bands which visit Toronto, except professional bands, it is the best.' Poor health forced Zeller to resign in 1913. Author Edward B. Moogk The Canadian Encyclopedia © 2005 Historica Foundation of Canada ___________ NOTABLE MUSICAL CAREER IS CLOSED BY DEATH OF MR. ZELLER Veteran Bandmaster Passed Away on Sunday After Useful Career. BUILT UP THE BERLIN BAND Became Connected With Band in Early Seventies and Was Leader for Many Years. Noah Zeller is dead. This was the brief and sad message that came to a number of Berlin citizens on Sunday morning. Noah Zeller the man who was known to rearly everyone in. Berlin as the veteran and venerable leader of the 29th Regiment band, had passed to the Great Beyond, laying aside the baton, which he had wielded for so many years. To the members of the family, assembled at the home at West King District, and to close friends and relatives, death was not unexpected. Ever since his critical illness about a year ago, when he, suffered a paralytic stroke the veteran musician has been declining in health. He recovered from his illness to some extent and was able to be out during last summer. In the fall and winter, he was, however, confined to the house, gradually growing weaker from the effects of paralysis. Two weeks ago he was confined to his bed and since then had been gradually sinking. Sunday morning the veteran musician knew the end was near and bade farewell to members of the family. Shortly before 12 o'clock he sank into a deep sleep never regained consciousness, and passed He peacefully away at 1 o'clock surrounded by members of the family. Thus was closed a bright and useful musical career. Funeral on Tuesday The funeral has been arranged to take place on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The body will be taken to Zion Evangelical church and after a service conducted by the Rev. M. L. Wing, interment will take place at Mount Hope cemetery. The 29th Regiment band of which he had been the leader and conductor for so many years will attend the obsequies. A meeting of the band will be held this evening for the rehearsal of the dead march and to arrange the details of the band's expression of respect for the former leader. The late bandmaster had often, expressed the wish that when passed from this world and at the time of the funeral service, Mr. Charles Schug, the former sergeant cornet soloist of the band would render "Rock of Ages" with variations. Mr. Schug is now residing in Niagara Falls. In His 63rd Year The late Professor Zeller was in his 63rd year, having been born near Breslau on October 12th, 1851. His exact age was 62 years, mouths and 48 days. He was the son of the late Jacob Zeller and Catharine Schiedel. Mr. Zeller had made Waterloo County his home all his life and during the past forty years was actively identified with musical organizations in the county. From first to last he was a musician, making this his life study and profession. His ability as a student of music soon won for him prominence in musical circles. He became leader of the 29th Regiment band and it was largely through his efforts that Berlin can to-day, boast of so excellent a musican organization. Men who have long been associated with the Berlin Musical Society attribute the success and the high standard which the band attained, to Noah Zeller. Thousands of people in Berlin and Waterloo County and throughout Ontario have listened to the Berlin band under the direction of the late bandmaster. Thousands of people will learn with sincere regret of his passing away. As a citizen of Berlin, the late bandmaster held the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. While his chief interest centred in making the band a success, he was deeply interested in the welfare of Berlin. His Musical Career Noah Zeller was a self-made man. When the family moved to Preston from Breslau, Mr. Zeller, then a small boy, took an interest in music and the band of that town. He obtained the opportunity to study music and from the start showed sign of unusual ability as a musician. His first connection with a musical organization was with a number of musicians in Bridgeport who formed an orchestra of which he became leader. From this start success was his. In the early seventies, Mr. Zeller came to Berlin and commenced to study under the late William Kaiser, the first bandmaster of the Berlin band. He took up the study ol the clarinet and becoming proficient with this instrument, his industrious nature led him to study the violin and other hand instruments. While he did not become a thorough performer on brass instruments he acquired a knowledge of their principles. It was in 1875 that he became connected with the Berlin band and orchestra music. At that time Berlin had a creditable musical organization as the older citizens will remember. Mr. Zeller became the chief musician and soloist of the band, then under the leadership of Mr. John S. Smith, Mr. Zeller was assistant leader and in 1878 assumed full charge as conductor and bandmaster Leader in Waterioo. In 1882 he resigned the leadership of the Berlin band and assumed the position of director of the Waterloo band. In this position he was instrumental in making a very capable musical organization, which has since upheld the splendid reputation attained while he was at its head. For eighteen years the Waterloo Band prospered under the leadership of the late musician. In 1900 he resigned his position as leader of the Waterloo organization and returned to the Berlin band. Became Brigade Master About this time he was became Brigade Master and had charge of all the bands assembled at the annual military camps. This position he achieved because of his qualities as a musician and leader and because oi this long record as a bandmaster. During his tenure as leader of the Berlin band, this organization filled many important engagements: in Canada and the United States and became widely known as one Ontario's best concert and military bands. In tournaments under Bandmaster Zeller, the band was successful on many occasions. At the Zeller home there are many trophies and, prizes won by Mr. Zeller and the Berlin band. Met With Misfortune It was in the early part of 1908 that misfortune befell Berlin's bandmaster. While stepping from a train at Guelph be sustained all injury to one of his lower limbs which partly crippled him for life. This injury came as a severe blow to the bandmaster, the band and his many friends. At a benefit concert held late in the summer of that year, bands were present from all over the country and thousands people turned out to the park as a mark of respect for the injured bandmaster. After recovering from his injury to some extent, while still able to wield the baton at concerts, the veteran leader was unable to march with the band. He could not be with the boys on the street. The band, however, under his astute leadership continued to build up a reputation. About a year ago, Mr. Zeller's illness forced him to sever his connection with the organization with which he had been identified for so many years. It was with a deep measure of regret that he retired as leader in the early part of 1913, being succeeded by Bandmaster Stockton, the present leader. Altogether a long and eminently useful career lies behind him just closed. Recognized as a trainer and leader of unusual merit, he at all times commanded the respect of his bandsmen and pupils. Berlin citizens appreciate his work. They comprise a music loving community and refer with pride to the able services given the town and city Bandmaster Zeller and his men. His ambition was to place the 29th Regiment band on the pinnacle of excellence and that he succeeded is generally admitted. He spared neither time nor talent in reaching that goal and that he achieved so large a measure of success was a credit to his patience, perseverance and power, - power born of knowledge. Berlin and the County are proud to honor such a man, whose work and not his words beat testimony to musical genius. His motto in building a fine musical organization was [rest unreadable] The Berlin News Record Kitchener, Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Mon, Feb 9, 1914 Page 1

  
  

• Sources

  [S10] Book - Vol II 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..., 692. [S137] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) A-12 Page 4. [S131] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1851. gives age and country of birth [S177] Census - ON, Waterloo - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) a-12 Page 4. [S166] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Mount Hope CC#4508 Internet Link . Zeller ( A ) Noah Zeller / 1851-1914 / at rest [S604] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo South - 1871, Div. 1, Pg. 51. [S340] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1911, Div. 37 Page 3. [S1592] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1891, Section 1 Page 51. [S894] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1861, Sect. 7 Page 47. [S220] Waterloo Region Hall of Fame Waterloo Region Hall of Fame.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 12 Oct 1851 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Mennonite - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1871 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Mennonite - 1871 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Married - 29 Oct 1872 - Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Musician - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Evangelical - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Musician - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Music Teacher - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Evangelical - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - 8 Feb 1914 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region - Bef 2012 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth