Reeve Peter Winger^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]}

1818 - 1889  (71 years)

• Name	Peter Winger
  Prefix	Reeve
  Born	18 Apr 1818	, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania   [1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]
  Gender	Male
  Elected Office	1850	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [15]
  	councillor - Woolwich Township
  Occupation	1851	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [11]
  	Farmer
  Elected Office	1853	, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	councilor of Waterloo County Council
  Occupation	1861	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [13]
  	Merchant
  Residence	1861	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [13]
  	Prodestant
  Occupation	1 Oct 1863	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5]
  	Postmaster
  Business	1867	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [16]
  	Winger & Weaver - Staple & Fancy Dry Goods
  	from: Gazetteer and directory of the County of Waterloo. 1867
  		Winger & Weaver Dry Goods Advertisement 1867 from 1867 Directory of Waterloo
  Elected Office	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	Deputy Reeve of Woolwich Township
  Interesting	post, business, politics, life story
  Name	Peter Wenger
  Occupation	1871	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [12]
  	Postmaster
  Occupation	1881	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  	Postmaster
  Eby ID Number	00128-8012
  Died	27 Jul 1889	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 5, 9, 14, 17]
  Buried	Elmira Mennonite Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  Person ID	I14281	Generations
  Last Modified	25 Apr 2024

  
  

  Father	John Winger,   b. 5 Apr 1789, , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania ,   d. 11 Oct 1864, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 75 years)
  Mother	Susannah Eby,   b. 10 Jun 1792, , USA ,   d. 3 Jan 1871, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 78 years)
  Family ID	F2320	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 1	Maria Bauman,   b. 1 Jan 1817, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 25 Apr 1886, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 69 years)
  Married	17 Dec 1839	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 17, 18, 19]
  Children	1. Henry Wenger,   b. 1840, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   2. Susannah Winger,   b. 23 Jan 1840, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 10 Sep 1912  (Age 72 years)   3. Henry B. Winger,   b. 5 Apr 1841, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 21 Jun 1915, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 74 years)   4. Nancy Winger,   b. 14 May 1843, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   5. Mary "Nancy" Winger,   b. 14 May 1843, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   6. William Winger,   b. 26 Jun 1846, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 10 Aug 1847  (Age 1 years)   7. Jacob B. Winger,   b. 21 Jun 1849, Bridgeport (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 10 Aug 1923  (Age 74 years)   8. Reuben Winger,   b. 4 Jul 1853, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Aft 1911  (Age > 59 years)   9. Mariah Winger,   b. 8 Mar 1862, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1923  (Age 60 years)
  Last Modified	26 Apr 2024
  Family ID	F2319	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 2	Catharine Martin,   b. 24 Dec 1830, Near St. Jacobs, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 26 Jan 1906  (Age 75 years)
  Last Modified	26 Apr 2024
  Family ID	F3879	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos

  Peter Winger Image from: 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906

  
  

• Notes

  Peter Winger, "the eldest in the family, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 18th, 1818. In 1834, he, in company with one George Eby, drove with a horse and buggy from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Waterloo County, Ontario, making the trip in two weeks. In fall of the same year he returned to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he remained until May, 1835, when he made the second trip to Canada and settled in Berlin, Ontario. He worked the first year in the town of Waterloo, on Mr. Jacob Schneider's sawmills, receiving the wonderful salary of #7 per month. On November 7th, 1837, he went to Bridgeport and engaged himself to the late Jacob S. Shoemaker as miller, in whose service he remained eleven years. In September, 1848, he moved to Woolwich Township, on the farm now possessed by Isaac Hilborn. In January, 1849, he was appointed assessor for Woolwich Township, then including Pilkington Township. He was one of the early councillors of Woolwich Township and was deputy reeve when Berlin was made the county town for the newly formed county of Waterloo. Later in life he was engaged in the mercantile, woollen and lumber business. About the year 1867 he received the appointment of post master for Elmira which position he held until his death which took place July 27th, 1889. The following interesting notice has been taken from the pages of Mr. Winger's journal, now in possession of his son, Jacob: "At a meeting called by public notice from Peter Winger, Esq., reeve of the township of Woolwich, held at St. Jacobs on the 26th day of March, 1853, for the purpose of forming a township Agricultural Society. Upon the notice being read and the object being explained for which the meeting was called it was unanimously resolved that a society be forthwith formed, to be called the Township of Woolwich Agricultural Society. Thereupon James Mirrilees was called to the chair. When it was moved by B. H. Curtis, seconded by John Meyers that James Dow be president and Charles Henry vice-president for the current year. 1st, Moved by Chas. Hendry, seconded by James MaConichee that the following gentlemen be directors for the current year, viz: B. H. Curtis, John Seaton, John Meyers, James Burnett, James Hall, Wm. H Peterson, Jacob Winkler and Joseph Hardy. 2nd, Moved by John Meyers, seconded by Charles Hendry that James Mirrilees be appointed secretary and treasurer. Thereupon the meeting adjourned: the directors to meet again at Kuntze's Hotel, Conestogo, on Saturday, April 23rd, (1853) at the hour of 2 o'clock in the afternoon." Mr. Winger was married, January 24th 1838, to Maria Baumann (No. 314) who was born January 1st, 1817, and died in Elmira, April 25th, 1886. Some time after her decease he was again married to Catherine Martin, widow of the late Moses Musselman. To him and his first wife was born a family of seven 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.]. __________________ It becomes our duty this week to chronicle the death of our respected Postmaster, Peter Winger, which took place Saturday evening at 5 o'clock, without a struggle. Mr. Winger had been failing for a year past but more noticeably the last few months, and though feeling his natural powers failing, yet being possessed of great energy, was unwilling to yield and only took his bed about two weeks previous to his demise. Mr. Winger was born on the 18th of April, 1818 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and was therefore in his 72nd year. He came to Canada a the age of 17 in company with Mr. George Eby. They drove from Lancaster County to Waterloo with a one horse conveyance and after spending the summer here prospecting returned in the fall and accompanied by his parents again returned to Canada and located in Berlin. He was first employed by a Mr. Snyder of Waterloo at his saw mill, but being inclined for flour milling removed to Bridgeport and learned the milling business under Mr. Jacob Shoemaker of the Bridgeport mills and remained there 12 years. Mr. Winger was a very powerful man and in his younger days thought it fun to carry a four bushel sack of wheat up two flight of stairs. Being of genial temperament was much beloved by all with whom he came in contact, either in business or pleasure. In the year 1848 Mr. Winger moved to the Township of Woolwich, where he bought the farm at present occupied by Mr. Isaac Hilborn, here he remained until 1855 when he removed to Elmira and entered into partnership with Isaac Wenger and S. S. Weaver, under the firm of Winger, Weaver and Co., as general Merchants. They also conducted the Woolen and Saw Mills. Mr. Winger was the originator of the Woolwich Agricultural Show and for many years was Secretary of the same. In 1863 he received the appointment of Postmaster of Elmira, which position he filled with much satisfaction. Politically Mr. Winger was a consistant Reformer. For many years and during the early and trying history of the County he held a position in the Council, and was Deputy-Reeve of Woolwich during the time of building of the County Buildings and is the last of the then Council., which consisted of the following members" - John Scott M. D., Henry Snyder, John Hawk, Gabriel Hawk, John Ernst, Anthony Kaiser, Charles McGeorge, M. D., Duncan Ferguson, John Meyer, Peter Winter, Absolom Shade, Jacob Hespeler, Dr. Scott being Warden. It is to this Council that credit is due for obtaining the County seat at Berlin. The war was fierce and only resulted in Berlin gaining the day after many strategic efforts on the part of Galt and Southern portion of the County being outwitted by their northern contemporaries. Mr. Winger was one of the Board of Directors of the Waterloo Fire Insurance Company in its inception and in after years did valuable service as local agent for both Life and Fire Departments. Many who relied upon him for writing wills, deeds and conveyancing generally will miss him and his genial smile and friendly greetings will be missed from his usual place of business. Mr. Winger leaves a wife and six children all of whom were around him during his last illness. His funeral was largely attended, among whom were many representative men from Waterloo, Berlin, Conestogo, Elora, St. Jacobs, Glenallan, Hawksville and the Townships of Peel, Woolwich and Wellesley. The serviced were conducted by Abram Martin, Mennonite Bishop, assisted by Rev. Mr. Wear, W. M. Minster of Elmira, His remains were deposited in the Mennonite burying ground near Elmira. Elmira Advertiser 11 Aug 1889 ____________________________ THE WOOLWICH COUNCIL A Woolwich Township Council was organized on January 21st, 1850. The councillors were: John Meyer, Edward Passmore, Peter Wenger, Peter Hay, and Wm. Veitch. They met "at Conestoga, in Kurtz's tavern." The members chose John Meyer as reeve and named James Dow as clerk and treasurer; Moses Springer as assessor on the east side of the Grand River and Christian Hurst on the west wide, each at 6 pounds ($24) a year; and Wm. Reynolds as collector, with a salary of five and a half per cent. of his collections. Charles Hendry was appointed auditor. The council ordered a seal and studied a plan for building a bridge across the Conestoga River; appointed a road surveyor and considered the advisability of appointing a local superintendent of schools. For a number of years schools, bridges, roads, and the regulation of taverns were the chief items of business. Waterloo County's provisional municipal council met in Berlin on May 3rd, 1852. Woolwich was represented by Reeve John Meyer and Deputy-Reeve Peter Wenger. Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1933 pg 134 - Woolwich Township - Its Early Settlement by W. V. Uttley _________ ELMIRA SHOE, FELT AND WOOLEN WORKS Among the manufacturing industries of Elmira the above concern must be reckoned one of the most important, as it gives employment to the largest number of wage-earners and many of them expert and skilled mechanics. It is a part of the old Winger & Weaver Woolen factory. The latter, the first industry of note in this town, was established in 1856, by Peter Winger and Samuel Weaver who were prominent among the early settlers in this vicinity. They commenced operations in 1856 and continued to run it until 1873, when Mr. Henry Winger, son of the well known member of the firm, took charge and operated it until 1883, and after that in company with his brother, J. B. Winger, until 1895, at which time they added the felt manufactory. It was then operated by J. B. Winger and Amasa Winger for short one year, when in the spring of 1896, a joint stock company was formed and the plant improved and placed on a more extensive scale. The company is made up of some of the leading and most responsible citzens of the town, viz: Henry Winger, J. B. Winger, Amasa Winger, J. P. Lackhardt, Weber & Erb, M. Weichel, J. S. Weichel, Daniel Ratz, Casper Ziegler, David Snider, Chas. Klinck and son George, Henry Mogk and Isaac Hilborn. Board of Directors: A. H Erb, President; Henry Winger, Daniel Ratz, Casper Ziegler and J. P. Luckhardt, John Peel, Treasurer and general manager. They manufacture both leather and felt goods, and the class of work turned out is equal in style, workmanship, finish and material to that of any other establishment of the kind in Ontario. There is a steady demand for about all the company can manufacture with their present facilities, most of their goods going to the Northwest and the Maritime Provinces. From twenty-five to thirty hands are employed. The factory is equipped with the latest and best improved machinery, and a walk through the building when all hands are at work will convince any person that experienced workmen are employed and that great care is exercised in putting the material together in a way that must produce a popular and durable article. The very latest styles of footwear are turned out. The company still continues the woolen factory and manufactures fine tweeds, flannels blankets and other woolen goods, and are always prepared for custom work. Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 3

  
  

• Sources

  [S3] Book - Vol I 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..., 125. [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..., 129. [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..., 127. [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..., 60. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), 1 Aug 1889. July 27, 1889 Peter Winger died in Elmira at age of 71 years. The deceased had been the postmaster of Elmira since Oct. 1, 1863 & was one of the pioneers of Waterloo County. He also had been a member of the county council for many years. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), 6 May 1886. Apr. 25, 1886 Mrs. Peter Winger died in Elmira at age of 69 years, 3 months and 25 days. [S3002] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 010930-76. Jacob Winger, 27, occ. Clothier, b. Bridgeport, res. Elmira, son of Peter & Maria Married Mary Weber, 19, b. Woolwich, res. Elmira, daughter of Solomon & Elisabeth Emma, Witn Reuben Winger & Susanna Weber of Elmira, 20 December 1876 in Waterloo. [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..., 627. [S154] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Elmira - Elmira Mennonite CC#4584 Internet Link. In/ memory of/ Peter Winger/ who died/ July 27,1889/ aged 71 yrs.3/ m's & 9 d's/ [verse]/ [S130] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1881, Div. 2 Page 37. [S141] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1851, Div. 4, Pg. 97. [S144] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1871, Div. 3, Pg. 76. [S915] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1861, Township of Woolwich 1861 Div. 4 Page 39. [S956] News - ON, Waterloo, Elmira - Elmira Advertiser, "Death of Peter Winger," 1 Aug 1889. WINGER- At Elmira, on Saturday July 27, 1889, Peter Winger, aged 71 years, 3 months and 9 days [S2058] Book - Annual Volume 1933, pg 13 Woolwich Township - Its Early Settlement by W. V. Uttley. [S1668] Directory - ON, Waterloo - 1867 - Gazetteer and directory of the County of Waterloo. 1867, pg 83. [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..., 628. [S17] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Der Morgenstern (1839-1841), 26 Dec 1839. Maria Bauman, daughter of Benjamin B. Bauman and Peter Wenger, son of John Wenger, both of Waterloo were married a short time ago. [S9] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Canada Museum und Allgemeine Zeitung (1835-1840), 8 Jan 1840:43. 17 Dec 1839 Rev. Bindemann m. Peter Winger, son of John Winger in Berlin, to Maria Bauman, daughter of Benjamin W. Bauman, from Waterloo.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 18 Apr 1818 - , Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania Married - 17 Dec 1839 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - councillor - Woolwich Township - 1850 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1851 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - councilor of Waterloo County Council - 1853 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Merchant - 1861 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Prodestant - 1861 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Postmaster - 1 Oct 1863 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Business - Winger & Weaver - Staple & Fancy Dry Goods - 1867 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - Deputy Reeve of Woolwich Township - - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Postmaster - 1871 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Postmaster - 1881 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - 27 Jul 1889 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Elmira Mennonite Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth