Daniel Ratz

1860 - 1909  (49 years)

• Name	Daniel Ratz
  Born	9 Nov 1860	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
  Gender	Male
  Residence	1861	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Methodist
  Residence	1871	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	E. Methodist
  Occupation	1881	Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Miller
  Occupation	1884	Nichol Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	miller
  Occupation	1891	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  	Manufacturer
  Residence	1891	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  	Methodist
  Elected Office	1892	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	councillor - Elmira
  Occupation	1901	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [2]
  	Flour Miller
  Elected Office	1903	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	Reeve - Elmira
  Residence	1903	Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  		Ratz residence 1903 From: Enterprising Elmira Souvenir, An historical, descriptive, and illustrated Book of the Village of Elmira, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, published by George Klinck, 1903.
  Elected Office	1906	, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [11]
  	Waterloo County Council
  	Image from: 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906
  		Waterloo County Council in 1906 Image from: 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-25856
  Died	2 Dec 1909  [4, 9]
  	Cause: Bright's Disease
  Buried	Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  Person ID	I25856	Generations
  Last Modified	6 Apr 2024

  
  

  Father	Reeve John Ratz,   b. 7 Dec 1833, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 14 Oct 1889, Elmira Mennonite Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 55 years)
  Mother	Saloma Haist,   b. 29 Dec 1835, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 2 Mar 1917  (Age 81 years)
  Family ID	F6743	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Annie Scott,   b. 26 Nov 1859, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada ,   d. 24 May 1936  (Age 76 years)
  Married	24 Jun 1884	Nichol Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada   [3]
  Children	1. Arthur Percival Ratz,   b. 17 Oct 1885, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1909  (Age 23 years)   2. Margaret Ratz,   b. 15 Jun 1889, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   3. Olive R. Ratz,   b. 21 Jun 1891, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   4. Helen Alison Ratz,   b. 10 Nov 1894, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. 9 Dec 1895  (Age 1 years)   5. Enid F. Ratz,   b. 12 Apr 1899, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Last Modified	7 Apr 2024
  Family ID	F6742	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos

  Daniel Ratz 1903

  
  

• Notes

  Mr. Daniel Ratz, Reeve of Elmira, is the second eldest son of the late John Ratz, the first Reeve of Elmira. He was born on a farm 1 ½ miles west of Elmira, in 1860. He attended the Elmira public schools and, with the family, later, removed to Elmira. In his early manhood he conducted the flouring mills at Salem. After disposing of his interests there, he returned to Elmira, and on the death of his father, in the year 1889, became partner in the milling business left by the latter. In 1892 and 1893 Mr. Ratz served as village councillor. He retired from municipal life until 1901, when he was elected Reeve of Elmira, an office he has since held. Enterprising Elmira Souvenir, An historical, descriptive, and illustrated Book of the Village of Elmira, Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, published by George Klinck, 1903. ______________________________ Demise of Daniel Ratz When, several months ago, the news was spread that Mr. Daniel Ratz, one of the prominent and respected citizens, an ex-reeve of Elmira, and an ex-County Commissioner, was suffering from one of the most dangerous and incurable forms of Bright's disease, feelings of regret and sympathy spread rapidly over a wide spread circle of relatives, friends and acquaintances, who almost hoping against hope, watched for favourable symptoms and rejoiced when even a temporary improvement manifested itself. Although chances for permanent improvement were meagre from the beginning, it was scarcely expected that the end would come so soon, although the demise did not come unexpectedly. The deceased was a man of robust health until a year or so ago when symptoms of the dread diseased made their appearance, but were not deemed dangerous by the patient. Later expert medical advice was called in and the true condition of affairs was revealed. Through the death of Mr. Ratz, a family consisting of a widow and three daughters, the youngest of which is aged 10 years, are bereft of a kind husband and an indulgent father and the village and the district of a public, spirited and useful citizen, who gave liberally of his time to the service of the community, and a prominent business man. Daniel Ratz was the second eldest son of the late John Ratz, the first reeve of Elmira. He was born on a farm 1 ½ miles west of Elmira in 1860. He attended the Elmira Public School and later removed, with his family, to Elmira. In his early manhood he conducted the flouring mills at Salem. After disposing of his interests there, he returned to Elmira and on the death of his father in the year 1889, became partner in the milling business left by the latter. In 1892 and 1893 Mr. Ratz served as a village councillor. He retired from municipal life until 1901 when he was elected Reeve of Elmira, an office he held until the law required that the County representatives by chosen by the various representative districts. He was then elected County Commission for Dis. No. 7, including Woolwich and Elmira, until the law was again changed to the system of representation by the reeves of the various municipalities. He lived retired for several years, but was induced in 1908, to take up the candidature for the local Parliament, in the Liberal cause, and in opposition to Dr. Lackner, the present incumbent of the office of M.P.P. for North Waterloo. He was unsuccessful but was universally credited with having conducted an honourable campaign. At the time of his death, Mr. Ratz was 49 years and 23 days of age. His funeral was largely attended and many were the floral tributes sent by individuals and societies, which accompanied him to his last resting place the Elmira Union Cemetery. Elmira Signet 9 Dec 1909 ____________ 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 indusdry 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 _______________ THE RATZ BROS. It has always been my custom in writing up the industries of a community to first direct attention to its flouring mills, because from them is derived the staff of life, without which we would find a precarious subsistence. No other industry is of greater importance to the merchants, mechanics and inhabitants in general. In this particular, Elmira has a first-class establishment in the Elmira Roller Mills, owned and operated by the above well known firm. These mills were established in 1867 by a joint stock company. Sometime about the year 1870 they became the property of the late John Ratz, the father of the members of the present firm, in company with his brother Jacob. The latter is now living in New Hamburg, having withdrawn from the firm in 1872. His interest was then purchased by Isaac Wenger, it then being conducted under the firm name of Ratz & Wenger from 1872 to 1875, when Mr. Ratz became sole proprietor and operated the same until 1882, after which he gave his sons an interest in the business. It continued under the firm of Ratz & Sons until 1889, when the senior member of the firm died. The latter was a man honorable and prominent in the estimation of all who knew him, being both charitable and public spirited in every sense of the term. He was one of the first Reeves of the village and one of the main advocates of the railroad project for Elmira, and was prominent among those who rendered substantial encouragement to the movement that gave to the village its first railroad communication. Since his death the mills have been owned and operated by his three sons, Simon H. Daniel and George. They were among the first in the county to adopt the full roller process, and now have a capacity for turning out one hundred barrels of a superior grade of flour per day. A 75 horse power engine supplies the motive power. Their special brands are, viz, "Elmira" and "Sunshine," which are popular products in the market. They have an extensive local trade and a large demand in the maritime Provinces for their output. They also buy and pay the highest market price for all the wheat that comes to their doors. In addition to the flouring mills the firm has a sawmill in connection, in which they do a large amount of custom sawing for the farmers of many miles around, besides manufacturing the heading, staves and hoops for their flour barrels. They also manufacture a first-class grade of shingles. Elmira's splendid electric light system is furnished by this firm, their plant having a capacity for producing 500 incandescent lights for that purpose. The brilliant, steady illumination of the town at night is ample proof that they are furnishing a first class article and giving the people good satisfaction. The Ratz Bros were all born within a mile and a half of Elmira and are among her honorable, industrious and enterprising citizens. The amount of money they pay out to the farmers annually is high in the thousands. Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1, 2, 3

  
  

• Sources

  [S161] Census - ON, Waterloo, Elmira - 1901, Pg 3. [S161] Census - ON, Waterloo, Elmira - 1901, Elmira (Village) B. Page 3. [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 012546-84. Daniel RATZ , 24 , miller , Woolwich Twp., Nichol Twp., s/o John RATZ & Saloma HAIST , married Annie SCOTT , 25 , Elora , Nichol , d/o Charles SCOTT & Ann KNOX , witn: George RATZ of Elmira Woolwich Twp. & Addie BOONE of Wellesley Twp., 24 June 1884 at Nichol Twp [S98] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - Elmira Union CC#4578 Internet Link. Daniel Ratz/ Born Nov. 9th, 1860/ Died Dec. 2nd 1909/ He Giveth His Beloved Sleep. [S130] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1881, Div 2 Page 42 Family 194. [S130] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1881, Div. 2 Page 42. [S144] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1871, Div. 2, Pg. 62. [S915] Census - ON, Waterloo, Woolwich - 1861, Township of Woolwich 1861 Div. 4 Page 39. [S77] News - ON, Waterloo, Elmira - Elmira Signet (1893-1982), Obituary of Daniel Ratz - 9 Dec 1909. [S2057] Census - ON, Waterloo, Elmira - 1891, Pg. 43. [S1629] Book - 100 Years of Progress in Waterloo County Canada Semi-Centennial Souvenir 1856-1906, 12.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 9 Nov 1860 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Methodist - 1861 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - E. Methodist - 1871 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Miller - 1881 - Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - miller - 1884 - Nichol Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada Married - 24 Jun 1884 - Nichol Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada Occupation - Manufacturer - 1891 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Methodist - 1891 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - councillor - Elmira - 1892 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Flour Miller - 1901 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - Reeve - Elmira - 1903 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1903 - Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - Waterloo County Council - 1906 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Elmira Union Cemetery, Elmira, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth