Richard M. Quickfall^{[1, 2]}

1833 - 1910  (77 years)

• Name	Richard M. Quickfall
  Born	16 Mar 1833	, New York State, USA   [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
  Gender	Male
  Immigration	1837	, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  Name	R. M. Quickfall
  Occupation	1861	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Farmer
  Residence	1861	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	Wesley Methodist
  Residence	1862	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  Occupation	1871	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	Farmer
  Residence	1871	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [9]
  	Free Church
  Occupation	1881	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Farmer
  		Evergreen farm in 1881
  Residence	1881	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Methodist
  Occupation	1891	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [11]
  	Farmer
  Residence	1891	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [11]
  	Methodist
  Occupation	1901	Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  	Farmer
  Eby ID Number	00088-5128
  Died	15 Nov 1910	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [12, 13]
  Buried	First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [12, 13]
  Person ID	I2903	Generations
  Last Modified	12 May 2025

  
  

  Father	Thomas Quickfall,   b. 13 Sep 1799, , England ,   d. 10 Feb 1868, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 68 years)
  Mother	Hannah Martinson,   b. 14 Nov 1803, , England ,   d. 18 Jun 1889, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 85 years)
  Married	20 Oct 1825	Burton upon Stather, , Lincolnshire, England   [14]
  Family ID	F916	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Leah Groff,   b. 17 Aug 1839, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 18 Apr 1910  (Age 70 years)
  Married	27 May 1862	, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3, 10, 11]
  Children	1. Emma May Quickfall,   b. 13 May 1863, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 6 Oct 1889, Blair (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 26 years)   2. Charles Allan Quickfall,   b. 12 May 1867, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 21 Apr 1921  (Age 53 years)   3. Annie Quiickfall,   b. 1873, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   4. Allen Edwin Quickfall,   b. 8 Jan 1865, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 2 Oct 1943  (Age 78 years)   5. Albert Quiickfall,   b. 1877, , Ontario, Canada ,   d. Yes, date unknown   6. George Thomas Quickfall,   b. 11 Jun 1869, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 7 Oct 1883  (Age 14 years)   7. Annie Laura Quickfall,   b. 9 Mar 1874, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 21 Jan 1895  (Age 20 years)   8. Albert Clarke Quickfall,   b. 17 Jan 1878, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 15 Nov 1928  (Age 50 years)
  Last Modified	13 May 2025
  Family ID	F917	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos		Richard M. Quickfall From a binder called Hannah's Albums, (Waterloo Region Branch, OGS Collection)
  		Waterloo-LogSchool-00002.jpg

  
  

• Notes

  Richard M. Quickfall, "was born in New York State, March 16th, 1833. When eight years of age his parents moved to Canada and settled on a farm now possessed by his son, Allan E., where he was raised. On May 27th, 1862, he was married to Leah Groff who was born August 17th, 1839. Soon after his marriage he took possession of the old homestead which he greatly improved in appearance and value in erecting first-class buildings thereon and in planting a great variety of both fruit and ornamental trees. Here he resided until 1889 when he moved on the farm he now possesses about a mile north of Bridgeport. Mr. Quickfall has held various positions such as trustee, assessor, councillor and at present he holds the position of first deputy Reeve for Waterloo Township. His family consisted of 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.]. ____________________________ Died: In Berlin, on Tuesday, November 15th, 1910, at 1 o'clock p,m., Richard M. Quickfall, Aged 77 years, 8 months. The Funeral Will take place on Friday, Nov. 18th, at 2 o'clock p. m., from the residence of his son, Mr. A. C. Quickfall, David St., to Zion Evangelical Church for service and East End Mennonite cemetery for interment. Funeral Card _________________________ THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE An interesting meeting took place the Saturday before last in the old log cabin in Waterloo Park. This house was, of course, the first schoolhouse in this area and stood originally on the school-house square at the corner of King and Church Streets in Waterloo. It was built in 1820 and served its purpose until 1842, when it was torn down and a 1-storey stone house was constructed on the site. The dismantled log house was erected again in Greenbush and served as a residence for a long time for the coloured man, Mr. Carroll and his family. In the course of this year, the Waterloo Park Commissioners purchased the house, moved it to their park and furnished it again as it was when it was a school-house. At this gathering, in addition to many other ladies and gentlemen, the following (male and female) former pupils attended, took their places on the benches, and were called to order by the 82-year-old teacher, Benjamin Burkholder, who held the scepter, or rather, the switch, from 1831 to 1842 in the old log-house: Joel Guth, 80 years old; Abraham Scherk, Blair, 79; Jakob Bricker, Waterloo, 77; Sarah Burkholder, nee Erb, Bridgeport, 75; Amos Weber, Berlin, 73; John C, Bricker, Hawksville, 71; Maria Erb, nee Quickfall, Norwich 69; David B. Eby, Waterloo, 69; Wendel Baumann, Woolwich, 68; Henry Stauffer, Erbsville, 67; Simon Beatty, Elmira, 67; Jakob Ratz, New Hamburg, 67; Israel Baumann, Berlin, 65; George Elbert, Moorefield, 63; George H. Baumann, Elmira, 63; John Devitt, Waterloo, 62; Richard Quickfall, Bridgeport, 62; Isaak Hoffmann, Waterloo, 61; Robert Barkwell, Peel, 60; Diana McMahon, nee Dekay, Berlin, 60; Thomas Quickfall, Floradale, 60; Benjamin Devitt, Waterloo, 60; Isaak Devitt, Floradale, 58; John Longmann, Peel, 57. In addition, to these, the teacher read the names of 25 pupils from the roll; they were, however, absent. Mr. Burkholder gave an interesting talk about the history of the old school-house, and after him, Rev. J.A. MacLachlan, Rev. J. McNair, Mr. J.E. Baumann, M.P., and Mr. Jakob Ratz spoke about the old days which brought many things out of the past to mind again. School was, as a rule, only in session in winter and the costs were borne by the parents of the children. There were few subjects taught, namely: Reading, Writing and Sums. The children heard little about language, and geography; no child had more than 2 or 3 books. The predominant language was German. The pupils learned to read and write English, but didn't understand a word of it. Among the teachers in the old school-house from 1820-1842, with the exception of Mr. Burkholder, were the following whose names are still recognized: Jephtha DeKay, Joseph Guth, John Herringer, Peter Otto, John Dobbin, Elias Eby, Robert Barber, & Joseph Eby. After those present, on hearing the various speeches felt themselves transported back to the past, the school was closed at four o'clock and the pupils were gathered together in front of the school and photographed as a group. On their return into the school, they found it had been transformed into a dining room with heavily-laden tables, which the old-timers thoroughly enjoyed. After everyone had chatted cordially for a while longer, the gathering broke up. The company will not meet again in complete numbers, nor in such a way. Berliner Journal September 26, 1895 Page 4 Column 4 _______________________ Passing of a Pioneer Mr. Richard Quickfall Died This Afternoon at the Age of 77 Years A host of people, throughout the district will be deeply grieved to learn of the death this afternoon of Richard M. Quickfall, one of the most widely known and hihly respected residents of this district, in his 78th year. The deceased came to Canada with his parents from near Syracuse, N.Y., over seventy years ago. The family located on a farm near Bridgeport, then known as the Ziegler farm. Some years later the family moved to the Moxley farm, whence the deceased grew up, succeeding to the property on the death of his father. In 1889 Mr. Quickfall moved to a farm near Lexington, residing there until about six years ago, when he retired from active life and took up his residence in Bridgeport. Mrs. Quickfall passed away in April of this year and since that time the deceased had resided with his son Mr. Albert Quickfall, David Street. He had been ill for about six weeks, death being due to his advanced age. In the death of Richard Quickfall, Waterloo County loses one of its few remaining pioneers. He was known and beloved throughout the district, and to be numbered among his friends was accounted a high honor. Progressive in his ideas he prospered financially, but the spirit of charity was strong within hom and many have received from him a heloing hand. His kindly and cheerful character endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and his passing will bring sorrow to many homes. He could tell of Berlin when it was but a mere village and his intimate friends were frequently entertained by interesting reminiscences of the early days in this country. In politics the deceased was a Reformed. He was an adherent of the Methodist church. The survivors are three sons, Messrs. Albert, David Street, Berlin; Allen E., on the farm; and Charles of Berlin. Two sisters, Mrs. Bowers of Minnesota, and Mrs. Devitt, of Burlington, who survive. The funeral arrangements have not yet been completed. Berlin News Record, November 15, 1910

  
  

• 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..., 729. [S3002] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 012124-88. Allan Quickfall, 23, occ. Yeoman, b. Canada, res. Waterloo Twp, son of Richard and Leah Married Sarah Brubacher, 21, b. Canada, res. Berlin, daughter of Samuel and Lydia, Witn: Simeon Brubacher Of Berlin and Lucinda Snyder Of Natchez (?), 4 December 1888 In Berlin. [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..., 156. [S132] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1901, Waterloo C-3 Page 10. [S47] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - First Mennonite CC#4507 Internet link First Mennonite Cemetery online. Richard M. Quickfall / born March 15, 1833 / died Nov.15, 1910 / aged 77 years 8 mos. / Leah Groff / beloved wife of / R.M. Quickfall / born Aug.17, 1839 / died April 18, 1910 / aged 70 years 8 mo. / those who knew her best loved her most / Quickfall [S131] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1851, Div3 pg 137. [S224] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1881, Div 2 Page 12. [S1887] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1861 (North Division), Div 6 Page 31. [S168] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1871, Div. 3, Pg. 31. [S5] Vit - - ON, Waterloo - 1858-1869 Marriage Register. Richard M. Quickfall, 29, res. Waterloo, b. New York State, son of Thomas and Hannah, married 27 May 1862 Leah Groff, 22, res. Waterloo, b. CW, daughter of Andrew and Anne [S2042] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1891, Section 3 Page 20. [S3231] Find A Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102493094. [S47] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - First Mennonite CC#4507 Internet link First Mennonite Cemetery online. [S27] International Genealogical Index - Extracted Church Records, Church of England. Parish Church of Burton-upon-Stather (Lincolnshire) Film 1542184.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 16 Mar 1833 - , New York State, USA Immigration - 1837 - , Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Wesley Methodist - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1862 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Married - 27 May 1862 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1871 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Free Church - 1871 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1881 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Methodist - 1881 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1891 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Methodist - 1891 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Farmer - 1901 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - 15 Nov 1910 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth