Charles August Ahrens, Jr.^[1]

1856 - 1937  (81 years)

• Name	Charles August Ahrens
  Suffix	Jr.
  Born	28 Aug 1856	Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada   [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
  Christened	1 Jan 1860	Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5]
  Gender	Male
  Residence	1861	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [4]
  	Swedenborgian
  Occupation	1881	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	Harnessmaker
  Residence	1881	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	New Church
  Residence	1882	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1]
  Occupation	1891	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Slipper Maker
  Residence	1891	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Swedenborgian
  Residence	1897	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  		Residence of C. A. Ahrens Jr. 1897 From: Busy Berlin Jubilee Souvenir 1897, published by Berlin News-Record
  Occupation	1901	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [2]
  	Manufacturer
  		Chas. A. Ahrens & Co's Shoe and Slipper Manufactory from Berlin Today 1806-1906
  Occupation	1901	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  	manufacturer
  	Ahrens Chas A : Jun Manufacturer [Historical Address] 78 Queen S [Current Address 2023] 262 Queen St S
  Residence	1901	262 Queen St. S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [10]
  	Ahrens Chas A : Jun Manufacturer [Historical Address] 78 Queen S [Current Address 2023] 262 Queen St S
  Public Service	1906	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	Council of the Baord of Trade
  		From: Berlin Today 1806-1906
  Residence	1906	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	118 Queen St. S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario now 2021 226 Queen St. South.
  		From: Berlin Today 1806-1906
  Historic Building	1910	5 Michael St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	factory - brick - 3 story
  	The brick and beam building with large windows and a working historic elevator was built by Charles Ahrens in 1910 to house the Ahrens Shoe Co. In the 1970s, it became a Greb factory outlet shoe store and from 1979 to 1999, it was the home of the Cline Shirt Co., a shirt manufacturer.
  Occupation	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Manufacturer, Shoes
  		Berlin-Ahrens-CharlesA.Ahrens-SlippersAdvert-1912.JPG
  Residence	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [6]
  	Swedenborgian
  Residence	1918	118 Queen St. S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [11]
  Residence	1937	276 Louisa St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  Died	14 Sep 1937	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8, 9]
  Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region	Bef 2012	, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [12]
  Name	C. A. Ahrens
  Name	Carl August Ahrens
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-38738
  Buried	Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8, 9]
  Person ID	I38738	Generations
  Last Modified	1 Dec 2024

  
  

  Father	Charles Andrew Ahrens,   b. 11 Jul 1827, Hohenwestedt, , Schleswig-Holstein, Germany ,   d. 18 Aug 1903, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 76 years)
  Mother	Charlotte Henrietta Roth,   b. CALC 29 Jun 1831, , Germany ,   d. 27 Mar 1896, Kitchener Daily Record Newspaper, Kitchener, , Ontario, Canada  (Age ~ 64 years)
  Married	16 Apr 1854	Greenbush (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [13, 14]
  Family ID	F14767	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Laura Emma "Emma" Hirschy,   b. 20 Dec 1858, Fredericksburg, Wayne, Ohio, United States ,   d. 1949, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 90 years)
  Married	21 Sep 1882	Wooster, Wayne, Ohio, United States   [1]
  Children	1. Frederick Hirschy Ahrens,   b. 27 Jun 1883, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 3 Mar 1975, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 91 years)   2. Charlotte Mary "Lottie" Ahrens,   b. 12 Jan 1885, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 11 Jul 1969, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 84 years)   3. Florence Louisa Ahrens,   b. 25 Feb 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 1982  (Age 90 years)
  Last Modified	3 Dec 2024
  Family ID	F10133	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos » Slide Show		Carl August Ahrens
  		Carl August Ahrens
  		Charles August Ahrens image from Mark Lasso 2013

  
  

• Notes

  Charles August Ahrens, born in Port Elgin, Ontario, the second oldest of eleven children, served three years apprenticeship at harness making with Henry Roth in Berlin, Ontario. He then went to Iowa and specialized in making fancy harness for harness racing. While in Berlin on his honeymoon in 1882, he was persuaded by his father to join him in shoe manufacturing. A factory, specializing in men's work boots, was built at 43 Queen Street South and later a new factory was erected on Linden Street where "Chums" shoes for children were manufactured and sold nationally. Ahrens was very highly respected in his home community as a businessman and leading citizen. Waterloo Region Hall of Fame ________________ DIED IN HIS HOME Veteran Kitchener Shoe Manufacturer Was in His 82nd Year HELD UNIQUE RECORD Operated Shoe Factory for Longer Period Than Any Canadian A pioneer Kitchener manufacturer, Charles A. Ahrens, passed away last evening at his residence, 276 Louisa street. He was in his 82nd year. Mr. Ahrens, who had been in poor health for some time, spent part of Monday in his office at the factory he founded 55 years ago, the Chas. A. Ahrens Ltd., on Michael street. He suffered a heart attack Tuesday. Unique Distinction The deceased laid claim to a unique record in Canadian manufacturing circles. He operated a shoe factory uninterrupted for a a longer period of time than any other shoe manufacturer in the Dominion. Other companies have operated for longer times, but not under one head. The Ahrens company was founded by Mr. Ahrens shortly after his arrival in Kitchener 55 years ago. He was also active in building circles, constructing two large buildings on Queen street south which are still standing. He also erected many homes in Kitchener and Waterloo. A charter member of the Kitchener Board of Trade, he was also active in his younger day in municipal affairs, serving on the Board of Health and also the K-W Hospital Board. A prominent member member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mr. Ahrens held the office of president and trustee. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Canadian Association of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Born in Port Elgin Born in Port Elgin on Aug. 28, 1856, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Ahrens, he was married on Sept. 20, 1882, to Miss Emma Hirshy in Wooster, Ohio. In addition to his widow, he is survived by one son, Fred Ahrens, who was associated with him in the shoe busines, two daughters, Mrs. Stanley Shupe, city, and Miss Florence, at home. One brother, Herman E. Ahrens, Kitchener, and five sisters, Mrs. J. M. Schneider, Mrs. George Hachborn, Mrs. Harry Halliwell, and Misses Emma and Louise, all of Kitchener, also survive. The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock from the Church of the Good Shepherd, and thence to Woodland Mausoleum for entombment. Rev. J. W. Spiers, Good Shepherd pastor of the Good church, will have charge of the services. The remains will be resting at Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home until the funeral. _________________ Charles A. Ahrens Dies in 82nd Year. Pioneer Kitchener Shoe Manufacturer Active in Business and Public Life for Long Period. Charles A. Ahrens, ploneer shoe manufacturer of Kitchener, died at his home, 276 Louisa St., Tuesday evening in his 82nd year. Founder of the Chas. A. Ahrens Shoe Co., 55 years ago Mr. Ahrens, although in ill health for some time, spent part of Tuesday at his office Later he suffered a heart attack. M. Ahrens had the distinction of operating a shoe business for a longer period than any other shoe manufacturer in Canada. He was active erecting two large buildings on Queen St. South, and many houses in the Twin Cities. In public life he was a charter member of the Board of Trade, served as member on the Board of Health and KW. Hospital Board. A member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, he served as president and trustee. He was born in Port Elgin August 28. 1856, and in Sept. 1882 married Emma Hershy in Woster, Ohio. Surviving are his wife, one son, Fred Alrens, two daughters, Mrs. Stanley Shupe and Miss Florence at home, also one brother, Herman E. Ahrens, Kitchener, and five sisters, Mrs. J. M. Schneider, Mrs. Geo. Hachborn, Mrs. Harry Halliwell and Misses Emma and Louise, all of Kitchener. Friends, relatives and business associates in large numbers are in attendance at the funeral service being held this (Friday) afternoon at the Church of the Good Shepherd, thence to Woodland Mausoleum for entombment. Rev. J W. Spiers officiated. The remains rested at the funeral home of Schreiter-Sandrock until the service. Waterloo Chronicle 17 Sep 1937, p. 1

  
  

• Sources

  [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), 12 Oct 1882. 21 Sep 1882 Charles A. Ahrens Jr., of Berlin, Ont. And Emma Hirschey of Wooster, Ohio were married in Wooster, Ohio by the Rev. David Kammerer. [S137] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) A-11 Page 12. [S158] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1881, Div 1 Page 69. [S123] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1861, Div. 1 Page 5. [S2] Church Records - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Church of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian). Carl August b. 28 Aug 1856, bapt. 1 Jan 1860 c/o Charles A. & Henriette Ahrens [S340] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1911, Div. 25 1911 Pg. 11. [S1592] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1891, Section 3 Page 25. [S87] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Woodland CC#4510 Internet Link . In Loving Memory/ Charles A. Ahrens/ 1855-1937 [S3231] Find A Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183615723. [S3193] Directory - Historical Vernon City Directories Mapped - Kitchener - 1901-1903. Ahrens Chas A : Jun Manufacturer [Historical Address] 78 Queen S [Current Address 2023] 262 Queen St S [S875] Directory - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - 1918 - Cairnes Official Directory of the City of Kitchener. [S220] Waterloo Region Hall of Fame Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. [S6] Church Records - ON, Waterloo - Bindeman, F. W. - Card Index Kitchener Public Library. Carl Andreas Ahrens, shoemaker of Berlin married 16 Apr 1854 at Greenbush by licence to Charlotte Henriette Roth of Berlin, witnesses: Henry Ahrens of Berlin, Henry Kraeling of Berlin. [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, 20 Apr 1854 Pg 16. AHRENS, Carl Andreas married 16 Apr 1854 To Charlotte Henriette ROTH. Both Berlin.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 28 Aug 1856 - Port Elgin, Saugeen Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada Christened - 1 Jan 1860 - Church Of New Jerusalem, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Swedenborgian - 1861 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Harnessmaker - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - New Church - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1882 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Married - 21 Sep 1882 - Wooster, Wayne, Ohio, United States Occupation - Slipper Maker - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Swedenborgian - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1897 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Manufacturer - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - manufacturer - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Public Service - Council of the Baord of Trade - 1906 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1906 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Historic Building - factory - brick - 3 story - 1910 - 5 Michael St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Manufacturer, Shoes - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Swedenborgian - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1918 - 118 Queen St. S., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - 1937 - 276 Louisa St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - 14 Sep 1937 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region - Bef 2012 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth