Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.
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Joseph Spetz[1, 2, 3]

Male 1818 - 1901  (83 years)


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  • Name Joseph Spetz 
    Born 31 Aug 1818  Lower Sulzbach, District of Thann, Upper Alsace, Germany Find all individuals with events at this location  [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13] 
    Gender Male 
    Immigration 1827  , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [11] 
    Residence 1848  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [14] 
    Occupation 1852  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [15] 
    farrier 
    Map 1861  Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location  [16] 
    Occupation 1861  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [12] 
    Farmer 
    Residence 1861  Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [12] 
    Roman Catholic 
    Possessions 1862  Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Elected Office 1871  Kitchener Daily Record Newspaper, Kitchener, , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location 
    councillor - Kitchener Council 
    Name Jacob Spetz  [17] 
    Occupation 1871  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8] 
    Brewer 
    Residence 1871  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [8] 
    RC 
    Residence 1881  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [7] 
    Roman Catholic 
    Occupation 1891  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [13] 
    Gentleman 
    Residence 1891  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [13] 
    Roman Catholic 
    Occupation 1901  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [5] 
    Farmer 
    Eby ID Number Waterloo-47767P 
    Died 20 Sep 1901  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [9, 10, 11] 
    Cause: heart failure, sudden death 
    Buried Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [10] 
    Person ID I47767  Generations
    Last Modified 28 Jan 2025 

    Father Jean Theibault "Theobald" Spetz,   b. CA 1793, , France Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1847, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 54 years) 
    Mother Mary Ann Haenner,   b. 1793, , France Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown 
    Family ID F15385  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Anna Herres,   b. 29 Jul 1823, Rhenish, , Prussia Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Dec 1878, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 55 years) 
    Married 1843  , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [11] 
    Children 
     1. Joseph H. Spetz, Jr.,   b. 9 Aug 1846, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Jul 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 44 years)
     2. Ludwina Spetz,   b. 19 Feb 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     3. Theobold Spetz,   b. 1849, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     4. Rev. Theobald Spetz,   b. 13 May 1850, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1 Dec 1921  (Age 71 years)
     5. Maria Anna "Mary" Spetz,   b. CALC 26 May 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 24 Sep 1876, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 24 years)
     6. Leo Spetz,   b. 18 Feb 1854, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Jul 1874, St. Clements, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 20 years)
     7. Josephena Spetz,   b. 9 Aug 1856, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Apr 1935  (Age 78 years)
     8. Rev. Andrew Spetz,   b. 16 Dec 1858, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     9. Franziska "Frances" Spetz,   b. 15 Aug 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Jul 1895, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 33 years)
     10. Emma Magdelena Spetz,   b. 21 Aug 1864, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 8 Jul 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 40 years)
     11. William Spetz,   b. 5 Mar 1872, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 20 Dec 1908  (Age 36 years)
     12. Anna Spetz,   b. 1873, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     13. Geege Spetz,   b. 1878, , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
    Last Modified 29 Jan 2025 
    Family ID F12331  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • Joseph Spetz

      An active and many-sided life came to an end on Friday morning with the sudden death here of Mr. Joseph Spetz. He was born August 31. 1818 in Lower Sulzbach, District of Thann, Upper Alsace and came to Canada with his parents in 1827. The voyage from Le Havre to New York was made on a two-master. It was extremely stormy and dangerous and lasted 96 days. The journey on the Erie Canal into the country was also lengthy because of the collapse of a dam and when the people arrived in Buffalo. their money reserves were almost entirely exhausted. They joined a caravan of Mennonites who were emigrating from Pennsylvania to Canada. They settled 4 miles west of the present city of Waterloo, in Waterloo Township on the border of Woolwich, in the primeval forest and made a home for themselves. In the course of time, this passed from father to the oldest son, who suffered the same problems, sorrows and deprivations as all the settlers of this area at that time. He could relate a lot of tales of this time and helped by such opportunities the friendly and helpful communication which he had with his Mennonite neighbours.

      In the year 1864, he sold the farm and moved to Berlin, where, for a time, he operated the brewery and contributed greatly to the growth and beautification of the town through construction of streets and building of business blocks and residences. As a result of his eager and honest ways, he gained the general respect of the citizens and to the end of his life, was held in highest esteem. He was one of the greatest supporters of the Catholic community, as he worked constantly in every way for church, school and cemetery.

      In the year 1843, he married Anna Herres, with whom he had 9 children, from which two sons and 3 daughters are still living. He lost his life's companion 23 years ago.

      Some years ago, the infirmities of age became apparent in him and last spring, he had an attack from which, however, he recovered so well that he could go out and attend the church service each day. On Friday morning, he arose at 6 o'clock. dressed and went into the living room, where his daughter, following him, found him lying on the sofa, in a dying state. Many mourners from far and wide attended the burial service on Monday and accompanied him to his last resting place in the cemetery. A solemn requiem was held, whereby his son, Very Rev. P. Theobald was the celebrant; his son Very Rev. P. Andreas, Deacon of Chicago, his grandson, Very Rev. Carl Kiefer. sub-deacon of Berlin and Very Rev. Wm. Klöpfer, master of ceremonies; the latter spoke about his model life and works in a sensitive way. May he rest in peace and his memory be honoured.

      (Followed by three short poetic quotes and Latin phrase, "Memento mori", repeated after each of the three quotes.)

      Berliner Journal Sept. 26, 1901 Page 4 - Column 3 - Translated by: Patricia J. Kauk for the Kitchener Public Library

  • Sources 
    1. [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration.
      Emma Spatz Born: Canada Age: 22 Father: Joseph Spatz Mother: Anna Harris Spatz Born: abt 1865 Spouse: Joseph Fehrenbach Age: 26 born: Canada Father: Mathias Fehrenbach Mother: Mary Halter Fehrenbach married 18 Aug 1887

    2. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), 23 Jul 1874.
      Died 18 Jul 1874 In St. Clements, Leo, son of Joseph Spetz in Berlin, died at the age of 20 years, 6 months.

    3. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), 19 Dec 1878.
      Died 6 Dec 1878 Anna Spetz, nee Herres, wife of Joseph Spetz, died in Berlin at age of 55 years, 5 months and 12 days

    4. [S131] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1851, Div 3 pg 143.
      Joseph SPETZFarrierFranceRC33
      Anna SPETZWifePrussiaRC27
      Joseph SPETZSonCanadaRC6
      Lydwina SPETZDaughterCanadaRC0
      Theobold SPETZSonCanadaRC0

    5. [S137] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) A-5 Page 3.

    6. [S116] Vit - ON - Death Registration.
      Joseph Spetz Death Date: 20 Sep 1901 Death Location: Waterloo Born: abt 1818 Birth Location: Alsace, Germany, heart failure

    7. [S158] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1881, Div 1 Page 53.

    8. [S229] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1871, Div. 1, Pg. 35.

    9. [S116] Vit - ON - Death Registration.
      Joseph Spetz d. 20 Sep 1901 Berlin aged 83y, 20 d, retired gentleman, b. Alsace, Germ. cause: heart failure, sudden death

    10. [S370] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Mount Hope Roman Catholic CC#4517 Internet Link .
      In memory of/ Leo Spetz/ died July 18, 1874/ aged 20 yrs & 5 mo./ Anna Herres/ wife of/ Joseph Spetz/ died Dec. 6, 1878; aged 55 yrs. 4 mo. 7 ds./ Joseph Spetz/ born Aug. 31, 1818/ died Sep. 20, 1901/ Joseph Spetz

    11. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), Obituary of Joseph Spetz - Sept. 26, 1901.

    12. [S1943] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo North - 1861, Waterloo Township 1861 Div. 13 Page 91.

    13. [S1592] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1891, Sec. 5 Page 52.

    14. [S419] Church Records - ON, Waterloo, Wilmot Twp - Roman Catholic minsters Lucas Caveng and Ruber Ebner.
      Jos. Spetz & Mary Ann b. Heres. Res: Waterloo Born: 19 Feb 1848 Name of Child Lidirina

    15. [S131] Census - ON, Waterloo, Waterloo Twp. - 1851, Div 3 pg 143.

    16. [S498] Map - Tremaine's 1861 Map of Waterloo County.

    17. [S4] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration.
      Mathias Kiefer Born: Russia Age: 33 Father: Frederick Kiefer Mother: Elizabeth Kiefer Born: abt 1839 Spouse: Ludwina Spetz Age: 24 born: Canada Father: Jacob Spetz Mother: Anna Spetz married 3 Sep 1872

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsImmigration - 1827 - , Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarried - 1843 - , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1848 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - farrier - 1852 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMap - 1861 - Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Farmer - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Roman Catholic - 1861 - Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsPossessions - 1862 - Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsElected Office - councillor - Kitchener Council - 1871 - Kitchener Daily Record Newspaper, Kitchener, , Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Brewer - 1871 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - RC - 1871 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Roman Catholic - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Gentleman - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Roman Catholic - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Farmer - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - Cause: heart failure, sudden death - 20 Sep 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - - Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 


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