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Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario. |
Hiram Kinsman
Abt 1810 - Yes, date unknown
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Name Hiram Kinsman Born Abt 1810 Of, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada 
Gender Male Business Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Preston Woollen Mill Preston Woolen Factory
image from Collections CanadaEby ID Number Waterloo-81196 Died Yes, date unknown Person ID I81196 Generations Last Modified 7 Nov 2024
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Notes - The name of the person who was the real founder of the largest and to the inhabitants of Preston the most important establishment has so far been mentioned only incidentally, but since he well deserves special mention, a brief review of his achievements will no doubt prove interesting. The name of this party is Mr. Robert Hunt, a quiet, unassuming man, benevolent in disposition, closely attending to his business and possessed of superior tact and business qualities. It was about the year 1845 that Mr. Hunt came to Preston. The water privilege now known as that of the Preston Woolen Mills was acquired by purchase in 1832 by one Charles Wiffler, a German blacksmith, who conceived the idea of starting a wool carding shop, but being unable to carry out that idea, he sold the premises, in 1842, to one Hiram Kinsman, who built a frame two story building in which he carried on wool carding for the farmers in the vicinity. Woolen mills, as we know them, were unknown here in those early days. The farmer brought his wool to the carding mill, had it carded, the carder deducting a usual percentage of the wool for his work, and the farmer took home his carded wool. His wife and daughters spun it into yarn and then this yarn was woven into homespun by the weaver who wove by hand loom, the cotton warp being bought in the stores. Mr. Robert Hunt, upon seeing the water power and premises, at once discovered a mine of wealth latent there which only required energy, tact and means to develop. He purchased the premises from Mr. Kinsman in 1845, and set to work with that earnestness, perseverance and forethought which were his peculiar characteristics. The old frame building proved too small, a stone factory was erected and to this were gradually additions and numerous outer buildings. Mr. Hunt's wealth increased with the increase of his premises. A most disastrous fire consumed the whole interior of the main building, but phoenix-like there soon arose from its ashes a large building, filled with the most improved machinery. In 1855 'Mr. Andrew Elliott of Galt became a partner of 'Mr. Hunt and the premises and business were considerably enlarged.
Fifth Annual Report Of The Waterloo Historical Society, 1917
- The name of the person who was the real founder of the largest and to the inhabitants of Preston the most important establishment has so far been mentioned only incidentally, but since he well deserves special mention, a brief review of his achievements will no doubt prove interesting. The name of this party is Mr. Robert Hunt, a quiet, unassuming man, benevolent in disposition, closely attending to his business and possessed of superior tact and business qualities. It was about the year 1845 that Mr. Hunt came to Preston. The water privilege now known as that of the Preston Woolen Mills was acquired by purchase in 1832 by one Charles Wiffler, a German blacksmith, who conceived the idea of starting a wool carding shop, but being unable to carry out that idea, he sold the premises, in 1842, to one Hiram Kinsman, who built a frame two story building in which he carried on wool carding for the farmers in the vicinity. Woolen mills, as we know them, were unknown here in those early days. The farmer brought his wool to the carding mill, had it carded, the carder deducting a usual percentage of the wool for his work, and the farmer took home his carded wool. His wife and daughters spun it into yarn and then this yarn was woven into homespun by the weaver who wove by hand loom, the cotton warp being bought in the stores. Mr. Robert Hunt, upon seeing the water power and premises, at once discovered a mine of wealth latent there which only required energy, tact and means to develop. He purchased the premises from Mr. Kinsman in 1845, and set to work with that earnestness, perseverance and forethought which were his peculiar characteristics. The old frame building proved too small, a stone factory was erected and to this were gradually additions and numerous outer buildings. Mr. Hunt's wealth increased with the increase of his premises. A most disastrous fire consumed the whole interior of the main building, but phoenix-like there soon arose from its ashes a large building, filled with the most improved machinery. In 1855 'Mr. Andrew Elliott of Galt became a partner of 'Mr. Hunt and the premises and business were considerably enlarged.
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Event Map 
Born - Abt 1810 - Of, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada 
Business - Preston Woollen Mill - - Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada = Link to Google Earth
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