Johann Friedrich "Frederick" Knell

1841 - 1915  (74 years)

• Name	Johann Friedrich "Frederick" Knell
  Born	11 Feb 1841	Glarus, Glarus, , , Switzerland   [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
  Gender	Male
  Immigration	1871	, Ontario, Canada   [1]
  Immigration	1871	, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  Naturalization	1877  [1]
  Occupation	1877	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [8]
  	currier
  Naturalization	1878  [3]
  Occupation	1881	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [2]
  	Tanner
  Residence	1881	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [2]
  	Lutheran
  Elected Office	1888	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	councillor - Kitchener
  	Years Served: 1888-90, 1895
  FindAGrave	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/174731818
  Interesting	politics, story, pioneer
  Name	Frederick Knell
  Name	John Frederick Knell
  Occupation	1891	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [7]
  	Stocking Maker
  Residence	1891	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  	Lutheran
  Retired	1901	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [1]
  Occupation	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	Income
  Residence	127 Weber St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  Residence	132 Breithaupt St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
  Residence	1911	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [3]
  	Lutheran
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-98057P
  Died	19 Feb 1915	Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5, 6, 9]
  Buried	Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada   [5]
  Person ID	I98057	Generations
  Last Modified	25 Apr 2024

  
  

  Father	Johann Casper Knell,   b. Abt 1800, of, Glarus, , , Switzerland ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Mother	Anna Maria Schuler,   b. Abt 1800, of, Glarus, , , Switzerland ,   d. Yes, date unknown
  Family ID	F41178	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Anna Catharine Wilhelmina "Mina" Seip,   b. 28 Jul 1847, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 18 Jun 1930, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 82 years)
  Married	Mar 1872  [7]
  Children	1. Anna Maria Henritte Knell,   b. 17 Jan 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 18 Jun 1932  (Age 59 years)   2. Louis Frederick "Frederick" Knell,   b. 15 Apr 1875, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 12 Aug 1943, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 68 years)   3. Charles Hugo "Hugo" Knell,   b. 28 Mar 1877, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 7 Nov 1899, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 22 years)   4. Wilhelmina "Minnie" Knell,   b. 19 Apr 1879, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 31 Jan 1933, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 53 years)   5. George William "Bill" Knell,   b. 27 Sep 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada ,   d. 5 Apr 1969, RR2, Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 87 years)
  Last Modified	26 Apr 2024
  Family ID	F25246	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  Progressive Citizen has Passed Away "Mr. Frederick Knell, Sr., is Dead" These sad words were whispered on the streets this morning greatly to the regret of our citizens among whom he had formed many friendships and was held in deep respect. Mr Knell was generally known as a successful business man, a progressive Berlin citizen and a true friend. He had done a good deal to build up Berlin. The demise of Mr. Knell took place at 12.30 o'clock this morning after a illness of eight days. The cause of death was gangrene of the foot, which later was followed by peritonitis, causing him much suffering. The progress of his affliction was so rapid that on Monday scant hopes were entertained for his recovery by his family. The deceased was born in Glarus, Switzerland, seventy-four years ago, the date of his birth being February 11th, 1841. He migrated to Canada and settled in Berlin, when a young man and entered the employ of the Breithaupt Leather Company, where he was employed for many years. Later he launched into business for himself, starting a hosiery knitting factory on the site on which his residence, at the corner of Weber and Breithaupt street, stands. Later the factory was removed to the next buillding on Weber street. Through thrift integrity and determination, Mr. Knell in his business career was successful in his undertaking and gathered a competence. Success also came to him in his investment in city property of which he had considerabel holdings. In1893 he withdrew from business and had lived retired ever since then. Mr. Knell was married to Miss Minnie Seip of Berlin, a sister of Mrs. Catherine Kranz, who recently passed away. His wife and four children are left to mourn his loss. The children are Mr. William Knell and Mr. Fred Knell, of Wm. Knell and Company, Hardware merchants; Mrs. John Fraser, of Berlin; Miss Annie Knell at home. Mr. Henry Knell and Mr. Carl Kranz are nephews. The later Henry Knell, Sr. was a brother. Mr. Knell served the City as Councilor, which office he successfully filled for a number of years. In politics he was a staunch Conservative and exercised a wide influence in the northern section of the City. He was a life-long member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and was beloved as a warm friend and respected as a citizen. Always physically strong and never ill previous to the last fatal occasion Mr Knell showed an activity in public affairs which brought results and won the commendation of those who knew his best. The citizens of Berlin feel the loss of a model citizen and will sympathize with the members of the bereaved family to whom The Record extends its sympathy. The funeral will be held at two-thirty o'clock on Sunday afternoon at the late residence thence to Mount Hope cemetery. CELEBRATED HIS SEVENTY-FOURTH BIRTHDAY Several days ago, Mr. Frederick J. Knell, of 132 Breithaupt street, in the presence of his children and grand children, celebrated his 74th birthday. There was no special home-coming other than the ones mentioned. Mr. Knell is one of the best-known and highly esteemed citizens of Berlin. He came to this city in 1871 from his birthplace in Glarus, Switzerland, and has lived in Berlin ever since. For the past few weeks his health has not been good. He had never previously suffered an illness in his long life time. Mr. Knell wa obliged to take to his bed , on his birthday. The Record sincerely trusts he may speedily recover from it and his familiar figure again be seen on the streets of the city he loves. Kitchener News Record 18 Feb 1915 __________________________________ Many Citizens Pay Last Respects Funeral of Mr. Frederick Knell St., on Sunday Afternoon Largely Attended Many citizens including business and professional men, artisans, members of the City Council, Board of Trade and other public bodies attended the funeral of Mr. Frederick Knell, sr., at his late residence, corner of Breithaupt and Weber Streets, at 2.30 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. The last rites performed at the residence and at the cemetery while many friends and fellow residents were assembled to pay their last respects to the worth of one of Berlin's foremost men were impressive. Rev. Dr. Sperling, pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church officiated. The pallbearers were members of the family and relatives, namely, Messrs. Frederick Knell, jr., Mr. William Knell, Mr. John Fraser, Mr. Henry Knell, Mr. Carl Kranz, all of Berin, and Mr. Conrad Knell of Rochester. The floral tributes were many and beautiful. They included, spray, red roses, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Merner; wreath, violets and lilies, Miss Knell; Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Doerr anchor, pink carnations and white roses; wreath, Canadian Society of Sanitary and Heating Engineers, (Berlin Branch); broken wheel, employees of Messrs. William Knell and Company; spray, red carnations, Miss. Norah Merner; daffodils, Mr. and Mrs. Ammon Merner; spray pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Hall; spray red and white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kranz; spray pink roses Misses Louisa, Erna and Charles Kuhn of Buffalo; Daffodils Mr. and Mrs. George Rumpel; wreath, lilies and orchids, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Tanner of Guelph; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Doerr, spray, carnations and roses; Mrs. Frederick Snyder and family, spray violets and lilies; Dorcas Society, spray red roses; Mr. August Frost spray white carnations; white anchor Breithaupt Leather Co., Mr. and Mrs. J. Cochrane, spray , pink tulips. THE LATE FREDERICK KNELL Berlin sustains a distinct loss in the death of Frederick Knell. He represented the type of citizen to whom it owes its present industrial and community position among Canadian cities. He belonged to its aristocracy of industry. When he arrived in Canada, more than half a century ago; his wealth consisted of a sound mind in a sound body. He was willing to work--knew how to save--wished to advance--and succeeded in gaing a competence in a young and struggling centre. From his German ancestry, he had inherited a love of home and a pride in the community in which he had cast his lot. He first worked for others and proved himself to be a capable and dependable workman. A commendable ambition led him later to establish a hosiery knitting industry of his own, in which he brought into play both intelligence and a store of industry. After years of effort, and when he had amassed sufficient for his needs, he retired. During his active business career he took a deep interest in Berlin's public affairs and because of his good judgement, was elected year after year to a seat in the council. Like others of the early town fathers, he served the town well and while economy was a passion, the progress of Berlin was equally so. The factory policy then inaugurated, found in him a ready supporter. Practical to a degree, he would oppose the frittering away of a single dollar while he would support the expenditure of thousnads if it appealed to his good sense and promised to advance the business welfare of the town. It is to him and others like him that the city owes its present standing. Mr. Knell was a good citizen. He loved his family and his city, was kind, gentle and sociable. With it all, he was robust and outspoken--a man's mind. His hospitality was proverbial. He liked to meet his friends and discuss public matters or crack a joke. Consequently his influence was wide in the section of the city he lived. The constructive principles of the Conservative party early appealed to him and he was known and admired for his consistent advocacy of them. One by one our pioneer town builders are departing. They have builded well. It is impossible to replace them but their good works will live after them and their decendants will take up the burden they have laid down and be inspired by their example to carry the work forward. Berlin citizens will mourn the demise of Mr Knell and gratefully remember his accomplishments as a town-father, as a lieutenant of industry and his many good qualities as friend and neighbor Kitchener News Record 22 Feb 1915 pg 1 ________________ QUEEN STREET SOUTH, EAST SIDE. On the corner of King Street Rehscher's vaulted cellar already spoken of. An open space. A two-story rough-cast building with two-story veranda along the Queen Street front built by Martin Anthes (father of John S. Anthes) in 1835 when it was considered one of the best houses in the village. Henry Stroh purchased this house from Mr. Anthes about 1837. Jacob Stroh was born in this house. Behind it there was a garden of about an acre of land. There were 31 pine stumps on the property when Mr. Stroh took possession and these stumps had to be laboriously removed as stump- pulling machines, which came later, were not then available. The well on the lot was only nine feet deep. Henry Stroh carried on a shoe shop in his house until he entered into partnership with Carl Kranz, on King Street. In 1857, after he had dissolved partnership with Kranz, Henry Stroh built a one and one-half story frame building next to his house and used it as a shoe store. Mr. Stroh continued in this shoe business until 1863 when he went into partnership with Mr. Reinhold Lang, the tanner. The Queen Street shoe shop was changed to a dwelling. Later Mr. Vanderhart, a tailor, had his shop in this building and after him Carl Englehart had it as photographer. Henry Stroh sold his house to George King. Later Charles Ahrens owned it and had it moved to the corner of Shanley and Braun Streets about 1880. A one and one-half story frame building erected about 1837 by Jacob Kraemer, later on Frederick Street, as spoken of. Later an addition was added to the front and the building used as the local post office, with William Davidson in charge. Later George Seip purchased the building and used it as a saloon, with a bowling alley in the rear, the first bowling alley in Berlin. William Jaffray lived in the house for a time and later William Knell [should be Frederick], son-in-law of Mr. Seip. A one and one-half story frame building, originally a cooper shop, later the dwelling of Mr. Seip, after he sold the other building. In 1860 he built a brewery, known as Seip's brewery. Under the whole building he had a vaulted cellar built of field stone. Power for the brewery was supplied by a horse-power contained in an attached shed, shelter for the horses. Seip had a high reputation for good beer. He at first made his own malt, but later purchased it. After George Seip's death his son Louis continued the business until about 1880. The building was finally torn down to make room for the present auditorium. The cooper shop, a small one story building, with brick chimney such as coopers used to heat staves for their barrel making, operated by Henry Brickner who later had his shop at the corner of Young and King Streets. Later Adam Stein had the Queen Street cooper shop. The Berlin coopers were experts in the making of what was called tight-wear,that is water-tight barrels, in large tuns which they made for the brewers. A very early building, occupied by John Peters, a cabinet maker in Hoffman's factory, about 1860. The building had an outside stairway at the back. Peters was a bird lover and expert in trapping native song birds, mocking birds, cat birds, finches, etc., which he hung under his veranda roof in public display. On the corner of Church Street a frame house occupied by Mr. Knechtel, a weaver, about 1842-1850. Knechtel moved to a farm in Mannheim where later he was injured in the spine by a falling tree to such an extent that he was bedfast for fourteen or fifteen years. He lived to about 1871. Conrad Doering occupied the Queen Street house for a time. He also was a weaver and made coverlets, etc. The house was torn down to make room for the present one of brick built by Dr. Clemens and later occupied by the late Dr. Walters. Church Street. On the south side St. Paul's Lutheran Church. A one and one-half story unpainted frame building with gable towards the street, the dwelling, about 1860, of John Fleischauer, a laborer, a native of Hessen, Germany. A one and one-half story house occupied by E. Kern, cabinet maker, about 1860 and later by John Ansted. A vacant lot. George Street. Joseph Schneider originally owned all the land between George Street and Mill Street, mostly woods at that time, and extending to Benton and Eby Streets. REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder. Part I. Settlement - Early Villagers and Buildings, Waterloo Historical Society Annual Volume 1930 ____________ MR. F. KNELL PASSES AWAY The death took place on Friday of one of Berlin's old and highly respected citizens, Mr. Frederick Knell at his home, corner Breithaupt and Weber streets. The deceased had been suffering for about a week. He was in his 75th year and was a native of Germany. The late Mr. Khell was one of Berlin's pioneer manufacturers. For many years he conducted a successful hose manufacturing industry in this city, and after disposing of the plant some years ago, he retired. He was a strong Conservative and a member of St. Peter's Lutheran church. The deceased always took a keen interest in the municipal affairs of the city, and served as a member of the Town Council in 1888, 1889, 1890 and 1895. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters, Messrs. Frederick and William, Mrs. John Fraser and Miss Annie, all of this city. The funeral will take place from the family residence, Breithaupt and Weber streets, on Sunday at 2.30 o'clock p.m., to Mount Hope Cemetery. The Chronicle Telegraph, 25 Feb 1915, p. 3

  
  

• Sources

  [S137] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1901, Berlin (Town/Ville) A-3 Page 1. [S158] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1881, Div 1 Page 36. [S340] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1911, Div.. 21 Page 13. [S7] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berliner Journal (1859-1917), Obituary of Henry Knell - February 19, 1903. [S166] Cemetery - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Mount Hope CC#4508 Internet Link . John Frederick/ Knell/ born Feb 11 1841/ in Glarus Switzerland/ died Feb 19 1915/ aged 74 years 8 dys/ Anna Catharina/ Wilhelmina Seip/ wife of/ Frederick Knell/ born July 28 1847/ died June 18 1930/ aged 82 yrs 10 mo 21 ds/ at rest/ Knell [S375] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Berlin News Record (title Berlin Daily Record, Berlin News Record) (1893- 1919), Obituary of John Frederick Knell - 18 Feb 1915. [S1592] Census - ON, Waterloo, Berlin - 1891, Section 4 Page 9. [S655] z Vit - ON - Birth Registration, birth certificate 30408 (1877), Hugo Knell. Hugo b. 28 Mar 1877 Berlin s/o Frederick Knell (currier) & Mina Seip, [S2264] Census - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - 1921, Sub Dist 22 Page 5.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 11 Feb 1841 - Glarus, Glarus, , , Switzerland Immigration - 1871 - , Ontario, Canada Immigration - 1871 - , Ontario, Canada Occupation - currier - 1877 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Tanner - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Lutheran - 1881 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Elected Office - councillor - Kitchener - 1888 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Stocking Maker - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Lutheran - 1891 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Retired - 1901 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Occupation - Income - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - - 127 Weber St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - - 132 Breithaupt St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Residence - Lutheran - 1911 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Died - 19 Feb 1915 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Buried - - Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  = Link to Google Earth