John Wesley

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-326125
• Business: 1890, 546 King St. W., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Berlin & Organ Company - director
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manager
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Anglican

Notes:

The Berlin Piano and Organ Company existed from 1890 to 1904. The company was formed in 1890 by a group of Berlin businessmen, in Berlin, Ontario, Canada. In September of 1916, Berlin was renamed to Kitchener.

For many years, John Wesley - former secretary/treasurers of the Dominion Organ Co. managed the company. In 1895, the president was H.L. Janzen, secretary was F.G. Gardiner, and treasurer was J. Kaufman.

From the Music Trade Review (1896) ohn Wesley, who is well known to the American trade, supervises the business of the Berlin Piano Co. The factory which this company occupy is large, well lighted and well appointed, constructed of brick, lying adjacent to the railroad, which gives them the possession of unsurpassed railroad facilities both as to receiving and shipping their wares. Berlin, as its name indicates, is largely settled by the Germans. They all seem to take a warm interest in the products of the Berlin piano factory. They use the Wessell, Nickel & Gross action, and are very enthusiastic from the results attained with the mechanism which bears the imprint of this celebrated firm.

The organ side of the business was fairly steady through the years, with most of the surviving instruments found today were made between an 11 year period from 1891 to 1902. There were a number of styles of Berlin organs, but the style would often just be a slight modification to the case. I have noticed that after 1900, the wood and finish quality of case construction greatly diminished, from solid walnut and bird's eye maple, to low quality thin veneers and a stain that appears to be like a semi-translucent paint to cover the blemishes.

On August 22, 1904, Bailiff Huber seized the remaining stock of the company and the $7000 chattel mortgage was foreclosed. There was also a $21000 mortgage on the building and plant. The Berlin Piano & Organ Company was no more, and the building was marketed for sale.

A short while later, in October 1904, W.M. Snyder purchased the assets to Berlin P & OC. Their plan was to have Snyder & Co pianos manufactured in the building and on the market 'shortly'.

By July 1906, the building was still considered the Berlin Piano & Organ Co, even though no Berlin labeled instruments were made here. This was when E.P Hawkins with the American firm Foster-Armstrong purchased the factory.

"The Berlin Organ Restoration - History :: Rodney Jantzi Reed Organs". 2022. Rodneyjantzi.Com. https://www.rodneyjantzi.com/index.php/restoration/berlin-organ-restoration-history.

____________

DEATH OF MR. JOHN WESLEY

Was of the Same Family as Founder of Methodism.

Mr. John Wesley, who died at his home, 47 Borden street, on Friday night as a result of cerebral hemorrhage. was born in Liverpool, England, 72 years ago. Deceased came with his father. the last Methodist minister of the John Wesley family, to Detroit. Entering business after his schooling there, he soon saw the advantages of Canada, and in 1875 he organized the Dominion Organ & Piano Company, of which he was secretary and treasurer. In 1890 he formed the Berlin Organ & Piano Company, and 18 years ago removed to Toronto, having been manager of the Mendelssohn Piano Company ever since. Deceased is survived by his widow and two sons, John A., of Boston, and Frank I., of Gerhard Heintzman, Limited, Toronto. The funeral took Place this afternoon to Prospect cemetery. A short service was held at the house by Canon MacNab, of St. Alban's cathedral, and Rev. Mr. Wallace, of St. Stephen's. The pall bearers were Messrs. Stone, Hoar, Howard, Fullerton, Durke and Ruse.

John — Matilda Ivor. Matilda was born 30 Jan 1842, Adelaide Twp., Middlesex Co., Ontario; died 11 Oct 1926, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Forest Lawn Mausoleum, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-326127
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Anglican

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-326128
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Student
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Anglican