Jean Theibault "Theobald" Spetz

Other Events:

• Interesting: story, pioneer
• Military: soldier under Napoleon
• Name: Theobold Spetz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-59245
• Possessions: 1840, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario

Notes:

The Theobald Spetz Site Historical Overview

Waterloo County (now the Regional Municipality of Waterloo) was settled in the early 1800's by people of German descent who came to Canada mainly from the United States of America in their famous Conestoga wagons (Figure 12). The first Euro-Canadian settlers were Mennonites who arrived in 1801. A company of Pennsylvanian Germans was formed in 1806 who bought a tract of forty-five thousand acres at five shillings per acre. Population records indicate a rapid growth rate during the first half of the nineteenth century: 1,640 (1825); 4,424 (1841); and 7,759 (1850). In fact, Waterloo Township was second in 1850 only to York as the most thickly settled township in the Province (Smith 1852: 120).

These pioneers brought with them their tradition of mixed field crop and livestock agriculture. Crops normally occupied 70% of the farmland although Lee (1943) describes one sample area that had up to 75% in crop. According to 1849/1850 tax assessment rolls, Waterloo Township had twenty-eight saw mills, twenty-seven schools and eleven grist mills plus over thirty-two thousand acres under cultivation. Wheat (135,000 bushels), oats (105,000 bushels), potatoes (80,000 bushels), turnips (44,000 bushels), peas (26,000 bushels), rye (25,000 bushels) Indian corn (7,000 bushels) barley (5,000 bushels) and buck-wheat (3,500 bushels) were the principal crops in addition to butter (61,000 lbs.), wool (26,000 lbs.) and maple sugar (22,000 lbs.). Animal husbandry included sheep (10,411), cattle (7,766), hogs (6,630), horses (2,137) and oxen (820).

The nineteenth century forests in Waterloo County consisted of splendid pines and hardwoods such as sugar maple, beech, wild cherry and red oak. W.H. Smith (1852: 120) offers a stinging 1852 editorial comment still relevant today on forest conditions by reporting that

... the person clearing land to make a farm, be he an old settler, or a new arrival, commits indiscriminate slaughter among the trees, and makes a clean sweep - destroying everything, and leaving his dwellings unshaded and unsheltered for the next generation. Much of this absurdity, as far as the new settlers are concerned, must be attributed to the advise and assertations of the 'old inhabitants,' who are in the habit of telling them, 'Ohl its of no use trying to save trees, you can't do it, the wind will blow them all down.'

The first Euro-Canadian occupant was Theobald Spetz [who actually settled on the land rather than land speculators], a German immigrant from the Upper Alsace region of France, who arrived in Waterloo Township by way of Pennsylvania with his wife Maria and their four sons around 1828. After having leased the land for some time and building a log cabin, he purchased it in 1840.

Possibly because of his advanced age and poor health, Spetz sold most of the property in 1843 except for a five acre parcel which Maria inherited upon her husband's death in 1847. Joseph Spetz, the eldest son, purchased part of the surrounding land back in 1851 and lived in a new house just across the road from his mother until the late 1850's. Rechecking the Canada Census returns has determined their religion to be Roman Catholic and not Mennonite as was originally thought. In fact, they were probably the first Catholic settlers in Waterloo Township. Annual tax assessment rolls indicate that there were no structures on the property prior to the arrival of the Spetz family. While probate records state that a one and a half storey frame house and other outbuildings were erected, George Tremaine's 1861 map of Waterloo County shows only a single structure in the approximate location of the archaeological site (Figure 13). The 1881 version of the same map (Parsell 1881: 23) does not show any structure at all. It was apparently demolished during the mid-1860's when the homestead was incorporated into the surrounding agricultural field.

Archaeological Fieldwork

The Theobald Spetz site is situated on very gently sloping to level topography with Martin Creek to the north and unnamed tributaries of Fowell, Cedar and Laurel Creeks just to the east, south and southwest respectively. The general area is classified as a drumlinized till plain in the Waterloo Hills physiographic region (Chapman and Putnam 1984: 113 and Map 2225) within a transition zone between the Carolinian and Canadian biotic provinces (Janusas 1987: 2). Figure 14 (adapted from Presant and Wickland 1971:Map 19) illustrates the dominant Heidleberg fine sandy loam soil type on the site.

The surface artifact distribution encompassed approximately 2,000 square metres immediately adjacent to Westmount Road on Lots 94 to 97 of the plan of subdivision. Except for widely scattered isolated findspots, no substantial amount of nineteenth century cultural material was found anywhere else in the ploughed field. This confirmed that the major residential occupation was confined to the area excavated.
Removal of the topsoil exposed four structural features - a large root cellar and three stone-filled pits that could be privies/outhouses (Figures 16 to 20). Two juvenile animal burials were also found. Irregularly-shaped subsoil disturbances throughout the excavated area are related to root burns and tree stump removal during forest clearing operations of the pioneer settlers.

Although a wide range of material was recovered from the cellar, few artifacts, if any, were actually related to cellar use. All of the material was apparently deposited after the house was demolished. The cellar was intermittently filled-in during several sequential episodes with building rubble, midden deposits and fist-sized stones gathered from the adjacent fields.


The Julian Baker and Theobald Spetz Sites: Two Nineteenth Century Pioneer Homesteads in Southwestern Ontario - prepared by Robert G. Mayer

___________________

The Rev. Theobald Spetz, C.R. D.D.

Among the men whose career is worthy of record and remembrance in the Annual Historical Records of Waterloo County, perhaps none more deserves honorable mention than the Catholic Priest, whose name stands at the head of this article, one extra reason being that he encouraged the beginnings of these records and was an intimate friend of Wm. H. Breithaupt of The Waterloo Historical Society which originated and publishes them.

The late Father Spetz was a native of Waterloo County, born at Erbsville, near Waterloo May 13th., 1850, and so loyally attached that he never wished to live elsewhere. He was greatly interested in all local matters, throughout his life.

His grandfather, also named Theobald, was, it appears, the first immigrant from Europe to this section of Canada. He was a native of Rovern, Upper Alsace, had made the calamitous campaign under Napoleon to Moscow, later on married Ann Haehner and settled as farmer and teamster in Lower Sulzbach.

Deciding to go to the new world he and his family drove in their own conveyance across the Vosges mountains and by way of Paris to Havre. Then 96 days was occupied in the slow voyage to New York on a sailing vessel. Then another 16 days up the Hudson and by canal boat to Lockport, with a laborious journey on foot as far as Buffalo.

Here the sturdy pioneer family attached themselves to a body of Mennonites and accompanied them to the upper end of Waterloo Township where Theobald Spetz bought a farm in the wilderness. Later the son Joseph, only nine years old at the time of emigration, took over the farm, and here the late Father Spetz was born.

When the family later moved to this city, the young man attended St. Jerome's College, then newly founded, from 1866 to 1870 as one of its first students.

From 1870 to '72 he studied and taught at St. Mary's College, Kentucky, then taken over by the fathers of St. Jerome's College. After that he went to Rome to study for the priesthood and there joined the congregation of the Resurrection, who had charge of the colleges named. He was ordained priest, Sept. 23rd., 1877 and returned to St. Jerome's College, in 1878, where he remained as professor, disciplinarian and president until 1901. Father Spetz, in addition to his duties at the college, was active for many years in parish work. He assisted the late Dr. Louis Funcken at first in the work of St. Mary's church . From August 1878 to June he had charge of the mission at New Hamburg, where in 1883 the present splendid church building was erected.

In 1890 Rev. T. Spetz undertook the establishment of a Catholic congregation in Waterloo and began the erection of a new church building. It speaks well for the community spirit among the people of Waterloo that Father Spetz was able to secure subscriptions amounting to about $1500 from Waterloo non-Catholics in aid of the new building. The total sum collected for the purpose was $5490 and when on Jan. 6, 1890 the new church was dedicated there remained a debt of only $2500. on the edifice.

In 1911 Father Spetz assumed charge of St. Mary's parish here after the death of the late Rev. W. Kloepfer. For four years he remained in charge until the burden became too heavy, owing to his increasing years. The beautiful decoration of the interior of the church and the installation of an improved lighting system were carried out under him.

Since 1915 he has assisted at parochial work here and in Waterloo. 1916 saw the completion of his church history of Waterloo County, a work to which he devoted many years of close study and research.

In public life Father Spetz took much active interest. As member of the executive of the Children's Aid Society and the Waterloo Historical Society his advice was greatly valued.

Father Spetz was active in church work up to a very short time before his death. About the middle of September, 1921, he had a slight paralytic stroke. As he became gradually weaker he was taken on September 27 to St. Joseph's hospital in Guelph. There a gradual decline set in. Sometime later he became absolutely helpless until death called him away at 3.15 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Dec. 1, 1921.

Some incidents as characteristics that would go on the screen to show the persistent activity of the subject of our sketch, might be added. More than once, on his visits to St. Agatha, he walked to the tombstone of his grandfather in the cemetery and took care that age and atmosphere would not injure it. Joseph Spetz, his father, was a brewer, on Frederick Street, with considerable property at the time of his death. Father Spetz in his young days not only worked on the farm, but also handled the beer kegs in his father's brewery* with skill and dispatch. With his brothers and sisters he formed a musical choir in his home where some of his fellow students on frequent occasions joined around the piano in rendering German folk songs.

In Rome he was leader of the choir and instructed the students of his college in plain chant with great patience and success. Among his pupils was Father Fehrenbach, later his successor at St. Jerome's College .

As superior, as pastor in Kitchener, in Waterloo, even on his visits to outlying missions, he wore such a quiet unassuming manner that he was termed "the silent man" by a priest's housekeeper. He was so absolutely unconscious of self, and absorbed in his thoughts, that he would pass by his relatives and friends on the street without noticing them ; and in winter, quite unknowingly, wearing a summer coat, an out-of-date hat or old shoes, leaving canes and umbrellas or even valuables in strange places, without reclaiming them. When busy with his greatest accomplishment, the establishment and building of St. Louis Church in Waterloo, he was found in shirt sleeves digging, grading, engaging in all kinds of useful work, usually neglected. He was always ready to advocate and promote public enterprise, his advice and counsel in such matters being valuable and frequently asked.

A permanent monument of his untiring energy and active interest in local affairs is a book he wrote and compiled with great patience and perseverance entitled " A History of the Catholic Church in Waterloo County," in which the origin of the various parishes, the advent of pioneer settlers, the growth of the missions, the lives of the clergymen connected with them, descriptions and other data in great number, gathered from many sources, are illustrated and historically recorded with great care and tact. The book was published in 1916, a neat volume, in fine binding, containing in its 126 pages a most interesting account of facts, which would have been forgotten completely, unless written down when laboriously obtained from old settlers whose memories had to be stirred up vigorously and repeatedly.

Father Spetz specialized in history. His favorite class in college was general history. His erudition, particularly in modern history, was extensive, his critical judgment pro- Of which the buildings, converted into dwellings, are still standing, on Spetz St., off Frederick St.-Ed..... found, his views unbiased. Whilst taciturn in company, he could, when roused by questions or stirred up by contrary views, discourse on most any subject, even modern politics, interestingly and widely. Public men in Europe and America, their merits and failings, were disclosed from the stores of his memory, without hesitation and with surprising accuracy. On his countenance, dignified and mild, indignation with an ominous scowl would emerge when unconsidered or faulty assertions were made.

After his first paralytic stroke he seemed to be mentally preoccupied and aware of his approaching life's end, remarking to a friend : "This is the beginning of the end." Thus closed the earthly career and usefulness of a many-sided man, who of humble origin, by unselfish ambition and religious faith attained a few comparatively great objects in his civil and priestly life. J. F

Tenth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1922, Pages 261-264

Jean — Mary Ann Haenner. Mary was born 1793, , France; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jacob Spetz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-47767P
• Immigration: 1827, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1848, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farrier
• Map: 1861, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Possessions: 1862, Waterloo Township - German Company Tract Lot 027, Waterloo County, Ontario
• Elected Office: 1871, Kitchener Daily Record Newspaper, Kitchener, , Ontario, Canada; councillor - Kitchener Council
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Brewer
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer

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

Joseph married Anna Herres 1843, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna was born 29 Jul 1823, Rhenish, , Prussia; died 6 Dec 1878, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31623
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter

Notes:

Theobold is reported to have died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1905

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-45081
• Occupation: 1852, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; labourer for John Huber

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-59247

Other Events:

• Business: Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Brewery
• Honoured: Spetz St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Spetz Street named in honour
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31200
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Business: 1 May 1868; Brewery equipment seisure
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Brewer
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Brewer
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Notes:

Frederick Street, East Side.

On the corner Millar's store and at its rear a warehouse belonging to it, a two story building with gable toward Frederick Street.

A vacant lot, site of the present Market Building, surrounded by a six foot hoard fence, customary in those days to keep out cattle, which had the freedom of the streets. A one and one-half story frame building with porch in front occupied by Mr. Yeck who died of being bled by a layman when he was Dr. Scott's patient. A man Geiger married the widow and lived in the building.

A small frame building occupied by Geo. Schmidt.

A small frame building occupied by Wm. Stein.

A two story frame building with a small portico painted white over the front door, the house occupied by Thomas Pierce, then Principal of the Central School and later by Herman Rathman.

On the corner, now occupied by Dr. Honsberger's residence, a two story brick building for some time the residence of Sheriff Davidson. Before that, 1840-1860, Jacob Kramer occupied the building as a tavern. Kramer was known as Strumpf Weber (stocking weaver) from a former occupation in a shop on Oueen Street S.

Weber Street. On the corner a large brick building erected by Christian Enslin about 1855 with veranda along the entire Frederick Street front and on it a narrow gallery at the second floor. The building is still in use for stores with the veranda removed. At one time it was occupied as a tavern.

A one and one-half story frame building lengthwise with Frederick St. On the easterly corner of what is now Spetz St., a two story brick building, set back somewhat from the street, the house of Peter Rebscher. It had a large sign, "Peter Rebscher Brewer"; in the rear was the brewery, a two story frame building, and a large barn. A later brewer was Jacob Summer and after him, in 1862, Joseph Spetz had the house and brewery until he died.

A vacant lot belonging to John Roth and later to Simon Roy who used it as a nursery for shrubs and rare trees.

The old Central School and grounds, the school now remodelled and greatly enlarged to the present handsome Suddaby School. The Central School building had a belfry on top with at first a small bell and later a larger one. Jacob Stroh rang this bell as long as he attended the Central School, later W. H. Breithaupt had this charge for a time.

A frame building occupied by Yost Kimmel, a carpenter.

REMINISCENCES OF BERLIN (NOW KITCHENER) By JACOB STROH Contributed by Joseph M. Snyder.


Business:
The Spetz family purchased the Rebescher Brewery which was located near the corner of Frederick and Weber Street in Kitchener. Spetz Street was named in their honour where the brewery was located.

On the 1875 is it mislabelled as J. H. S. Pitz's Brewery and should read J. H. Spetz's Brewery

Joseph married Mary Cluthe 10 Jan 1871. Mary (daughter of Jacob Cluthe and Catherine) was born CALC 28 Oct 1851; died 19 Oct 1890, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Lidirina Spetz
• Name: Lidwina Spetz
• Name: Ludwina Kiefer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-101683
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1921, 133 Frederick St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Ludwina married Mathias Kiefer 3 Sep 1872, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mathias (son of Frederick Kiefer and Elizabeth Klein) was born 1 May 1839, , Prussia, Germany; died Bef 1911. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-46119
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Interesting: religion, story, religion
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-179466
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Priest
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Priest
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; priest and professor
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Priest
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Catholic

Notes:

REV. FATHER THEOBALD SPETZ, D.D., C.R., president of St. Jerome's College, Berlin, Ont., was born on the 13th of May, 1850, in the County of Waterloo. His parents were Joseph and Ann (Herres) Spetz. His father was a native of Upper Alsace, and his mother of Rhenish Prussia. Father Spetz was educated in the public and separate schools of Berlin, and in 1866 entered St. Jerome's College as a student, remaining there five years, after which he taught one year in St. Mary's College, Kentucky. In 1872 he went to Rome and joined the "Congregation of the Resurrection." He then entered the Jesuit University of the Roman College, graduating in 1878, and the same year became assistant of St. Mary's Church, Berlin, remaining there until 1890. In January, 1891, he became pastor of St. Louis Church, Waterloo, which he was instrumental in building in 1890, as well as a separate school in the same place, both of which are a credit to his enterprise and ability. Father Spetz has been a professor in St. Jerome's College since 1878, and has been president of that institution for two years. He is a member of the C.M.B.A.

Men of Canada pg 469

____________________

The Rev. Theobald Spetz, C.R. D.D.

Among the men whose career is worthy of record and remembrance in the Annual Historical Records of Waterloo County, perhaps none more deserves honorable mention than the Catholic Priest, whose name stands at the head of this article, one extra reason being that he encouraged the beginnings of these records and was an intimate friend of Wm. H. Breithaupt of The Waterloo Historical Society which originated and publishes them.

The late Father Spetz was a native of Waterloo County, born at Erbsville, near Waterloo May 13th., 1850, and so loyally attached that he never wished to live elsewhere. He was greatly interested in all local matters, throughout his life.

His grandfather, also named Theobald, was, it appears, the first immigrant from Europe to this section of Canada. He was a native of Rovern, Upper Alsace, had made the calamitous campaign under Napoleon to Moscow, later on married Ann Haehner and settled as farmer and teamster in Lower Sulzbach.

Deciding to go to the new world he and his family drove in their own conveyance across the Vosges mountains and by way of Paris to Havre. Then 96 days was occupied in the slow voyage to New York on a sailing vessel. Then another 16 days up the Hudson and by canal boat to Lockport, with a laborious journey on foot as far as Buffalo.

Here the sturdy pioneer family attached themselves to a body of Mennonites and accompanied them to the upper end of Waterloo Township where Theobald Spetz bought a farm in the wilderness. Later the son Joseph, only nine years old at the time of emigration, took over the farm, and here the late Father Spetz was born.

When the family later moved to this city, the young man attended St. Jerome's College, then newly founded, from 1866 to 1870 as one of its first students.

From 1870 to '72 he studied and taught at St. Mary's College, Kentucky, then taken over by the fathers of St. Jerome's College. After that he went to Rome to study for the priesthood and there joined the congregation of the Resurrection, who had charge of the colleges named. He was ordained priest, Sept. 23rd., 1877 and returned to St. Jerome's College, in 1878, where he remained as professor, disciplinarian and president until 1901. Father Spetz, in addition to his duties at the college, was active for many years in parish work. He assisted the late Dr. Louis Funcken at first in the work of St. Mary's church . From August 1878 to June he had charge of the mission at New Hamburg, where in 1883 the present splendid church building was erected.

In 1890 Rev. T. Spetz undertook the establishment of a Catholic congregation in Waterloo and began the erection of a new church building. It speaks well for the community spirit among the people of Waterloo that Father Spetz was able to secure subscriptions amounting to about $1500 from Waterloo non-Catholics in aid of the new building. The total sum collected for the purpose was $5490 and when on Jan. 6, 1890 the new church was dedicated there remained a debt of only $2500. on the edifice.

In 1911 Father Spetz assumed charge of St. Mary's parish here after the death of the late Rev. W. Kloepfer. For four years he remained in charge until the burden became too heavy, owing to his increasing years. The beautiful decoration of the interior of the church and the installation of an improved lighting system were carried out under him.

Since 1915 he has assisted at parochial work here and in Waterloo. 1916 saw the completion of his church history of Waterloo County, a work to which he devoted many years of close study and research.

In public life Father Spetz took much active interest. As member of the executive of the Children's Aid Society and the Waterloo Historical Society his advice was greatly valued.

Father Spetz was active in church work up to a very short time before his death. About the middle of September, 1921, he had a slight paralytic stroke. As he became gradually weaker he was taken on September 27 to St. Joseph's hospital in Guelph. There a gradual decline set in. Sometime later he became absolutely helpless until death called him away at 3.15 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Dec. 1, 1921.

Some incidents as characteristics that would go on the screen to show the persistent activity of the subject of our sketch, might be added. More than once, on his visits to St. Agatha, he walked to the tombstone of his grandfather in the cemetery and took care that age and atmosphere would not injure it. Joseph Spetz, his father, was a brewer, on Frederick Street, with considerable property at the time of his death. Father Spetz in his young days not only worked on the farm, but also handled the beer kegs in his father's brewery^* with skill and dispatch. With his brothers and sisters he formed a musical choir in his home where some of his fellow students on frequent occasions joined around the piano in rendering German folk songs.

In Rome he was leader of the choir and instructed the students of his college in plain chant with great patience and success. Among his pupils was Father Fehrenbach, later his successor at St. Jerome's College .

As superior, as pastor in Kitchener, in Waterloo, even on his visits to outlying missions, he wore such a quiet unassuming manner that he was termed "the silent man" by a priest's housekeeper. He was so absolutely unconscious of self, and absorbed in his thoughts, that he would pass by his relatives and friends on the street without noticing them ; and in winter, quite unknowingly, wearing a summer coat, an out-of-date hat or old shoes, leaving canes and umbrellas or even valuables in strange places, without reclaiming them. When busy with his greatest accomplishment, the establishment and building of St. Louis Church in Waterloo, he was found in shirt sleeves digging, grading, engaging in all kinds of useful work, usually neglected. He was always ready to advocate and promote public enterprise, his advice and counsel in such matters being valuable and frequently asked.

A permanent monument of his untiring energy and active interest in local affairs is a book he wrote and compiled with great patience and perseverance entitled " A History of the Catholic Church in Waterloo County," in which the origin of the various parishes, the advent of pioneer settlers, the growth of the missions, the lives of the clergymen connected with them, descriptions and other data in great number, gathered from many sources, are illustrated and historically recorded with great care and tact. The book was published in 1916, a neat volume, in fine binding, containing in its 126 pages a most interesting account of facts, which would have been forgotten completely, unless written down when laboriously obtained from old settlers whose memories had to be stirred up vigorously and repeatedly.

Father Spetz specialized in history. His favorite class in college was general history. His erudition, particularly in modern history, was extensive, his critical judgment pro- Of which the buildings, converted into dwellings, are still standing, on Spetz St., off Frederick St.-Ed..... found, his views unbiased. Whilst taciturn in company, he could, when roused by questions or stirred up by contrary views, discourse on most any subject, even modern politics, interestingly and widely. Public men in Europe and America, their merits and failings, were disclosed from the stores of his memory, without hesitation and with surprising accuracy. On his countenance, dignified and mild, indignation with an ominous scowl would emerge when unconsidered or faulty assertions were made.

After his first paralytic stroke he seemed to be mentally preoccupied and aware of his approaching life's end, remarking to a friend : "This is the beginning of the end." Thus closed the earthly career and usefulness of a many-sided man, who of humble origin, by unselfish ambition and religious faith attained a few comparatively great objects in his civil and priestly life. J. F

Tenth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, 1922, Pages 261-264

Other Events:

• Name: Maria Anna "Mary" Weber
• Name: Mary Ann Spetz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-47885
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Residence: 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Maria married Peter Weber 4 Nov 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Peter (son of Maurice Weber and Magdalena) was born 1847, , Germany; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-49287
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Student
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-49289
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-49290
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Occupation: 1906, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States; Roman Catholic Priest

Notes:

Rev. Andrew Spetz C. R. St. Stanislaus Church, Chicago, Illinois

One of the brainiest Old Boys and one of the most useful citizens Berlin has sent forth to engage in the world's work is the Rev. Andrew Spetz C. R., of Chicago. He was born on Mr. Joseph Spetz's farm in Waterloo Township, about 3 miles N. W. of Waterloo, Dec. 16th, 1858. He came to Berlin in 1865 and entered St. Mary's parochial school when there was only one school-room. Entered St. Jerome's College in 1871 and graduated in 1876; took a post-graduate course 1877 and taught at St. Jerome's in 1877 and 1878.

In July of 1878 he left for Rome to join the Congregation of the Resurrection, a missionary order; made profession on March 19th, 1880 and entered the Gregorian University in Nov. of 1880. In July of 1881, he volunteered for the Bulgarian Mission and completed a course of Theology and Canon Law in Adrianople, Turkey, in the Seminary established by the Order to form a native Bulgarian clergy. Was ordained in May, 1884 and appointed Procurator of the Mission. As such he had charge of an 1800 acre farm, where he introduced Canadian plows, mowers, reapers, rakes and steam thresher, to operate which he had to train machinists.

In his extensive travels in northern Turkey and Southern Bulgaria he met with several famous brigands, but after long examination escaped arrest and got a free pass forever for the reason, as the spy expressed himself : "that he was in the same business as the brigands," namely: "collecting money from the rich to help the poor" ; differing only in ways and means of getting it. To do effective work in the mission, he was obliged to master both the Turkish and Bulgarian languages. In Dec. 1888 was appointed Vice-Rector of the Pontifical Polish College in Rome. In 1890, he made a vacation tour of Tyrol, Bavaria and Southern Germany, to collect funds for the Bulgarian Mission. In 1893, he was appointed to the Teaching Staff of St. Mary's College, Ky. In June 1896, he was transferred to Chicago to take charge of the financial administration St. Stanislaus Kostka Church (Polish)` the largest parish in the country, numbering about 30,000 souls. With this parish is connected a parochial school with 4000 pupils. St Stanislaus (Polish) College with 160 pupils, St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum with 90 inmates, St. Joseph's Home for aged and cripples with 65 inmates and a day nursery for poor children, also a Polish publishing concern, employing 35 men and operating three Lynotype machines, printing Polish school books used in most of the schools in the country ; doing job work and publishing a Polish daily with 12,000 circulation. Besides having the financial administration of all these institutions, he is a member of the District Advisory Board of the Bureau of Charities of Chicago ; is a member of a non-Sectarian Committee of Supervision of child labor legislation and legislation for charitable and penal institutions.

He also took part in the framing of the Juvenile Court Laws of Illinois, which are famous over the whole world. The reverend gentleman is also a Director of the Charity Directory Publishing Co. of Chicago, publishing a Directory of all charitable institutions in Chicago. This in brief, outlines an active and successful life, one which called for as great intelligence and as great courage as that displayed by the biggest captains of industry. His record of achievements reflects credit alike on himself and Berlin.


Berlin Today 1806-1906 official souvenir

Other Events:

• Name: Frances Spetz
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-49291
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Occupation: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Seamstress
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Notes:

The first operation in the local hospital was performed on Wednesday. - Franziska Spetz, daughter of Mr. Joseph Spess, had been sick for almost two years; she had, it was believed, a growth. She was operated on by four surgeons, who found that the supposed tumor was a accumulation of water it was removed and so was the bag that contained it. The patient survived the operation well but was too weak to recover and died at two o'clock on Thursday morning. On Saturday morning she was buried with great interest. - translated from German.

Berliner Journal 25 Jul 1895 pg 4

Other Events:

• Name: Emma M. Spetz
• Name: Emma Magdelena Fehrenbach
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-51063
• Residence: 1871, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1887, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Emma married Joseph Halter Fehrenbach 18 Aug 1887, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Joseph (son of Mathias "Mathew" Fehrenbach and Marianna "Mary Ann" Halter) was born 1 Mar 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 20 Sep 1928, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-130989
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-130990
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Servant

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-337189
• Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30938

Other Events:

• Name: Mathilda Walton
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-442065

Mathilda married Francis J. Walton 22 Jan 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Francis (son of John Walton and Ellen O'Brien) was born 1866, Wyoming, Plympton Twp., Lambton Co., Ontario; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-366856

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31241
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; teacher
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Teacher, Priest, College
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30987
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clothing Clerk
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Office Boy
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Tanner, Tanery
• Residence: 1921, 133 Frederick St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-135552
• Residence: 1881, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Name: Nana Kiefer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30988
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk Dry Goods
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Saleslady, Dry Goods
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30989
• Occupation: 1901, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Clerk Dry Goods

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-321207
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Nurse, General
• Residence: 1921, 133 Frederick St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Other Events:

• Name: Ella Kiefer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30990
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Epidemic: Oct 1918, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Influenza - pneumonia - 3 days - heart failure - 4 hours

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31178
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Saddler
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Harness Maker, General
• Residence: 1921, 87 Scott St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Notes:

LIGHTNING'S FATAL WORK.

Two men killed and Three Persons Wounded at Berlin During the Storm Last Saturday.

On Saturday last at 12 o'clock lightning struck the new dwelling of Wm. Fehernbach, saddler, of Berlin, and instantly killed two men Wesley Learn of Berlin and young Merklinger of Dundalk, who were working on the building, and wounded Mr. Bower, Rosie Straus and Jacob Schoeno.

This is one of the saddest catastrophes that has befallen the town of Berlin for many years. The unpleasant duty of breaking the sad news to the young wife of Mr. Learn is beyond description.

Mr. Bartlett, the undertaker had charge of the dead and embalmed the bodies in a manner that proved very satisfactory. At all the Churches in town feeling reference was made on Sabbath, to the sad lightning fatality of Saturday and the bereaved families have the heart felt sympathy of all. The funeral was largely attended on Monday afternoon. The remains of Merklinger were, taken to Dundalk on Monday morning. His parents live seven miles from that village on a farm. He was an excellent young man

William — Sophia Mary Elchert. Sophia (daughter of John Baptist Elchert and Catherine Bitschy) was born Oct 1887, Maryhill (New Germany) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario; died 1978; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

William — Sophia. Sophia was born 1888, , Ontario, Canada; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Nora Fehrenbach
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31180
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Notes:

Wed. Oct. 9 I and Herb went to market - looked like rain mornings - I forgot my rain coat - slow market - I started delivering early - when I called at Joe Fehrnbach's for to take an order for this afternoon, I was told by the elderly lady that stays there, that the oldest daughter of Joe Fehrnbach's "Nora" died this morning at 5 oclock. This was a shocking surprise to me, for I had not heard that she was sick, but had often wondered that I did not see her when I came with vegetables, only her younger sister "May" and the lady that is staying there used to come to the door.


Diary of Gordon Christian Eby

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31181
• Occupation: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Saddler, Aprentice
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-321163
• Residence: 1921, 36 Weber St. E. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Name: Marie Fehrenbach
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31182
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Mary married James E. Brunton 14 Jul 1924, St. Agatha, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. James (son of John Brunton and Johanna Casey) was born 1892, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1965; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Residence: Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31183
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Sapper, 71st Battalion / 118th / 256th / 19th Battalion
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mail Clerk
• Residence: 1921, 36 Weber St. E. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31184
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper, Store
• Residence: 1921, 36 Weber St. E. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-320788
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; ? Cutter
• Residence: 1921, 68 Weber St. E. Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-31177