August H. Schierholtz

Other Events:

• Military: WW1 - American forces
• Residence: Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-96711P
• Residence: 1891, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• School: 1905, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Berlin Business College
• Occupation: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Watch Maker, Jeweller Store
• Residence: 1911, Elmira, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Military: 1914, WW1; WW1, Private, Americn Infantry

Notes:

August Schierholtz

At the age of 15, August enrolled at the Berlin Business College and after a couple of years entered the Canadian Horological Institute (CHI), a Toronto watchmaking school that would gain worldwide attention as one of the finest institutions of its kind. With his inherent technical ability, he easily adapted to the school's curriculum and it wasn't long before he was tutoring other students in his class. At the end of his tenure, he graduated from the school with honours

After graduation from the CHI, he returned home and worked at his great uncle's (George Klinck) jewellery store in Elmira. In early 1913, August decided to accept a position with Westclox in LaSalle, Illinois and on March 4, 1913, started his new position in the Westclox Experimental Department, a division dedicated to developing new products and improving old ones.

When World War One broke out, August joined the American forces and was sent to France. On November 10, 1918, one day before the war ended, he was shot in the right leg and presumed dead. Without medical attention for several days, gangrene set into his wound and he subsequently had to have his leg amputated. He spent well over a year in France convalescing.

He returned to work at Westclox in 1920, resumed employment in the Experimental Department and seven years later was issued a patent for Big Ben Clock # 2, along with co-worker Max Schlenker.

August remained at Wesclox his entire working life and became a member of the Westclox Quarter Century Club in 1938. By the time he retired in 1954, he had risen in the ranks to a position as supervisor. During his final years he also served as an instructor in the Westclox Watch and Clock Makers' School.

Upon his retirement, August returned to Elmira where he lived with his mother until her death in 1962. August's own long and interesting life came to an end on September 28, 1984 at the Elmira Nursing Home. He had turned 96 earlier that month.

Excerpts from a to-be-published book by Gary Fox about H. R. Playtner and the Canadian Horological Institute, Toronto and its students. See www.cdnwatchmaker.com