Obituaries and Death Notices from the Wellesley Maple Leaf  - B

Ballard, Harry Ernest

Stratford, March 4th—A terrible tragedy was enacted last night when Harry Ernest Ballard committed suicide at his home on John Street, shooting himself with a Mauser rifle through the right temple. The affair happened about 12.30 a.m., and death was apparently instantaneous. He was found on the bedroom floor with a hole in his forehead. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted for active service in South Africa, and went with the First Contingent, under Col. Otter, and after seeing active service at Paardeburg and other engagements, winding up at Bloomfontein and Pretoria, he returned home. Previous to his departure as a member of B. Company, Pte. Ballard was presented with £10 by the city Council. This was given to him at London, two of the aldermen, Messrs. H. Baker and J. D. Hamilton, making the presentation. Pte Ballard was in the Canadian detail which was viewed at Windsor by her late Majesty Queen Victoria, and had a South African medal with four bars. On his return to Stratford he was presented with a gold watch, being banquetted by citizens at the Albion.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1903-03-12

Bast, Jacob Rudy

Bast, Leah

Crosshill  - Mr. and Mrs. Moses Bast have the sympathy of the community in the death of their baby which occurred last week. The funeral occurred on Saturday.
Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1904-09-15

Bast, Moses

Bast, Peter

Beck, Jacob

DEATH OF JACOB BECK
Mr. Jacob Beck who died in Detroit Iast week after a long and honorable life, was for nearly two generations the mainstay of the village of Baden, in this county, where he conducted a foundry and milling business.  He was born in Germany about 92 [?] years ago. When twelve years of age his family removed to the United Stated. At twenty Mr. Beck went to Preston and engaged in the stove and foundry business.  Twenty-five years later Mr. Beck founded the present town of Baden, Ont., where he went into the milling business. Under the administration of Sir John A. McDonald, Mr. Beck was entrusted with many Important political issues. He went to Detroit in 1877, still following the milling business. He was successful and became rich. He retired from active business only six years ago. Of his children, Hon. Adam Beck, of London, a member of the Ontario Cabinet, is one; Jacob L. lives in London: Charles in Buffalo; George has been his father’s business partner; and a daughter is the wife of Rev. Dickie, pastor in the American Church in Berlin, Germany. Interment was at Preston, where his wife is buried.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1906-03-29

Becker, Albert Lenhard

The sympathy of the pubic goes out to Mr. and Mrs. A. Becker in the death of their infant son last Thursday morning. The child was only two weeks old and had been in excellent health up to a short time before its fatal illness. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1903-11-26

Becker, Jacob

It is our sad duty to report the death of an aged and highly esteemed resident of our town, Mr. Jacob Becker. Mr. Becker was 73 years of age and was one of the pioneers of Waterloo county, having come many years ago from Pennsylvania. He was a resident of New Hamburg for the last twenty years, and took a very active part in the building up of our town.  The funeral took place on Monday, and was largely attended by many friends and relatives of the deceased.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1906-11-22

Beggs, Eliza Jane

Beggs, John E.

Beland, Joseph

St. Clements - Joseph Beland, a Frenchman, of Sillery, Quebec, in the employ of Wilson Bros.. Woodstock, timbermen met death by accident hero on Saturday the 28th inst. He with one of his fellow workmen had just cut down n tree in the bush where they have lately been engaged when in some unaccountable way unseen by anyone he was struck on the head by what is supposed to have been a stray limb. The blow was heavy one as the condition of the deceased’s head showed. He was speedily taken to rooms in the Royal hotel here where after being unconscious 3 hours he passed into eternity, medical aid being of no avail. The event has cast a deep gloom over the village as in his months stay here the deceased as a quiet und peaceable citizen has made himself liked and respected by all who knew him. The remains were taken by train to his home in Quebec province on Monday. The deceased's fellow workmen resumed work on Tuesday. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1905-02-02

Bellar, Daniel

Berg, Martin John

Berscht, Barbara
(nee Doersam)

Mrs. John Berscht (Barbara Doersam) was born in Wellesley in 1852, and has resided here continuously ever since. In early life she was united in marriage to Mr. Berscht who with a family of Carrie, Lizzie, John, William, Albert, Edna, Herbert and Wilfrid, are surviving and all  were present at the large funeral on Sunday except John, who resides at Didsbury, Alta. For over a year past she has been confined to her room, latterly growing worse until eleven o’clock on Thursday night when she quietly passed away. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1905-10-12

Bickert, Anna Elizabeth
(nee Moeller)

Mr. Valentine Bickert, assistant city editor of the Milwauke [sic] Daily Herald, is in the village at present on account of the death of his mother, Mrs. Chas. Bickert. Although - absent for a long time “Val" has many friends here who are pleased to know he is doing honor to our village in a distant city. His is accompanied by his daughter on this trip.  The death of Mrs. Charles Bickert which occured [sic] at her home in this village at six o’clock yesterday (Wednesday) morning, created profound sorrow amongst her hosts of friends. Mrs. Bickert (nee Miss Anna Elizabeth Moeller) was born in Arnsheim, Grand Duchy of Hessin Germany, on April 13, 1835. Her marriage to Mr. Chas. Bickert occurred [sic] in 1859, and with her husband and family she emigrated, settling in Wellesley in 1872, remaining here continuously since that time. The family comprised eight children . Two of them died very young one. Friedricka, being buried at sea and another, Ernst, in the WellesIey cemetery. The living children are : Mrs. John Forler, Wellesley ; Mr. John Bickert, of Grand Rapids, Mich; Mrs. Jacob Miller, Wellesley, Mr. Valentine Bickert, Milwaukee, Wis.; Mr. Henry Bickert, Wellesley ; Mrs. Peter Schmidt, Wellesley. Deceased had been in poor health for the past three years, but was able to be about until the last four months. The immediate cause of death was diabetes. The funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, interment being in the St Paul's (Miss.) cemetery.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1905-06-01

Birmingham, William

Crosshill - The village was thrown into sadness and mourning by the untimely death of William, son of Mr. Patrick Birmingham, on Thursday last, in his seventeenth year, after only a week’s illness from fever. The young man was well known and popular with all. The funeral occurred on Saturday at Rush’s cemetery. The sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved family in their great sorrow. The crops in this section are looking excellent. Our football team declined playing in Linwood last Friday on account of the death of their young friend, Will Birmingham.  Wellesley Maple Leaf,  1901-04-30
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Bitzer, Conrad

The death of Conrad Bitzer, Esq., occurred in Berlin last week. He was comparatively young and had made himself popularly known over a wide extent of this district.
Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1903-10-01

Bivour, Louisa
(nee Dormann)

DEATH OF MRS. BIVOUR.
The critical illness of Mrs. Bivour, the aged widow of the late Angust Bivour, as reported in the Maple Leaf last week, culminated in her death on Friday evening. She bad been on a visit to her daughter at Petersburg when taken with her last illness. Notwithstanding her advanced age—80 years—she was in rugged health until the last few months when her system gradually succumbed until the end came. Mrs. Bivour was born in Germany where she was married in 1847. The young couple emigrated at once, landing in New York, where they remained for a time, then moved to Waterloo County, living near Berlin and afterwards at Baden. About the year 1864 they came to Wellesley, settling on the homestead, now occupied by Mr. Chas. Poomer, on the Third line, where she has lived ever since, and where her husband died twelve years ago. She was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. Eight children were born to this couple, five of whom are dead, the living ones being Mrs. Henry Knipfer, Petersburg Mrs. Poomer, on the homestead, and Fred Bivour, of this village. The funeral occurred from Mr. Bivour’s residence on Tuesday afternoon, the remains being interred in the Miss. Lutheran cemetry [sic] in the presence of a large gathering. The pall bearers were chosen from amongst those who had known her in the early days. Rev. Mr. Lochner, her pastor, conducted the impressive funeral services after the interment, having returned home on account of her death, from Ottawa, where he was in attendance upon a Synod meeting.

Rev. Mr. Lochner was called home from attending conference at Ottawa on Saturday by the death of Mrs. Bivour, of Petersburg. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1904-09-29 

Bivour, Louisa

The death of Miss Louisa Bivour- sister of Mr. F. Bivour, of this village occurred at her home in Petersburg on Tuesday. Funeral on Friday at 2 p.m.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1903-06-11

Boomer, Alfred

DEATH OF MR. BOOMER. Linwood lost one of its most highly respected residents in the death of A. Boomer, Esq., J. P. and Clerk of the Division Court. His death occurred yesterday from heart failure. He was over 70 years of age. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1904-01-28

Death of Alfred Boomer, Esq., of Linwood.
After an illness of several months Mr. Alfred Boomer died from heart trouble, at his home in Linwood at 1.30 a.m. on January 27th.
Mr. Boomer was a son of the late John Boomer, one of Halton county’s earliest settlers, and was born on the homestead, lot 2, con. 7, Esquesing, near Hornby. In the days of his early manhood the family removed to Waterloo county where for half a century deceased has resided.

He was an influential man in this county, enjoying universal respect and esteem, and he has for many years been Justice of the Peace and Clerk of the Division Court. He was an active member of the Methodist church, and through the efforts of himself and family the church at Linwood was largely sustained. Mr. Boomer was one of the oldest members, being looked upon as the father of the church here, and he was widely known all over the western peninsula, having attended several sessions of the Hamilton Conference as delegate from the Linwood circuit. In politics he was an ardent Liberal and he was also an energetic Prohibitionist.

His ready sympathy in time of bereavement, his generosity in church matters, his kindness to the poor, and his estimable character make his loss very deeply felt by the people of Linwood.
He is survived by his sorrowing widow and a family of five daughters: Misses Clara and Edith, at home: Mrs. M. Grimm, Milverton; Mrs. Rutherford, Toronto, and Mrs. Musselman, in the N. W. T., to whom the profound sympathy of the entire community is extended.

The funeral left on Saturday for Hawkesville where the interment took place. The service at the house was conducted by Rev. J. C. Cameron, of the North Mornington Presbyterian church; Rev. S. Cunningham, of St. Andrews’ Church, Hawkesville, and Rev. Dixon Sharpe, pastor of the Linwood Methodist church. The casket was entirely covered with floral tributes consisting of: a large circle of roses, carnations and ripened wheat, by the family; an anchor from Mr. John Boomer, of London, brother of the deceased; a large spray of tulips and foliage, from Mr. J. Bowes of Peterborough ; a spray of carnations, by Miss Quimbach, of Berlin; a flat boquet [sic] of carnations and smilax, from Dr. and Mrs. McEachern: a spray of carnations and lilies of the valley, by Miss Baldwin.

The pall-bearers were Messrs. D. Ratz, of Elmira: D. B. Musselman, of Berlin; John Bowes, of Elora; R. McCallum, of Hawkesville ; R. Y. Fish and Robt. Hosea, of Linwood. 
​Wellesley Maple Leaf,  1904-02-04

Boyd, Flora

Word was received[sic] last Thursday afternoon of the death of Miss Flora McK. Boyd, a report of which appears in our Crosshill news on the first page. Miss Boyd was well- known and very popular here, especially in social and musicial [sic] circles, her high education as a pianist and her personal attractions winning all to her side. Her death is deeply regretted.

Crosshill  - Obituary.— A deep gloom was cast over the village on Thursday when the sad news spread that Miss Flora Boyd had passed away in Troy N. Y. after a brief illness of acute rheumatism. Miss Boyd’s death is doubly sad to her relatives as it is only three short months ago since her sister Jennie passed away and a little more than a year since they lost their beloved mother. She was a daughter of the late Rev. James Boyd and leaves four sisters and a brother who have the deep sympathy of their many friends. The remains were brought to the home of her sister Mrs. Ferris where an impressive service was held Saturday at 3 p. m. conducted by Rev. Mr. W. Haig assisted by Rev. Mr. Cunningham of Hawkesville. The floral tributes were most beautiful amongst them being large boquets [sic] of Easter Lilies. The remains were then conveyed to Rush’s cemetery followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and then consigned to their last resting place. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1902-04-03

Brandle, Kate

Heidelberg - We are sorry to chronicle the death of Miss Kate Brandle, who died in the House of Refuge, Berlin, on Wednesday. The remains were brought to Heidelberg and interred in the Evang. Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The deceased bad reached the ripe age of 70 years.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1905-09-21

Brennan, Patrick

One of the oldest pioneers of North Easthope paused away on Thursday in the person of Mr. Patrick Brennan, aged 85 years. Deceased had been ill with Bright's disease for the past two years, and his death was not unexpected. For sixty-four years the late Mr. Brennan resided on lot 43, con 1, North Easthope and was widely known and respected by all of his acquaintances.  Deceased camo to North Easthope in 1843 with his mother, three brothers and one sister, from County Monaghan, Ireland, settling on the lot where ho has always resided since that time. He was a Catholic, a member of St. Joseph's parish, a supporter of the Liberal party. The late Mr. Brennan is survived by his wife and one sister, Mrs. William Scott, of Sacramento, California. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1907-05-23

Brenner, Henry

Linwood – Suicide
Our village was shocked last Saturday by the news that Mr. Henry Brenner had committed suicide. Coroner Ullyat, of Elmira, was summoned and an inquest held, the jury deciding to the above effect. Deceased had shown symptoms of mental derangement for some weeks and a careful watch was maintained by his friends. However, he happened to escape their vigilance for a few minutes only, and by means of a rope attached to a rack-lifter in the barn, performed the deplorable deed. The family and friends are well thought of and have the deepest sympathy of the community. The funeral took place to-day to St. Clements cemetery.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1902-01-23

Brenner, Loretta

St. Clements - The death of Loretta the five year old daughter of Mrs. Henry Brenner St. Clements took place at her home on Friday, Oct. 5th. For some days the little one complained of a sore throat which developed into a serious case of diphtheria, causing death. The disease being of a contagious nature, the funeral was a private one. The little one’s brother, Alex., left in September on the harvester's excursion for the west, has not yet returned. Her sister, Appie, is in Berlin, and owing to the quarantine was not allowed to see deceased, which makes the death a sad one for the bereaved.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1906-10-18

Brenner, Sam

ST. CLEMENTS. Sad Suicide—A very sad case of suicide occurred here this morning when Mr. Sam Brenner hung himself. Deceased was the owner of one of the finest farms in this locality, situated half a mile east of here, the house and barn being close to the main road leading to Berlin. Mr. Brenner arose at 4:30 a.m. as usual und went immediately to the burn. His son, Isadore, awoke at 5 o'clock and also went to the burn to do the feeding, when he made the awful discovery that his father had taken his life. The news cast a deep gloom in the village where deceased was a prominent figure. No cause is known that led to the rash deed as he was in no financial straits. His widow and a large family are left to mourn the loss. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1908-06-25

Bricker, Levi

Hawkesville - It is our sad duty to record the death of one of Hawkesville's business men in the person of Mr. Levi Bricker. The deceased had been in the Galt Hospital for about five weeks having undergone an operation for cancer of the bowels. He died on Friday evening at six o'clock. The funeral service was held here on Monday at 1 p. m. and the remains were taken to the Union Cemetry [sic], Elmira, for burial. He was 32 years, 2 months and 22 days old and leaves a widow, four brothers and three sisters to mourn the loss. The bereaved family have the heartfelt sympathy of the community in the time of their bereavement.

Many from here attended the funeral of Levi Bricker, Hawkesville. He was well known in St. Clements and highly respected and the his [sic] untimely death is deeply regretted here.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1904-09-15
 

Brohman, George

REV. GEO. BROHMAN. Last Thursday this entire section was shocked by the news that Rev. Father Brohman, Parish Priest at St. Clemens, had just died in Berlin. He left St. Clemens the previous afternoon for Berlin, apparently in the best of health, intending to spend Thursday attending a church meeting in Guelph. But during the night he was taken ill with an acute kidney trouble and in spite of all that could be done he only lived few hours. Father Brohman was in his 54th year. He was beloved by all who knew him, and his funeral at St. Clemens on Saturday was a most solemn and impressive one.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1902-12-04

Brown, Mrs. Robert

Crosshill - The following clipping from the Plumas [Manitoba] paper, was written by Rev. Mr. Frizzle, of that place, and refers to a sister of Mrs. Wm. Hastings of Crosshill. Deceased lived in this township before the family moved west, and she will be remembered by many hereabouts.

“On Xmas. Morning Plumas and suburbs were greatly shocked by the news of the sad and sudden death of Mrs. Robt. Brown who retired Monday night in her usual health and was found dead in her bed in the morning. Our deceased sister was a woman of sterling character and her death at the comparitively early age of 57 years is a great loss to the community. She was most active in brain and hand. Her good management and competency as a housekeeper were always in evidence in the attractive appearance of her home. Her manner was unassuming and easy. Her disposition was amiable and pleasant. She would always rather suffer than complain. The large number at the funeral on Friday and at the Memorial Service in the church on Sunday evening, showed how she endeared herself to all who knew her. The service in the .house on Friday was conducted by Revs. Frizzle and Bell and in the Church by the former. As  a Christian  she was reserved but pious. Over twenty years ago she joined the Methodist church at Linwood, Ont. under the Pastorage of Rev.W. Laird. She leaves a sorrowing husband, seven sons and four daughters to mourn the loss of a dutiful wife and a fond mother. They may be assured of the public’s deepest sympathy in their sudden affliction.”

“On Sunday evening in the Methodist church, Rev. Mr. Frizzle preached a funeral sermon of the late Mrs. Robt. Brown taking for his subject “The Christian’s Hope.” Her large family of sons and daughters except Mrs. Williams of Portage, were present at the services. Deceased was a faithful member and an earnest worker of the church. No matter what was going on involving effort or sacrifice, her services were always willingly rendered. Mrs. Brown will be much missed as an earnest church worker in the community.” Wellesley Maple Leaf, 
1907-01-31

Buccheit, George

Doering’s Corner - The sympathy of the public goes out to Mr. Buchheit and family in the death of his son George last week.

DEATH OF GEO. BUCHHEIT.  The death of this estimable young man occured [sic] at the home of his father, Mr. Buchheit, New Prussia, Iast. Monday. Deceased had been working at his trade as a tailor at Mishawaka, Ind., until a couple of months ago when he was compelled to quit by a lung trouble. Since then he has been gradually growing worse until the end came. The funeral occurred at St. Agatha yesterday forenoon a very large number of friends of the family attending. Rev. Fr. Aymons, who conducted the services, preached an affecting and powerful sermon on the occasion. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1904-10-27

Buchheit , Chris

The death of Mr. Chris. Buchheit occurred at his home near St. Clements on Monday. He was over 80 years old. For many years he resided near Wellesley village and he served as school trustee for several terms. His funeral occurs at the St. Clements cemetery this afternoon. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1906-09-27

Buckel, John

The death of Mr. John Buckel, sr., a highly respected resident of New Hamburg, occurred at his home in that village on April 19th after a lingering illness, aged 71 years, one month and seven days. Deceased, who was born in Alsace, Germany, came to Canada with his parents about sixty years ago and cleared a homestead on the 17th line, East Zorra. About 18 years ago he retired from farming and moved to New Hamburg, where he resided up to the time of his death. He leaves a widow and nine children— three sons and six daughters—to mourn his loss. They are : John, of the Imperial hotel, New Hamburg ; Henry, in Toronto ; Louis, in Pennsylvania; Mrs. Lorenz Arnhold, North Easthope ; Mrs. John Mayer, Albion hotel, Wellesley ; Mrs. Aug. Hartmann, New Hamburg; Mrs. Charles Mayer, New Dundee; Mrs. John Kabb, New Hamburg, and Miss Isabella at home. He also leaves forty-five grand-children and three great-grand-children.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1902-05-01

Bugg, Nettie

We are sorry to have to chronicle the death of Miss Nettie Bugg, which event took place in Berlin last week. Miss Bugg was at the head of the millinery department in Mr. David Pollock’s store during the first part of the present season, and during her short stay here she made for herself many fast friends. A number from here attended the funeral.
Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1900-11-15

Bundy, John

Death of John Bundy. —This community [Linwood] was really startled on Monday evening by the announcement that Mr. John Bundy, one of the oldest residents of the village, was dead. It was known that Mr. Bundy had been in poor health for some months post but he was still going about and his physicians who recently had a consultation expressed the opinion that he might live for some time at least. He was not really sick, nor was he suffering much pain, but it was nevertheless only too evident to his friends that his end was rapidly approaching. On Monday evening after being about the house all day his family and brother Joshua, of Claremont, noticed that he was growing weaker and on being spoken to consented to have the doctor called in. Dr. McEachern was soon in attendance and applied restoratives but in less than an hour he had fallen asleep to wake no more. Mr. Bundy was was [sic] born in the city of Toronto in February 1834 and in the spring of 1858 when still a single man became one of the founders of this village. Mr. A. Boomer, Frances and James Wright and John Schnurr preceded him one year. Mr. Bundy however was present at a meeting which gave the place its name “Linwood” and has resided continuously here ever since. Mr. Bundy was very happily married in February 1861 to Miss Susan Bennett, of Claremont, to whom were born four children, three sons and one daughter, Adelbert, now in Manitoba, John Wesley, of Walkerton, Wm. Otis, at home, and Minnie now Mrs. E. H. Dierlamm, of Milverton. Mr. Bundy was a wagonmaker by trade but has been living retired for many years. He has been a consistent and honored member of the Methodist church for over 40 years, being one of the trustees of the church and parsonage properties here, as well as one of the stewards of the mission. He also took a great interest in Sunday School work, and his inability to attend and enjoy its sessions during last three  months was a matter of very great regret to him. In business dealings he was scrupulously honest: this seemed to be an inherent  trait of his character was so marked as to leave its indelible stamp on his offspring. The funeral took place on Thursday, Jan. 3rd, at 10.30 o’clock, a.m. the procession first going to the church where a service was conducted by the Rev. H. Monsinger and then to the cemetery here. The pall-bearers who marched by the hearse, were Messrs. John Schnurr, John McKay,  Robert Rowe, Robert Hosea, Thos. Hammond and Robert Cathcart. Mr. A. Boomer and Rev. H. Monsinger led the procession on foot. His widow and family have the sincere sympathy of the village and community in their bereavement.  Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1901-01-10

Burgmann, Catherina Elizabeth

The death took place, on Monday last, at the residence of Mr. Schultz, Wilmot, of Catherina Elizabeth Burgmann, age 75 years.  The funeral took place on Wednesday to Philipsburg cemetery. Wellesley Maple Leaf,  1907-12-05

Burgmann, Henry

The death of Mr. Henry Burgmann occurred yesterday morning at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. M. Schultz, just west of New Prussia, after a lingering illness, in his 75th year. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 1 o’clock. Deceased lived for many years at Berlet's Corners and was highly respected. Wellesley Maple Leaf, 1906-10-04

Burnett, Alice Isabella

One of the saddest events that has ever taken place in this vicinity occurred on Saturday night, when Mrs. Burnett, near Macton, passed away almost suddenly. She was only 29 years of age and had been married scarcely a year. Mr. Burnett has the sympathy of the entire community in his sad bereavement. Wellesley Maple Leaf,  1900-11-08