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1898 - 1954 (Creation)
- Creator
- Hillmer, Robert Benjamin
- Place
- Southampton
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8 cm of textual records.
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Name of creator
Biographical history
Robert Benjamin Hillmer was born in Oakville, Ontario in 1874, the son of Elizabeth Ann Busby and Ebenezer Hillmer. He died on December 15, 1959 in Southampton, Bruce County, Ontario. He had three siblings: Dora Elizabeth (1877-1915); George Busby (1881-1960); Mary Emily (Mae) (1884-1950). In 1904, he married Mabel Powell who died in 1909 of typhoid fever. In 1928, Robert married Lenore Powell.
He attended Oakville schools, and received a Commercial Certificate in 1892, and the Primary Examination Certificate in 1893. He learned the watchmaking trade with his maternal uncle, William Busby, who had a prosperous jewellery trade in Oakville. He then began his career as a journeyman watchmaker. He resided for a time in New Dundee, Ontario, and Port Elgin, Ontario, until moving to reside in Southampton, Ontario around 1901. He operated a watchmaking and jewellery store business for many years, and resided in Southampton for the remainder of his life.
Robert Hillmer was an active member of the Southampton Lacrosse Team in the early 1900s. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge, and was a Shriner. He was a member and significant supporter of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Southampton. He was also a significant contributor to the local hospital and other community organizations.
Custodial history
Scope and content
This fonds consists of 5 record books kept by Robert B. Hillmer concerning his watchmaking and jewellery business. In the books, Mr. Hillmer recorded watch inventories (1899), as well as job numbers, client name, work requested and price. Item List: Watch Repair Book 1910 - 1913; Watch Repair Book 1924 - 1934; Watch Repair Book 1936 - 1954; Watch Repair Record book, 1913 - 1924; and Watch Repair Record book 1898-1910. The fonds also includes a Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Canada certificate appointing Robert Benjamin Hillmer to the office of Grand Superintendent of Huron District No. 6, February 28, 1918.
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Associated materials
Other items held in the Bruce County Archives that reflect aspects of the life of Robert Benjamin Hillmer include:
A955.233.001: "1903-1904 Christmas and New Year’s Greeting" - Circular - Southampton Business Advertisements
A958.1024.001: "Southampton Lacrosse Club, Winners of District No. 1, 1903" photograph
A959.007.001: Visitor Book of Southampton Fish Hatchery
A959.037.003: "The Story of One Hundred Years and a Church 1859-1959: St. Paul's Anglican Church, Southampton"
A960.008.001: St. Lawrence Lodge 131 "One Hundredth Anniversary, 1860-1960" booklet
A2011.039.200: "The Hillmer Family: Southampton and Port Elgin" booklet
AX2012.222.001: "Port Elgin and Business Men 1900" photograph
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Created January 22, 2013.
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Fonds and "The Hillmer Family: Southampton and Port Elgin" booklet