Object Record
Images
Metadata
Collection |
Waterloo Region Museum |
Object ID |
1915.033.001 |
Object Name |
Wheel, Wagon |
Description |
Wagon wheel with ten spokes and iron rim, originally donated to the Waterloo Historical Society. Apparently the mate to 913.018.001. These two wheels are known as the Bricker Wheels. |
Date |
1804 |
Dimensions |
D-17 Dia-94 cm |
History |
According to local legend, this is one of two wheels to the light wagon which was used to transport money from Pennsylvania to Waterloo County and paid to developer Richard Beasley, ensuring clear title to the 60,000 acres of Block Two for the German Company. This legendary trip was made by Samuel Bricker (1776-1868) and Daniel Erb in 1804. According to a printed label with the wheels: The Story of the Wheels When Sam Bricker told how the first settlers, in this area would lose their land unless title of the entire 91042 acres of the Beasley Tract was cleared, Hannes Eby replied 'Truly we are duty bound to assist those Canadian Brethren in distress'. In 1804, these wheels carried twenty-thousand silver dollars over five hundred miles to bring payment for the German Company Land Tract from the members of the Mennonite Community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Samuel Bricker was presented with the buggy by the Company shareholders and kept it at his farm near Chicopee. These wheels were donated to the village through the Waterloo Historical Society. |
Search Terms |
German Company |
People |
Bricker, Daniel Erb, Samuel Beasley, Richard |