Person Record

Metadata

Name

Hillmer, Robert B.

Other Names

Middle Name: Benjamin

Born

1874

Birthplace

Oakville

Deceased

Dec. 15, 1959

Deceased

Southampton, Ontario

Father

Ebenezer Hillmer

Mother

Elizabeth Ann Busby

Spouse

He married Mabel Powell in 1904 (d. 1909). Later, Lenore Powell

Children

George Powell Hillmer (b. 1905), married Monica Gertrude Goodrow
Elizabeth Audrey Hillmer (b. 1906), married Carl G. Heilig

Relationships

Siblings: Dora Elizabeth (1877-1915); George Busby (1881-1960); Mary Emily (Mae) (1884-1950).

Education

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.

Occupation

Southampton Jeweller in early 1900s.Robert Hillmer was Sec.-Tres. of Southampton Lacrosse Club, 1903, 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.

Places

Robert started as a journeyman watchmaker, eventually making his way to Port Elgin for a short time and, by 1901, to Southampton where he started his jewellry business. After the death of Mabel in 1909, a new business and living establishment was erected at the Southeast corner of High and Grosvenor Streets in Southampton.