Jacob Kaufman

Jacob Kaufman (15 July 1847 – 20 April 1920) was a manufacturer and industrialist in Berlin, now Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. He built a large lumber operation and pioneered the manufacturing of rubber outerwear.

Biography Kaufman was born July 15, 1847, in North Easthope Township to German parents, Joseph Kauffman and Anna Stroh. One of ten children, Kaufman only attended school during the winter months, working on the family farm the remainder of the year. At the age of 22 he accepted a position in Gads Hill working for Henry Ratz as a sawyer, where he remained for eight years.

Following his move to Berlin, Kaufman founded a planing mill with assistance from his father-in-law. To address a dwindling supply of lumber in the region, Kaufman purchased a plot of land in Muskoka, operating sawmills in Rosseau Falls and Trout Creek to help meet demand. Although his decision to locate the mill outside of city was initially questioned by friends, the success of the business resulted in multiple expansions and allowed Kaufman to buy out his father-in-law.

Kaufman is credited with establishing Kitchener's rubber industry. Although the company was successful, Kaufman had a falling out with the group, resulting in him leaving to launch his own business. His estate was valued at $278,879, $50,000 of which was designated for distribution to charitable, religious or educational endeavours at the discretion of his wife and children, who acted as executors. He was remembered by Chronicle Telegraph as a "town builder" for his role and influence in the development of various local industries. He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in the Kaufman family plot.