Born in 1810 in Wuertemberg, Germany, Jacob Hespeler first emigrated to the United States before reaching Preston in 1830. During his stay in Preston, Hespeler operated a general store and founded several industries. After a failed attempt to purchase the John Erb Mill, Hespeler left Preston and moved to New Hope in 1845, where he purchased a valuable water privilege and constructed saw, flour, distillery, and woolen mills. Hespeler was an ardent promoter of the arrival of Great Western Railway in New Hope, which served as a connection between Galt and Guelph. The settlement of New Hope became the village of Hespeler on 1 January 1859 and Jacob Hespeler served as the first reeve. Hespeler died on 22 March 1881.
City Mart Photographic Gallery was located in San Francisco, California. Jacob Hespeler visited California in the early 1870's according to the 1969 Waterloo Historical Society annual volume.
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