Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 159

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 159

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The early education of Dr. James B. Watts was received in the public schools of Saugamon County and he speut his boyhood on his fath- er's tarm. He attended Northwestern Univer- sity, at Evanston, Iii., for four years, later re- ceived his professional training at the North- western University Dentai School of Chicago, and gradnated from that institution iu 1898. In Angust of the same year he located in Spring- field, where he has won a high standing iu his profession and a reputation for skill and ability. He is a member of the Sangamo-Menard Deutai Society, in which he has served as President, Secretary aud Treasurer, and aiso of the Illi- nois State Deutal Society. He has received thirty-two degrees in Masoury, is a Shriner, aud is aiso affiliated with the Knights of Phythias.

Dr. Watts was married in 1904, to Miss Sai- lie Mae Buckman, of Saugamon Connty, dangh- ter of Benjamin and Eva (Deitz) Buckman, na- tives of Illinois. One danghter has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Watts, Gladys Loraine. The family reside at 203 West Adams Street, and Dr. Watts ochpies an office in the I. O. O. F. Bniiding. He aud his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active iu its good work. They are well kuown in social cir- cles and have many friends. Dr. Watts is au enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and iu politicai views is Democratic.

WEAVER, Jacob (deceased), an oid and highly esteemed settler of Sangamon County, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 7, 1818, the son of German parents, who were early settlers of Ohio. The father was a farmer by ocenpation

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and spent his last days in Sangamon County, where he had brought his family. He and his wife were married in Germany and soon after- ward came to the United States, settling In Cin- cinnati. They were parents of three sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased. Ja- cob Weaver was educated In Pickaway Connty, Ofilo, where lils parents lived several years he- fore coming to Illinois, and during his boy- hood he helped his father with the farm work, at which he continued all his life. He came to Sangamon County oue year after his marriage and for fifteen years resided five miles south of Williamsville, then came to the farm now oc- cupied by his widow and daughter. He pur- chased 166 acres of land and developed it into a fine farm. He was an industrious farmer, a good neighbor and a kind hushand and father, and endeavored to do his full duty in ali the re- iatlous of life. He Is still remembered kindly in the nelghhorhood and left a reputation for strict honesty and integrity. He was a Presby- terian in religious helief and active in promot- ing the general welfare of his comuunity. He was always a Democrat in politics, and a pub- lle-spirited, useful citizen.

Mr. Weaver was married In Pickaway County, Ohlo, October 8, 1845, to Mary A. Dean, horn in Virginla, June 20, 1823, and her parents were also natives of Virginia, who were early set- tlers of Pickaway County, Ohio. The Dean fam- ily lived seveu years in Ohio, then moved to Sangamon County aud purchased land, where the father carried on farming until his death. There were teu children in the family, of whom hut two survive, Mrs. Weaver, and her brother George, who lives near Quincy, Ill. George Dean was at one time a State Senator In Illi- nois. Three children were horn to Mr. Weaver and his wife, of whom hut one survives, Alice, wife of James Lewis, who has two children, William and Eva. Mrs. Weaver lives on and manages her 166 acres In Section 11, Williams Township, which yields her a good income. Mr. Weaver died on the farm May 15, 1888. Mrs. Weaver is interested in church work and Is a member of the Methodist Church. She has the warm regard of a number of friends and is esteemed hy all who know her.

WEAVER, John B., one of the most prominent and successful attorneys of Springfield, and can- didate on the Republican ticket for the respon- sible office of County Judge, has heen a resident of the city since 1900, and has established a large practice. He was born at Wellsville, Montgomery County, Mo., April 8, 1869. son of Joseph R. and Harriet (Baker) Weaver. The father, who is a civil engineer, was born at . Rushford, N. Y., October 13, 1832, and now lives at Freeport, Ill. He came to Freeport In 1857, was married there and later moved to Missouri, where he lived until 1873. then returned to Free- port, where he has since resided. His wife, who was horn In Kentucky, January 15, 1842, is de- ceased.

The father of Joseph R. Weaver was a na- tive of Kentucky and served In the Black Hawk War. He was a playmate and boyhood friend of Daniel Boone aud Samuel Kenton, and fought Indians side by side with them. He was the first settler of Freeport, where he erected the first huilding.

John B. Weaver was educated in the common and high schools of Freeport and Northwestern University, of Chicago, receiving his legal train- iug at the latter Institution. His boyhood was spent on a farm and he has always been fond of ontdoor ilfe and sports. His eutire life has heen spent iu Illinois, with the exception of the first five years. He lived in Freeport from 1873 until 1900, then moved to Springfield and en- gaged in the active practice of his profession, in which he has heen very successful and is now serving as Police Magistrate. He served a term as Assistant State's Attorney of Sangamon Connty. He has heen interested in mauy puh- lic enterprises and is one of the brightest and most ahle attorneys of the city. He has always been a Republican In politics and fraternally is conuected with the Masons, being a member of the Knights Templar, Oriental Consistory. In religious views he is a Presbyterian and is a member of that church. He helongs to the Chamber of Commerce and to other organiza- tions of a similar nature.

Mr. Weaver was married, at Galena, Ill., October 3, 1891. to Alice M. Botdorf, born in Rochelle, Ill., May 11, 1872, danghter of John A. and Jennie (Jones) Botdorf, hoth natives of Wales. Mrs. Weaver had three brothers who served in the Civil War, one under Sherman, one in the cavalry under Sheridan, and one un- der Grant. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have no chil- dren. They own the heautiful home where they reside at 536 South Glenwood Avenue, Spring- field, and are well known in social circles.

WEAVER, Samuel R .- The Weaver family has heen well known in Sangamon Connty for more than half a century, and various members are given mentiou in this work. The reader Is re- ferred especially to that of William H. Weaver. Samuel R. Weaver is a native of Hagerstown, Md., horn April 25, 1853, a son of Jonathan and Mary Ann Weaver, natives of that place and the father a carpenter by trade. The fa- ther worked in his native town sometime hefore coming to Illinois. He first located at Mt. Morris and there he became a cabinet-maker and undertaker, and later hronght his famliy to Springfield, He followed his trade in the city and helped erect some of the fine hulldings of the early days there. Some of these hulldings were handsome residences and among them was included the old Freeman residence. His brother, George Wise Weaver, was a mason hy trade and assisted in erecting the State House. The latter was also from Maryland and made the trip to the new home with a wagon, as did his brother. Jonathan Weaver Ilved in Springfield about ten years and later engaged In farming In

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Cotton Hill Township, which he continned until his death, November 14, 1899. The mother died some years before the father. They were par- ents of five sons, of whom four now survive: William, the oldest, of Cotton Hill Township; Samuel R., whose name heads this sketch ; John L., a farmer, who lives with his brother Samuel; James B. is a resident of Enid, Okla .; George, who was the first-born, is deceased. A brother of Jonathan, David Weaver, was a soldier in the Civil War and starved to death in Ander- sonville Prison.

In boyhood Mr. Weaver began working in the brick yard of John Lauterbach and also worked for Henry Miller. In this capacity he helped make some of the brick that went into the State House and also the Home of the Friendless. He attended school during the winter months and most of his education was received in the old Third Ward School. Later he engaged in farm- ing in Cotton Hill Township, near Grove City, and also near New City. He has forty acres of good farm land on Section 3 of Cotton Hill Township, where he has lived the past sixteen years, and has met with gratifying success in the enterprise. He is an energetic and prac- tical farmer, as well as a good business man, and has the respect of the community where ne lives. He takes an active interest in local af- fairs, is a Republican in political views, and is a useful and devout member of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Weaver was married in Springfield, March 3, 1883, to Elizabeth Deweese, who was born in Indiana in 1863, a danghter of David and Nancy Deweese. Her father was a farmer by occupation and came to Sangamon County at an early day. He is now living with a son in Christian County and the mother is deceased. They had children as follows: Charles, a farmer of Christian County ; John, on a farm near Tay- lorville; Peter, living near Pawnee; Edward, deceased; Emma, the youngest of the family ; Amanda, deceased; Mrs. Weaver, who died March 31, 1894. Mr. Weaver and wife had chil- dren as follows: Ottie, wife of Ray Runyon, of St. Louis, an eniploye of the Wabash Railroad Company ; Flora E., married E. Jackson, a school teacher, who now lives at Houston, Tex., where he is a clerk in a railroad depot; Iva M .. and Lottie Agnes, at home with their fa- ther. Mr. Weaver has spent most of his life in Sangamon Connty, where he has many friends. He well remembers hearing Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas speak on the spot now the site of the Springfield post- office, when he was a small boy, and was greatly impressed by the event.

WEAVER, William H., who owns and operates a farm in Section 3, Cotton Hill Township, San- gamon County, was born in Hagerstown, Md., February 1. 1850, a son of Jonathan and Mary Ann Weaver, natives of that place. In 1855 the parents came to Mt. Morris, Ill., and the father followed his trade of carpenter there until he

came to the farm now occupied by his son Wil- liam. The two men were living together at the time of the father's death, and had then spent bnt two years apart. He died November 14, 1899, and the mother some years before him, and both are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

As a boy William H. Weaver began working in a brick yard during the summer months and spending the remainder of the year in school. Upon leaving school he was employed as clerk in the drug store of Thomas Owens, where he remained four years, and in 1869 he removed to his present place. He has been actively en- gaged in farming ever since and has been suc- cessful in his operations. He remembers see- ing Douglas and Lincoln in Springfield. He has been a resident of Sangamon Connty most of his life and remembers the wigwam which stood on the present site of the post-office in Spring- field. The Weaver family have been representa- tive of the best interests of their community and have been highly respected as useful and de- sirable citizens. The father purchased 120 acres of land, which is now the property of William H. Weaver, who operates twenty-five acres of it. He has some of the best farming land in the county and it is well improved and equipped.

Mr. Weaver was married in Springfield April 18, 1882, to Julia A. Baker, who died December 16, 1893, and he married as his second wife, December 25, 1894, Rosetta Crowder, their un- ion taking place at the home where they now reside. Mrs. Weaver's parents were natives of Illinois and both are deceased, her father hav- ing passed away in early life. By his first mar- riage Mr. Weaver had two sons: Charles F., born June 23, 1883, living on a farm near Glen- arm ; William A., born January 17, 1886, lives at home. By his second marriage he had children as follows : Bertha M., George E., Mary R., Vena A. Mr. Weaver is a Methodist and all the fam- ily are active members of that church. He is a Republican in politics. He stands well with his neighbors and has many warm friends in the county.

WEBER, Charles E .- There are men in the world who direct their lives according to the Golden Rule, and in consequence can face their fellow men and rest assured that they have car- ried out the teachings of their rellgious faith. One of the older business men of Springfield, and one who made an enviable record for himself during the Civil War, is Charles E. Weber, born in Springfield, February 23, 1845, a son of John A. and Mary J. (Long) Weber. The father was born in Galena, Mo., September 15, 1811, while his wife was born in Greensburg, Ky., In 1823. The grandfather on the paternal slde came to Springfield from Mlssonri, at a time when the present city was represented by a few frame houses. Charles E. Weber often went duck hunt- ing where the Court House now stands, being very fond of all ontdoor sports. John A. Weber

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

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was a butcher and was engaged iu business in Springfield for a number of years, dying there.

Reared in Springfield, Mr. Weber received a somewhat limited education, as he was put to work in a brickyard when only ten years old. Later on he embarked in a livery business, which he conducted for forty-eight years, being one of the best known men in his line. From December 28, 1863, when he enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel Wick- ersham, until the close of the war, he was a brave soldier, participating in a number of im- portaut engagements and was wounded in battle.

Mr. Weber was married at Whitehall, Greene County, Ill., Angust 25, 1869, to Saran A. Bate- man, born at Whitehall, December 25, 1850. Her father was an old pioneer of Illinois coming to the State wheu there were few residents aside from the Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Weber had two children : Fannle, born October 29, 1872, and George H., born May 15, 1876. Mr. Weber has always been foud of stock and is an excellent judge of horses. He is a member of the Moderu Woodmen, Lodge No. 114. He and his family belong to the Methodist Church, and are active workers in it. All his life he has been a Repub- lican, but has uever had any political aspira- tions. Earnest in his endeavors, he has suc- ceeded in material things, and has retained the friendship of those with whom he has been asso- ciated.

WEBER, Charles Eldridge (deceased), was one of Sangamon Connty's most highly esteemed farmers and spent his entire life in the county, where he was born, June 29. 1855. He was a son of John B. and Sarah (Wolts) Weber, the former a native of Virginia. John B. Weber was a cabinet-maker in early life but later de- voted himself to farming. He was one of the early settlers of Sangamon County and there his death occurred. He was married twice, his second wife being Nancy Drennan.

Charles E. Weber spent his boyhood on a farm and attended the schools of Pawnee. He won the entire respect and esteem of his fel- lows and was considered a useful, desirable cit- izen, who was interested in the general welfare. He was fond of home and proud of his family, as he had every reason to be. He and his chil- dren were members of the Methodist Church, while his widow Is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Republican, but the last years of his life voted the Prohibition ticket.

The marriage of Mr. Weber took place in San- gammon County, October 18, 1SSO, Rev. J. J. Hud- son officiating, when he was united with Laura M. Nuckolls, born in Sangamon Connty Novem- ber 13, 1862, daughter of James M. and Nancy (Drennan) Nuckolls, the former of whom died in 1866, and the latter is now living at Glenarm. Mr. Nnckolls was for many years in business in Sangamon Connty, conducting a saw-mill and running a threshing machine. Mrs. Nuckolls' father was a native of North Carolina, but

died in Sangamon County to which he had emi- grated in boyhood. Four children were born to Mr. Weber and his wife: James E., born May 11, 1882, married Bertha A. Brown, is a farmer by occupation, and they live at Divernon and have three children-Geraldine, Nelson and Josephine ; Edith, born December 25, 1SS3, is nn- married aud lives at home; Mabel, born May 21, 1SS5, also unmarried and living at home; George H., born July 16, 1893, unmarried. Mrs. Weber is well known in the community and now owns the farm where she resides. Mr. Weber's death occurred in Nebraska, where he had made a trip, in November, 1901. He died in a hospital and his body was brought home, being Interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a man of pleasing personality and had made many friends, who sincerely mourned his loss.

WEBER, Eii .- Many of those interested in agri- cultural pursnits in Sangamon Connty make their homes in nearby towns or cities, leaving their property in charge of a superintendent, while they devote their energies to other lines of activity. An example of this method is found in Eli Weber, owner of an excellent tract of land in Sangamon County, who has been en- gaged in other lines of endeavor in Pawnee, where he makes his home. Mr. Weber was born in Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, Ill., April 26, 1871, a son of George P. and Vien- na (Meader) Weber.

John B. Weber, the grandfather of Eii, was born April 7, 1810, in Shepherdstown, Va., and came to Illinois at an early day, locating in Sangamon Connty, where he died in 1889. In 1849 he had gone to California during the gold rush, but returned in 1851. His wife, Sarah Woltz, was born March 20, 1812, In Shepherds- town, Va., and died in Sangamon Connty, Au- gust 5, 1866, having been the mother of several children. Andrew J., the eldest, born in Spring- field, September 9, 1840, was elected Captain and later Major of Company B, Eleventh Missouri Volunteers. and later became Colonel, meet- ing his death at the battle of Vicksburg; James W., the third son, born November 10, 1844, in Springfield, Ill., was killed by bush- whackers while returning from the war. George P. Weber was born in Springfield, Ill., December 2, 1842, and during his entire life en- gaged in farming and stockraising, his death occurring July 26, 1903, at Valparaiso, Neb., and interment being made at Oak Ridge Cemetery. His wife was born in Pawnee Township, April 21, 1843, and they had these children: Miriam M., Sarah A., Timothy M., Eli and Eva; Ben- jamin R. B., the fourth son, now living In Colorado, married Sarah McCormick and had three children; Charles E., deceased, the fifth son, married Laura Nuckolls and had four chll- dren. Amanda married Ethan Mengle and had three children, and Cornelia married Milton Connelly and had one child.

George P. Weber enlisted April 15, 1861, in Company B, 11th Missouri Infantry, and on

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May 1, 1864, at St. Louis, received his honor- able discharge, on account of disability. At the time of his discharge he was First Licuten- aut of the regluicut. On the way home tinc regi- meut was presented by the citizens of St. Louis with a fine stand of colors and floral pleces, and also given a graud banquet. His brother Andrew J. was a Colonel when but twenty-two years of age, and ou Juue 29, 1863, before Vicksburg, was wounded iu the head, dying the next day, Juue 30th. His remaius were es- corted to the steamuer by the whole brigade and were sent to his home iu Springfield, where he was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Col. Weber was universally esteemed and beloved, and there was much sorrow over his early death. The "A. J. Weber Post" is named in his honor.

Eli Weber received his preliminary education in the country schools and later attended the Illinois Wesleyan College at Bloomington. He remained at home until nineteen years of age, at which time he was married and located ou a farm near Pawnee, which consists of 750 acres, and on which he is now erecting the finest resi- dence In Pawnee Township. The home place consists of 440 acres. With the exception of two years spent in Nebraska, Mr. Weber has always resided in Sangamou County, being en- gaged In farming and stockraisiug, as weil as In the undertaking business, but he has retired from the latter during the past few years. He has beeu prominent in public matters lu this sec- tion for quite a period, serving as Supervisor of Pawnee Township for four years, as School Director and as Highway Commissioner. Frat- ernaliy he is conuected witin the Modern Wood- men and the Masons, while his religlous con- nection is within the Golden Rule Church. He adheres to the principles of the Republican party, but for years has cast his vote for the man rather than the party.

Mr. Weher was married in Rochester, Iii., January 2, 1890, to Arminda Shepherd, who was born August 9, 1870, In Pawnee Township, daughter of John H. and Anu (Pyie) Shepherd, the former of whom was born at Woodside, Iil., February 21, 1838, and died Aprii S, 1903, after a life spent in agriculturai pursuits, and the iatter of whom was born in St. Clair County, Ill., August 13, 1844, and died at Charleston Novem- ber 20, 18SS, both heing buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. They were married October 6, 1869. Mrs. Weber's paternai grandfather was born June 28, 1806, in Jefferson County, Va., and was imarried July 3, 1834 to Ellen Milier, who was born June 24, 1813, iu Shepherdstown, Va. Both dled iu Sangamon County, Ill. Grand- father Pyle was a native of Kentucky, in which State he was born October 12, 1806, and he died In St. Clair County, Iil., March 3, 1852, where he had spent his life in farming and stockrais- ing. To Mr. and Mrs. Weber there have been born two children : Anu May, born February 12, 1891, and Bert, born March 26, 1895, both iiv- ing at home with their parents.

WEBER, William Shepherd, a farmer and mer- chant Ilviug at Zenobia, Pawnee Township, San- gamuon Couuty, has been engaged iu business at his present location the past forty-two years, and Is weli and favorably known in the coul- munity. He was born in Springfield March 11, 1844, one of the six children born to Philip W. and Amanda M. (Shepherd) Weber. The father was born near Shepherdstown, Va., Jan- uary 28, 1812, and the mother was horn Novem- ber 8, 1812, daughter of Thomas and Mary (By- ers) Shepherd. Thomas Shepherd was born in Shepherdstown November 3, 1774, and died In his native town November 9, 1832. In 1805 he married Mary Byers, a native of the same town as himself, and they had eight children, who came to Sangamon County. He was a son of Thomas and Susan (Hulse) Shepherd, aud a grandson of Thomas Shepherd, who emigrated from Wales to Virginla before the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Mary (Byers) Shepherd came to Sangamon County with her eldest son in 1836 and died in the house of her son-in-law, Philip W. Weber, November 25, 1870.

Philip W. Weber removed to Raymond, Miss., in 1835, and in connection with others erected a mill, but sold his interests there and came to Sangamon County in 1837. In 1849 he went to Callfornla, returuing ten years later, and with his brother, John B., bought iand and engaged in farming near Pawnee. He and his wife had childreu as follows : John P., born March 19, 1840; Mary E .; William S., subject of this sketch ; Amanda, born March 3, 1846; Sarah C .; and Emma S.

William S. Weber was educated in the Pawnee public schools aud in his youth laid the founda- tion of a useful career. Up to this time, as he is proud to relate, he has never sworn an oath, never tasted liquor in any form, and has never drank a whoie cup of coffee. He has never used tobacco in auy form, except to smoke (in his entire life) about five cigars. He has robust health and has never been sick a whole day in his life. He eniisted in August, 1862, at Spring- fieid, in one of two companies which were con- solidated to form Company K, One Hundred Twenty-fourth Iilinois Infantry, and spent six weeks at Camp Butler, but as he was so young and was small for his age, he was left out. In 1863 he went to Missouri and tried to enlist, but was agaiu unsuccessful.

Mr. Weber was married at Pawnee, Ill., Janu- ary 1, 1867, to Miss Henrietta Lough, who was born in Jerseyville, Iii., July 16, 1849, daughter of Lawrence and Hannah (Whitehead) Lough, her father a native of New Jersey and her mother of Wisconsin. Three sons and three daugiiters have been born of this union: Frank Shepherd, born January 24, 1868; Andrew James, July 27, 1870; Charles Philip, October 14, 1874; Minnie Irene, May 17. 1877; Aiice Lorena, September 16, 1882. and Effie May, July 27, 1886.

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Mr. Weber is a prosperous farmer, owning one hundred fifty acres of cholce farm land in Pawnee Township, and also land In Christlau Connty. He has a good trade and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his patrons. He is actively interested in the welfare and growth of the community along all lines, and In politics Is a Republican. He Is a member of the Method- ist Church and for twelve years was a member of the Masonlc Order. He served a number of years as Township Assessor.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 159

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774