Biography - Edson B. Weakly

EDSON B. WEAKLY. An honorable position among the men to whom Shelby County is indebted for its present high state of its material development is held by Mr. Weakly, who resides on section 3, Ridge Township. The present condition of his farm attests to his ability as a financier and his judgment regarding agricultural affairs. As a citizen he is worthy of the respect and confidence that he bas inspired by his honorable career. Not only is he a man of note in his own community, but he ranks among the most influential residents of the county. His success as a farmer has been unusual and he is also well known as a business man of ability and integrity.

Samuel Weakly, father of our subject, is well known among the citizens of this county, whither he came in 1852. He was born in Maryland, September 3, 1814, and removed to Ohio in 1824. In Fairfleld County, that State, he was married February 12, 1839, to Miss Maria Fetters, who was born in Ohio in 1820. This worthy couple sojourned in the Buckeye State for many years after their marriage, and after their removal to Illinois, located in Ridge Township, this county, where they passed the remainder of their days. The mother passed away January 10, 1862. To her and husband ten children had been born, as follows: Emanuel J., Alva P., Naomi, Mary J., Eliza, Annie M., Jesse O., Edson B., Ida and Katie.

The father contracted a second matrimonial alliance, choosing as his wife Rachel A. Petty, and of this union one child was born, Minnie B., who died May 6, 1889. The widow now survives, making her home in Assumption. The father died in Ridge Township October 21, 1890. He had been a member of the United Brethren Church since 1841, and was highly esteemed for his many excellent traits of character, ever seeking to do unto others as he would be done by. "Uncle Sam" as he was familiarly called, experienced many of the hardships of pioneer life, but by dint of perseverance and good judgment, became well-to-do, and at the time of his decease, left a good estate for his widow and children.

Ridge Township, this county, was the native place of Edson B. Weakly, of this sketch, and April 25, 1857, the date of his birth. His life has been characterized by no unusual events, but has passed quietly and uneventfully. In his youth he received the advantages of the district schools, and as he is a systematic reader, keeps posted upon all topics of general interest. Early in life he commenced to aid his father on the farm, and naturally when the time came for him to choose a calling, he became a farmer, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He now owns forty acres of good land, embellished with good buildings and well improved.

On March 26, 1882, Mr. Weakly and Miss Maltha J. Moll were united in marriage in Pickaway Township, this county. The bride was the daughter of Daniel and Caroline (Wolf) Moll, who are natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, the father being born January 2, 1831, and the mother June 12, 1829, and are now living retired in Moweaqua. Mr. and Mrs. Moll had a family of six children, viz: Lydia C., Mary E., Martha J., John W., Clara A. and William H. Mrs. Weakly was born in Pickaway Township, October 12, 1859, and to her and Mr. Weakly have been born two children, Homer H. and Daniel R. Politically, Mr. Weakly is a Republican, and religiously he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the United Brethren Church.

Extracted 17 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 698-699.

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