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.
