Sherman W. Weldon, a successful and extensive agriculturist of Jo Davies County, holds a leading position among the respected and honored citizens of Pleasant Valley Township, where he has resided for many years. He was born in Oswego County N. Y. July 17, 1820. Jacob Weldon, father of our subject, was also a native of the Empire State, born in Duchess County, near Poughkeepsie, in 1789. He was reared to man's estate in his native county, and selected the occupation of a farmer as his life- work. He subsequently removed to Otsego County in the same State, where he became acquainted with Miss Polly Murphey, whom he afterward married. She was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1795. Of their union thirteen children were born—Alexander, Hiram, Angeline, Washington, Allen J., Waitte, Louisa, Mary, Gilbert, Martha, Frank, and our subject, and James M. Alexander married Susan Joslyn, of Oswego County, N. Y., and they now live in Michigan, and have four children, in Livingston County. Hiram married Mary Gibbs, of Oswego County, N. Y., and they are both dead. Their only son was killed while in service in the late war. Angeline married Calvin Weldon, of Otsego County, N. Y., now engaged in farming; in Nebraska, and they have five children. Washington, a farmer near Livingston, Mich. where he has held the offices of Circuit Judge and Prosecuting Attorney, married Eliza DeLong, of Oswego County, N. Y. Allen married Lucina Morey, of Oswego County, N. Y., and removed to California, where he died in 1887, leaving four children, who are now living in Quincy, Cal. Waitte married Isaac West, of Kane County, Iowa, and died in Black Hawk County, Iowa, leaving five children. Louisa married Charles Barnes, deceased, and removed from Iowa to Missouri about nineteen years ago, and they have not been heard from since. Mary, the widow of Henry Murphy, of Oswego County, N. Y„ lives with her brother Washington in Michigan. Gilbert, a gardener and small fruit-grower of St. Joseph, Mich., married Mary Hunter. Martha married Horace McNitt, and they have two sons and one daughter. Frank, a farmer, stock-grower, and blacksmith, of Rockford, Ogle County, 111., married Margaret Forbes.

Sherman Weldon, of whom we write, spent his earlier life in his native State. He had but few educational advantages, but made the most of the opportunities afforded him, and acquired sufficient learning to conduct his business in a successful manner. Deeming the virgin soil of the" Prairie State better suited to agricultural purposes than that of his own State. Mr. Weldon came to Jo Daviess County in 1866, and subsequently took up a tract of wild land on section 13. Pleasaut Valley Township, on which he at once began work. With unflagging energy and courageous industry he turned the soil, breaking but a few acres, on which he raised a small crop of grain. Each year he made more improvements, and as he was able purchased more land, so that now lie has a fine homestead of 305 acres, which, in point of cultivation and improvement will compare favorably with any in the township. His beautiful farm- with its comfortable dwelling; convenient barn, well filled with cattle of good grades; and extensive fields, which, in the proper season, smile with their abundant crops of grain; are substantial evidence of the skill and ability with which he has managed it.

The marriage of Mr. Weldon with Miss Charlotte Weed was solemnized April 18. 1848. She was born in Oswego County, N. Y.. Dec. 12, 1825. Her parents were John and Emily (Fary) Weed. They had six children.

Eleven children have been born of this union, eight of whom are living: Ellen, Amelia. Allen J., Lucy, Clara, Edward, Com, and Minnie; Helen Frances and Flora are dead. Ellen married William W. Kinsley, of Boone County. Iowa, now an express agent in Kansas, and they have four children—Courcey, William. Georgia, and Weldon. Amelia married Lee Zellern of Stephenson County IL., who is now engaged in farming in Syracuse, Neb., and they have one child, Mabel. Allen J. lives at home. Lucy married Joseph Deeds, of Pleasant Valley Township, the proprietor of a livery stable near Syracuse, Neb., and they have two children, Eunice and Victoria. Clara married William Beesley. a farmer near Syracuse, Neb., and they have two children, Earl and an infant.. Edward is a farmer in Le Mars, Iowa. Cora and Minnie are at home with their parents.

Mr. Weldon stands well in his community as a man of sound common sense, honest purpose, and as a faithful, law-abiding citizen. In the building up of his pleasant home be has had the able assistance and wise counsel of a devoted wife, and with him she has won the regard and confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In politics our subject is a true Republican and an earnest supporter of the principles of that party. He is public-spirited, ever interested in the welfare of his adopted township, and has taken part in its civic affairs; serving with credit as Justice of the Peace, Highway Commissioner, and in other offices.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)