"Charles Weinberg, one of the wealthy citizens of Du Quoin, is a native of Germany. He was born in Mecklenburg, June 30. 1825, and is a son of Frederick Weinberg, who was a tailor by trade and lived and died in his native land. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Germany, which, according to the laws of that country, he attended until fourteen years of age. He then became a shepherd, and was thus employed until he reached the age of twenty-six, when, in 1851, he emigrated to America. He reached this country without a dollar in his picket, but, nothing daunted, he started out to seek a livelihood, and the difficulties in his path he has overcome by perseverance and determined effort.

      Mr. Weinberg spent one year in Buffalo. N.Y., and then went to Maryland, where he worked in the mines until 1858. That year witnessed his arrival in Du Quoin. He commenced work in the mines of St. John, and by saving his earnings he was soon enabled to purchase an interest in the mine, becoming one of the owners of the old Union mines. He has let a busy and useful life, and his untiring efforts have brought him a high degree of success. He has never been afraid of labor, in fact indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature. He successfully continued his mining operations until 1889, when he retired from that line of business and invested his capital in Du Quoin property. He now owns one of the finest brick blocks on the west side, together with several houses, which he rents, and the large furniture store which is carried on by his sons.

      In 1854 Mr. Weinberg was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Trescher, who was also a native of Germany, and to them have been born seven children. John, who is engaged in the furniture business, married Amelia Knauer, and they have four children: Charles, Mina, Toinette and Emma. Annie is the wife of Henry Croessman, a jeweler, and they have one child, Harley; Lena has for ten years successfully engaged in teaching in the public schools of Du Quoin; Philip is interested in coal mining; Mary is the wife of Christ Bergman, a clerk in the store of W. E. Brookings; Charles is engaged in the furniture business; Katie is the wife of Frank Meek, a telegraph operator of Du Quoin, by whom she has one child, Edgar.

      Mr Weinberg and his family are all members of the Lutheran church, in which he serves as Trustee, and to the support of which he contributes liberally. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen, who manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. In politics he has been a Republican since the organization of the party, and in his social relations is an Odd Fellow. The success of his life seems almost phenomenal, but is the result of well directed efforts, enterprise and industry guided by good judgment."