The grandfather of our subject was Philip Weaver, a native of Germany, but of French ancestry. His coming to America dates back to the visit of La Fayette, who participated in the Revolutionary War. He served with him in the struggle for American freedom as an officer in the American army, and held an honorable position. Philip Weaver married Elizabeth Hyde, daughter of Abram Hyde, an Englishman, and was a farmer in Lancaster County, Pa., where he died.

The father of our subject was Michael Weaver, one of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. The eldest was John. He lived and died in Franklin County, Pa. The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, and followed the trade of a tailor in Mechanicsburg, Pa., where he lost his wife, the son at that time being only six years old. Two years later Michael Weaver went to Ohio, and pursuing a man who was instrumental in causing the death of a son, went to New Orleans, where he was taken sick with the cholera and died.

David Weaver was the next oldest brother; he had made an early trip across the plains to California. Weaverville in that State was named in his honor. In later life he was quite an extensive merchant. The fourth son was Jacob Weaver; he became a noted physician, and going to Lafayette, Ind., died there. He was man of fine presence, and elocutionist and author, and a skillful teacher of the elocutionary art. His "Treatise on Elocution," a practical work, was published in 1846, and had a large circulation. Dr. Weaver had a son, Alexander, who figured conspicuously in the early history and troubles of Kansas, having gone there as a physician. The Governor of the Territory entrusted him with the duty of visiting Jefferson City, Mo., to secure Government arms with which to protect Kansas. He was accidentally killed by one of the firearms while unloading it. The sisters of the father of our subject were all married before their death. Michael Weaver married Charlotte Krill, of Pennsylvania. She came of German ancestry, and died at Mechanicsburg, Pa.

O. D. Weaver, our subject, was the third of the eight children born to his mother. Their names in the order of their birth are as follows: Theophilus, Elizabeth, O. D., our subject; Tictchum D.; Charlotte, Asaph J., Charlotte A. and Michael. Our subject is the only surviving member of the family, and was born Oct. 16, 1825. He lost his parents when a child, and was reared among strangers. He was eleven years old when he was bound to the trade of tailor, and in 1845 came West, and has since lived in Stephenson County, doing business as a farmer, and for some years following the trade of tailor at Freeport.

Our subject has been one of the energetic men of this county, and has accumulated a comfortable property here, owning a good farm of eighty acres in Dakota Township, and some property in Dakota Village. He has been closely identified with the interests of the township, taking much concern in its affairs. Mr. Weaver spent over three years of his life in California, where he experienced some of the hardships of the early miners there. He was at the first gold mine at the time of its discovery in 1846. He built one of the first houses in this township; he had nine children, one of whom is dead.

Our subject married Henrieta Ilgen, a descendant of an old Revolutionary soldier, one of the hired Hessians who participated in that conflict. Mrs. Weaver's ancestor, it is true, came here in the interest of the British, but after understanding the nature of the conflict the Americans were engaged in, he early joined their ranks, and fought on the side of the Revolutionists.

Mrs. Weaver was reared and educated in Pennsylvania. Mr. Weaver's religious convictions lead him to avow the Methodist faith. He is a Republican, and has held some of the minor offices of the township. While Mr. Weaver has finally attained success, his pathway has not always been a bed of roses. Some friends in whom he placed implicit confidence, proved false, leaving him to suffer. His family and himself are all fine musicians, musical talent being largely developed in all his sons, one of whom is leader of the Freeport band, and plays almost every instrument well.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 555