Joseph Weaver, one of the energetic and progressive farmers as well as self-made men of Whiteside County, residing in Erie village, and the proprietor of 240 acres of land located on sections 7, 8, 1,7 and 18, is a son of William and Margaret (Reynolds) Weaver, and was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1807. His father was born in Newport, R I., was of New England extraction, and was a farmer and mechanic. His mother was born in Exeter, R. I., and was of Quaker descent. The issue of their union was eight children, four of whom are living.
Mr. Weaver, subject of this biographical notice, was the seventh child of his parent's family, and was reared on a farm in Montgomery Co., N. Y., until the family moved to Allegany Co., same State, when he engaged in farming. In 1856 he came with his family to Erie, this county, and purchased 340 acres of land, 240 of which constitutes his present farm, having sold 100 acres of the same. His farm lies contiguous to the village of Erie, 27 1/1 acres lying within the corporate limits of that village. He is engaged in general farming, and has made numerous improvements upon his place, having erected a fine residence, good buildings, etc. He rents his land, except some pasture land and 20 acres which he cultivates with the assistance of one hand. Mr. Weaver has held the position of Justice of the Peace eight years.
He was united in marriage in Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 29, 1834, to Miss Melissa, daughter of Nahum and Rachel Benedict. She was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y.,- March 8, 1808, and has borne to her husband eight children, six of whom survive: Homer and Herman (twins); Rachel is the wife of N. E. Lyman, President of the People's Bank in Rockford, Ill.; Julia is the wife of Mortimer Wonser, attorney and Postmaster at Tarna City, Iowa; Emily resides at home; and J. D. is the youngest living: William and Mary are deceased.
Portrait and Biographical PG 719
