John J. Weaver
Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, April 9, l903
The subject of this sketch was born in Marion County, Ohio, July 3l, l832, and died at his home in Pleasanton, Iowa, the morning of the 3lst of March, l903, lacking four months of being 7l years of age.He spent his young manhood days in and around Cincinnati and until the Civil War broke out, when he sided with the Union forces, joining Co. E of the l8l Ohio Vol. Inf., in which command he served four years.At the close of the war he returned to his home, and in Crawford, Ind., on Feb. 2l, l872, was united in marriage to MISS ALMIRA CLARK, who survives him.Shortly after this union they moved to Minnesota and in August, l878, came to Pleasanton where they have made their home ever since.
A few years after coming here MR. WEAVER embarked in the mercantile business, buying A.E. Allen's stock of groceries and patent medicines.As time passed he disposed of these and up to four or five years ago, had been connected with the public in some way.MR. WEAVER has been honored by the people with many local offices of trust, all of which duties he faithfully performed with pride.Years ago when a G.A.R. post was established here he was among the strongest supporters and no one regretted more than he the disbanding of the post.
When a young man, he united with the Baptist Church and on moving to Minnesota he, with is devoted wife, joined the United Brethren and lived members of that branch until moving to Pleasanton.There was no Brethren Church here, so they joined the M.E. Church and lived consistent members until the disbandonment, and when the Christian Union Church was organized they joined forces with it, and under whose ministry and influence he has lived a life that he thought was acceptable to his Maker.During his last remaining days, when on the bed of affliction and the self-knowledge that his body was fast decaying, his experience could be said to be
"When the pain o'er this weak flesh prevails
with lamblike patience arm my breast."
and as each day passed bringing him nearer and nearer to the end he could but say, "I am as happy as if I heard a voice say:
"For me my elder brethren stay,
And angels beckon me away,
And Jesus bids me come."
When the final came his soul passed quietly out and left the body as ifin a deep sleep.Surrounded by kind and loving hands and the aid of medical skill it was only palliative.
The deceased leaves a wife and two daughters by adoption, MRS. J.N. PAINTER, and VIOLET of less than l0 years, and many friends.
The funeral services were held Wednesday, April l, at the C.U. Church and were conducted by Rev. Seth Samson, of the M.E. Church at Van Wert.The house was crowded and but few were the dry eyes when Rev. Samsom, aged and feeble, in a pathetic way, paid this last sad rite to his old friend, the deceased.Then the body was taken in charge by the local G.A.R. members, assisted by the Posts from Leon, Davis City and Cainsville, proceeded to Hamilton Cemetery and there laid in its last resting place with the beautiful ceremonies of the G.A.R.
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March 7, 2003