Biography of Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archvies Copyright 1999 Earliene Kaelin Source: The People in History 1882 History JOHN WEEDMAN Sr. The Weedman's were among the finest settlers Central Illinois, and of the few pioneers who settled in this county a half century ago. They are of German ancestry on the paternal side, and English on the maternal. George Weedman, the grandfather of the present Weedman family, was a native of Pennsylvania. He emigrated to Ohio soon after that State was admitted into the Union, and there remained until 1830, when he brought his family, to Illinois and settled in Randolph's Grove in MeLean county, where he lived until his death, which occurred at an advanced age. John Weedman, his son, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1790, and was yet a youth when his parents removed to Ohio. He there grew to manhood, and married. When his father came west, he accompanied him and settled at the place above named in Mclean county. In 1835 he removed to Hurley's Grove, in what is now known as Santa Anna township, and there lived until his death. In his life, Mr. Weedman belonged to the ambitious and progressive class of men, and was actuated by a laudable desire to excel in whatever he undertook. He was by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and in that business accumulated considerable property, at least sufficient to render him comfortable in his declining years. Both be and his wife were members of the M. E. church, and both took an active interest in that Christian organization. He married Rachel Wilson, who was a native of Maryland, but was a resident of Ohio at the time of her marriage. Her father, Asa Wilson, was one of the early settlers of that State. By the union of John and Rachel Weedman there were ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Isaiah, the fifth son, with patriotic devotion to his country enlisted during the late war in the 2nd Illinois Cavalry, and lost his life at the battle of Holly Springs, December 20th, 1862. The names of the other children in the order of their birth are Asa, who died leaving a family, and who is mentioned in a separate biography; Harriet, George, Amos, John, Isaiah (deceased), Lucinda (also deceased), Eliza Emma, Zadok Casey, and Thomas St. Clair. All of the sons who are living are active, business men, and among the leading agriculturists of the county. It may be said of Mr. Weedman, Sr., that in his life every act of his, whether in public or private, was actuated by a desire to do right. He was honorable in everything, and was never known to do that which brought the blush of shame to his cheek, or in the least reflected upon his character as an honest man and a Christian gentleman. ------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contri- butor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ----------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Earliene Kaeline