BIO: Daniel B. WEAVER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ DANIEL B. WEAVER, a prosperous miller of Miles township, Centre county, residing near Wolfs Store, is a citizen of the best type. In the hour of country's danger through rebellion he served gallantly in her defense, while in peace he has maintained an honorable and useful position among his fellows. He was born July 2, 1840 near Wolfs Store, where his father, John Weaver, a son of John Weaver, Sr., also first opened his eyes to the light. Our subject's father was reared as a farmer boy, enjoying but meager educational privileges in the subscription schools of that day, and working upon the home farm until his marriage. His wife, Susan Brungart, was born and reared in Brush Valley, and her father, Jacob Brungart, was a well-known agriculturist living east of Wolfs Store. After their marriage the young couple located on a farm belonging to John Weaver, Sr., where they resided many years, and then after a short stay upon a farm south of Wolfs Store, they returned to the farm where our subject was born. There both passed away, and their remains now rest in the burial ground at Rebersburg. John Weaver, Jr., was of ordinary build, but of a strong constitution and usually enjoyed robust health. He was industrious and lived in comfortable style but never acquired riches. His honesty was unwavering, and throughout the community he was held in high esteem. As a Democrat he always took keen interest in political issues, being a regular voter, and for two terms he held the office of supervisor. He was a member of the Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran. They had the following children: Thomas, a shoemaker at Tylersville, Penn.; Israel, who died in boyhood; Daniel B., of this sketch; Mary (Mrs. John Breon), of Miles township, Centre county; Chestie (Mrs. William Meyer) of Wolfs Store; John H., who died in early manhood at Potters Bank; William H., a miller at Millheim; and Charles A., a miller at Osceola, Pennsylvania. Mr. Weaver (our subject) attended the district schools of his neighborhood during his youth, his first teacher being Mrs. John DeLong at Wolfs Store. The value of, indeed the necessity for, better educational facilities for the people became impressed upon his mind at an early period, and the present free-school systems find in him a warm friend. He did but little work away from home, and practically lived there until his enlistment at Rebersburg, August 22, 1862, in Company A, 148th P.V.I. The company went via Lewistown to Harrisburg, where members were instructed in duties of a soldier and equipped for service. Mr. Weaver's first battle was the memorable struggle at Chancellorsville, and he took part in all the engagements of his regiment until after the fight at Deep Bottom, where he was wounded by an exploding shell. He lost three months in consequence, spending most of the time in hospital at Philadelphia, with a thirty-days' furlough home. After rejoining his regiment at Falmouth, he served until the close of the war. His record was a most creditable one, and at his discharge in July, 1865, he held the rank of sergeant. On his return from the front he spent a short time at home, and in 1866 he began farming on his own account, renting the farm where he was born. In 1867 he married Miss Mary C. Kreider, born May 31, 1842 in Penn township, Centre county, a daughter of Philip Kreider, a prominent farmer and merchant. He was born in Lebanon county, Penn., in 1803, and died in January 1842. In December, 1828, he married Leah Bowman, who was born in Cornwall township, Lebanon county, January 3, 1803, and died April 4, 1856. Eight children were born to them: Melinda Ann, widow of George W. Stover, of Penn township; William S., who died in 1855, aged twenty-three; Rozanna, who died in infancy; John Philip, who died leaving a family in Miles township; George, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 218 deceased in infancy; Reuben H., who died young; J. B. Kreider, M. D., practicing medicine in Bucyrus, Ohio; and Mary C. (Mrs. Weaver). The father was fairly well-educated for his day and opportunities, and was reared as a farm boy by an uncle, John Boumberger, he being a mere lad when his father died. As he grew to maturity he proved a good business man, and for several years he carried on a store, also kept a hotel in Lebanon. In addition to this he learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at same for a time. In 1835 he located at Centre Hall, and four years later moved to Penn township, where he died. In religious faith he was a member of the Reformed Church, and in politics he was a Democrat. Daniel B. Weaver had only his own savings to depend upon, and as has been said he rented a place from his father in order to make his start in business. One year he spent there, and he then rented from John Moyer a farm near Penn Hall. His next removal was to a farm of his own in Gregg township, Centre county, comprising eighty acres. For this he went heavily in debt; but through hard work and good management he prospered, and each year saw the obligation decreased. He finally traded the place for his present property at Wolfs Store. There was a sawmill and a gristmill on this latter estate, and a residence which Mr. Weaver occupied for some time; but later he purchased more land and built a new home. He now owns about 100 acres of land, improved with the buildings mentioned, and still conducts the milling business successfully. Mr. Weaver and his wife are leading members of the Reformed Church, and for several years he held the office of deacon. They have had ten children, viz.: Elmer K., who died at the age of three years; Edwin T., deceased; Clayton D., a miller, at home; Rosa E, who died in childhood; Ammon P., a successful teacher; Calvin J., a miller; Orlando W., Malinda A. and Susan G., who are at home and one that died in infancy. Of these Edwin T. was a highly respected young farmer of Brush Valley, but he was cut off in the prime of his usefulness, dying April 25, 1897, from injuries received in a run-away, his team getting frightened when they were hauling a drill; he left a widow, Ida M. (Walker) Weaver, and two children: Miriam Grace and Edwin Theodore. Our subject has had his times of discouragement and loss like most business men, but persevering and well-directed effort has carried him through. He bears a most enviable reputation for integrity in his dealings. Politically he is a Democrat, and wherever he has resided he has taken an active and influential part in local affairs, serving as school director and supervisor in Gregg township, and as supervisor in Miles township.