BIO: Balser WEBER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2009. 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. _____________________________________________________________________ BALSER WEBER. It has been said that biography yields to no other subject in point of interest and profit, and it is especially interesting to note the progress that has been made along various lines of business by those of foreign birth who have sought homes in America- the readiness with which they adapt themselves to the different methods and customs of America, recognize the advantages offered, and utilize the opportunities which the New World affords. In Mr. Weber we find the true type of a progressive German-American citizen. Our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1829, the only child of Paul and Catherine (Roemer) Weber, natives of the same country, where they spent their entire lives. The mother died in 1832, at the age of twenty-eight years, and the father was again married, having by the second union five children, namely: Andrew, a lumber merchant of Germany; John, who died in that country; Michael, who died a few years after his arrival in the United States, in 1856; Barbara, wife of Paul Kammerer, a coppersmith of Germany; and Caroline, wife of Melchoir Krauss, of New York. The father's death occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy years. He was a tanner by occupation, and a devout member of the Catholic Church. Until twenty years of age Balser Weber remained at home with his father, whom he assisted in the tanning business, and in the schools of his native land secured a good education. For two years before leaving the Fatherland he worked for others. In 1849 he sailed for America, arriving in New York after being twenty-eight days COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 350 upon the water, his possessions being a cash capital of $3.35. After a short time spent in that city, he went to Schenectady, where he worked in a broom factory for two months and in a tannery for a month. On leaving that place Mr. Weber came to Howard, Centre county, Penn., in November, 1849, where he was first employed by Abraham Sussman, a merchant, who was born in Germany and was a friend of our subject. His work was peddling, during two years carrying his merchandise, and for the following four years traveling with a horse and wagon. In 1857, by economy and persistent labor, he was able to purchase the store of Robert J. Haynes, which he successfully conducted until 1889, when he turned over the business to his three sons-Abraham, John Paul and William-and is now living a retired life, enjoying a rest which he so richly deserves. On September 30, 1852, Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Anna Pletcher, and to them have been born eight children: Abraham; Mary, wife of C. M. Muffly, a real-estate broker, of Chicago, Ill.; Caroline, Laura and Henry, all three deceased; Clara, wife of Thomas E. Thomas, of Howard, where he is engaged in farming, and John P. and William. The sons will be more fully spoken of farther on. Mrs. Weber was born in Howard township, October 28, 1828, and is a daughter of Henry and Magdelina (Schenck) Pletcher, natives of Lancaster county, Penn., and married in Centre county, where they had come in 1795, and here engaged in farming. Her father was born September 17, 1789, and died January 10, 1876, while her mother was born September 5, 1786, and died May 11, 1861. In their family were eleven children: Nathan, deceased; Catherine, deceased wife of Jacob Holter, a retired farmer of Liberty township, Centre county; Michael, a carpenter of Howard; Daniel, John, Henry, Christ, and Jacob, all five deceased; Mollie, who married Henry Holter, but both are now deceased; Anna, wife of our subject; and Joseph, deceased. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Weber came to Centre county from Lancaster county in 1795, and here spent the remained of their lives. Mr. Weber was reared in the Catholic Church, to which faith he has always adhered. Socially he is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He has never had any inclination for public office, but has faithfully served as a member of the town council, and as overseer of the poor for four years. He has made many warm friends since becoming a resident of Howard, and has the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact in either business of social life. Abraham Weber, the eldest son of our subject, is now the popular chief burgess of Howard, and senior member of the well-known firm of B. Weber's Sons. He was born in Howard, February 9, 1853, and after attending its public schools for some time, was a student in the Iron City School of Pittsburg, Penn., for five months. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, January 21, 1879, to Miss Rachel J. Moore. To them have been born six children: Mary, Anna, Balser, Emma and Edith, all at home, and one that died in infancy. Abraham Weber was first elected chief burgess of Howard in 1880, and was re-elected in 1886 and 1894, so that he is now serving his third term. His administration of the duties of his high official position is characterized by an enlightened policy, which is well calculated to advance the interests of the town. Politically, he follows in the footsteps of his father, always voting the Democratic ticket; socially he is a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge at Howard, and for the F. & A.M., at Bellefonte. John P. Weber, the second son, was born at Howard, January 15, 1868, and received a liberal common-school education. He married Kate Yearick on September 19, 1889, and has three children. He, too, is a member of the firm. William Weber, the youngest son, also a member of the firm, was born December 4, 1870, and received his education in part at the common schools, in part at a business college in Lock Haven, at which he graduated July 15, 1887. On December 8, 1891, he married Blanche Estella Hensyl, eldest daughter of Dr. L. R. Hensyl, of Howard, and to them has been born one child, Dorothy Elizabeth. Although he is a Democrat, and the town council always very strongly Republican, that body elected him the clerk of the council three years in succession, and also elected him borough treasurer three years in succession, which position he now holds.