BIO:  Nathaniel WEIGLE, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, York Borough, Pg 53

NATHANIEL WEIGLE, a leading contractor and builder, was born in York County, 
April 12, 1823, and is the son of Martin and Charlotte (Lightner) Weigle, 
natives of York County.  Mr. Weigle attended the common schools at York and 
subsequently attended the York County Academy one session.  He then apprenticed 
himself to learn the carpenter trade under the instruction of Jacob Gotwalt, of 
York; after finishing his trade he worked at journey-work until 1860.  He then 
began business for himself; his first prominent contract was for the building of 
the present Presbyterian Church; he subsequently contracted for and built the 
German Reformed Church, the Presbyterian Chapel, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and 
Chapel, remodeled Dr. Lochman’s Church, built the York Opera House, and many of 
the finest and most prominent private dwellings in York.  In connection with his 
contracting he has established a large and well-appointed planning-mill, 
furnished with all the machinery for preparing all kinds of church, school and 
building material.  Mr. Weigle has extended his business relations to many of 
the surrounding towns and cities; and has achieved a reputation which is highly 
creditable.  He is a worthy citizen, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of 
the I. O. O. F.  He has been prominently identified with the Lutheran Church and 
Sunday-school, for many years having served as deacon and elder.  Mr. Weigle has 
been twice married.  He was first united with Miss Catherine Gotwalt, of York 
County, in January, 1847, she died in 1864.  Three children are living:  
Charlotte E., Henrietta B. and Annie K.  In January, 1874, Mr. Weigle was 
married to Mrs. Mary J. Smyser, daughter of Jacob Weiser, of York.