DANIEL WEIDNER. Twenty odd years of residence in such a county as Moultrie gives a man an opportunity to show what is in him in the way of industry, enterprise and integrity. He must by that time have gained for himself a reliable reputation for either good or ill, and have established himself among his neighbors. Our subject has thus lived in Dora Township, where he resides on section 20, and he has proved himself a thoroughly good neighbor, a successful agriculturist and a man of standing among his fellow-citizens. Mr. Weidner purchased eighty acres of land, which he found but slightly improved and entirely unbroken, when he first came into the county, and he has added to it by purchase until he now possesses two hundred and ninety-three acres, upon which he has placed substantial improvements. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, December 10, 1843, his honored parents being Frederick and Catherine Weidner, natives of Germany, and his paternal grandfather being George Weidner, who came many years ago to the United States and settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he remained until death called him hence. He had reared a family of four sons and two daughters, namely: Frederick, John, Godfred, Solomon, Phebe, Christina and Barbara. Frederick Weidner, the father of our subject, was married while residing in Ohio, and made his first home as a man of family in Hocking County, where he pursued farming, clearing up land in the woods and remaining there until his death, being snatched away in the prime of life at the age of forty-seven years. His bereaved widow survived him for many years and reached the age of four-score and two years. She and her worthy husband were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living, namely: George and John reside in Hocking County, Ohio; Solomon is living in Fairfield County, the same State; Daniel, our subject; Phebe, who married William Fletcher and died in Dora Township; Catherine married David Ashbauch and resides in Van Wert County, Ohio, and Barbara, who is the wife of William Walker and lives in Hocking County, Ohio. The ordinary life and training of a farmer's boy was given to Daniel Weidner in his youth and he grew up to a robust and active young manhood, and set about establishing himself both in his life work and in his life home. It was in 1867 when he was united in marriage to a lady who has been to him a congenial and helpful companion. Her maiden home was Mary A. Beery and she was born in Hocking County, Ohio, December 13, 1846, being the daughter of Abraham Beery. She has been the mother of eleven children and has had the sorrow of laying five of her little ones in their graves. The six who survive are: Nannie, wife of Augustus Reeder; Frank, Lilly, Hettie, John and Elmer. The political views of our subject were formerly in accordance with the doctrines of the Democratic party, but he is now independent of party ties. Both he and his excellent wife are earnest and active members of the church of the United Brethren, and in its communion and services they find a broad field for influence and work. Their standing among their neighbors gives them an influence which is always exerted for good, and the success of Mr. Weidner in the cultivation and development of his farm has earned for him the good opinion of all who know him.

Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 303/304

Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb