My Genealogy Hound

L. J. Weber is engaged in merchandising at Arkadelphia, Ark., and is the present efficient mayor of the town. He was born in Charleston, S. C, June 17, 1846, and is a son of George and Charlotte (Schlewitz) Weber, both of whom were born in Germany, and became early emigrants to America, taking up their abode in South Carolina, where both resided until their respective deaths, the father having been a merchant by occupation. L. J. Weber was reared and educated in his native town, and, as his parents died when he was about thirteen years of age, he was apprenticed to a druggist. In 1862, when a mere boy, he enlisted in the Washington Artillery, and served until the final surrender, but the most of the time was detailed as hospital steward on accountof his eyes. After the surrender he went to Savannah, Ga., in which place he was in the employ of the leading druggists until 1873, when he was compelled to seek a change of location on account of his failing health. His physicians advised him to go to Florida, but he came to the conclusion that the climate of Arkansas would benefit him far more, and he soon after settled in Arkadelphia. He formed a partnership in the general mercantile business with a brother, the firm being known as Weber Bros., and thus continued until the death of the senior member, after which L. J. Weber bought and took charge of the establishment and has since successfully conducted it. He carries a full line of goods, which he disposes of at very reasonable rates, and he has established an excellent cash business. His health has been much benefited by the change of location, and as he is very favorably impressed with the country, he has made it his home. He has served as a member of the board of aldermen for some time, and in 1888 was elected city mayor. Socially he is a member of the K. of H., and he is also a member of the Grand Lodge, and holds the position of grand trustee and was grand representative. He was first, dictator of Arkadelphia Lodge. In 1875 he was married to Miss Susan V. Thomas, a native of Arkansas, by whom he has six children: Laura, Ida, Charles J., Maude, Sue and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Weber are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is an elder in the same.