My Genealogy Hound

WILLIS JAMES WEAKLEY, son of Stephen Foulke Weakley, was born March 24, 1846, in Cumberland county, Pa. He is the eldest son to reach maturity out of a family of eight. His early life was spent on his father’s farm, the old Weakley homestead, near the site of the first settlement of James Weakley. After passing through the public schools of that day he took a course of instruction at the Millersville State Normal School, and on his return began teaching in the schools of his native county. For over forty years he was thus employed, and there is no name on the rolls of the teachers of this county more honored than his. His genial personality, his skill, and his culture earned for him this reputation. Not only as a teacher, but as the friend of education, and those employed in her pursuit, was he most active and sincere. In this connection he made many friends, as he was always ready to help any worthy cause or project.

Politics, too, claimed some of Mr. Weakley’s attention, and we find him taking part in the councils and efforts of his party for more than thirty years. Being a student and a thinker he was well qualified to defend and battle for his convictions. Always fair to a foe, and true to a friend seems to have been his motto. For almost twenty years he has served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace in Cumberland county with signal honor to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He has graced the office with his ability and character and has shown the functions of it in its true light. More than this he has shown what it means to be a citizen of integrity and honor. Always of a genial nature, affable and courteous, competent and conservative, kindly in manner, and a friend of the oppressed, he has grown old gracefully and lives a retired life on his property in South Dickinson township. His family consists of two sons, Frank and Bruce, and one daughter, Mabel.

Frank Weakley, born Aug. 23, 1880, began teaching at an early age after going through the country schools and taking instruction at the Cumberland Valley State Normal School, and has risen to the front ranks in the profession, and is now Ward Principal in Carlisle, Pa. He is magnetic, courteous, resourceful and capable. He has been active, too, in the councils of his party, and has held responsible appointments in this connection. Mr. Weakley is a prominent and active member of several secret societies, and is deservedly popular. He has attained some distinction as an orator and speaker, being eloquent and well versed. He is the Historian of the Weakley Family Association and his efforts are largely responsible for the publication of a history of The Weakley Family in America. Being ambitious and energetic, he has been awake to his opportunities but has twice suffered from attacks, almost fatal, of disease brought on through overwork.

Bruce Weakley, born June 17, 1882, is a young man of great promise, possessing sterling traits of industry and character. He taught for two years of his life, and is now in the employ of the government, in the capacity of railway mail clerk. He was a clerk in the Carlisle postoffice, too, for more than a year. His genial manner and courteous address have won him hosts of friends.