Transcribed by: Patty Gaddis

Page 1695

WEAVER, JOHN B. - one of the most prominent and successful attorneys of Springfield, and candidate on the Republican ticket for the responsible office of County Judge, has been a resident of the city since 1900, and has established a large practice. He was born at Wellsville, Montgomery Co, Mo., April 8, 1869, son of Joseph R. and Harriet (Baker) Weaver. The father, who is a civil engineer, was born at Rushford, N.Y., October 13, 1832, and now lives at Freeport, IL. He came to Freeport in 1857, was married there and later moved to Missouri, where he lived until 1873, then returned to Freeport, where he has since resided. His wife, who was born in Kentucky, January 15, 1842, is deceased.

The father of Joseph R. Weaver was a native of Kentucky and served in the Black Hawk War. He was a playmate and boyhood friend of Daniel Boone and Samuel Kenton, and fought Indians side by side with them. He was the first settler of Freeport, where he erected the first building.

John B. Weaver was educated in the common and high schools of Freeport and Northwestern University, of Chicago, receiving his legal training at the latter institution. His boyhood was spent on a farm and he has always been fond of outdoor life and sports. His entire life has been spent in Illinois, with the exception of the first five years. He lived in Freeport from 1873 until 1900, then moved to Springfield, and engaged in the active practice of his profession, in which he has been very successful and is now serving as Police Magistrate. He served a term as Assistant State's Attorney of Sangamon County. He has been interested in many public enterprises and is one of the brightest and most able attorneys of the city. He has always been a Republican in politics and fraternally is connected with the Masons, being a member of the Knights Templar, Oriental Consistory. In religious views, he is a Presbyterian and is a member of that church. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and to other organizations of a similar nature.

Mr. Weaver was married, at Galena, Ill., October 3, 1891, to Alice M. Botdorf, born in Rochelle, Ill., May 11, 1872, daughter of John A. and Jennie (Jones) Botdorf, both natives of Wales. Mrs. Weaver had three brothers who served in the Civil War, one under Sherman, one in the cavalry under Sheridan, and one under Grant. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have no children. They own the beautiful home where they reside at 536 South Glenwood Avenue, Springfield, and are well known in social circles.