F.J. Weess

WEESS

Posted By: Linda (email)
Date: 9/19/2004 at 21:34:18

F.J. Weess, of Keokuk, is probably one of the most remarkable men in many respects in the Hawkeye State. He is one of the old landmarks in this vicinity, a butcher by occupation, and established himself in business in 1860, on the corner which he now occupies, No. 17 South Fourth street. He came to Keokuk in 1849, arriving on the 15th of May, in company with his father's family, the elder Weess being also a butcher by occupation, and has remained a resident of the Gate City since that time.
The subject of our sketch is a native of Holland, born in 1840, and he son of John C. and Mary (Wehrely) Weess, natives respectively of Germany and Holland. His father engaged in his old-time occupation after coming here, which he prosecuted successfully and with profit, and retired from active business two years before his death, which occurred in 1884. The mother is still living in Prairie City, Iowa. Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom four are now living, the subject of this history being the eldest; Chris C. is a resident of California; Mary, Mrs. Murry, and Liza, Mrs. Newer, of Monroe County, Iowa.
F.J. Weess, from he time he was a lad ten years old, has presented a remarkable example of energy and industry. In his boyhood days he was never idle, being constantly occupied in some useful work or study. His education was obtained principally in the evening after the labors of the day were over, and he advanced to manhood with the qualities of a thorough business man fully developed. He remained under the parental roof until he attained to years of manhood, and established himself in business as a butcher, as mentioned above. He has been remarkably successful in all his business undertakings, and has accumulated a valuable property. The principal enterprises of the city have received largely of his support and encouragement, and he has been an important actor among its industrial interests He is a stockholder in the Central Stove Works, the Commercial Banks, the Water Works and the Building Association. His beautiful dwelling, built in 1880, is the finest in the city, and was erected at a cost of $28,000. It is located on the corner of Third and Morgan streets, and is a resort of the best elements of society of the Gate City.
In additon to his city property, Mr. Weess is the owner of three farms, two in Madison County and one in Woodbury County, near Sioux City. Both are improved and under a good state of cultivation. His city property, aside from that already mentioned, includes the store on the northwest corner of Main and Fourth streets, another in the same block on Main street, and a third on Main between Third and Fourth streets, and another in the same block on Main street, and a third on Main between Third and Fourth streets, and a half block of four bildings on anoher prominent street, three lots on Fulton street, with buildings upon each, three lots on the corner of Ninth and Cedar streets, two at the corner of Eighteenth and Exchange streets, two at the intersection of Twelfth and Bank streets, two at the corner of Third and Morgan, besides several other pieces of property.
Mr. Frank J. Weess and Miss Louisa Lorentzen were united in marriage Feb. 14, 1861. Mrs. Weess is a native of Germany, and the daughter of Rev. P. Lorentzen, of German parentage and ancestry. Of this marriage there have been born seven children, five of whom are living and named as follows: Emma, John C., Mamie, Frankie and Arnot S. Mrs. Weess is Republican in politics, and with his family belongs to the United Presbyterian Church in this city, of which he is an active member and Trustee.
Notwithstanding his large business interests, Mr. Weess has never been on the railorad further than Burlington. He is noted all over the State or his excessive industry, his honesty, and his upright dealings with his fellow-men. He has greatly aided in establishing and building up the industrial intersts of the Gate City, and is universally respected for his upright moral character, true charity and kindness of heart. He has made for himself a position in this commmunity as a man whose place it will be exceedingly difficult to fill when he shall have been gathered to his fathers, and his character will be held up as an example to future generations long after even his children shall have ceased the battle of life. This should be his abundant reward for the labors of a long and useful lifetime, during which he has shrunk from no duty and evaded no responsibility as a citizen, husband, father and friend.

Portrait and Biographical Album
Lee County, Iowa
Chicago, Chapman Brothers, 1887
Reprinted 1989 by Selby Publishing
3405 Zartman Rd.
Kokomo, IN 46902
pages 212 & 213