WEAVER, Moses (1833-1909)

HILER, SHAUL, PEER

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 1/6/2014 at 17:07:31

Malvern Leader
June 3, 1909

PASSING OF MOSES WEAVER. Pioneer Citizen and Prominent Resident of Southeast Mills Answers to Last Roll Call.

After many weary weeks of illness, Moses Weaver, one of the best known men in this part of the county, passed away at his home near Strahan last Friday, May 28.

The funeral was held from the late residence Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and was conducted by Rev. J.E. Matheney of the Mehtodist church at Strahan and Randolph, and was one of the largest attended ever held in that section of the county.

A special choir, Messrs. S.M. Criswell and B.F. Bellwood and Mrs. F.J. Steele and Miss Lettie Bradley, sang some of the songs that were special favorites of the deceased. Rev. Mr. Matheney took for his text, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord," and preached a strong sermon showing the value of a good life such as Mr. Weaver had led. He spoke feelingly of the warm relations existing between Mr. Weaver and his pastor and of the great interest Mr. Weaver always took in the affairs of the church and his fellow men, to all of which the audience were in heartiest accord for few men we know of are held in higher esteem than was Mr. Weaver by all his neighbors, friends and acquaintances.

Beautiful flowers furnished by the hands of loving friends were everywhere in evidence, and it was well, for in his life he had loved the flowers.

The pallbearers were old army comrades, members of Milton Summers Post G.A.R.: Messrs. C.W. Black, A.J. Chantry, J.S. Criswell, H.H. Woodrow, R.A. Wills and Isaac Dice. The remains were taken to the Malvern cemetery where they were buried under the ritualistic service of the G.A.R., with Milton Summers Post in charge.

At the funeral service the following obituary, which was written by one of his old army comrades who had known him long, was read:

Moses Weaver was born in Morris county, New Jersey, April 27, 1833, and died May 28, 1909, aged 76 years, one month and one day. He was married to Miss Sarah Hiler, March 7, 1855. They immediately started for the west, settling in LaSalle county, Ill. Here they resided until the winter of 1875, when they moved to Mills county, Iowa. They located on the unbroken prairie, which he developed into the fine farm, with its loved home, where we are assembled today. His devoted wife and their two daughters, Mrs. Emma Shaul and Mrs. Ella Peer, survive him.

During the Civil War he enlisted in the 153rd Regiment Illinois Infantry and served faithfully until the close of the war. He was a charter member of Milton Summers Post G.A.R. and had served as its commander. He always manifested a great interest in his comrades and in this organization.

Mr. Weaver united with the Congregational church of Marseilles, Ill., in 1863. When the Methodist church of Strahan was organized he united with it, believing he would have a greater influence for good in his own community than he would if his membership was in a church elsewhere. Among his prized treasures, he carefully kept the Bible which he carried with him during the war.

Today a community mourns the loss of a generous, upright citizen and a sympathizing friend. The church loses a most liberal supporter. Everyone has a word of praise for Mr. Weaver, and unmeasured riches could not buy what he has left as a precious benediction - a good name.

"He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him."