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Photo Caption: James F. Weart came to Cherokee in 1887. He founded the James F. Weart Company on West Main Street, a lumber and grain company. At the age of 89, he still went to his business each day. He was a charter member of the Cherokee Rotary and was a Mason. He was known for a dry sense of humor. This photo was probably taken in May of 1959. (Source: Cherokee County Historical Society scrapbook)

James F. Weart is president of the Weart Lysaght Company, prominent lumbermen of Cherokee. He was born in Hopewell, New Jersey, and there acquired his education. In the spring of 1888 he left the east and went to St. Paul, Minnesota, dividing his time between that city and Duluth until July, 1889. He then came to Cherokee, where he secured a position in connection with the lumberyard of which he is now one of the owners. Gradually he worked his way upward until he was made manager. He became one of the partners in the business and has since been joined by W. H. Lysaght and W. I. Weart. On the reorganization of the business under the present style of the Weart-Lysaght Company, James F. Weart became the president with Mr. Lysaght as vice president and W. I. Weart as secretary. In addition to his other interests James F. Weart is president of the Home Mutual Hail Association. He takes an active interest in all affairs pertaining to the public welfare and improvement and his cooperation can ever be counted upon to further any movement for the general good. He is prominent in Masonic circles and for two years was eminent commander of the commandery. He also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and he is a member of the building committee of the Presbyterian church. The name of Weart today figures prominently in commercial and financial circles in Cherokee county and has ever been a synonym for enterprise, integrity and fair dealing.

Source: History of Cherokee County, IA, Vol. II, by Thomas McCulla; 1914