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| James P. Weaver, farmer and carpenter, section 34, Austin Township, is a son of William and Elizabeth (Townsend) Weaver, natives of New Jersey and of German descent. They became residents of Canada in early life, and were married there. Mr. Weaver was born in The Province of Ontario, Canada, March 18, 1818. He was a pupil adds oral, and an assistant on the farm of his father until he reached the age of 19, when he came to Michigan and located at Kalamazoo, where he began to learn the art of Carpentering, at which he worked until 1839. He then went back to Canada for a brief staying, but on solicitation determined to remain. His parents lived in the city of London, Ontario, and he stayed with them, finding plenty of employment at his trade. His father died March 11, 1849, and he succeeded to the care and responsibilities of managing the farm and family affairs. This he did, meanwhile following his occupation, until the spring of 1865, when he came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land in Austin Township, besides entering another 80 acres under the Homestead Law, making a most valuable farm, ranking fairly with the best locations in Austin Township. Mr. Weaver was married in London, Ontario, March 12, 1843, to Drucilla, daughter of John and Sarah (Burley) Austin. The parents were natives of New Jersey, and of German ancestry. Soon after their marriage they went to Canada and settled in Toronto, Ontario, where Mrs. Weaver was born, D.C. Nov. 25, 1825. She was well brought up, and received a fair degree of education. She has been a mother of six children - two boys and four girls. One son and one daughter are deceased. The remaining son and three daughters are settled in life, with promising families; the following are their names and dates of birth: Emmeline, Jan. 20, 1842; John, Dec.10, 1840; Cynthia, Feb. 25, 1838; Josephine, May 10, 1858. In his native city Mr. Weaver Was a Member of the Common Counsel, incumbent at times of several offices, and was a Lieutenant of the local militia. He has no political tendency whatever, but has been Treasurer for several years, Justice of the Peace three years, etc., and is now District Assessor. And its organization, the township was named for the brother of Mrs. Weaver ---Aaron Austin--- now a resident of Mecosta Village. |