Hiram C. Weller of Sidney Plains - 1879

Hiram C. Weller

Bainbridge Republican, February 27, 1879

It is a strange and almost an unaccountable circumstance that of late years, the general business of our place is wholly conducted by those who but a short time since were strangers and unknown to this community.  And it is also remarkable that out of the first long line of ancestral lineage, not any of the settlers have really a representative in the business circles of this town.  Mr. H.C. Weller Esq., whose name we have placed at the head of this article, is now what may be properly termed the oldest resident business man living in this village.  He was born at Norwich, Chenango Co., Feb. 25, 1826.  His father Hiram Weller, was an old resident of Norwich, and carried on the tin and hardware business for a number of years, and was favorably known as one of the honorable and enterprising business men of the place.  Mr. H.C. Weller worked in the shop of his father until he had passed his 18th year when his health becoming impaired he sought a change of climate by visiting Germany where he spent one season in company of Capt. Paul Latham of Norwich, traveling over the "province" and visiting many places of interest.  On his return home he once more engaged in his former occupation with renewed health and also engaged in the foundry business, in which he continued for 15 years.  He was married in 1849 to Miss Martha Hopkins, daughter of Frederick Hopkins Esq., one of the prominent citizens of Norwich.

 

In 1860 having closed out the foundry business he went to Richmond, Virginia, and other points South and West prospecting for one season, when he returned east and spent the winter in New York, but in the spring of 1871, he entered the employment of the United States, and was assigned a position in Missouri where he had the supervision of the erection of telegraphic lines for the use of the government, protected by the United States troops.  In 1863 he returned home to Norwich where he remained for two years, and in the spring of 1865 he came to Sidney Plains and purchased the David Johnson farm about one mile east of this village, where he remained for two years, when he exchanged his farm for a residence and grocery store in this place, where he conducted the grocery business for three years, and in '68 transfered the grocery into that of the drug business, in which he still continues.  His father died in Oct. 1851 aged 53 years.  His mother died Aug. 26th, 1875 in the 76 year of her age.  Mr. Weller was early connected with the Masonic Lodge in Norwich and of which he is still a member, and by his good deportment soon gained the confidence of our townsmen, and was appointed to the important position of Rail Road Commissioner, which office he retained for nearly four years, and during his tenure of office that the Sidney bonds for the building of the Albany and Susquehanna Rail Road were sold at the auspicious moment, when they "went at par."  Mr. Weller having resigned his position as Rail Road Commissioner was elected Supervisor of the town, the duties of which he discharged with credit and ability.  Mr. Weller has two children, a son and daughter, the later was married some five years ago to Mr. D.M. Bowers, and now resides in Syracuse, the son remains in the store with his father, and is also interested as a poultry fancier, in keeping and breeding blooded fowls, of which he has different varieties, but his greatest favorites are the "Plymouth Rocks."  Mr. Weller is possessed of a kind and charitable disposition, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, or give in aid any assistance which may be productive of good to the community.  In person Mr. Weller stands six feet high and is well proportioned weighing 180 lbs, and is possessed of a good address, and is one well calculated to make friends.  His features are open and well defined, and he wears his whiskers which are dark, close cut, and which with his hair are interwoven with those silvery threads that betokens coming age.

Obituary

Sidney Record, October 4, 1902

For nearly five years previous to his death last Sunday at 3:30 p.m., Mr. H.C. Weller, Sidney's [Delaware Co., NY] oldest business man, had been denied the happiness of seeing his loving relatives and many warm friends.  Yet in all these years he bore his infirmities in a patient, cheerful and manly way.  His grasp of hand remained firm: his intellect bright and keen.  He resigned himself to God's wish.  The sound of his friends' voices cheered his dark journey in his latter years.  It was the music that buoyed his hopes and strengthened his heart.  But slowly the strong frame was borne down by illness.  Gradually the world receded and the journey into the Valley of Death was made in that spirit of calm resignation to the Almighty's Will that befits a Christian life, the life of one who has not lived in vain, one whose heart, hand and purse were ever open to help those in affliction, to cheer and comfort those about him.

Mr. Weller was a native of  Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] in which town he was actively engaged in business up to 1864, when he moved to Sidney.  He was united in marriage on the 4th day of September, 1849.  This union was blessed with two children, a son and daughter, Mrs. D.M. Bowers.  He was bound by the most tender ties of affection to his family circle.  The devotion of husband and wife during these 53 years proved a model of home life.  Their courtship apparently ended only in death.  To such a true, devoted wife this blow is indeed a sad one.  Many are the hearts that sorrow with hers and her immediate family and we can bid them hope that their lost one is in a happier world, free from pain, awaiting to meet them once again in the glories of the resurrection.

During his life in Sidney Mr. Weller always deservedly maintained the highest respect of the community.  His sense of public spirit was highly developed.  He served the town as Supervisor and as railroad commissioner for many years and his services were greatly appreciated.  As president of the Board of Sewer Commissioners, Sidney owes him a debt of gratitude for his zeal and efficiency and the fine system of sewers now in use in this village is largely due to Mr. Weller's untiring energy.  Although 76 years of age he took to the last a keen interest in all public affairs.  His memory was retentive and his conversation always entertaining.  In his earlier years he visited Germany, Holland and France. Travel Broadened his mind, endearing him to the fellowship of man.

The funeral obsequies were conducted on Wednesday afternoon under the auspices of Sidney Lodge, no. 801, F.&A.M., of which ancient and honorable body he had been a lifelong member.  Mr. L.L. Heath acted as funeral director.  At 1:15 a large delegation of Masons in funeral regalia, formed line in front of the mortuary residence, T.W. Day, the Tiler of Sidney Lodge No. 801, F.&A.M., acting as Marshal.  They sorrowfully viewed the remains of their departed brother, who rested in an elaborate casket of mahogany, surrounded by exquisite floral designs, the tributes of loving friends and Masonic brothers.

The funeral cortege was then formed and escorted by the fraternity, proceeded to the Congregational church where a large number of mourners were gathered. The bearers were John A. Clark, R. McKinnon, Charles H. Seeley, Dr. McKinnon, H.A. Skinner and S.F. Cumber. The honorary bearers were P.D. Searles and W.H. Wright.  Rev. W.T. Edds selected his text from Acts 18-36:  "David having served his generation, fell asleep."  In well tempered sentences the pastor brought comfort to hearts in grief, leaving an impress for the good. The Masonic services at the grave were impressive in character.  H.D. Mallory, Esq., of  Norwich, delivered the Oration.

Then the tomb closed over one who leaves to friends unnumbered the sense of a precious friendship broken and the memories of a delightful character.  To his family his memory is dear and imperishable.  For intellectual brightness, quickness and vigor he had few equals in our vicinage.  He was gifted with sprightly humor, and genius of good fellowship.  Mr. Weller was sympathetic and drew to himself a rare quality of affection, which intimate acquaintance with him never failed to deepen.  Moreover, those who knew him well soon discovered that beneath his vivacity was a genuinely thoughtful mind and the temper of moral earnestness by which respect was added to affection.  He leaves to the world a treasured memory--the greatest heritage that one may bequeath.

Compiler Note:  Hiram C. Weller died 28 September 1902 and was buried in Sidney's Prospect Hill Cemetery.