In Memoriam, John Weare (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1897 Excerpt: ... JOHN WEARE. The pioneers of a country give a permanent coloring and character to the community. Men of vigor and energy make and leave their impress upon a new settlement as clearly as a seal leaves its design on the wax. This is as true of Iowa and of Cedar Rapids as of any other state and city. Among all the early settlers of Iowa, few men were better fitted for pioneer life, or mere helpful to the community, than the subject of this sketch. Naturally, he was vigorous and hopeful, quick to observe, proud of his town and state, fully posted as to all their resources and advantages, cordial and helpful to all strangers and timid beginners, untiring and generous in his plans and efforts to aid in everything which he believed was for the best interests of the community. These characteristics early developed in the boy. The eldest living son in a large family, he was naturally a leader in family affairs. As his sphere widened, he continued the same. His father, John Weare, Sr., was a young, active soldier on the American side during the contest with England, in the War of 1812. In 1811 he married Cynthia Ashley, a daughter of Colonel Samuel Ashley, an officer of the Colonial Government and the head of an influential family of wealth, loyal to the American cause. This noble woman was a power for good, in her own family and in the community in which her lot was cast. The experiences of life in the new states in 1812 were very thrilling, and Mrs. Weare proved herself a true soldier's wife, possessing courage and resolution rarely known, even in that time of great heroism. Her husband was severely wounded before the Battle of Plattsburg. She was distant a thirty-six hour's ride, through a country in the hands of the enemy and only passable on horseback. She was th...