"Portrait & Biographical Record of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Chapman Publishing Company, 1903. p. 1147. JUDSON WEED Although not one of the older commercial enterprises of Philomath, the grocery business of Judson Weed has become an important factor in maintaining the business integrity of the town, representing as it does the business stability and practical ideas of one of its most honored citizens. Born in Jackson county, Ohio, April 14, 1847, Mr. Weed is a son of Gilbert and Abigail (Patton) Weed, the latter of whom was born in Greenbrier county, W. Va. On the paternal side Mr. Weed claims a worthy ancestor in his grandfather, William, a soldier in the war of 1812, and for a portion of the service in the quartermaster's department. The grandfather was born in the state of Connecticut, and at a very early day located in New York, where his son, Gilbert, was born August 20, 1804. The family removed to Gallia county, Ohio, about 1813, and here he died at the age of eighty-four years. In Gallia county, Ohio, Gilbert Weed was reared on a farm, and in time learned the stone-mason's trade, and also that of the bricklayer. In 1836 he removed to Jackson county, Ohio, where he combined his trades with farming, and where he died in 1888. His wife's father, William Patton, was born in New York state, and as a young man removed to Virginia, locating in Greenbrier county. He was a farmer during his entire active life, and his career was dignified by worthy military service, directed for the greater part against the Indians. Although his father was fairly successful in life, it became necessary for Judson Weed to provide for himself at a comparatively early age, the farm in Jackson county being hardly adequate for the supporting of sixteen children, twelve sons and four daughters. The tenth of this large family, Judson, worked hard on the home farm, but during the winter time attended the district schools, where he studied arduously, as became a youth who early appreciated the advantages of a practical education. That he might enjoy further advantages as a student, he began to work out on the farms surrounding that of his father, and while thus employed the Civil war broke out, throwing the country into a state of turmoil and uncertainty. He continued to work until 1864, and then enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-Second Ohio Infantry, serving four months as a private. After his discharge at Gallipolis, Ohio, he resumed his work on the farm, and continued to save money for his education. During 1868-69-70 he attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and thereafter engaged in teaching until 1875. After coming to Oregon, in the latter part of 1875, Mr. Weed combined teaching and farming in Columbus county, his farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he greatly improved and rendered a valuable property. He still owns this farm, and rented it out in 1898, when he came to Philomath to engage in the grocery business. In Columbus county he was prominent in the general affairs of his neighborhood, and was so successful as an educator that he was elected county superintendent of schools in 1878, serving for one term, or two years. He also became much interested in Republican politics, was elected county assessor in 1886 serving for one term; and, in 1888, was elected to the legislature, and re-elected in 1892. While in the legislature he was chairman of the committee on counties. Further honor awaited him in 1894, when he was elected county clerk, and re-elected in 1896, serving up to 1898. Since coming to Philomath Mr. Weed has continued his interest in politics, and has not only been mayor of the town for one term, but has served on the school board, and as a member of the council for two terms. In Columbia county, Ore., he married Emma Van Blaracom, who was born in Minnesota, and who is the mother of three children; Oscar, taking the scientific course at the Philomath College; Gertrude, taking the same course at the college, and Ethel, attending the public schools. In religion Mr. Weed is identified with the Evangelical Association of North America, at Vernonia, Ore. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2006 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.