Macoupin County
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Biography - PAUL D. WEISS

Paul D. Weiss, who is successfully engaged in the business of building and contracting in Staunton, was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 10th of July, 1874. His parents J. G. and Rosa (Garber) Weiss, were both natives of Saxony whence they came to the United States in 1880, settling in Staunton. The father worked in the mines until 1891 when he retired, but still makes his home in Staunton. The mother died in 1908. They were the parents of fifteen children: Paulina, who is living in St. Louis; Rosa, a resident of Staunton; Fred, who is deceased; Ernest, also living in Staunton; Lewis and Frederick, both of whom are deceased; Charles, who is living in Staunton; Mary, a resident of the same place; Paul D., our subject; Philip, deceased; John, who is residing in Staunton; Frank, who is dead; Adolph, a resident of Staunton; Lydia, living at home; and Anna, who is deceased.

The parochial schools of Staunton provided Paul D. Weiss with his education, which was therein pursued until he was fourteen years of age. Laying aside his text-books he became a miner and remained two years in this occupation. At the expiration of that period he proceeded to St. Louis and gave his attention to the carpenter’s trade, subsequently locating in Mount Olive. After a period of four years he removed to Staunton, where he has ever since been engaged in contracting and building. He is now associated with H. J. Furtwangler and during the period of their partnership they have erected some of the largest and finest buildings in Staunton and vicinity. They are skillful workmen and thoroughly reliable, having succeeded in building up an excellent business in this locality.

Mr. Weiss was married in 1899 to Miss Ida Fritz, a native of Staunton. Not having had any children of their own Mr. and Mrs. Weiss adopted a son and daughter: Wilfred, who is at home; and Gertrude, who is deceased.

A democrat in politics, Mr. Weiss has twice been elected a member of the town board, now serving his second term in this capacity. He is a member of the Carpenters’ Union and his religious affiliation is with the Lutheran church, of which his wife is also a member. He is one of the enterprising and determined citizens of the town, whose energies are directed toward the development of his business in which he is meeting with splendid success.


Extracted 17 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 567-568.


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