1839-1840, Charles Weston

1839-1840, Charles Weston

Charles Weston was born in Washington County, New York in May of 1811. His father was Judge Roswell Weston, of the Court of Common Pleas. Charles graduated from Renssalaer Institute and practiced law with his father. He then came west, arriving in Burlington in December 1837, on the first stage coach that made the trip from Chicago to Rock Island. When crossing the Mississippi in a shaky flat boat, the river began filling with floating ice and he nearly lost his life. Weston began the practice of law in Burlington and remained in the capitol of the Territory a year or more. After the death of Territorial Secretary Conway, Weston was appointed Fiscal Agent, and in connection with his duties, acted as Secretary of the Territory. Governor Lucas appointed him Judge Advocate General, with the rank of colonel. He succeeded Parvin as Librarian Oct. 18, 1839, and held the office until Jan. 24, 1840. In 1840 he moved near Davenport, Iowa, investing in land near the city. Unsuccessful as a farmer, he moved to the city, where he married Louisa Macklott Dec. 14, 1842 and settled down for life. In 1851 he was elected Mayor of Davenport, and in 1857 elected County Judge. Charles Weston moved to Pennsylvania in the early 1860s and there died. 1870 U.S. Federal Census, Lower Chichester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, p. 302, line 81, Charles Weston household, (Online: Heritage Quest, 2008) Downer, Harry E. History of Davenport and Scott County, Iowa, vol. 1. Chap. 13, Chicago: S.J. Clarke. 1910. Scott County Marriages 1850 and Before. transcribed by Debbie C. Gerischer. (Online: USGenWeb Project http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/scottmarriagespre1850.htm)

State Librarians of Iowa 1837 - 2008 Compiled by Karon S. King Library Resource Technician State Library of Iowa 1112 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50319 2008

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