Biography - John Weitekamp
JOHN WEITEKAMP, a prominent citizen of Pitman Township, is now serving his fellow-citizens as Highway Commissioner. He is a native son of the Prairie State, and one who has done as much as anyone in his section for her advancement and material prosperity.
Our subject was the eldest son of Frank and Theresa (Langen) Weitekamp, who were natives of Germany, and who came to America at an early day, and became pioneer settlers of Greene County, Ill. The revered father died December 28, 1869, but his mother is living in peace and comfort in Christian County, in possession of her faculties and able to look back upon a useful life and forward to her reward in another world.
The birth of Mr. Weitekamp took place June 13, 1858, in Greene County, Ill., and there he was reared until, during the Civil War, his family removed to Christian County, and there he grew to manhood in Ricks Township. His training was for an agriculturist's life, and so well did he learn the mysteries of soils and grains, of rainy seasons and drouths, with the proper means of taking advantage of one and protective measures against the other, that he has made success of his farming life.
The wife selected by Mr. Weitekamp combined in her mind and person those, qualities which make a good woman attractive to a quiet, sensible young man. Her name was Christena A. Strasser; she was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Strasser, and her birth took place in New Orleans, La. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Weidekamp occurred April 18, 1882, and now four children have been added to the family: Henry W., Frederick J., Edward J. and Lena C.
In 1886, our subject was attracted to the rich land that was for sale in Montgomery County, and he realized that here was an opportunity of a lifetime. He came and settled in Pitman Township on eighty acres of land, and here he has remained perfectly contented to pass the remainder of his days in the pleasant spot where good fortune has placed him. When only nineteen years old, he was obliged to start out for himself, and went to work as so many other self-made men have done before and since, and made himself a desirable hand on the farm on account of his practical knowledge. He had no trouble in getting employment, and his progress has been upward ever since.
The politics of Mr. Weitekamp are of Democratic tendencies, and he permits nothing to interfere with his casting his ballot for his favorite candidates. He has been honored by his fellow citizens with the position of Highway Commissioner, a very important one in a county, and so well has he tilled the situation that he is now serving his second term. Our subject is one of the most prominent and influential members of the Roman Catholic Church, and is a man who commands the respect of all of his neighbors. His life has been one of uprightness in their midst, and he deserves the esteem in which he is held.
Extracted 04 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 222-223.
