Sutter-Yuba County Biographies

HARRY P. WELDON

Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
            Commercial activity in Hammonton receives impetus from the well 
directed efforts of Augustus L. and Harry P. Weldon, who are deeply interested 
in the welfare and advancement of the community with which they have allied 
their interests and in all matters of good import their influence is on the side 
of progress, reform and improvement.  Augustus Lawbach Weldon was born at 
Belvedere, Warren County, N. J., on December 2, 1880, of the marriage of Thomas 
Weldon and Emma Archer, the former a native of County Cork, Ireland, and the 
latter of Yonkers, N. Y.  The Archer family is of Scotch origin and was 
established in this country in 1632.  It is one of the oldest families in the 
United States and representatives of the name fought for American independence 
in the Revolutionary War.  The father was a successful dry goods merchant and 
passed away when seventy-six years of age, while the mother reached the age of 
sixty-eight.  They were the parents of twelve children:  John Archer, Anna, 
Thomas, Nellie, Emma, Richard, Charles, Harry P., Minnie, Augustus Lawbach, 
William and Lucy.
            The grammar and high schools of Yonkers, N. Y., afforded Augustus L. 
Weldon his educational privileges.  When twenty-two years of age he took up the 
carpenter�s trade and after completing his apprenticeship he came West, arriving 
in California in 1902.  He first located in Los Angeles, where he remained for 
one and a half years, and after leaving that city he traveled all over the 
State, following his trade as a means of livelihood.  In 1910 he reached 
Hammonton; and being particularly well pleased with the locality, he decided to 
remain.  For two years after his arrival he worked as a carpenter, but in 
January, 1912, embarked in mercantile pursuits, in which he has since continued 
with ever increasing success, being now associated with his brother, Harry P. 
Weldon.  They handle shoes and notions, as well as soft drinks and also operate 
a billiard hall. By honorable methods, close application and judicious 
management they have built up a good trade and their business is a prosperous 
and growing one.
            At Chico, Cal., October 17, 1914, Mr. Weldon was married to Miss 
Judith Kate Power, a native of California and a daughter of Marvin and Augusta 
(Brown) Power. Her father was born in Michigan and became a pioneer of 
California.  Mr. and Mrs. Weldon have a son, Glenn Augustus.  Mr. Weldon is a 
Mason, a member of the Smartsville Lodge, No. 433, F.&A.M., and is identified 
with the Odd Fellows lodge at Yonkers, N. Y.  Politically he is a Republican.
            Harry P. Weldon is a native of New Jersey, born May 9, 1876.  For 
some time he was engaged in the furniture business in the East.  In 1920 he came 
to California, joining his brother Augustus L., at Hammonton.  They have since 
been associated in business and the firm name has become a synonym for integrity 
and reliability.
            At Yonkers, N. Y., on June 21, 1901, Mr. Weldon married Miss 
Isabelle G. Reid, a native of that city and a daughter of Joseph and Jeannette 
Reid, who formerly resided in Paisley, Scotland.  Mr. and Mrs. Weldon have 
become the parents of three children:  Harry P., Jr., Jessie May, and Isabelle 
Adelia.  Mr. Weldon is a Republican in his political views and an active worker 
in the ranks of the party.  For twelve years he was a member of the Westchester 
County (N. Y.) Republican Central Committee, and in 1923 he was chosen a member 
of the central committee of Yuba County.  He joined the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows at Yonkers and now belongs to the Marysville, Cal., lodge of that 
organization.  He is always loyal to any cause which he espouses and faithfully 
to every duty and stands high in the regard of his fellow men.
 
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 1182-1183