Angola, Indiana, August  (3-5?) 1932

MRS. WELDON, PIONEER OF LAKE JAMES DEVELOPMENT, PASSES AWAY

      Mrs. Margaret Weldon, well known to hundreds throughout Northern Indiana
because of her long residence at the point which later became known as Weldon's
landing, Lake James, passed away Sunday, July 31, at the age of 78 years. eight
months and three days. Mrs. Weldon's home was at first a hospitable place for
people who came to fish and hunt in that section which for a long time retained
its natural characteristics. Later is was developed to meet more modern
requirements, and has come to be known as one of the most attractive spots in
this section of the country. Back of all the development, Mrs. Weldon exerted a
considerable influence, and she was widerly known for her hospitality, her
cheerfulness, her kindness and her integrity, and she was well respected in the
community.
      Brief funeral services were held in the late home near Lake James on
Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 2, and the body was taken to Edgerton, Ohio where after
services in the Methodist church the burial was made in the Edgerton cemetery.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. John Humfreys, of Angola.

                                                                Her Life

      Margaret Jane Weldon, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Beare, was born in
Trumbull county, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1853. In her youth she moved with her parents
to Williams county, Ohio, where she was united in marriage in 1872 with Jacob
N. Meyer. To this union five children were born, of whom one son, Andrew J.,
preceded her in death; and the husband and father died March 24, 1883. The
children of this marriage are Henry W. of Edgerton, Ohio; Andrew J., deceased;
Charles Edward, Samuel A. and Percelia Noragon, of Angola.
On December 26, 1886, she was united in marriage with William Weldon, and to
them were born three children, Pearl M. Schultz, of Angola; Ben H. Weldon, of
Angola; James F. Weldon, of Fort Wayne, who survive. Two sons of Mr. Weldon by
a former marriage, L. L. Weldon, of Savanna, Ill., and Kayler J. Weldon, now
deceased, continued a cordial family relationship in the home. Mr. Weldon died
March 6, 1921. Forty-four grandchildren and forty-two great-grandchildren are a
part of this large family circle filling places of usefulness in the world.
      Mr. and Mrs. Weldon moved from Williams county, Ohio, in 1895, and settled
in Pleasant township, Steuben county, Indiana, on land adjoining Lake James and
Jummerson creek. With a vision of the possibilities of development of the
region, they made a place for the fishermen and others who came there to enjoy
the beauty with which nature had so bountifully endowed it. The demand upon
their hospitality became so great that a store, hotel and cottages were later
built, and today this place which bears their name of Weldon's Landing had
become one of the most widely known summer resorts in Indiana. Through their
hard and persistent efforts and that of their children in the space of thirty
years a wilderness has become a place of beauty and one which affords enjoyment
and refreshment to thousands each year.
      In her youth Mrs. Weldon united with the German Methodist church at
Edgerton. She was a conscientious christian woman, and nurtured her children
under this influence. She was a great lover of nature; the flowers and birds
were her delight, and the beauty of her gardens was shared by many. She had the
characteristic German thrift, toiled hard, and lived to see the successful
fruition of her labors. She was honest in her obligations, generous to the less
provident, hospitable to the weary. Truly it could be said of her that "She
lived in a house by the side of the road, and was a friend of everyone."
      Mrs. Weldon was at times affiliated with the Moose Women's Auxiliary and
the W. R. C. She was especially devoted to her family, and all of her children
rise up and call her blessed. Her circle of friends extended to an unusual
distance but none have other than the highest respect and esteem for the
unselfish and upright life which she lived.
                                               Card Of Thanks
      We wish to express out sincere appreciation of the many kindnesses and
words of sympathy extended to us during our bereavement in the loss of our
mother. Also to Mr and Mrs. John Jeffreys, who cared for mother during three
years.
      THE FAMILY  of the late Margaret Weldon.

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Transcribed by Ben Meyer Hines
bhines@san.rr.com