The subject of this sketch occupies a prominent place among the representative
men of Mount Vernon and his career, which thus far has been one of great
activity and usefulness, presents a striking illustration of what can be
accomplished by a young man of character and energy, when directed and
controlled by principles of integrity and honor. His rise from the humble
position of a country pedagogue to the honorable station he now holds with
one of the leading industrial establishments of Southern Illinois, indicates
a worthy ambition and abilities of a high order and in view of his continuous
advancement and his present influence in the world of affairs, his many
friends are justified in the prediction that he is destined to fill a still
larger place in business circles than the one he now holds.
R. K. Weber, vice-president of the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company,
is a native of Illinois and dates his birth from the 13th of September
1870, having first seen the light of day in the town of Fairweather, Adams
county. John Weber, his father, who was also born and reared in the same
county, was in early life a farmer but later engaged in merchandising at
Barry, Pike county, where he still resides, holding at this time the position
of cashier in the State Bank of that place. The Weber family is of German
origin and its first representation in the United States was John Weber,
the subject's grandfather, a native of one of the Rhine Province and by
occupation a tiller of the soil. He came to this country when a young man
and spent the remainder of his days in Adams county, Illinois, where his
death occurred a number of years ago.
Before her marriage the subject's mother was a Miss Rose Perkins, a
native of Adams county, and a lady of many estimable traits. Her people
came from England in Colonial times and at the breaking out of the war
of the Revolution several of her ancestors entered the American army and
rendered valiant service in the cause of Independence. Her father who is
still living, is a businessman and for some years has been engaged in banking
in David City, Nebraska.
John and Rose Weber are the parents of four children, namely: H.P.,
a lawyer, of Chicago; Jeanette, wife of L. E. Crandall, of Aurora, Illinois;
R. K., subject of this review, and Cora, who died in 1898: when eighteen
years of age.
R. K. Weber spent his childhood and youth at Barry and after receiving
a preliminary education in the public schools of that town, entered the
State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, which he attended three years
with a creditable record. Completing his studies in that institution he
devoted the following year to teaching in a cow'try school district of
Adams county, and then took a course in a commercial college at Springfield
with the object in view of fitting himself for a business career. Leaving
the latter institution with a mind well disciplined by intellectual and
professional training, Mr. Weber in 1890 came to Mount Vernon and accepted
a clerkship in the general office of the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing
Company in which capacity he served until the reorganization of the company
some years later, when he was made secretary, his promotion to that important
position being by the unammous vote of the board of directors. His survives
as secretary proving eminently satisfactory to the management of the enterprise
as well as highly creditable to him-self, he retained the place until 1908,
when he was further honored by being elected vice-president, succeeding
W. C. Arthurs, who, in June of that year, was elected to the presidency
which office he still holds. Since becoming identified with the Mount Vernon
Car Manufacturing Company Mr. Weber has labored earnestly for its success
and making his employers' interests his own, his services have been eminently
creditable and satisfactory, contributing much to the growth of the business
and to the honorable reputation which the company enjoys among the leading
industrial establishments of the state. He has been devoted to the duties
of his office and in the discharge of the same has demonstrated a high
order of ability as an executive and rare judgment and foresight in his
relations with the patrons of the company and in extending the range of
its influence. While ever manifesting an intense interest in the growth
and success of the enterprise with which he is officially connected he
has not been negligent in matters relating to the prosperity of the community
or in the duties of citizenship, being in touch with everything calculated
to benefit the city of his residence and abreast of the times on questions
and issues concerning which men and parties divide.
Mr. Weber is an earnest advocate of the principles of the Republican
party, and an active worker and judicious adviser in its ranks and souncils
and though not a partisan in the sense of seeking office he has been honored
from time to time with important local positions, having represented his
ward in the Common Council of Mount Vernon and served the city very
efficiently as treasurer. In addition to his connection with the large
industrial establishment previously mentioned he has other interests of
a business nature in the city, including the Mount Vernon Jewelry Company,
of which he is vice-president. Mr. Weber also has a vital interest in the
social life of Mount Vernon and in various ways has labored for the
advancement of his fellow men, being an active and influential member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks through the medium of
which excellent organization much good has been accomplished for the
poor and indigent of the city to say nothing of the splendid fraternal
spirit which prevails among the membership.
He is also identified with the Pythian Brotherhood, in which he has
held important official positions at intervals, while worthy charitable
and humanitarian enterprises, regardless of order or designation enlist
his sympathy and support.
The domestic life of Mr. Weber began in 1893, when he was united in
the bonds of wedlock with Miss Iva Hill, daughter of Sanford Hill, one
of the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Jefferson county. Mrs.
Weber was born and reared in this county, received a good education in
the public schools and is a lady of estimable character and sterling worth,
whose friends in the social circles of Mount Vernon are as the number of
her acquaintances. Two daughters bless and grace the Weber home, in whom
are centered many fond hopes and bright anticipations, their names being
Rose Mildred and Bernadine. Mr. and Mrs. Weber reside at 712 East North
street.
Walls History Of Jefferson County 1909 Pages 525-528
Submitted By Misty Flannigan
