My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD J. WEIDMAN, one of the successful business men of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa., is a native of that town, born July 6, 1858, and is a son of Louis and Catherine (Barrack) Weidman, both of whom are now deceased.

The father was born March 25, 1827, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany where he grew to manhood and adopted the calling of an engineer, to which he gave his life. After coming to America, in 1857, before his marriage, he located in Carlisle on account of having friends here, finding employment in the foundry on East Main street where he remained for forty-two years. At first he was in the blacksmith shop, but afterward took charge of the engine room, and, being a mechanical genius, especially in the line of wood work, his spare time was spent in making furniture, and the turning of balusters and articles of a similar nature. His son Edward J. has several pieces of furniture made by his father which he prizes very highly.

Louis Weidman married Catherine Barrack, who was born on a farm three and one-half miles east of Carlisle, daughter of Henry and Catherine Barrack, and died in May, 1897. They had five children: Edward J.; Charles S., a resident of Jeannette, Pa., a glass packer; Katie, who married Edward Rensler of Carlisle; Louis, deceased in infancy; and Carrie, who died at the age of three years. The father was a member of the Lutheran Church, while the mother belonged to the Albright Church.

Edward J. Weidman was born and reared in Carlisle and attended the public schools until he was fourteen, when he began to learn the trade of barber in Pittsburg with his uncle. On Nov. 25, 1875, he started in business on East Main street, opposite the county jail, and has since continued in this line in Carlisle. He has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, especially in educational matters, and when, in February, 1900, he was elected to the city council, the people felt that the right man was in the place, and so satisfied were they with his work that they returned him in 1903. During his term of office he has held the important position of chairman of the Finance committee, and has also served upon several of the other leading committees. Mr. Weidman is a stanch Democrat, but has many warm friends in the ranks of both parties, and he is representing the Second ward in the city council.

On Sept. 8, 1881, Mr. Weidman was married to Miss Lulu M. Groam, daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Eply) Groam, who are now of Carlisle, but formerly were of York county. Mr. and Mrs. Weidman have two children; Rachel G. (a pupil in the high school) and Louis E. They all reside at No. 76 East Pomfret street, where he owns six very valuable houses which he erected. Mr. Weidman owns some very desirable residence and business property, and is justly regarded as one of Carlisle’s substantial and highly respected residents.