My Genealogy Hound

M. W. WELLER, a resident of Columbia, N. J., is engaged in the manufacture of school slate in Portland, Northampton County, where he is well known as an energetic and capable business man. The family of which he is a member originated, it is supposed, in Holland, but has long been identified with the history of the United States. Grandfather William Weller was successful in his undertakings as an agriculturist, and was a well known resident of Knowlton Township, Warren County, N. J.

The parents of our subject, Lewis C. and Sarah (Hill) Weller, were natives of Warren County, where the father died in July, 1894. As a local politician he was influential and prominent, and held various offices of trust in Knowlton Township. Michael W. was born in that township July 12, 1850, and was educated in the public schools of Columbia. When eleven years of age he began working in a school-slate factory, and, gaining in boyhood a thorough knowledge of the business, has made it his life occupation. He was employed by others until nineteen years of age, when he began for himself the manufacture of school slate near Portland, Pa.

In 1880 Mr. Weller commenced the manufacture of school slate in Portland, which he continued for a time, but afterward operated a quarry near Bangor, this state. In 1888 he returned to Portland and began the development of his present plant, which he has since carried on. He does an extensive business in this line, and has in his employ about forty hands. In addition to his business affairs he has kept thoroughly posted upon topics of national and local importance, and is one of the most influential Democrats of his county. In 1890 he was elected upon his party ticket to represent his fellow-citizens in the office of Sheriff of Warren County, in which capacity he served for three years. He was one of the most efficient and popular men that office ever had, and enjoys an extensive acquaintance in both Warren County, N. J., and Northampton County, Pa. Modest and retiring in disposition, he is, withal, progressive in business, upright in character and kind and considerate in domestic circles.

Socially Mr. Weller is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the lodge at Portland, and the Knights of Pythias of the same place. His home is presided over by his cultured wife, formerly Miss Agnes Albert, who is a daughter of Robert Albert, a resident of Northampton County. Mr. Weller is entitled to more than passing mention in this volume, for while not a resident of Northampton he has contributed largely to the development of its business interests and is regarded as one of its progressive citizens.