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Ira M. Weed

 Ira M. Weed, Vice-President of the Fayette County Savings Banks, of West Union, and a member of the law firm of Zeigler & Weed, was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., on the 13th of November, 1846, and is a son of Rev. Ira M. and Caroline (Dutton) Weed. His father was born in Vermont and graduated from the Burlington College, of that State, after which he studied law with Judge Fine, of Ogdensburg, N. Y. Having decided to engage in the work of the ministry, he entered the Andover Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated, and in 1830 was installed as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, Mich. During the nineteen years of his pastorate at that place he built up a strong church, whose influence was felt over the entire State. In 1849, moving to Chicago, he became connected with the American Board of Missions. Mr. Weed selected a site upon which the city of Lake Forest, Ill. now stands, and through his influence and the aid of Dr. R. W. Patterson, the city was founded. His last years were spent in Ypsilanti, Mich. His wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Dutton, was born in Hillsboro, N. H., February 19, 1800. Her eldest sister became the wife Enoch Train, of Boston, and the mother of Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney, the authoress. Mrs. Weed's early New England home and its surroundings are described by Mrs. Whitney in the opening chapters of 'The Gayworthys.'

The subject of this sketch, Ira M. Weed, passed his early life in Chicago. He is a graduate of the Waukegan Academy. In 1865 the McGregor Western Railway was building its line toward St. Paul and Mr. Weed became its Assistant Treasurer, holding the position until the sale of the road to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company. In 1870 he obtained contracts from the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota Railroad, building forty miles of that line between Cedar Falls and Plymouth Junction, and forty miles between Cedar Rapids and Postville on the Milwaukee division. Upon the completion of the railway work he returned to Chicago and entered upon the study of law in the office of the Hon. Philip Dyrenforth. In 1876, again coming to Iowa, Mr. Weed was admitted to the practice of the law and became a member of the Fayette County bar. Immediately following, he formed the existing partnership with Samuel B. Zeigler, who at present is serving as United States Consul at Aix La Chapelle, Germany.

In Chicago, in the month of February, 1874, Mr. Weed was united in marriage with Miss Maria C. Tobey, only daughter of the late A. B. Tobey, of that city. Unto them has been born one son, Howard T., who was born in Chicago June 4, 1875, and is now a student in the West Union High School. Mr. Weed is Treasurer of the independent school district and the cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend. He has been a lifelong Republican and has labored earnestly for the upbuilding and success of his party. The law firm of Zeigler & Weed is too well known to need words of praise from the historian, but we would say that in Northeastern Iowa there is no firm better known or none more deserving the patronage of the public. Mr. Weed became interested in the banking business with his law partner, Mr. Zeigler, who is President of the Fayette County National Bank, and who was one of the organizers of the Fayette County Savings Bank, of which Mr. Weed is the present Vice-President. He is a man possessing rare executive ability, is an indefatigable worker, is enterprising yet conservative, and enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom he has business or social relations.