SAMUEL G. WEAGLEY, M.D. Perhaps the highest tribute that can be passed upon a man, is to acknowledge that in all respects he has fulfilled his obligations as a member of the community, conscientiously, and to the best of his ability. Such individuals are comparatively few and far between, and while perhaps making little stir in the world, really exercise a deep and lasting influence upon those with whom they come in contact. From the known character of Dr. Weagley it is to be inferred that these remarks are peculiarly applicable to his case. He has labored as a physician and surgeon among the people of this county for the last forty years, and enjoys in a marked degree their confidence and esteem, both professionally and as a business man and a citizen.

Fayette County, Ky., was the native place of our subject, and his birth occurred Jan. 6, 1823. He was among the comparatively few who at that early day received a good education. He completed his studies in Jacksonville, (Ill.) College, where he took a course of medical lectures, and later attended lectures at Louisville, Ky. He entered upon the duties of his chosen profession, first in 1849. Upon his arrival in this county, the settlers, few and far between, were located mostly in the timber along the streams. The Doctor was familiar with agricultural pursuits which were perfectly in harmony with his tastes, and he accordingly purchased a farm of I. N. Tindall. Upon this he labored a number of seasons, and purchased additional land adjoining, then sold and secured his late homestead from W. M.Cassell. This he has recently sold to Whitaker M. Grant, but during the absence of the latter in Alaska, remains upon it, and is looking after its affairs until the return of the owner. This farm comprises 240 acres of choice land upon which Dr. Weagley effected good improvements.

Our subject has practiced medicine in Morgan County for the long period of forty years, and is consequently known to a large proportion of its people. He is amply adapted both by training and education to the responsible duties in connection therewith, and his career has been characterized by that conscientious fidelity to the best interests of his patients and that ready sympathy which has been more effective than drugs and nostrums. He is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of Isaac N. and Sarah (Gregg) Weagley, who were likewise natives of Fayette County, Ky., where the father owned a farm, and also operated as a carpenter. He died when comparatively a young man during the infancy of his son, Samuel G. He was of German descent, while the mother of our subject, whose parents came from Maryland, traced her ancestry, to England. Besides our subject, there were but two children. The other son, Abraham, married a Miss Cassell, of Fayette County, and is now deceased. The sister, Maria, became the wife of Henry Higgins of Scott County, Ky. They lived there some years, then came to this county, and Mr. Higgins engaged as an upholsterer in Jacksonville. He was then provided with considerable means, indeed was quite wealthy, but lost a large portion of his property, and died in limited circumstances. His widow is still a resident of Jacksonville, and has arrived at the age of eighty-eight years. She retains all her mental faculties unimpaired.

In July, 1849, Dr. Weagley was wedded to Miss Amanda C. Layton, of Scott County, Ky. She was born March 7, 1830, and came with her parents to this county about 1831. They settled on a farm in the vicinity of Jacksonville, where the death of the father occurred in 1840. The mother is still living, and residing there. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living. Of these, William T., married Miss Melinda Boyce, and is acting Deputy Sheriff of this county. They have five children - Mattie, William, Nettie, Bessie, and Linda. Sarah E. married Andrew Jackson Morton, of this county; he is now deceased; she is a resident of Jacksonville. Mary F. married Irvin Dunlap, who is quite prominent of local politics, and was Sheriff of this county for eight years; they are the parents of one son, Millard F., and have an adopted daughter, Lizzie, a child of the sister of Mr. Dunlap; she is the wife of Edward Nixon, a railroad man holding a responsible position. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap are now traveling in California, on account of the health of the latter.

The Doctor and his estimable lady are the parents of five children: Isaac W., S, Gregg, who married Lillie B. Davis; they have one daughter, Katie. Martin H.; Katie L. is the wife of Whitaker M. Grant, formerly of Alabama, but who is now United States District Attorney in Alaska; they have two children, Alice C., and Katie W. Ida May married Robert M. Hockenhull, a banker of Jacksonville, and they have one child, a daughter, Virginia May. Their son, Isaac W., died when a promising young man of twenty-one years, and Martin H. was taken from the household circle at the interesting age of fourteen years.

Politically, Dr. Weagley is one of the most active members of the Republican party in this section, although steadfastly declining to become an officeholder. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Blue Lodge. Formerly both he and Mrs. Weagley were identified with the Christian Church at Jacksonville. The society was eventually disbanded, and they have not since associated themselves with any religious denomination. They have made hosts of friends during their long residence in this county, and form a part of that solid and reliable element by means of which it has attained to its present reputation and standing among the communities of the Great West.