WEST NEWTON TIMES-SUN
SEPTEMBER 14, 1905
by his Pastor
Nelson Weddle, Sr. aged 94 years and five months, West Newton's oldest citizen, died Saturday, Sept. 9 at the home of his son Nelson Weddle, Jr. Death was not hastened by disease. the human machine, worn out, stopped. His parents were George and Nancy Weddle, to whom were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Two of these yet survive, George Washington Weddle and Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, the former living near McKeesport and is yet at the ripe age of 93 years active in mind and body; the latter is 81 years of age, well preserved and of active mind. The father's death left a family of small children and the mantle of care and responsibility seemed to fall upon the deceased and his now surviving brother, Geo. W . Weddle. They were very poor at this time and the mother, a godly woman, was worrying as to how so many were to be cared and provided for. George, then a sturdy lad, laying his hand on his mother's shoulder, said, "Mother, Nelson and I will own the Greer farm someday." This courageous prediction came true, and his mother passed her last years in peace on the Greer farm. In l865 Nelson sold this farm and purchased near Rillton, where he lived until 1881, when he moved to West Newton. Business success attended him, being very well-to-do at the close of his business career. He was open in his declaration that every success which was his was due to his obedience to the commandment, "Honor thy father and thy mother," etc., in his youthful efforts and sacrifices on behalf of the mother and younger children.
On the day of his marriage to Mary Suter, he had four dollars in his pocket. Nelson Weddle was preeminently a religious man. He was a church man. His Christian experience extended through a period of sixty-five years, having united with the Salem Baptist Church at thirty years of age For many years his membership remained there, when he removed his membership to the Mars Hill Baptist church. This was for a few years only his membership being again taken up at Salem.
On the organization of the First Baptist Church of West Newton, April 11th 1885, he became a constituent member. His office as deacon of this church was continuous. He was very benevolent toward the church, the West Newton church being a beneficiary to a large degree. The parsonage owned by the church was his gift outright. His way was to lead, never waiting to follow. It was his privilege to share in the new church building. In fact, who can tell the measure of his service. God used him long and well. His memorial is in the hearts of his brethren and before God.
His wife, Mary Suter Weddle died in 1888. Their family consisted of Henry, Nancy, George, Susan, Mary, Nelson Jr., James and Joseph. Only two survive, George and Nelson, Jr.
Funeral services were delayed until Wednesday owning to the son George's absence at Denver attending the G.A.R. encampment. They were held at 11.00 a.m. in the Baptist Church, conducted by Pastor A. M. Oregg, assisted by Revs. J. C. Meloy, J. S. Garvin, and J. E. Walter. The chosen scripture was, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." The pastor held in his hand the deceased mother's Bible, which was worn with use, mute witness to the influence of the saintly mother on the son's life.
Interment private in the Weddle burial ground, two miles west of West Newton, today.