James W. Weaver, was born November 3, 1852, in Catasauqua, Lehigh county, and was educated in his native place, and at the Wyoming Seminary, in Kingston. Previous to this he had learned the machinist trade, after which his business life began in the office of the Thomas Iron Company, at Lock Ridge, where he was employed as telegraph operator and assistant in the office. In 1872 he went to Pine Grove Furnace, Cumberland county, as assistant cashier, and after a short time served as conductor for four and a half years On the South Mountain Railroad, which is now a part of the Philadelphia and Reading branch of the Harrisburg and Gettysburg Railroad, and, in 1879, became cashier to the Coplay Iron Company. In 1883 he removed to Easton, having accepted the position of accountant in the office of the Thomas Iron Company. For ten years he labored in the discharge of the duties of this office with conspicuous energy and fidelity, and, on February 6, was elected secretary and treasurer. In these positions, which He still holds, the traits of character which displayed themselves in his earlier career have become still more evident by reason of the greater scope afforded them by the wider field in which they are now called into action. Mr. Weaver's townsmen have given proof of their reliance on his judgment and their confidence in his integrity by electing him for two terms a member of the board of control, and he was later elected president, which position he now holds. In the sphere of politics the principles and measures of the Republican Party have ever found in him a stanch supporter. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran church.