Representative Harry Otis Weaver View All Years

HONORABLE HARRY OTIS WEAVER

MR. SPEAKER: The committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life, character and service of the Honorable Harry Otis Weaver, former Representative from Louisa County, Iowa, begs leave to submit the following resolution:

Harry Otis Weaver was born in Louisa county, Iowa, on April 20, 1866, the son of Erastus Weaver and Mary Marshall Weaver. He was a direct descendant of John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States.

He was educated in the Academy at Columbus Junction, Iowa, and afterwards attended the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1892 from the Liberal Arts College, and in 1893 from the Law School. After his graduation, he commenced the practice of law at Wapello, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life.

On October 6, 1896, he was united in marriage to Alma A. Neuse of Centerville, Iowa, who with a son William Otis Weaver, survives him.

Mr. Weaver’s great abilities manifested themselves in many activities of life. He was one of the leaders of the bar of southeastern Iowa. He served in the State Legislature for two years, being first elected in 1894 and again in 1896. For three consecutive terms he served as Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee. In July, 1902, he was appointed by President Roosevelt as Collector of Internal Revenue, which position he held for eleven years. He became a national figure in Republican politics, and though many times urged to become a candidate for high political office, found a greater expression of service in his party leadership and championship in the campaigns of others.

For many years Mr. Weaver was a very prominent landowner, and cattle breeder. At one time he owned one of the most famous herds of Shorthorn cattle in the state, and served as president and as director of the National Shorthorn Breeders Association.

One of the great pleasures and services of Mr. Weaver’s life was his activity in connection with the State Fair, having served as a director of this institution for many years.

Mr. Weaver was also intensely interested in many other state institutions. He served for one year as president of the Alumni Association of the State University, and has at all times been a supporter of the State Historical Society. During the World War he was chairman of patriotic and relief work of his county, and gave the utmost of his time and energy. He was an active member of the state and national bar association. For many years he was recognized in Who’s Who in America, as one of the leading citizens and statesmen of Iowa.

He was the most companionable of men. His solicitude for the happiness of others knew no bounds. He gave all and asked nothing in return. He loved to be of service. His smile was always the signal of good cheer. He was a gracious leader. To his close friends he will always be remembered affectionately as “The Colonel.”

His generosity and benevolence were never advertised. Born and reared in humble circumstances in a family of pioneers, the son of a Civil War veteran, he was a patriot in all that the word means to a heart that instinctively thrills at the sight of the flag, that leaps to the sound of the fife and drum, that responds without reservation to the call of his country.

He got his joys from the simple things of life. His love of nature was a thing of beauty. To see him with a homeless little bird in his hands was to catch a vision of something noble in his gentleness. In the trees, the vines and the grasses of the fields which he knew so well, he found the language that expressed the eternal plan.

His last years were spent amidst adversity and disappointments, amidst crumbling plans and a changing world. Yet, through it all be maintained the sweetness of his nature, and clung to his inherent faith in mankind. He had the courage of a warrior to accept the responsibility for his life. His misfortunes were not blamed upon others.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That in the passing of the Honorable Harry Otis Weaver, the state of Iowa has lost a valued and honored citizen, and a man of great character and worth, and the House of Representatives of Iowa, by this resolution, tenders its sympathy to his widow and surviving family.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House of Representatives, as an expression of the life and worth of Harry Otis Weaver, and that an enrolled copy of this resolution be transmitted to his wife and family.

JOHN J. JENKINS

JOHN SPEIDEL

H. N. HANSON

Committee

Unanimously adopted, March 7, 1934.