Heritage \ Writings \

John A. Weed (1829-?)
Born at New York State, settled in Lower Saginaw (now Bay City), Mich., in 1849.

1869-9 biographical data. (Added Oct., 2009)

Directory of Bay City, Portsmouth, Wenona and Bangor, 1868-69

WEED SHIPYARD
_______

John A. Weed, the head of this young enterprise, came to Bangor in July, 1865, and began boat building and repairing – in which line he has done considerable. One of his feats was the lengthening of the schooner John S. Minor 18 feet. He built the ferry boat, Ben Trudell, and the sail boat Phil Sheridan; and many a craft now riding the waves in safety, owe their “tight” character to the influence of Weed. He also turns out spars, booms, flagstaffs and bob-sleighs, when occasions offer – making himself generally useful in the community.

Mr. Weed resided in Bay City for many years, where he went in 1849; at first he was the first to start a factory of that kind in Bay City, and was prospering when the fire of 1863 swept away his means. He is a nice frank, industrious fellow, and we wish him prosperity, plenty and peace.

Additional Notes.

• 1854 – John A. Weed and George Carpenter built the first ship in Lower Saginaw (Bay City), it was a fishing schooner named “Java.” [History of Bay Co. - 1905]
• 1858 – On May 23rd, John A. Weed was appointed village marshall. [History of Bay County, Mich., 1883]
• 1859 Michigan State Gazetteer, Business Directory. John A. Weed, wagon maker, Bay City, Bay Co., Mich.
• 1861 – John A. Weed, manufacturer of wagons, hires John A. Fordon as foreman for his business. [History of Saginaw and Bay Counties, Mich., 1892]
• 1863-64 Bay City Directory.
  Weed, John A, carriage maker.
• 1876 – Weed, Jerusha, born 5 Jun 1875, Augres, Arenac, Mich.; parents John and Lavinia Weed.
• 1876,77 - John A. Weed listed as Superintendent of Schools for AuGres Township, Bay County, Mich. [Joint Documents, Mich. Legislature, 1876]
• 1880 Census, Whitney, Bay, Mich.
  - Weed, John A., born 1829, New York
  - Weed, Lucina, spouse, born Canada
  - Children: Jenisha
• 1880 – Apr. 5th - John A. Weed, Edward Johnson and Edward Bradley were appointed electors of newly formed Whitney township, Bay Co., Mich. [History of Bay County, Mich., 1883]
• 1883 – John A. Weed was among 14 others that petition the State for organizing a portion of the upper north east portion into a new county to be known as Arenac.
• 1887 – John A. Weed along with Daniel W. Richardson were nominated as notaries public in Arenac Co.
• 1920 Census, Arenac Co., Mich.
  Note: Possible son of subject.
  - Weed, John A., est b. 1881, Mich.
  - Weed, Alice L., wife
  - Children: Viola E., John E, Irving V.