Source: Pennsylvania, A History, George P. Donehoo, (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1926), p. 154
Surnames: Weiser, Gilfillan, Jones
Jay Gilfillan Weiser - Six generations from his illustrious forbear, Conrad Weiser, Jay Gilfillan Weiser is an honored and useful citizen of that commonwealth whose earliest history bears the record of his ancestor's distinguished services. One of the youngest men in the inner councils of the Democratic Party, Mr. Weiser is held in high esteem and confidence by the public at large for his high sense of professional and political honor and for his fine qualities of mind and character.
Mr. Weiser was born at Mahantango, Juniata County, son of Jonathan and Mary (Gilfillan) Weiser. On his father's side he traces his descent in unbroken line from Conrad Weiser through his second son, Frederick, and on down through Jacob, John, Peter, and Jonathan, his father. Conrad Weiser emigrated from Germany in 1710 and first settled at Newburgh-on-the-Hudson, moving to Pennsylvania long before the Revolutionary War. Because of his pre-eminent qualities of mind and character, he became a leader of his day, rendering invaluable service to the Province of Pennsylvania in effecting treaties with the different Indian tribes. Historians rank him as one of the most noted and distinguished of the public men who placed Pennsylvania among the leading colonies. His unimpeachable character and his reputation for fair dealing as an interpreter, as well as his diplomatic ability in arranging matters of importance in adjusting the disposition of the land gained for him great influence among both the Indians and the members of the Colonial government. To this work he gave himself during the best years of his life, making several long journeys beset by dangers from the southeastern part of Pennsylvania to the far interior, going as far as the Great Lakes of New York and Canada, and returning in safety. He died on July 13, 1760, crowned with long life and honor, and was interred near Womelsdorf, Berks County. On his mother's side, Mr. Weiser inherits Irish and Welsh blood, her maternal ancestors being descended from the Jones family, who lived on the famous Welsh Tract adjoining Philadelphia, contemporary with William Penn.
Jonathan Weiser, the father of Jay Gilfillan Weiser, was born at Womelsdorf, but in early manhood settled in Mahantango, where he became engaged in business. He also was singled out by his fellow-citizens for positions of trust, and was elected associate judge, a position which he had held but a short time when he was removed by death from the scene of his labors.
Jay Gilfillan Weiser was educated at the Millersville State Normal School, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1882, taking the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In addition to his university law course, he was fortunate in having the opportunity to read law in the offices of the Hon. Louis E. Atkinson, ten years a representative in Congress from the Eighteenth Pennsylvania District, as well as with the Hon. Richard Vaux, ex-mayor of Philadelphia, and Judge Michael Arnold, of the same city. Upon motion of Mr. Vaux he was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in June of 1882, and for a time remained in association with him. Then, deciding to strike out and make his own career, he located in Middleburg, Snyder County, on December 23, 1886, where he has since practiced. Mr. Weiser soon identified himself with his party in local and State affairs, where his magnetic personality and preeminent gifts of mind and heart have made him a leader. In 1888 his party nominated him on their ticket for district attorney, but he was defeated by the Republican majority in that section of the country. He was a delegate to the State Democratic conventions of 1889 and 1891, and in 1896 was sent as a delegate to the National Chicago Convention, which nominated William Jennings Bryan for the Presidency. Mr. Weiser's political tenets are based on the Jeffersonian traditions of the organization. His council is frequently sought as a representative of his district, and he has had a voice in many conventions met to nominate State candidates and enunciate party platforms. Recognition of his ability was accorded him when Governor Pattison appointed him as one of the five commissioners to prepare the "History of the Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania," erected as garrisons by the Province as a means of defence against the Indians. This difficult and exacting work he performed with the same fidelity that marks the carrying out of any task which he undertakes.
Mr. Weiser is solicitor for the First National Bank of Middleburg, also for the First National Bank of McClure, Pennsylvania, and the Middleburg Spinning Mill, Inc.; the B. Edmund David, Inc., of New York City; the New York Weaving Mill, at Beavertown, Pennsylvania; and J. Paskus & Son, Inc., of New York City, leather manufacturers in Middleburg. Mr. Weiser is secretary and treasurer of the Snyder County Bar Association, and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. During the late world War he was also a member of the Legal Advisory Board. He is the first president of the recently organized Snyder County Historical Society, and is always counted upon to support every progressive movement or institution of his community. Mr. Weiser was confirmed as a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church by the Right Rev. Darlington, Bishop of the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Diocese.
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