WESLEY HATHAWAY. Buffalo is the home of one of the few men now living in Sangamon County who may be considered landmarks of early Illinois and who have lived to see the land well developed, churches and schoolhouses multiplied, railroads span the State and every evidence of high civilization manifested in the region that was once a wilderness. For more than a half century Mr. Hathaway has been closely identified with the commercial life of this country, a period probably not exceeded by any merchant within its bounds. At present his business is that of a dealer in general merchandise in Buffalo.
Mr. Hathaway is a native of Kentucky and was born in Boone County, December 2, 1814, and is a son of David Hathaway who was of New Jersey birth and emigrated to the Blue Grass State when that was known as the "dark and bloody ground." David Hathaway was a Revolutionary soldier. The meagre advantages furnished in the primitive schools were enjoyed by our subject during his boyhood and early youth. When seventeen years old, or in 1831, he came to this State, making his first stop at Jacksonville. After remaining in Morgan County one year, living with the family of Dr. G. B. Rogers with whom he came to Illinois, he returned to his native State but in 1834 came to Illinois, stopping near Macomb and opening a store in what was then called Job's settlement.
Mr. Hathaway remained there two years after which he took a trip over what was known as the Black Hawk Country. In 1838 he came to Mechanicsburg and after teaching school one year began his career as a merchant in this county. Since he located in Mechanicsburg he has been a dealer only in that place and Buffalo.
In 1845 Mr. Hathaway won for his wife Mary M. Hall, daughter of David Hall who was one of the founders of this township. Mrs. Hathaway has proved the worth of her character by the manner in which she has discharged the duties which have fallen to her lot, and while in her own family she is regarded with reverent love she has made many friends outside the bounds of her home. Of the nine children born to our subject and his good wife four are now living, all residing in Buffalo. They are named, respectively, Alice, Walter A., David L. and Annie May.
Although frail in body Mr. Hathaway has lived to a hearty old age, his longevity being due to his temperate and regular habits. He is one of the original Republicans in the State, having voted for Fremont in 1856. He has always been active in assisting those enterprises which promise to promote the public good. The length of his membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church is beyond precedent, even in this country of early Methodism. He united with the church when fifteen years old and has therefore been identified with the religious world for sixty one years.