Page:Portland, Oregon, its History and Builders volume 2.djvu/656

 mill and also in the first electric light plant in Portland. Mr. Weidler was agent for all the steamboat lines whose vessels docked at Portland, became interested in the first street car line, in the first crematory and the first electric light plant in his place. He was preeminently a man of affairs and became an active factor in promoting and controlling many of the most important business undertakings in this city. He was manager of the Oregon Transfer Line, and in this and other connections became closely associated with freight and passenger transportation in this part of the country. He lived to witness many changes from the days of the stage coach and the pony express in the west, to that of modern travel by steamboat and train. His ready recognition of opportunities led him to cooperate in movements which have been of practical and great value to the community and have constituted important features in the development of Portland's commercial and industrial interests.

Mr. Weidler was united in marriage at Portland on the 1st of October, 1879, to Miss Hattie L. Bacon, a daughter of Charles P. H. and Clara A. (Clark) Bacon, who were among the early settlers here. Her father was born in Camden, New York, on the i6th of April, 1821, and was a son of Dr. William and Harriet L. (Hunt) Bacon, who were of English descent. Her father was a pupil of the public schools of Camden, and afterward learned the printer's trade. When a small boy, however, he removed to Michigan with his parents, and later the family took up their abode in Princeton, Illinois. Charles Bacon worked on the Erie canal during the time of its construction, and was a pioneer resident of the middle west, but the Pacific coast country attracted him and on the 4th of March, 1850, he started from Princeton across the plains, arriving in Oregon City on the 4th of September. He made the long Journey on horseback in company with a single companion, Mr. Turner. After arriving at Oregon City he secured work with Mr. Lovejoy, the owner of a sawmill there. His limited capital rendered immediate employment necessary for he had but fifty cents when he reached his destination. He remained in Mr. Lovejoy's services through the winter and then came to Portland, where he began driving a dray for Mr. Sherlock. He had in the meantime, however, worked in Portland for a time for Mr. Barnhart and Mr. Pritchard, well known pioneers settlers here. After remaining in Mr. Sherlock's employ for a time, he formed a partnership with him that was maintained until 1863, when they partially divided their interests, and Mr. Bacon returned to the east. They did not entirely separate their business interests, however, until about 1900. They owned considerable property, both city and farm land, and also conducted a harness business and dealt in fine horses.

In 1855 Mr. Bacon became agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company and traveled around the country delivering packages during the Indian w'ars. He and his partner purchased what became known as the Sherlock block, and owned considerable other property in Portland, the extent and nature of their interests making them prominent and representative citizens of the city. Mr. Bacon not only figured actively in business circles but also served as councilman in the early days, filling the position in 1858, and thus taking part in shaping the municipal welfare of Portland during its formative period. He was an active, helpful and prominent member of the Episcopal church and served as vestryman throughout the greater part of his life. He was one of the first vestrymen in Portland and was filling that position at the time of his death, which occurred February 10, 1901. He was laid to rest in the beautiful Riverside cemetery, where the grave of his wife was made by his side. She was born in Warren, Maine, March 24. 1828. and they were married in Portland, January 17, 1855, at the house of Captain Richard Hoyt. the wedding ceremony being performed by Bishop Scott of the Episcopal church. Mrs. Baron had been previously married, her first husband being Captain Goodwin, with whom she came around the Horn about 1852. She made several trips to the Pacific islands with her husband, who later died at sea. Mrs. Goodwin, who after-