My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH WELLER, M. D., D. D. S., who departed this life August 26, 1894, aged nearly seventy years, was a most successful professional man and accumulated a comfortable fortune during his business career. There was no resident of Trexlertown who was more widely and favorably known than he. In both professions with which he was connected he gained more than ordinary success. It is not, however, so much through these occupations that he won note as through the invention of certain remedial agencies. He was the inventor and proprietor of “Weller’s Eating Pellet,” which as a blood purifier has no superior, and which is patented in the United States and Canada; and “Weller’s Little Liver Capsules,” also invented by himself, are coming into general use as a successful remedy for liver trouble.

From the year 1854 the Doctor was a resident of Trexlertown, of which he was one of the most progressive and influential citizens. He was born in Berks County, this state, on the 20th of August, 1825, and was a son of Peter and Susanna (Trolmger) Weller. His father, who was principally engaged in farming, was for a time employed in the old-fashioned iron forges at Dale, Berks County, and manufactured charcoal iron. Joseph was reared in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools of the home locality. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker, which he followed for about seven years.

Having decided to enter the dental profession, in 1851 our subject began the study of dentistry with Dr. W. H. Thompson, of Coatesville, Chester County, Pa., with whom he remained for eight months. Meanwhile he also read medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Samuel Young, of Schultzville, Pa., with whose family he resided while working at his profession. At Dale, Berks County, he opened a dental office, and after having spent some time there came to Trexlertown, in 1854. Here for a few years he devoted his attention exclusively to the dental profession. Meantime he continued his medical studies under Dr. W. S. Herbst, and in 1884 was licensed to practice.

In addition to the inventions above named the Doctor was the inventor and proprietor of “Weller’s Indian Tincture.” In addition to his home practice he visited the Grand Central Hotel at Allentown, Pa., on Tuesday of each week, and there consultations with him were held for the treatment of chronic and other diseases. While the demands of his profession prevented him from taking the active part in public affairs that he would otherwise have done, he nevertheless could always be relied upon to deposit a straight Republican ballot, and his support was always given to the principles of that party.

Mrs. Weller was born in this county and bore the maiden name of Sarah Kern, being the daughter of Jeremiah Kern, late of Lehigh County. Five children were born to this union, namely: Rev. Harvey A., pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pa.; Elmer K., a graduate of the Medical School of Pennsylvania, but now deceased; Annie P.; Charles H, who resides at Montgomery, Pa.; and Elsie L. With his family Mr. Weller held membership in the Lutheran Church, in the work of which he took an active interest. Mrs. Weller is residing with her two daughters, Annie P. and Elsie L., in her elegant home in Trexlertown.