Weston Blacksmith Shop Historical Marker Dedication

Exterior view of a group of people standing and watching the unveiling of a monument or marker, in Independence, Missouri at the Weston blacksmith shop. The Independence chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorated the marker. Building on the corner has lettering which says: "J.F. Jarboe, General...., Horseshoeing, Blacksmith." Also appears to be several pieces of advertising for a Jesse James event. Not an original photograph but a copy with "Photograph from Grinter's Studio" in view on lower right.

A March 28, 1926, article from the Kansas City Star describes the dedication of the marker:
"For ninety-nine years the squatty brick building has stood there, until the bricks have grown discolored with age and the rafters are black with the smoke from innumerable blasts of the forge. All around it, its companion buildings of its own age and character have disappeared and new buildings have taken their places.

MARKER IN THE PARKWAY

The marker will stand in the parkway just in front of the shop. It will be of granite from Graniteville, near St. Louis, and will bear this inscription, written by W.L. Webb, the historian of Independence: SITE OF THE WESTON BLACKSMITH SHOP / Starting Point of Wagon Trains Over the Santa Fe. the Oregon and the California Trails in 1849. Erected by Independence Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. / 1926.

Mrs. Joseph W. Greene regent of the Independence chapter will have charge of the ceremonies. The unveiling of the marker will be in front of the shop if the weather permits..."

The blacksmith shop was run by the Weston family. Samuel Weston was born in Ireland in 1788. He lived in England, Virginia, and Kentucky before coming to Jackson County in 1824. He built the blacksmith shop in 1827 and also built prairie schooners and plows. He died in 1846 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. Samuel's son, Robert, succeeded him in working at the blacksmith shop. He was an early mayor of Independence. After Robert died, the building was passed into the hands of the Fleischmann Brothers of Independence.