Justin Warren Weeks (1806-1897)
Painted by Théodore Gégoux (1850-1931)
Oil on canvas, measuring 71.25 inches by 37.25 inches, dated 1897, signed Theo Gegoux.
Photo Courtesy of Jefferson County Historical Society
© All rights reserved.
Painted at Watertown , New York
"The artist Gegoux, has painted an heroic sized portrait of Mr. Weeks, which has attained deserved popularity as a fine work of art -- reflecting great credit upon the artist, for he has made a picture that seems just ready to walk out of the frame, to become the very living man himself. The writer lately examined that picture with great interest. Nothing finer in the way of portraiture is seen in any of the great galleries of Europe -- a thing easy to say, but which any observing European traveler will verify."
John A. Haddock, 1894 - Centennial History of Jefferson County, N.Y.
Justin W. Weeks was born in Watertown in 1806. In March, 1831, he married Rosalinda Rogers, by whom he had three children, Mary Persis, Addison, and Charles Warren. He was originally a farmer, then a teacher in Watertown and Hounsfield. Leaving the school-house, he became a clerk in Knowlton & Rice's book store; then in 1860, he was made special deputy county clerk, which position he has since held and still holds. His urbanity of manner, and the gentleness of his deportment, have made him many friends.His golden wedding was celebrated in 1851, when himself and his beloved partner received many substantial tokens from sympathetic and admiring friends. His wife died in 1883, in her 74th year, rounding out a life of great usefulness. She was in every sense a Christian.
Mr. Weeks since then has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Elisha Hemenway, at 79 Franklin Street. He bears the burden of his nearly 90 years as well as could be expected, being daily seen upon the streets; but he looks upon himself as only a pilgrim, who may be called away any day to pass over and join that great but silent majority who have preceded him.
Of his three children, only Mrs. Hemenway and, his son Addison are now living. Mr. Weeks was for 35 years an exemplary member of Arsenal Street M. E. Church, and when State Street Church was set off he became an official member and trustee of the latter, a relation he holds today. His Christian experience and well-balanced life have been so exemplary as to entitle him to the universal respect he has so long enjoyed.
John A. Haddock, 1894 - Centennial History of Jefferson County, N.Y.
In 1881 Justin Warren Weeks and Rosalinda (Rogers) Weeks celibrated their golden wedding anniversery at which Justin received a "golden headed cane" and $300 dollars in Gold and other valuable presents. On May 13, 1896 in honor of his 90th birthday, Justin was presented with 3 gold coins while at the court. The presentation was made by Wilbur F. Porter on behalf of the lawyers, court attendants, and friends of Mr. Weeks. Mr. weeks had served as court crier since 1860. His first official office was deputy county clerk. His wife passed away in 1883 at the age of 74. When Justin died on December 14, 1897 he was buried at Brookside Cemetery in Watretown, NY, section L, lot #7.
