John H. Welch was born in Canada, Dec. 2, 1835, and was a son of Samuel D. and Elizabeth (Wait) Welch, the former born in New Hampshire, the latter in Dutchess County, N.Y. His father died when he was about seven years old, and he then went to live with his Grandfather Wait. At the age of thirteen he became self-supporting and followed farming in Grand Isle County, Vt., Dodge County, Wis., Olmstead County, Minn., finally locating in Sperry Township, Clayton County, in 1860. He was married there to Mrs. Rachel A. Chilson, nee Nichols, Oct. 2, 1862. She was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., July 29, 1833, and was a daughter of Rufus and Philena (Root) Nichols. Mrs. Welch was first married to Philip D. Chilson, who died March 20, 1867. Three children were born of that union, one living-- Summer C., who married Mary McCray, and resides in Sperry Township. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been blessed with six children-- Oscar E., Rufus R., John M., Frederick A., Arthur D. and William H. In March, 1877, Mr. Welch located on his present farm
in Lodomillo Township, where he owns 120 acres of finely
cultivated land, well stocked. He is a member of
Strawberry Point Lodge, No.130, A. F. & A. M., and
was one of the charter members of the Mountain Shade
Lodge, No.279, at Volga City. He has held various
township offices, and is now acting as Justice of the
Peace. He is well and favorably known throughout the
county as an enterprising and free-hearted man. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.
906-907 |