Welch, Edward D. 1823 - 1900

WELCH, DENTON, GREE, BOYNTON, SMITH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/30/2020 at 08:05:36

Elkader Register, Thur., 19 Apr. 1900. Volga City Views column.

On Monday morning, April 16th, 1900, after an extended illness Edward D. Welch passed away to that bourne from which no traveler returns. He was born in Henryville, Canada, Nov. 1823, where lived until he was 24. On Jan. 5th, 1847, at the place of his birth he was united in marriage with Miss Leonora Denton. They came west to Naperville, Ill., in 1847, and engaged in farming. In 1850 Mr. Welch crossed the plains to California, where for four years he engaged in mining. Returning to Illinois in 1851 he went to Lockport, Ill., purchased two yoke of oxen, a wagon and two cows, hitched the cows between the oxen to the wagon in which he placed his household goods and started for Iowa, arriving at Volga City June 10th, 1854. He bought property in Volga City and resided there four years. While here he bought land in Fayette county and land in Sec. 28, Sperry twp. Later he sold this and bought in Sec. 14, where resided several years, but finally returned to Volga City.

To Mr. and Mrs. Welch two sons and three daughters were born, one son, the youngest, was drowned July 4th, 1871, and one daughter, Mrs. Dr. Gree, of Omaha, Neb. was called in 18_3, to her spiritual home, leaving one son, John D. Welch, of this place, and two daughters, Mrs. Geo. Boynton, of Dawson, Minn., and Mrs. L. Smith, of Volga City, to mourn the loss of Father and to comfort the widowed mother in her declining years.

Mr. Welch has been a prominent man in this vicinity for many years and was universally honored and respected, as a just and upright citizen and neighbor, a kind father and an affectionate husband. For several years past he has been in poor health, and has not been active in the affairs of life.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon services being held at the M.E. church where Rev. J. K. Shiffer delivered the sermon, after which the burial service was conducted by Mountain Shade Lodge No. 279, A.F. & A.M., assisted by brethern from Elkader and Strawberry Point, Past Master N. Scofield, of Strawberry Point, doing the work. Despite the unpleasant weather there was a large attendance of sorrowing friends.