Welch, John Denton 1847 - 1902

WELCH, SMITH, BOYNTON, HAWTHORNE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/28/2021 at 13:23:46

Elkader Register, Thur., 11 Dec. 1902.

John Denton Welch was born at Naperville, Ill., Dec. 21, 1847, and died at Volga, Iowa, Dec 4, 1902. Had he lived seventeen days longer he would have reached the age of 55 years.

In the year 1854 he moved to Iowa with his parents, wherein he has since resided. He was married September 3, 1883, to Miss Ione smith, of Delaware Co., Ia. Seven children have blessed the union, Doris, Merle, Grace, Forrest, Bayard, Orrie and Frances. Two have died - Doris, Aug. 3, 1897, being nearly 12 years of age; Grace, Sept. 16, 1891, being 19 months old. The rest of the children are all at home. There survives him, besides his wife and children, a mother, Mrs. Lenora Welch, and two sisters, Mrs. Lon Boynton, of Dawson, Minn., and Mrs. Judith Hawthorne, of Volga, Ia.

Mr. Welch has been an honored and respected citizen. When the town of Volga was incorporated Mr. Welch was elected Mayor and held the office for several terms. In fact it was his ill health that caused him to give up the honored place. For years he held a trusteeship of the twp. About a year and a half ago Mr. Welch was taken sick. Physicians on being consulted, said that there was no help for him, that attacks of the disease would occur, increasing in severity until life would succumb. The Tuesday before he died he felt so much better and had hopes for recovery, when next morning early he was taken with another attack and went into unconsciousness from which he never rallied. The end came quietly and easily, and the lamp of life went out leaving the town bereft of a useful citizen and a home bereft of its head and support.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the First M.E. church of Volga, Rev. Frank W. Bretnall officiating. Mr. Welch was a member of Elkader Lodge, No. 72, A.F. & A.M., and the services at the cemetery were in charge of that order, A. J. Carpenter, W. M., presiding. Masonic brethren from Volga, Strawberry Point and Arlington assisted Elkader lodge in the last solemn honors to their deceased brother.