Rev. James. Welch 1835-1913

WELCH, BUCK, JOHNSON, KENNEDY, MACCRACKEN

Posted By: Rich Lowe (email)
Date: 9/24/2002 at 14:45:23

Rev. Jas. Welch, D. D.

Rev. James Welch, D. D., was born at New Concord, Muskingum county, Ohio, Sept. 21, 1835, and passed away at Argonia, Kansas Sept. 4, 1913. He graduated from Miami University at Oxford, O., in 1857, and studied theology in the Seminary at Xenia, Ohio. He was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry Dec. 4, 1860.

He was married to Miss Margaret Buck at College Corner, O., May 12, 1862. She died at Bonaparte March 22, 1879. To this union were born six children, the following of whom survive: Mrs. Mary Johnson, Bonaparte; Brice P., of Wichita; Geo. H. of Larned, Kans; Johnson B. of Stockport; and William B. of Mt. Sterling.

Rev. Welch received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Franklin college, of which his father was president. He held pastorates in Ohio, Iowa, Mo., and Kansas. For many years he was the beloved pastor of the Presbyterian church at Bonaparte. He was Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod of Kansas in 1901; was five times commissioner to the General Assembly, and was member of the Board of Trustees of Emporia College for six years. He was President of Whittier College at Salem in 1890. At Natoma, Kans., he was an efficient mayor for two years.

On May 23, 1894, he was married to Miss Joanna Kennedy of Lee county, and since that time has resided in Kansas. Beside the wife and children, he is survived by a half brother, Henry MacCracken, LL.D [?]., chancellor of the University of the City of New York, and a half sister, Miss Anna MacCracken of Xenia, Ohio.

The funeral was held at the family home at 3:30 Sunday afternoon, conducted by the pastor of the Presbyterian church, Rev. Morton, assited by Rev. Outland of the Friends and Rev. Lyons of the M.E. church, with interment in the Argonia cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA