Edward D. Welch was born in East Canada, Nov. 3, 1823. In 1847 he settled in DuPage County, Ill., and engaged in farming there until 1850, when he crossed the plains to Califonria, and engaged in mining four years. In 1854 he went to Lockport, Ill., where he purchased two yoke of oxen, one yoke of cows and a wagon. He hitched the two cows in the middle between the two yolke of oxen, put his household goods and little family into the wagon, and started for Iowa, arriving in Volga City June 10, 1854. He bought property in Volga City, and resided there four years. While in Volga City he entered land in Fayette County under the Graduation Act, and bought 100 acres on section 28, Sperry Township. In 1857 he disposed of the land on section 28, and purchased the farm on section 14, where he now lives. He owns 220 acres of valuable land. He was united in marriage Jan. 5, 1847, in Canada, to Leonara Denton, who was born at that place on Oct. 25, 1827. Their children are - John D., born Dec. 21, 1847; Cornelia A., Sept. 1, 1849; Helen L., Aug. 22, 1857; Judith E., May 22, 1859; and William H., born Nov. 5, 1862, who was drowned July 4, 1871, in the Volga River. In connection with farming Mr. Welch also engages in the dairy business. In politics he is a Republican.. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1107 |