John Welzel was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 10, 1834. He emigrated to this country in 1853, and landed in New York. From there he went to Chicago, Ill., where he remained until December of that year. The next summer he went to Burlington, Ia., thence to St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Gulf of Mexico, then came north again reaching Burlington in 1855. During this time he worked at various branches of business, until he located permanently in Clayton County in 1855, and since that time he has engaged principally in farming. In company with seven other men he rented Judge Williams; farm in this township and worked it seven years. In 1864 he bought 120 acres on section 15, where he now resides. He has his farm in a spendid state of cultivation and well stocked. He was married to Anna S. Thoma. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 1, 1834. Seven children have been born of this union, viz.: John P., born Apr. 14, 1855; Fred. H., Oct. 9, 1858; Conrad, June 11, 1863; Louie, Nov. 19, 1866; Anna, Sept. 13, 1872; William, Oct. 24, 1874, and George, May 14, 1878. Mr. Welzel is a member of the Lutheran church, and in
politics is a Democrat. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.
836-837 |