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         ISAAC WELSH, a retired farmer living in Columbus Junction, Iowa, was born in Franklin County, Pa., seven miles south of Chambersburg, June 4, 1825, and is a son of James and Hannah (Graham) Welsh; the father was born in Pennsylvania, as was his mother, who was of Irish descent. When five years of age, he had the misfortune to lose his father. Six years later he went to Franklin County, Ind., where he was reared upon a farm, received a common-school education, and on the 11th of September, 1849, was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe Ogden, daughter of Jedidiah Ogden. The lady is a native of Union County, Ind., and five children were born unto them, three sons and two daughters: Mahershal B., a farmer of Mesa County, Col.; David N. married Miss M. J. Atwell, and resides in Colorado; Laura J., wife of O. W. Hayes, died May 26, 1885; Joseph O. died in childhood; and Jessie B., who is engaged in teaching. The death of the mother occurred Dec. 13, 1868, and Mr. Welsh was again married, Sept. 1, 1869, to Mrs. B. A. Flint, widow of William Flint, and a daughter of Josiah P. and Elizabeth (Flack) White. Mrs. Welsh was born in Union County, Ind. Josiah P. White was a native of Virginia. He removed when quite young with his parents to Union County, Ind., where he resided until his death, which occurred about 1848. Mrs. White was born in Union County, Ind., and survived her husband until June, 1872.

In October, 1853, our subject removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, making his home in Birmingham during the following winter, and from there removed to Jefferson County, settling west of Fairfield, where he engaged in farming. In 1854 he removed to Keokuk County, and there engaged in farming for twenty-two years, coming to Columbus Junction in February, 1877, since which time he has lived a retired life, only devoting himself to the loaning of money and the care of his capital. In early life Mr. Welsh was a Whig, and cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and has since been one of its supporters. Since February, 1861, he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Welsh has also been a member of the same church for many years, having previously belonged to the United Brethren. In the church of which he is now a member he is one of the most active workers, and has served as Class-Leader and Superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years. We are pleased to record this sketch among others of the prominent citizens of Louisa County, where he is highly respected.