Spouse: Sarah Ann Pringle
m: 25/Nov/1835 - McDonough Co., IL
Child: Francis (Frank) M.
Biographical Details:
Nothing is known of the origin of James L. Welch beyond the bare assertion of his putative son, Francis M. Welch, in census population schedules of 1880 and 1900 that his father had been born in Indiana; however, this cannot by any means be considered as certain. Even so, his birth date can be inferred from his exact age at the time of his death to have been August 24, 1815.1 Therefore, it would seem safe to presume that in the early 1830's, James Welch settled as an unmarried young man in western Illinois. Furthermore, corresponding marriage records confirm that he subsequently married Sarah Ann Pringle in McDonough County on November 25, 1835. Concomitantly, a group of five brothers also named Welch, viz., Jefferson, George Washington, James R., Benjamin J., and Isaac R., appear to have settled in this same locality at about the same time. Moreover, they also all married after coming to McDonough County and, as such, have been identified as sons of Osias and Elizabeth Welch of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Obviously, such a coincidence would suggest that James L. Welch was probably a close relative of these five brothers. Such a hypothesis is further supported by James' purchase of forty acres from the federal government on November 21, 1837.2 (However, the corresponding patent was not issued until November 3, 1840, more than a year after James' death.) The parcel lay in the extreme southwestern corner of Section Five in Township Five of Range Three, which was later politically organized as Chalmers Township. Previously, on June 18, 1835, George W. Welch had purchased one hundred and thirty-nine acres from the government, i.e., the Northwest quarter of Section One in Township Five of Range Four (later organized as Tennessee Township), and the following October, Jefferson Welch similarly purchased forty acres in the southeast quarter of the adjoining section, i.e., Section Two.3 (Subsequently, in 1848 and 1849 Jefferson purchased more public land nearby in what would later become Hire Township.) All of these parcels lay within two miles or less of each other and were included in Colchester Township when it was formed from portions of Tennessee and Chalmers Townships in the spring of 1880. Moreover, it is likely that Jefferson and George, as well as their three brothers, also bought land from other settlers and, thus, during the nineteenth century this general area seems to have become known locally as the "Welch settlement". Within this context, as many as seventeen children from three different wives have been attributed to Osias Welch. Furthermore, the oldest of these may have been born as early as 1790 or even before. Thus, it is at least plausible that James L. Welch might have been a grandson of Osias Welch and, concomitantly, a nephew of the five brothers; however, this is merely speculation and remains to be proven.4 In any case, James L. Welch died in McDonough County on September 24, 1839, and was buried in the old cemetery at Macomb.Source Notes and Citations:
1. Marge Harris (comp), "Old Cemetery" Macomb, Illinois, privately published, McDonough County Genealogical Society, P. O. B. 202, Macomb, IL, 1984: pg. 114.
"WELCH James L., d 24 September 1839 age 24y 1m This burial is in the southwest area. James L. Welch and Miss Sarah Ann Pringle were married in McDonough County, 25 November 1835. Members of her family are buried here."
back to bio.2. The United States of America; Certificate No. 13283; To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas James L Welch of McDonough County Illinois has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Quincy whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said James L Welch according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An Act making further provision for the sale of Public Lands," for the South West quarter of the South West quarter of Section five, in Township five North, of Range three West, in the District of lands Subject to sale at Quincy Illinois, containing forty acres according to the official plat of the survey of the said Lands, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said James L Welch.
Now Know Ye, That the United States of America, in consideration of the Premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, Have Given and Granted, and by these presents Do Give And Grant, unto the said James L Welch and to his heirs, the said tract above described: To Have And To Hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said James L Welch and to his heirs and assigns forever.
In Testimony Whereof, I, Martin Van Buren, President Of The United States of America, have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City Of Washington, the third day of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty and of the Independence Of The United States the Sixty fifth. By The President: Martin Van Buren Jr (sic); By M. Van Buren, Jr. Secretary; Jos. S. Wilson, Acting Recorder of the General Land Office ad interim (US Land Patent Certificate No. 13283; Washington, DC, issued 3 Nov 1840.)Federal Land Sale: November 21, 1837. 40 Acres: Southwest Quarter of Southwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 5 North, Range 3 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Colchester formerly Chalmers Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: James L. Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $50.00. (Field General Land Office Register, Vol. 698, pg. 100, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL, 1957. (Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database, http://www.ilsos.gov/isa/landsrch.jsp, 2015.))
back to bio.3a. Federal Land Sale: June 18, 1835. 69.50 Acres: East Half of Northwest Quarter of Section 1, Township 5 North, Range 4 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Colchester formerly Tennessee Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: George W. Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $86.88.
Federal Land Sale: June 18, 1835. 69.50 Acres: West Half of Northwest Quarter of Section 1, Township 5 North, Range 4 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Colchester formerly Tennessee Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: George W. Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $86.88.
Federal Land Sale: October 28, 1835. 40 Acres: Northeast Quarter of Southeast Quarter of Section 2, Township 5 North, Range 4 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Colchester formerly Tennessee Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: Jefferson Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $50.00. (ibid., Vol. 698, pg. 148. (ibid.))b. Federal Land Sale: March 8, 1848. 80 Acres: West Half of Southeast Quarter of Section 27, Township 6 North, Range 4 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Hire Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: Jefferson A. Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $100.00.
Federal Land Sale: September 8, 1848. 40 Acres: Northeast Quarter of Southeast Quarter of Section 27, Township 6 North, Range 4 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Hire Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: Jefferson A. Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $50.00.
Federal Land Sale: December 22, 1849. 40 Acres: Southeast Quarter of Southeast Quarter of Section 27, Township 6 North, Range 4 West of Principal Meridian 4 (Hire Township) in McDonough County, Illinois. Purchaser: Jefferson A. Welch; Rate: $1.25 per acre; Price: $50.00. (ibid., Vol. 698, pg. 158. (ibid.))
back to bio.4. The origin of Osias Welch is not known. Indeed, in corresponding census population schedules six of his children surviving until 1880 or afterward inconsistently asserted various places of birth for their father:
Jefferson Welch: himself born in Kentucky, father born in England, mother born in Pennsylvania. By 1880, Jefferson was the oldest survivor of the family and, as such, might be expected to have remembered his father better than any of the others; however, it does not seem likely that Osias came directly from England. It is possible that this reflects misunderstanding and error on the part of the census taker.
a. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 214, (microfilm: roll M704_65; img. 50); 1850 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 266B, (microfilm: roll M432_116; img. 377); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 667, (microfilm: roll M653_201; img. 308); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 165A, (microfilm: roll M593_256; img. 666); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 365B, (microfilm: roll T9_227; img. 734).
b. "Jefferson Welch, one of the oldest settlers of McDonough County died at his home north of Colchester in Emmet township on November 30th. He came to McDonough County before 1835. He married a sister of Thomas Caldwell of this city and was the father of a large family. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His wife survives. Burial was in the Argyle Cemetery." (obituary: Macomb Journal; Macomb, IL, Thur., Dec. 6, 1883.) (Linda M. Worstell (tr), McDonough County ILGenWeb Archives, www.macomb.com/~ilmcdono/Obituaries/McDonough_obits4.html, 2004.)
c. "Mrs. Adella Welch, an old and well known resident of the west part of the county, died at her home, two and one half miles northwest of Colchester, at 6:50 o'clock Monday evening of old age. She was one of the oldest residents of the county, being 93 years, 6 months and 10 days old. Funeral services will be held at the Argyle church Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. R. B. Fisher of this city, interment in the cemetery at that place.
Adella Caldwell was born in Green County, Kentucky, October 26, 1813 and came to this state in 1830, locating in Sangamon county, where she lived only a short time, when she removed to this city. She lived here until 1832, when she came to the farm near Colchester, on which she lived the rest of her life. She was married to Jefferson Welch in 1832, they locating on the farm mentioned, he dying November 20, 1883. She has long been a faithful member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and was a woman esteemed by all who knew her, one of the sturdy pioneers whose lives will ever be an example of self sacrifice and righteousness for the younger generation. She is survived by one brother, John Caldwell of Elvaston and five children - Wm. D. of Hire; Charles who lives on the home place; T.J. of Carlsbad, N.M.; Mrs. David Guy of Macomb and Mrs. Lee May of Atlanta, Ga." (obituary: Macomb Daily Journal; Macomb, IL, Tues., May 7, 1907.) (ibid.)Mahala Welch Baker: herself born in Kentucky, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Pennyslvania. Coincidentally, the date of the corresponding page of the population schedule was June 11, 1880, which implies that Mahala died only three days later on June 14th. Concomitantly, some researchers indicate that she had died exactly a month earlier in May; however, this clearly cannot be correct since she was obviously still living at the time the census was taken.
d. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 195B-196A, (microfilm: roll M432_214; imgs. 391-2); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for McLean County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 100-1, (microfilm: roll M653_384; imgs. 101-2); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 294B, (microfilm: roll M593_778; img. 594); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for McLean County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 253A, (microfilm: roll T9_430; img. 511).
William Rowland Welch: himself born in Kentucky, father born in Pennsylvania, mother born in Kentucky. In the corresponding population schedule of 1880, William's occupation was given as "Minister of Gospel" and, as such, might imply that he was rather more literate than his brothers and sisters. Moreover, he had not moved to Illinois at the same time as his five brothers, but had remained behind in Muhlenberg County and later McLean County until 1861. Within this context, the corresponding census population schedules of 1850 and 1860 clearly indicate that while resident in Kentucky, William and his family lived in close proximity to that of his older half brother, John. Accordingly, William might have known the family history better than his relatives in Illinois.
e. S. J. Clarke, History of McDonough County, Illinois, D. W. Lusk, State Printer and Binder, Springfield, IL, 1878: pgs. 568-9.
"Tennessee (Baptist Church).--This church was organized February 8, 1860, by Elders Farris, and Garnett. Held meetings in schoolhouse until 1863, when present church structure was erected, and at a cost of $2,000. It is a good frame building thirty-six feet by forty-four. The following are the names of the original members: Michael Stookey, Lucinda Stookey, Joseph Wood, Mary Wood, Carolina Samuel, B. Smith, Sarah Smith, John Carroll, Elizabeth Hawker, Thomas Howell, Sarah Howell, G. D. Mourning, Rebecca Mourning, and J. G. Eastwood. The present membership is thirty-five; a few years ago it numbered one hundred and forty, but two or three churches have been organized through the country by members attending here, and this of course largely diminished the membership. The following are the pastors serving this church respectively: Elders D. J. Garnett, J. D. Ward, W. R. Welch, H. H. Parks, T. N. Lowe, and Elder W. R. Welch the present pastor, who has labored with this people before. James L. Trower, moderator; D. J. Garnett, clerk."f. Anonymous, History of McDonough County, Continental Historical Co., Springfield, IL, 1885: pg. 467.
"BAPTIST CHURCH AT TENNESSEE The Baptist church at Tennessee was erected in the fall of 1865, and was organized by Rev. W. R. Welch, with a class of about 25. The edifice is a frame structure, 40x60 feet in dimensions. E. Corfield has held service in the church for the past two years and a half, every four weeks. The present deacons of the church are M. Stewart and A. T. Salisbury, having served in that capacity for about four years. M. Stewart, S. Moore and, A. T. Salisbury, act as trustees of the church at present, and also have retained that position for four years past. The present membership numbers about 20."g. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 349, (microfilm: roll M704_120; img. 235); 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 233A, (microfilm: roll M432_214; img. 466); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for McLean County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 99-100, (microfilm: roll M653_384; imgs. 100-1.); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 145A, (microfilm: roll M593_256; img. 626); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 558B, (microfilm: roll T9_228; img. 208).
Elizabeth Welch Vickers: herself born in Kentucky, father born in Virginia, mother born in Kentucky. It cannot be known why Elizabeth thought her father had come from Virginia (or even if this was her response to the census taker, since it might have been given by her husband), but this is not affirmed by any other source and does not seem likely.
h. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 187B, (microfilm: roll M432_214; img. 375); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 833, (microfilm: roll M653_622; img. 344); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 298A, (microfilm: roll M593_778; img. 601); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Henry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 388A, (microfilm: roll T9_689; img. 652).
Benjamin J. Welch: himself born in Kentucky, father born in North Carolina, mother born in North Carolina. In 1880, Benjamin appears to have been a prosperous merchant living with his wife and two adult unmarried daughters in the town of Auburn, Illinois. Therefore, his assertion that his father had been born in North Carolina would seem to be credible; however, it clearly is in disagreement with all of the others. Of course, he was one of the youngest members of the family and, therefore, simply might not have known where his father (and mother) had been born.
i. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for McDonough County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 222, (microfilm: roll M704_65; img. 64); 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 298B, (microfilm: roll M432_109; img. 59); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 293, (microfilm: roll M653_184; img. 38); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 146B-147A, (microfilm: roll M593_226; imgs. 296-7); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Sangamon County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 171B, (microfilm: roll T9_248; img. 545).
Isaac R. Welch: himself born in Kentucky, father born in New Jersey, mother born in Virginia. Isaac was the youngest member of the family. Nevertheless, his assertion that his father was born in New Jersey would seem to be somewhat consistent with Pennsylvania. Within this context, one might speculate that his assertion was motivated merely out of a vague sense of direction, again, as the result of imperfect memory.
j. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 296B, (microfilm: roll M432_109; img. 55); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 748, (microfilm: roll M653_184; img. 495); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 121B, (microfilm: roll M593_226; img. 244); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Hancock County, Illinois, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 120A, (microfilm: roll T9_211; img. 241).
From the preceding observations, it would seem evident that none of these six individuals really had any clear idea where their father had been born, but considering the different alternatives, perhaps, Pennyslvania is the most likely. His seventeen known children are summarized as follows:
Osias Welch, born ~1760, died Mar 1833 in Muhlenberg Co., KY; married on 17 Feb 1783 in Lincoln Co., VA (later KY), Mrs. Hannah Hynes Linn, born 10 Mar 1745 (1746 N. S.), died ~1795 in KY.
1. Sally Welch, born ~1790 in VA (later KY).married (2) on 1 Aug 1797 in Harrison Co., KY, Betsy Harcourt.
2. Thomas Welch, born ~1792* in VA (later KY).3. John Welch, born ~1798**, died after 1870 in Decatur Co., IA; married 11 Jun 1822 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, Nancy Ray, born ~1798 in VA, died after 1880 in Decatur Co., IA. They had Fredonia and Mary C. Welch.married (3) on 4 or 14 Aug 1804 in Woodford Co., KY, Mrs. Elizabeth Rowland Poley or Conley, born ~1785 in KY or NC, died 15 Jun 1855 in McDonough Co., IL, buried in Argyle Cem.
4. Sarah (Sally) Welch, born ~1799 in KY, died after 1860 in Warrick Co., IN; married William M. Arnold, died 15 Dec 1842 in Warrick Co., IN; buried originally in the Arnold Family Cem., relocated to Maple Grove Cemetery. They had Polly, William Franklin, Martha Thompson, Synthia Jane, and Francis Arnold.
5. Keziah Welch, born 20 Jun 1800 in Harrison Co., KY, died 8 Aug 1861 in McDonough Co., IL, buried in Argyle Cem.; married on 3 May 1838 in McDonough Co., IL, Isaac Spencer, born ~1800 in NY, died 1 Apr 1869 in McDonough Co., IL. They had Isaac Spencer, Jr.
6. Jesse Welch, born 7 May 1801 in Harrison Co., KY, died 9 May 1869 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, buried in Scott Cem.; married on 27 Jul 1825 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, Mrs. Sarah Landis Gish, born 4 Mar 1793 in KY, died 16 Apr 1872 in Muhlenberg Co., KY. They had Catherine, Benjamin Osias, Samuel Howard, William, Mary, and Elizabeth Welch.
7. Mary (Polly) Welch, born 24 Jul 1802 in KY, died 3 Jun 1843 in Johnson Co., IN, buried in Atterbury Cem.; married on 14 Oct 1827 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, Preston Elisha Leach, born 9 Jun 1806 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, died 14 Jun 1873 in Jackson Twp., Lucas Co., IA, buried in Rose Hill Cem. They had Thomas J., William E., Elisha, Sarah Ann, Isaac, John A., Daniel, Mary Elizabeth, and George Leach.
8. Richard Welch, born 7 Jan 1804 in KY, died 9 Oct 1868 in Lucas Co., IA, buried in Rose Hill Cem.; married on 5 Mar 1826 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, Elizabeth Leach, born 8 Aug 1804, died 10 Aug 1888 in Lucas Co., IA, buried in Rose Hill Cem.. They had Jesse, George W., Elizabeth, Lousiana, Mary, Richard, William, Martha A., Bennett, and Hail Columbia Welch.9. Jefferson Welch#, born 24 Aug 1805 in KY, died 30 Nov 1883 in Emmet Twp., McDonough Co., IL, buried in Argyle Cem.; married on 14 Feb 1833 in McDonough Co., IL, Addella Caldwell, born 26 Oct 1813 in Green Co., KY, died 5 May 1907 in McDonough Co., IL. They had William D., Samuel H., Mary F., Thomas J., John S., Laura A., Nancy, Charles Washington, and Leann or Jean Welch.Civil records confirm that Osias' first marriage took place in 1783 in Lincoln County which was one of the three counties, viz., Fayette, Jefferson, and Lincoln, formed when the original Kentucky County, Virginia, was partitioned in 1780 and, moreover, included the original pioneer settlement of Boonesborough. (Kentucky was not formally separated from Virginia until 1792 when it was admitted as the fifteenth state.) Within this context, it is possible that there were more children from this marriage than the two known. Concomitantly, "Ozias Welch" was granted land in the Jefferson County in late 1781. This suggests that he was then at least twenty-one years old and, thus, was born before 1760 instead of five or six years afterward (an assertion that seems to be derived from too strict an interpretation of population schedules of 1810 and 1830). Subsequently, Osias' second marriage was recorded in Harrison County, which was formed in north central Kentucky in 1793, for the most part from territory that sequentially had been included in Kentucky, Fayette, and Bourbon Counties. In addition, a small area of northwestern Harrison County was taken from Scott County, which had been formed in 1792 by partition of Woodford County, which was itself an earlier partition of Fayette County. This suggests that Osias Welch was among some of the first settlers of central Kentucky and that he moved some distance northeastward within a few years of 1790. However, he seems to have moved back to central Kentucky about 1800 since his third marriage took place in Woodford County in 1804. Although, Woodford County had originally extended all the way to the Ohio River, by this time its territory had been reduced to a small area just west of the present city of Lexington. Again, the extended Welch family seems to have moved between 1804 and 1810, this time from central to western Kentucky about one hundred and fifty to two hundred miles to the southwest. There is evidence that Osias bought land in Warren County in 1806, but moved on to Hopkins County early in 1807. Accordingly, census records from 1810 confirm that Osias Welch and his family were then resident in Logan County. Similarly, the household of Osias Welch was included in the population schedules of both the 1820 and 1830 US Censuses for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and, in addition, in 1820 they were noted as "citizens of Lewisburg". Geographically, Muhlenberg County lies adjacent to Logan County just to the north and slightly west and, at present, the town of Lewisburg actually lies within Logan County just a few miles south of the boundary between the two counties. This suggests that the Welch family probably lived in northern Logan and/or southern Muhlenberg Counties in the second and third decades of the nineteenth century. Indeed, Osias Welch died in Muhlenberg County in March of 1833.
10. George Washington Welch, born 26 Feb 1807 in KY, died 17 Dec 1868 in McDonough Co., IL, buried in Argyle Cem.; married on 7 Aug 1835 in McDonough Co., IL, Mary D. Caldwell, born 1 Dec 1815 in KY, died 14 Nov 1887 in McDonough Co., IL. They had Amanda M., Elijah A., Elisha C., Nancy J., James M., David L., George S., Mary Adaline, Charles C., John H., William Joseph, Albert B., and Emma T. Welch.
11. Mahala Welch, born 5 Dec 1808 in KY, died 14 May or Jun 1880 in McLean Co., KY, buried in the old section of Poplar Grove Cem.; married on 29 Nov 1825 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, David S. Baker, born 10 Feb 1799 in Logan Co., KY, died 15 Sep 1859 in McLean Co., KY, buried in the old section of Poplar Grove Cem.. They had Jacob Israel, Elizabeth Josephine, Mary Anne Salome, Elisha C., John Airhart, C. T. Volney, David Hume, and an unnamed infant son Baker.
12. James R. Welch, born ~1810 in Logan Co., KY, died 8 Aug 1848 in McDonough Co., IL, buried in Atkinson Cem., Emmet Twp.; married on 5 Apr 1842 in McDonough Co., IL, Margaret McCord, born 18 Sep 1819 in Overton Co., TN, died 14 Apr 1895 in Hot Springs, AR, buried in Greenwood Cem. They had Mary E., Permelia Ann, and John Taylor Welch.
13. Malinda Welch, born 16 Jan 1813 in Logan Co., KY, died 18 Dec 1850#* in McDonough Co., IL, buried in Argyle Cem.; married on 28 Nov 1831 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, John J. James, born 9 Sep 1810 in TN, died 24 Apr 1866 in Henry Co., MO, buried in Bethel Baptist Ch. Cem. They had William Jefferson, George W., Isaac S., Mary E., Francis M., Eliza Jane, Sarah A., John T., Malinda A., and Charles T. James.
14. William Rowland Welch, born 20 Jun 1815 in Logan Co., KY, died 1886 in KS##; married Mar 1836 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, Lavina Butler, born ~1819, died 27 Feb 1882 in McDonough Co., IL, buried in Lower Cem., Colchester Twp.. They had Azro Butler, Sylvester Butler, Amanda J., Kincheon Hay, and Mary Elizabeth Welch.
15. Elizabeth Welch, born 16 Aug 1816 in Logan Co., KY, died 29 Jul 1897 in Henry Co., MO, buried in Bethlehem Cem.; married on 5 Oct 1837 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, Absalom Vickers, born 21 Sep 1817 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, died 21 Dec 1899 in Henry Co., MO. They had Laura, Mildred, Adeline, Florence, Antoinette (Nettie), Sarah Elizabeth, John William, and Mary Ellen Vickers.
16. Benjamin J. Welch, born 14 Aug 1818 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, died 15 Jul 1898 in Sangamon Co., IL, buried in Auburn Cem.; married on 16 Nov 1837 in McDonough Co., IL, Malinda Kirk, born 29 Aug 1816 in OH, died 16 May 1895 in Sangamon Co., IL. They had Paulina C., John T., Araminta D., Mary M., Alice A., Carrie L., and Samantha Welch.
17. Isaac R. Welch, born 27 Feb 1821 in Muhlenberg Co., KY, died 20 Nov 1897 in Colchester Twp. McDonough Co., IL, buried in Webster Cem., Hancock Co., IL; married on 17 Nov 1844 in McDonough Co., IL, Achsah R. Woolley, born 25 Sep 1827 in Otsego Co., NY, died 21 May 1894 in Hancock Co., IL, buried in Webster Cem. They had Rosetta, Arthur H., Edna L., Dewitt O., Charles, and Minnie Welch.
It would seem, perhaps, more than mere coincidence that five sons of Osias and Elizabeth Welch, viz., Jefferson, George Washington, James R., Benjamin J., and Isaac R. (as well as their putative relative, James L. Welch) migrated to McDonough County, Illinois, at about the time of their father's death in 1833. Possibly, settlement of Osias' estate provided them with sufficient financial resources for this move. Alternatively, there may have been some dispute regarding the estate settlement (perhaps, between children from different wives), but no substantial evidence of this is known to exist. Within this context, it is clear that, Keziah, one of the daughters of Osias and Betsy Harcourt Welch, also moved to McDonough County in the 1830's and subsequently married Isaac Spencer. Additional family members came later, for example, John and Malinda Welch James about 1847 as well as Richard and Elizabeth Leach Welch a year or two before 1850. Even later, another brother, William Rowland Welch, served as a Baptist minister in Tennessee Township during the 1860's and 1870's. Thus, nine of the seventeen children of Osias Welch are known to have lived in McDonough County at various times in the middle decades of the nineteenth century. Concomitantly, although census records confirm that Osias' widow, Elizabeth, was living in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in 1850, there is good evidence that she died in McDonough County in 1855, presumably while living with one of her children. (Indde, there is a headstone for her in Argyle Cemetery.)
It is evident that the only plausible candidate for the father of James L. Welch among the children of Osias Welch would have been his oldest known son, Thomas, reportedly born about 1792, but perhaps, more likely born earlier in the 1780's. Concomitantly, existing census records of 1810, 1820, and 1830 confirm that a household of Thomas Welch was present contemporaneously and apparently proximate with that of Osias Welch in Logan and Muhlenberg Counties. In all cases, Thomas appears to have been at least twenty years younger than Osias, which would seem to accord very well with his identification as Osias' son. Nevertheless, this hypothesis remains only probable and cannot be presumed with certainty. In addition, a marriage between Thomas Welch and Theny Benson on July 6, 1810, was recorded in Logan County. Of course, this is merely circumstantial and cannot be considered as any sort of definitive proof, but it would coincide reasonably well with the birth of James L. Welch in 1815 and, thus, is strongly suggestive. (Subsequently, civil records also confirm that Thomas Welch and Polly Martin were married in Logan County on October 23, 1815; however, this same marriage seems to have been re-recorded a month later on November 20th in newly formed Allen County, which from geographical considerations would suggest that this Thomas was likely a different individual.) Moreover, although Thomas was evidently living when his father died in March of 1833, it would seem likely that he died not long afterward since no further records are known. Moreover, this would also seem to be coincident with James' migration to Illinois. In passing, it should be further noted that in 1810 there was also resident in Logan County a household of Hezias Welch, who might possibly have been Osias' brother. (Concomitantly, some researchers have asserted that there was also a household of Nickolas Welch; however, examination of the original population schedule does not support this interpretation, i.e., the corresponding surname actually appears to have been "Helck" or something similar.) Similarly, the household of John Welch was resident in Muhlenberg County in 1830 and can almost certainly be identified with the family of John and Nancy Ray Welch, Osias' son and daughter-in-law. For completeness, it should be further observed that these speculations imply that, although possible, James L. Welch was probably not born in Indiana, but, rather, was more likely born in Kentucky in either Logan or Muhlenberg County. Obviously, further research is required.*It would seem from the chronology implied by Osias" three marriages as well as, perhaps, subsequent population schedules, that rather than about 1792, Thomas was more likely born sometime in the 1780's.
**John Welch stated that he had been born in Pennsylvania in population schedules of both 1850 and 1860 censuses; however, there is no evidence that Osias Welch left Kentucky for even a short interval in the years between 1797 and 1800 and, therefore, it seems likely that John was mistaken. Even so, this may be indicative of the family's origin in Pennyslvania.
# There is some indication that his full name may have been Thomas Jefferson Welch; however, if so he seems never to have used this first name, presumably to avoid being confused with his older half brother.
#* Several researchers have asserted 1859 to be the correct year of Malinda's death. However, this is probably erroneous and the result of a mistake in transcription since, coincidence of her death in December of 1850 with the birth of her youngest child only a few days earlier suggests that she may have died in childbirth, as was a common occurrence in pioneer communities of the nineteenth century.
## It is reported that W. R. Welch remained active in church work until his wife died in 1882 and that he traveled to Kansas to visit one of his children where he died in 1886. Presumably, this would have been his son, Sylvester, who reportedly died in Miami County, Kansas, in 1913.k. Linda M. Worstell, Osias Welch of Muhlenberg County Kentucky and His Descendants, privately published, 2218 E. 10000 South, Sandy, UT, 1988: pg. unk.
"He (Osias Welch) is recorded to have served in the Jefferson County Virginia militia on the payroll of Captain William McCluer's Company from July 19 to August 19, 1780 and then in Colonel William Linn's Battalion under the command of Colonel George Rogers Clark against the Shanaway Indians. He was a private and was paid 2 pounds for his service.
Hannah (Linn) was widowed with three daughters when she married Osias. Sometime between the time of their marriage, in 1783, and 1797, when Osias remarried, she must have died. She survived an Indian raid in which their daughter Sally was killed and she was scalped. Osias hid her body in a hollow log and left her for dead. When he returned from fighting the Indians, he found her alive. She survived and wore a dust cap to hide her injury. By 1795 he was living in Harrison County, Kentucky. Hannah must have died by 1797 as he married Betsy Harcourt. Osias was on the tax list of Harrison County in 1800. In February 1806, Osias bought approximately 150 acres on the south side of the Big Barren River in Warren County Kentucky. A year later, in February 1807, he sold the land and moved to Hopkins County Kentucky. He appears on the 1810 Logan County Kentucky census which lists him with 4 male and 2 female children under the age of 10. Osias' age is listed as between 25 and 45 and Elizabeth's is listed as being between 16 and 26. In 1814, Osias received two 150 acre tracts of land in settlement of a court case, one on Spring Creek and the other on a branch of the Red River in Logan County. He and Elizabeth lived there until July 1817 when they moved to Muhlenberg County Kentucky. His health began to fail by 1832 and he and Elizabeth sold their land to their son, George Washington Welch, for $150. It is described on the deed as being 'on the waters of Cypress Creek, a branch of the Pond River'. On March 3, 1833, he wrote his will. It was probated in the same month. He gave all his possessions to his wife, Elizabeth, and $2.00 to each of his 16 children: Thomas, John, Sally Arnold, Keziah, Richard, Jesse, Polly Leach, Jefferson, Washington, Mahala Baker, James, Malinda James, William, Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Isaac.
The WELCH surname has Scottish roots (among others) and is associated with the Edinburgh District in Scotland." (Anonymous, "Osias Welch", mykindred.com/cloud/TX/, 2004.)l. At a Court held for Jefferson County, the 3rd of December, 1781. It appearing to the Court that the following Persons, are entitled by virtue of an Act of Assembly passed May last, to four hundred acres of land, each. Orders that the County Surveyor lay off to them accordingly. ...this was testified to by Meridth Price, Clerk Jefferson Court. (Minute Book A (1781 - 1783), Jefferson County, Louisville, KY: pgs. 14-6.)
m. 1810 US Census Population Schedule for Logan County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 172, (microfilm: roll M252_7; img. 177) & 1810 US Census Population Schedule for Logan County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 196, (microfilm: roll M252_7; img. 204).
n. 1820 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 136, (microfilm: roll M33_20; img. 146) & 1820 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 139, (microfilm: roll M33_20; img. 152).
o. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 93, (microfilm: roll M19_40; img. 185) & 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 103, (microfilm: roll M19_40; img. 205).
p. Marriage Bk. 1, Muhlenberg County, Greenville, KY: Nos. 542, 717, 731, 773, 815, 1023, & 1208. (Jonathan P. Johnson (tr), "White Marriage Book 1", www.rootsweb.com/~kymuhlen/Marriages/marriages.htm, 2005.)
q. Marriage Bk. 2, Muhlenberg County, Greenville, KY: No. 26. (Jonathan P. Johnson (tr), "White Marriage Book 2", www.rootsweb.com/~kymuhlen/Marriages/marriages.htm, 2005.)
r. "Mrs. (George) Washington Welch, mother of George S. Welch, well-known of this city, Mrs. A. Thornton, Albert Welch of Colchester and Mrs. Emma Norris, died at her home near Argyle Church, 2 miles north of Colchester, the present week.
She was a lady of high Christian character, and among the pioneer inhabitants." (obituary: Macomb Journal; Macomb, IL, Thur., Nov. 17, 1887.) (op. cit. (Linda M. Worstell (tr)))s. Maple Grove Cemetery, Warrick County, Indiana (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=85782&CScn=Maple+Grove&CScntry=4&CSst=17&CScnty=878&, continuously updated).
t. Argyle Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2225673&CScn=Argyle&CScntry=4&CSst=16&CScnty=744&, continuously updated).
u. Scott Cemetery, MuhlenbergCounty, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=75948&CScn=Scott&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1077&, continuously updated).
v. Atterbury Cemetery, Johnson County, Indiana (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1665181&CScn=Atterbury&CScntry=4&CSst=17&, continuously updated).
w. Poplar Grove Cemetery, McLean County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=548591&CScn=Poplar&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1063&, continuously updated).
x. Rose Hill Cemetery, Lucas County, Iowa (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1984661&CScn=Rose+Hill&CScntry=4&CSst=14&CScnty=605&, continuously updated).
y. Atkinson Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2399786&CScn=Atkinson&CScntry=4&CSst=16&CScnty=744&, continuously updated).
z. Greenwood Cemetery, Garland County, Arkansas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=54123&CScn=Greenwood&CScntry=4&CSst=4&, continuously updated).
aa. Webster Cemetery, Hancock County, Illinois (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=108773&CScn=Webster&CScntry=4&CSst=16&CScnty=723&, continuously updated).
Information has been extracted from various electronic records, which have been reformatted, numbered, and obvious typographical errors corrected that do not affect content. (Linda Worstell, David A. Clark, and Andrew James; databases - lindy1, daclark, and andrewjames29; worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com, 2002-5.)
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
5. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, Illinois State Archives & Illinois Genealogical Society, Springfield, IL, 2014. ("Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900", www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/databases/marriage.html)6. Karl A. Petersen (tr), Township Histories, McDonough County ILGenWeb Archives, 2000.
7. Old Macomb Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1465570&CScn=Old+Macomb&CScntry=4&CSst=16&CScnty=744&, continuously updated).