Nicholas Welsh

Nicholas Welsh, a well known farmer of Monroe County, who now devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits on section 31, township 3, range 10 west, was born on the 18th of September, 1834, and comes of one of the representative families of his community. His parents, John and Anna M. (Weirschem) Welsch, were both natives of Germany, and were there reared and educated. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in his native land until 1839, when with his family he crossed the water to America. He took up his residence in St. Clair County, Ill. and two years later came to Monroe County, locating on a farm near Madonnaville. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, but afterward sold this and purchased a large farm, the same upon which our subject now resides. At one time he owned over eight hundred acres of valuable land and was numbered among the wealthiest citizens of the county. In 1870, he removed to Monroe, purchased a pleasant home, and there resided until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-seven. His wife, a most estimable lady, passed away at the age of seventy-two. They were both members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Welsch served as its Trustee for some time. In politics he was a stalward Democrat, and was honored with several local offices. He engaged extensively in raising grapes for the manufacture of wine, which he sold to the St. Louis markets. In one year he made over four thousand gallons of wine. Mr. Welsch, who was a very popular man, won many friends and was highly respected by all who knew him.

In the Welsch family were twelve children, but seven of the number are now deceased. Those still living are Maria, Joseph, Catherine, Peter and Nicholas. The last named, who is the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Monroe County, spending the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-one, and as a companion and helpmate on life's journey chose Miss Mary E. Arns, a native of Germany. By their union were born eleven children, of whom two are now deceased. The others are, Anna S, Lizzie J., Mary L., Katie C., Louisa T., Josephine M., Emily J., George N. and Joseph J. They have also reared two orphan children, Henrietta Bucher, and John Fagen. The mother of this family came to America when a maiden of twelve summers, and lived with her parents in New Orleans for two years before coming to Illinois. She is a member of the Catholic Church, and is a most highly respected lady, whose excellencies of character have gained her many friends.

After the death of his father, Mr. Welsch purchased the old homestead farm, comprising more than five hundred acres of land. He has led a useful life, and as the result of his untiring labors he is now the owner of a very valuable property. His land is all under a high state of cultivation, and is improved with good buildings and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. In his political views, Mr. Welsch is a supporter of the Democracy; he has held the offices of Trustee and School Director, but has never been an active politician, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. He and his children are all members of the Catholic Church, and he is a prominent and influential citizen of the community, and is held in high regard throughout the county in which he has so long made his home. He is numbered among the pioneer settlers for since a very early day he has witnessed the growth and upbuilding of this region, and in the work of public advancement and improvement he has ever borne his part.