John Welsh, 1845
Transcribed by Janet
Source:
History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918), by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge, pg. 222
-224. Surname: WELSH, MCGINNIS, FARNING, BARTON
J. H. Welsh
Albert Welsh
JOHN WELSH, in former years a highly esteemed citizen of Washburn Township, and later of Neillsville, but now deceased, was born at Peterboro, Canada, March 4, 1845, and there received a good education. When 24 years of age, in 1869, he came to the United States and located in Washburn Township, Clark County, Wis. He and his brother Robert purchased together 160 acres of wild and heavily timbered land, which they at once set to work to clear and develop into a farm, living together and batching it for five years. It was an arduous task and took lots of hard work, and the returns for the first few years were very meager.
In 1877, John bought out his brother's interest, becoming the sole owner of the property. By hard labor, good judgment and farsightedness he became a prosperous and influential citizen, and for fifteen years he was chairman of his town board and a member of the county board, also serving in other offices of public trust.
In October, 1896, he rented his farm and moved to Neillsville, where for several years he was engaged in the stock business, and later in the real estate business. After leaving the farm he sold it, but later purchased one in York Township, which is still owned by Mrs. Welsh. Mr. Welsh was a man of sterling worth, and he and his family were highly respected. He passed away at his home in Neillsville Aug. 25, 1908.
Mr.Welsh was united in marriage at Neillsville Oct. 18, 1876, to Cathren McGinnis, who was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., daughter of Peter and Julia (Welsh) McGinnis. She is a woman who has seen Clark County grow from an almost uninhabited wilderness to a highly civilized section of the state with thriving towns, splendid farms, and handsome estates, the homes of wealthy and highly cultivated people, and from her this valuable historical sketch was obtained. To her and Mr. Welsh three children were born: Mark E., May 1, 1878.; Richard, June 5, 1879, and John P., Sept. 29, 1880. Mark E. was married April 11, 1903, to Jennie Farning. He died Aug. 22, 1906. Richard, who is a rural mail carrier on Route No. -2, out of Neillsville, was married April 11, 1907, to Victoria Barton, and has three children-Genevieve, Joseph and Francis. John P. died Feb. 2, 1882. The Welsh family are members of the Catholic Church, Mrs. Welsh being also a member of the Christian Mothers' Union of St. Mary's Church, and of the Royal Neighbors.