Biographical Sketch of

James Welch

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 674 - 675


James E. Welch, who resides on section 9 in the town of Green Lake, is numbered among the honored pioneers 
of Green Lake County, having here made his home since 1846.  He shared in the hardships and trials of frontier 
life and deserves no little credit for his assistance toward the upbuilding, progress and development of the 
community.  He is widely and favorably known throughout this section and a sketch of his life will therefore 
be of great interest to the readers of the Album.  He was born in Nash, Buckinghamshire, England, Sept. 22, 
1821, and is the son of George and Martha (Underwood) Welch, who was also natives of the same country, there 
spending their entire lives.  In his youth, George Welch learned the baker's trade which he followed for some 
years, then devoted his energies to farming.  He was a zealous and faithful member of the Episcopal Church; 
as was also his wife, who died when James was about four years old.  He held several official positions, such 
as Constable, Supervisor and Chairman of the town, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years.  He was 
the father of five children, but only three are now living--James, Henry and Maria, widow of Josiah Bright.
 
The subject of this sketch was the only one of the family that ever came to this country.  He received no 
special advantages in his youth but at an early age began learning the baker's trade which he followed during 
the greater part of his residence in his native land.  Very much against his father's will he married Miss 
Elizabeth Bazeley, their union being celebrated March 23, 1841.  The lady is a native of Northamptonshire, 
England, where she was born Sept. 25, 1817.  They had nothing with which to begin life and Mr. Welch, Sr., 
would give them no assistance.  However, the young couple had many warm friends who gave them aid and with 
hopeful hearts they began traveling life's journey together.  Mr. Welch rented a 13-acre tract of land of the 
Duke of Buckingham, then borrowed money with which to furnish his house and began farming.  By incessant labor 
and energy he raised enough the first year to pay all debts and obtain provisions for the next year.  At the 
end of four years he had saved $500 and with that sum in his pocket, accompanied by his family, he sailed for 
America in 1846.  On reaching New York, he came direct to Green Lake County, where he purchased eighty acres 
of land, making a partial payment.  That tract constitutes a part of his present fine farm.  By unceasing 
industry and good management he has increased his landed possessions to 280 acres and in connection with that 
has a handsome bank stock.  With great courage and fortitude he and his family bore the hardships of pioneer 
life and are certainly worthy of the success which has crowned their efforts.  Their first home was a little 
log cabin 14x14 feet and during the first winter they ground buckwheat in a coffee-mill for breadstuff.  The 
first wheat which they had, Mr. Welch obtained by flailing for William Bazeley, receiving every tenth bushel 
for his labor.  The young people of the present generation can hardly realize the trials undergone by the 
early settlers and little does the traveler of today imagine when gazing abroad over the beautiful homes and 
thriving cities of the country, that not half a century has passed since it was an uninhabited region.
 
To Mr. and Mrs. Welch were born in England three children--John B., who married Harriet Bloxom and is engaged 
in farming in Nebraska; Martha and Alice, twins.  The latter is now the wife of George Hazlewood.  The death 
of the mother occurred Dec. 4, 1881.  She was a true helpmate to her husband, a loving and tender mother and 
a faithful friend.  All who knew her mourned her loss for she had endeared herself to every one by her gentle 
courtesy and many excellencies of character.  She was a member of the Episcopal Church, as is Mr. Welch.  In 
political sentiment he is a Republican.
 
For two years during the war he held the office of Township Collector, has been Township Assessor and Treasurer 
for two years each, Side Supervisor for three years, and Postmaster of Green Lake since 1863.  His long continued 
service in official positions testifies to his worth and the confidence and trust reposed in him.  His sterling 
worth and upright character make him a valued citizen, one of whom any community might well be proud.






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