My Genealogy Hound

CONRAD WELGE. As a representative of the progressive and successful farmers of Randolph County, especial mention belongs to the subject of this sketch, who conducts agricultural operations on section 2, township 7, range 6. Through the exercise of careful management in conducting his business affairs he has become the owner of a good tract of land, and in addition to raising the cereals he is one of the most extensive grape-growers in the county, having an immense vineyard.

Mr. Welge was born the 10th of April, 1829, in the province of Braunschweig, Germany, and is a son of Christian and Christina Welge, the former of whom emigrated with his family to America in 1847. They landed in the Crescent City December 31 of that year, and after remaining there only a few days sailed up the Mississippi River and made their permanent home in this county. The elder Mr. Welge purchased farming land and engaged in tilling the soil until his decease, which occurred in 1853. Five years later the mother of our subject departed this life, leaving a family of three children, of whom Conrad was the eldest.

Our subject received a good education in his native land, and his occupation in Germany was that of a shepherd boy. It was the expectation of his father to engage in sheep-raising in Randolph County, but after locating here he found the locality was not suitable for that branch of agriculture, and therefore devoted himself to general farm pursuits. Conrad is living on the old homestead, which was well improved when it came into his possession, but he has later added to its value and attractiveness by the erection of commodious buildings, and annually reaps an abundant harvest from the old farm.

The lady whom our subject married in April, 1852, was Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick Shrader. Their union has been blessed by the birth of the following five children: Christina, who married Conrad Gross and makes her home in Buffalo, N. Y.; Herman, who married Hermanite Sickmeyer, and lives at Welge; Louisa, who became the wife of Herman Detmer, and makes her home near Welge, this state; Sophia, Mrs. Louis Dirks, who also lives near the above place; and Caroline, who married Henry Sickmeyer and resides in Jackson County, this state.

Our subject and his entire family are devoted members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the venerable citizens of this township, and few of the residents of the county are more widely or favorably known than he. Though not an aspirant to any political office, he has been elected to serve on the School Board, and held the position of Director for six years. He is a Democrat in politics and takes a leading part in all local matters.