My Genealogy Hound

HENRY WELGE. The subject of this sketch is a representative of a prominent pioneer family of Randolph County, and no doubt inherits his industry and perseverance from his German ancestors, his parents, Henry and Henrietta (Jacobi) Welge, being natives of that country. The father came to America when a young man, and after locating in Chester, worked out by the day for a while and then rented land, which he farmed for many years. Later he purchased property, and was engaged in its cultivation until his decease, in 1882. His good wife preceded him to the better land by several years, dying when our subject was a lad of six years.

Our subject attended a Lutheran school until reaching his thirteenth year, and after that passed the remainder of his school days as a student in the public schools of his neighborhood. After reaching his majority he began farming on his own account, which has been his life work. In connection with the cultivation of his land, Mr. Welge has been engaged extensively in breeding fine stock on his farm, located on section 9, township 7, range 6. His business success is that which comes from earnest application, close attention to details and perseverance. As the result of his well directed efforts he has acquired a good property.

October 20, 1883, Miss Martha Knop became the wife of our subject. Mrs. Welge was the daughter of George and Sophia Knop, and became the mother of two children, of whom Ettie is the only survivor. The wife and mother departed this life December 4, 1888, and November 15 of the following year Mr. Welge married Miss Louisa, daughter of John C. and Dora Meyer, natives of Germany, who are at the present time residing in Randolph County. By their union two children, Ida and Alma, have been born.

The Lutheran Church finds in Mr. and Mrs. Welge two of its most active and consistent members. Our subject is a man of liberal views and takes a deep interest in all matters pertaining to local improvements or enterprises. He has been a life-long Democrat and an ardent advocate of reform and progress.