My Genealogy Hound

JULIUS WELGE, a prosperous general agriculturist and successful stock-raiser, is residing upon one of the best farms in township 7, range 6, Randolph County. Like many of the best residents of his section, he is a native of Germany, and was born July 15, 1830. He is the son of Hartwig and Christina (Meyer) Welge, also natives of the Fatherland, where they were farmers by occupation.

Julius, of this sketch, attended school in his native land until reaching his fourteenth year, and after leaving the school room he worked at various trades, and finally decided to become a carpenter. When reaching his majority, however, his plans were frustrated, as he entered the German army and served his country for three years as a soldier. At the expiration of that time he made his way to America, and finally coming to Chester, he worked for nine years for the H. C. Cole Milling Company. Later he was employed for two years by Thomas Holmes, who was also engaged in the milling business, and in whatever position he was called upon to occupy he always gave the utmost satisfaction. Mr. Welge has been, a very hard working man, and a few years ago he purchased the farm on section 16, where he is now living, and is engaged as a general agriculturist.

In 1857 our subject and Miss Vena, daughter of Burnhard and Dora (Segteg) Olendorf, were united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Welge came to Randolph County in an early day, and were ranked among the best citizens in township 7, range 6. To our subject and his wife were born nine children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are, Ida, wife of William Vieregge; Augusta, who married Adolph Welge; Otto, who married Mary Heitkamp; Lucetto, the wife of Charles Hartenberger; Julius, Dena, Sigmun and Charles, at home. Mr. Welge and family are active members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and in every enterprise to which he gives his support he maintains a deep and unwavering interest. The patient industry and tireless perseverance of our subject have been the marked characteristics of his life, and combined with his natural ability have given him an impetus upward, which will result in his assured financial success.