My Genealogy Hound

Thomas Welch, a general merchant of Vineland, Mo., was born in the State of New York, March 27, 1845. His father, James Welch, was a black smith by trade, and a native of Ireland. His parents both died when he was small, and he was brought up in St. Francois County, Mo., receiving his education in the subscription schools. His teacher was Eliza Carrollton, now of the Carrollton Institute, of Farmington, Mo. Mr. Welch was reared on a farm, and for six years was engaged in mining in the Valle Lead Mines, Missouri. In 1871 he settled on a farm in Valle Township, two miles west of Vineland, which he still conducts in connection with his store. He engaged in mercantile business at Vineland in October, 1881, and carries a full line of everything generally kept in a first-class general store. January 25, 1871, he married Elizabeth Blackwell, daughter of William Blackwell (deceased), a pioneer of St. Francois County. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have six children, viz.: Frances A., William C., Albert H., Barthlow T., George V. and Leslie L. Mr. Welch served as justice of the peace ten or twelve years, and in 1882 was appointed postmaster of Vineland, which office he still holds. He has taken an active part in politics, and in 1884 represented the Democratic party of Jefferson County in the State Convention. He is a Chapter Mason, a member of the De Soto Lodge, of which lodge he has served two terms as Master, having also filled various other positions of trust.