Edward D. Welch

     Edward D. Welch was born on 3 November 1823 at Quebec.¹ He was the son of Samuel Durgin Welch and Elizabeth Wait.¹ Edward D. Welch died on 15 April 1900 at Volga, Clayton Co, Iowa, at age 76.¹ He was buried at Hillcrest Cemetery, Volga, Clayton Co, Iowa.²
     Edward settled in DuPage Co., IL and engaged in farming Edward settled there until 1850, when he crossed the plains to California and engaged in mining for four years.

In 1854 he went to Lockport, IL where he purchased two yoke of oxen, one yoke of cows and a wagon. He hitched the two cows in the middle of the two yoke of oxen, put his household goods and little family into the wagon, and started for Iowa, arriving in Volga City on Jun 10, 1854.

He bought property in Volga City and resided there for four years. While in Volga City he entered land in Fayette County under the Graduation Act and bought 100 acres in section 28, Sperry Township.

In 1857 he disposed of the land in section 28 and purchased a farm on section 14.

Edward was Senior Warden of the new Masonic Lodge in Volga City when first formed while his brother, John Herbert was
Worshipfull Master.²