Obit: Welsh, Elizabeth (1833 - 1934)

Contact: Audrey Roedel

Surnames: WELSH NIVER FLAHERTY TOMLINSON VETTER CATLIN

----Sources: The Loyal Tribune 20 December 1934

Welsh, Elizabeth (30 OCT 1833 - 15 DEC 1934)

"Grandma Welsh" passed away at her home on the old farm near Loyal, at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, Dec. 15.

Mrs. Welsh, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Niver, was born Oct. 30, 1833, in the state of New York. At the age of 12 she came by boat with her parents to Dodge County, Wisconsin, landing at Douseman’s ware-house. They then journeyed five miles out to the "Kinnickinnic Hotel" just a rough board building marked by a sign on a burr tree in a wild frontier region. Later, the family settled in Iron Ridge, Dodge County.

It was there that in 1851 she was married to Wm. Welsh, and together they pioneered there for twelve years, except for a four years’ residence in Oshkosh.

In October 1863, Mr. and Mrs. Welsh, with their five small children sought their new home in Clark County, in the unbroken forest east and north of Loyal. On the homestead they lived and labored and made a home, pouring into the years of toil the thrift, energy, and courage that was evident in their lives. On this old homestead the golden wedding anniversary was celebrated, and there the sixtieth anniversary saw the husband and wife still sharing life’s joys and sorrows. But in 1915 Mr. Welsh passed away leaving Mrs. Welsh to carry on the home with the youngest, George, who, as Mrs. Welsh told us a few weeks ago, "was left to take care of me"

To Mr. and Mrs. Welsh were born fourteen children, of whom seven are living to mourn the loss of a mother. They are sons, Grant, John, and George and the daughters, Mrs. Rhoda Flaherty, Mrs. Carrie Tomlinson, Mrs. Mary Vetter, and Mrs. Wm. Catlin. Mrs. Welsh also leaves 41 grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren.

Mrs. Welsh has enjoyed unusual health and strength during most of her long busy life. Even at an advanced age she did much of her work, discussed her favorite magazines, kept up a large correspondence, drew upon her fine memory in conversation, and enjoyed frequent trips into the village. During her latest years, however, these interests waned somewhat, some dropping completely but one event was the source of increasing interest to her to the last the birthday party which drew her friends around her each October, these she loved, looking forward to them eagerly.

Two years ago Mrs. Welsh was selected by the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Clubs as the oldest American-born mothering the state and was honored by being presented a certificate of membership by the federation.

Now we lay to rest Wisconsin’s oldest American mother, a woman who brought forth from her pioneer life, a brave, hardy spirit and a hospitable nature that made her a real friend and neighbor.

The funeral services were conducted at the home at 1 o’clock Tuesday, Rev. Chapman officiating.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful, a token of the high esteem held by her relatives and friends.

The bearers were O. J. Smith, Archie Smith, Dan Bucholz, Ralph Philpott, Albert Davel, and Ralph Clemetson.

Her life of varied experience, with an ever open door and heart has left this truly pioneer message with us.

"Carry on" through storm and danger,

"Carry on" through dark despair,

"Carry on" through hurt and failure,

"Carry on" through grief and care;

‘Twas the slogan they bequeathed

us as they fell beside the way,

And for them and for our children,

Let us "carry on" today,"

E. Guest.