TAMPICO TORNADO - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1916

DEATH OF ELLEN WELCH

Aged and Well Known Citizen of Tampico Passes to Her Home On High

Mrs. Ellen Welch one of Tampico's pioneer citizens and very well known in this community for many years, died at her home in the south western part of town Tuesday evening at 8:35 o'clock after suffering two weeks with a severe attack of grip. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church and the sermon will be preached by her son, Rev. George Welch as requested by her, interment will be made in the Tampico cemetery.

Mary Ellen Cronin, daughter  of J. D. and Ellen Cronin was born in Woughal, County Cork, Ireland, June 17, 1845 and came to America with her parents in 1850 and settled in New London, Conn., from which place she moved with parents in 1855 to Vallejo, Calif., and at Bened** in that state she was married Oct. 18, 1863 to Charles W. Welch. They moved from California to Wyanet in 1872 and in June of that year  moved to Tampico being the first family to come over the newly built railroad into this place which has since been their home.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Welch as follows: Mary Renner of Tampico, Julia Lutyens deceased of Morrison, William T. of Elmira, Jennie Watts of Terre Haute, Ind., Glen M. of Peoria and Rev. George W. of Coleta. She also has three brothers and two sister,  only one sister surviving, Mrs. Maggie Spencer of Lyons, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Welch were citizens of Tampico for a number of years and it was here they raised their family and lived happ8ly, honored among the citizens of this place. Mr. Welch, passed to his reward Nov., 1914 and at that time when she laid her companion of years at rest, she requested that her son who had ********************was numbered with the great host which has ascended on high. Both Mr. and Mrs. Welch were converted and joined the Tampico Methodist church directly through the influence of their son Rev. George Welch, who forsook hammer and anvil in the blacksmith shop to endeavor to lead men to higher things in life and one of the greatest triumphs and joys in the ministry was when the son lead father and mother to the altar.

Surrounded by relatives and friends they were rendered a reception on their golden wedding anniversary in the church they had joined and leaned to love through their son's teachings and when the call came both were ready for the assension to the church triumphant on high.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the Tampico Methodist church conducted by Rev. C.D. McCammon assisted by Rev. George Welch who paid a fine tribute to the memory of mother and referred very touchingly to his beloved parents whom he had lead to higher things in life and then had the privilege of seeing them happily ushered into the presence of their God.