WELSH, JOHN V. (deceased), for many years a farmer in Sections 2 and 3, Ball Township, Sangamon County, where he owned a farm of 160 acres, was an industrious, useful citizen, who worked hard to bring his land to a high state of development and cultivation, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a kind neighbor, a good husband and father, and was interested in the welfare of his community. Mr. Welsh was born in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, May 1, 1857, a son of William and Mary Welsh, both natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, who emigrated to Virginia and there spent the remainder of their lives. The parents of both died in Ireland. John V. Welsh was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools of his native State. He always had a cheerful disposition, was a man of steady habits and was much interested in whatever work he had in hand. He was fond of dancing and similar diversions. As a young man he came to Sangamon County to join a brother who had preceded him there, and spent the remainder of his life in farming operations in that county. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, of Springfield, and in politics was always a Republican.

Mr. Welsh was married at Auburn, Ill., January 30, 1883. Father Finnegan officiating, to Miss Mary A. Heffernan, born in Sangamon County, August 15, 1858, daughter of Edward and catherine (Keefe) Heffernan, natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, both deceased and buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. They emigrated to America and were married in Ohio. The father died on Mr. Welsh's farm August 29, 1905, and Mrs. Heffernan died in Springfield in 1894. Six children were born to Mr. Welsh and wife, four of whom survive: William, born March 7, 1887, died January 17, 1897; James, born June 18, 1895, died October 7, 1898; Josie, born December 30, 1883, was married in New Mexico, to Charles Faylor, and they now live in Pueblo, Col.; Ellen, born September 7, 1885, lives at home with her mother; Edward, born February 13, 1889, married Marie Albers and they live on a farm in Ball Township and have two children, Mary Ellen, born May 19, 1909, and Anna Josephine, born January 17, 1911; John, born May 7, 1891, lives at home. Mr. Welsh died on his farm March 12, 1896, and was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. His widow still resides on the home place with two of her children, John and Ellen. Mrs. Welsh is well known in Sangamon County, where her entire life has been spent, and has a large number of friends there.