Notes:

Niagara Gazette - 11/13/1939

Edward V. Welch, of 696 Chilton
avenue, descendant of ong of the
community's most prominent pioneer
families and for years an outstanding
leader In the city's business,
civic and fraternal life, died
this morning, after a long illness.
Funeral services will be held at Sacred
Heart church at 10 a. m.
Thursday.
Mr. Welch was born In Niagara
Falls on January 28, 1878, son of
the late Edward and Barbara Walsh
Welch, and had lived here all his
life. For many years he was president
of the Manufacturers' Coal
company and became known as one
of the leading businessmen in the
city. His activities in other fields
were numerous and varied.
Throughout his life he had been
prominent In civic affairs. He was
a Democrat in politics but placed
the good of the community above
party allegiance and always championed
the cause of any movement
designed to advance the city's welfare.
He was intensely patriotic and
was prime mover In the celebration
which marked the fiftieth anniversary
of the Niagara State Reservation
a number of years ago. Previous
to the celebration effort* of local
groups to acquire state funds for
the observance had failed. Mr.
Weloh, ft nephew of the late Thomas
V. Welch, who had been instrumental,
as a member of the state Assembly,
in having the park created
half a century previously, used his
personal Influence with state of-icf
i&ls and obtained assurance of fln->
anolal security for the celebration.
It was appropriate that he was placed
In charge of the celebration,
which brought Oovemor Herbert
Lehman and other dignitaries to
the city.
Mr. Welch was proud of his Irish
ancestry and the traditions of his
family. He liked to recall that it
was through the influence of his
uncle, the late Assemblyman Welch,
that Niagara Falls was made a city
on St. Patrick's Day in 1892.
He made many contribution! to
the progress of the city. Among his
notable accomplishments was his
solution of a coal shortage here
during the World War. Industries
of the city were unable to get coal
and were faced with having to close
their plants when he, by quick and
decisive action, acquired a coal sup-
ply which tided some of the largest
industries over the emergency
period.
One of his last activities in the
public Interest was a campaign to
prove the advisability of re-estab-
lishing the city's convention and in
dustrial bureau. He conducted a
vigorous drive to marshal public
opinion behind his efforts and suc-
ceeded in convincing the city coun0
cil of the need for such a bureau.
He had many personal character-
istics which won him friends in all
walks of life. he was extremely en-
ergetic, a good speaker and an able
organizer. he had considerable tal-
ent as a musician and had acquired
considerable local fame as a poet,
having written a number of inspira-
tional poems relating frontier events
and centering about the theme of
Niagara's glory. One of his songs
was sug for years at meetings of
the Chamber of Commerce, service
clubs and other organlztions here.
For years he was a leader in the
affairs of Niagara Council. No. 247,
Knights of Columbus, of which he
was a former grand knight. He was
also deeply Interested in rellgiou,
educational and welfare affairs of
the community
He was a brother of the late Captain
John J. Welch, Niagara Falls
hero of the World War. to whose
memory the local post of the American
Legion was named.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs.
Zelda Allen Welch; five sons,
Thomas V., Charles Allen, Donald
E. and James Welch, of this city,
and John J. Welch, of Boston; two
daughters, Mrs. Helen Gutekunst, of
Buffalo, and Miss Mary Welch, of
this city; a brother, Martin Welch,
and three sisters; Mrs. Honor Hal-
lett, Jane Welch and Mrs. Nellie
Baker.

Edward married ALLEN, Zelda L about 1903. Zelda (daughter of ALLEN, Charles Ephan and Winifred) was born in May 1883 in PA; died on 10 Sep 1957 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. WELCH, Helen was born about 1910 in New York; and died.
2. WELCH, Thomas V was born about 1911 in New York; and died.
3. WELCH, Charles Allen was born about 1913 in New York.
4. WELCH, Donald E was born about 1915 in New York.
5. WELCH, John J was born about 1918 in New York.
6. WELCH, Mary was born about 1922 in New York.
7. WELCH, James F

Edward married Barbara about 1873. Barbara was born in Mar 1853 in Ireland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]