W. GODDIN WELDEN, who in August, 1892, was promoted to be traveling engineer of the Illinois Central Railroad, has been in the employ of that company for over eleven years as engineer, his route lying between Centralia and Cairo. He is a native of this state, having been born near Freeburg, St. Clair County, on the 14th of January, 1850.
The parents of our subject are Elias W. and Louisa M. (Thrift) Welden, the former of whom was born in Lancaster County, Pa., June 9, 1819.
When seven years of age he was bound out to work on a farm, but remained only a few years when he ran away, and in company with his brother went to Ohio, where he worked and saved his earnings, and in that way was enabled to go through college. E. W. Welden, after completing his education, began teaching school in the Buckeye State, where he remained until 1844 or 1845, the date of his advent into St. Clair County, where he also taught school. On the outbreak of the Mexican War he enlisted his services and served until the close of hostilities.
After returning from the war, the father of our subject made his way to the above county, where he was married to Miss Louisa, the daughter of Samuel M. and Sarah Fleming (Cowan) Thrift, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. Mrs. Welden was born in Kentucky on the 4th of June, 1827, and accompanied her parents on their removal to St. Clair County, where they were farmers. The elder Mr. Welden began reading law in 1851, and was admitted to practice at the Bar of St. Clair County about 1853. Soon afterward he removed to Randolph County, and a short time thereafter went to Du Quoin, where he practiced from 1858 to 1861.
On the outbreak of the Civil War, our subject's father offered his services to the Union army on two different occasions, but was rejected both times on account of the wound which he had received while in the Mexican War. That same year he was appointed route agent for mails carried between Centralia and Cairo, and making his headquarters in the former city, continued in the service of the company for ten years, then retired from active life. He was also interested in a grocery store in the city, and his popularity among the residents of Centralia resulted in his election as Mayor of the city, which honorable position he held for three terms. He was a stanch Republican in politics, and in early life was a Mason. With his wife, E. W. Welden was an active member of the Baptist Church.
His lirst wife died March 3, 1867, and in January, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Anna M. Clark, who is still living. He passed away from the scenes of earth April 3, 1890.
Our subject completed his education in Sliurtleff College, in Alton. Later he took a commercial course in a business college in St. Louis, and in 1870 entered the postal service on the Illinois Central Railroad. The following year, however, he began braking on the Illinois Central Railroad, which occupation he followed only a few months when he was made fireman. A twelvemonth later he began working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and very shortly thereafter for the Big Four Railroad in the capacity of brakeman, and while engaged with the latter company was promoted to be conductor of a freight train.
In 1876 Mr. Welden was offered the position of Postal Clerk for the Illinois Central Railroad, and for four years ran between Cairo, Centralia, Chicago and Tolono. His next occupation was as fireman of the company, and on being made engineer, held that responsible position for eleven years, or until accepting his present position as traveling engineer.
Mr. Welden and Miss Mary L., daughter of Andrew J. and Anna C. (Peter) Thrift, were united in marriage on the 20th of December, 1882, in Macon County, this state. Mrs. Welden is a native of this state, while her parents were born respectively in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. She completed her education in the State Normal School. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, only one of whom is living, a daughter, Goddina.
Socially our subject is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Helmet Lodge No. 26.
In polities, he is a true-blue Republican, and commands the high regard of all who know him.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 321-322
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer
Note from Sandy:
His first name was listed on his marriage:
Illinois Statewide Marriage Index WELDEN, WILLIAM G THRIFT, MARY L 1882-12-20 MACON