A transcribed entry from the Balinakill Roman Catholic Church Registry shows that James Welch was baptized in May of 1832. The youngest of seven known children of William and Elizabeth "Bessie"
(Cahill) Welch, James came to the United States in 1852, according to information recorded when he was enumerated in the 1900 U. S. Census in West Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts. Possibly James traveled from Queens County (now Laois County), Ireland with his older brother William who also arrived in 1852. Brothers Thomas and Michael had arrived in previous years, and had settled in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Eventually James' parents and all of his known siblings came to Massachusetts.
James married Catherine Moran probably in 1859, although I have been unable to locate their marriage record. Catherine, also born in Ireland, was the daughter of John Moran and Katherine Carey. A daughter, Mary Ann followed in 1861, although, again, I have found no birth record. Mary Ann married John Ducey on 1 July 1882 in North Brookfield, Massachusetts.
James Welch died in Worcester State Hospital on 7 August 1909. Catherine died 13 February 1926 in West Brookfield. They are buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in West Brookfield.
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James married Catherine Moran probably in 1859, although I have been unable to locate their marriage record. Catherine, also born in Ireland, was the daughter of John Moran and Katherine Carey. A daughter, Mary Ann followed in 1861, although, again, I have found no birth record. Mary Ann married John Ducey on 1 July 1882 in North Brookfield, Massachusetts.
James Welch died in Worcester State Hospital on 7 August 1909. Catherine died 13 February 1926 in West Brookfield. They are buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in West Brookfield.
