Charles Washington Welling
The nucleus of the present large landed possessions owned by Mr. Welling was acquired by him during the year 1879, when he bought thirty acres of unimproved, untilled land in Sonoma county. With that amount as a beginning he late added to his holdings from time to time until at this writing he has the title to three hundred and seventy-two acres, forming one of the valuable and profitable estates of the county. The dairy industry has been his specialty and in connection therewith he raises stock in sufficient quantities for his own needs, besides selling from time to time such as cannot be utilized in the diary business. Ever since boyhood he has been interested in ranching and by experience and habits of close observation he has acquired a broad fund of information concerning the occupation and is thoroughly conversant with all of its details. While promoting his own interests he has not neglected the welfare of his community, but always has good ready to aid local projects for the common good. His participation in public affairs has been that of the quiet, unobtrusive but intelligent and resourceful citizen, whose devotion to the county’s upbuilding is unquestioned as his loyalty to the country is unwavering.
Born in Quincy, Ill., in 1847, Charles Welling is the son of a New Yorker descended from early settlers of the eastern colonies. At an early period the fther sought the opportunities afforded by Illinois and for many years made his home in Quincy. He married a young lady born and reared in Illinois, but was bereaved by her death while the children were still small. During the year 1861 the family came across the plains to California and settled in Sonoma county, where the father embarked in the dairy business. At the time of coming to the west Charles was a lad of fourteen years, energetic, capable and well-grounded in the elementary studies taught in the schools of Quincy. Later he attended the schools at Bodega and on leaving school took up ranch activities, which he has followed ever since with growing success. In addition for a time he assisted his father in the management of a hotel which was one of the pioneer inns of the county.
Domestic ties formed by Mr. Welling during the year 1879 when he was thirty-two years of age united him with Miss Cassie Smith, a native of Indiana and after 1859 a resident of California, where she received a common-school education in Sonoma county. Her parents came to the United States during early years and settled in Indiana, whence they migrated westward during 1859 and settled near Sebastopol. They continued to make their home in Sonoma county until they passed from earth. Mr. and Mrs. Welling became the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living. The eldest, Mamie, is the wife of George Wallin and lives on a ranch near Valley Ford. The second daughter, Zella, married Eugene Robertson and lives in Marin county., George assists his fther in the operation of the home ranch. Rose, Susie, John Adam and Edward are pupils in the local school. The children are bright and energetic and in their future are centred the chief hopes of the parents, who have toiled with unwearying zeal in order that desired advantages might be given them. Politically Mr. Welling votes with the Democratic party. At one time he was actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but of recent years he has maintained no fraternal associations. Such leisure as comes to him in the midst of his busy life is devoted to the enjoyment of his home, the society of his family and intercourse with the large circle of friends, gained during the long period of his residence in the community.
History of Sonoma
County, California
History by Tom Gregory : Historic Record Company, 1891
Los Angeles, Ca. 1911
Transcribed by Roberta Hester Leatherwood
January 5, 2012 Pages 755-756
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