The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers is a collection of original correspondence, official documents, and ephemera. Many of the papers were created by or directed to Thomas Welsh between approximately 1843 and his death in 1863. They provide glimpses into his youth, his experiences in the Mexican War, his life in Columbia between the wars, and his rise in rank to Brigadier General during the Civil War.
The collection contains correspondence with his wife and family from 1861-1863. There are also official correspondence and documents related to Welsh's military service, autobiographical pieces, correspondence following his death, obituaries, and family papers into the early twentieth century. Other items in the collection include genealogy pages from the family bible, photographic images of Thomas Welsh and family members, two scrapbooks, newspaper issues and newspaper clippings, written notes from recollections of one of Welsh's daughter, and a biographical sketch of Welsh written by his son.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
System of Arrangement
The collection is arranged in series:
Series A Thomas Welsh before the Mexican War
Series B Mexican War, 1846-1848
Series C Between the Mexican War and the Civil War, 1848-1861
Series D Civil War
Series E Post-Civil War
Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Series G Papers from the families of Gen. Thomas Welsh and Blanton C. Welsh
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Fonds
Custodial History
Almost all of the papers have been passed down through successive generations of Welsh's descendants, from Thomas Welsh's wife and children to his granddaughter, Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin, to her daughter Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. After Nancy Townsend's death, her son Charles Townsend passed them on to his cousin, Richard Wiggin (grandson of Emilie Benson Wiggin) in 2015.
A few papers passed out of the family's possession and found their way into other collections. Richard Abel of Columbia, PA began collecting Welsh papers and artifacts some years ago, and subsequently transferred this collection of Welsh materials to Richard Wiggin in 2012.
Serving bowl with lid that is part of the Parisian Pink china purchased by James Buchanan while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from the French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Depth (cm)
4.445
Depth (ft)
0.1458333333
Depth (in)
1.75
Diameter (cm)
24.13
Diameter (ft)
0.7916666667
Diameter (in)
9.5
Dimension Details
Lid Dimensions
Depth - 3.5
Diameter - 9.0
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.004a-b
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
Porcelain china compote with hand-painted landscape scenary on outer body of the bowl. Acquired by James Buchanan while serving as Secretary of State from then outgoing French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Height (cm)
13.97
Height (ft)
0.4583333333
Height (in)
5.5
Diameter (cm)
25.4
Diameter (ft)
0.8333333333
Diameter (in)
10
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.001
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
Porcelain china compote with hand-painted landscape scenary on outer body of the bowl. Acquired by James Buchanan while serving as Secretary of State from then outgoing French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Height (cm)
13.97
Height (ft)
0.4583333333
Height (in)
5.5
Diameter (cm)
25.4
Diameter (ft)
0.8333333333
Diameter (in)
10
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Condition Notes
Foot of base has a significant chip missing at top edge.
Object ID
W.1963.002.002
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
One of twelve hard-paste porcelain dinner plates. The rim features a gilt band bordered on the inside lip with a wide pink band bordered by a narrow gilt band closer to the saucer's center. Center of the saucer features a gilt star burst decor.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Depth (cm)
2.54
Depth (ft)
0.0833333333
Depth (in)
1
Diameter (cm)
24.13
Diameter (ft)
0.7916666667
Diameter (in)
9.5
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2023-04-05
Condition Notes
Cracked and glued together.
Object ID
W.1963.002.013
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
Two-piece sauceboat with curved gilt bird neck/head handle. Gilt decor tapers along rim; body has a wide pink band bordered by another gilt band with a white glazed bdy below terminatiing in a gilt flared foot. The tear drop-shaped plate is separate. Rim is gilded bordered by wide pink band bordered by second gilt band. Center of plate is glazed white with recessed center for boat foot. Part of the Parisian Pink china purchased by James Buchanan while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from the French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Height (cm)
8.89
Height (ft)
0.2916666667
Height (in)
3.5
Length (cm)
20.32
Length (ft)
0.6666666667
Length (in)
8
Width (cm)
10.16
Width (ft)
0.3333333333
Width (in)
4
Depth (cm)
6.35
Depth (ft)
0.2083333333
Depth (in)
2.5
Dimension Details
Plate Dimensions
Length - 10.25"
Width - 6.50"
Depth - 1.25"
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.003a-b
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
One of eight saucers. Inside curved shape features a gilt band along the rim with a wide band of pink hue decor bordered by a smaller diameter gilt band closer to the saucer's center. Center of the saucer features a gilt star burst decor. Part of the Parisian Pink china purchased by James Buchanan while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from the French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Depth (cm)
2.54
Depth (ft)
0.0833333333
Depth (in)
1
Diameter (cm)
13.0175
Diameter (ft)
0.4270833333
Diameter (in)
5.125
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.005
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
One of eight saucers. Inside curved shape features a gilt band along the rim with a wide band of pink hue decor bordered by a smaller diameter gilt band closer to the saucer's center. Center of the saucer features a gilt star burst decor. Part of the Parisian Pink china purchased by James Buchanan while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from the French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Depth (cm)
2.54
Depth (ft)
0.0833333333
Depth (in)
1
Diameter (cm)
13.0175
Diameter (ft)
0.4270833333
Diameter (in)
5.125
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.006
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
One of eight saucers. Inside curved shape features a gilt band along the rim with a wide band of pink hue decor bordered by a smaller diameter gilt band closer to the saucer's center. Center of the saucer features a gilt star burst decor. Part of the Parisian Pink china purchased by James Buchanan while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from the French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Depth (cm)
2.54
Depth (ft)
0.0833333333
Depth (in)
1
Diameter (cm)
13.0175
Diameter (ft)
0.4270833333
Diameter (in)
5.125
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.007
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
One of eight saucers. Inside curved shape features a gilt band along the rim with a wide band of pink hue decor bordered by a smaller diameter gilt band closer to the saucer's center. Center of the saucer features a gilt star burst decor. Part of the Parisian Pink china purchased by James Buchanan while serving as the U.S. Secretary of State from the French Ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt.
Nast or Darte Freres factory. Jean-Pierre Feuillet, designer.
Mark applied over glaze, therefore some of the ojects no longer have the designer's signature
Depth (cm)
2.54
Depth (ft)
0.0833333333
Depth (in)
1
Diameter (cm)
13.0175
Diameter (ft)
0.4270833333
Diameter (in)
5.125
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2023-04-04
Object ID
W.1963.002.008
Notes
In 1995 the JBF staff assigned the Object ID W.95.69.2 to this Compote as a FIC probably because original paper records were not found.
In March 2023 the paper file has been found that identifies Patty Lane Fayer Eldridge as the donor in September 1963. Mrs. James W. Eldridge was the daughter to Patty Lane Fay and the great niece to Harriet Lane Johnston. Patty Lane Fay was daughter to James Buchanan Lane, the first-born to Jane Buchanan Lane, President James Buchanan's sister.
