Welch, Isaiah H.

Isaiah H. Welch was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania around 1842 and served in the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. According to his service records, Welch worked as a farmer before the Civil War. On May 21, 1863 Welch joined Company C of the 55th Massachusetts and received a promotion to first sergeant. Two months later Welch’s regiment left their camp in Readsville, Massachusetts for Folly Island, South Carolina. The War Department sent the 55th Massachusetts to Florida in February 1864, but after participating in several operations, they returned to Charleston by late April 1864. The regiment suffered its worst losses on November 30, 1864 during the Battle of Honey Hill in South Carolina, in which 108 soldiers were wounded and 31 were killed. In June 1865 Welch asked for a thirty day furlough. Lieutenant Henry M. Sheldon of Company C forwarded the request with a recommendation, noting that “Welch is an exemplary soldier and well deserves the favor which he asks.” Brigadier General William Gurney apparently approved the furlough, but it remains unclear whether Welch received one since his regiment was mustered out on August 29, 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. (By Don Sailer)