| Story |
Laura McAllister worked for TKWM as a finisher in around 1907-1908. It is possible that she met her husband James Edward Welch at TKWM. He worked in the weaving department. Sisters May and Myrtle also worked at the Mill.
Laura Rebecca McAllister was born 22 Sep 1883 in Salem, OR to John M and Melinda [Townsend] McAllister. She was one of eleven children born to the couple. She attended public school in Salem thru the 8th grade. At age 20 in 1903, she was runner-up in the popular vote for Salem’s Carnival Queen Contest, a forerunner of the annual Cherry Fair.
She married James Edward Welch in 11 June 1907 in Portland, OR at the home of a friend, N. Logenbaugh. They were married by Dr. Clarence True Wilson of Grace Church. Edward worked as a weaver for the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Laura also worked briefly for the Mill until the birth of their child Curtis.
In 1917, the couple moved to Long Beach where Edward worked at the Golden State Woolen Mill. He also worked for the U.S. Army during WWI as a textile inspector at the local Army Depot. Laura was active in the Woman’s City Club and the Neighbors of Woodcraft, Ocean View Circle.
Tragically, son Curtis Edward was killed in England during service in WWII (22 Oct 1944). Husband Edward died in 29 Sep 1946. Laura died 8 Jan 1947 in San Diego, CA. She is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, CA with her husband. |
| Salem City Directories |
1908 McAllister Laura, finisher TKWM Co.
1909 McAllister Laura R, clk E Ellis, bds Lee s e cor 20th
1917 Welch J Edw (Laura) weaver GSWM, h817 W 3d (Long Beach, CA Directory)
1919 Welch J Edw (Laura) weaver GSWM, h817 W 3d (Long Beach, CA Directory)
1924 Welch J Edw (Laura) textile worker h 442 Daisy ave (Long Beach, CA Directory)
1930 Welch J Edw (Laura) H1919 Locust av (Long Beach, CA Directory)
1936 Welch J Edw (Laura) h1919 Locust av (Long Beach, CA Directory)
1945 Welch J Edw (Laura) h1919 Locust av (Long Beach, CA Directory) |
| Census |
1895 Marion County, OR Census. Laura McAllister. Age: 11. Birth Year: 1884. Birthplace: Oregon. Residence: Salem, Marion, OR. Religion: Protestant.
1900 Laura R. McAllister. Age: 16. Birth Date: Sep 1883. Birthplace: Oregon. Home in 1900: Salem Ward 4, Marion, OR. Single, daughter to HOH. Father born in Virginia. Mother born in Oregon. Occupation: At School. Additional household members: John M McAllister, 47. Melinda McAllister, 36. May A McAllister, 19. Laura R McAllister, 16. Myrtle M McAllister, 15. John J McAllister, 10. Evaline M McAllister, 8. Lee A McAllister, 5. Ray J McAllister, 3. Melva M McAllister, 1.
1910 Laura Welsh. Age: 26. Birth Date: 1884. Birthplace: Oregon. Home in 1910: Ferry St. Salem Ward 4, Marion, OR. Married, wife to HOH. Father born in Virginia. Mother born in Oregon. Additional household members: Edward Welsh, 32. Laura Welsh, 26. Curtis Welsh, 1.
1920 Laura R Welch. Age: 38. Birth Year: abt 1882. Birthplace: Oregon. Home in 1920: 816 W 3rd St. Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA. Married, wife to HOH. Father born in West Virginia. Mother born in Oregon. Additional household members: Edward J Welch, 42. Laura R Welch, 38. Curtis E Welch, 11. Trowbridge W Bridge, 31 (lodger). William C. Steadman, 23 (lodger). James M Buck, 50 (lodger).
1930 Laura R Welch. Age: 46. Birth Year: abt 1884. Birthplace: Oregon. Home in 1930: 1919 Locust Ave. Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA. Married, wife to HOH. Father born in West Virginia. Mother born in Oregon. Additional household members: Edward J Welch, 52. Laura R Welch, 46. Curtis E Welch, 21.
1940 Unable to locate |
