Mrs Elizabeth Jane Welch, 68, was drowned in the large canal in the east part of Afton, about 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Mrs Welch had been ill for two or three years and for the past 16 months has been nearly helpless. Several months ago it was feared she would only live a few days, however she rallied and during the past month has been able to get around a little, but was very weak.
About 6:00 p.m Wednesday she left her home and walked about half a block up the street and was seen on the canal bridge, but no attention was paid to it. A short time later a search was made for her. The neighbors had not seen her and she was not at home. About 8:30 a small boy, Ladell Brown, came running down town to his father and reported he had seen a woman in the canal. An investigation proved it to be Mrs Welch, who had floated down the canal about 250 years from where she had been seen earlier. Dr West made an examination and pronounced her dead from drowning.
A coroner's jury was called the next morning with the country coroner present and their verdict was that she had died from accidental drowning.
It is presumed that she probably became dizzy from looking at the swift water in the canal and in her weakened condition due to her long illness her efforts were futile to get out of the cold swift water.
Mrs Welch was born in Ogden and was the daughter of Joseph Orson Eggleston. Her family came to Star Valley in 1886, fifty three years ago. She married Ben Welch the same year the family came to the valley. Her husband died about six years ago.
There was hardly a white person living in the valley at this time and the young couple passed through the many hardships incident to pioneering in Star Valley.
Mrs Welch helped her mother, who was an experienced midwife, and learned much about nursing the sick, and helped in many cases during those early days in the valley.
She was the mother of a large family, the following of whom survive her; Jos, Ben F., Delbert, Mrs Lily Call, Venley and Mrs Delilah Pond.
The following full brothers and sister survive: Orson Eggleston Grover, Walter Eggleston of Pocatello, and Mrs Laura Culter of Salt Lake City. Also the following half brother and sisters; Asa, Jos. Theron and Wilford Eggleston, Nellie Anderson, Connie Dewey, Rachel Williams, Veda Jones, Lottie Anderson, May Stock and Florence Moffett.
Funeral services will be held in the South Ward Chapel Friday June 2, at 2:00 p.m.

Welch, Elizabeth Jane (1) (1 Jun 1939)Star Valley Independent

Funeral services for Mrs Elizabeth J. Welch who passed away Wednesday evening was held Friday June 2, in the South Ward chapel under the direction of Counselor Joseph Linford.
The funeral march was played by Mrs Merietta Harrison. Opening son by the Ladies Conto chorus. "One fleeting Hour" Henry Kennington offered the invocation.
First speaker was Carl Cook, who paid high tributes to her life. Solo by Ernest Turner "You Are a Wonderful Mother".
A D Taysom, a neighbor and friend spoke of the fine qualities she possessed, praised her for her ability as a nurse and a kind neighbor. Duet by Margaret Anderson and Lucille Call "Abide With Me" Mrs Charles E. Hughes accompanied them on the piano.
P.P. Baldwin gave consoling remarks and words of praise of her life. Closing son was by the Ladies Conto Chorus. Closing prayer was by C.C. Leavitt.
Six of her grandsons acted as pall bearers.

Welch, Elizabeth Jane (Lizzie) (2) (8 Jun 1939)Star Valley Independent

Elizabeth Jane EGGLESTON is the daughter of Orson Hyde EGGLESTON and Constance Ann STEPHENS
Elizabeth Jane EGGLESTON married Benjamin Franklin WELCH 9 Sept 1886 in Afton, Lincoln, WY