John Calvin Welling was born on February 24, 1840 in Trenton, New Jersey.
He went into the grain and lumber business in 1858, but shortly thereafter joined the military, where he remained until 1866. After being honorably discharged, Welling became employed by the Illinois Central Railroad Company's financial division. In 1874, he relocated to Chicago to become the Illinois Central Railroad Company's assistant treasurer, and it was here that Welling met and married his wife, Charlotte Paul. Their son, John Paul Welling, was born in 1880 in Chicago and remained a lifelong Chicagoan. He was drafted into military service during World War I, but was honorably discharged in December 1918. He and his wife, Harriet Walker Welling, remained active participants in Chicago society functions until their deaths, respectively in 1957 and 1989. Socially, Harriet Walker Welling was a prominent member of the selective Casino Club; politically, she supported many liberal causes, including women's suffrage and aid for China during the 1930s. She also was a generous patron of the Chicago Historical Society, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Athenaeum, donating antique furniture to each.
From the description of Welling family papers, 1899-1988. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 656596333
