Welch - James E.
Source: H. W. Beckwith, 1881 History of Montgomery County, Indiana
(Chicago: Beers) p 420
James E. Welch, blacksmith, Parkersburg, the old-time and
present blacksmith of Parkersburg, is one to whom many thanks are
given in consideration of his opening his great store-house of
knowledge concerning the early history of this part of Scott
township; for without the information given by him this part of
the work would have been quite incomplete. He was born in Fleming
County, Kentucky, December 13, 1822, and with his parents, Mr.
Noble and Lydia A. ( SECREST) Welch, removed, in the autumn of
1825, to Monroe County, Indiana, but soon after went to Owen
County, where he remained one year, and then went to Putnam
County, and there lived till the fall of 1833, when he came to
Parkersburg, Montgomery County, Indiana, and bought a farm from
one of the first pioneers, part of which he soon after laid out
in lots, and which made a part of the village of Parkersburg. His
educational advantages were limited, but with a determined will
and a love for reading he has become a man of some considerable
knowledge of general history, and is the equal of, if he is not
superior to, many who have enjoyed greater educational
advantages. In 1840 he went to Gosport, Indiana, and engaged
there in learning the trade he now follows, after which he made a
trop to Iowa on horse-back, via Bloomington and Burlington, in
company with an uncle, Mr. R. M. Secrest, taking with them a
drove of cattle. After his return to Parkersburg he permanently
located, and engaged in the business of blacksmithing. May 1,
1853, he married Miss Elizabeth T. daughter of Mr. Henry and
Letitia BRANOCK . She was born in Kentucky, October 10, 1832.
They have six children: Sarah E., Noble H., James R., Lydia A.,
Charles S. and William M. Politically Mr. Welch is a republican,
thought he was formerly a democrat, and only when he considered
they abandoned their first principles he left the party. transcribed by : ROSEBRIAR@EARTHLINK.NET Harry L Bounnell (note Harry did this about 20 years ago and to my knowledge is no relation)