WELCH, James E. - Putnam

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.