Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
Married Ruth N. Avery (b. 18 April 1852 ME, d. 1869 NJ); Children: Eva L., Ganselo, Abigail, Ellen L., Newell E., John Jr., Ida and Ruth.
Married Cornelia (Willard) 19 May, 1970;
Daughter, Maude.
Number of Children: 9
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Paul and Louise (Glidden) Welch.
Worked on his father's farm as a young boy, educated when he could be spared from farming. Apprenticed as a blacksmith when 13 and after one year decided to follow the sea and shipped on the barque Mary Ann Cooper at Pittson. By careful attention to details in six years he worked up from the foot to being promoted in Liverpool to the post of second mate of the ship Rochester. At the same time he had the opportunity to take his final winter's schooling.
Started in the lumber business in 1846 working his way from the bottom up and learning all aspects of the business. He moved to East Saginaw in 1872 and ran a successful lumbering business as well as making a new farm, breeding a better class of horses, and encouraging agricultural and general business development. Served as the president of the village of Whitehall and several years as Trustee. Also elected Mayor (1879, 1880) and Alderman (1876) in East Saginaw. He was zealous in securing practical, enduring street improvements, perfecting the sewer system, and introducing business principles and practices into city management.
Notable Facts: