John WELCH, Congress, OH (1805-1891)

WELCH, John, a Representative from Ohio; born near New Athens, Harrison County, Ohio, October 28, 1805; received a liberal schooling and was graduated from Franklin College; moved to Athens County in 1828 and settled in Rome Township; engaged in the milling business; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Athens, Ohio, in 1833; prosecuting attorney of Athens County 1841-1843; member of the State senate 1845-1847; elected as a Whig to the Thirty-second Congress (March 4, 1851-March 3, 1853); declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1852; delegate to the Whig National Convention in 1852; resumed the practice of law; judge of the court of common pleas 1862-1865; associate justice of the supreme court of Ohio 1865-1878 and was chief justice in 1877 and 1878; died in Athens, Ohio, August 5, 1891; interment in West Union Street Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present