Welch, Johnson Mortimer (1832 April 17-1910 June 30)

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1832 April 17 - 1910 June 30

Biographical Note

Athens attorney and businessman Johnson Mortimer Welch, son of the Honorable John and Martha (Lewis Starr) Welch, was born in Rome Township, Athens County, Ohio. Welch's parents moved to Athens when he was fifteen months old, and lived in a home on the site of the present Lindley Hall. He attended Ohio University, graduating in 1852 at the age of 20. In 1856, he began studying law under the supervision of his father Judge John Welch. He completed his studies in 1858, was admitted to the Athens bar, and entered into a partnership with his father under the name of Welch & Son.

In 1861, soon after enlisting in the Union Army during the American Civil War, he was promoted to the rank of Major and was in command of the Second Division, 14th Army of the Army of the Cumberland.

Welch resumed his law practice upon his return to Athens in 1864. In 1881, he became president of Athens Gas Light Company, established in 1872. In 1882, Welch became vice-president of the First National Bank of Athens. Welch was named to the Ohio Board of Trustees in 1895 and served until his death in 1910. Welch was a contributor to the financing and construction of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad that ran through Athens and Meigs Counties and organized the selling of the real estate that was needed for construction of the railroad.