Johnson M. Welch and Eliakim H. Moore Collection

Attorney Johnson Mortimer Welch and surveyor Eliakim H. Moore were partners in the development of mineral lands in Southeastern Ohio. Together, they purchased large amounts of land in Vinton County, Ohio, and surrounding areas, and financed construction in these areas.

Welch entered Ohio University at an early age (16-17?), graduating in the class of 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. He fought in the American Civil War and resumed his law practice upon his return to Athens in 1864. In 1881, he became president of the 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. He organized the selling of the real estate that was needed for construction of the railroad.

In 1836 at the age of 24, Moore became the Athens County land surveyor after studying under Judge Samuel B. Pruden of Athens and Harmony for two years. Later that same year (1836) Moore was elected Athens County auditor and served for twelve years. Moore was one of the founders of the First National Bank in Athens and president of that bank from 1863 to 1879. Moore was active in the construction and financing of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad. Soloman P. Chase appointed Moore as Collector of Internal revenue for the fifteenth district (Athens), a position he held until the mid 1870s. Moore was a member of the Ohio University Board of Trustees from 1861 to 1900 and was Treasurer of the University from 1875 to 1897. He served one term in the United States Congress (1869-1871). During this same time, Moore was instrumental in securing the location for the Athens Lunatic Asylum (now the Athens Mental Health Center) and served on the board of directors. Moore was a member of the first board of education when the Athens city school system was established in 1850.