Obituaries: Frank Welch, 1939, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: February 16, 1939 Winn Parish Enterprise

Coroner Terms Man's Death Due To Heart Trouble

Frank Welch Succumbs Following Fracas With Boys

In the death of Frank Welch, about 60, which occurred last Saturday night,
Coroner Dr. J. F. Faith reported that the principal cause of death appeared to
be due to high blood pressure and dilated heart and contributory causes were
alcohlic intoxication and shock due to excitement.  Welch died in the city
jail following a fracas with some young boys in front of the Dixie Drug Store.

Welch, an employee of the Thomas Lumber Company, while passing the drug store,
dropped a package on the sidewalk which was picked up by Holly McDade, 13, who
attempted to hand it back to Welch.  It is stated that for some reason Welch
grabbed him and began to beat him in the face.

Hardy Smith, Jr., 16, who was passing by said that when he saw the man beating
the boy that he tried to stop him and when he could not do that he hit him
on the head with his fist.  Smith said that Welch then turned the McDade lad
loose and started for him, but staggered and fell.

Marshall Bass was called to the scene, and thinking that Welch was drunk, took
him to jail.  Upon arrival at the jail he decided that the man needed medical
attention and called a physician.  When the doctor arrived Welch was dead.

Welch lived alone in a shack near the Thomas Lumber Company's mill.  It is
said that he came from Ohio to the south during the depression on a bicycle
and had worked around the mill for the past year.  Nothing was known of his
relatives.

The remains were buried in the Winnfield Cemetery Tuesday afternoon with Rev.
G. A. Morgan officiating.