BIO: Elmer D. WELCH, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Dave Wilson Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************************** __________________________________________________________ McElroy, James Thomas Jr., McElroy's Family Memories, Huntingdon, PA: (Author), 1930, page 246. __________________________________________________________ ELMER D. WELCH Mount Union, Pa. Contractor and Builder: Much of the progress that has been made along the line of building construction can be traced to the subject of this sketch, and a brief resume of his life follows. He was born in Germany Valley, June 14, 1868, on a farm, and in the meantime attended the schools of that district. A son of David Gambel and Elizabeth (Spanogle) Welch, of Scotch-Irish extraction, of a will to do, and the courage of their convictions. Both parents are deceased. The Welchs were among the pioneer settlers of Germany Valley. They tilled the soil, and their efforts brought forth harvests. After a time spent on the farm, he with his brothers and a sister moved to Mount Union, Pa., in 1886. He has followed up various pursuits, being engaged in the meat business; he operated a well driller; followed the threshing business, and for a period of time was in the employ of his brother Allen in the implement business. Being thoroughly versed in this business he entered the employ of the D.M. Osborne Harvester Co., a firm that was known far and wide for its superior products. He was also employed as a P.R.R. brakeman on the Middle Division, after which he entered the employ of the Bell Telephone Co., followed by employment with the National Protective Society. He followed the baking business at Johnsonburg, Pa., with the insurance business as a side line. In 1900 he moved to Braddock, Pa., where he followed the carpenter business, and in 1904 he with his family moved to Mount Union, Pa., where he has since made a reputation as Mount Union's foremost contractor. He has built over two hundred residences, business places, garages, etc. He bought and remodeled the Presbyterian parsonage, altered it completely , putting new ideas in its construction and renting it to desirable tenants. He has been active in politics. A Republican of a pronounced type. A councilman, representing the Second Ward, he moved his residence to his business block, which caused him to resign. He has always been interested in civic affairs. On August 11, 1888, he was married to Sarah Shearer, a daughter of Michael and Rosella Shearer, of Orbisonia, Pa. His wife died July 23, 1923, at Mt. Union, Pa. To this union was born one son, Paul; he was married to Ruth Anstadt, of Huntingdon, Pa.; he occupies a leading position with the Bell Telephone Co. He is a graduate of the Mount Union High School; also a Princeton man, a graduate who will make his mark in the business world. Elmer Welch has three brothers: Allen, co-editor with his son, Charles Howard Welch, of the Mount Union Times; William, Mount Union, Pa.; Dorris, real estate and insurance, Mount Union, Pa.; Ira died in infancy. Sisters are: Alma, she is deceased; married Monroe Lutz; Ida, a widow, was married to W.A. Minsker; he is deceased; she resides at Altoona, Pa. Mr. Elmer Welch is a foremost citizen of Mount Union, much interested in real estate and thoroughly acquainted along this line as well as the building line and of property valuation.