|
KANAWHA COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA - BIOS: WELCH, Levi
******************************************************************
Submitted to the West Virginia Biographies Project by:
SSpradling@aol.com
September 19, 1999
******************************************************************
History of Kanawha County
George W. Atkinson
1876
p. 286-287
LEVI WELCH,
Levi Welch was not only the oldest in years and residence, but the most
prominent merchant and man of business in Charleston. In the language of an
obituary notice of Mr. Welch, he possessed a mind of extraordinary strength,
quickness and vigor; he could seize and comprehend at a glance what in most
men would require much mental skill and labor. No man enjoyed in a greater
degree the respect and con-fidence of his fellow citizens, nor was their
confidence misplaced. In all his various mercantile and financial
transactions, his accuracy was proverbial, while his integrity, promptitude
and fidelity were alike conspicuous and honorable.
Mr. Welch was a resident of Charleston for many years, but later in life
lived in the Salines, where he was either employeci in merchandising,
manufacturing salt, or as chief manager of the business of some of the
companies engaged in the purchase, shipment and sale of salt. At that day
the monopolies in the salt business were large concerns, and required the
very best accountants and clerks. In the capacity of bookkeeper, cashier and
accountant, Mr. Welch excelled; indeed, his place could not be supplied, and
his management was essential to the success of his employers. The loss of
such a man was deeply felt. During the prevalence of the cholera in this
county, he took the disease,and died on the 23rd of August, 1849, in the 65th
year of his age, leaving a large family, many of his descendants still
residing in Kanawha. He married, about the year 1821, a daughter of the late
Goodrich Slaughter, one of the earlier settlers of this county, who was
connected with the more prominent families of the Valley. His widow still
survives, in apparent vigorous health, and is likely to outlive many of her
children.
|
