My Genealogy Hound

WELCH, J. E. miller, and inventor of the already famous True Grit Furrow Finisher, for polishing furrows in mill stones. Price $3.00, including an extra block. Mr. Welch is also the inventor of an improved Wheat Heater. J. E. Welch is one of our progressive citizens. He was born in the Old Dominion, Faurquier County, on the 12th of Oct., 1842. At the early age of seventeen his parents emigrated to Missouri, where the head of the family, R. B. Welch, followed milling for a short time, when he moved to Jacksonville, Morgan County. He remained in Jacksonville some five years, when he came to White Hall, where he now resides with the subject of this biography, who early developed an uncommon ability as a miller. During the war Mr. Welch resided in Kentucky, where he taught a select school. When the war closed he moved to Jacksonville and embarked in the milling business with his father, R. B. Welch, and here he acquired that experience that has made of him not only a successful inventor, but one of the best millers in this or any other State. For many years Mr. Welch has been identified with the milling interests of White Hall, and, although meeting with some reverses, is now doing a very successful business in co-partnership with A. D. Ruckle. The firm of Welch & Ruckle are the sole manufacturers of the celebrated brand of Elite flour so widely known in all portions of Illinois, making annual shipments of 5,000 barrels of this choice article.

WELCH & RUCKLE, millers and grain dealers. The above named gentlemen entered into a co-partnership business the present year. They manufacture a very superior grade of flour, and are large shippers of wheat and corn. Mr. Welch is a gentleman of large experience in the milling business. This live firm have the largest elevator in the county, and transact a very large business. The senior member is a native of Virginia, who came to White Hall a few years ago, entering into the milling business. Mr. Ruckle, the junior partner, was born in Pennsylvania in 1835. He received a liberal education in his native State; worked as a journeyman machinist; regularly apprenticed to the trade. When the war came on he enlisted in the 8th Ohio Vol. Inft., as first sergeant; honorably discharged in 1864. He returned to Ohio, where he married Miss H. E. Adams. In 1868, Mr. Ruckle located at White Hall, where he first entered into the pottery business, and entering into successful competition with competing firms. Disposing of his interest, he entered into his present occupation. Mr. R. is a young man who keeps pace with the improvements of the county. He has one child, Carroll A., born at White Hall, Ill.