This bandsaw maker was in business in 1867 and 1868, and perhaps before and after that time. The principals are believed to have been William P. Welch and Jamison H. Harrison. By 1871 Welch & Chipman was in business. It is likely that the latter firm was the successor of Welch, Harrison & Co.; bandsaws made by the two firms are nearly identical.
Ad from 1870 "Chicago Directory"
Information Sources
- We first learned of this maker from a bandsaw on eBay. OWWMer Robert Bernstein won the auction. Pictures of the bandsaw show an 1868-06-16 patent date, corresponding to a bandsaw guide patent granted to William P. Welch.
- Text ad in the 1867-11-09 issue of Scientific American: "Eureka Band Saws, manufactured by Welch, Harrison & Co., corner Second and E sts., South Boston. The best band saw in the market. Send for circular."
- An 1869 patent for a saw-sharpening machine was granted to E. L. Abbott, Jamison H. Harrison and W. P. Welch; it was assigned to E. L. Abbott and S. A. Woods. Everett L. Abbott was an engineer, listed as such in an 1865 Boston directory. A genealogical site lists "Everett L. Abbott (1834-1924)" as having served in the Vermont Volunteers during the Civil War. His brother Ora S. Abbott, one year younger, served in the 6th Mass. volunteers.