A dedication was held at the courthouse for Constable David Welch. Constable Welch has been the only Henderson County Police Officer to be shot and killed in the line of duty. He was killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a flouring mill on Wednesday, January 12th, 1859. Two of the mill’s employees, along with the owner were arrested and indicted for murder. In a trial held in Mercer County under a change of venue, both employees were convicted of murder and sentenced to prison. The charges against the owner of the mill were discharged. A memorial bench has been placed on the front lawn of the courthouse in his memory. Pictured is the memorial bench, Constable Welch’s family and Color Guard, and the memorial bench with the Color Guard playing Amazing Grace. A huge THANK YOU to Retired Deputy Steven Henshaw for his time in organizing, collecting donations, and his historical knowledge for making today happen.
***Report Courtesy of the Henderson County Sheriff Department’s Facebook Page***
