Although America was now at war and the family had buried three members, as a whole, Abslon Welch's family survived the worse depression in recorded history. With the war came industry and money - it was time to press forward.
The government was drafting unmarried men and men without children first. So, Uncle Major was drafted, but Uncle Sim and Uncle Oakley volunteered. Granny’s sister moved to Lake Charles, LA.
Uncle Sim, Uncle Major, Uncle Oakley, Uncle Grady, Aunt Flora, Aunt Maggie, Aunt Evielean, Aunt Leonia, Granny, Granny Welch (c. 1942)
John Russell sold his forty acres and opened a bar across the river in Richland Parish. Both John and Granddaddy were hard workers, but they were also known for "having a certain way with the women". The bar didn't help their reputations.
One night, trying to break up a fight, John shot a man in the leg. The barmaid was the only sober witness. She agreed not to testify against John if he left his wife and moved in with her. John talked it over with Aunt Evielean. They decided (or he convinced her), the separation was best for the family.
John sold the bar, gave the money to Aunt Evielean, and moved the houseboat to Three Rivers. With the money, Aunt Evielean bought a farm close to Liddieville.
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