Walsh/Welsh

(submitted by Ann McInnis Tonge)

Patrick Walsh (1832–) came to Canada from Ireland in 1853. In 1866, he married Catherine O’Gorman of London, Ont. They farmed on Lot 15, Con. 3 SER. Patrick and Catherine had seven children: John Joseph (1868–1951), Annie (1869–1947), Margaret Ellen (1870–1954), Andrew Thomas (1875–1910), Patrick Jr., Catherine Alice, and Edward James.

Andrew married Mathilda Johnson. They lived in Warwick Twp. until Andrew’s death. John, Annie and Margaret moved out of Warwick Twp. It is not known where the other three children resided.

Is it Walsh or Welsh? There have been two stories. Having arrived from Ireland, Patrick’s heavy Irish accent led the immigration officer to spell the name Welsh on his documents. His son, when speaking with a Catholic priest years later, was told the name was wrong, that Walsh was the correct Irish Catholic spelling and that he should correct it. This he did for all the family in Canada. However, Frank Walsh (relationship unknown) had gone to the United States at age 16, and was not a part of the name change. Thus, the Canadian family is Walsh and the American family is Welsh.

The second story is that when Frank went to the United States he changed his name from Walsh to Welsh to avoid any prejudice against Irish Catholics in business in the Detroit automotive industry. Thus, the Canadian family is Walsh and the American family is Welsh.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Walsh/Welsh Family

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