WELSH-Joseph S. (Dr.) - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Dr. Joseph S. Welsh, (deceased), Few persons in private life dying have been mourned by a wider circle of warm and admiring friends than was Dr. Joseph S. Welsh. He died on Coal creek about the year 1846, having lived there presumably sixteen or eighteen years. It is much to be lamented that more is not known of his early life, his education and training. It is said that no stone marks the spot in the Coal creek Cemetery, were his remains are deposited. He record is in the hearts of many who survive him. The industry with which he attended to the medical profession did not prevent his giving attention to general literature and her wrote many poems and prose, entitled the “The Harp of the West”, which indicates the goings of his mind. Some of them are devotional, some breathe a spirit of high patriotism,. The imagery is not always well chosen, and the versification is sometimes faulty, but many of them have high merit in various ways. They are rich in knowledge of Indian, as well as general history. He excelled rather as a prose writer. His style was rich, flowing and elegant. He possessed a vivid imagination, and descriptive powers of high order. Reading his descriptions of natural scenery, the movement of armies and military engagements, one cannot help thinking what a war correspondent he would have had he lived during the war of the rebellion. His conversational powers were even more remarkable. With the resources of a good voice, a lively fancy, a ready command of the best words, and added to these a splendid physique, he could delight, enchain, and electrify his auditors. Very naturally his conversations would often become monologues. Some of them are said to have been better than anything he ever committed to writing. As a teacher he had few equals. Youth looked up to him with wonder and admiration while he discoursed to them in a strain too high for their full comprehension, but which held in their hearts and memories, their awakened curiosity, and enlarged and understanding, sooner or later made clear. Of himself he wrote; “My highest ambition is to plant in the bosoms of the rising generations, the youth of our favored land, the great, the good, and ennobling principles of morality, virtue, and patriotism.” His life, then, was a magnificent success. Truth regulated all his actions and guided his words. COLUMBIA’S HYMN OF FREEDOM By Joseph S. Welsh When Washington the sword did wield His country’s hope, his country’s shield, He cried, “To arms! Disdain or fly! Preserve your rights, or nobly die!” Then Mercer, Morgan, Warren, Wayne, Rushed onward to the battle-plain, While round them throng’d their valiant band, To guard and save their native land. The storm is past and victory’s ours And gone these dark and troubled hours, Peace to the good and gallant dead, Who pressed the soldier’s gory bed, To The, eternal God, on high, We owe our peace and liberty, Still guide us by Thy mighty hand, And shield and bless Columbia’s land, O great Columbia! Blest, romantic land, High o’er thy mountains – far along thy strand May freedom’s sacred light in splendor shine, And heaven’s rich gifts, my country still be thine!