March 5, 1846 BirthMaryland
On a Thursday, Michael was born to Martin Walsh in either Maryland or [West] Virginia. Michael's mother remains elusive.
July 24, 1850 CensusJefferson County
Michael's household in Harpers Ferry district was enumerated on a Wednesday. Michael is listed as being 6 years old, born in Virginia. His father, Martin, is listed as head of household and a 36-year-old laborer. Also living in the household is Michael's grandmother, Honora; Michael's uncles, Patrick (30, laborer), James (23), and Thomas (18). Two other Welsh children, Ann (16) and Batt (12) and William Jackson, a boarder, are also present.
September 18, 1855 Death of Family MemberHarpers Ferry
According to the headstone of Michael's father, Michael lost his father on September 18, 1855. No death record has been found to support this date.
June 29, 1860 CensusHarpers Ferry
15-year-old Michael is enumerated in the household of his uncle, Thomas Welsh. Michael is employed as a boatman, probably for the Knott of Flanagan quarry. 28-year-old Thomas was working as a laborer, probably for the Flanagan Quarry or the Virginia Ore Bank. Enumerated alongside Thomas is his wife, 21-year-old Ann, and son, 1-year-old John Martin. An 8-year-old Elizabeth Slavin and 40-year-old William Jackson are also living in Thomas' and Ann's home. Like Thomas, William Jackson is employed as a laborer.
August 18, 1870 CensusShepherdstown
28-year-old Michael and his new wife, Mollie, are enumerated in the household of brothers 24-year-old William and 22-year-old Edward Rhinehart, both farming their land. Michael is employed as a stone mason, while his wife, Mollie, keeps the house. Two Rhinehart children, Laura and John, are also present in the home. Having both served in Company D, 12th VA Cavalry during the war, William and Michael were probably friends.
June 11, 1880 CensusBolivar
By 1880, Michael and Mollie had moved next door to Michael's uncle, Thomas. 34-year-old Michael was employed as a laborer, while 28-year-old Mollie kept the house. Also enumerated in the home is the couple's two sons, 10-year-old John Martin and 4-year-old Thomas Howard.
1889 Move ToHolidaysburg
According to city directories and Michael's obituary, the couple moved to Hollidaysburg from Harpers Ferry early in 1889. This move was probably partly to follow Mollie's mother and father to Pennsylvania. Mollie's father had taken a position at an ore company there. The move also allowed Michael to follow railroad work.
June 20, 1900 CensusFayette County
April 28, 1910 CensusHolidaysburg
1919 AccidentPennsylvania
January 2, 1920 CensusHolidaysburg
October 14, 1922 DeathHolidaysburg
October 17, 1922 BurialHolidaysburg