Alexander Walsh

Alexander Walsh was one of the most prominent merchants in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., for more than forty years. His store was widely known as “Walsh’s Museum,” from the extent and variety of his stock; his “Plough Penny,” struck in 1835, circulated freely through all of Northern New York. He participated in the ceremonies on the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 by the invitation of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, whom be accompanied on the first boat, and received with the other guests one of the silver medals struck to commemorate the event. In 1839 be entertained Henry Clay at his home in Lansingburgh. He retired from business in 1846, and died August 4, 1849. He was greatly interested in agricultural matters, and a frequent contributor to journals devoted to farming and horticulture. A letter written by him to the New York Horticultural Society, and published in the American Mail, June 10, 1833, under the heading “Rural Cemeteries,” led to the purchase and establishment of Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, as is shown by the editorial remarks printed therewith.American Journal of Numismatics 33(4). April 1899. 121.(II) Alexander (2), son of Alexander (1) and Jane (Smith) Walsh, was born in Duncannon, county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1783, died in Lansingburg, New York, August 4, 1849. He came to the United States with the family about 1799, and was engaged in business with his father in Lansingburg, and afterward carried on business for himself. He dealt largely in the grocery line and imported teas and coffees on a large scale. He was an active and useful citizen and deeply interested in the growth and prosperity of his town. He was closely connected with the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society, and did a great deal to advance its interests. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Lansingburg, and was one of its strong supporters. He married Ann Van Wyck, born July 28, 1789, died in Lansingburg, March 25, 1825, daughter of Theodorus Van Wyck, of Fishkill, New York (see Van Wyck VI). Children, all born in Lansingburg: Theodore, July 28, 1816; Jane, February 5, 1818; Sarah, April 14, 1819, died July 8, 1878; Alexander (3), see forward; Franklin, January, 1822, died October 9, 1824; Van Wyck, January 25, 1825, died March 13, 1852.Reynolds, Cuyler.
Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical And Family Memoirs: a Record of Achievements of the People of the Hudson And Mohawk Valleys In New York State, Included Within the Present Counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Washington, Saratoga, Montgomery, Fulton, Schenectady, Columbia And Greene. Vol. 3. New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co., 1911. 1192.

Alexander Walsh is interred in the Trinity Episcopal Churchyard.