Springfield-Greene
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JAMES T. WALSH. When a man is called "foreman" it means more than the casual observer might at first suppose, for it indicates that he has labored persistently and conscientiously else he would not be in charge of the men in his department. It does not matter what he is foreman of, whether a machine shop, factory, a crew of farm hands or on public works. The same conclusions may be drawn no matter what kind of a firm he represents, or whether it is one of world-wide reputation or only of local importance. So when we speak of James T. Walsh as foreman of the boiler shops in the new shops of the Frisco railroad at Springfield, we confer upon him a well-deserved title of honor.
Mr. Walsh was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 21, 1860. He is a son of James and Celia (Collins) Walsh, both natives of Ireland, where they grew to maturity, attended school and were married. Upon emigrating to America they located in the state of Ohio. After living for some time in the city of Cincinnati they removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where they spent the rest of their lives, both dying there. Mr. Walsh worked at various occupations after coming to the United States. For years he worked as river man on the Ohio. His family consisted of four children, the subject of this sketch being the only survivor.
James T. Walsh was an infant when his parents removed with him to St. Louis and there he grew to manhood and attended school, his education being limited to the eighth grade. When a young man he began learning the boilermaker's trade in the shops of Rohan Brothers St. Louis, with whom he remained for several years. He came to Springfield in 1881 and went to work at his trade in the old north side Frisco shops, where he remained until he was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, in December, 1906, as foreman of the boiler shops for the Frisco there. He was retained by the company in that city until in December, 1909, when he was made foreman in the boiler shops at the new shops on the north side, where he has since remained, giving eminent satisfaction in every respect and being regarded as one of the best men in his line on the entire system, not only understanding every phase of his department, but he is also a man of considerable executive ability and handles his force of men in an able manner.
Mr. Walsh was married on April 18, 1883, in St. Louis, to Nora Shea, who was born in Ireland, and is a daughter of Dan and Nora (Lyons) Shea. These parents lived and died in Ireland, spending their lives on a farm, where Mrs. Walsh grew to womanhood and there she attended the common schools.
The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, namely: James, born on February 26, 1884; Mary, born on March 24, 1885, lives at home; Francis J. born on November 18, 1886; Daniel, born on July 6, 1888; Robert, born on August 29, 1890, and Thomas, born on November 29, 1892.
Politically Mr. Walsh is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic church.
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