Connecticut western news., 1892-08-04
HON. WILLIAM WIOKHAM WEIGH, M D

sister town of Norfolk form which had become familiar to and was loved by everyman, woman andchild, mot onlythere but to great degree also, in this town. Since his death not few have not hesi tated to bestow on him the title of the "beloved physician"
 Dr Welch died on Saturday afternoon, July 3Oth at 1. 20 o'clock. On Wednes- day previous, while making profes- sional call in an open carriage he was exposed to the hot sun for several hours and it is thought that this expos ure produced either congestion of the brain or shock of an apoplectic char acter with which he was seized on Fri day and which eliminated in his death.
 Dr Welch was born in Norfolk on the 10th of December 1918. His father, Dr Benjamin Welch, was practicing physician in Norfolk, and built the house in 1900 which the subject of this notice was born. This house has been the home of some Doctor Welch for nearly 92 yeaas. His mothers name was Elizabeth Loveland. It is a re- mearkable fact that Dr Benjamin Welch's i've sons have all been distin- guished physicians.
 Dr Welch began the practice of his profession at Norfolk immediately after his graduation at the medical depart ment of Yale College in 1889, and con- tinued to practice almost up to the day of his death.
 In 1845 he married Miss Emeline Collin at Hillsdale. N. Y. She died in 1850 leaving two children, William H. Welch, Professor of Pathology at Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Md, who although young man has long since made his mark in the medical profession, and is a recognized authority in his special branches, and Mrs Emma Walcott, wife of William T. Walcott of York Mills. N. Y. In 1866 he married Miss Emily Sedgwick of Cornwall, 8 sister of General John Sedgwick, who survives him.
 At one time Dr Welch took an active part in politics. In 1855-7 he represen- ted the 4th Congressional district in Congress, in 1852 he was state senator, and he was member of the Legislature in 1848. '50, '69, and 'S1.
 As physician Dr Welch was devoted to his profession. He not only loved the practice of it, but his whole life was constant study of medical science. The result of this persistent study back ed up by his long experience is that he kept abreast of the progress of medical science and made himself name and reputation in the medical profession which were known and appreciated throughout the county and state. and beyond. As regards the personal char acter of Dr Welch, it may be truly said that 1t is rare indeed to find man so universally honored and loved by an en- tire community as he has been. In fact he had all the qualities which win love and respect. He was public spirited, in- teresting himself actively in the affairs and welfare of his native town; he was a thorough gentleman, digniied, courte- ous and polite to all; man of large general reading and companionable disposition, his society was much sought after, but above all he had broad, all- embracing love for his fellow-men which recognized no distinctions, and, while his place in the community will perhaps never be filled, he will be missed and lamented by none more than by the poor. It was her preference to make most of his professional visits at night and the nocturnal traveller would often meet him, with his bright lantern flashing from beneath his buggy, and catch a glimpse of his snowy beard as he dash ed by behind one of his powerful horses.
 The funeral took place at the Congre- gational church at Norfolk, Tuesday afternoon. After short service at the house the procession was formed and moved toward the church, the bell of which was tolled. The honorary pail bearers were all old residents of Norfolk and the bearers were men who had been in the employ of the deceased. A large and representative congreg ltion num- bering five or six hundred filled the church. It was the largest funeral since that of the Rev Dr Eldridge. Be- sides the relatives there were present prominent people from all over the state. At least twenty doctors attended among them were: Drs Bidwell of Win sted, Camp of Great Burlington, Mass. Lee of Canaan, Carter of Falls Village, Barnes and Lewis of Collinsville, Beebe of Afford, Mass, Peaslee of New York city, Kendall and Gidman of Norfolk. After the singing of the hymn Abide with Me" by the choir, Prof Stoeckel presiding at the organ, Rev J. DePeu, the pastor of the church, who with Rev Dr H. Eddy and Rev Dr James Dennis of New York, occupied the chairs be- hind the pulpit, read selections from the Scriptures and then pronounced an eloquent eulogy on the character of the deceased. The Rev Dr Eddy spoke next, paying a high tribute to Dr Welch as man and as physician After Dr Eddy's address Dr Dennis off, fered prayer. The choir sang in con- clusion the hymn Jerusalem the Gold en-" The burial was in the family lot in the cemetery.