Josias Welsh was one of the early Scots ministers who settled in Ulster in the 17th century. He was deposed for his adherence to Presbyterian principles. He was related to many other famous Presbyterian preachers being the grandson of John Knox, the son of John Welsh of Ayr, and the father of John Welsh of Irongray. Life Josias Welsh, second son of John Welsh and Elizabeth Knox, was educated in Geneva, and in 1617 was sent from France to Glasgow to complete his studies under the care of his father's friend, Robert Boyd of Trochrig, principal of a college. His superiority as a classical scholar led to his appointment as Professor of Humanity in the University; but being ardent in upholding the Presbyterian policy, he became obnoxious to the episcopal party, and so was compelled to relinquish his office. On the recommendation of Robert Blair, then a regent of Glasgow College, he proceeded to the north of Ireland, where a colony from the west of Scotland had been planted. Residing with Mr. Shaw, a gentleman from Ayrshire, who had probably known his father, he preached in his neighbourhood, on the opposite side of the Six-Mile Water. For a time he officiated at Oldstone, and having been ordained by Andrew Knox, Bishop of Raphoe, who is said to have regarded him as a relative , in 1826 he settled at Templepatrick, county Antrim, as chaplain to Captain Norton. Here he laboured with much zeal and acceptance. According to Wodrow he was popularly styled the Cock of the Conscience, from the earnest and searching nature of his ministrations. His Communion services excited a deep interest over a wide tract of country. With three other ministers he was, in 1634, suspended by Henry Leslie, Bishop of Down. The suspension was afterwards withdrawn, but he and his brethren were finally deposed by Bishop Echlin. From then on he preached in his own house, addressing a numerous body of persons who assembled in his garden. Through exposure he contracted a severe illness, which proved fatal. During his last hours he was attended by his brethren, Robert Blair and John Livingstone. He died on 23 June 1634. Among his last words were these, expressed rapturously, "Victory, victory for evermore." Within an enclosure in Templepatrick churchyard, a plain tombstone marks his grave; it presents the simple legend: Here lyeth the Body of the Reverend Mr Josias Welch,