Alfred Walsh
Alfred Walsh is a wildlife biologist who recently moved to Saint’s Crossing.
History
Early Life
Alfred grew up in Melbourne, Australia, to an Australian mother and an Irish father. He has a younger sister and a younger brother, who still live in Australia.
Alfred’s parents were rather hands-off with the kids as they grew up, resulting in them spending lots of time outside trying to find ways to be entertained. Alfred became interested in the wildlife they would see, and was always found watching or trying to feed some random animal.
One year, Alfred was given a pair of binoculars for his birthday so he could look at the more skittish animals he wasn’t ever able to get close to, and his interest in birdwatching and wildlife illustration was born. He would draw the animals he saw and give the drawings to his sister, who would put her favourites up on the walls of their bedroom.
After graduating high school, Alfred attended the University of Melbourne to study biology. He ended up graduating at the top of his class at 22. While in school, Alfred started his biggest project, a series of field guides to the wildlife of Australia. He spent the four years of university as well as the year after graduating studying the animals and recording his findings in his books. Unfortunately, he was unable to afford to get his books properly published, so only a few copies exist, all hand copies by Alfred, and given to his friends and the University of Melbourne library.
After finishing his books, Alfred was struggling to find work. He was temporarily back living with his parents, and was really feeling hopeless. He had a friend send him a letter letting him know of his success in America and encouraging him to make the move, and decided he would. He brought the original volumes of his books, his beloved concertina, and his trusty binoculars, and boarded the ship to America.
When he landed, Alfred found opportunities aplenty awaiting him. He worked as a horse trainer for a while due to his experience with animals, but eventually had to move. He followed a friend to another state where he was drafted into the army as a medic due to his biology background. He worked his way up the ranks and received enough training to eventually become a full-fledged and qualified doctor. After moving yet again, he ran the most successful general practice in the state and was well known for his medical knowledge. Unfortunately, human anatomy was not Alfred’s dream, he was more interested in the nature around him, and eventually gave up his practice to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Events in Saint's Crossing
Alfred moves to Saint’s Crossing after hearing of the great variety of ecosystems in the area to study. He decided The Crossing was the perfect place to begin his new project: The Field Guides to North American Wildlife. Since moving to The Crossing, Alfred has begun the first two volumes of the series, highlighting the birds in the region.
Character
Personality
Alfred Walsh is lawful by nature and fiercely loyal to his friends. He prefers peace and quiet over bustling chaos and is often found out in nature where he feels most at peace. He is generous and kind, and will always stop to help someone in need.
Appearance
Alfred is slightly above average in height and of medium build. He has dark brown eyes and medium brown hair, and he has a well kept mustache. He also wears glasses to help with his nearsightedness, and is rarely seen without them. He also speaks with an Australian accent.
Relationships
Trivia
- Alfred’s horse Seabhac’s name means “Hawk” in Irish
- Alfred had a beloved horse while he was an army medic named “Ace” who was a black and white Gypsy Cob. Unfortunately Ace died shortly before Alfred was released from service, due to injuries sustained while protecting Alfred. He has a soft spot for Cobs ever since, but hasn’t been able to bring himself to get another after losing Ace.
- Alfred likes to spend his free time fishing and birdwatching in West Elizabeth.
- Alfred used to play the concertina with his siblings in a little band, and brought this concertina with him to The Crossing.