Matthew E. Welsh

Matthew Empson Welsh (September 15, 1912 – May 28, 1995) was the 41st Governor of Indiana and a member of the Democratic Party, serving from 1961 to 1965. His term as governor saw a major increase in statewide taxation, including the first state sales tax, and the passage of several important civil rights bills, making Indiana one of the most friendly states to ethnic and religious minorities at that time. His tax hikes led to a near tax revolt in the state, and people began writing "Indiana—Land of Taxes" on their license plates, at entry points into the state, in stores, and other public places. The situation killed any chance he had seeking higher office and earned him the moniker "Sales Tax Matt". Despite numerous reforms and his popularity within the Democratic Party, he was defeated in a landslide vote when he ran for governor again in 1972. After leaving office, he served as chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, as a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1964 until 1968, and as a federal commissioner on the International Joint Commission from 1966 until 1970. Throughout his life, Welsh was known for his personal motto, "It doesn't cost you anything to be a gentleman." After his retirement in 1972, he returned to Indianapolis, where he remained until his death in 1995.

Matthew E. Welsh (bust)

The bust of Matthew E. Welsh is a public artwork by American artist Daniel Edwards. It is located on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse, which is in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The bronze bust depicts Matthew E. Welsh, the 41st governor of Indiana (1961–1965). The bust measures 23.5 x 12.75 x 12 inches and has a wooden base which measures 4 x 14.75 x 10.5 inches. In 1996, one year after Welsh's death, the Indianapolis law firm of Bingham, Summers, Welsh & Spilman commissioned artist Daniel Edwards to sculpt the bust of Welsh. The bust was dedicated in a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse on December 20, 1996.

Description

The Matthew E. Welsh bust is a bronze, life-sized portrait sculpture of Welsh's head, neck, shoulders, and bare collarbone. Welsh's head is turned to the proper right, and he is gazing to the right. The bust is attached to a bronze base that lists Welsh's name in large block letters. The entire sculpture rests on a wooden base.

The bust is 23.5 inches tall, 12.75 inches wide, and 12 inches long. Its wooden base measures 4 inches tall, 14.75 inches wide, and 10.5 inches long. The bust is located in a limestone alcove on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse, near the Senate Chambers. A black plaque is attached to the limestone under the bust. The plaque reads as follows: "Matthew E. Welsh/ 1912-1995/ Indiana State Representative/ 1940-1943/ Lieutenant U.S. Navy/ 1943-1946/ United States Attorney/ 1950-1952/ Indiana State Senator/ 1954-1960/ 41st Governor of Indiana/ 1961-1965". At the bottom of the plaque is the inscription, "The Law Firm of Bingham, Summers, Welsh & Spilman celebrates the life of one of Indiana's most distinguished public servants." The bust does not contain a foundry mark, nor does it contain the signature of the artist. The bust is in very good condition, according to a condition report done by the Indiana State Museum.