ROBERT W. IRWIN, one of the most eloquent pleaders at the bar of Washington county, is a son of Ephraim and Margaret (Richey) Irwin, the former of whom was a native of the county. The grandparents on both sides removed to this county from the North of Ireland early in the present century. The children born to Ephraim and Margaret Irwin were: Elizabeth, married to W. J. Meloy; Esther A., married to Jonas Mills; William R.; J. B.; R. W. and Sadie M., and one son who died in infancy. Our subject was born April 25, 1858, in West Finley township, this county, and his early life was passed alternately in working on the farm and in attending the common schools of his district.
When he was sixteen years of age the family moved to Buffalo, same county, where they remained two years; then spent one year in Cross Creek, when, in 1877, they moved to Hopewell township, where the parents now live. In the fall of 1875 Mr. Irwin commenced to teach school in Washington county, a vocation he followed six winters, his summers being occupied in improving himself at the Normal Schools of Claysville and Alexander. In November, 1877, he registered with Boyd Crumrine, Esq., as a student of law, previous to which he had studied Latin with Rev. Walkenshaw, one summer. On June 15, 1881, he was admitted to the bar of Washington county, and he has since practiced his profession in Washington with more than average success. In court, when pleading a case or addressing a jury, he is the "observed of all observers," so forcible, clear and impressive is his eloquence, each argument or point being delivered with a grace and ease that invariably commands the attention of his hearers. For this gift Mr. Irwin modestly admits that he is indebted to his connection in earlier life with debating societies in the country, at the time he was teaching school.
On December 24, 1884, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss Carrie N., daughter of William Fowler, of Westmoreland county, and niece of William Smith, of Smithville, in Somerset township, this county. When she was but a young girl, her mother was called from earth. To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have been born four children: Nellie May, now (1892) six years old; Earl Wilson, who died at the age of eight months; Ray Wilson, who died at the age of one year, and Frances Margaret, aged one year. Politically Mr. Irwin is a Democrat, and has been a hard worker in the interests of his party. In 1883 he was a candidate for the office of district attorney, but the county being strongly Republican, he was defeated. For four years he has served as president of the school board. On the retirement of Judge Acheson from law practice, at his request the present firm of Acheson & Irwin was formed. Mr. Irwin is an elder in the Third Presbyterian Church, of the Sunday-school of which he has been superintendent for some time. His residence is No. 85 Highland avenue.
Text taken from page 308 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed June 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]