The Republic
Columbus, Indiana
Saturday, August 30, 1884
Page 4

Benj. R. Irwin.

The curtain has fallen and the last act in the drama of a noble life is over. A few days ago Ben R. Irwin stood hopeful in the strength of manhood's morning, to-day the dreamless sleep of death kisses down his eye lids forever. Death is always sad, but coming as it did to him in the prime of life, snatching him from the arms of a loving wife, closing his ears forever to the endearing names and loving words of his little ones, it touches the tenderest and deepest cords of every soul until they vibrate with an anguish beyond control. Then the pall of his death is the blacker that he taught us to love him so. In him every human being had a friend, and those who knew him best loved him most. He had no enemies, because beneath a quiet and unassuming exterior, beat a heart tender as a woman's and as true as steel. From among the young men with whom he associated, no other could have been taken that would be missed so keenly as he. Surely death does love a shining mark. Into whatever he entered for private gain or public good of honor or trust, and in no instance did he ever disappoint those who expected the most of him.

Ben R. Irwin was born in this county near New Hope nearly thirty-five years ago. He was the son of Benj. Irwin and a nephew of Jos. I. Irwin, the well known banker of this city. His father came from Kentucky and was one of the first settlers in the State. He was also the first president of the Shelbyville lateral branch railroad and was the fine representative that Bartholomew county sent to the Legislature. When quite a young man Ben R. Irwin was fitted for business at the old Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis, now known as Butler University. Some fifteen years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Sproule, of this city, the result of the union being four children, all of whom and his wife are living. In 1873 he concluded to move to California, which he did, taking up his residence in Los Angeles, where he remained but a year, and then returned to this city where he has since resided. Four years he has been a deacon in the Christian church, also church clerk and superintendent of the Christian Sabbath school. He was one of the charter members of the lodge of Knights of Pythias of this city, and for some time was its presiding officer.

For several years he has been in the employ of his uncle, Jos. I. Irwin, rising in that time from a salesman in his store to be cashier of his bank.

His death occurred this morning at 5 o'clock of congestion of the bowels at his residence on California street.



Funeral Notices

The funeral services of the late Ben R. Irwin will take place tomorrow at 3 o'clock at the Christian church, Elder E.T. Sweeney officiating. The burial services will be participated in by the church and the Knights of Pythias, they performing the grave service. The Hope, Seymour, Franklin and Edinburg lodges of the Knights of Pythias have been invited and will perhaps attend in a body. He will be borne to the grave by his fellow deacons in the church, who are also his brother. Knights: F.F. Weber, W.B. Treadway, W.H. Heiler, A.G. Tirtel, W.A. Abbett and Jacob Seyder. The friends of the family who wish to view the remains will please do so between 10 a.m. tomorrow and noon.