James Irwin

JAMES IRWIN

Was born in East Tennessee, September 8, 1812; married to Elizabeth Detrick, November 25, 1830, born in Virginia, February 9, 1811. Removed from Harrison County, Ind., to Boone County in 1834; settled near Lebanon, remaining there a short time, when he entered forty acres of land, known as the James Potts land. He built a log house on it, cleared fifteen acres, when he sold it. He then bought eighty acres near Dover, in Jefferson Township, moved on it in 1844, adding to it until he had 112 acres. This he sold and removed to where he now lives, near Dover, and adjoining it on the west. Mr. Irwin has done an untold amount of hard work. Illustrative of this he says he cut and split five hundred rails in a day and made one shoe at night; not only one day, but often. On removing to Boone County he had no capital save a strong pair of arms and willing hands, assisted by his worthy helpmate, who at all times stood by and acted with him in his undertakings, and now this worthy couple reside at their well earned home, at the age of seventy-three years, enjoying the repose of a long and active life. They have had seasons of discouragement and disappointment, no doubt, especially in their struggle to get a start in their new home. The following are their children’s names, nine in number, five boys and four girls: William J., born March 23, 1831, married to Mary A. Boone, July 19, 1857, deceased January 2, 1861. John W., born April 2, 1834; married to Almira Hall, January 2, 1858; died July, 1860. Margaret A., born December 1, 1836; married to Jacob L. Pyles, September 20, 1857; died April, 1881. Mary J., born January 31, 1838; married to O. S. Kern, February 18, 1858. Robert S., born February 17, 1841; married to Mary E. Dooley, October 30, 1864. He served three years in the late war. Sarah E., born March 22, 1844; married to William V. Payne, January 26, 1870. James W., born July 27, 1848; married to Sarah E. Bush, September 18, 1873; is now living on the home farm. David and Martha (twins), died in infancy; all buried at the Pleasant View Cemetery, in Jefferson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin belong to the Pleasant View Church, in Jefferson Township.

Mr. Irwin, in an early day, killed a deer without any hammer on his gunlock, taking his shoe hammer to hit the cap with, after taking deliberate aim. He knew where it was in the habit of coming, watching when he killed it, as above stated. The deer did not fool around there any more.

Source: "Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana," Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind., May, 1887, pp. 305-306
Transcribed by: Julie S. Townsend - June 28, 2007