John Calvin Irwin 1837-1924

IRWIN, BELLER, PERSON, BURT

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/19/2011 at 01:48:44

One of the Last Surviving G.A.R. Veterans Passes
John C. Irwin Dies at Home of His Daughter Mrs. Roy Burt on Sunday January 27th
Had Resided Here Twenty-Three Years – Esteemed for Good Deeds

In the death of John C. Irwin on Sunday this community sees not only the passing of one of its pioneers but one of the last of the veterans of the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Irwin had for twenty-three years been a prominent figure here. As a wealthy land owner he had always been an influence for all that is good.

His pastor in the following obituary gives a feeling tribute to his character and good deeds:

John Calvin Irwin was born September 23, 1837, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. At the age of thirteen his family moved to Jackson county, Iowa, where he resided for about ten years. His early education was acquired in the common and district schools. At the outbreak of the Civil War his patriotism moved him to volunteer in the ranks of the Union army. He was a member of the 9th Iowa Volunteers Company D, Infantry. He took part in the battles of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta. He enlisted September 24, 1861, for three years. When his enlistment expired he was broken in health and retired with honorable discharge. Returning west he settled in Benton county, Iowa. Here he met Amanda Beller, his future wife, whom he married February 22, 1865. They immediately started life together on a farm in that locality and continued there for eighteen years. In 1882 they moved to Cherokee county on a farm. Here he followed his vocation for 20 years. During the later part of this period his health began to decline and in 1901 he retired from the farm and settled in Estherville, Iowa. Two years later he laid his wife away in the local cemetery. Since her death he made his home generally with his two daughters. His family consisted of seven children, two of whom have preceded their father, one having died in infancy and Estella passed away in 1904. The surviving members of the family are Lemuel W. of Independence, Iowa; Mrs. C. E. Person, Perry C. and J. Albert Irwin, and Mrs. Roy Burt, all of Estherville. There are twelve grandchildren and about the same number of great grandchildren. One brother resides in California,

Mr. Irwin was a member of the G.A.R. and had occupied the position of Commander of the Post and various other offices in connection. He was one of the remaining half dozen by whom he will be missed.

He was converted and joined the Methodist Church in early manhood which relation he steadfastly maintained with great fidelity and devotion. Being of a retiring disposition it was natural that his influence should radiate quite as much from his works as from his words. Nevertheless his family and members of the church do cherish the memory of his participation in the class and prayer meetings. Some have especially mentioned his utterance in prayer. Much of his live was spent in a period which demanded great sacrifice to build up and advance the church. His participation in this work was an outstanding characteristic and deserved specific mention in this sketch. He was one of those of whom it may be said without flattery, “he preferred Zion above his chief joy.” This church keenly appreciates its loss in his passing. He served for many years in the capacity of steward and trustee and his council in the Official Board meetings was wise and courageous. When he was no longer able to serve actively as an official he was made a “Trustee Emeritus.” In this action the church honored herself quite as much as the encumbent.

As a father, as a citizen, as a friend, the same sterling traits of integrity, loyalty, fidelity, devotion and trustworthiness were in great evidence. His personality and character were a distinct asset to every community where he lived.

For about eighteen months before his disease he was an invalid and confined to his bed most of the time. The same fine devotion and fidelity which were so evident in his life were equally discernable in his two daughters of whom largely devolved his care during the last month of his life. When mind and body were failing him, loving hands ministered to his needs, and no night vigil was too long and no service too arduous for their devotion.

The end came on Sunday, January 27, about noon. As quietly as dawns the morning his well ordered spirit winged its flight to the realms beyond and found its own in God. He attained the ripe age of 85 years “being old and full of honors.” “He rests from is labors and his works do follow him.”

The funeral services were held in the Methodist church on Tuesday afternoon conducted by the pastor, who was assisted by Rev. Olmstead, of the Church of Christ. Colonel Beatty, a comrade of the Civil War and a long friend, also took part in the services.

Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Rogers of Rolfe, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Martin Anderberg of Armstrong, Iowa, all intimate friends of the family, were present at the services.

Four remaining members of the G.A.R. and a company of the Legion boys of the World War, attended the service in a body. Interment was made in the East Side cemetery after which the Legion boys fired a salute and taps were sounded. (Vindicator & Republican, Estherville, IA, January 30, 1924)