Col. John P. Irish 1843-1923

IRISH, FLETCHER, HUS

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/16/2018 at 11:40:24

11 October 1923 - West Branch Times

TROLLEY KILLS COL. JOHN IRISH
Distinguished Son of Iowa Dies in Oakland

Oakland, Calif., Oct.7--Col. John P. Irish, journalist, lawyer and farmer, who has been prominent in California politics for nearly forty years, died last night from injuries sustained when he was struck by a street car yesterday noon in the business section of Oakland. Colonel Irish celebrated his eightieth birthday anniversary last Jan. 1.

Colonel Irish was closely identified with journalism in California for forty years. Coming to California from Iowa in 1882 he became editor and publisher of the Oakland Times. In 1886 he became managing editor of the Alta California, the first newspaper published in San Francisco. In 1893 he was commissioned naval officer of customs for the port of San Francisco by President Cleveland and held this position despite strong political opposition until 1902, when he retired to give all his attention to farming.

Colonel Irish was born in Iowa City Jan. 1, 1843, and at the age of 17 became principal of the only school in Iowa City. He was essentially self-educated and at the age of 21 was admitted to the bar. He was editor and owner of the Iowa State Press, a leading democratic Iowa paper, and served two terms in the Iowa legislature. He was regent of the Iowa State university and founded its medical and law departments. In 1876 he married Miss Anne Fletcher of Iowa City. There are two children, Mrs. F. L. N. Hus of Oakland and John P. Irish, Jr., of Stockton.

Since leaving newspaper work Col. Irish has published many articles in his own name, keeping in close touch with every political situation. He opposed the anti-Japanese movement in California during the past decade. In 1890 Colonel Irish ran on the democratic ticket against Justice McKenna of the supreme court for congressman from California, but was defeated.--Des Moines Register

Editor's note--Col. Irish is well remembered in this community by many of the older citizens who are sorry to hear of the accident which ended so useful a career.