Irwin, John Nichol, 1844-1905
Biography
John Nichol Irwin was born on December 25, 1844. He was educated in public schools in both Ohio and Iowa before attending Miami University in his birth state. His education was interrupted by the American Civil War, when Irwin served with the 45th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and reached the rank of sergeant. Following the war he returned to his studies and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1867. After graduation, Irwin returned to Keokuk and studied law at the firm of Miller and Rankin. Despite his legal training, Irwin spent most of his efforts working at the family dry goods business. Performing occasional legal work, he also became a founder and director of the Keokuk Building and Loan Company. He served five terms as mayor of Keokuk and two terms in the Iowa House of Representatives.Irwin died on December 22, 1905.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
John Nichol Irwin letter
Letter from John Nichol Irwin to Daniel James Noyes. Irwin is sorry that his brother Wells Marshall Irwin (1852-1918) cannot keep up with his class. He would like him to remain in Hanover under the tutorship of some good man like Charles Franklin Emerson (1843-1922) and John King Lord (1848-1926).