U.S. Congressman. A native of Highland County, Ohio, he graduated from school in Greenfield, Ohio and began to study law. Before his studies were completed, he volunteered for service when the Civil War began, and enlisted with the Union Army. He served as a Private with Company A of the 2nd Regiment, Ohio Heavy Artillery and assisted in raising volunteers. The regiment was used primarily in garrison duties in Kentucky and Irwin was soon commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He later transferred to the Union Regular Army. When the war was over, he settled in Kentucky, finished his law studies, and became an attorney in Louisville. He was appointed as an internal revenue assessor and also became a deputy clerk for the United States District Court of Kentucky. In 1895, he briefly became a railroad commissioner. Elected as a Republican to represent Kentucky's 5th District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1901 to 1903. While a member of Congress, he introduced a bill in 1902 to create the Freedmen's Inquiry Commission whose objective was to make a comprehensive investigation of the condition of black citizens to promote harmony between the races. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1902 and resumed his legal practice in Washington D.C. He wrote a fictional novel entitled, "Helena" that was published in 1899. He was also licensed as an evangelist. Irwin died in Vienna, Virginia when he was 71 years old.
U.S. Congressman. A native of Highland County, Ohio, he graduated from school in Greenfield, Ohio and began to study law. Before his studies were completed, he volunteered for service when the Civil War began, and enlisted with the Union Army. He served as a Private with Company A of the 2nd Regiment, Ohio Heavy Artillery and assisted in raising volunteers. The regiment was used primarily in garrison duties in Kentucky and Irwin was soon commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He later transferred to the Union Regular Army. When the war was over, he settled in Kentucky, finished his law studies, and became an attorney in Louisville. He was appointed as an internal revenue assessor and also became a deputy clerk for the United States District Court of Kentucky. In 1895, he briefly became a railroad commissioner. Elected as a Republican to represent Kentucky's 5th District in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1901 to 1903. While a member of Congress, he introduced a bill in 1902 to create the Freedmen's Inquiry Commission whose objective was to make a comprehensive investigation of the condition of black citizens to promote harmony between the races. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1902 and resumed his legal practice in Washington D.C. He wrote a fictional novel entitled, "Helena" that was published in 1899. He was also licensed as an evangelist. Irwin died in Vienna, Virginia when he was 71 years old.
Bio by: K Guy
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