William W Irwin
PROF. WILLIAM W. IRWIN, superintendent of the public schools of Ford City, Armstrong County, Pa., was born May 27, 1875, in Butler county, Pa., son of John T. and Louisa (Thompson) Irwin.
John T. Irwin was born in Butler county, as was his wife. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, 137th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for a period of nine months. At the expiration of his term he reenlisted, and was transferred to the 199th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged in July, 1865. During his service he saw hard fighting, and proved himself a brave soldier.
William W. Irwin finished his course at the public schools of his native county, and then went to the normal school at Slippery Rock, from which he was graduated in 1896. Following this he entered Grove City College and after leaving this institution taught school in Butler county three years. In that short time he proved his ability as a scholar and executive, and was made principal of the Mars public school at Mars, Butler county. After a successful career of two years there he was made principal of the Dravosburg public schools, continuing there six years, or until 1907, when he became superintendent of Ford City public schools. Professor Irwin has charge of both the grammar and high school here, and under his capable direction the pupils are given expert instruction.
In December, 1900, Professor Irwin was married to Martha B. Brown, daughter of Joseph Brown, of Penn township, Butler county, Pa. She died Aug 24, 1913. Dorothy Belle is the one child of this marriage.
Professor Irwin is very prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the Blue Lodge, F. & A. M., of McKeesport, Pa., and the Royal Arch Masons of the same place; the Elks of Kittanning, being past exalted ruler of that order the Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. His religious home is in the Presbyterian Church. A close student, a fine scholar, and a man who goes into everything thoroughly before forming an opinion, he is eminently fitted to have charge of the instruction of the young, especially as he is himself still youthful enough to be in close sympathy with them, in spite of what he has already accomplished.
Source: Pages 456-457 Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J. H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed September 1998 by James R. Hindman for the Armstrong County Beers Project
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