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JAMES IRWIN. - The father of James Irwin was Robert Irwin, born about 1774, in Limerick county, Ireland. He married Mary Cordon, who was born at same place, about 1794. He was a farmer, and, as usual then, upon a rented farm - a rental held most of his lifetime. They had five sons and two daughters. One son and both daughters died at their Ireland home, the four sons remaining came to America. In 1866, the aged couple crossed the ocean to visit their sons in America. Mr. Irwin was then ninety-two, and Mrs. Irwin was seventy-two. They remained here two years, when, despite the entreaties of the sons to remain with them, each offering them a home for life, they returned to their old home to spend their remaining years.

Mr. Irwin died in 1877, one hundred and three years of age. His widow is now (1881) living, eighty-seven years of age. During the last year of his life, his sons provided him with the comforts and even the luxuries of life, and the aged mother is now the recipient of their united care. While here, the old people sought their regular daily exercise, in the garden and elsewhere. One part worthy of note is, that Mr. Robert Irwin never used tobacco or ardent spirits, in any form, and it may be remarked his sons are like abstainers. Mr. Irwin has left behind him the reward of a true Irish gentleman.

James Irwin was born March 1, 1833, in Kilmalloch, county Limerick, Ireland, the county seat of Limerick, situated on both sides of the river Shannon - a city of great age. We find the Danes occupying it in the ninth century, and held it nearly a century. In 1210, King John fortified it. Edward Bruce burned it in 1314. It was the last stronghold of King James. King William, of Orange, besieged it, without success, after the battle of Boyne (1690). In 1691, it was again invested, and , after a brilliant defense of several weeks, an armistice was proposed, which resulted in a capitulation of surrender. He remained with his father until 1851, when eighteen years of age, he came to America; his first work being on the Chicago & Alton railroad, then being graded through Chatham. Here he worked six months, then engaged with a farmer for two years. He had saved all his earnings, and invested in land, in Christian county. This he sold, having made $300 by the investment. He then rented a farm, for two years; two good crops gave him a fine beginning.

He married November 19, 1854, Rachel Harlan, who was born February 6, 1840. Her father was Silas Harlan, born in Virginia, January 1, 1781; moved to Kentucky, and in 1827 came to Chatham township and bought one thousand acres of wild land, and an improved farm. He married Elizabeth Messick, who was born in Virginia, March 26, 1809, and one year later moved to Kentucky; in 1827, she came to Sangamon county, where she married Mr. Harlan, September 10, 1829. Mr. Harlan died November 9, 1844. His widow married George Roberts, September 14, 1846.

The farm upon which Mr. Irwin now lives is Mrs. Irwin's portion of the "Harlan Estate;" besides this he has bought two hundred acres, and also has bought one hundred and twenty acres, on which Mrs. Roberts (Harlan) has a life lease; making him a farm of over four hundred acres of finely situated land, of prairie and timber, well watered by Panther creek. The farm has a beautiful grove for picnics, which Mr. I. kindly opens for any national, religious or social gathering, and his proverbial geniality always adds to the enterprise, whatever it may be.

His opportunities for education were good, being the Parish school - kind to the poor, where they have as good care as the rich. These schools were under the immediate supervision of the village priest, who employed the best teachers.

His religious tenets are of the Catholic order, where he has been an active member. While he has his own views in modes of worship, he cheerfully awards t others their particular tenets and views. He has sufficient income to render his life easy, with his books and papers, of which he is in daily receipt, he passes many an hour, profitably and pleasantly. He needs no written obligations to strengthen his business transaction.