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ROBERT IRWIN, deceased, was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Subsequently, he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in the mercantile trade with John and Augustus Carr. Dissolving his connection with the firm, in 1834, he came to Springfield, Illinois, where he formed a partnership with John Williams, one of the pioneer merchants of the city, in the dry goods trade. Subsequently, he was connected with his brother, John Irwin, in the same business. When the Marine and Fire Insurance Company was organized, he became identified with it, and became its secretary, remaining in that connection until his death, which occurred March 8, 1865.

Robert Irwin and Clara C. Doyle were united in marriage in May, 1833. Three children were born unto them, two daughters and one son.

Robert Irwin was an active business man, and whatever enterprise engaged his attention, he entered into it with his whole soul. He was an intimate personal friend of that great and good man, Abraham Lincoln. Shortly after Mr. Lincoln was first inaugurated, and under date of March 20, 1861, he wrote Mr. Irwin in relation to an applicant for office in one of the eastern States, who gave the name of Mr. Irwin as reference. Mr. Lincoln pathetically closed hi letter, "Your tired friend, A. Lincoln." Yes, he was tired; poor man, and never found rest this side the Jordan of death.

When the war broke out, Mr. Irwin entered into the work, and ceased not to labor until death claimed him as his won. The "Boys in blue" were ever a subject of the utmost concern with him, and he could not do too much to alleviate their sufferings. As a member of the State Sanitary Commission, he gave time and money to help on the noble work in which its members were engaged. On his death, the directors held a meeting, and passed the following preamble and resolutions:

"WHEREAS, The Almighty Disposer of events in the execution of His wise purposes, has recently terminated the earthly life and usefulness of our late friend and fellow counselor, Robert Irwin, Esq., of this city, by removing him to a more exalted and holier state of existence; therefore,

"Resolved, That while we bow with unmurmuring submissiveness to this afflictive dispensation, we cannot but deeply deplore the severe loss which our commission - the sanitary cause, and society at large have sustained in the death of this well known estimable citizen.

"Resolved, That the ardent and consistent patriotism of Mr. Irwin, his high toned benevolence and incorruptible integrity, are worthy of our highest admiration and closest imitation; and the memory of them will be cherished amongst our fondest recollections of the mutual endeavors we have made during the last four years, to assist our country in her fearful struggle against that gigantic Rebellion which has spread death and desolation over so much of our land."

The Board of Directors of the Marine and Fire Insurance Company held a meeting and adopted the following:

"WHEREAS, By the death of Robert Irwin, this company has sustained an irreparable loss; therefore, be it

"Resolved, by the Board of Directors of the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company, "That in the death of Robert Irwin, Secretary of this Institution, we have lost a capable and efficient officer, an honest and faithful counselor, and the community a genial and warm hearted friend; and that the death of our friend and associate has left an official and social void that cannot be filled; the integrity of whose life has left a noble example, worthy of all imitation."