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Welcome to Marion County, Ohio History & Genealogy

Biographies

† Source:
Portrait & Biographical Records
of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio
Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent
and Representative Citizens of the Counties
 Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents
of the United States
Chicago:
Chapman Publishing Co.
1895

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James Irvine

JAMES IRVINE.   Marion County is a rich agricultural center, and the men who conduct its farming interests are enterprising, self-reliant and shrewd business men.  Among these Mr. Irving occupies an influential position, being the owner of a finely improved estate on section33, Salt Rock Township.  He is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Donegal, Dec. 29, 1847, being the next to the eldest in a family that consisted of six sons and five daughters.      The father of our subject, David Irvine, was a mechanic, which trade he followed until his emigration to America in 1850.   He settled upon a farm in Washington County, Pa., whence six years later he removed to Brooke County, W. Va., and in 1865 came to Marion County, Ohio, where his death occurred at the age of about sixty years.  In his political views he was a Republican, and in matters of public import was fearless in his expression of his opinion.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of  Catherine Wilson, died in this county at the age of sixty-four.  They were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, and a worthy couple, generous in assisting the needy, and esteemed by their associates.      Of the paternal family, John, the eldest, is a farmer in Wayne County, Ill.  The others are: James; Catherine, who lives in Marion County; Mathew, who died in infancy; William, a retired farming, residing in Marion, Ohio; Eliza W., who makes her home in Logan County, this state; Richard V.; Wilson P.; Sarah Jane, who died in girlhood; and Mary J. who is unmarried.  Our subject was a small child when his parents brought him to America, and he grew to manhood in this country, being trained to farm pursuits.  After the death of his father he remained with his mother and the other members of the household for a number of years, practically managing the estate until 1889, when it was divided.  Since that time he has continued the occupation with which he is most familiar, and has made a success,  not only of general farm work, but also of the stock business, being the most extensive shipper of stock in this part of the state.      As every public-spirited citizen should, Mr. Irvine takes an intelligent interest in matters pertaining to the public welfare, and in his political affiliations gives his sympathy and active co-operation to the Republican party.  His fellow citizens, appreciating his fitness for offices of trust, have selected him to officiate as Township Trustee, but with that exception he has declined public positions, preferring to devote his attention to his private interests.      At different times Mr. Irvine has owned several hundred acres of land in Marion County, but he has sold the larger part of his farm possessions, and now owns some valuable real estate in Findlay, Ohio.  His prosperity is certainly well merited, for on commencing for himself he had little capital, but through energy and the exercise of good business judgment he has become well-to-do.  He gives his aid to all pubic measures having for their object the promotion of the welfare of the people, and may be relied upon to give his influence in behalf of all that is true, uplifting and beneficial. Source: - Portrait & Biographical Records of Marion & Hardin Counties, Ohio - 1895