William W. Irwin, farmer, sections 6 and 7, Shabbona Township, was born in Washington Co., N.Y., Sept. 29, 1822, and is a son of James G. and Mary (White) Irwin. His parents removed to Oswego county, in his native State, when William was an infant, and located on a farm.
William remained on the farm in Oswego county, assisting in it cultivation and attending school until 16 years of age, when he soon mastered and followed for several years. He came to Shabbona, this county, April 17, 1856, spent nearly a year in that township, and the brought his family from “York State” and located in Victor Township. He lived there one year and then moved to Shabbona Township and settled on the farm on which he is at present residing. His farm comprises 210 acres and is in good tillable condition, with a comfortable residence and good substantial out-buildings. He also owns 344 acres in Iowa.
Mr. Irwin was married in Oswego Co., N.Y., Jan, 16, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth E., daughter of Daniel D. and Elizabeth (Singer) Colby. She was born in Granby, Oswego Co., N.Y., Sept 19, 1829. Eleven children constitute the issue of their union, seven boys and four girls and their record is as follows: Willie W. was born Oct. 21,1855; Charles A. was born Jan. 20, 1858, married Maggie Hutton and resides at Storm Lake, Iowa, where he is practicing law, and is Chairman of the Republican Committee of Buena Vista County. He is also teaching law in a business college; Miles H., born Jan 10, 1860, died March 1, 1860; Frank D. was born Feb 25, 1861, Mary E. was born Aug. 2, 1863, married George B. Foster and resides at Shabbona; Cora A., born Sept. 23, 1865, died Oct 31, 1865; Lewis J., born Oct. 2, 1866, died Sept 22, 1875; Emmet J. and Emma M. (twins) were born June 20, 1868: Emmet J. died Oct. 16, 1869; Lottie A., born Jan.31, 1871, died Sept. 17, 1879; John H., born Oct. 6, 1873, died Sept. 7, 1875.
Politically, Mr. Irwin is a Republican, and religiously, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
When Mr. Irwin arrived in Chicago he had to borrow $10 to enable him to get to this county; and by his industry he has now his splendid farm in the above name township, besides the property he owns in Iowa. He is now able to retire from active life.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County Illinois; Chapman Brothers, 1885, Chicago, IL
