Frank Irwin

IRWIN, ADAMS

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/16/2011 at 17:17:59

Frank Irwin is one of the proprietors of a well appointed general merchandise establishment at Wallingford and is accounted one of the progressive and enterprising business men of his town. He was born in the state of New York, March 6, 1873, a son of Eugene and Margaret Irwin. The father was a farmer by occupation and about 1880 removed westward to Iowa, settling at Lyons, where he turned his attention to horticultural pursuits. Mr. Irwin passed away in 1902, his remains being interred in Sullivan county, New York, and his widow now resides with her elder daughter. To him and his wife were born three children: Myra, now the wife of J. A. Haring, of Wallingford; Flo, the wife of S. B. Hill, of New York; and Frank.

The last named was a little lad of but seven summers when he accompanied his parents to the middle west and through the period of his boyhood he attended the public schools and also worked with his father until he reached the age of about eighteen years. In 1900 he came to Emmet county and spent two years on a farm in High Lake township. He afterward purchased a general store in Wallingford and was associated with E.G. Sando in the conduct of business for two years. In 1908 he removed to Marseilles, Illinois, where he spent two years, and in 1910 returned to the old store in Wallingford, entering into partnership with J. A. Haring in the sale of general merchandise, hardware and meats. They enjoyed a good trade and their close application and enterprise have developed their business along substantial lines.

In 1897 Mr. Irwin was united in marriage to Miss May Adams, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Adams. The father died during her girlhood and the mother afterward became a resident of Morrison, Illinois, where she passed away in 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have two children: Basil, born in 1902; and Ray, in 1908. The parents have the warm regard and friendship of those with whom they come in contact. Mr. Irwin belongs to the Mystic Workers and in politics maintains an independent course, voting for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office rather than for party.

Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917.