JOHN E. IRVIN

FROM: The History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin, and Williamson Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1887).  P. 709-710.

          John E. Irvin, of McLeansboro, Ill., was born in Galatia, Saline Co., Ill., January 8, 1857, the son of Oscar F. and7 Sarah (Kittinger) Irvin, natives respectively of Now York and Kentucky. The father came to Illinois at an early day when a young man, and followed mercantile pursuits until his death in April, 1860. Our subject was reared and educated in his native place, and learned the printers' trade at Harrisburg, Ill., working on the Chronicle: three years. After working at his trade in Carmi, Ill., in 1876 he came to McLeansboro and was foreman of the Times until 1882, when he, in company with Dr. C. M. Lyon, established the Leader, to whose success Mr. Irvin has largely contributed, by his careful management and experience of twenty years.  Oct 8, 1879, he married Rachel L. Frazier, of Hamilton County. Their four children are Roy (deceased), Lena Pearl, John B. and Addie D. Mr. Irvin is a stanch Republican in political matters, is a Knight of Pythias, and is justly recognized as one of the enterprising and reliable citizens of the county, and a newspaper man of experience and ability.